Sunday, March 30, 2008

Silent Auction

As part of the fund raiser on April 27th - there is a silent auction.

Items for this are being sought - they can be tangible items, or dinners, vacation houses, services, etc.

The donation form is below - you can click on it to enlarge and print....




Items will be viewable and can be bid on at Channel's Edge 207 N. Bridgeton Road.

Even if you can not make the event on the 27th - see if there is something you would like and then bid on it!

Friday, March 28, 2008

Columbia Slough Events



Stewardship Saturday
Saturday, April 12th
Join us as we tend to our trail system at Whitaker Ponds! This ½ mile trail is used by school groups, summer camps, and community visitors throughout the year, but it needs some maintenance! Help us re-chip and widen the trail along the south side of the pond to improve accessibility. Tools, gloves, and refreshments will be provided; please bring sturdy workboots if possible.

Location:
Whitaker Ponds Natural Area
7040 NE 47th Ave., Portland, OR 97218

Contact:
Jesse Rosenbluth at jesse.rosenbluth@columbiaslough.org or 503-281-1132


Brunch with the Birds
Friday, May 9th

Join us for brunch, slough stories, and a short walking tour of Whitaker Ponds, the junk-yard turned environmental education center located on the Columbia Slough. Special guest Metro Naturalist James Davis will help to ID the many birds that call Whitaker Ponds their home. This casual event is open to everyone interested in learning more about the Columbia Slough watershed. Registration required. Space is limited - please call soon to reserve your space.

Time: 11:30am-1:00pm

Location:
Whitaker Ponds Natural Area
7040 NE 47th Ave, Portland, OR 97218

To register:
Contact Katie at 503-281-1132 or katie.meckes@columbiaslough.org




Click here to find out more Great Slough Clean Up!
Saturday, May 17th

Come join the fun! We'll enjoy a morning paddle in search of litter large and small, and help us remove it from a two-mile stretch of the beautiful Columbia Slough. The herons, beavers, and turtles will thank you!

Bring your canoe or kayak, friends, family and neighbors to this fun and unique clean-up party! Don't have your own boat? We have a few to spare, but they go fast! To inquire about a canoe reservation, contact Jesse. Gloves, trash bags, and refreshments will be provided. Prizes will be awarded for the best piece(s) of Slough trash.

Time: 9am-Noon

Location:
Whitaker Ponds Natural Area
7040 NE 47th Ave, Portland, OR 97218

Contact:
Jesse Rosenbluth at 503-281-1132 or jesse.rosenbluth@columbiaslough.org


Evening Canoe the Slough
Wednesday, May 28th

Join the Columbia Slough Watershed Council, City of Portland's Environmental Services and Northwest Discoveries for a guided paddling tour to explore the tree-lined Whitaker Slough. During this special evening trip, guides will travel with participants in canoe bimarans (think canoe catamaran - two canoes secured together). We provide the boats & life preservers; you provide the enthusiasm! Pre-registration is required and space is very limited, so please register early!

Time: A 6:00 and a 7:00 trip will take place. Please indicate which trip you prefer to take.

Location:
Whitaker Ponds Natural Area
7040 NE 47th Ave., Portland, OR 97218

To register: Contact Katie at katie.meckes@columbiaslough.org or (503) 281-1132





Wetlands 101
Saturday, May 31st
Get to know Smith & Bybee Wetlands - the largest protected wetlands within an American City! A walking tour of this 2,000 acre natural area will highlight local wetland history, wetland functions and values, plants and wildlife, macroinvertebrates as well as recreational and stewardship opportunities.
Refreshments will be provided.This workshop is FREE. Pre-registration is required.

Time: 8:45am-1:00pm

Location:
Smith & Bybee Wetlands. Meet location will be provided at time of registration.

To register: Contact Katie at katie.meckes@columbiaslough.org or (503) 281-1132


2008 Event Calendar

Click here to find out more

Wednesday, March 26, 2008

Are you into politics?

Your local elected democratic precinct people are hosting a "political soup night" next week - April 2nd at 6:30 PM.

I sent emails to all neighbors for whom I had an email address. If you are not on my list and want to come - please call me at 503.477.5550.

It's a potluck meal in a floating home... Lots of good people, good conversation and a chance to get information about your local democratic party as the chair and vice-chair of the Multnomah County Dems will be here.

Sorry but it's only for Bridgeton Road neighbors...

Monday, March 24, 2008

Spring HAS Sprung

Spring started coming back in February and then took a detour...it seems to be coming back.

Trees are in bloom, bulbs are flowering, and the mallards are looking for where to lay eggs and also where to sun when they have the babies with them..... My boat ramp has been a spot they love so today they checked it out!

Not to worry - they won't lay eggs here as they know about the dog and cat!








Saturday, March 15, 2008

New IRS Scam - Beware

A new "IRS" scam...

First - the IRS knows your name! You are not "user."
And if you were due a refund of over $9,ooo - duh! you'd know.
And lastly - don't you think the IRS knows how to correctly spell it's own name?

Aside from all the above, the IRS does not send email - it just sends you the refund if it is due you or a "polite note" if you owe them!

I left the links clickable - if you look at the click here link - it asks for your credit card info..another thing the IRS will NEVER do-

The IRS does not need your credit card info to procees a refund!

These above are also good reasons why it's safer to e-file and have your refunds done as an automatic deposit. Then you know for sure what is a scam...

BEWARE - tax season is a good time to SCAM

Sent: Saturday, March 15, 2008 6:15 PM
Subject: Your Tax refund Notification...

Dear User,

After the last annual calculations of your fiscal activity we have determined that you are eligible to receive a tax refund of $9,390.00. Please submit the tax refund request in reply to our e-mail and allow us 2-3 days in order to process it.

A refund can be delayed for a variety of reasons. For example submitting invalid records or applying after the deadline. Click here
Regards
Internal Revenue Service

Arbor Day Weekend Fundraiser

Want to rescue trees? Sing the Blues!

First 'Save the Trees' Event to Occur on Arbor Day Weekend (4/26-27)

Arbor Day is a holiday in which individuals and groups are encouraged to plant and care for trees. But that day has come to have special relevance for the residents of the Bridgeton Neighborhood, on the bank of the Columbia River. For nearly a year, the Bridgeton Neighborhood Association and a large number of concerned citizens have opposed plans by the local drainage district to cut down most of the trees along the levee that defines their neighborhood. Three award-winning Blues Bands are helping to alleviate some of the costs associated with this effort to Save the Levee, Save the Trees.

What: Arbor Day Weekend to SAVE THE TREES

A dance party fundraising event featuring Live Music, Belly Dancing, Silent Auction, and more

Who: Ellen Whyte, Bill Rhoades & the Party Kings, the New Iberians

When: Sunday, April 27

3:00 - 7:00 pm

Where: the Old Hayden Island Yacht Club

12050 N Jantzen Drive (next to the Zupan's Building) Portland OR 97217

Admission: $25.00

Tickets available at the door or at Channel's Edge, 207 N Bridgeton Road97217

In the summer of 2007, the residents of Bridgeton neighborhood were notified by the Peninsula 2 Drainage District of plans to cut all the mature trees along the one mile stretch of Bridgeton Road. The Bridgeton Neighborhood Association (BNA) formed a "Tree Committee" to determine alternatives to this plan. For several months BNA engaged in intense negotiations and multiple meetings with the Drainage District, Army Corps of Engineers, Portland City Council members and administrators, FEMA, plus representatives from the offices of US Representative Earl Blumenauer and U S Senator Ron Wyden. When 13 trees were cut on September 19, 2007, BNA and The Columbia Riverkeeper filed legal action and secured a temporary stay to stop the cutting of another 100 trees.

This stay and the ensuing hearing allowed the BNA to inform the public about facts of levee safety and vegetation, and to clarify FEMA regulations concerning disaster relief and flood insurance. It was argued successfully the City of Portland does have oversight responsibility for the majority of the trees on the Bridgeton levee.

Today, three members of BNA meet weekly with a representative from the Army Corps of Engineers, the Portland City Arborist and members of the Board of the Peninsula 2 Drainage District. This group is negotiating a mutually acceptable program of tree removal and replanting for the Bridgeton levee.

While hundreds of hours of volunteer time were involved in this effort, there were expenses incurred. The neighborhood association has raised over $15,000 to cover legal and professional costs, but another $15,000 is needed to pay off the remaining debt.

Three popular, award-winning acts from the world of Blues music have consented to put on a show for the cause.

Ellen Whyte

Ellen Whyte has long been recognized as one of the most accomplished and dynamic Blues entertainers in the Pacific Northwest. A multi-award winning vocalist and guitarist, Ellen was elected to the Cascade Blues Association "Hall of Fame."

Her shows have elated crowds throughout Washington, Oregon, California, and the Midwest.

Bill Rhoades

Known as the "Godfather of the Northwest Blues," Bill Rhoades is on every must hear list for Blues Harp. Not only is he a much awarded Hall of Fame inductee, he is an acclaimed Blues scholar and keeper of the true Flame. Bill Rhoades and the Party Kings are the acknowledged Masters of Chicago-style Blues and Texas Blues, adding their own distinct color to the palette. And that color is pure, straight no chaser, Blues.

The New Iberians

Taking their name from the town of New Iberia, Louisiana, the hot pepper sauce capital of the known universe, they are a Portland band that combines Louisiana Zydeco, New Orleans Second Line and Memphis Soul into a bluesy zesty gumbo of unique and infectiously danceable good time music.

Lots of food and drink options, lots of dancing and belly dancing shows, a silent auction that promises great gifts for a bargain; all is going toward preserving a vital part of Portland, and having a red hot and blue Arbor Day.

So get some tickets, save the trees, and have an Arbor Day weekend like you've never quite experienced.

Map to Old Hayden Island Yacht Club

12050 N Jantzen Drive 97217

http://maps.google.com/maps?q=12050+N+Jantzen+Dr,+Portland,+OR+97217,+USA&sa=X&oi=map&ct=image


Wednesday, March 12, 2008

Next Neighborhood Meeting - March 19th

7 PM at the Columbia School - Marine Drive and Bridgeton Road - Wednesday March 19th

Agenda:

* I-5 Bridge and marine Drive Design

* New Tree Plan

* Spring Clean Up [April 19]

* Bridgeton Concert [April 27]

* Final Nominations for Officers and Board

Oregon Primary Voting/Registration

If you want to vote in the Oregon Primary this coming May - you must be registered on or before April 29th.

Our House District has had an historically low voter registration and voting turn out.

Bridgeton is a small part of this District - but let's get our own voting and registration numbers very high this year!

Sunday, March 09, 2008

BNA Fundraising Concert


Latest update on the fundraiser/concert

Date: Sunday April 27, 2008


Time: 3 PM to 7 PM


Location: 12050 N Jantzen Avenue (old Hayden Island Yacht Club, next to Zupans)


Talent: Ellen Whyte, The New Iberians and Bill Rhoades and the Party Kings


Silent Auction items: art, services, new items, unique antiques and more


Ticket price: $25 each, limited to 200 tickets


Food and beverages: food, beer and wine available to purchase

Door prizes, Belly Dancers, and more...


Friday, March 07, 2008

Not Bridgeton - but close enough

Do you live in Oregon House District 42?
Then this Candidate Forum is for YOU!


Sponsors:
• Multnomah County Democratic Party (http://multnomah.oregondemocrats.org/)
• Portland Progressives Toastmasters (http://portlandtm.freetoasthost.us/ )

Setting:
• Location: Hip Drip Cafe, inside Ecomotion "Earth Friendly Vehicles" - 1625 NE Sandy Blvd 97232 (http://eco-motion.com/index.html )
• Date & Time: March 26, 2006. 7 – 9 PM

Roles:
• Susan Silodor (MCDP) – Introductions
• Caleb Burns (PPT) – Moderator
• Jim Robison (PPT) – Time-keeper
• Eric Reid – Hip Drip Café Manager & on-site coordinator
• Candidates – open to all Democratic candidates who will appear on the primary ballot
• Ryan Shojinaga – sound & microphones

Format:
• Hip Drip Café is providing a stage for the candidates to sit on with microphones. Candidates will be seated alphabetically by last name from stage left to stage right.
• Self-serve coffee will be available to attendees. The space easily accommodates 100+ people, and we expect to fill it.

Agenda:
• 6:00 – Volunteers arrive for setup. PCP & MultDems table to be included/staffed. Candidates who wish to do so may send representatives to set up information tables.
• 6:30 – Candidates or their designated representatives arrive. Coin toss/dice will be used to determine the order for opening remarks, first questions, and closing remarks.
• 7:00 - Welcome (Susan S.)
• 7:05 – Introductions & Rules explanation (Caleb)
• 7:08 – Candidates statements (2 minutes each – order by coin toss or di prior to beginning)
• 7:20 – Beginning of 10 questions from Caleb Burns. Candidates have 1 minute each to answer. Rotating order. (Depending on time, the moderator has the option to reduce the number of total questions.)
• 8:10 – 20 minutes of questions from the audience for specific candidates
• 8:30 – 20 minutes of questions for any candidates
• 8:50 – Closing statements from candidates.
• 8:56 – Closing remarks – Susan S.
• 9:00 – Volunteers help break down stage & clear area.

Thursday, March 06, 2008

To All Bridgeton Neighbors

I have been asked to post a notice asking that ANYONE in the neighborhood who is interested in being on the Board - to get their name to a board member.

Some of the current Board members are not running again and there will be several vacancies.

This is the time for those who feel they were left out of the discussions and decisions of the past year to get active and make major changes in our neighborhood.

If you are interested in running or just interested in getting getting more information about the Board positions, contact Leslie Sawyer at 503-314-2137