In recent months, a team of urban planning students at PSU has been working with the Northeast Coalition of Neighborhoods to develop a Community Disaster Preparedness Plan. One action we have identified is locating community information hubs in each neighborhood. If traditional communication methods were to fail after a disaster these hubs will help facilitate the flow of information between neighborhoods and ultimately from the neighborhood and coalition to the city and beyond.  We have developed criteria for siting these hubs, but it relies on local knowledge only those familiar with the neighborhood can provide.

Please come join us at the May 16th Woodlawn Neighborhood Association meeting at Woodlawn Methodist Church where we will begin identifying possible hub locations. Your input is needed!

Make a plan, Build a kit, Get trained:
Red Cross Disaster Preparedness training for Woodlawn neighbors

Woodlawn Neighborhood Association invites residents to learn about how to prepare for a disaster. Join us at Classic Foods, 817 NE Madrona, January 18 from 7-8:30p.m. Child care and refreshments will be provided. Details here.

Please note that this training is instead of our usual monthly meeting.

We’d like to know how many people are coming, especially if you would like child care.  Please register with Sheila Hale. Thanks!

Effective January 1st, Oregon updated its cell phone law. You must use a hands-free accessory if you use a mobile telecommunications device while driving, or risk citation. For details, look here.

This presentation will explore how nationally and in the Portland area, the location of industrial sites and freeways and exposure in the workplace, home, and place of worship leave communities of color highly vulnerable to chronic disease linked to toxics. Speakers will include Ben Duncan, Program Specialist with Multnomah County Health Department, Environmental Health Division and Board Chair of OPAL Environmental Justice Oregon which works for Environmental Justice in the Portland metro area. This presentation is part of the Healthy Homes, Healthy Congregations: Green Steward Project, a pilot project to improve environmental health in our homes and our congregations, especially for infants and children.

5:30 to 7:00 p.m. at Concordia University, 2811 NE Holman Street.

You can find out what room the presentation will be in, and register for the event, by email or by calling 503-221-1054. The event is free and open to the public. Please notify us if you will be needing childcare by January 6th.

The Office of Youth Violence Prevention is developing a two-part training for community members that will include in-depth information about gangs. Trained volunteers will then educate their neighbors. For more information on enrolling in this program, please contact Rob Ingram, Director, Office of Youth Violence Prevention at rob.ingram@portlandoregon.gov or 503-823-3584.

As Tonya Dickens, gang outreach worker said in the recent Oregonian article, “Everybody’s got to get their hands dirty. Parents, community, school, police, everyone has a role. If we are going to save our community…”

Connected is a group of community members determined to be a presence and positive role model in the lives of youth. This group meets weekly to walk through and around known “hot spots,” acknowledging and engaging with young and old alike as they go about their business. Connected invites volunteers join them on walks and organize their own groups of walkers. For more information, contact: Gary Marschke at 503-412-8520.

Woodlawn Neighborhood Association is looking for volunteer walkers. Contact the WNA Board.

Concerned about safety and liveability issues? Over the summer, SALT, an NECN Community Committee focused on violence in our Neighborhoods and what could be done on a neighborhood level to address it (see link). The next SALT meeting is Monday, September 19th, 6:30pm, at NECN. All are invited to attend.
http://www.necoalition.org/PDFs/salt_2011violencepreventionideas.pdf

Concerned about a traffic safety issue in Portland? Tired of speeding? Call 503-823-SAFE. They can help.

Check out this PDF document for an update on the 13th and Holman Stormwater project.

From Kyle Chisek, project manager: “Currently we have redesigned the location of the stormwater facility to right-size and locate it in an area to provide the maximum benefit. Attached is a notice that has been sent to neighbors.

Both BES and PBOT are working with Portland Parks & Recreation and preparing for a community discussion about the “new” space as well as any modifications to the existing space that we can make with the funds available.

I will update you again as this project progresses.

As far as the other crossing improvements (15th, 33rd & 42nd) – design work is continuing on the same trajectory as 13th & Holman. Because there was heightened interest at this location I felt it was a good idea to keep everyone apprised.”