Newsline February 27, 2010

Skyline Rural Watch Newsline

Mailbox: newsline [at] skylineridgeneighbors [dot] org

Urgent: alert [at] skylineridgeneighbors [dot] org

Phone: (503) 621-3501

Saturday February 27, 2009

Found pets:
A mostly black cat (white paws, chest markings and a litte around his mouth) showed up at our place about 3 weeks ago.  We thought he was feral but, after feeding him for some days, it would appear he is very domesticated.
He wants lots of petting time, jumps in our laps, wants to play and wants in the house.  His back leg has been injured so he will not put weight on it.  He is a sweet kitty but will have to go to an animal shelter if he is not claimed in the next few weeks.  Please call if you know where he might live.  Kaiser Rd near Cornelius Pass location.
Linda or Tony 503-645-0767

Community Organizations:

Sunday Feb 28 at the Grange: Pancakes, Etc: Brunch:
Feb 28,9:30 to 12:00 Homemade pancakes, quiches, and scones. Contact Tracy Waters @ 503.285.3530 or Sen Speroff @ 503.621.3331

Schools
Skyline Elementary
Contribute to the Wall of Wine! Bring in a bottle for this popular auction item. Bid on the wall at the Skyline School Auction March 6th. Contact Sandra Kruger at sandralahti [at] msn [dot] com or 503-286-6346.

Used Book Sale at Skyline School April 19-22. Make a donation of used books (for all ages), or just plan to stop by and shop.

Sauvie Island School
TODAY  Sat – Feb 27 - 10 am to 2pm Plant Sale
5:00 PM - 9:30 PM Sauvie Island School Auction –. 5pm dinner and silent auction, live (oral) auction starts at 7:30pm. This auction is held the last Saturday of February each year.

Government:

Census 2010 Comes to Skyline
Questionnaire Assistance Center at Brooks Hill Historic Church (11539 NW Skyline, across from Skyline Elementary)
Most households will get a census questionnaire in the mail. But if you have questions or need help, there will be a census center at the church. The center will provide assistance to individuals who: do not understand how to complete the census questionnaire they received or need assistance with non-English language, reading skills, or physical challenges. Or anyone who needs a questionnaire because they did not receive one, or think they were not included on their household Questionnaire.  Each site will have written guides for 60 additional languages including Braille.
3/19 Friday 4-7
3/22 Monday 10-1
3/23 Tuesday 4-7
3/24 Wednesday 3-6 (Before yoga) 
3/25 Thursday 4-7
3/26 Friday 4-7

Final Proposals for Urban and Rural Reserves
An annoucement from Kathryn Harrington, Metro Councilor District 4

February 19, 2010. On behalf of the Metro Council, I am pleased to report that Metro and Clackamas, Multnomah and Washington counties have produced final proposals for urban and rural reserves that will shape how our region grows for up to 45 years.
This is one of the most important and challenging decisions our region has faced. The proposed designation of more than 271,500 acres of rural reserves will guarantee the protection of valuable farmland, forestland and natural areas for current and future generations to enjoy. Urban reserves, which would amount to about 28,100 acres across the region, will provide for the future opportunity to create good jobs and housing in safe and pleasant neighborhoods that complement existing communities.
The proposals are the result of unprecedented partnerships and participation from local governments, advocacy organizations and thousands of residents. They represent a collaborative road map that no other region in the United States has achieved.
The proposals rest on the foundation of the 2040 Growth Concept, which calls for focusing development in city and town centers, along transportation corridors and near employment areas. While that plan reflects a regional agreement about what we want the future to look like, the land use decisions we are poised to make and the region's recent transportation choices represent a concerted effort to decide how we are going to get there.
And let's be clear. Our continued success will revolve around a single imperative: investing in our communities to secure the future the people of the region desire. This means we must invest existing dollars strategically, focus investments for maximum impact, and deploy public resources in a way that supports private investment. Only if we do all these things can we ensure a strong economy, a healthy environment and communities that serve the needs of all.
I urge you to view the proposed agreements, map and other information on Metro's web site. Each of three county boards of commissioners and the Metro Council will consider the proposed intergovernmental agreements the week of Feb. 22.
www.oregonmetro.gov/reserves
Please stay involved as together we take important steps to invest in our communities and make our region the greatest place to live, work and raise a family.
Regards,

Kathryn Harrington
Metro Councilor, District 4

Metro
600 NE Grand Ave.
Portland, OR 97232-2736
503-797-1700
503-797-1804 TDD

Environment:
Forest Park Day of Stewardship (Volunteer Work Party)
March 20, from 9 am to 1 pm
Join the Forest Park Conservancy for a community wide volunteer stewardship event in Forest Park. Volunteer projects at five sites in Forest Park focus on habitat restoration. In keeping with tradition, the event will be followed by a volunteer appreciation party. We will be raffling off a number of great prizes and celebrating the stewardship of Forest Park.
No previous experience required. The Forest Park Conservancy will provide all tools and materials. Families are welcome. Pre-registration is required or this event. You will receive detailed information, including driving directions, via email as the event approaches.
For more information, contact us at stewardship [at] forestparkconservancy [dot] org.
Stephen Hatfield 503-223-5449

Forest Park Website

Farm & Forest

Northwest Native Tree and Plant Sale
Saturday, March 13th, 9:00am until supplies run out
Bales Thriftway Store, 17675 SW Farmington Rd., Aloha
Huge selection of native plants. Quality certified nursery-grown. "Naturescaping" experts & handouts available at sale.
See complete plant list and descriptions at www.wcswa.org. Pre-order selected plants online until March 6.
Need more info? (503) 324-7825. Sponsored by Washington County Small Woodlands Association. All proceeds support education and scholarships

West Multnomah Soil & Water Conservation District Awards FISH Grants to Local Projects
District Manager Dick Springer announces that a total $14,953.00 is going to three local conservation projects, thanks to the District's Financial Incentives for Sustainable Habitats grant program. 
The bulk of the grants funds in this cycle, $10,000, go to Sauvie Island Stables Compost Facility. Recently, some well water tests from Sauvie Island have shown elevated levels of nitrogen. While no other parameters have been formerly tested, WMSWCD and OSU Extension have started a partnership to look into the water quality issue. Horse and livestock operations are not likely to be the primary source of nutrients in the ground water, but unconfined animal wastes have the potential to contribute to nutrient loading. This FISH grant will fund the construction of a manure compost facility at Sauvie Island Stables, which currently boards 43 horses.
On average, Sauvie Island Stables may produce as much as 25,000 cubic feet of manure every three months! The composting facility will provide a confined area to store and compost animal waste that will then be shipped off to use at other sites. This project will serve as an educational centerpiece on Sauvie Island for horse owners and livestock managers throughout the District.

Transportation & Public Services:
Service Reductions For County Road Maintenance
Due to declining revenues and increasing costs, Multnomah County will be reducing some road services.  Last fall we sent letters to residents describing this possibility and announced a series of open houses to hear your suggestions.  The input we received helped to shape a proposal for service reductions.  The proposal was approved by the Board of County Commissioners for the budget year that began July 1, 2009.  If new funding becomes available, our road maintenance service levels will be re-evaluated.
Our Philosophy: Safety First
Ensuring the safety of road users remains our highest priority.  Our maintenance program gives priority to our busiest roads.  For most road services, we have opted to "thin the soup" and provide less of a service rather than end a service.  Response time will be slower for many services, due to staff cuts.  Service changes are described below.
Road Service Reductions
* Vegetation - There will be less mowing of vegetation in the right of way, although the entire system will be mowed once a year.  During growing season, priority will be to mow near key intersections, near curves for sight distance, and at hazard areas.  The public will be asked to notify the county of hazard areas that need vegetation management.
* Road Surface Maintenance - The overlay (paving) and chip-seal programs, which treat an entire width of road, will end.  We will focus on pothole patching and sealing cracks in the most deteriorated areas.  This will result in more pot holes.  Again, the public will be asked to notify the county of pot holes that need filling.
* Lane Striping - Maintenance of striping on low traffic roads will be reduced so that striping fades or disappears.  Striping on high traffic roads will remain at the current level.
* Emergency Response (including Snow Plowing, Sanding and De-icing) - Reductions in staff and equipment will lead to less or slower response on low-traffic local roads.  High traffic roads and emergency routes will remain high priority, with no change to their service level.
* Drainage Maintenance - Projects such as culvert and ditch cleaning will be prioritized and addressed as resources allow.
* Right of Way Maintenance -- Projects such as guardrail, sign and shoulder repairs will be prioritized and completed as resources permit.
Reporting a Maintenance Request
Report hazardous road conditions.
To report a county road concern, call 503-988-5050 during weekday business hours.  For non-emergency calls after business hours, call 503-823-3333.  To report emergency road conditions after office hours, please call 911.
You can also use our online service request form at any time.
Actions You Can Take
There are several ways residents can assist with maintaining county roads.
* Adopt-A-Road Program:  This anti-litter program helps build community pride.  Citizens adopt a portion of a county road and agree to pick up litter, maintain landscaping, and clean up vandalism.  The county erects two signs to recognize you or your group and provides safety equipment, training, litter bags and litter removal.
* Owner Maintained Right of Way Program:  If you own property along a county road and want to reduce use of herbicide on vegetation in the public right of way, you can sign up for this program.  Property owners must agree to maintain vegetation in the right of way to county standards.
For more information on Adopt-A-Road or the Owner Maintained Right of Way programs, call 503-988-5050 Ext. 83582
Source: http://www2.co.multnomah.or.us/Public/EntryPoint?ch=31c284c6bb082210VgnV...

ADS
Posting from Skyline Online:
Hello,  am working on a short documentary about Forest Park. (As part of a class through NW Documentary.) I am in search of people to interview. I'm looking for outgoing, talkative, frequent users of the park. Birders, runners, hikers, "slow strollers," :)
Any activity is great. If you (or anyone you know) loves the park, uses it often, and can express a deep personal connection to it...I would love to talk to you!
Much Appreciation,
Michelle Mintmier
Go to skylineonline.com to respond

SRN Resource Directory
Did you know - SRN publishes an on line Resource Directory as a service for Skyline area residents? It lists a wide variety of businesses that are either located in our area, or whose owners live here. It also lists many governmental agencies and nonprofit organizations that provide services to the Skyline neighborhood.
Following are snippets of information from the Resource Directory:

Forest Farm - Brian Lightcap on NW Newberry Rd - Lamb, special hardwood lumber, organic manure, specialty native trees

Yoga - Jay Fields RYT of NW Skyline - 503-679-7979 jay [at] wingrockjourneys [dot] com - current classes held at Brooks Hill Historic Church

Craig Anderson Plumbing - 503-232-1060 - Local plumber providing service, remodeling and repiping.

Please go to the SRN Website http://www.skylineridgeneighbors.org/ for more details of these businesses, much more information regarding our community and information on how to add your business to this directory.

Listing of organizations and businesses herein does not imply any endorsement of SRN nor does it imply a lack of endorsement for similar organizations or businesses not included. =)

Community Calendar
 
Feb 28, Sunday: Pancakes, Etc: Brunch: 9:30 to 12:00 Homemade pancakes, quiches, and scones. Contact Tracy Waters @ 503.285.3530 or Sen Speroff @ 503.621.3331
 
Friday March 5-6: Grange Spring Garage Sale from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
You can drop off your items at the Grange on:
Saturday, February 27 (9-11 a.m.)
Sunday, February 28 (noon to 1 p.m.)
Monday, March 1 (11 a.m.-4 p.m.)
Tuesday, March 2 (9 a.m.-3 p.m.)
Wednesday, March 3 (10 a.m.-noon).Contact Valerie Driscoll at 503-690-3490 (valerie_driscoll [at] yahoo [dot] com) or Sen Speroff  (503-621-3331 or sensperoff [at] hotmail [dot] com).
 
Saturday March 6th Skyline School Auction  www.Skyline-Auction.com.  
Have a good or service you'd like to donate?  Contact Sandra Kruger at sandralahti [at] msn [dot] com or 503-286-6346.
 
Sunday, March 14: Linnton Community Center St. Paddys Day Dinner/Fundraiser Corn beef cabbage, potatoes, bread and dessert $15.00 children free. No host beer & wine Doors open @ 6:00PM Irish quartet playing the Great Highland Pipes Contact Pat Wagner, Director, Linnton Community Center at 503-286-4990 or at her cell phone at 503-475-3731.  Email at pat [at] linnton [dot] com