There is growing interest in establishing a family swap shop and play space in NE Portland modeled after the Sunnyside Swap Shop Co-op and Swap N Play in St Johns. The co-op would provide member families a year round indoor play space where they could develop community with other families. The swap shop would allow them to exchange goods that they are no longer using (clothing, toys, books, equipment, etc) for items that they may need. This is a wonderful way to reduce the costs of raising children and reduce a family’s carbon footprint at the same time by extending the life of consumer goods. To join, families will pay a small monthly membership fee, which goes towards operating costs, and volunteer for a co-op job, such as cleaning a dirty toy bin a couple of times a month. The co-op can develop and grow according to members needs and interests. If you are interested in becoming involved in this project or following our progress, please join the following yahoo group.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/NE_Ptld_family_swap_shop/
The 2009 Graffiti Summit
The 2009 Graffiti Summit
Keeping Our City Streets and Neighborhoods Friendly
Thursday, May 14, 2009
9:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
McMenamins Kennedy School
5736 NE 33rd Avenue
Portland, Oregon 97211
The Portland metropolitan area has quietly earned its international reputation for sustainable livability. The deepening economic recession challenges the entire spectrum of funding for essential public services and difficult decisions are being made about priorities and funding levels. There are some essential services and programs which, due to their tiny budgets and efficient operation, can be undervalued and all too easily discarded with disastrous unintended consequences. Graffiti Abatement is one such program.
The 2009 Graffiti Summit is an opportunity to quickly scan the breadth and efficacy of regional graffiti abatement efforts and explore how those efforts can be sustained in these difficult times.
The City of Portland’s Office of Neighborhood Involvement and the Portland-based non-profit Friendly Streets are co-sponsoring the 2009 Graffiti Summit on May 14, from 9:30 to 1:00 (lunch provided) at the McMenamins Kennedy School. Registration is free, but seating is limited to 110 persons. Neighborhood, business and community leaders from throughout the greater Portland metro area are invited to participate with the Graffiti Abatement Task Force in assessing and planning region-wide efforts to sustain a successful program of graffiti suppression. Attendance is free.
Come help us address these vital and urgent questions:
*What funding and staffing levels will be sustained in local government graffiti abatement budgets? (The City of Portland is making a 50% cut in its Graffiti Abatement program…effectively eliminating free cleanup for private property, i.e. small businesses, owner-occupied residential homes and non-profit agencies.)
*What improvements can be made in partnerships with local business, neighborhood and volunteer organizations?
*How will law enforcement and prosecution efforts be sustained?
*What are the opportunities for attracting stable new funds to employ more people in graffiti abatement?
*How can we systemically strengthen the roles of building owners and property managers in fighting graffiti?
*Are there ways, even with declining resources, that we can improve communications, documentation and coordination of abatement efforts?
Maintaining a beautiful and vibrant urban environment requires focused commitment and much hard work. Success is built on systemic programs that realistically manage the daily details of taking care of business. The 2009 Graffiti Summit offers an opportunity to make certain that Portland’s famed livability does not suffer the destructive influence of vandals. You are invited to attend; your participation can make a difference.
Marcia L. Dennis
Graffiti Abatement Coordinator
Office of Neighborhood Involvement
1221 SW 4th Avenue, Room 110
Portland, OR 97204
Ph: 503-823-5860
Fax: 503-823-3050
www.portlandonline.com/oni
Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd Gateway Plans
PDC Open House
May 28, 2009
The Portland Development Commission invites you to join us at an
Open House on Thursday, May 28, 2009
from 5 – 7 p.m.
at goodbuild showroom,
2106 NE Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard
(corner of NE Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard and Tillamook)
This is an opportunity to view and comment on the three design options for the Gateway and Heritage Markers project and meet with the designers of the Gateway site.
If you have questions about the project, contact Irene Bowers at bowersi@pdc.us or 503.823.2419.
We look forward to seeing you there!
For more information on the Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. Gateway and Heritage Markers project visit our Web site.
Site Concepts
Download concept plans
(1.5 MB PDF).
Jazz Music Series at Curious Comedy Theater
Cherry Extract Music presents a late-night, locally grown jazz music series, titled ‘Round Midnight, which showcases some of Portland’s world-class musicians, talented up-and-coming bands, vocalists and spoken word performers. ‘Round Midnight will be held every Saturday from 11:30pm to 1:30am at Curious Comedy Theater, 5225 NE Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd in Vanport Square. This Jazz series helps to support jazz and art programming at Jefferson High School.
Saturday, May 9: Cary Simms & Company, featuring smooth jazz saxophonist Cary Simms, whose music is full of emotion and funk. While growing up in Oakland, Cary developed an ear for melodies by spending hours listening to gospel, jazz and rhythm & blues. He was mentored by several Portland musicians, including Dennis Springer, Thara Memory, Janice Scoggins and Ricky Callier and Cary has played with internationally known gospel and vocal artists, including Yolanda Adams and comedian Jonathan Slocum and numerous talented local musicians, including Farnell Newton, Eddie Fontaine and Brian Ward
Saturday, May 16: Nae!Nay! & Friends, featuring spoken word poet, playwright and vocalist S. Renee Mitchell, who is a former award-winning columnist for The Oregonian. Renee developed her striking performance style after moving to Portland in 1998 and making a strong impression at numerous spoken word cafes. She has since started singing and has recorded three CDs and several iTunes singles with her business partner David Ornette Cherry, both co-producers of the ‘Round Midnight series. Renee has performed with many local jazz musicians, including Thara Memory, Linda Hornbuckle, Janice Scroggins, Ron Steen, Devin Phillips, Farnell Newton, Eddie Fontaine and Cary Simms.
See you Saturday ‘Round Midnight at Curious Comedy. To see a complete schedule of performers, go to http://www.roundmidnightpdx.com
King Farmers Market Opens
King Famer's Market
People were having a ball. After they did their shopping, they didn’t want to leave. They sat listening to the music (there will be three bands next week, including some jazz) or picnicked on the grass in the park while their children played on the playground. We have a recurring neighborhood gathering where friends will meet and hang out together.
I am so grateful for our Council. In just five weeks they have formed themselves into effective, productive teams, figured out what needed to be done, and made our market a roaring success. Much remains for us to do, but today, I hope they are enjoying warm feelings of accomplishment.
David Sweet, Co-chair
King Farmers Market Advisory Council
503-493-9434
Check out pictures from the market at:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/neighborhoodnotes_pdx/sets/72157617660503468/