Greetings, Gresham Volunteers!

We hope you are keeping warm and trying to remember to appreciate winter's more subtle, special beauty in between the periods of rain. One way to stay warm, of course, is to keep active, and Gresham Parks has lots of activities coming up to get you out of the house and to keep the winter blahs at bay!

• Mar 01- Gresham City Hall Community Garden Clean Up
• Mar 07- Portland Teen Idol
• Mar 08, Apr 12, May 10- Gardening at the Zimmerman House
• Mar 22- Native Planting at Butler Creek
• Apr 19- Earth Day Celebration
• Mat 03- Big Service Day! Trail Project at Kelly Creek
• May 17- SOLV Down By the Riverside at Butler Creek
• Adopt-A-Park/Trail Volunteer Groups

Join us for one or more of these exciting Spring projects! Each project lists the dates, times, and contact information. See ya there!

Neighborhood Connections is a publication from the City of Gresham Communications & Community Outreach offering City of Gresham news, Public Safety information, Community Activities & Events, Training & Workshops, Volunteer Opportunities, and more.

Inside this Issue...

• Gresham City Council Approves 2008 Work Plan
• Carbon Monoxide Can Be Deadly - Protect Yourself!
• Gresham Art Advisory Committee 2008 Juried Art Exhibit
• Have a Question? askGresham!
• Trainings, Workshops & Volunteer Opportunities
• Neighborhood News - Request for Articles
• Public Meeting Will Review Plans for 223rd Avenue Improvements
• Report Abandoned Shopping Carts

For more information contact City of Gresham Communications & Community Outreach, 1333 N.W. Eastman Parkway, Gresham, OR 97030 www.ci.gresham.or.us

The Coalition of Gresham Neighborhood Associations held its annual Election of Officers on Wednesday, January 9, 2008. The newly elected Board shared detailed plans for the coming year, and outlined the next few months scheduled presentations.

The Coalition meets monthly on the second Wednesday at 7:00PM in the Springwater Trail Room, Gresham City Hall, 1333 NW Eastman Parkway, Gresham, OR 97030.

The Coalition of Gresham Neighborhood Associations was formed to provide structure and support for the leadership of Gresham's neighborhood associations

New plant opening 2009; to employ 35

Whitney Malkin, The Oregonian
whitneymalkin@news.oregonian.com

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality approved Owens Corning's revised plans to produce insulation in Gresham, granting the company a permit to finish construction and start production.

(WENA Editor: read Kimberly Howard, General Manager, Owens Corning Foam Insulation, Dec 2007 hearing statement here)

DEQ's decision last week comes after years of environmental controversy about the plant.

Freeze the Grease, Save a Bundle

After big holiday meals, no one likes to be the one stuck doing clean-up. But if you aren't careful with leftover gravy, pan drippings and sauces a grease-clogged drain could end up costing you a bundle. To help combat the fat, City of Gresham’s Wastewater Services is offering a free “Freeze the Grease, Save the Drain Kit” to residents.

Owens Corning Responds to Nov 1 Meeting Q&A

Owens Corning has provided answers here to questions that were asked at the DEQ information meeting held on November 1, 2007, as they agreed to do. Their answers can be read here. Please note that these answers were provided solely by Owens Corning. Owens Corning did not discuss these answers with DEQ, and DEQ does not endorse the answers; George Davis, Department of Environmental Quality - Northwest Region Office, simply passed them on to Wilkes East NA as agreed at the information meeting.

The public hearing on the proposed permit will be held at Centennial High School in the Community Room on December 13, 2007. The meeting will start with an information session at 6:30 pm, followed by the formal hearing.

Help the Red Cross become part of Oregon’s State's Charitable Checkoff Program

Most of you know that I work for the Red Cross and am devoted to raising money for one of my favorite charities. As part of our efforts, we are working on gathering 10,000 signatures to become part of Oregon’s State's Charitable Checkoff Program.

The State Charitable Checkoff Program allows residents to give a portion of their tax refund to any of the nonprofit organizations listed in the tax booklet and the Oregon Red Cross Chapters want to be one of those organizations.

The Powell Valley Neighborhood Association (PVNA) recently elected Ebonie Johnson as its newest President.

"The previous President, Sue Ruonala did a wonderful job of organizing the association." says Johnson. With the support of Sue Ruonala as Secretary, Bob Hurley as Land Use, and Kim Peil as Vice President, Johnson pledges to build upon PVNA's prior success during his tenure.

Wilkes East NA extends its congratulations to Mr Johnson and the other Powell Valley NA board members on their new positions and wish them much success in the coming year.

The City of Gresham's Parks and Recreation Volunteer Program is excited to announce some upcoming Fall and Winter "Community Garden Cleanup" volunteer events! It's the perfect opportunity to enjoy the crisp autumn air amd help your community!

Would you like to sign up yourself or a group to volunteer?

Please contact: Rachel Zarfas, Community Volunteer Coordinator, City of Gresham Parks & Recreation Division (503) 618-2789, Rachel.Zarfas@ci.gresham.or.us

Gino Schettini

Gino Schettini Portland restaurateur passes

Gino Schettini, long time Capri Terrace resident, Portland restaurateur, and soccer aficionado passed away October 30, 2007 after a courageous battle with cancer.