Overlook Neighborhood Update (Nov. 3)

1) OKNA board meeting on Tuesday

2) Drive safely in the dark

3) Psychological first aid after a disaster

4) Care for your local stray cat


1) OKNA board meeting on Tuesday

The Overlook Neighborhood Association Board will meet on Tuesday, 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Historic Overlook House (3839 N Melrose Dr.) The board will discuss fossil fuels, the upcoming holiday party, neighborhood engagement and more. View the full agenda.

2) Drive safely in the dark

Now that the days are getting shorter and the clock has fallen back, be sure to drive extra carefully in the evening. The burden isn’t just on drivers, though. Pedestrians and bicyclists should make sure they are visible on the streets.

Some tips:

Party-goers: Make a plan for traveling safely so you aren’t a danger on the road. Better to be safe than contribute to a tragedy.

Pedestrians and bicyclists: See and be seen! Wear reflective gear or place retro reflective tape on jackets, backpacks, etc. Carry or wear a light, and be sure to mount them on your bicycle.

Drivers: Get 7- 9 hours of sleep per night. Studies show most Americans need that amount of sleep to reach peak performance – yet the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows 18 percent of adults sleep less than seven hours. Don’t be that drowsy driver.

3) Psychological first aid after a disaster

Psychological first aid is sometimes overlooked as a key component of disaster recovery, but it is extremely important both immediately afterwards and in the long-term. Whether it’s a wildfire or earthquake, superstorm of flooding, what does that kind of first-aid look like?  What things should we be thinking about?

The North Portland neighborhood emergency teams, including Overlook’s NET, will host an upcoming talk on post-trauma psychological first aid. Come hear from Margaret Puckette of Hayden Island NET. She is a mental health counselor with experience in “trauma-informed” care and post-traumatic stress disorder. This event is open to all, and free.

Puckette will speak on Saturday, Nov. 9, 4:30-6 p.m. at the University of Portland in the Shiley, Room 301.

Seating is limited, so reserve your seat online in advance.

4) Care for your local stray cat

Every cat deserves a little holiday gift this year, especially the outdoor feral and stray cats lucky enough to have someone looking after them.

As part of its Season’s Feedings cat food drive, the Feral Cat Coalition of Oregon (FCCO) is offering free cat food to caregivers who bring in their feral and stray cats to FCCO’s spay/neuter clinic in December.  Dry cat food has been generously donated by individuals and local pet stores.

If you are feeding feral or stray cats, call FCCO at 503-797-2606 to schedule a spay/neuter appointment.  All surgeries are performed by licensed veterinarians at FCCO’s SW Portland clinic. Services are donation-based and include a spay/neuter; vaccinations; flea and ear mite treatment; and an ear-tip.  Throughout December you will also receive a bag of dry cat food for each cat brought in.

For more information visit feralcats.com.