Community Involvement
I-5 Bridge: How do you feel?
The Columbia River Crossing - otherwise known as the I-5 bridge - is causing quite the uproar around Portland. Residents and groups focused on the environment are not in favor of the proposed models; they do not feel it meets all levels of sustainability, among other things. Others are worried about health impacts and some just worried that it's going to be ugly.
Why are we talking about it? Well, the southern end of any bridge would land in District two. That impacts constituents in various ways from health impacts (such as air quality and noise) to displacement. So what do you think - bridge or no bridge?
Discuss: I-5 Bridge: How do you feel?
» July 8, 2008 - 5 comments - Community Involvement, Front Page News, Karol's Blog, Sustainability
Piedmont Neighborhood Association General Meeting
The Piedmont Neighborhood Association's General Meeting will be held this Thursday (2008-06-26) at 7pm in Holy Redeemer's "Clare Hall."
Click on the neighborhood blog here.
Discuss: Piedmont Neighborhood Association General Meeting
» June 25, 2008 - 0 comments - Community Involvement, Karol's Blog, North Portland, Sidebar Alerts
Sauvie Island Bridge opening, June 22
From Commissioner Rojo de Steffey:
It is my pleasure to invite you to the Sauvie Island Bridge Grand Opening Celebration on June 22, 2008.
The opening of the new bridge presents us with a unique opportunity to thank all of our partners and the community for a job well done. Please join me and the Board of County Commissioners as we celebrate this milestone.
We will have a ‘country fair’ event the day before the bridge opens to regular traffic. The event will include a ribbon-cutting with project partners, elected officials and other dignitaries; a first bridge crossing parade by various groups and modes; live music and family entertainment; food booths and informational booths focusing on Sauvie Island.
It’s a lovely way to spend a Sunday afternoon. I hope to see you there.
Maria
Discuss: Sauvie Island Bridge opening, June 22
» June 19, 2008 - 0 comments - Community Involvement, Events, Front Page News, Karol's Blog
Pride Parade!
Jeff was in the Pride Parade yesterday had a grand time with the great crowd and infectious energy downtown. Check out the rest of the pics on his Flickr page.
Discuss: Pride Parade!
» June 16, 2008 - 1 comments - Community Involvement, Front Page News, Karol's Blog
"Animal Magnetism" coming your way (video)
Animal services has a TV show and its too cute. My favorites are all the pet puns. The "Evening Mews," "cat-astrophy," and many more to be found throughout. Enjoy!
Discuss: "Animal Magnetism" coming your way (video)
» June 13, 2008 - 0 comments - Community Involvement, Front Page News, Karol's Blog
Meet the North Portland librarians
Librarians aren't what they used to be, especially when talking about our staff at the current North Portland libraries. In this video, you'll meet Patricia Welch from the North Portland branch and Nancy Arvesen from the St. Johns branch. There will be no "shushing" here!
We love both these wonderful women and they make fun to work in this district. Special thanks to Nancy who came to all of our public meetings on the siting of the new branch for North Portland and has been supportive of our office throughout.
PS: We are still ironing out our editing skills! Please be patient with us as we learn.
Discuss: Meet the North Portland librarians
» June 12, 2008 - 0 comments - Community Involvement, Front Page News, Karol's Blog, Libraries, North Portland
Boise Neighborhood Update
Live in inner Northeast? The new Boise Neighborhood update is up now at www.boisevoice.org. Check it out!
Discuss: Boise Neighborhood Update
» June 10, 2008 - 0 comments - Community Involvement, Inner NE, Sidebar Alerts
Attention young writers from 12 to 18
Young writers are invited to share their creativity and win prizes
Multnomah County Library hosts Summer Teen Writing Contest
PORTLAND, OR — Beginning June 13, all Multnomah County teens aged 12 -18 are invited to participate in a writing contest made possible by The Library Foundation, with gift cards from Powell’s Books as prizes.
Judges include the members of Hollywood Library Teen Council, a volunteer group that advises the library on teen issues, and celebrated local young adult novelist Blake Nelson, author of Girl, The New Rules of High School and Paranoid Park.
$75 gift cards will be awarded to the following winners in four categories: best prose entry, grades 6 – 8; best poetry entry, grades 6 – 8; best prose entry, grades 9 – 12 and best poetry entry, grades 9 – 12. Runners up in each of these categories will receive a $25 gift card.
Read more and discuss: Attention young writers from 12 to 18
» June 5, 2008 - 0 comments - Community Involvement, Karol's Blog, Libraries, Top Stories
Announcing Public Forums for Animal Services in Portland and Multnomah County
Multnomah County, which currently provides animal services county-wide, including for the City of Portland, can no longer fund the level of animal services that will keep pace with the growing expectations and demands for those services in Portland.
The Animal Services Taskforce is chartered by the Portland City Council and the Multnomah County Board of Commissioners to study and evaluate options; make recommendations for appropriate and viable service levels and service priorities; and identify sustainable funding methods to insure continued services into the future.
Times and dates after the jump.
Read more and discuss: Announcing Public Forums for Animal Services in Portland and Multnomah County
» June 3, 2008 - 0 comments - Community Involvement, Events, Karol's Blog, Sidebar Alerts
Pictures from the library meeting
Last night's library meeting discussing the possible locations for a new Kenton branch was lively! We had close to 80 neighbors tell us how they felt about the locations and folks got some answers they needed from the developers. We took some photos that you can check out here.
If you have any comments on the two sites, click here to leave your opinions.
Thanks for joining us!
Discuss: Pictures from the library meeting
» May 30, 2008 - 1 comments - Community Involvement, Karol's Blog, Libraries, North Portland, Top Stories
Video: Final two options for a new library in North Portland
Tomorrow is the meeting where Jeff will hear your preferences between our last two sites for a new library in North Portland. If you can't make it, we still want to hear your opinions. Watch the short video about the locations. Google maps will allow you to see actual images of the locations, just click "street view:"
8226 N Denver 2133 N Argyle
Tomorrow's meeting starts at 7pm at the Masonic Temple, 8130 N Denver Ave. Please let us know which site you prefer!
Read more and discuss: Video: Final two options for a new library in North Portland
» May 28, 2008 - 24 comments - Community Involvement, Front Page News, Jeff's Blog, Karol's Blog, Libraries, North Portland
Public Meeting Regarding Cascadia and Multnomah County Mental Health System
From Human Services:
This week, Cascadia has offered the state and Multnomah County options for downsizing their organization. We are looking at a variety of alternatives. Cuts may occur in program areas or geographic areas. Services will continue, but service providers and locations may change.
All parties are committed to ensuring continuity of care, with minimal disruption for consumers.
Community feedback on the draft plan is valued. Consumers and members of the public are invited to weigh in at a meeting scheduled for Thursday, May 29, 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Benson High School Cafeteria (546 NE 12th Ave.)
Read more and discuss: Public Meeting Regarding Cascadia and Multnomah County Mental Health System
» May 27, 2008 - 0 comments - Community Involvement, Events, Human Services, Karol's Blog, Top Stories
Beyond the Label: Toxics in Personal Care Products
Tuesday, May 27th
12:15 - 1:15
Multnomah County Central Library, US Bank Room
801 SW 10th Ave., Portland
Come find out what toxics lurk in personal care products, and what the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics and others are doing to transform this industry. Sprecial guests: Arielle Tozier, Oregon Center for Environmental Health and Diane Lund Rachel's Friends Breast Cancer Coalition
Bring a friend, neighbor, or coworker! This event is open to the public.
Discuss: Beyond the Label: Toxics in Personal Care Products
» May 21, 2008 - 1 comments - Community Involvement, Front Page News, Karol's Blog, Sustainability
Event will spotlight unpaid family caregivers
From Multnomah County Aging & Disability Services:
For most caregivers in Oregon, coming home means starting their second shift of work. The majority of Oregon's 420,000 unpaid family caregivers are employed full or part-time. Instead of sitting down to rest their feet and minds, they have to care for the house, sometimes their children, and most often, their parents, spouse or other loved one.
Read more and discuss: Event will spotlight unpaid family caregivers
» May 21, 2008 - 0 comments - Children and Families, Community Involvement, Human Services, Karol's Blog, Sidebar Alerts
Farmers Market survey online
The Farmers Market committee is proud to announce the online version of our farmers market survey is now available here. We also have it in Español!
We are collecting paper surveys at the following locations: Trixie's Beauty Bar, Red Bike Cafe, Baxter Auto Parts, Proper Eats, Anna Bannanas, Pattie's Home Plate and The Man Shop. We will be done with this phase by May 20.
Please, share this with people you know who live in North Portland and want to see another farmers market on the peninsula. This information helps us determine if we can have a market and how it would best serve our community.
Discuss: Farmers Market survey online
» May 13, 2008 - 0 comments - Community Involvement, Front Page News, Karol's Blog, North Portland
Who loves Scrabble?
Who loves Scrabble? I do, I admit it. I want to play all the time and whenever I see a board at the bar I make a grab for it. There is a weekly Scrabble game at Gotham Tavern - in District 2 - every Tuesday starting at 6pm. It's Scrabble for a good cause; it benefits the Oregon Literacy Foundation and the Tavern owners are very generous with OLF.
This Sunday though, is going to be fun. There is Scrabble tournament for OLF:
When: Sunday, May 18, 2008 - 12 Noon until 5pm.
Where: Ringler's Pub (at The Crystal Ballroom, downstairs)
1332 W. Burnside
Portland, OR 97209
Cost: $25 per individual player/ $50 per team (2 players)
Register here to play on Sunday.
Hope to see you there!
Discuss: Who loves Scrabble?
» May 13, 2008 - 0 comments - Community Involvement, Events, Front Page News, Karol's Blog
The new library siting - Jeff asks the community one more time
Jeff, the libraries and facilities have narrowed the search for a library site in North Portland from three locations to two - the Tri-Met site and the N. Denver site. Both choices are equally wonderful and have positives that would make each a great library. Because these sites are so great, we'd like the community to weigh in one more time to help Jeff make that final choice.
We'll have a public meeting Thursday, May 29th, 7 to 9pm at the Masonic Lodge, 8130 N Denver Ave. Please join us!
If you can't make it, we'll post a video on this site on May 29th that talks about the two choices. You can make your voice heard in the "comments" section.
UPDATE:
N. Denver location
Discuss: The new library siting - Jeff asks the community one more time
» May 12, 2008 - 7 comments - Community Involvement, Events, Front Page News, Karol's Blog, Libraries, North Portland
St. Johns Market meeting April 30th at 6:30pm
Just a reminder of the St. Johns Farmers Market meeting this week...It will be on Wednesday, April 30 at 6:30pm, at Our Daily Bread. At this meeting, we will look to discuss the following (among other items):
Survey & the St. Johns Parade - We'll take a look/listen at/to the hard work our Marketing Committee has put into the Survey and
finalize for print. Also, we'll need all of our volunteer power to get out the word about the survey, gather input, and get more folks involved!
Read more and discuss: St. Johns Market meeting April 30th at 6:30pm
» April 30, 2008 - 0 comments - Community Involvement, Events, Karol's Blog, North Portland, Top Stories
Multnomah County convenes public advisory committee for Urban and Rural Reserves
From Public Affairs:
On Thursday, April 24, the Multnomah County Board of County Commissioners appointed 19 volunteer community members to a land use committee who will help advise and inform county policy makers during the next 18 months. The group’s first meeting is open to the public and scheduled for 6:00 p.m., Thursday, May 1 at the Multnomah Building, Room 315, 501 SE Hawthorne Blvd. in Portland.
Read the rest after the jump and check out the Reserves website.
Read more and discuss: Multnomah County convenes public advisory committee for Urban and Rural Reserves
» April 28, 2008 - 0 comments - Community Involvement, Front Page News, Karol's Blog
Youth grants available to those 21 and under
From the commission on children, families and community:
A pool of $10,000 is available for community-based projects initiated, designed, and run by youth 21 and under. The Youth Action Grants Program will provide grants of up to $1,000 to youth or youth groups who want to take action that makes Our Bill of Rights: Children + Youth and Portland's community vision a reality.
The City/County Youth Programs are also pleased to offer three free grant workshops designed FOR YOUTH to answer their grant-related questions.
Upcoming YOUTH ACTION GRANT Workshops
Date: Monday, April 28
Time: 3:30 to 5:00 PM
Location: PCC Sylvania, 12000 SW 49th Avenue, Amo DeBernardis College Center (CC Building), Cedar Room
Transit: Bus #44 Capital Highway to PCC Sylvania OR Bus #78 Beaverton/Lake Oswego to PCC Sylvania
Read more and discuss: Youth grants available to those 21 and under
» April 28, 2008 - 0 comments - Children and Families, Community Involvement, Events, Front Page News, Karol's Blog
St. Johns Market meeting April 30th at 6:30pm
The next St. Johns Farmers Market meeting is April 30th at 6:30pm. It will be at Out Daily Bread (excellent pancakes) on 8680 N Ivanhoe St. Join us!
Discuss: St. Johns Market meeting April 30th at 6:30pm
» April 24, 2008 - 0 comments - Community Involvement, Front Page News, Karol's Blog, North Portland, Sustainability
To supporters of 1000 Friends of Oregon
Supporters of 1000 Friends of Oregon:
Thank you for letting me know that you support protecting Oregon's agricultural lands. I welcome your postcards, emails and comments here on my website.
I’m honored to represent Multnomah County along with commissioners from Clackamas County, Washington County and Metro to designate urban and rural reserves in the tri-county area. We are working collaboratively with a goal of coming to a unanimous decision on what shapes our region over the next 50 years.
My colleagues and I are committed to coming to unanimous conclusion and have not taken any options off the table. That said, I personally and professionally remain committed to creating a sustainable future for Oregonians and that influences my contributions during this process.
Thank you again for talking time to share your thoughts with me. You can stay informed here at the Metro urban and rural reserves website.
You are also welcome to comment here on my website.
Sincerely,
Jeff Cogen
Discuss: To supporters of 1000 Friends of Oregon
» April 18, 2008 - 0 comments - Community Involvement, Front Page News, Jeff's Blog, Sustainability
Broadway Bridge lane closure for Bridge to Bridge run - Sunday
This is a great run that I did a couple years ago. I never knew the Fremont bridge was so steep...
From the Public Affairs office:
The northerly westbound lane of the Broadway Bridge will be closed from 9:15 am to 10:30 am on Sunday, April 20 during the Bridge to Bridge run and walk. The bridge will remain open in both directions to motorists and sidewalk users throughout the event. The bridge will be closed to river traffic from 9 am to 10:30 am.
For event information, visit the Bridge to Bridge run.
Multnomah County maintains the Broadway Bridge and 300 miles of roads and bridge.
Discuss: Broadway Bridge lane closure for Bridge to Bridge run - Sunday
» April 18, 2008 - 0 comments - Community Involvement, Front Page News, Karol's Blog
North Portland candidates forum
North Portland Candidates Forum
Sunday, April 20th, 2008
5000 N. Willamette Blvd.
Buckley Auditorium
2:00 - 5:00 PM
Your Candidates Your Questions!
Candidates for the following races will be present and speaking:
US Senate (Jeff Merkley and Steve Novick confirmed)
Portland Mayor (Sho Dozono and Sam Adams confirmed)
City Council Positions (most candidates for both positions One and Two)
Moderated by Mike Burton, Gary Hansen, and Dwight Jaynes.
Discuss: North Portland candidates forum
» April 17, 2008 - 0 comments - Community Involvement, Front Page News, Karol's Blog, North Portland
Multnomah County Sustainability launches film series with “The End of Suburbia”
From the Sustainability office:
In honor of Earth Day on April 20, 2008, the Multnomah County Sustainability Film Series will present “The End of Suburbia: Oil Depletion and the Collapse of The American Dream” at 5:00 p.m. at the McMenamins Bagdad Theater, at 3702 SE Hawthorne in Portland. The film is free and open to the public.
The film explores the outward migration of populations from cities to suburbs in the last 50 years in light of the diminishing supply of fossil fuels that enabled suburbs to grow. According to the film’s producers, “The End of Suburbia explores the American Way of Life and its prospects as the planet approaches a critical era, as global demand for fossil fuels begins to outstrip supply.”
Read more and discuss: Multnomah County Sustainability launches film series with “The End of Suburbia”
» April 14, 2008 - 0 comments - Community Involvement, Karol's Blog, Sustainability, Top Stories
Low-cost fun for families!
From Multnomah County:
Please plan to join us. Let friends, family, neighbors and clients about this low-cost, fun family activity.
Building Healthy Families Day at PGE Park
Sunday April 20th
Portland Beavers vs. Salt Lake Bees
Game starts at 2:05 - Gates open at 1 p.m.
As part of Blue Ribbon Month, PGE Park is partnering with Multnomah County Commission on Children, Families and Community to provide a day dedicated to safe and healthy children and families. The Portland Beavers are pleased to offer specially discounted tickets.
Tickets can be purchased on-line at: www.portlandbeavers.com/grouptickets username: family - password: family
or contact Ashley Bedford at 503-553-5429 or e-mail abedford@pgepark.com
We hope to see you on April 20th with your family and friends!
Discuss: Low-cost fun for families!
» April 14, 2008 - 0 comments - Children and Families, Community Involvement, Events, Front Page News, Karol's Blog
Volunteer for Earth Day
To Multnomah County employees from the Sustainability office:
We are looking for volunteers to help with the two Earth Day events below. We probably need more help with the April 19th staffing of our booth at the Overlook Park celebration, but help at both events is much appreciated.
Read more and discuss: Volunteer for Earth Day
» April 14, 2008 - 0 comments - Community Involvement, Karol's Blog, Sidebar Alerts, Sustainability
Native Professionals Night - with NAYA
From NAYA:
YOU are invited to join us at Portland City Hall on Thurs., April 24th for an evening of networking, delicious snacks and refreshments. You will have the opportunity to meet and hear from Portland Mayoral candidates,Sam Adams and Sho Dozono.
This event will be focused on Native professionals and all are welcome to participate! Our intent is to generate deeper connections and conversations among Native professionals and our extended community. A suggested contribution of $25 in cash or check at the door will benefit NAYA Family Center and support the cost of the event. Ages 21+ only. The event will begin at 5:30 pm.
If you have any questions,
please contact:
Lai-Lani Ovalles
Phone: 503-288-8177 ext 213
Email: lailanio@nayapdx.org
Discuss: Native Professionals Night - with NAYA
» April 14, 2008 - 0 comments - Community Involvement, Events, Karol's Blog, Top Stories
Are you concerned about the NE 82nd Max Station?
Here's your chance to tell someone! From Save Madison South:
Eastside MAX Station Open House
April 14th
5-8pm - drop in any time
Glenhaven (Banfield Pet Hospital)
Drop-in to learn about the project and share your ideas on how the areas around MAX stations can be improved.
The purpose of the Eastside MAX Station Communities Project is to take a comprehensive look at station community areas within one-half mile of MAX light rail stations in Northeast and Southeast Portland.
The basic question is: How can these communities become better places? The project will evaluate and recommend changes to land use/zoning, building and station design, transit and transportation facilities surrounding six stations: 60th Avenue, 82nd Avenue, Parkrose/Sumner, 122nd Avenue, 148th Avenue, and 162nd Avenue (see map). The objective is to help the Station Communities better serve transit users, support transit-oriented development and create more attractive communities.
Read more and discuss: Are you concerned about the NE 82nd Max Station?
» April 11, 2008 - 0 comments - Community Involvement, Front Page News, Marissa's Blog, Outer NE, Public Safety
Farmers Market meeting in St. Johns - April 9th
There is a Farmers Market meeting tonight at Our Daily Bread, 8680 N Ivanhoe St, Portland starting at 6pm. See you there!
Discuss: Farmers Market meeting in St. Johns - April 9th
» April 9, 2008 - 0 comments - Community Involvement, Events, Karol's Blog, North Portland, Sidebar Alerts
Boise Neighborhood update and announcements
Candidates Forum, Gentrification Documentary, Boise NA Community Meeting, Spring Clean-Ups, Portland Plan Hearings, Parenting for Prevention
Boise Neighborhood Announcements:
1. Thurs, April 10: People of Color/Immigrant and Refugee CANDIDATES FORUM
2. Thurs, April 10: Documentary on Gentrification
3. Mon, April 14: Boise Neighborhood Community Meeting
4. Sat, April 19: TWO Clean-Up Events: SOLV I-5 Clean-up and Spiffin' Up MLK
5. Tues, April 22: Hearings on The Portland Plan
6. Sat, April 26: Boise Neighborhood Spring Clean-up
7. Wed, June 25: Parenting for Prevention
Corresponding information below after the jump.
Read more and discuss: Boise Neighborhood update and announcements
» April 9, 2008 - 0 comments - Community Involvement, Front Page News, Karol's Blog, North Portland
Earth Day celebrations
From the Sustainability office:
Earth Day Festival at Overlook Park - Multnomah County Booth & Fruit Tree Giveaway
Saturday, April 19, 2008
10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Located at N Fremont St & Interstate
FREE!
Join the Multnomah County Green Team at our festival booth at the 2008 Earth Day celebration. We are partnering with Friends of Trees to give away free fruit trees to festival guests. This year's celebration focuses on the solutions to living as a sustainable region as energy resources become more scarce. For more info: www.cityrepair.org/earthday
· 150 sustainable businesses and organizations
· Kid's Village organized by students in North Portland
· 3 stages of live music and entertainment
Read more and discuss: Earth Day celebrations
» April 9, 2008 - 0 comments - Community Involvement, Events, Karol's Blog, Sustainability, Top Stories
Bridges to Unity Summit aims to decrease violence and racism in schools - April 10th
From Public Affairs:
Two hundred fifty middle school students will tackle the issues of racism and violence in schools at the third annual Bridges to Unity Summit. The summit will be held April 10, 2008 at George Middle School. The conference is titled “Building Bridges Across Cultures” and aims to help students learn how to successfully interact with other cultures, decrease conflict and gain leadership skills.
Joanne Fuller, Director of Multnomah County Department of Human Services stated, "I am pleased to support the third annual Bridges to Unity Summit. As we have seen in past youth summits, this event helps build stronger cross-cultural communication and leadership skills that help kids achieve success in their school and communities.”
Read more and discuss: Bridges to Unity Summit aims to decrease violence and racism in schools - April 10th
» April 8, 2008 - 0 comments - Children and Families, Community Involvement, Events, Front Page News, Human Services, Karol's Blog, North Portland
New, diverse group merging communities of color
From JustPortland:
Come celebrate JustPortland's formal launch! Our mission is to unite communities of color to build a just Portland for all.
JustPortland is group of individuals from all parts of the community who share two important goals: to make Portland a better place for communities of color, and create ways for people who feel the same way to meet one another.
You will meet people from various communities, listen to honored community elders, share your ideas for future events, find out how you can get involved and have a great time while keepin' it real.
Entertainment, non-alcoholic beverages and a fajita buffet will be provided (vegetarian option available) by JustPortland. Complimentary tequila tasters provided by Tequila de Oro. Special thanks to Los Baez Mexican Restaurant and Tequila de Oro.
Los Baez Mexican Restaurant
2424 E. Burnside, Portland, OR 97214 US
JustPortland Planning Team: John Cardenas, Jason Lim, Oscar Arana, Carmen Rubio, Sonali Balajee, Claire Oliveros, Tana Atchley, Nichole Maher, Jared Spencer, Charles McGee, Johnell Bell, Jonath Colon and Daniel Ledezma
Discuss: New, diverse group merging communities of color
» April 2, 2008 - 0 comments - Community Involvement, Front Page News, Karol's Blog
Bill Bradbury presents "An Inconvenient Truth" on April 10th
Next Thursday, April 10th, Secretary of State Bill Bradbury will visit the Multnomah County Commission to do his presentation of "An Inconvenient Truth." Bradbury has been doing these presentations around the state, focused on the impact on the Pacific Northwest. If you'd like to join us, come to 501 SE Hawthorne Blvd, 1st floor board room on April 10th. It starts at 10:30am.
This presentation coincides with Multnomah County's signing on to the "Cool Counties Pledge" from the Sierra Club. You are welcome and we hope to see you there!
Discuss: Bill Bradbury presents "An Inconvenient Truth" on April 10th
» April 1, 2008 - 0 comments - Community Involvement, Events, Front Page News, Karol's Blog, Sustainability
Unnatural Causes: Is Inequality Making Us Sick?
From the Health Equity Initiative:
Join Multnomah County in learning how your health is more than health care or personal choice. Viewings of the remaining five segments of the PBS documentary Unnatural Causes: Is Inequality Making Us Sick? - Free and open to all employees.
Becoming American - Wednesday, 2-Apr-08, 10 - 12 noon
For many people, the United States is the land of opportunity. As a nation of immigrants, why do we see other countries with better health status? Why do recent immigrants have better health outcomes? What can we learn about health by looking beyond our borders? Find out how…
When the Bough Breaks - Wednesday, 9-Apr-08, 3-5 p.m.
Did you know African American women with college degrees are still at higher risk for poor birth outcomes than white women with high school diplomas? Since genetics is not the issue, what could account for the differences we see in different racial groups? Is it possible that racism affects our health? Find out how...
Bad Sugar - Monday, 14-Apr-08, 8-10 a.m.
How many people do you know with diabetes? Is it easy for you to eat fresh fruit and vegetables each day? Political decisions about food can make it easier or harder for you to eat healthy and manage or prevent diabetes. Find out how…
Read more and discuss: Unnatural Causes: Is Inequality Making Us Sick?
» March 31, 2008 - 0 comments - Community Involvement, Front Page News, Human Services, Karol's Blog
A Tribute to the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Please join the Multnomah County Managers of Color for:
Remembering a Lifetime of Service: A Tribute to the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. On the 40th Anniversary of his death
Friday April 4, 2008
11:30 – 1:00
Multnomah Building Board Room
(501 SE Hawthorne)
The formal program begins at 12:00 and includes:
· Guest Speakers Matt Hennessee and Sam Jackson, Jr.
· Soloist Rose Franks
· The presentation of the 2008 Dr. Arthur Fleming Civil Rights Award
» March 31, 2008 - Community Involvement, Front Page News, Karol's Blog
Portsmouth parents: Our schools need better breakfasts
Last week I was invited to a Healthy Eating Active Living (HEAL) presentation at Portsmouth K-8 school. The HEAL program is run by Multnomah County and by all accounts is successful in this North Portland school. The main point of the presentation was that the school's teachers, principal and the County are teaching the tools these children need to be healthy and successful. The problem is, there is not enough access to healthy foods in the community and sometimes at school.
Read more and discuss: Portsmouth parents: Our schools need better breakfasts
» March 28, 2008 - 0 comments - Children and Families, Community Involvement, Front Page News, Karol's Blog, North Portland
St. Johns Walgreens update
From the St. Johns neighborhood association:
CITY PLANNERS AGREE: SJ LOMBARD PLAN MUST BE HONORED
We recently met with senior planners at the Bureau of Development Services (BDS), who will decide on any application submitted by the Walgreens developer. Staff from Commissioner Randy Leonard's office were also there. We shared your comments and concerns, and we were assured that our reading of city code is correct: the site deserves a more urban design that reflects the historic nature of our downtown business corridor. Furthermore, a drive-through will not be allowed under any circumstances.
Your thoughtful comments at our March 10 meeting strengthened our position, and we're confident that BDS will keep both our comments and the St. Johns Lombard Plan in mind.
Walgreens News Coverage in Portland Sentinel
Download the St. Johns Lombard Plan
See the next steps after the jump...
Read more and discuss: St. Johns Walgreens update
» March 26, 2008 - 0 comments - Community Involvement, Front Page News, Karol's Blog, North Portland
Piedmont Neighborhood Association General Meeting 3/27 at 7pm
Piedmont's general meeting is coming this Thursday at 7pm at Holy Reedemer, Clare Hall. Visit the Piedmont Blog for all the details!
Discuss: Piedmont Neighborhood Association General Meeting 3/27 at 7pm
» March 26, 2008 - 0 comments - Community Involvement, Karol's Blog, North Portland, Sidebar Alerts
April 9th - St Johns Farmers Market meeting at Our Daily Bread
Join the growing movement for a farmers market in St Johns! Volunteers are still welcome and wanted. Join us at 6pm, April 9th, at Our Daily Bread at 8680 N Ivanhoe St. See you soon!
Discuss: April 9th - St Johns Farmers Market meeting at Our Daily Bread
» March 24, 2008 - 0 comments - Community Involvement, Karol's Blog, North Portland, Sidebar Alerts
Global Sistergoods and OPB invite you to a night of FREE cinema - March 26th
Film: King Corn
Where: St. Johns Twin Cinema, 8704 N. Lombard St.
Time: 8:00 pm
Two recent college grads discover where America's food comes from when they plan a single acre of corn and follow it from the seed to the dinner plate. With the help of government subsidies, genetically modified seeds and powerful herbicides, America's most-subsidized crop becomes the staple of its cheapest—and most troubling—foods.
Panel discussion to follow featuring filmmaker Curt Ellis; Lisa Sedlar, President of New Seasons Market; Mike Moran of the Oregon Food Bank; and Shari Raider of Sauvie Island Organics.
Come early and eat at Proper Eats (8638 N Lombard St Portland)! All movie goers who attend before the film and mention the screening will receive 10% off dinner.
Discuss: Global Sistergoods and OPB invite you to a night of FREE cinema - March 26th
» March 24, 2008 - 0 comments - Community Involvement, Events, Karol's Blog, North Portland, Top Stories
Medicare offers classes for new enrollees
From Public Affairs: Multnomah County Aging Disability Services is collaborating with Mt. Hood Community College to present free classes for those new to Medicare. “Welcome to Medicare” is designed for people nearing age 65 or those who become eligible due to receiving Social Security Disability benefits.
Read more and discuss: Medicare offers classes for new enrollees
» March 18, 2008 - 0 comments - Community Involvement, Events, Human Services, Sidebar Alerts
Roots and Wings
The Roots and Wings event is the kick-off to Blue Ribbon (Child Abuse Prevention) Month, April 2008. Roots and Wings gives families, neighbors and friends access to resources and fun activities. The event is an opportunity to ensure that all children have what they need to grow and thrive: a nurturing environment, safe places to play and learn, and a supportive community.
When: Saturday, March 29th from 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Where: Lloyd Center Mall, Portland
What: FREE event featuring fun activities and useful information for children and families. Check out resources from more than fifty organizations. Participate in the Children's Parade, learn to hula hoop, listen to Story Times in English and Spanish, visit with local sports mascots, make projects as a family and more.
To access an event flyer and a calendar of events, visit www.ourcommission.org or call
503-988-4032. This event is presented by the Multnomah County Commission on Children, Families and Community and over thirty sponsors and partners.
Discuss: Roots and Wings
» March 18, 2008 - 0 comments - Children and Families, Community Involvement, Events, Karol's Blog, Top Stories
Rose City Park Neighborhood Association Candidates Fair - March 25th
From Rose City Park Neighborhood Association:
Join your neighbors to meet and to ask questions of the candidates you will be selecting for government roles that will impact you and those around you!
WHEN: Tuesdays, March 25th from 7:00 pm to 9:30 pm
WHERE: Rose City Park United Methodist Church, NE 58th & Alameda (by NE Sandy Blvd., enter on NE 58th Avenue)
As of March 3, the (#) indicates the candidates that agreed to speak at the Rose City Park Candidates Fair. (PF) indicates they have the signatures to qualify for public financing but may not have been certified.
Read more and discuss: Rose City Park Neighborhood Association Candidates Fair - March 25th
» March 18, 2008 - 0 comments - Community Involvement, Events, Front Page News, Marissa's Blog, Outer NE
Someone wants Paul Bunyan?
Listen up, Kenton: some wants to buy Paul Bunyan! Folks are rallying to save the neighborhood icon. Check out this article from the Oregonian.
Buy your "Save Paul" bumper stickers here.
Discuss: Someone wants Paul Bunyan?
» March 13, 2008 - 0 comments - Community Involvement, Front Page News, Karol's Blog, North Portland
Healthy Eating, Active Living - Farmers Markets
Here at the County, we have a very cool program called the HEAL program, HEAL stands for Healthy Eating, Active Living. This program is currently active in North Portland at Portsmouth School. The HEAL program goes into schools and teach healthier lifestyles for kids and their parents.
There will be a report next week examining HEAL's progress in Portsmouth and St. Johns and we already know its been successful. The one hitch; lack of access to fresh foods. This is why our office is working with neighbors in St. Johns to start a farmers market that will be accessible to greater North Portland.
Our second meeting was last night and we had even more folks than the first one! We know its going to take a full year at least to get it off the ground so please, lend your human capital to North Portland.
Next meeting will be in April, so stay tuned!
Discuss: Healthy Eating, Active Living - Farmers Markets
» March 13, 2008 - 0 comments - Community Involvement, Karol's Blog, North Portland, Top Stories
The IRS may owe you money...
That's a people grabbing headline! This, from our Public Affairs office:
Seniors and people with disabilities – the IRS may owe you money
Americans will soon receive a check in the mail from the federal government. It's known as the "stimulus payment", "tax rebate" or "refund." For many individuals, filing an income tax return is an annual occurrence. However, in some cases, low-income workers, recipients of Social Security or certain veterans may have to file a return for the first time in many years. They have to establish that they have at least $3,000 of qualifying income to receive the refund.
Read more and discuss: The IRS may owe you money...
» March 12, 2008 - 0 comments - Children and Families, Community Involvement, Human Services, Karol's Blog, Top Stories
Update on St. Johns Walgreens
Last night I attended the St. Johns neighborhood meeting. The topic? A proposed new Walgreens for the "entrance" to downtown St. Johns. If one is driving west on Lombard, it the triangular corner of Lombard, N. Richmond and N. Jersey. The drive-thru would facing N. Jersey a residential street and the dumpsters would face that street as well. The front of Walgreens would face downtown St. Johns. As one would drive up from East Lombard, they would see the back of the store.
As you can probably imagine, the crowd of 100 or so neighbors were not enthused at the idea. The position of the neighborhood association is not against the new Walgreens development, but the size that is proposed and they lack of consideration for the St. Johns/Lombard plan in terms of pedestrians, small business and smart growth.
As far as the association has been told, the site will resemble the Walgreens that is located at SE 39th and Belmont. That site is open 24 hours a day, has a drive-thru window (that is next to someone's residence and faces other homes) and had a big parking lot that is not sensitive to pedestrian traffic. The other push back is that there are 4 other pharmacies within a 3 mile radius, two in St. Johns.
Unfortunately, the developer did not join the meeting, as was expected. As we get more details, we'll post them on our site. In the meantime, if you want to make a statement about a suburban Walgreens in St. Johns or have a question, comment away. We'll collect and pass them along to the neighborhood association.
Discuss: Update on St. Johns Walgreens
» March 11, 2008 - 0 comments - Community Involvement, Front Page News, Karol's Blog, North Portland
Kenton neighborhood meeting with potential library developers
Join your Kenton neighbors tonight at their neighborhood meeting. Kenton has invited the three potential developers of the new North Portland library to discuss the project starting at 6:30pm. As of this morning, two of the three have accepted the invitation.
The presentation starts before the meeting at 6:30 pm
The meeting starts at 7:00 pm
Kenton Firehouse, 8105 N. Brandon St.
Discuss: Kenton neighborhood meeting with potential library developers
» March 11, 2008 - 0 comments - Community Involvement, Events, Front Page News, Karol's Blog, Libraries, North Portland
The life cycle of a cell phone
Do you ever wonder about the life cycle of your old cell phone? Okay, probably not, but Jeff Cogen does. As we get ready to debut our cell phone recycling program later this spring, I thought I'd share with you a cool website that talks about what happens to all those old phones. Its called "The Secret Life of Cell Phones."
Save up those old cell phones and bring them down to one of the County when the program starts this spring.
Discuss: The life cycle of a cell phone
» March 7, 2008 - 0 comments - Community Involvement, Front Page News, Karol's Blog, Sustainability
Multnomah County seeks advisory committee members
Multnomah County — along with Clackamas County, Washington County and Metro — is undertaking a process to establish urban and rural reserves and seeks citizen volunteers to participate in an advisory committee.
A system for creating urban and rural reserves was created by the Oregon Legislature in 2007 with the passage of Senate Bill 1011. The goal of this effort was to remedy a longstanding system for managing the Metro region’s urban growth boundary (UGB.) The new approach seeks to improve the process by taking a wider range of factors into account, such as natural features or suitability for different types of agricultural production.
Urban and rural reserves will provide greater predictability for landowners, farmers and communities about where the urban growth boundary may expand over the next 40 to 50 years, while protecting important farmland and natural areas from urbanization for that same period of time.
“I’m excited to have the participation of the community in the reserves process,” said Multnomah County Commissioner Jeff Cogen. “We are truly shaping the future of the tri-county region for the next 50 years.”
Read more and discuss: Multnomah County seeks advisory committee members
» March 6, 2008 - 0 comments - Community Involvement, Front Page News, Karol's Blog
Retreat will support grandparents raising grandchildren
From Public Affairs:
Grandparents raising grandchildren face economic hardship and stress, according to AARP and The National Caregiving Alliance. In Oregon, AARP reports more than 37,500, or four percent of all children in the state live in grandparent-headed households. An additional 14,000 children (1.7%) live in households headed by other relatives. Nationally, 4.5 million children live in grandparent-headed households (6.3% of all children under age 18.)
Read more and discuss: Retreat will support grandparents raising grandchildren
» March 5, 2008 - 0 comments - Children and Families, Community Involvement, Human Services, Karol's Blog, North Portland, Sidebar Alerts
Suburban Walgreens in St Johns?
From St. Johns neighborhood association:
A Suburban Walgreens in St. Johns? Our Neighborhood Deserves Better!
Come to the final public meeting with the developer on March 10 at 7pm at the St. Johns Community Center. (Come at 6:45pm, we're going to pack the place!)
Summit Development Corporation wants to build a low-end suburban Walgreens surrounded by a parking lot at the former Rose City Chevrolet site - the gateway to Downtown St. Johns. It's a bad idea.
This is a square peg in a round hole. The developer wants exceptions to Portland's development rules so he can build a suburban-style store in our historic neighborhood business district. Traffic's bad enough already. The main entrances would be on residential streets and the store is designed mainly for cars - it would be dangerous for pedestrians, bus riders, and bicyclists.
St. Johns planned for better. When our community wrote the St. Johns/Lombard Plan, we said we want good development that would
strengthen our neighborhood. Not this!
Discuss: Suburban Walgreens in St Johns?
» March 5, 2008 - 0 comments - Community Involvement, Events, Front Page News, Karol's Blog, North Portland
Market meeting rescheduled to March 12th
As you may remember, we have had a meeting scheduled for Tuesday March 4. Unfortunately, we will be postponing that meeting until Wednesday, March 12, 6:30pm-8:00pm. The location is TBD, but we will give notice to this soon. This date will achieve a few things:
We will be able to assign a few tasks that have yet to be completed to committee-members before this next meeting
Allows for Cathedral Park NA members to attend.
We can promote our meeting at next week's St. Johns NA meeting (3/10), where we're looking to have MANY people turn out to hear the Walgreens' developer present their updated proposal.
We will be in touch over the next 1-2 days to offer specific tasks for folks to volunteer for. If anyone has anything they'd like to jump on, please check in with us to ensure we're not duplicating any efforts (or soliciting the same donor, for example). Thanks!
Discuss: Market meeting rescheduled to March 12th
» March 4, 2008 - 0 comments - Community Involvement, Karol's Blog, North Portland, Top Stories
A potential Walgreens in St Johns - meeting on March 10th
There is still some serious talk about a new Walgreens drug store coming to the heart of downtown St. Johns. You can hear the developer's site plans and voice your opinion at the upcoming St. Johns neighborhood meeting on March 10th. Meeting begins at 7pm at the Community Center on 8427 N. Central. As you can imagine, many residents are resistant to the idea. However, there are some voices as well that welcome a new development.
Some issues of concern: There are already two drug stores (Fred Meyer and Safeway), traffic jams at the intersection and late night lighting.
There are also positives: Accessibility for older residents, increased business and attention for St. Johns and a drug store that doesn't sell alcohol.
Talk to us about how you feel here on our blog. Also check out the St. Johns Sentinel paper for further discussion.
Discuss: A potential Walgreens in St Johns - meeting on March 10th
» March 4, 2008 - 0 comments - Community Involvement, Events, Karol's Blog, North Portland, Top Stories
About 1,300 in Oregon register for civil unions
The Oregonian is reporting that almost 1300 couples have registered for civil unions in Oregon. In Multnomah County, we registered 673 couples. Unfortunately, I've just gotten word that an opposition group filed paperwork late Friday to start gathering signatures for the November ballot. That means, if that group collects enough valid signatures, this law protecting GLBT couples could be overturned.
We'll bring you the official reaction from Basic Rights Oregon when we receive it.
Discuss: About 1,300 in Oregon register for civil unions
» March 3, 2008 - 0 comments - Children and Families, Community Involvement, Front Page News, Karol's Blog
Madness and Disability Rights: A Community Forum on Mental Health
From The Icarus Project, Process Work Institute, and Mental Health Association of Portland:
Sunday, March 9th, 7 - 9pm
Process Work Institute - 2049 NW Hoyt St., Portland Oregon
Free and Open to the Public, Wheelchair Accessible; please avoid scented body products; call with other access needs
Extreme states of madness usually get labeled psychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia and bipolar, and treated with medications. What are different ways of understanding these experiences, and what are other options for helping people? What lessons can we learn from care in different countries?
Come discuss a disability rights view on madness and extreme states of consciousness. This perspective respects individual choice to take or not take medication, welcomes a diversity of treatment possibilities, and is open to different interpretations of the mysterious experiences we call “crazy.” We will also look at the economic and political forces influencing mental health.
Read more and discuss: Madness and Disability Rights: A Community Forum on Mental Health
» March 3, 2008 - 0 comments - Community Involvement, Front Page News, Human Services, Karol's Blog
Check us out on Flickr!
Here at Team Cogen, we continue to increase our technological savvy in order to stay linked with our community. Today, we introduce you to our new Flickr website. We can't add all the pictures we want on our blog but we do a lot more than some lone snapshot can show. Keep up with our endeavors here and if you are on Flickr, invite us to be your friend!
Discuss: Check us out on Flickr!
» February 28, 2008 - 0 comments - Community Involvement, Karol's Blog, Top Stories
Farmers Market meeting in St. Johns - March 4th
Our next farmers market meeting is Tuesday, March 4th at the Ladybug Organic Coffee Company. Ladybug is at 8438 N Lombard.
We'll be discussing committees and what roles volunteers will start to develop. We can't wait to see you there!
Discuss: Farmers Market meeting in St. Johns - March 4th
» February 27, 2008 - 0 comments - Community Involvement, Events, Karol's Blog, North Portland, Top Stories
Oregon Health Forum Event on Veterans
This morning I attended a breakfast forum called, "Health on the Home Front: Focusing on Veterans' Needs," sponosored by the Oregon Health Forum. Commissioner Cogen was recognized at the start of the event for his leadership on taking care of our returning Iraq and Afghanistan veterans, and for his help in promoting this event as a follow-up to the "Our Veterans, Our Neighbors" event he helped organize last fall.
Read more and discuss: Oregon Health Forum Event on Veterans
» February 26, 2008 - 0 comments - Community Involvement, Events, Front Page News, Human Services, News, Warren's Blog
Oregon Hope Initiative
Jeff Cogen was featured in the Sunday Oregonian in an Opinion piece by David Sarasohn on Education. The concept is to follow the lead of various U.S. states and foreign countries and make higher education more widely available. This would help our economy, our primary and secondary schools, and above all our people. What do you think?
Read more and discuss: Oregon Hope Initiative
» February 25, 2008 - 2 comments - Children and Families, Community Involvement, Front Page News, Neighborhoods, News, News, Warren's Blog, Warren's Blog
Info from Piedmont Neighborhood Association
The Piedmont Neighborhood Association General Meeting is this Wednesday [2/27] at 7:30pm.
The OLCC has given the neighborhood a deadline of March 1st to submit comments on the proposed lifting of the Civic Food Mart's liquor license restrictions! Below is the text of a post I just made on our neighborhood blog (http://blog.piedmontneighborhood.com). Now is a time for action folks!
Read more and discuss: Info from Piedmont Neighborhood Association
» February 25, 2008 - 0 comments - Community Involvement, Karol's Blog, North Portland, Sidebar Alerts
Info from Boise Neighborhood Association
A few notes on Boise Neighborhood Communications...
1. Email Update Sign-up: The Boise Neighborhood Association sends out routine communications through a free online service, cooleremail. If you do not already receive our email updates and community announcements, please sign up for email announcements at www.boisevoice.org. (Do it now! It takes 2 minutes. This just may be the only announcement sent!)
Read more and discuss: Info from Boise Neighborhood Association
» February 25, 2008 - 0 comments - Community Involvement, Karol's Blog, North Portland, Sidebar Alerts
Family Support at the Center for Family Success
A support group for families who have a loved one in prison are now available in North Portland at the Center for Family Success. This is located at 8010 N Charleston. Call the center at 503-286-0600 to learn the day and time. Friends are also invited to attend.
Read more and discuss: Family Support at the Center for Family Success
» February 20, 2008 - 0 comments - Children and Families, Community Involvement, Front Page News, Karol's Blog, North Portland
Newbery Award winning author Lois Lowry in Portland March 11th
From the Library:
Though her writing has encompassed topics as diverse as the Holocaust and the Triangle Fire, dystopian societies, Maine in the 1970s and second grade classrooms, author Lois Lowry’s books have consistently dealt with a central theme: the importance of human connections.
The community will have an opportunity to hear from the Newbery Award-winning author when she presents Multnomah County Library’s 2008 Children’s Author Lecture on Tuesday, March 11, at 7 p.m. at the First Congregational Church, 1126 S.W. Park Ave. in Portland. A book sale and author signing will follow the talk. This is the eleventh year of the Children’s Author Lecture and Lowry was the inaugural speaker in 1998.
Read more and discuss: Newbery Award winning author Lois Lowry in Portland March 11th
» February 20, 2008 - 0 comments - Children and Families, Community Involvement, Events, Front Page News, Karol's Blog, Libraries
Oregon Literacy's Read-a-Thon
The 6th annual Read Across Oregon Read-a-thon is coming up! Read Across Oregon (RAO) works much like any walk-a-thon or bike-a-thon. Participants donate a small entry fee (suggested at $10) and then obtain pledges above and beyond the entry fee on a per page or per book basis (ex: a nickel per page or $5 per book). Other than that, participants – such as students, teachers, book club members, librarians, tutors, business people, etc. – simply read as much as possible during the entire month of March. Any book can be read from anywhere and textbooks do count. Parents can read to children and children can read to parents.
Read more and discuss: Oregon Literacy's Read-a-Thon
» February 19, 2008 - 0 comments - Children and Families, Community Involvement, Front Page News, Karol's Blog
Announcements from the Boise-Eliot neighborhood
Oregonian Story, Friends of Trees Planting, Affordable Housing Roundtable, Senior Soup Day, Community Meeting, Street Fair, Graffiti Clean-up, Fundraiser, Board Position Open
Read more and discuss: Announcements from the Boise-Eliot neighborhood
» February 15, 2008 - 1 comments - Community Involvement, Inner NE, Karol's Blog, North Portland, Sidebar Alerts
Cool ways to make your event sustainable
Yesterday, Jeff and I went to the Heart of the Community Awards for Hands on Greater Portland. They tried something ingenious this year: a more sustainable event at The Governor Hotel. There were just a few little things, items you wouldn't usually notice, but they made all they difference. Here they are:
Elimination of the event program - 2,350 sheets of unused paper
Replacement of the printed sign thanking sponsors with a projection screen at the front of the room - 18"x24" foam board saved
No saucer under the coffee cups and no bread & butter plates - 41.6 gallons of unused water
No pre-pour of water glasses - 10 gallons of unused water
Bread and dessert sourced by a local bakery (cupcakes with no wrapper!) saving transportation costs and environmental impacts.
Great job Hands On!
Discuss: Cool ways to make your event sustainable
» February 15, 2008 - 1 comments - Community Involvement, Front Page News, Karol's Blog, Sustainability
Piedmont Neighborhood Association General Meeting
From the Piedmont 'hood: The agenda for the next PNA General meeting (2008-02-27 @ 7:30pm) has been posted to our neighborhood's blog...
Join them for the meeting!
Discuss: Piedmont Neighborhood Association General Meeting
» February 14, 2008 - 0 comments - Community Involvement, Karol's Blog, North Portland, Sidebar Alerts
Farmers market meeting update
Last night the first official meeting of the St. Johns farmers market came together at Marie's. We had over 20 folks who were all excited at the possibility of a market. There were several topics covered including structure, market mission, location and funding. I'll add notes after the jump. One important question that came of out this first meeting was: What location would be best if the market was in St. Johns? Options were: St. Johns plaza in front of Dads, the Signal Station Pizza lot, the vacant car lots, Cathedral Park, and George Park by the community center. Which would you use?
Read more and discuss: Farmers market meeting update
» February 13, 2008 - 1 comments - Community Involvement, Karol's Blog, North Portland, Top Stories
Farmers Market meeting in St. Johns - Tonight
Join us at Marie's at 6:30pm for an informational meeting on a potential St. Johns farmers market. Marie's is located at 8727 N Lombard St.
Discuss: Farmers Market meeting in St. Johns - Tonight
» February 12, 2008 - 1 comments - Community Involvement, Karol's Blog, North Portland, Sidebar Alerts