The Weekly OKNA Email 4/27/12

Hiya, Overlook! We’re happy to report some good news on the Public Safety front; those of you who’ve attended an OKNA meeting have surely heard stories about the “House on the Hill”, considered by police to be one of the worst problem properties i

n the city. This week, with help and input from many departments and neighbors, police staged an early morning raid. Read the news & see the video here: http://www.kgw.com/home/Police-raid-suspected-N-Portland-drug-house-fencing-operation-148870245.html

Also, some little context and thanks from neighbor Brett: http://blog.oregonlive.com/my-portland/2012/04/north_portland_drug_house_fina.html

More details will be presented at your next OKNA general meeting, Tuesday, May 15..be there!

1) Free Seismic Home-Improvement Class (4/30) 
2) Dog Off-Leash Program Advisory Group Meeting (5/2)
3) Meet the Storyteller (Mondays)
4) Incredible Edibles Plant Sale 2012 (5/5)
5) Village Building Convergence Map Posted

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1) Free Seismic Home-Improvement Class (4/30) 

Area residents are invited to learn the basic steps involved in reducing the likelihood of earthquake damage to their homes.

BDS inspections manager Jim Nicks will provide an overview of the permitting and construction processes required for seismic home-improvement projects, including a show-and-tell explanation of needed materials. PBEM Director Carmen Merlo will share her own recent experience bracing her century-old house against earthquakes. She’ll also share tips for securing everyday household items.

Last year’s magnitude 9.0 earthquake in Japan served as a reminder that all Pacific Rim cities, including Portland , are at risk for such a major event. Volunteers from Portland ’s Neighborhood Emergency Team (NET) program will also be on hand to share information about community training and preparedness.  

Residential Seismic Strengthening Presentation
Monday, April 30, 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Harriet Tubman Leadership Academy for Young Women 
2231 North Flint St
Free

More Info: http://www.portlandonline.com/oem/index.cfm?a=394571

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2) Dog Off-Leash Program Advisory Group Meeting (5/2)

Wednesday, May 2
6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
The Portland Building , 1120 SW 5th Ave.
Room C, Second Floor

Meeting Goals:
Review existing leash and scoop law enforcement issues
Provide feedback on leash and scoop law enforcement issues and next steps
Review options for continued engagement of off-leash area users
Recommend preferred option(s) for ongoing engagement

Questions/RSVP Ali Ryan – 503-823-2967 or Ali.Ryan@PortlandOregon.gov  www.PortlandParks.org

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3) Meet the Storyteller (Mondays)

Jerry Cowan is a long time Overlook resident and has a current approval by the State of Oregon Child Care Division background check to work with children. Jerry hosts a free storytelling hour at The Overlook House, 3839 N. Melrose drive, every Monday Afternoon from 3:30 to 4:30 PM with stories, games toys and songs to entertain children from around six months through elementary grades. This is an opportunity for parents to relax, meet the neighbors and enjoy some quality time with their children.  The stories are based on ancient Native American legends and myths and are meant to inspire an appreciation for our forests and the animals that inhabit them. Children must be accompanied by a parent or adult guardian.

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4) Incredible Edibles Plant Sale 2012 (5/5)

FREE ADMISSION   Everyone welcome
Saturday, May 5th  10am-3pm 
All Saints School – 601 NE Cesar E. Chavez Blvd (formerly NE 39th Ave). 

Your opportunity to buy organic veggie starts and herbs for your home garden so you can harvest nutritious, fresh-picked goodness for your table!  To ‘Get the Real Dirt’ OSU Extension-trained Master Gardner Volunteers will be on site to answer your gardening questions. “Plant, Grow, Eat” workshops are scheduled throughout the day.  Raffle Prizes! Purchase and have an opportunity to win a $250 Gift Card to Portland Nursery, a 2 night stay at Portland Urban Cottage, a 2 night stay at Eagle Crest Resort, certificates for local sustainability-minded restaurants, garden gear, plants and more.  Proceeds from the sale further the work of the Multnomah County Master Gardeners whose mission is to support the OSU Extension Service Master Gardener program and to educate the public about all aspects of successfully and sustainably growing and caring for plants. 

For more information go to www.metromastergardeners.org/multnomah/plantsale or email multmastergardeners@gmail.com, or call 503-445-4608.

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5) Village Building Convergence Map Posted

From the OKNA Facebook page (‘like’ our page for midweek updates, feedback and notes from your neighbors and other interesting items: www.facebook.com/OKNAinPDX) we see that the VBC map has been posted and there are three projects in Overlook this season.

If you haven’t yet checked out the VBC and its community building, beautifying City Repair activities, please do so! We’ll be seeing more of these projects in the future: http://vbc.cityrepair.org/sites

If you would like to participate in an Overlook VBC project, please contact Leslee Lewis, kgllport@aol.com or 503.703.3702 for a unique opportunity to paint one of the largest intersection repairs ever undertaken in Portland! There are opportunities at every skill level and all talents are needed. Come join in, get fed and enjoy some Overlook community building!