 |
||||||||
 |
||||||||
 |
MEMO BLOG | |
Memo Calendar | Memo Pad | Business Memos | Loaves & Fishes | Letters | Home |
Bike-sharing demonstration
The Portland Bureau of Transportation is inviting several bike-sharing vendors to participate in a public bike- sharing demonstration on Friday, Aug. 14 and Sunday, Aug. 16. The events will be free and open to the public.
Bike-sharing systems are automated, self-service bicycle rental systems that allow people to rent bikes, usually for a short period of time. Bike-sharing bikes are placed at various locations in the city for use and drop-off. Paris and Barcelona are two cities that have instituted large-scale bike-sharing systems that have proven very popular and dramatically increased bicycle ridership.
The demonstration will help inform Portland's Bicycle Master Plan and the city's efforts to increase both the number of bicycle trips and the number of people using bicycles for everyday transportation.
“We are conducting this demonstration in part to see if bike-sharing is a necessary ingredient for Portland to become a world-class bicycling city,” Mayor Sam Adams said. “Bike-sharing is an exciting concept that has shown promise in Europe. But given the expense of these systems, I want Portland to move forward prudently and with as much information as possible.”
The Aug. 14 event will occur midday at Waterfront Park. The Aug. 16 event will be part of Sunday Parkways in southeast Portland, featuring Laurelhurst, Sunnyside, Colonel Summers, and Mount Tabor parks and the surrounding communities. Sunday Parkways is a PBOT event that creates an eight-mile, car-free route on neighborhood streets connected by public parks and greenspaces. The vendors will be placed at different parks and places along the route.
“The bike-sharing demonstration is a perfect match for Sunday Parkways,” Adams said. “Both bike-sharing and Sunday Parkways encourage active transportation choices and getting people on bicycles. This will give the people of Portland firsthand experience with the latest bike-sharing systems without having to fly to Paris or Montreal.” For more information about Sunday Parkways, go to www.gettingaroundportland.org and click on Sunday Parkways, or call organizers at 503-823-5358.
PBOT has coordinated this event with King County, Wash., which is holding a similar event on Aug. 11 and 12. There will be no charge for vendors to participate in the event. PBOT is not off-setting the costs of vendors to participate.
Although over 100 bike-sharing systems are in use internationally, Washington, D.C., and Montreal, Quebec, are the only North American cities that have installed the latest iteration of bike-sharing systems. Often known as third generation systems, these systems are characterized by a high level of technological sophistication and a higher up-front capital investment. Bikes are usually checked out by a credit card or smart card at an unstaffed kiosk adjacent to the parked bicycles.
Concerts coming to Ventura Park
Throughout the summer, Portland Parks & Recreation has hosted free concerts in area parks. The best is yet to come at Ventura Park, Southeast Stark Street between 113th and 117th avenues. Enjoy the band Krebsic Orkestar, described as a gypsy brass explosion, on Wednesday, Aug. 19 or Po' Girl, an urban folk group, on Wednesday, Aug. 26, both beginning at 6 p.m.
Bring blankets or lawn chairs. Picnics are welcomed. Remember to pick up your litter.
RiverFest 2009
Join in the fun as Portland caps off the summer with an event to celebrate the Willamette River, Thursday through Sunday, Aug. 20 to 23.
RiverFest offers a family-friendly chance to come down by the riverside, get out on the water, take river tours, enjoy live music, learn firsthand about the river's history and environment, clean up the riverbank and view river spectacles.
Popular attractions from last year are back, including the Freshwater Trust Portland Triathlon, Portland Audubon events, the festival at South Waterfront, kayak tours and the Stop Oregon Litter and Vandalism Cleanup. Many new and exciting events for the whole family have been added.
For more information, visit www.portlandriverfest.org.
Party in the park
On Saturday, Aug. 22 Montavilla Park, Northeast 82nd Avenue and Glisan Street, will become a carnival, outdoor market and movie theater all rolled into one.
City Blessing Church will host the carnival beginning at 4 p.m. that will include face painting, puppet theater and games. Local businesses will set up an outdoor market beginning at 6 p.m. and a yet-to-be-named movie will be screened, beginning at dusk or 8:30 p.m., whichever occurs first.
Booth space is still available to sell products or promote organizations. Contact Brian Wong at wong.brian57@yahoo.com or 971-221-4718.
NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATIONS
Watch for a National Night Out event in your neighborhood
Enjoy live music by the Insomniacs and the Eric Christopher Band, face painting, a clown, games and a hot dog dinner at Knott Park when the Parkrose Heights Association of Neighbors hosts its National Night Out event on Tuesday, Aug. 4. Check the community bulletin boards in the information kiosks in the park for details.
Glenfair Neighborhood Association will celebrate National Night Out in Glenfair Park, Northeast 154th Avenue and Davis Street, from 6 to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 4. There will be free pizza for Glenfair neighbors plus a clown, face painting, games, a fire truck and some other surprises. Come meet your neighbors and learn about Glenfair Neighborhood Association.
Centennial Neighborhood Association will celebrate National Night Out at Parklane Park, Southeast 155th Avenue and Millmain Street, on Tuesday, Aug. 4 from 6 to 8 p.m. Bring the kids, enjoy refreshments and meet your neighbors, police and firemen.
Argay Park, Northeast 141st Avenue and Beech Street, is the location of the Argay Neighborhood Association National Night Out on Tuesday, Aug. 4 from 6 to 8:30 p.m
Parkview Christian Retirement Community, formerly known as Oregon Baptist Retirement Homes and the Gateway Area Business Association are joining forces for a National Night Out on Saturday, Aug. 15 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. to benefit SnowCap Community Charities, Salvation Army and Loaves & Fishes.
This community fair will feature a cruise-in with antique cars, classic cars, convertibles, pickups, motorcycles and more. The event is a scaled-down version of GABA's annual Fun-O-Rama celebration and will include a $2 barbecue, live music, kid's games and a silent auction.
There is a $15 entry fee for the cruise-in. A registration form is available at www.gaba.net. Parkview Christian Retirement Community is located at 1825 N.E. 108th Ave. To find out more, please call 503-309-1444.
Association Meetings
The Powellhurst-Gilbert Neighborhood Association will host a series of meetings on Saturday, Aug. 15 in the Human Solutions Community Room, 12350 S.E. Powell Blvd. The Greening of Powellhurst-Gilbert will begin at 10:30 a.m. The Powellhurst-Gilbert Outreach and Membership Committee will meet at 11:30 a.m. and the Powellhurst-Gilbert Public Safety Committee will meet at 1:30 p.m.
Argay Neighborhood Association general membership will meet on Tuesday, Aug. 18 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Fire Station #2, 4800 N.E. 122nd Ave. Call 503-256-5579 or e-mail argayinfo@yahoo.com for more information.
A general membership meeting of the Parkrose Neighborhood Association is Tuesday, Aug. 18 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Faithful Savior Ministries, 11100 N.E. Skidmore St. Contact PNA Chair Mary Walker at 503-252-2146 or phoenix@gmail.com to learn more.
Parkrose Heights Association of Neighbors will have an open board meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 18 at 7 p.m. at Parkrose United Methodist Church, 11111 N.E. Knott St.
The Glenfair Neighborhood Association board will meet on Thursday, Aug. 27 at 7 p.m. at Open Arms Seventh Day Adventist Church, 15150 N.E. Glisan St.
The Montavilla Neighborhood Association Outreach Committee is looking for a few good people to help improve its electronic communication efforts. They have some of the basics in place but are looking to make it better. Put your computer and technological skills to good use. Please contact Jennifer Tamayo at jennifer_montavilla@yahoo.com or Brian Wong at wong.brian57@yahoo.com.
LIBRARIES
Gregory Heights Library, 7921 N.E. Sandy Blvd., www.multcolib.org/agcy/grh.html, 503-988-5386
Space at programs is limited. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis, except as noted.
Tiny Tots: Storytime for children 12 to 24 months with adult. Mondays and Thursdays from 10:15 to 10:45 a.m., except Aug. 3.
Pajama Time: Put on your pajamas, grab a bedtime buddy, and join staff for stories, songs and fun. For children 6 years and younger with adult. Wednesdays from 7 to 7:30 p.m.
Book Babies: Storytime for children newborn to 12 months with adult. Thursdays from 11:15 to 11:45 a.m.
Toddler Storytime: Storytime for children 24 to 36 months with adult. Fridays from 10:15 to 10:45 a.m.
Preschool Storytime: Storytime for children 3 to 6 years with adult. Fridays from 11:15 to 11:45 a.m.
Teen Lounge and Homework Center: Use library computers, get homework help, or just do your homework and listen to music. For teens in grades 6-12. Thursdays from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m., except Aug. 13.
Teen Council: Meet new friends, learn new skills, help the library, eat snacks and have fun. Teen Council members work with library staff to make the library teen-friendly. Wednesday, Aug. 12 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Teen Lounge Unplugged - Dance Dance Revolution: The second Thursday of the month is DDR Day. Anyone in grades 6-12 is invited to jump around like a fool to DDR. Or just hang out and eat snacks. Thursday, Aug. 13 from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.
Language Exchange: Engage in conversation with native English speakers who want to practice their Spanish and with native Spanish speakers who want to practice their English. There will be time for conversation in both languages. Saturdays from 4 to 5:30 p.m.
Fetch It! with bluesman Steve Cheseborough: Enjoy 1920s- to '30s-style blues music and stories from nationally known, Portland-based performer and author Steve Cheseborough, who sings and plays guitar, harmonica and percussion. Saturday, Aug. 1 from 2 to 3 p.m.
Pageturners Book Group: Read “Intuition: A Novel” by Allegra Goodman. Engage in stimulating conversation about books, exchange perspectives about characters and plot, and get to know your neighbors. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library. Tuesday, Aug. 18 from 7 to 8 p.m.
Computer Lab: Lab assistants are available to help beginners practice their computer skills. Saturdays from 9 to 10 a.m.
Midland Library, 805 S.E. 122nd Ave., www.multcolib.org/agcy/mid.html, 503-988-5392
Space at programs is limited. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis, except as noted.
Chinese Storytime: Storytime presented in Cantonese for children ages newborn to 6 years with adult. Sundays through Aug. 16 from 1:15 to 2 p.m.
Book Babies: Storytime for children newborn to 12 months with adult. Tuesdays from 10:15 to 11 a.m.
Pajama Time: Put on your pajamas and join staff for stories, songs and fun. For children 6 years and younger with adult. Tuesdays from 7 to 7:30 p.m.
Tiny Tots: Storytime for children 12 to 24 months with adult. Wednesdays and Fridays from 10:15 to 11 a.m.
Toddler Storytime: Storytime for children 24 to 36 months with adult. Wednesdays and Fridays from 11:15 a.m. to noon.
Preschool Storytime: Storytime for children 3 to 6 years with adult. Thursdays from 10:15 to 11 a.m.
Vietnamese Storytime: Storytime presented in Vietnamese for children ages newborn to 6 with adult. Saturdays from 10:15 to 11 a.m.
Yoga for Youngsters: This class introduces children to the benefits of yoga through stories, music and simple movements. For ages 3 to 6 years and their caregivers; one child per adult. We encourage you to bring your own mat. Tuesdays from 11:15 a.m. to noon.
The Toy Trains: A rock band for children and adults. Hear the music of Dan Zanes coupled with covers by Tom Waits, The Beatles, Jack Johnson, Lisa Loeb and REM. Free tickets for seating will be available 30 minutes prior to the program. Tuesday, Aug. 11 from 2 to 3 p.m.
Paper Crowns: Use reclaimed art supplies to craft an elaborate paper crown; staff from SCRAP will show you how. Free tickets for seating will be available 30 minutes prior to the program. Tuesday, Aug. 18 from 1 to 3 p.m.
Teen Council: Meet new friends, learn new skills, help the library, eat snacks and have fun. Wednesday, Aug. 5 and 19 from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.
Read to the Dogs SM: Improve your reading skills and make a new friend by reading aloud to a therapy dog from the DoveLewis Animal Assisted Therapy and Education Program. Registration is required. Call 503-988-5392. Mondays, Aug. 10 and 24 from 6:30 to 8 p.m.
Guys Read Club: A guys-only reading club that makes reading fun. Call for further details about age range and activities. Thursdays, Aug. 13 and 17 from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.
The Princeton Review Assessment: The Princeton Review Assessment was created to help you decide what test will allow you to shine: the ACT or the SAT. Consider the PRA your first step on the road toward college admissions nirvana. Registration is required. Call 503-988-5392. Saturdays, Aug. 15 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Aug. 29 from 10 a.m. to noon.
Fish and Frogs - Watercolor Painting: Learn to use sumi ink and watercolor on rice paper with artist Cindy Lommasson. No experience necessary. For teens in grades 6-12. Wednesday, Aug. 19 from 3 to 4:30 p.m.
Language Exchange: Engage in conversation with native English speakers who want to practice their Spanish, as well as with native Spanish speakers who want to practice their English. Sundays from 3 to 4:30 p.m.
Talk Time: Talk Time is an informal conversation circle for non-native speakers to practice speaking English. This is not a class, but an opportunity to meet new people, share your culture and have fun. Only English will be spoken. Saturdays from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.
Latin Dance, Music and Culture: Have fun learning to dance while learning about the origins of these musical styles, the musicians and their culture. Merengue and samba on Tuesday, Aug. 4 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. and cha-cha on Tuesday, Aug. 18 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Early Words - Again. Again.: Learn why toddlers love repetition in books and language, and explore how to have fun reading the same book over and over and over. For child care providers who work or live in Multnomah County. Please find other arrangements for children. This is an adults-only workshop. Registration is required. Register online, in the library or by calling 503-988-5234. Saturday, Aug. 15 from 10 a.m. to noon.
Early Words - Color a Child's World with Literacy: Learn how to foster the skills that children need to learn how to read. For child care providers who work or live in Multnomah County. Please find other arrangements for children. This is an adults-only workshop. Registration is required. Register online, in the library or by calling 503-988-5234. Saturday, Aug. 15 from noon to 2 p.m.
Wills, Trusts and Estate Planning: Learn the basics of wills, living trusts, powers of attorney and health care directives with attorney and author Richard Schneider. Sunday, Aug. 16 from 2 to 3:30 p.m.
Ten Steps to Starting a Business: This presentation is designed for individuals in the thinking stage of starting a business. Presented by the Hispanic Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce. Monday, Aug. 24 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Computer Lab: Lab assistants are available to help beginners practice their computer skills. Assistance available in Chinese, English and Spanish on Mondays from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Assistance available in English and Russian on Fridays from 2:30 to 5 p.m.
 |
 |
 |
 |
MEMO Advertising | MEMO Archives | MEMO Web Neighbors | MEMO Staff | Home