Wednesday, December 11^th, 6:30 pm, at 4815 NE 7^th Avenue.

6:30     Welcome. Announcements, agenda, meeting minutes.

6:40     Jamie Partridge: supporting public school teachers in the PPS district.

6:50     Architects without Borders presentation on King School grounds redesign.

7:15     Update on neighbors’ organizing on livability concerns at 12^th/Alberta.

7:25     Andrew Neerman: should KNA express support for a streetcar on MLK Boulevard?

7:35     Alan Silver: should KNA express support for the Portland Prison Divestment Campaign?

7:50     Reports back from NECN committee reps.

8:05     Nominations of Andrew Neerman and Eileen Kennedy to the Board, and addressing open committee seats.

Maranatha Church is hosting a wonderful concert this Saturday at noon, as a benefit event for the NE Backpack Lunch Program, a community part of King Neighborhood Association’s King Backpack Program (fiscally sponsored by NECN). Please join us!

The Northeast Backpack Lunch Program, which provides weekend meals for more than 150 needy children at Woodlawn, Scott and King schools, seeks turkeys and hams to donate to the families of these children for the holidays. The Northeast Backpack Lunch Program, in its 5th year, puts two lunches in the backpacks of children at risk of hunger every week of the year to ensure they will have something to eat on Saturdays and Sundays.

During December, the group wants to add to the gift. If you are interested in donating a turkey or ham, or would like to make a cash contribution, please contact Fremont United Methodist Church, the sponsoring organization. The church’s telephone number is 503-284-4647.

The Northeast Backpack Lunch Program is partners with the King Neighborhood Association’s King Backpack Program, which serves students at King Elementary with weekend lunches; The NE Program seeks to provide turkeys and hams to all King Elementary students who are served by either backpack lunch program.  King Backpack Program is fiscally sponsored by the Northeast Coalition of Neighborhoods.

The Soul of Portland Illuminates the Holiday Season @ Our Inaugural Tree Lighting Community Gathering

When: Saturday, November 30, 2013 from 5:00-6:30
            (Official illuminating of primary tree 5:30)
Where: The MLK Gateway and Heritage Marker Park
            (Corner of NE Grand and NE Hancock) map

The N/NE Business Association (NNEBA) in collaboration with the NE Coalition of Neighborhoods (NECN) is pleased to announce this event as part of their annual Illuminating the Soul Holiday Campaign.  Coined the “Soul of Portland” over 15 years ago by NNEBA Board members, community partners and the City of Portland officials, the Soul District will reawaken their mantra and unite the community around this joyful event, while celebrating the MLK Gateway and Heritage Marker entrance into inner N/NE Portland.

Festivities include:
1.  Tree Lighting Community Gathering –Join us as we flip the switch to illuminate the Gateway entrance into inner N/NE Portland welcoming all to visit our local cobbler community full of unique retail shops, exquisite restaurants and talented service providers.
2.  Martha’s Food Pantry Donation Drop off and Raffle- A non-perishable item (s) food drop will be set up with volunteers accepting donations for local families. Help light up the holidays for families in need by donating non-perishable and you’ll be entered to win a number of delightful prizes including a $50 Target gift card!!
3.  Music- from local artists, and DJs!
4.  Sweet Treats– Complimentary Coco, Hot Cider and goodies for the entire family compliments

Come out and help us light up this holiday season!  Illuminating the Soul cannot be a success without the involvement of a host of supportive sponsors, business owners and local community members. When participation is direct, then success is more likely.