Overlook Neighborhood Update (July 17)

1) Overlook yard sale and free share (July 23-24)
2) Homeless camping update
3) OKNA general meeting (July 19)
4) New Belgium bike ride and beer (July 24)
5) Organic Beer Fest returns to Overlook (Aug. 25-28)
6) Overlook social and picnic (Aug. 16)


1) Overlook yard sale and free share (July 23-24)

Next weekend Sustainable Overlook will coordinate the annual neighborhood yard sale and free share. Dozens of homes will make their yards and garages available to sell treasures, oddities and more on Saturday, July 23, and anything left over can be set out to be given away for free to neighbors on Sunday, July 24.  Mark your calendars and come on out.

If you would like to participate in the yard sale and have your house shown on the map that will be advertised to the broader public, sign up online by Monday, July 18. Deal hunters will find a map showing participating households starting July 20.

If you have questions, please e-mail Josh at sustainable@overlookneighborhood.org.


2) Homeless camping update

N Going Street camp
Last week we  reported that a homeless camp on N Going Street had been relocated after the Overlook Neighborhood Association had worked with Portland Fire and Rescue to respond. Unfortunately, the site did not remain clear for long. Campers returned last week. OKNA will continue to work with city officials to implement measures that promote health and safety for campers and the neighborhood.

Hazelnut Grove concert
HG GrooveHazelnut Grove plans to host a music, art and food festival on Saturday (July 23). Details remain scarce, but residents should be prepared for additional foot and vehicle traffic if the event goes forward.

OKNA board members will meet with representatives of the mayor’s office this week to discuss plans for moving Hazelnut Grove and the planned concerts. We will provide an update later this week and, if possible, at Tuesday’s OKNA general meeting (see below).

Watch a video of a Hazelnut Grove leader discussing the event on Facebook.

Lawsuit to be refiled
Finally, Multnomah County Judge Marilyn Litzenberger dismissed the lawsuit challenging Mayor Charlie Hales’ homeless camping policy. OKNA had joined with business owners and other groups as plaintiffs in the suit. Because the case was dismissed without prejudice, it can be refiled in an amended form to address the judge’s concerns. We and the other groups are consulting with our attorney, and we plan to proceed with new filings.


3) OKNA general meeting (July 19)

Come meet your neighbors at the July Overlook Neighborhood Association general meeting on Tuesday evening. This month we’ll meet North Portland’s new crime prevention officer, learn about the city’s marijuana policy and hear from one of Overlook’s dispensaries, New Amsterdam.

OKNA General Meeting (agenda)
Tuesday, June 19, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Kaiser Town Hall Building (3704 N Interstate Ave.)


4) New Belgium bike ride and beer (July 24)

Join fellow beer lovers and bike riders on Sunday, July 24 for New Belgium Brewing’s July summer bike and beer crawl. This month it will start at Overlook Park. The event is free and for adults (21+) only.

New Belgium bike and beer crawl
Sunday, July 24, 1 p.m.
Overlook Park


5) Organic Beer Fest returns to Overlook (Aug. 25-28)

organicBeerThe Organic Beer Fest (formerly North American Organic Brewers Festival) returns to Overlook Park Aug. 25-28. The event is an opportunity for our neighborhood to shine as people from throughout Portland visit our park. This year, OKNA will host a booth. Stop by and say hello.

The festival runs noon to 9 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday. The name might have changed, but the motto remains the same: Drink Organic, Save the Planet, One Beer at a Time.

Festival organizers are looking for local volunteers. Anyone interested can learn more and sign up online. For each shift worked, volunteers will receive a festival t-shirt, cup and 12 tokens.

Organic Beer Fest
Thursday, Aug. 25 to Sunday, Aug. 28
Overlook Park


6) Overlook social and picnic (Aug. 16)

Mark your calendars now for the annual OKNA social and picnic on Aug. 16. Come out to meet your neighbors in a social environment. New American restaurant has generously offered to host the event again this year with the same food deals as last year. Get a “drive-through” burger or veggie burger with fries or sweet potatoes for $9, a farm salad for $6, and half off on wine and beer.

Overlook social and picnic
Tuesday, Aug. 16 (time to be announced)
New American (2103 N Killingsworth St.)