12/17/2013
Update: December 17th 2013
Emergency meeting of Board, Thursday, Dec 19th, at the Caroling partyWhy? We need to discuss and then vote if we chose, whether or not to donate funds to support the Chief Joseph/Ockley Green PTA's plan to march in the January MLK Parade. They need help with the permit costs. We need 6+1=7 Board members present to vote. Thank you!
12/14/2013
Update: December 14th 2013
Shout out for food for hungry neighborhood kids!
ALNA just found out that there is extra need for emergency food for children/youth attending Chief Joseph and Ockley Green right now. Food boxes and backpacks will go out on Thursday, Dec 19th. Donations need to be at Ockley Green (for both schools) by noon on Wednesday, Dec 18th.
If you can donate anything it will be appreciated and distributed to those identified as really needing food. Many of these kids just get regular meals at school. School will be out Dec 21-Jan 6th. That's a long time to be hungry.
Please bring in fresh fruit, veggies, can goods, or gift cards to Fred Meyer or other stores. The PTA volunteers will divide it up and get it to those in need. Thank you! : )
12/11/2013
Come sing with us!
Help us spread some holiday cheer this winter! We are getting neighbors together for a caroling event on the evening of Thursday, Dec. 19th.
We will start at 6:30 at 7025 N Campbell Ave. Bring a flashlight and a singing voice. Neighbors will invite us in to their homes for refreshments along the way and people are invited to bring some cookies or snacks to share.
We look forward to seeing you there and please bring anyone else you think would enjoy singing!
12/10/2013
Peruse Comp Plan Map App with North Portland Neighbors 12/18 7pm
A group of North Portland land use folks will get together to go through the Comprehensive Plan Map App in order to get in comments before the deadline (12/31).If you'd like to help weigh in with what you think is important going forward, please join us at the Kenton Firehouse.Here is a link to the app if you haven't seen it yet:http://www.portlandbps.com/gis/cpmapp/
Hope you can join us!
When:Wednesday December 18, 7:00pmWhere:Kenton Firehouse | 8105 N Brandon
12/02/2013
Update: December 2nd 2013
Crime Prevention Update
Sara Hussein
City of Portland, Crime Prevention Coordinator
503-823-4098
Sara.hussein@portlandoregon.gov
This article comes to us from Sara Hussein, our Neighborhood Crime Prevention Specialist with Portland Police Bureau.
Crime Prevention during the Holidays
During this time of year, we hear about increases in certain types of crime. Being aware and taking a few extra steps can reduce incidents during this holiday season. With an increase in deliveries during the holiday, consider the following to help prevent package theft:
Arrange to sign for your deliveries
Have your package delivered to a place where you will be during the day
Pick up your package at the delivery company
Have the delivery sent to a secure locker box
Additionally, car prowls increase during the holidays as individuals store their purchases in their car or trunk. Leaving your car free of valuable items, bags, and anything that might be mistaken as valuable is the best prevention. If you must store items in your car, place them in a trunk and then move your car to another location. If you are going to be out of town during the holidays, be sure to create an appearance of occupancy at your home, especially installing timers on your porch lights and informing trusted neighbors that you will be gone.
Door to Door Solicitations
There has been an uptick in door-to-door solicitors in the past few weeks around the Overlook neighborhood. As we enter the holidays, we can expect to see more door-to-door solicitors in our area. Many residents will also receive visits from representatives of charities. It's not against the law to sell door to door. Sales people are not required by Multnomah County to apply for a permit and they are not required to carry identification. However, there are certain behaviors or signs that cause residents to be concerned:
Aggressive sales tactics including trying to enter your home
The solicitor won't leave your premises
The representative does not have company materials or identification
An individual looks into home windows or checks the side of the house when no one answers the door. In some cases door handles may be checked.
Probing questions are asked that make you feel uncomfortable
When there is suspicious behavior exhibited by a door-to-door solicitor, you can contact the police. However, it's not enough to call just because you see solicitors in your neighborhood. What actions are making you feel uncomfortable? Unless it's an immediate threat to life or property, which warrants a call to 9-1-1, you can contact the non-emergency line to the police at 503-823-3333. You can also contact the Attorney General Consumer Protection Hotline to report problems with a company in the Portland area (503) 229-5576.
It is helpful to have a plan for dealing with door-to-door solicitors. Some people may choose not to open the door at all. Others may open the door, but may not buy anything or donate money at that moment; instead they take the information from the solicitor, do their research, and follow up later. If you belong to a Neighborhood Watch, contact your neighbors on your phone tree and let them know to be cautious if you have encountered an aggressive or suspicious solicitor.