Community gardens workshop for faith communities
Sponsored by Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon, this workshop helps faith communities create and maintain gardens that are financially, environmentally and humanly sustainable. The agenda includes information on a study of community garden needs and opportunities initiated by Commissioner Nick Fish, long-range planning for congregation-based gardens and troubleshooting common issues. Representatives from various gardening organizations will be on hand to share expertise. You can register by e-mailing [email protected] or calling (503) 221-1054, ext. 210. A suggested donation of $5-$10 supports low-income food access projects.
When: Aug. 10, 2009, 7 to 8:30 p.m.
Where: Holy Family Parish, 3732 SE Knapp St., Portland, Ore.
Who: Speakers include a representative from Commissioner Nick Fish's office and Director of Portland Community Gardens Leslie Pohl-Kosbau.
Why: Interest in community gardens by faith communities has increased dramatically over the past year, motivated in part by the rising numbers of people experiencing hunger during the economic recession. Congregations with unused land are rediscovering the value of their land for building community, earth stewardship and food security through community gardens and other garden programs, but need information and assistance to tap this potential.
PCC National Night Out
Portland Community College's Cascade Campus is hosting a National Night Out party from 4 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 4., at the campus' Borthwick Mall between North Killingsworth and Jessup streets. The campus, 705 N. Killingsworth St., will offer something for visitors of all ages.
This year National Night Out's theme is "a going-away party for crime and drugs." Dozens of community organizations and government agencies will offer information on safety in the home and neighborhood.
The Portland Police Bureau plans demonstrations from its K-9 and Mobile Precinct squads.
Refreshments will be served, alongside fun, games, and hand-on art activities for children.
PCC's Multimedia program presents a few of its special projects, and participants from PCC's Professional Music program perform.
Cascade Campus staff also will have information on PCC's tobacco cessation campaign, as the school becomes entirely tobacco-free starting Sept. 9.
Free Ride for Kids at Providence Bridge Pedal
The 14th annual Providence Bridge Pedal and Bridge Stride, presented by The Oregonian, is offering children 15 and younger free admission to the event's six-bridge ride or Providence Stride– when accompanied by an adult.
WHEN: Providence Bridge Pedal Health and Wellness Expo at Oregon Square on Saturday, Aug. 8 and Providence Bridge Pedal and Providence Bridge Stride on Sunday, Aug. 9.
For the first time in the 14-year history of Providence Bridge Pedal, children 15 and under can ride for free.
"Providence Bridge Pedal is such an amazing community event," said Dave Underriner, chief executive for Providence's Portland Service Area. "We know the economic downturn is forcing families to make choices about how they spend their money. Providence wanted to make sure the thousands of families who take part in this event each year still have that opportunity."
Providence Bridge Pedal is the second largest community bicycle ride in the country and the third largest in the world. For those who prefer to walk, Providence Bridge Stride offers a five-mile alternative that includes the Fremont and Steel bridges.
The six-bridge ride and stride are free to children ages 15 and younger when accompanied by an adult. Children must register for the event. This ride starts later in the morning to ensure "fast" cyclists and families do not merge enroute.
An 11-bridge, 37-mile ride for serious cyclists. This ride starts early and away from downtown with a police-escorted ride over the Fremont Bridge.
Party in the Park! This year's Wellness Expo will be outdoors in Oregon Square. Stop by to pick up your event bib, gather healthy-living tips, see the latest in biking gear and enter drawings.
Going green: cyclists are encouraged to bring their own water bottles. There will be plenty of cold, fresh water to refill water bottles along the route.
Once again this year, a portion of Providence Bridge Pedal proceeds will boost Providence Heart and Vascular Institute's efforts to save the lives of people suffering heart attacks or other cardiac events. Providence Heart and Vascular Institute will use its portion of the proceeds to buy automated external defibrillators (AEDs) and donate them to selected public places in the community, such as stores, schools and libraries. An AED is a portable device used to restore normal heart rhythm to people experiencing cardiac arrest.
The Events:
9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 8
Providence Bridge Pedal Health and Wellness Expo (free)
Oregon Square – Northeast Holladay Street and Seventh Avenue
It's the best way to ensure a smooth start Sunday morning. Pick up your registration materials at the Health and Wellness Expo on Saturday and head straight for the start line on Sunday. The expo also features activities for children, games, contests, and the latest in bicycle and fitness information.
Sunday, Aug. 9
Providence Bridge Pedal and Providence Bridge Stride (registration required)
Bicyclists circle the city for an exhilarating ride over Portland's bridges. This year's most challenging ride takes seasoned cyclists over bridges 11 times. The 11-bridge ride is 37 miles long. Shorter options – 24 and 14-mile rides also are available. All routes cross the top decks of the Fremont and Marquam bridges. Those who enjoy crossing the bridges on foot can take part in the five-mile Providence Bridge Stride.
11-bridge ride – 37 miles
Start time/location: 7 a.m. to 7:30 a.m., North Vancouver Avenue and Cook Street
Fee: $35 ($45 day of event) Not recommended for young children
Eight-bridge ride – 24 miles
Start time/location: 6:30 a.m. to 7:15 a.m., Southwest Naito Parkway and Southwest Pine Street
Fee: $25 ($40 day of event)
Six-bridge ride – 14 miles
Start time/location: 7:15 a.m. – 9:15 a.m., Southwest Naito Parkway and Southwest Pine Street
Fee: $20 ($35 day of event)
Free for children 15 and under
Bridge Stride – 5 miles
Start time/location: 8:30 a.m.
Southwest Naito Parkway and Southwest Pine Street
Fee: $15 adults ($20 day of event)
$10 seniors ($15 day of event)
Free for children 15 and under
Online registration and registration forms for all events are available at www.providencebridgepedal.org
Help the Peninsula Children's Center
What makes Peninsula Children's Center so special? Peninsula Children's Center is the only North Portland child care provider committed to providing quality child care and education to families of all income levels and serving the whole community.
The Center offers competitive tuition rates as well as a limited amount of scholarship assistance for working and low-income families. In addition, we accept tuition reimbursements from the Oregon Department of Human Services and other subsidy programs. This affordable tuition structure is an essential component of Peninsula Children's Center's service – without it many families simply could not afford child care.
But for an independent nonprofit child care center serving primarily low-income families, community support is crucial. That is why we are launching our Quarters for Kids fundraising campaign.
Supported by US Bank Corp., Quarters for Kids is a community effort. From July to September, when you see a Peninsula Preserves jar at community events and businesses, drop in a quarter, a dollar or twenty dollars. No amount is too large, and no amount is too small.
Without the community's help, some children will not return to Peninsula Children's Center in the fall, leaving their working parents without childcare options and jeopardizing Peninsula's unique diversity that contributes to the vitality of Portland's vibrant N/NE neighborhoods.
A quarter buys 1 fresh apple for a snack. $25 buys 2 picture books for a preschool reading corner. $250 buys one month's worth of cloth diapers for 16 babies. $2500 buys before and after school care for a low-income 7 year old for the entire school year.
Visit any US Bank branch to make a donation, contact Peninsula to host a jar at your business or workplace, and join us at the Center for a celebration of success on September 19th, 2009.
Nominate Clark County Leaders
The deadline to nominate exemplary Clark County leaders for the General George C. Marshall Public Leadership Award is on Aug. 20 at 4 p.m. Forms may be downloaded from the Fort Vancouver National Trust's Web site at www.fortvan.org or picked up at the Trust's office in the General O.O. Howard House, 750 Anderson Street. Nominators submit a nomination form including a letter of recommendation and the nominee's contact information. For information call the Trust at 360-992-1804.
Eligible candidates for this annual award must be Clark County residents, 35 years of age or younger and have completed a four-year college degree. Selection is based on demonstrated leadership ability, commitment to public service, academic achievement and potential for an ongoing active role in public service.
These are qualities embodied by General George C. Marshall, who lived in Vancouver from 1936 to 1938 in the house on Officers Row that today bears his name. At the time, Marshall was a Brigadier General and served as Commander of the 5th Infantry Brigade at Vancouver Barracks. He later served as the chief of staff of the U.S. Army during World War II and as secretary of state from 1947 to 1949. The pinnacle of his diplomatic career was being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for the Marshall Plan, which helped rebuild the economies of Europe and the Pacific Nations after the war.
In November the recipient will be recognized at a ceremony at the Marshall House and later will visit the Marshall Foundation in Lexington, Va., Colonial Williamsburg and Washington, D.C. The recipient also will receive a scholarship to Leadership Clark County, a program to enhance public leadership skills.
