Each day members of our community quietly celebrate milestones, achievements and accomplishments—big and small. This department highlights these triumphs for the community.
If you’re sending a submission, include all details that apply: individuals’ names, details of the milestone and a contact name and phone number. If you have photos, send them. The submission deadline for August issue is Saturday, July 15. For best results, e-mail editor@midcountymemo.com or mail submissions to 3510 N.E. 134th Ave., Portland, OR 97230. Call 503-287-8904.
Reynolds School District Bond Projects map. Fairview, Troutdale and Wilkes elementary schools will be replaced.
COURTESY REYNOLDS SCHOOL DISTRICT
Reynolds grade schools being demolished
Three schools in the Reynolds School District are slated to be demolished to make way for new buildings at the same sites. They are Fairview, Troutdale and Wilkes elementary schools. Security and playground upgrades will also be part of the projects funded by a bond measure passed in 2015.
A School Celebration Committee has been created to host farewell open houses at all three buildings Sunday, Oct. 15. The events are open to the public, and all current and former students, teachers, staff and their families are invited to come say goodbye and share memories of these schools. Refreshments will be provided.
The School Celebration Committee is seeking volunteers to help plan and conduct these events. To contact the group with questions or to volunteer, call 503-618-0946 or 503-661-2164 or e-mail celebrateyourschool@gmail.com.
The School Celebration Committee is made up of teachers, alumni and the Reynolds School District, as well as the East County Historical Organization and the Troutdale Historical Society.
Gateway Green opens
Gateway Green officially opened its first phase on June 24. This 25-acre mountain biking park sits east of Northeast Halsey Street on the former site of the Rocky Butte Jail. The park is nestled between the I-84 and I-205 freeways, and it’s easily accessible from the Gateway Transit Center.
Trail construction initially began back in October, but the project has been in the works for more than a decade.
Ultimately, the Gateway Green has big dreams. It’s destined to become Portland’s first off-road bike park, heavy on the single-track trails (two miles of them), free bike rentals, safety courses and a cyclocross course. However, as revealed by Willamette Week, things got dicey when Gateway Green planners did not plan for the reality that parks are liable for any accidents caused by “extreme sports” following a 2016 Oregon Supreme Court ruling.
Whoops.
Clean up after celebrations
If you plan to celebrate the Fourth of July with fireworks, please clean up debris to keep harmful pollutants out of our creeks, rivers and streams.
Fireworks contain metals, nitrates and sulfur, along with paper, plastic and other materials. If fireworks residue is not swept up after Fourth of July festivities, rain will wash these pollutants into nearby storm drains.
In some areas, storm drains and pipes carry untreated stormwater directly into waterways, where pollutants harm fish and other aquatic life.
Remember also that legal fireworks can only be purchased from Oregon-permitted fireworks retailers and stands.
Oregon law prohibits possession, use or sale of any firework that flies into the air, explodes or travels more than 12 feet horizontally on the ground without a permit issued by the Oregon State Fire Marshal. Fireworks commonly called bottle rockets, Roman candles, and firecrackers are illegal in Oregon without a permit.
Officials may seize illegal fireworks and fine offenders up to $500 per violation. Those who misuse fireworks or allow fireworks to cause damage are liable and may be required to pay fire suppression costs or other damage costs. Parents are also liable for fireworks damage caused by their children.
Nominate someone for a Spirit of Portland Award
Call for nominations for the 33rd annual Spirit of Portland Awards closes Monday, Aug. 14. If you know of an individual or group who has helped make Portland a better place to live, work, study or play, please nominate them for one of the 2017 awards.
Celebrated since 1985, the Spirit of Portland Awards Ceremony is an important way for the city to recognize and celebrate those who make outstanding contributions to our community. Each year, there are roughly 20 winners.
Award recipients will be chosen for the following categories:
• Outstanding Individual Leadership Awards
• Community Leader of the Year/Young Leader of the Year
• City Employee of the Year/Elder Leader of the Year
• Outstanding Organization Leadership Awards
• Community Group/Organization of the Year/Neighborhood Association of the Year
• Business of the Year/Business District Association of the Year
• Outstanding Individual or Organization Leadership Awards
• Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Award/Equity in Practice Partnership of the Year/Making a Difference Award/Sandy Diedrich Environmental Stewardship of the Year
Nomination forms are available at portlandonline.com/oni/spiritofportland or by contacting Marco Mejia at 503-823-3093 or spiritofportland@portlandoregon.gov.
The awards ceremony will be held Tuesday, Nov. 14.
Spirit of Portland Award recipients are chosen by a selection committee composed of representatives from the Mayor’s and City Commissioners’ offices, the Office of Neighborhood Involvement, the Neighborhood District Coalition offices, Diversity and Civic Leadership Program partners, Business Associations, nonprofit and community organizations and past award winners.
