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| Nicole Jannsen ascends to executive vice president position at Denton Plastics. |
| Submitted Photo |
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| Teresa Galin moves up to become Denton Plastics executive vice president of finance. |
| Submitted Photo |
Denton Plastics, 4427 N.E. 158th Ave., has promoted Nicole Janssen to the position of executive vice president and Teresa Galin to executive vice president of finance.
Janssen has been with the company since 1994 as its human resources and sales manager. Prior to working at Denton, Janssen held positions in the retail sales industry. As executive vice president, Janssen will provide leadership and innovative direction for the company in its mission to contribute to environmentally friendly and economically sound processes that aid companies in plastic waste reduction through recycling. She is currently a member of the Society of Plastic Engineers and served as its board president for the 1999-2000 term.
Galin joined the company in 1985, just two years after it was established, as its controller. She has been instrumental in Denton Plastics emergence as the leading plastics reclaimer in the Pacific Northwest. In her new role as vice president of finance, Galin will continue to ensure that the company serves its customers from a platform of prudent fiscal responsibility and transparent corporate accountability.
“The naming of executive vice presidents signals a new era for our company,” said Dennis Denton, CEO. “Through the years we have worked hard to establish a solid foundation for a sustainable business that would allow us to provide outstanding service to our customers. From that simple premise, we have grown to become an industry leader. Now, with the promotion of these two veteran team members, we set the stage to expand our vision, affecting further positive change in the commodities recycling industry.”
Winter hours at off-leash sites
The off-leash hours at Portland Parks have changed to winter hours. Dog owners who use the parks should familiarize themselves with the hours at the parks they visit, because hours vary depending upon the park’s location. Off-leash areas at both Argay Park at Northeast 141st Avenue and Failing Street, and Cherry Park at Southeast 110th Avenue and Stephens St., will be open from 5 to 9 a.m. and from 4 p.m. until the parks close. Due to its proximity to a school, the off-leash area at Glenfair Park will be available only from 5 to 7:30 in the morning hours and from 4 p.m. until closing.
Dog owners must keep their off-leash dogs within the off-leash areas, as indicated on signs within the park.
Evaluation of the current off-leash program continues. Changes recommended by the Off-Leash Advisory Committee and approved by City Council will be implemented prior to June 15, 2005. Seasonally expanded hours at most sites are included in those recommendations.
To learn more or provide input, visit www.PortlandParks.org.
An ear at City Hall
At last month’s Gateway Area Business Area meeting, city bureau representatives spoke about their programs. Suzanne Vara, small business liaison for the Bureau of Development Services, told those present, “Think of me as your friend at the city.” She conceded, “No one has to tell me that permitting has gotten so complicated - it has for us too.” However, she added, “I can at least help you understand the process. If I hear that someone’s had a bad time (with city officials) I try to chase them down so that I can listen and help. I’m interested in how we can do better.”
Terri Williams, Licensing Division manager, says that her agency is stepping up its efforts to track down businesses that don’t pay their business license fees. “To do business in this city, you must have a license,” she said. “There are people who don’t file, and wait to see if they get caught. It’s not fair to you who are conscientious and pay your bills to have to pay for the people who don’t.”
ONI continues GREAT regulation review process
The Office of Neighborhood Involvement is continuing to collect input on its draft of new regulations for neighborhood associations, district coalitions and the bureau itself. A few issues are beginning to emerge as topics for debate.
Although the draft regulations depart somewhat from the letter of the state Open Meetings Law, which has governed neighborhood associations for some time, the rules still say that all meetings that make or lead to decisions must be open to anyone. Within that context, the draft outlaws meetings done through E-mail. Some groups say this interferes with their ability to act quickly in emergency situations.
Neighborhood business associations, which are listed in the bureau’s directory of community organizations but do not otherwise receive assistance from the city, are not subject to the same regulations as neighborhood associations. Specifically, they are not required to hold open meetings and they may charge dues as a condition of membership. Some community leaders, especially in Northwest Portland, have objected to what they see as unequal treatment.
El Rodeo bar causes concerns
Hazelwood community leaders and east precinct officers have raised concerns about El Rodeo, an “Hispanic Themed Night Club” at Southeast 122nd Avenue and Division Street. Currently a non-alcoholic music venue, it is seeking a liquor license.
“It has too many patrons, it has too little parking, and it’s in a residential neighborhood,” Portland Police Bureau East Precinct officer Mike Gallagher told the Hazelwood Neighborhood Association last month. There have been complaints from neighbors of loud music and conversation, and anti-social behavior associated with patrons going to and from cars parked on nearby residential streets, he said. More seriously, there was a recent incident in which three patrons were stabbed.
“It didn’t happen inside El Rodeo, but they were customers of the place, and if it weren’t there it wouldn’t have happened,” Gallagher said.
Owner Mark Gasau claimed the problems were caused by patrons of another establishment, El Carrita’s, two blocks away. Gallagher pointed out that El Carrita’s attracts “maybe 40 people,” as compared to 300 or more at El Rodeo. The latter attracts middle class Latinos who come for the salsa music, and “95 percent are not a problem,” Gallagher said. However, he added, the logistics make the crowd hard to handle.
Night Stops for safety
With clocks set back to standard time and darkness beginning earlier in the evening, it’s a good time to remember TriMet’s Night Stop program. Riders can get off anywhere along a bus route between 8 p.m. and 5 a.m. instead of just at designated stops.
Simply tell the operator where you want to stop a block or two ahead of the location, and the operator will choose the safest spot near the requested place.
Night Stop is available anywhere outside Fareless Square. The program is for drop offs only. Operators can only pick up riders at regular bus stops.
It is also important to remember that riders may be hard to see after dark. Increase your visibility by using a safety strobe or a small flashlight to alert the driver when your bus approaches. TriMet plans to distribute 50,000 safety strobes on buses this winter. Wear bright-colored clothing and stand up and wave as the bus approaches.
For trip planning assistance see trimet.org or call 503-238-RIDE weekdays between 7:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.
Rappers, Christmas wrapper’s that is, needed
You can help assemble and wrap Christmas boxes for SnowCap. “We are looking for ‘rappers’ - the kind who can wrap Christmas gifts,” says Judy Alley, executive director of SnowCap Community Charities. “This year in our secret Santa location we will need groups and individuals who enjoy wrapping gifts for our neighbors in need. This will be fun, festive and make full use of your creativity. Please feel free to join us.”
Troutdale police officers will help deliver the holiday baskets this year, says Alley. The officers, men and women, would appreciate your help with wrap, tape and ribbons. Several wrapping parties will be organized - all you need to do is contact SnowCap at 503-674-8785 and ask for Danni at extension 19. “This is a great activity for Scouts, youth groups, even families who want to volunteer together,” says Alley.
Other items needed this holiday at Snowcap include:
• Holiday foods, canned or packaged: Fruits, vegetables and protein (chili, stew, tuna). Festive extras like olives, yams, turkey and chicken. Fresh or frozen foods may be donated directly to the SnowCap warehouse at 17788 S.E. Pine St. in Gresham, with hours Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Blankets (gently used or new).
• Stage No. 2 baby food especially fruits, vegetables and proteins.
• Baby formula, both soy and milk based. Although powdered is more economical, the full strength liquid versions are more practical and hygienic for homeless families.
• Diapers in larger sizes like 4T and 5T.
• Baby blankets, baby hats and booties for warmth in winter.
• Gently used or new children’s jackets for 8th grade or younger child.
• Children’s underwear and socks for boys and girls 8th grade and younger.
• Extras like gently used school appropriate clothing, toys and books are accepted year-around.
Donations are accepted at the SnowCap warehouse entrance from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday at 17788 S.E. Pine St.
To find out more about volunteer activities at SnowCap Community Charities, call Danni 503-674-8785, extension 19 to receive a description of the volunteer skills needed, available time slots and information about on the job orientation. Gifts to SnowCap Community Charities are fully tax deductible, the organization is a 501(c)(3) charitable nonprofit corporation. For more information contact judy@snowcap.org.
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