NE Portland swap shop and play space

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This news from Maggie Bermingham regarding the planned NE swap and play:

Some of you may know that the Activistas of UrbanMamas.com are holding a fundraising garage sale on 8/22 for a wonderful new nonprofit, Family Forward Oregon. (http://www.urbanmamas.com/urbanmamas/2009/07/save-the-date-urbanmamas-is-havin-a-garage-sale.html) They are willing to donate any leftovers that we may want in order to set up our space. I’m still working out the details but I plan to volunteer to support the event and express appreciation for the donation. If anyone else is interested, please let me know.

Secondly, the Victory Outreach Church, currently at 30th and Alberta, is going to be moving and will be leasing their building which was an old theatre. They have a nice street level “cafe” space with lots of windows facing 30th that they are willing to lease to us VERY inexpensively compared to other properties in the area. It is too small for an indoor play park but would be a very nice place to gather while we grow and continue to look for a large indoor play park type space. We could set it up to be family friendly and could start the swap piece of the co-op. Eventually, it would be a good space to bring in entertainers. Anyway, I have to give an answer soon so I’m wondering how many of you would be interested in officially joining the co-op and becoming founding members. Like the other two co-ops, there will be a $25 joining fee and then $20/mo. Also like the other co-ops, I would like to collect 3 months at a time at the beginning of each quarter but can make exceptions in cases of hardship. I would need a minimum of 10 to pull this off right now. You can email me directly (maggiebermingham@gmail.com) rather than post to the board. If, there are not enough interested folks, I will pass on this and keep looking. We don’t have any other options available at this time. I also welcome comments and feedback.

To learn more about the swap and play or get involved, join the yahoo group at: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/NE_Ptld_family_swap_shop/

Streetcar System Planning for NE

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King neighborhood residents are encouraged to weigh in on the Streetcar System Plan and specifically to advocate in favor of the “8S” MLK line that looks to be granted Tier 1 status in the plan. The public comment period ends this Friday.

The plan and comment form are here:
http://www.portlandonline.com/Transportation/index.cfm?c=46134

In terms of real-world results, Congressman Blumenauer has an earmark slated for the next Federal Transportation Bill that would fund an “alternatives analysis” for up to 3 of the highest ranking corridors in Portland. The document is at: http://kingneighborhood.org/Reference_Files/portlandstreetcar _planningandalternatives.pdf. In any event, if that funding were to come through, these corridors –which could include MLK– would likely see near-term streetcar planning and implementation.

“Every Corner is a Crosswalk” pedestrian safety video

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The City of Portland Bureau of Transportation, Portland Police and local pedestrian and bicycle groups released a 3.5 minute animated film about Oregon crosswalk laws. The film is called “Every Corner is a Crosswalk”.

With school just around the corner, this is a great reminder for parents, students, bicyclists and drivers to be aware, respectful and safe.

http://www.portlandonline.com/oni/?c=29385&a=249692

Green Sprouts Organic Baby and Family Festival

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The ReDirect Guide announces the 4th annual Green Sprouts Organic Baby and Family Festival on September 26th at Peninsula Park. Green Sprouts is a community-inspired event that celebrates natural and healthy options for expecting parents and young families. The one-day festival will promote eco-friendly products, community-connecting ideas, and natural options for birthing and raising children. Local vendors will offer products, services and education focusing on holistic pregnancy, childbirth, healthy non-toxic nursery & home ideas, and early education. There will plenty of fun family activities and features including Portland Parenting’s “Clothing, Toy & Book Swap,” Oregon Environmental Council’s’ “Not your Mother’s Baby Shower Pavilion”, Speilwerk’s “PlaySpace”, Vivante presents the BOLD RED tent, Zenana Spa’s “Parent Pampering Station,” maternity and baby sling fashion show, hands-on activities, seminars and more. Plus, parents can enter to win a $300 gift certificate in the “Ecohaus Eco Nursery Makeover Contest”.

A three-dollar suggested donation at the door will benefit the Sustainable Oregon Schools Initiative, which offers resources to help Oregon’s K-12 schools and districts on their journey toward sustainability. For more information, seminar schedules and a full list of activities, please visit www.GreenSproutsFest.com.