1) Overlook Neighborhood Association meeting (Feb. 17)
2) Native plant workshop (March 14)
3) Sustainable Overlook Summit (Feb. 21)
4) Citywide neighborhood annual summit (Feb. 28)
5) Reporting crime matters
6) Food bank fundraiser (Feb. 17)
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1) Overlook Neighborhood Association meeting (Feb. 17)
Join your neighbors to talk about what’s going on in Overlook at the monthly general meeting.
Overlook Neighborhood Association meeting
Tuesday, Feb. 17, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Kaiser Town Hall (3704 N Interstate Ave., across from Overlook Park)
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2) Native plant workshop (March 14)
Only a few seats remain for the Naturscaping Basics class on March 14. Naturescaping is the practice of designing (or redesigning) your landscape so that it reduces water use and decreases stormwater runoff while saving you time, money and energy. This introductory workshop introduces the core concepts of naturescaping, and also explores pollution prevention through the reduction/elimination of chemical use; how native plants naturally resist pests and tolerate drought conditions while attracting native birds, butterflies and other beneficial pollinators to your garden; and basic site planning principals, and many other great natural gardening and design tips
The class will visit a nearby naturescaped project to see design principles in action. Students will receive a comprehensive workbook and even a free native plant to help you get started.
Naturescaping Basics
Saturday, March 14, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Trillium Charter School (5420 N Interstate Ave.)
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3) Sustainable Overlook Summit (Feb. 21)
Don’t forget to register for the inaugural Overlook Sustainability Summit at Beach Elementary School. The event will bring together neighbors to talk about strengthening the resilience, livability and long term health of the neighborhood. Learn more and register online.
Overlook Sustainability Summit
Saturday, Feb. 21, 11:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Beach Elementary School (1710 N Humboldt St.)
Suggested donation $10
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4) Citywide neighborhood annual summit (Feb. 28)
The City of Portland’s Office of Neighborhood Involvement hosts a community summit each year. This year’s theme “In It Together” focuses on addressing real challenges and engaging our diverse city. Neighbors, friends and activists, community and neighborhood groups and city staff will work together to impact public policy, strengthen relations and build capacity. The summit will include a variety of workshops and dialogues on issues impacting Portlanders all over the city. Attendees will find out how to engage on current issues, hear success stories and connect. This is a free event, all are welcome to attend. Pre-registration is required for lunch.
Neighborhood summit – In it together
Saturday, Feb. 28, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Ambridge Center (1333 NE MLK Jr. Blvd.)
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5) Reporting crime matters
It can be comforting to see crime statistics decrease from one year to the next. Unfortunately, where the decreases are attributable to underreported crime, it is difficult to get a true picture of what’s happening in a neighborhood. Over the years, Crime Prevention Coordinators throughout the city have spoken to a number of residents who don’t report crime to the police.
Problems that are not reported are not addressed. If everyone reported crime in a neighborhood, officers would become more aware of issues that require attention. Extra patrols and special problem-solving efforts may be directed to a location.
Crime statistics would be more reflective of what’s happening with better reporting. Neighbors are able to access the information using online tools. If they are aware that there is an increase in a particular type of crime, neighbors are more likely to increase their security measures.
Moreover, the number of officers assigned to a patrol area may be impacted by reporting. The crime statistics will drive where resources are directed. This could lead to a decrease in the number of officers serving a particular neighborhood.
Please don’t hesitate to report all incidents of crime to the police. To report an incident that has already occurred and you know that the perpetrator is not around (call 9-1-1 otherwise) call the non-emergency phone number to the police at 503-823-3333. Alternatively, file a report online. Make sure that the crime is eligible for online reporting. Some incidents can’t be reported this way including crimes where there is suspect information or incidents such as burglaries or graffiti.
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6) Food bank fundraiser (Feb. 17)
The Good Samaritan Food Bank will hold its annual Mardi Gras pancake dinner benefit on Tuesday. Admission is a monetary and food donation.
Mardi Gras pancake dinner benefit
Tuesday, Feb. 17, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Peace Lutheran Church (2201 N Rosa Parks Way)