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.

Ceremony Set to Honor Koda, Citizens

The Gresham Police Department will take a moment to say ‘farewell’ to Koda, as well as ‘thank you’ to the many who have supported the Police Department in a ceremony scheduled for October 31st, at City Hall. Police Chief Carla Piluso will be on hand to honor Koda for his service and thank the members of the public who provided support after Koda was injured while tracking a dangerous suspect.

How the Regional Equity Atlas benefits everyone

The Coalition for a Livable Future undertook the Regional Equity Atlas Project (www.equityatlas.org) to "advance equity - the right of every person to have access to opportunities necessary for satisfying essential needs and advancing their well-being" - as a key component of the Portland-Vancouver metropolitan region's approach to development.

The Equity Atlas is an attempt to stimulate discussion regarding the distribution of elements seen as critical to the livability of a neighborhood. These include such things as income, single-family home price, poverty, education/teacher quality, access to usable transit, access to grocery and natural food stores, and access to parks and natural areas.

Neighborhood Watch Meetings

Sandstone, Pacific Drive; 1st Neighborhood Watch Meetings, November 2007

We can do something for ourselves. Get involved. Make a difference. Have fun at the same time!

Sandstone, and Pacific Drive, Neighborhood Watch groups will be holding their first meetings in November 2007.

Board meets with Owens Corning over proposed Foam Insulation plant

Board members Kris Freiermuth (WENA Chair), and Lee Dayfield (WENA Chair Land-Use), met Friday October 26, 2007 with Kimberly Howard (General Manager) Owens Corning Foam Insulation Division to discuss the proposed Owens Corning’s Foam Insulation plant located at 18456 NE Wilkes Road, Gresham Oregon; in the industrial park at NE 181st Ave and I-84.

Can I Burn? Call the daily burning information hotline: (503) 618-3083

Residents who live east of approximately 182nd Avenue are allowed to burn yard debris on specific days. Backyard burning is only allowed within the city limits of Gresham (and outside the DEQ Burn Ban Area) 10 authorized days in the Spring: March 1-June 15, and 10 authorized days in the Fall: October 1-December 15. Authorized burn days are announced on a daily burn line during the seasonal burn periods. Call the daily burning information hotline: (503) 618-3083 for details.

For complete Backyard, Agricultural, Open, and Recreational burning information click here.

Naito proposes routing Gresham funds to center

$4 million - Commissioner would pay for a mental health center with tax revenue
Friday, September 14, 2007
ROBIN FRANZEN The Oregonian Staff

GRESHAM -- Multnomah County should phase out business-income tax revenues it now shares with Gresham and use the money to help pay for a mental health crisis triage center, county Commissioner Lisa Naito has proposed in a self-described "provocative" memo to her board colleagues.