West Tigard Neighborhood.....

Map Your Neighborhood (MYN) program

2012-02-07T15:37:00.000-08:00

MYN is a program designed to improve disaster readiness at the neighborhood level. Neighbors may only have each other to rely upon in the hours or days following an emergency before fire, medical, police or utility responders are able to reach them.

Learn to prepare your neighborhood to survive emergencies and disaster situations, save lives, reduce the severity of injuries and trauma, and reduce property damage. Neighborhoods generally consist of 15-20 homes in urban areas or 5-7 homes in rural areas. MYN can also be implemented in condos and apartment complexes. MYN begins with a single individual soliciting interest and inviting the neighborhood to his or her home or a centralized public site for a 90 –120 minute presentation by a trained presenter with a MYN program DVD in a play, pause and discuss mode. The presentation focuses on the nine steps to take immediately after a disaster or emergency occurs.

Local, county, state and Federal Emergency Management leaders believe that an informed, responsible and committed public can play a major role in safeguarding property and saving lives after an emergency. This program is one of the most effective ways to ensure that we are better prepared and more resilient in dealing with emergencies of all kinds.

Please contact Mike Lueck, Tigard’s Emergency Services Coordinator at mikel@tigard-or.gov
to set up a presentation in your neighborhood.

five free safety seminars

2012-02-07T15:02:00.000-08:00

The Tigard Chamber is partnering with Karate on Main to bring five free safety seminars targeted at kids, families and women. The series kicks off Thursday, Feb. 23rd and continues for five consecutive Thursdays from 7-8 p.m. Doors open at 6:45 p.m., seminars start promptly at 7 p.m. All seminars will be held at the Tigard Chamber’s Pearson Community Room (12345 SW Main Street, Tigard).
These seminars are free, and you can sign up to attend any and all that are of interest to you. If you have questions regarding this series or an individual seminar, contact Robert Ellis at 503-968-1600 or sensei@karateonmain.com
Dealing with Bullies - Strategies for Parents and Kids
Date: February 23, 2012
Instructor: Robert E. Ellis, Chief Instructor Karate on Main
Learn:
The Signs Your Child May be Bullied * What to Do if Your Child is Bullied * What do I do if my child is bullying others? * Parental Responsibilities * Cyber Bullies * Dealing with Bullies -Strategies for Kids
Register - Dealing with Bullies

Stranger Danger
Date: March I, 2012
Instructor: Robert E. Ellis, Chief Instructor Karate on Main

People who look friendly are not always safe. Learning how to deal with strangers is essential to give children and parents skills to prevent abduction and associated anxieties and fears.
Reducing children's vulnerability requires basic understanding of these offenders and their behaviors. This seminar helps parents and children develop specific ground rules to enhance personal safety.
Register - Stranger Danger

Online Safety - What Families Should Know
Date: March 8, 2012
Instructor: William Eisenhauer, Professor Portland State University

Advances in computer technologies allow our children to reach new sources of information and cultural experiences and interact with friends and the global community in ways most parents never dreamed possible. These new technologies require personal responsibility and the need for true awareness of online risks. This seminar for parents, teens, and children identifies these risks and the mitigating actions that can be taken while online to increase web usefulness while minimizing hazards.
Register - Online Safety

Peaceful Conflict Resolution for Kids and Adults
Date: March 15, 2012
Instructor: Christopher E. Fender, JD, MS
Learn:
What conflict is, why it happens, how it escalates, and how you can prevent seemingly innocent events from turning hostile. * Conflict resolution skills, strategies, and solutions that you can use to take charge of conflict situations. * To manage and mediate conflicts, enhancing your personal productivity and performance.
Register - Peaceful Conflict Resolution

Women's Self Defense - Why should you care?
Date: March 22, 2012
Instructor: Robert E. Ellis, Chief Instructor Karate on Main

If you are a woman, you are a target for certain kinds of criminals. The best self-protection for most crimes is prevention. If prevention fails, your best chance is to fight back. But you must know HOW to fight back.
Learn:
●Danger Recognition ●The Attack Timeline ●Your Most Powerful Weapon ●Avoidance Strategies ●De-escalation Strategies ●Verbal Self-Defense ●Empowerment ●The Defensive Mindset ●How to Stay Calm ●Targeting Your Opponent ●Escaping ●Effective Defensive Techniques
Register - Women's Self Defense

2012's new driving laws - Changes now in effect

2012-02-03T22:17:00.000-08:00

HB3186: Modifications to Cell Phone Use while Driving

Most drivers were already prohibited from using a hand-held device while driving, but this change removes the exception "in the scope of the person's employment if operation of the motor vehicle is necessary for the person's job."

Bottom line: No cell phone use while driving, unless it's hands-free.

Sunny weather brings out dogs and their owners...

2012-02-03T22:14:00.000-08:00

http://www.cleanwaterservices.org/Residents/ToolsAndTips/Doody.aspx

ODOT’s upcoming project to add a lane on I-5 southbound through the Carman Dr/Upper Boones Ferry Rd interchange

2012-02-03T22:06:00.000-08:00

An ODOT contractor is beginning work this month on a project on I-5 southbound from Carman Drive to Lower Boones Ferry Road. The fourth lane of I-5 southbound that currently tapers off just south of the Carman Drive off-ramp will be extended past the interchange to connect with the existing exit-only lane for Lower Boones Ferry Road. This will help reduce rear-end crashes in this heavily congested section of I-5, thus increasing traffic flow. Any lane closures on I-5 will occur during nighttime work hours. Project completion is slated for August 2012.

Keep up to date by visiting the project website: http://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/HWY/REGION1/carman/

Tigard Chamber Now Accepting Applications for College Scholarships

2012-02-03T22:01:00.000-08:00

If you know or have a high school senior looking for scholarships, check out the Tigard Chamber of Commerce scholarship opportunity made possible by generous donations from Pride Disposal Co. and more than 80 Chamber member businesses. Two $1500 scholarships will be given to deserving seniors.

Eligible students will: live in or attend school in the 97223 or 97224 zip codes, plan to pursue a career in the field of business or non-profit work and demonstrate participation in extracurricular activities and/or afterschool employment. Submission deadline is 2/29/12.

Download the application at http://www.tigardchamber.org/site/ShiningStars.php

Really, it's Fun for the whole Family!

2011-12-23T11:25:00.000-08:00

The West Tigard Neighborhood is searching for a new site administrator - it could be YOU!

If you're interested in what's happening in and around your neighborhood, and you like to get involved, team with Tigard's fun and knowledgable staff. We'll show you everything you need to know to administer the site - and the training only takes about 45 minutes!

This is a great opportunity to get involved in your neighborhood. Whether you share the job with a team member, sibling or best friend - even the entire family - it's an easy, fun and creative activity!

Contact Joanne at the city if you want to try it out ~ Joanne@tigard-or.gov or 503-718-2476.

Passport Saturday is Back!

2011-12-23T11:18:00.000-08:00

The city is offering another Passport Saturday to busy residents who can't access passport services during traditional business hours.

WHEN: Saturday, January 14, 2012 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

WHERE: Tigard's Passport Counter inside City Hall (13125 SW Hall Blvd.)

Passport acceptance agents will take passport applications on a first-come, first-served basis. To allow time for processing, applicants should arrive at City Hall no later than 1 p.m.

Once the U.S. Department of State receives a passport application, it takes four to six weeks to process. This is a great time to get a passport if you plan on traveling during spring break 2012. If you need a passport photo, agents can take your passport photo for a $10 fee.

Information about pricing and required documentation is available on the city's website at www.tigard-or.gov/passport or by calling 503-718-2489.

Safely dispose of old/unwanted meds at Tigard Police Dept.

2011-12-23T11:04:00.000-08:00

Now you can dispose of unwanted, unused or expired medications throughout the year. The Tigard Police Department is pleased to provide the community with a new and convenient Med-Return box in the police lobby, open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Abuse of prescription pain-killers now ranks second to marijuana use as the nation’s most prevalent illegal drug problem.

Tigard Police partnered with the Drug Enforcement Administration over the past year by participation in the nationally held Drug Turn-In events. Over 1,400 pounds of pharmaceuticals were collected as a result of the past three collection events held in Tigard.

It became evident the community wanted options to safely dispose of unwanted prescription medications. To that end, Chief Orr began steps to bring a more timely and convenient option to Tigard residents.

Learn more about unwanted pharmaceuticals by visiting http://www.dea.gov/

Acceptable disposal items include: prescription medications and samples, all over-the-counter medications, vitamins, pet medications, creams, ointments and liquid medications in leak-proof containers.

The drop box is not suitable for thermometers, syringes, IV bags, bio-waste, aerosols of any type, inhalers and Epi-Pens. The drop box is not intended to receive large quantities of pharmaceuticals from health care facilities.

Do You Know Your Non-Number?

2011-11-10T11:01:00.000-08:00

Your non-number is the number you should use to report all non-emergency situations.

Using your non-number allows your 9-1-1 center to better prioritize calls and gets help to those in life or property threatening situations as fast as possible. Your non-emergency call may take a little longer for dispatch to answer - please, don't hang up! Your call is important to us and the agencies we serve!

The non-emergency number for Washington County is 503-629-0111

Non-emergency calls may include reports of:
• Abandoned Vehicles
• Loud Music or Party Complaints
• Follow Up Calls
• Non-Injury/Non-Blocking Accidents
• Dead Animals
• Illegal Parking
• Crimes that are NOT in progress or just occurred

If there is any doubt, call 911!
If you would like to receive "reminder" stickers (as shown above) to place near phones or in public areas, please fill out our sticker request form at www.wccca.com/stickers.

Prescription Discount Card Available

2011-10-17T12:16:00.000-07:00

Save on Prescription Drugs...With a Prescription Discount Card!

The City of Tigard participates in a program that offers savings on prescription drugs to residents who are without health insurance, a traditional benefits plan, or have prescriptions that are not covered by insurance.

The Prescription Discount Card is made available to residents by the City of Tigard in collaboration with the National League of Cities (NLC) and is made possible through Tigard's membership in NLC. The card is FREE to all residents, regardless of age, income or existing health insurance. By using this card you may save an average of 20% off the regular retail price of prescription drugs at participating pharmacies.
Residents may pick up a card at the following locations: Tigard City Hall, Library, Police Department and Permit Center or go online http://www2.caremark.com/nlc/ and print a card, check drugs prices and locate participating pharmacies. Or for more information, call toll free: 1-888-620-1749.

This is not insurance. Discounts are only available at participating pharmacies. By using this card, participants agree to pay the entire prescription cost less any applicable discount. Savings may vary by drug and pharmacy.

2011-09-22T12:35:00.000-07:00

The Lake Oswego Tigard Water Partnership is "test driving" a miniature version of the water treatment plant through March 2012. Watch the video for details.Watch the video for details

For more information about the Lake Oswego Tigard Water Partnership, please visit www.lotigardwater.org or call 503.697.6502.

Take 5 to Prepare

2011-06-20T12:44:00.000-07:00

Public surveys list lack of time as the primary reason people don’t take steps to prepare for emergencies. However, past weather events have shown that it doesn’t take an earthquake to disrupt life as we know it. If and when an earthquake does occur, the demand on emergency services will be monumental. Families and businesses may be on their own for days while emergency responders focus on the most critical incidents and life safety threats. TVF&R wants to help you get prepared. Visit www.take5tosurvive.com for quick and easy, 5-minute tips on how to prepare today, for tomorrow’s disaster.

Learn more about reuniting your family, building an emergency supply kit, shutting off your utilities, and backing up and storing important documents.

If you would like a speaker for your group or business, please contact TVF&R at (503) 649-8577.

Crime Prevention Connection Debuts

2010-10-20T11:05:00.000-07:00

The Tigard Police Department has a new tool to enhance the safety of our community. “Crime Prevention Connection” will appear each month offering readers relevant and current crime prevention and community safety information. Subject matter will cover diverse topics such as identity theft, domestic violence, children’s safety, driving safety and emergency management.

The electronic newsletter is aimed to connect with the citizens of Tigard utilizing a web-based format. Please take an opportunity to view the current newsletter! Jim Wolf, the Tigard Police PIO says "We hope you find the information helpful to improve upon the safety of you, your family and friends."

Use the following link to view the newsletter each month:
http://cpc.crimepreventionoutreach.com/public/archive/484

YoooHooo! Future Area 13 Web Administrator - Call Me!

2010-09-02T16:43:00.000-07:00

The West Tigard Neighborhood (Neighborhood Network Area 13) is searching for a new site administrator - it could be YOU!

Do you live within the boundary of Area 13? Are you interested in what's happening in and around your neighborhood? Do you want to get involved in your community (from the comfort of your Lazy- Boy?) Then team with Tigard's fun and knowledgable staff to learn everything you need to know to administer your neighborhood site - and the training only takes about 30 minutes!

Contact Joanne at the city if you want to try it out ~ Joanne@tigard-or.gov or 503-718-2476. (Thank you Pauline - you've done a great job!)

GOING GREEN AND SAVING RESOURCES

2010-02-06T09:50:00.001-08:00

Looking for effective ways to save money on utility bills? Where jobs and training in sustainability are posted? How to go about to hiring an eco-friendly contractor?
Where to donate used building materials for a tax-donation? Receive green home design ideas for little or no cash? Where you can attend a free class to build a rain garden? How to make your home elderly-friendly and wheelchair accessible? Which local green programs and incentives are available to you?

Try this FREE service from Metro!

Regional Green Building Hotline
A service of the Green Development Resource Center
503.823.5431 http://www.buildgreen411.com greenhotline@ci.portland.or.us

National League of Cities (NLC) Prescription Discount Card Fact Sheet

2009-10-13T12:45:00.000-07:00

What the Prescription Discount Card is: The NLC prescription discount card is designed to help residents save money on prescriptions that are not covered by insurance. The program is offered in collaboration with the National League of Cities through their member cities. The program is not insurance.

Who it is for: The card is offered to all city residents, there are no age or income restrictions. There are no restrictions and no limits on how many times individuals can use the card. One card can be used by all family members.

Savings: While savings may vary by drug and by pharmacy, the NLC prescription discount card program provides average savings of 20%. Residents will pay the negotiated discount price offered through the program or the pharmacy’s retail price whichever is lower.

What the program costs: The card is FREE. There is no cost to the city or to the residents to use the card. There are no enrollment fees and no membership fees. Residents just pay the prescription cost less any applicable discounts.

How residents access the program: There is no waiting period. City residents simply present their card at a participating pharmacy. More than 59,000 pharmacies nationwide participate in the program, including the major chains as well as many independent pharmacies.

Additional features: A dedicated toll-free number is provided for resident’s to access CVS Caremark’s award winning customer care and a program Web site is available for residents to access program tools and information.

About CVS Caremarkz: The NLC prescription discount card is administered by CVS Caremark the largest provider of prescriptions and related health care services in the nation. CVS Caremark has administered prescription discount programs since 1992.

This is not insurance. Savings are only available at participating pharmacies. Savings may vary by drug and by pharmacy. By using this card, residents agree to pay the entire prescription cost less any applicable discount.

Tigard Residents Have Access to Easy-to-Use Prescription Drug Discount Card

2009-10-13T12:42:00.000-07:00

Tigard today launched a program to help provide residents with some relief from the high cost of prescription drugs. The city is making free prescription drug discount cards available to city residents through a program sponsored by the National League of Cities (NLC). The discount cards offer city residents average savings of 20 percent off the retail price of commonly prescribed drugs.

The discount cards may be used by all residents of Tigard and has no restrictions based on the resident’s age, income level, or existing health coverage. The NLC card can be used when purchasing prescription drugs at approximately 100 pharmacies around the city, as well as at more than 59,000 participating retail pharmacies across the country.

“In the current economic climate, where many people are watching what they spend, the City of Tigard is happy to partner with the National League of Cities to make this prescription discount card available for our residents,” said Mayor Craig Dirksen. “Whether or not an individual has prescription coverage, this program can make it easier for our residents to afford the drugs they need to deal with a short-term illness or stay healthy by managing a chronic condition.”

Cards are available at [insert distribution channels] at no cost to city residents. City residents can call toll-free 1-888-620-1749 or visit www.caremark.com/nlc for assistance with the program.

“Not only does the NLC prescription discount card help residents save money on their medications, it is easy to use,” said Dirksen. “Tigard residents only have to show their card when purchasing medication at one of the many participating pharmacies. There is no enrollment form required to get a card, no membership fee of any kind and city residents and their family members can use the card any time their prescriptions are not covered by insurance.”
The discount card program is administered by CVS Caremark.

About The National League of CitiesThe National League of Cities (NLC) is the nation’s oldest and largest organization devoted to strengthening and promoting cities as centers of opportunity, leadership and governance. NLC is a resource and advocate for 19,000 cities, towns and villages, representing more than 218 million Americans. To learn more about NLC, go to www.nlc.org

Rep. Galizio to Resign Seat, Take Job with Higher Education

2009-08-15T11:06:00.000-07:00

by Harry Esteve, The Oregonian
Wednesday August 12, 2009, 2:06 PM

Another shake-up among Democrats in the state Legislature -- Rep. Larry Galizio, of Tigard, said today he's resigning his seat to take a job with the Oregon University System.
Higher education Chancellor George Pernsteiner confirmed that Galizio will take a job as an "academic planner" working to coordinate university programs with community colleges.

Galizio said he talked to the chancellor late Tuesday and came to an agreement about the job. He said he has yet to negotiate a contract or set a salary. He said his job would be to work for "a better alignment between community colleges and the university system. We're tying to get more under-served Oregonians into post-secondary education." Galizio, 45, is nearing the end of his third term. He taught at the community college level and was head of the debate program at Portland Community College's Sylvania campus before it was cut as part of an overall budget reduction in 2004.

He said the axing of the program was partly what led him to run for the House. Pernsteiner said he wanted someone with Galizio's background. "The Legislature asked us to do a considerable amount of work with community colleges in the coming biennium," Pernsteiner said. "I thought it would be helpful to have someone with a lot of community college connections."

Earlier this month, Rep. Chris Edwards, D-Eugene, moved to the Senate to fill the vacancy left by former Sen. Vicki Walker, who accepted an appointment as chairwoman of the state parole board. Galizio's resignation is effective Aug. 31.

The Washington County board of commissioners will select a replacement from a pool of three to five candidates chosen by local Democratic Party officials. Galizio said he hopes they pick Margaret Doherty, an education activist.

The Gift of Life - Summer Blood Drive

2009-07-19T23:02:00.000-07:00

In cooperation with the American Red Cross, the City of Tigard will again sponsor our annual Summer Blood Drive. It will be held on Friday, July 24, 2009 from 10AM – 3:30 PM. The Red Cross vehicle will be located in the Public Works Building parking lot. One blood donation can save the lives of three people. Please give the gift of life this summer!!

Free Public Wireless Internet in Downtown Tigard

2009-07-19T22:02:00.000-07:00

The City of Tigard has launched a free public wireless Internet service in downtown Tigard along Main Street. The service is made possible by a partnership with the Tigard Chamber of Commerce who is providing the facility and the City is providing the hardware and the Wi-Fi service. The public will need a wireless ready laptop or PDA and this service does not require a subscription or logon.

The launch of the free public wireless Internet access helps to complement both the City’s goal of promoting Tigard as a Place to Call Home and the City’s current redevelopment of downtown Tigard to attract business and people. The Wi-Fi service will be available along the length of Main Street, Burnham Street, portions of Fanno Creek Park, and the Tri-Met WES station. Free public wireless hotspots are also located at Cook Park and the Tigard City Hall complex. (See Maps)

The implementation of the wireless access uses low cost devices to repeat the Internet signal throughout downtown and the devices were installed by City of Tigard Public Works staff, reducing installation and maintenance costs.

Tigard Upgrades its Emergency Notification System “CodeRED”

2009-07-19T20:57:00.000-07:00

Effective July 1, 2009 the city will upgrade its CodeRED emergency notification system. Getting the word out about an emergency is essential to public safety. Tigard’s CodeRED emergency notification system can do just that. By phone, the system can provide Tigard businesses and residents with up-to-the-minute information on utility outages, missing persons, fires, evacuations, floods, bomb threats, hostage situations, or other emergencies.

After the last test message, we received several positive comments and suggestions about the system. One suggestion consistently offered was that the number on the caller-ID was not recognizable and therefore callers did not pursue or follow up. With this upgrade, the number will be consistent 866-419-5000. When citizens see this number displayed on their CallerID, they will know the call is from the CodeRED emergency notification system.

Businesses and residents with non-published numbers, cell phone numbers, Voice over Internet Protocol (VOIP), or recently acquired numbers are encouraged to register their address and phone number and ensure all your employees and/or family members are familiar with this number.

The upgrade also allow message recipients to, if they miss the call, dial the Universal ANI back to hear the last message delivered to that number. Additionally, the city will be working with the local telephone provider to ensure the queries in the VeriSign® database show on the CallerID will even read “Emergency Communications Network”

Registration is confidential and free. Tigard residents can register on-line or by contacting Emergency Management Coordinator Mike Lueck at 503-718-2593.

https://login.coderedweb.com/codereddataentry/Default.aspx?groupid=DaMdwvmCmexkezqGr5j%2f8A%3d%3d

VERIZON FIOS Door to Door Sales Calls

2009-07-19T20:50:00.000-07:00

The Chief of Police was contacted by the National Permit Coordinator for 2020 COMMUNICATIONS, INC/Verizon, to be advised that 20/20 Communications would be conducting door-to-door sales calls for the newly-wired Verizon FIOS program within the city.

Chief Dickinson determined that we have no authority (as a city) to limit door to door sales calls, but he wanted residents to know sales reps are in the area. The sales representatives have been told to abide by “No Solicitation and No Trespassing” signage, so that may be the only way to prevent your doorbell from ringing.

The 20/20 coordinator wrote “Just so you know, in all cities we enter, it is our policy to provide a complete list of reps that will be in the city to the Police Department, PRIOR to solicitation…” “Also our reps have had background checks and wear photo ID badges; along with Verizon logo shirts... if anyone has questions it will be easy to know which company we represent.”

Tigard's Newest Park, Elizabeth Price Park

2009-07-19T20:41:00.000-07:00

The official opening of Tigard’s newest park, Elizabeth Price Park, was held, Thursday, June 25, 2009. The 2.5-acre park is located at 13001 SW Bull Mountain Road. Park amenities include a playground for young children, picnic tables, and open space both on top and adjacent to the underground reservoir. A winding interpretive trail atop the reservoir will lead park-goers past a viewpoint to a compass inlaid in concrete.

BRIDGING THE GAP - HELP BRIDGE THE GAP IN OUR SCHOOL FUNDING

2009-06-22T06:14:00.000-07:00

Tigard-Tualatin schools could lose as much as $11 million next year with State budget cuts. Every one of our 15 schools will suffer – from the loss of talented teachers, to larger class sizes, to drastically reduced or eliminated programs. Our goal – to raise $1.3 million* (*$101 per student) this summer – would provide enough funds to put one teacher back into every school for the ’09-’10 school year.

Benefits: June Garden Tour & Art Show, July Summer Concert, August Fund Run

More Information at www.foundation4smartkids.org

TWO NEW COMPUTER CLASSES BEGIN AT THE LIBRARY

2009-06-22T06:11:00.001-07:00

The Library will offer “Getting Started with the Library Web Catalog” on Friday, July 10, from 2-3 p.m. and again on Tuesday, July 21, from 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Another new class “Getting Started with Skype” will begin on Thursday, July 23, from
2-3 p.m. Previously, the Library encouraged patrons interested in Skype to visit one of its open computer labs. Patrons can learn to use Skype to send and receive free or inexpensive telephone calls to any other Skype user throughout the world.

Classes are held in the second-floor Technology Room. They are free. Attendees should stop by the Reference Desk to pick up a ticket. Questions? Please call 503-684-6537 ext. 2517.

The Library offers a variety of computer classes, as well as several computer labs, throughout the month. For dates and times, ask at the Reference Desk or check out the Library Web site at http://www.tigard-or.gov/library/ and click on Computer Classes.

TIGARD LIBRARY GROUP READS THE CLASSICS THIS SUMMER

2009-06-22T06:06:00.000-07:00

Join the Tigard Library Evening Book Group this summer for a three-part series, “Read the Classics.” The series will begin with F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel The Great Gatsby on Wednesday, June 24, at 7 p.m. Set in the Roaring Twenties in Long Island, the novel tells the story of the fabulously wealthy Jay Gatsby and his love for the beautiful Daisy Buchanan.

The July and August book group sessions will discuss Nigerian author Chinua Achebe’s novel Things Fall Apart on July 22 and Ernest Hemingway’s The Sun Also Rises on August 26.

The evening book group meets on the fourth Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m. in the Grace Tigard Houghton Room on the second floor of the Library. The Tigard Public Library is located at 13500 S.W. Hall Blvd. For information about library book groups and other activities, visit the Library’s Web site at http://www.tigard-or.gov/library/ or call 503-684-6537.

4th ANNUAL GARDEN TOUR AND ART SHOW

2009-06-22T06:03:00.000-07:00

Tour 6 private gardens located throughout Tigard, Tualatin and Sherwood including Bella Madrona, a 5-acre, art-filled, collector’s garden featured in homes+gardens northwest and Country Living Gardener; and the inspiration for Pink Martini’s song “The Gardens of Sampson and Beasley”. Bask in a sun-filled Southern charmer, a designated western bluebird habitat. Daydream in a lushly planted, woodland wonderland. Be dazzled by fragrance and flowers. Listen to waterfalls and bird song. Draw inspiration and knowledge from the garden hosts, tour volunteers, special guest Kym Pokorny, garden writer for The Oregonian, and Oregon State University Extension Master Gardener volunteers. Rain or shine. TICKET REQUIRED

Shop the Garden Art Show at Tigard High School. Purchase handcrafted works by selected Northwest artists, featuring cast-concrete leaves, fused and blown glass, metal sculptures, photography, birdhouses, and more. Enjoy musical performances throughout the day. ADMISSION IS FREE

Details
ART SHOW (Tigard High School)
Friday, June 26, 2009, 5-8pm
Saturday, June 27, 2009, 9am to 5pm
Admission is FREE

GARDEN TOUR
Saturday, June 27, 2009, 10am to 4pm
Tickets $20.00 each; Available at Al's Garden Center, Ferguson’s Fragrant Nursery, Gardener's Choice, Hughes Water Gardens, McCann's Pharmacy, The Garden Corner, Tigard High School, Tualatin High School, Foundation office or online at www.foundation4smartkids.org/art

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: www.foundation4smartkids.org/art or 503-431-4024

DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS, JULY 19th

2009-06-22T05:59:00.000-07:00

The Broadway Rose Theatre Company kicks off its summer season with the musical comedy Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, based on the 1988 film of the same name. The production opens June 26 and will play at the Deb Fennell Auditorium in Tigard through July 19. The musical stars Leif Norby, Wade Willis, Lindsay Michelet, Joe Theissen, Sharon Maroney, and Amy Palomino. Directed by Lyn Cramer, with musical direction by Sydney Jill Lehman.

Oregon Burn Center Motorcycle Benefit Ride

2009-06-22T05:54:00.000-07:00

YOU ARE INVITED!
To Ride With Us On Our 4th Annual Motorcycle Benefit Ride For The Oregon Burn Center On JULY 18, 2009

Registration: 7:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
Ride Begins: 9:00 a.m.
Cost: Preregistration $20.00
Use Web site (paypal,m/c,visa) to Sign up

Ride: We'll head out of EM Burn Center onto I-5 and Washington. We'll take Hwy 14 East to Hood River bridge. After crossing the bridge we'll head south on Hwy 35 to the Old Hood River about 13 miles from Hood River to Parkdale. We'll head back to Hood River and stay on the Oregon side heading to Fairview. On this route, you can stay on Hwy 84 or take a more scenic route at Exit 35 by getting onto the Multnomah Hwy to 223rd to Halsey and Action Motor Sports on the corner. See web site for details.

For Information, contact Doug Williams:
dwilliam@lhs.org

We will end the ride with BBQ, Music, and lots of prizes!!

Tualatin Riverkeepers Summer Nature Day Camp

2009-04-27T22:39:00.000-07:00

Each session has a different theme, each one focusing on fostering a sense of awareness and love for the natural world.See our camp Brochure ; Sessions are held at three locations in the Tualatin River watershed- Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge, Jackson Bottom Wildlife Preserve, and Cook Park. All sessions are held from 9-3, with before and after care available.

Session 1 Survivor-June 22-26, $130 for members, $150 for non-members. Learn what it takes for animals to survive through exploration of animal adaptations. This session will explore the natural world through discovery of animals. The signs they leave in nature, and the plants they eat! Tualatin River Watershed

Session 2 It’s Easy Being Green - July 6-10, $130 for members, $150 for non-members. In this camp we will learn ways to care for the environment that everybody can do. We will see first-hand where all that trash goes, and creatively re-use materials. This session will foster sustainable behavior and have fun doing it! Tualatin River Watershed

Session 3 What’s YOUR Niche? July 13-17, $130 for members, $150 for non-members. Animals and plants all have very special roles to play in their communities, niches they fill help keep their habitats healthy. In this camp, we will learn about the amazing relationships that exist in nature and find out the unique niches that each camper has. Tualatin River Watershed

Session 4 Nature Detectives - July 20-24, $130 for members, $150 for non-members. Unlock the clues nature has left behind to learn the stories of the forest. Hone in your detective skills by listening to birds and what they are trying to tell us. Jackson Bottom Wildlife Preserve

Session 5 Go With the Flow -Aug 3-7, $150 for members, $170 for non-members. Where does all the rain go? What happens “after the flush”, where does that drain lead? This camp will follow the water cycle and how we are connected to it. Explore the wetlands and take a paddle trip down the Tualatin River. Cook Park

Session 6 Walk on the Wild Side-Aug 10-14, $130 for members, $150 for non-members. Where are the natural areas, who takes care of them, what animals live there? In this session, we will be doing wildlife tracking, nature awareness, and predator/prey activities. Participants will help with a restoration project in Cook Park.

Contact Lori Kruse at lori@tualatinriverkeepers.orgor 503.620.7507 for more information.

New Lighted Crosswalk to be Installed at Tigard High School

2009-04-27T22:08:00.000-07:00

A much needed crosswalk lighting system will be installed on Durham Road at 88th Avenue across from Tigard High. Work begins this month with removal of existing pavement and placement of new concrete pavement to prepare for installation of in-road pavement lights and advance warning beacons. Because of the time needed to obtain the components, the lighting equipment will not be installed until late May or early June of this year

Springtime Tips for Saving Water This Summer

2009-04-27T22:03:00.000-07:00

Sure, it’s plenty wet now. Everything is green and growing, and most gardeners are just waiting for the ground to be dry enough to start planting. So, why worry about the dry summer months now? Because, the fact is, water use can double or even triple in summer months, primarily due to outdoor watering. This increases water bills and puts a strain on water resources when supplies are the lowest.

So, before the summer heat hits, get your garden ready. It’s as simple as tuning-up your hoses and sprinklers, and putting in plants that don’t need a lot of water. Springtime tips for saving water this summer

1. Inspect your overall irrigation system for leaks, broken lines or blockages. A well-maintained system will save you money, and will ensure that the water you’re paying for goes where you want it.
2. Check your hoses: do they fit snugly on your outdoor faucets? Are they free of kinks and leaks? You want the water to flow through the hose to the plants, not leak out onto the ground under the spigot.
3. Consider a drip irrigation system. For many gardens and vegetable beds, drip hoses are the way to go. They put the water right where the plant needs it – in the soil.
4. Reduce your lawn. Consider replacing some of your turf with plants that don’t need as much water as lawns require.
5. When you buy and plant new plants, remember to group plants together that have similar watering needs. Your plants will be happier, and you’ll make more efficient use of your water.
6. Hand watering? Make sure your hose is equipped with a nozzle with a shut-off function. This helps you move from place to place without hosing the neighbor’s dog, or your sidewalk.
7. Get ready for warmer weather by getting some watering gauges, offered for free by your local water provider. In mid-April, check the Regional Water Providers Consortium’s website, www.conserveh2o.org, for the “Weekly Watering Number,” which tells you how much to water, based on current weather conditions.

The 1st Annual Tigard H.E.A.L.T.H. Fair

2009-04-27T21:50:00.000-07:00

When: Saturday May 2nd from 10am-1pm
Where: Tigard High School - IT'S FREE!
Who to bring: Family and Friends!

BIKE SAFETY COURSE (Bring your bike)
FACE PAINTING BALLOON ARTIST
DANCE-DANCE REVOLUTION MINI GOLF
ENTERTAINMENT PRIZES BOUNCE HOUSE
ROCK WALL + MUCH MORE!

Tigard Turns the Tide (TTT) is a non-profit community coalition that promotes a safe and healthy community by reducing alcohol, tobacco and other drug related problems within the community. We are inviting you to our first annual H.E.A.L.T.H. fair (Helping Everyone Achieve Long Term Health) where we will provide you with fun activities as well as educational opportunities about living a healthy lifestyle and ways to improve your health.

Student Contest

2009-04-27T21:38:00.000-07:00

Calling all Tigard area students between grades 4 and 12 (home school students too!)
What would you do if you were Tigard’s Mayor? Tell us and you could earn a $50 gift certificate to Washington Square and be entered to win one of three laptop computers from the Oregon Mayors Association. The contest ends May 29, 2009. The contest details and entry form can be found at www.tigard-or.gov/mayor. If you have questions, call Joanne Bengtson at 503-718-2476 or joanne@tigard-or.gov.

“Smart meters” are coming to Tigard

2009-04-13T07:26:00.000-07:00

Long-term savings to PGE customers! Soon every business and resident of the Tigard area will have a “smart” electricity meter, thanks to a new money-saving program from Portland General Electric. In April, PGE began replacing all of its old-fashioned mechanical meters with electronic versions that can be read over a two-way wireless network. After a brief initiation period, electric meter readers will no longer visit your home or business every month.

PGE is mailing an alert to every affected customer. There will be a brief power interruption for residential customers and home businesses, but not for most regular business customers. (If an interruption is required, PGE will work with the customer to schedule a time that accommodates business needs.) Customers will see a PGE employee or a contractor from Wellington Energy doing the work.

The digital meters are called “smart” for good reason. “This technology will allow us to offer our customers better services and help us keep our electricity prices as low as possible by reducing our operating costs.” said Jim Piro, PGE’s new CEO. Piro said the new system is expected to give customers a net savings of about $34 million over the life of the meters. Smart metering also helps the environment, because PGE will eliminate about 1.2 million miles of driving each year, saving 80,000 gallons of gasoline and reducing CO2 emissions by 1.5 million pounds.

In the future, the new meters will be able to tell PGE when individual customers are experiencing a power outage. For information about the smart metering program in the Tigard area, visit www.PortlandGeneral.com/smartmeter, or call (800) 542-8818.

Drive Less / Save More

2009-04-03T14:24:00.001-07:00

City vehicles will soon be wearing a new sticker promoting the Drive Less/Save More Campaign. Launched in February 2006 by ODOT, Metro and its public and private partners, the Drive Less/Save More Campaign seeks to reduce individual car trips as an integral part of a larger solution to addressing traffic congestion. The objective is to raise public awareness and spur people to take action by becoming more savvy drivers and/or taking advantage of alternate transportation options such as transit and biking. Learn more at www.drivelesssavemore.com

Metro's High Capacity Transit Tool Added to Tigard Trails Open House

2009-04-03T14:05:00.000-07:00

Tigard looks to residents and businesses to help support High Capacity Transit (HCT) in Tigard. Statistics show traffic in Tigard is among the heaviest in the region, with much of this traffic headed for downtown Portland.

The city encourages citizens to visit the Tigard Trails Open House on April 1, 2009, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in the Tigard Public Library, or go online to Metro’s build-a-system tool and questionnaire to tell Metro where they’d like to see light rail, commuter rail, streetcar, or bus investments in the next 30 years. This is part of the prioritization process for the High Capacity Transit (HCT) System Plan.

The HCT System Plan will guide the region’s investments in high capacity transit, light rail, commuter rail, bus rapid transit, or rapid streetcar. The tool and questionnaire are available through April 24, 2009, at www.oregonmetro.gov/goingplaces.

One of the potential new lines that would affect Tigard is a High Capacity Transit corridor roughly following Oregon 99W and Barbur Boulevard from downtown Portland through Tigard and extending to the southwest. For more information about High Capacity Transit in Tigard, visit www.tigard-or.gov/hct.

To learn more about Metro’s HCT System Plan, or to get on the mailing list, call 503-797-1756, send an e-mail to trans@oregonmetro.gov, or visit the project web site at: www.oregonmetro.gov/goingplaces.

Tigard Celebrates Trees During April

2009-04-03T13:49:00.000-07:00

On March 24, 2009 Tigard’s Mayor Dirksen proclaimed April to be Arbor Month in the City of Tigard. Arbor Day is a nationally-celebrated observance that encourages tree planting and care. Nationally, Arbor Day is celebrated the last Friday of April. In Oregon, the first week of April is known as Oregon Arbor Week. In Tigard, City Council encourages citizens to celebrate trees during April.

Events are planned all month long. For more information, please see www.tigard-or.gov/trees and follow the link to Arbor Day. Highlights include:

• The Giving Tree Revisited with Dave the Earthsinger - Dave Orleans will retell the classic Shel Silverstein story The Giving Tree by interweaving songs and participation into the tale, followed by a fun nature sing-along (All Ages ** Library Community Room ** 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 21).

• Tree Care Workshop - Tuesday, April 7, 2009, from 2-3:30 p.m. in the Library Community Room with Master Arborist Terrence P. Flanagan, Director of the Pacific Northwest Chapter of the International Society of Arboriculture.

• Derry Dell Creek Planting - Saturday, April 18, 2009, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Meet at the corner of Pathfinder Way and 107th Court.

An Arbor Day observance and proclamation are one of four standards established by the National Arbor Day Foundation to qualify for Tree City USA. This is the eighth year Tigard has received this recognition, and the city’s ninth Arbor Day celebration. More information about Tigard’s tree programs and policies can be found at www.tigard-or.gov/trees or read about the Tree City USA program at www.arborday.org/TreeCityUSA.

Federal Loans Available to Eligible Businesses, Farmers and Others Affected by Winter Storms

2009-03-09T19:01:00.001-07:00

Federal help is available in the form of low-interest loans for citizens, homeowners, renters, businesses and farm-owners that suffered from the recent, record-breaking winter storms.
Residents in the Portland urban area endured a series of winter storms that brought 18.9 inches of snow to the region over a two-week period last December, the snowiest month in the area since 1969 according to the National Weather Service.

Damage to crops and structures suffered by Washington County nursery and greenhouse growers could total $3.8 million according to the Oregon Association of Nurseries. Other businesses, renters and property owners also sustained significant losses.

Federal agencies are offering these disaster-related loans:
• The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) will make low-interest loans available to small businesses economically impacted by severe weather from December 14, 2008, to January 4, 2009. The loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills that cannot be paid because of the disaster’s impact. Business owners may apply online via SBA’s secure Web site at: https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela. Disaster loan information and application forms may also be obtained by calling toll-free (800) 659-2955 or e-mailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. The hearing impaired may call (800) 877-8339.
• The SBA will also make low-interest disaster loans available to residents and business owners who were affected by the rainstorms that occurred immediately following the snow and ice event from January 1 through January 4, 2009. Homeowners, renters, businesses and private non-profit organizations whose property was damaged during those four days in January may qualify for loans to replace damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery, inventory and other business assets. The public can find out more about disaster loans and application forms at SBA’s Customer Service Center by calling (800) 659 2955, e-mailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov, or visiting SBA’s Web site at www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance. Hearing impaired individuals may call (800) 877 8339.
• U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) will make low-interest emergency loans to qualified nurseries, farms and ranch operations to help cover part of their actual physical losses caused by the winter storms from December 14, 2008, to December 26, 2008. Other agricultural assistance may be provided through the Emergency Conservation Program, Federal Crop Insurance and the Noninsurance Crop Disaster Assistance Program. Interested farmers may contact the local USDA Service Center serving Washington County in Hillsboro by calling (503) 648-3174. Additional information is also available online at: http://disaster.fsa.usda.gov.

Washington County urges the public to prepare for inclement weather and other situations that could impair the immediate delivery of public services. More information about individual and family preparedness can be found at www.take5tosurvive.com.

1st Annual Tigard H.E.A.L.T.H. Fair (Helping Everyone Achieve Long Term Health)

2009-03-09T18:54:00.000-07:00

The members of Tigard Turns the Tide (TTT) and STUD (Stop Tigard Underage Drinking) Community Coalitions invite you to the first annual Tigard H.E.A.L.T.H. Fair (Helping Everyone Achieve Long Term Health).

On Saturday, May 2, 2009, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Tigard High School, Tigard Turns the Tide Coalition and STUD Youth (Stop Tigard Underage Drinking) are hosting a community-wide event for children of all ages and their families. The purpose of this event is to educate today’s youth about healthy lifestyles and practices that will help them live a safe and healthy life.

Because businesses play a vital role in the community’s health, we want to offer business owners the opportunity to set-up a booth at our event, free of charge. This would allow you to get the word out about your practice or business and would be a great opportunity to get involved with the community’s youth as well as market your organization. By working together we can build a stronger, safer and healthier community for everyone.

If you have questions, contact Connie Ramaekers, Prevention Specialist at Tigard-Tualatin School District and Tigard Turns the Tide Coalition Coordinator. You can reach her at cramaekers@ttsd.k12.or.us or by phone at 503-431-4022 (office).

Tigard 2009 Exemplary Citizenship Awards

2009-03-09T18:46:00.000-07:00

Tigard’s City Council believes it is important to recognize and honor those of you who help to make our community, “A place to call home.” We’re looking for those who have dedicated their time and energy to help make Tigard such a wonderful place to live, work, and play. Do you know someone who exemplifies the spirit of citizenship in Tigard? The Exemplary Citizenship Awards are presented to those who have made positive contributions to our city and neighborhoods over the past year. Winners will be honored during the Tigard Chamber of Commerce Annual Shining Stars Banquet.

The application for nominations is attached.Exemplary Citizenship Award recipients will be chosen based on the following criteria. Recipients must exemplify a commitment to the community by:

- Implementing and/or assisting in the implementation of outstanding projects, programs, or services
-Enriching and revitalizing our community and neighborhoods
- Demonstrating responsiveness, creativity, and civic values
- Promoting cross-cultural awareness

Please attach a 1-page written narrative to your application that tells us why your nominee should receive an Exemplary Citizenship Award. Additional pages will not be reviewed. Please address all of the criteria listed above in your narrative. The selection committee, made up of representatives from City Council, the Committee for Citizen Involvement, and staff, will not review additional pages. The Award will be presented at the Tigard Chamber’s annual Shining Stars Banquet on April 24, 2009. For more information, please contact Marissa Daniels at 503-718-2428 or marissa@tigard-or.gov. The deadline for submission is 5 p.m. on March 27, 2009.

Park & Recreation Advisory Board Seeks Citizen Member Volunteer

2009-02-26T11:46:00.000-08:00

The City is looking for area residents interested in serving on the Park and Recreation Advisory Board (PRAB). The PRAB studies and makes recommendations on park and recreation planning and funding. The PRAB meets on the third Monday of each month at 7 p.m. at the Tigard Public Works Building, 8777 SW Burnham Street, Tigard. PRAB members are selected through an application and interview process and serve four-year terms. An orientation will be provided to new Board members.

Individuals interested in serving on the Board are encouraged to submit a Citizen Committee Interest application by 5 p.m. Friday, March 13. Applications are available at www.tigard-or.gov/volunteer or at Tigard City Hall, 13125 SW Hall Boulevard. For more information, or to have an application mailed to you, contact Parks and Facilities Manager Steve Martin at 503-718-2583 or steve@tigard-or.gov.

Pet Food Drive for Oregon Humane Society

2009-02-26T11:19:00.000-08:00

Alexander Carsh, a junior at Tigard High, is holding a pet food drive at Tigard High School for the Oregon Humane Society as part of his Honor Society Project. The Oregon Humane Society is in need of pet food! Because of the economy, more and more animals are being abandoned by people who have lost their homes or have lost their jobs and can no longer afford to take care of the animals.

From Monday February 23 through Wednesday March 4, there will be a box in the Tigard High School Commons for a pet food drive. Please drop off any pet food you can. Accepted food brands are: Canidae/Felidae, Castor & Pollux, Pinnacle, Innova, Wellness, Newman’s Own, Royal Canin, Natural Balance, Nutro, Eukanuba, Iams, and Science Diet.

Donations can also be dropped off at the Carsh's home in Area 13. Call 503-590-4132 from 8:00am-6:00pm to arrange a drop off time and for directions.

Earth Advantage 1st Annual Earth Day 10k/5k Run - Tigard

2009-02-15T20:20:00.000-08:00

Earth Advantage is hosting the 1st Annual Earth Day 10K/5K run April 25th, 2009 in recognition of sustainable developments, green living, & healthy life styles. This Green Course will encompass a bit of Tigard but will travel through the Gorgeous Cook Park and along the River Trail.5K Walk/Run.

This event will include some booths focusing around health, wellness, sustainable living, or energy efficient education, products & options. And not to be left out, “man’s best friend” can participate in the 5K doggy walk to ensure everyone in the family gets exercise. Live music will be available at the end of the race along with snacks & beverages.

Included with $35 registration: Snacks, beverages, music, race t-shirts & finisher medal, along with enjoyable times for all! BeneficiaryPortion of net proceeds are shared with Friends of Trees that helps bring people in the Portland - Vancouver metro area together to plant and care for city trees and urban natural areas.

Starting Times:

6:45am - Registration Opens - Race packet pick up (located next to Earth Advantage office)

7:00am - Gear Check-in8:00am - 10K Run Starts8:15am - 5K Run/Walk/Doggy Walk (please note, if you wish to have your dog involved, you can ONLY walk your canine friend for the safety of other runners. Please, only well temperament dogs allowed)

10:00am - Kid’s “Recycle” Race (FREE - Fun Race of ages 4-12 years old)

For more info or to register click on www.earthadvantage.info/

Do you have a "best" to share?

2009-02-15T20:14:00.000-08:00

The Tigard Times is starting to work on a special section - A Portrait of Washington County - and as always we'd like your input since this is about YOUR community. The theme for this year's section is "Best Ever" and will consist of all sorts of "bests" in Tigard.

So what do you have to share? Your best day in Tigard, best teacher, best place to think or write, best place to take your dog for a walk. We are looking for anything. Funny, quirky, surprise us. It can be the best place to buy coffee, or the best place to spill coffee on your lap (a dark movie theater with lots of air conditioning - know one in Tigard?).

Make sure you put your name and phone number on your suggestion. If you can provide a picture of your 'best ever,' we'd like to use that, too. Send your submissions (500 words or less) and any pictures in .jpg format to feature editor Mikel Kelly at mkelly@commnewspapers.com. If you have any questions, call Mikel at 503-546-0737.

You have until Friday, Feb. 20 to have your best ever in the newspaper.

The Tigard Public Library Celebrates Oregon’s 150th Birthday

2009-02-15T20:10:00.000-08:00

The Tigard Public Library will wish Oregon a happy 150th birthday on Saturday, Feb. 14, from 2-3 p.m. The celebration of Oregon’s Sesquicentennial includes birthday cake and an Old Time Music Show for all ages.

Coinciding with the state’s birthday is the library’s second annual community-wide reading program, Oregon Reads in Tigard 2009. Stubborn Twig by Eugene author Lauren Kessler is the selected book for adults. It is a true story about three generations of a Japanese American family in Oregon. Apples to Oregon is the featured picture book for children.

The library will continue its celebration on Thursday, Feb. 19 at 5 p.m. with a poetry workshop led by Lawson Fusuo Inada, Oregon’s Poet Laureate. Inada is a third-generation Japanese American, born in 1938 and raised in Fresno, California. He has written memorably about his boyhood experience of internment during World War II. His work is an integral part of the Japanese American Historical Plaza at Portland’s Waterfront Park.

Inada’s teaching style is, like his poetry, refreshing and accessible. He will follow his workshop with a reading at 7 p.m. Call the library at 503-684-6537 to register for the workshop. The 7 p.m. reading does not require registration.

Other Oregon Reads in Tigard 2009 events for children include Apple Crafts on Saturday, Feb. 21 and an Origami Workshop on Sunday, Feb. 22, both at 1:30 p.m. Events for adults include a discussion of Stubborn Twig on Wednesday, Feb. 25 and a Chautauqua Lecture on Northwest Oral History on Friday, Feb. 27.

All Oregon Reads in Tigard 2009 events are free and will be held at the Tigard Public Library. Oregon Reads in Tigard 2009 is made possible by a generous donation from the Friends of the Tigard Public Library. The library is located at 13500 SW Hall Blvd. For a complete schedule of events, visit the library’s Web site at www.tigard-or.gov/library, call 503-684-6537 or pick up a flyer at the library.

Tigard Police Set to Enforce Seat Belt Usage

2009-02-15T20:05:00.000-08:00

The Tigard Police Department will once again participate in the “Three Flags Safety Belt Campaign” beginning February 9th. The two week long blitz is a multi-jurisdictional approach to help ensure motorists respect, obey and understand the importance of using seat belts and child safety seats. Tigard Officers will be focusing on this enforcement at various times and days. This effort is made possible through dedicated federal funding providing.

Recent statistics indicated that Tigard motorists demonstrated nearly 96% compliance regarding vehicle safety belt usage for front seated occupants. The national average is just over 80%. While these figures are encouraging, it should also be noted that the lack of safety belt use was a major factor in half of all motor vehicle fatalities in Oregon during 2007.

The base fine for failure to wear a safety belt in a vehicle is $100.00. The base fine is the same for improperly wearing a safety belt, such as behind your back or under your arm.

In the past 16 years of record keeping pertaining to seat belt usage in the State of Oregon, seat belt usage has grown from 43 per cent noted in 1989, to the current statewide estimates of 93 per cent. More importantly, that increased number of seat belt usage occurring during that same time span, also equates to reducing the motor vehicle collision mortality rate in Oregon by one – half. Seat belts save lives! The numbers don’t lie.

Oregon law requires:
• Infants to ride in rear facing seats until they are one year old and 20 pounds.
• Children over 1 year old between 20 and 40 pounds must be in a forward facing child safety seat
• Children who weigh over 40 pounds must be properly secured in a booster seat until they are 8 years old or 4'9" tall.
• Children who are over 8 years old or 4'9" and all adults must be properly secured using seatbelts.
Additional information regarding child passenger safety can be found at http://www.actsoregon.org/index.html

How Do I Love Tree.....Let Me Count the Ways

2009-02-11T17:50:00.000-08:00

In 2008, Tree for All partners and volunteers planted 95,543 trees along Washington County creeks and streams. These trees helped get closer to the goal of planting 2 million trees in 20 years. Streams lined with native vegetation provide cleaner, cooler water, better flood management, and fish and wildlife habitat. It’s good for the water and fish, and it’s good for people and our community, too! If you'd like to join in and get dirty for a good cause, check out the volunteer opportunities below to help clean up and restore the Tualatin River Watershed.

February 29: Ascension Greenbelt organized by Friends of Trees
March 14: Durham City Park organized by SOLV

February 7

2009-01-29T07:08:00.000-08:00

Next Phase of Neighborhood Network to Launch

On February 7, 2009, residents are encouraged to stop by the Community Room at the Tigard Public Library anytime between 11:00am - 3:00pm, for a look at Phase II of the Neighborhood Network program. Web pages for each of the city’s 13 neighborhoods will be featured.

What issues or interests would you like to see addressed in your neighborhood? The Open House will focus on information and education about forming Steering Committees in each of the thirteen area neighborhoods.

Steering Committees will serve as a conduit for residents to raise issues or concerns; gather input on proposed Capital Improvement Program (CIP) projects, suggest neighborhood clean-up activities, community-building events and neighborhood network program opportunities. Input from neighbors determines which issues are carried forward and submitted for funding through the Neighborhood Network Program.

The purpose of the Neighborhood Network Program is to involve citizens as partners in addressing their neighborhood issues and strengthen connections between neighbors and the city. Steering Committees provide a vehicle for addressing issues and offering new opportunities for citizen involvement and communication between neighbors and the city.

Representatives will be on hand from many of the Neighborhood Network Program components, including Neighborhood Watch, Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT), Capital Improvement Program (CIP), Mediation, National Night Out and the Committee for Citizen Involvement.

Salmonella Update...

2009-01-27T09:53:00.000-08:00

CDC continues to collaborate with public health officials in many states and the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to investigate a multistate outbreak of human infections due to Salmonella serotype Typhimurium. As of 9 PM Wednesday, January 21, 2009, the case count is 488 in 43 states and one case in Canada.

In order to make it easier for consumers to determine whether any of the peanut butter-containing products they have at home are subject to recall, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has created and posted an expanded, searchable database that will be updated as new information becomes available: http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/peanutbutterrecall/index.cfm.

In addition, located on the FDA web site on the Salmonella Typhimurium outbreak where all the recalled products are posted and the continued updates associated with it at http://www.fda.gov/oc/opacom/hottopics/salmonellatyph.html

For information on products containing peanut butter from companies not reporting recalls, consumers may wish to consult the company's website or call the toll-free number listed on most packaging. Please note that information consumers may receive from the companies has not been verified by FDA.
Information about recalled products and Salmonella can be found by calling 1-800-CDC-INFO.

A podcast on the outbreak, response, and consumer information can be downloaded from CDC's Web site at http://www2a.cdc.gov/podcasts/player.asp?f=10684

Persons who think they may have become ill from eating peanut butter are advised to consult their health care providers. Most persons infected with Salmonella develop diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps 12-72 hours after infection.

J. Christie Holmgren, APR, Public Information Officer
Public Health Emergency Preparedness
Oregon Public Health Division
800 NE Oregon St., Suite 465B
Portland, OR 97232
(971) 673-1310
Cell: (503) 572-4432
Fax (971) 673-1309
christie.j.holmgren@state.or.us

Mike Lueck
Emergency Management Coordinator
City of Tigard Public Works
503-718-2593
971-246-9088
mikel@tigard-or.gov

Tigard Library Survey...

2009-01-23T13:41:00.000-08:00

The Tigard Library will ask citizens about library services and customer service in its annual patron survey Sunday, Feb. 1 through Saturday, Feb. 14.

Patrons may fill out a brief survey in the library or take it on-line from home or at the library at www.tigard-or.gov . The survey will ask people how they learn about library programs and services.

Three computers in the Library will be dedicated to the on-line version of the survey, which was also distributed through Cityscape, the City’s newsletter. Both English and Spanish paper surveys will be available at the library and everyone is invited to participate in the survey, even those who have never used the library.

Responses from the annual survey are used to provide new services or revise existing services to make them more patron-friendly. For example, the library has restored hours and added new ones according to patron responses over the last few years. Last year the Library received over 3,000 responses to the survey and made improvements or enhancements to library services based on the responses.

TOO Much Fun!!!

2009-01-22T13:07:00.000-08:00

The Tigard Public Library will broadcast Super Bowl XLIII on Sunday, February 1, on its large screen in the Community Room. Kickoff for the game is scheduled for 3:25 p.m. Pacific Standard Time.

A Football Throwing Challenge will take place during halftime. The winner will receive four tickets to an upcoming Blazer’s game. The second-place prize is a gift certificate from Big 5 Sporting Goods.

Free food and refreshments will be provided by the Library during the game. Alcohol is not permitted in or on the premises of the Library.

For more information, please call the Library at 503-684-6537 or visit the Library’s Web page at http://www.tigard-or.gov/library/default.asp

Let your voice be heard...

2009-01-21T07:18:00.000-08:00

Tigard Wants to Hear from Residents Regarding Trees

The City of Tigard is soliciting input for the Urban Forestry Master Plan. Completion of this plan will help to implement the recently adopted Urban Forest section of the Land Use chapter in the Comprehensive Plan.

In December, Steve Johnson & Associates conducted a scientific telephone survey of 400 randomly selected Tigard citizens about their attitude towards existing and potential urban forestry policies and programs. The survey was funded in part by the Oregon Department of Forestry and USDA Forest Service.The web version of the survey is available on-line at www.tigard-or.gov/community/trees/master_plan.asp so you can participate and/or review the questions.

The survey results will be incorporated into the Urban Forestry Master Plan and will allow for a more detailed understanding of how to manage Tigard's urban forest in order to better meet the needs of our community.

The web survey will be available until February 28, 2009. The results of both the telephone survey and web survey will be posted on-line and available at the Permit Center when they are complete.
Any questions about the survey or the Urban Forestry Master Plan can be directed to Marissa Daniels at 503-718-2428 or marissa@tigard-or.gov.

Never too early to plan...

2009-01-13T13:02:00.000-08:00

TRK Summer Day Camps in Hillsboro and Tigard

Summer camps will give students entering grades 4-6 an opportunity to have direct experiences in the natural world. Through tracking, ethnobotany, and wildlife exploration students will awaken and nourish their curiosities about nature. Fostering a sense of place and commitment toward the natural world, participants will be part of a restoration project to improve the health of the watershed.

Rood Bridge Park, Hillsboro -June 22-27, July 6-10, July 13-17
Jackson Bottom Wetlands Preserve- July 20-24
Cook Park, Tigard- August 3-7, August 10-14

Partners: City of Tigard, Hillsboro Parks and Recreation, Jackson Bottom Wetlands Preserve, REI, Metro, and Volunteer Naturalists.

For more information contact Lori Kruse at lori@tualatinriverkeepers.org or 503-620-7507,

Important Garbage Info...

2008-12-27T06:25:00.000-08:00

Many people, if not everyone, in our neighborhood did not get their garbage picked up this week, due to the crazy weather. Pride Disposal is very appreciative of our being so understanding with the situation.

Here is a portion of Pride Disposal's message to us (found on their website):
_______________________________
Weather Update (Posted on 12/26 at 4:15pm)
If you have any questions, please e-mail info@pridedisposal.com and we will do our best to respond in a timely manner. Due to the inclement weather, most of our office staff has been unable to make it to work this week and our phones have been very busy.

We would first like to thank everyone for being so understanding of our erratic pick up schedule due to the weather.

Thursday and Friday customers: With the Christmas holiday falling on Thursday this week, we will be picking up Thursday customers on Friday and Friday customers on Saturday (weather permitting).
We are running garbage routes only for our Thursday and Friday customers.

We were unable to service some Thursday customers on 12/26. We will be attempting to service those Thursday customers who were missed on 12/27. We will still be running Friday garbage routes on Saturday 12/27 also.
_______________________________
To get the information on how to prepare extras for each material (garbage and recycling), please click on the following link, which will bring you to Pride's website: Pride Disposal

Thank you!

City of Tigard Survey...

2008-12-19T07:19:00.000-08:00

Neighborhood Projects: Let us know what type of improvements can be made in our neighborhood.

The City of Tigard is trying to gather input on proposed Capital Improvement Program (CIP) projects, neighborhood clean-up activities, community-building events and promote neighborhood network program opportunities.
Here is your chance to voice your opinion/ideas and in a very easy way!

Click on the following link to be taken to the survey:
Share your comments with us using this short survey!

Thank you!

New Library Hours...

2008-12-18T08:38:00.000-08:00

Beginning Saturday, January 3, the Tigard Library will be open longer on weekends.

On Saturdays, the Library will be open from 10:00am until 6:00pm and on Sundays, it will be open from noon to 6:00pm. Weekday hours will remain the same: Monday through Friday 10:00am to 9:00pm.

Also, special holiday hours will be in effect during the last two weeks of December. The Library will close at 5:oopm on Wednesday, Dec. 24 and Wednesday, Dec. 31. The Library will be closed on Thursday, Dec. 25 and Thursday, Jan.1, and will reopen the following Fridays at 10:00am.

The decision to extend hours was based on public response to the library’s annual survey. It marks the first time that the Library has extended weekend hours since the 1990s.

City Response to Weather...

2008-12-17T07:36:00.000-08:00

All City offices (library, public works, police, city hall, permit center) are open for business. Facilities staff are clearing sidewalks at all public buildings.

Public Works crews have been sanding/plowing since 10 a.m. Sunday (12/14). They will continue with 24-hour operations until further notice.

Snow routes are prioritized into 3 levels. As of 8 a.m. Monday morning (12/15), all priority 1 and 2 streets had been sanded/plowed twice.

Priority 1 streets are identified by the amount of traffic the road carries and degree of grade (steepness). Examples of Priority 1 streets are: 103rd, 109th, Hunziker, Hillshire Drive, Benchview Terr., Ascension Drive, and Essex Dr.
Priority 2 street examples: Bonita Road, Hall Blvd, 99W, Bull Mtn. Rd, Beef Bend, Durham, McDonald, 72nd, Walnut, North Dakota, etc.

To see your neighborhood and it’s sanding priority, go to www.tigard-or.gov and click on Tigard Maps icon. Enter your address or cross street, click the Transportation Tab, then click on the Sanding Priorities tab.

Crews want to hear from residents. If you have a hazardous area to report, please contact Kathy Mollusky in Public Works at 503-718-2591.

Public Works crews are ‘spot checking’ side roads with steep grades at intersections. They are spreading gravel to assist stopping ability as drivers approach these intersections. Police and Public Works crews are in direct communications with each other to call sanders to specific problem areas.

Washington County has activated it’s cold weather shelter system. Many area churches have opened their doors to provide warmth and a meal to the homeless. For more information, contact the Tigard Good Neighbor Center at 503-443-6084.

Tigard High Choir at Carnegie Hall!

2008-12-13T14:49:00.000-08:00

The Tigard High School Concert Choir has been invited to perform at Carnegie Hall in New York City next March.

This is a fantastic honor that will require the community’s help. The kids, teachers and parents are working on raising funds toward the choir's travel and lodging expenses.

If you can help, contact Sue Hale, care of the Tigard High School Choir at 9000 S.W. Durham Road, Tigard 97224 or www.ttsd.k12.or.us/tigard-high-school.

Oregon Food Bank Info

2008-12-05T07:47:00.000-08:00

As we move closer towards the holiday, typically requests from less fortunate stream in. No surprise that this year the resources are less than ever-especially when it comes to resources that provided holiday gifts in the past. This is the word from the Oregon Food Bank in our area. However, food is still available.

Here are a few possible resources for people considered Tigard residents. Each city has their own resources supported by the Oregon Food Bank. Ours is the Vincent De Paul Food Pantry located at 9905 SW McKenzie, opposite St. Anthony's Church.

Anyone interested in assistance will need to go in person and register. Important note-a photo id is required. Those in immediate need will be provided food to sustain them until the monthly cycle of distribution is scheduled. Interested people can call 503-684-8280 for recorded hours and location information. They are open M-F from 12:00 - 2:30 pm except Wednesdays from 1:00 -2:30 pm. Thursdays only they have added hours from 4:30 to 6:30 pm.

You can also refer people in need to Christ the King Lutheran Church at 11305 SW Bull Mountain Rd. Once again, an id is needed. They are still taking applications for children's holiday gift boxes. At some point soon, once 40 applicants are received, this window of opportunity will close. They also distribute food provided by the Oregon Food Bank on the 3rd Thursday of the month from 1:30 until 4pm. Food is available for Tigard, Tualatin and Sherwood residents only.

Good Neighbor Center Wish List

2008-11-19T13:10:00.000-08:00

Tigard’s Good Neighbor Center Homeless Shelter is requesting donations to assist with the recent increase in shelter residents.

Listed below are items the shelter urgently needs:

Adult and child Benadryl
Alarm clocks
Baby formula soy/regular
Cold and flu medicine
Diapers, diapers and more diapers
Disinfectant cleaning wipes
Ibuprofen
Infant and child Tylenol
Kleenex
Large trash bags
Laundry detergent
Lysol spray
Pepto Bismol
Tall kitchen bags
Toilet paper
Toothbrushes
Window cleaner
Zip lock bags

They’re also requesting Fred Meyer gift cards which allow families to purchase clothes, medicine and bus passes. Also, movie and zoo passes provide families an opportunity to enjoy an outing together.

The Good Neighbor Center is located at 11130 SW Greenburg Road. The phone number is 503-443-6084.

Extremely important!

2008-11-12T06:54:00.000-08:00

Set a plate for your plumber this season if you pour gravy, cooking oil and turkey grease down the drain. Not only will you deal with a messy sewer backup, you'll pay around $150 an hour plus an extra holiday fee for your unexpected visitor.

To help combat the fat, Clean Water Services is offering a free "Freeze the Grease, Save the Drain Kit" to residents. Call (503) 681-3678 or email to get your kit including a pan scrapper, lid and easy-to-follow instructions to:
1. Scrape grease and food scraps into a can.
2. Freeze it.
3. Toss it into the trash.

When fats, oils and grease are poured down the drain, they stick to the inside of pipes causing sewer overflows and expensive cleanup and repair in your home. As a double whammy, the untreated wastewater may flow into streets, neighborhood storm drains and ultimately the nearest river or stream, causing problems for surrounding communities and the environment.

Thank you for helping our environment (and your pocketbook!)

Coyotes In Our Neighborhood...

2008-09-22T11:06:00.000-07:00

At first glance, the coyote looks like a small German shepherd with a shorter, bushier tail. Coyotes are curious, but timid animals, and will generally run away if challenged. Sightings of coyotes are most common just after sunset and before sunrise. As habitat shrinks, complaints about these highly adaptable creatures increase.

Coyotes are extremely wary, making them difficult to capture.
Their sense of smell is remarkable, and their senses of sight and hearing are exceptional. Traps and poisons frequently capture and/or kill domestic animals or wildlife other than coyotes.
If a coyote approaches you, wave your arms, throw stones, and shout. The idea is to convince the coyote that you are not prey, but a potential danger.

The truth of the Matter is that neither Tigard nor Washington County Animal Control have programs for managing the coyote population.

The Oregon State Police Fish & Wildlife Division protect and enforce wildlife laws and habitat. If you have questions or concerns about coyotes, you can contact them at osp.fwd@state.or.us or by phone at 503-378-3720.

Please Do Your Part!
Prevention is the best tool for minimizing conflicts with coyotes and other wildlife. We suggest the following strategies:
> Don’t leave small children unattended where coyotes are frequently seen or heard. Yes, there have been many coyotes spotted in our neighborhood.
> Never feed coyotes—prevent access to garbage, fruit, pet food, and compost.
> Keep dogs and cats indoors, especially from dusk to dawn.

Thank you!

Recycle! Recycle! Recycle!

2008-08-24T13:09:00.000-07:00

RECYCLE YOUR GARDEN POTS

Your garden starter trays and pots are made of recyclable plastic! Far West Fibers in Beaverton and Hillsboro (http://www.farwestfibers.com/) and Pride Disposal (http://www.pridedisposal.com/) offer plastic pot drop-off recycling sites all year-round.

Garden containers accepted include plastic nursery pots up to five gallons, seed and carrying trays, and tin plastics (cell packs, 4” pots). Please rinse clean prior to drop-off.

Al's Garden will also gladly accept your used pots from plants that you bought from them!

There are A LOT of recycling opportunities!

Thank you for helping our environment!

I know this has been posted before, but...

2008-06-30T06:38:00.000-07:00

What do you do with all those old batteries that help power all your flashlights, mp3 players, or your childrens' toys??? How about all those leftover paint cans that you know you'll never use and they are just taking up valuable space in your garage/shed?

Don't throw them away! Help our environment and save them up in a safe place and take them to a Metro Neighborhood Hazardous Waste event near you!

There is no charge to bring your toxic trash to Metro’s permanent facilities or community events. A small portion of your monthly garbage bill goes to help pay for these services.

Now, Metro has asked specifically that people don't advertise the Neighborhood Hazardous Waste Collection events in newsletters, internet, etc., so we won't, but if you click on the following link, it will take you to Metro's webpage that shows where and what days they have planned for Summer/Fall 2008:http://www.metro-region.org/index.cfm/go/by.web/id=26580

If you can't wait for a Neighborhood Event near you, you can take them to:

Metro Central Station
6161 NW 61st Ave.,
Portland
Phone #: 503-234-3000

OR

Metro South Station
2001 Washington St.,
Oregon City
Phone #: 503-234-3000

The Hazardous Waste Facilities are open from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
Again, There is no fee to drop off hazardous waste from your home.

Beware of this SCAM!

2008-06-12T15:27:00.000-07:00

The City of Tigard Administration has learned from Sprint that the below message/e-mail is a scam!
There are privacy laws that protect cell numbers and they are not being released to telemarketers.
Do NOT call the number from your cell phone.

Here is a sample of the scam message/e-mail:
_____________

Cell Numbers Go Public Tomorrow

REMINDER....all cell phone numbers are being released to telemarketing companies tomorrow and you will start to receive sale calls. ....YOU WILL BE CHARGED FOR THESE CALLS To prevent this, call the following number from your cell phone: ***-***0222. It is the National DO NOT CALL list. It will only take a minute of your timeIt blocks your number for five (5) years. You must call from the cell phone number you want to have blocked. You cannot call from a different phone number. HELP OTHERS BY PASSING THIS ON TO ALL YOUR FRIENDS. It takes about 20 seconds, but you must call from the number you want blocked.
_____________

Again, this is a scam - don't forward this erroneous e-mail/message onto anyone or call the number.

RECYCLE your old athletic shoes!!!

2008-04-18T08:22:00.000-07:00

With Spring Cleaning happening in many households right now, there are some GREAT ways to get rid of items you don't need, AND help the environment.
Here is one:

Every year, across the globe, millions of pairs of athletic shoes end up in landfills or are disposed of in some other way. That’s a lot of shoes going to waste that contain valuable materials that could be re-used. So...

Nike, a very famous Oregon sports company, has come up with a program called, Reuse-A-Shoe. The Athletic shoes collected through this program (ALL brands, not just Nike) are transported to one of two processing facilities, ground up, and separated into three useful materials.
This material – called Nike Grind – has three kinds:
• Rubber from the outsole
• Foam from the midsole
• Fabric from the upper.

In order to turn the three types of Nike Grind into playground and sport surfaces they partner with industry-leading surfacing companies to incorporate it into their products. The Grind goes into making running track and basketball court surfaces among MANY other surfaces.

So, instead of throwing away your old worn-out athletic shoes, why not recycle them????

You can drop them off at many locations, but the closest one to our neighborhood is:
Portland Running Company
11355 SW Scholls Ferry Rd
Beaverton
Phone:503.524.7570

If you have less than 10 pairs, it shoudn't be a problem, but if you have more than that, please call ahead to inquire regarding a larger donation.

Also, there are some guidelines:
• Athletic shoes only (any brand)
• No shoes containing metal
• No cleats or dress shoes
• No wet or damp shoes
Learn more about Nike Grind

To find out more about the program, click on the following link:
http://www.letmeplay.com/reuseashoe

To find more drop off locations, click on the following link:
http://letmeplay.com/reuseashoe/locations

Thank you for helping keep shoes out of our landfills!

New Bull Mountain Resevoir...

2008-04-17T08:51:00.000-07:00

How does one "pour" a roof? With concrete of course!

Construction is progressing on the city's 3-million-gallon reservoir located on the north side of Bull Mountain Road near Alberta Rider Middle School.

Weather permitting, the city's contractor will begin pouring the four concrete sections of the reservoir's roof in the next two weeks. Each section will contain approximately 270 yards of cement. Except for a single side section used to access the reservoir's interior, the floor and walls of the reservoir are completed.

Ultimately the top of the reservoir will be buried under about three feet of soil. Concrete columns inside the structure will support the 15-inch concrete roof along with the soil layer.

The project is scheduled for completion this summer.The reservoir, part of the city's water distribution system plan, will save pumping costs, provide additional water storage, and improve water capacity for better fire protection in the area. Constructed midway up Bull Mountain, the reservoir will eliminate the current practice of pumping the area's entire water supply to the top of the mountain.

"The project has gone smoothly, the neighbors have been great to work with, and we are on-budget and ahead of our timeline," said public works director Dennis Koellermeier. "This reservoir will make our entire [water] delivery system more efficient on this side of Bull Mountain."

The city will construct Elizabeth Price Park atop the buried reservoir. Park improvements include playground equipment and a picnic shelter. Park construction is set to begin in the fall of 2008, with completion in the summer of 2009.

The City of Tigard is the water provider for the cities of Durham, King City, two-thirds of Tigard and unincorporated areas to the south and west of Tigard.

The New Fire Station - UPDATE

2008-04-11T11:52:00.000-07:00

Station 50 update: April 11, 2008

Crews have moved onto the site and have begun removing the existing outbuildings on the property. A subcontractor is removing for recycling/reuse the salvageable wood from the outbuildings in order that the completed fire station project meet the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System. They expect to apply for and receive a Gold certification rating from LEEDS upon completion.

The initial construction process also involves installing erosion control fencing and resource protection fences designed to protect existing trees. Landfill will be brought in to establish the necessary grade level on which to site the new station foundation and parking areas.

IMPORTANT: To ensure the safety of all of our neighbors, they are asking that pedestrians refrain from entering the property during the construction period of approximately nine months. As long as the sidewalk remains open, feel free to view the progress from that vantage point.

Greg Oden working out in our neighborhood

2008-03-26T08:53:00.001-07:00

Everyone in our neighborhood knows all too well how steep our streets are! Well it looks like besides providing us with tricky driving and fun sledding on snow days, our hills are also providing one of our favorite Portland Trailblazers a good work out on his way to recovery from his knee surgery.

In the Sunday March 23 edition of The Oregonian, there is a great picture and article about Greg Oden using "the hill" for his rehabilitation workouts. Greg also persuaded our Trailblazer Coach, Nate McMillan, as well as our resident Blazer athletic trainer, Jay Jensen, to join him.

We ALL know what street they are referring to in this article when they say "the hill". :-) :-)
So, next time you walk/run/bike up and down our streets and are very sore the next day, you can be assured that you are in good company!

If you already recycled your March 23rd newspaper, you can see the article by clicking on the following link:
Greg Oden on Bull Mountain article

I know this has been posted before, but...

2008-02-09T17:13:00.000-08:00

this is important information to remember.

We can work it out!

In a dispute with a neighbor over a fence, tree limbs over the property line, or a barking dog?
Why not try mediation to resolve the dispute? It’s FREE to city residents and over 90% of people who come to mediation are able to solve their own problems without intervention of the courts!

The City of Tigard contracts with the Dispute Resolution Center at the City of Beaverton for mediation services. To learn more about this free service, click here: http://www.tigard-or.gov/city_hall/services/mediation/default.asp

Washington County commuter rail

2007-12-03T16:26:00.000-08:00

On Monday, November 19, TriMet announced WES as the new name of the Washington County commuter rail line. WES stands for Westside Express Service and the Westsider.

Construction update:

More than 75 percent of construction is complete
About 14-miles of track have been rebuilt
14 road crossings reconstructed
Five new railroad bridges built and two bridges rehabilitated

Cost and funding:

The $117.3 million project is funded by:

$58.65 million in federal funding
$35.34 million from state lottery bond proceeds
$15.56 million from TriMet and GARVEE bonds
$7.75 million from local cities and Washington County

TriMet and Washington County are contributing a total of $4.1 million toward annual operating costs.

About the project
The 14.7-mile Washington County commuter rail will open on September 12, 2008, the 10th anniversary of the opening of the Westside MAX line. WES will use existing freight tracks with self-propelled diesel trains to provide commuter rail service to Beaverton, Tigard, Tualatin and Wilsonville when it opens September 12, 2008. Because the line uses existing freight tracks in a dedicated corridor, construction impacts are minimal. TriMet is working with Colorado Railcar to design and build the vehicle.

It is the first commuter rail line in Oregon, and among a handful of suburb-to-suburb commuter lines in the country. When complete it will connect to the Beaverton Transit Center with nearly a dozen bus lines, and MAX Blue and Red lines as well as bus service at each station.

A Five-Member Delegation will represent Tigard in Washington D.C.

2007-10-01T06:21:00.000-07:00

A five-member delegation will represent Tigard at the America's Promise National Forum and Celebration being held in Washington D.C. October 10-11, 2007. The delegation members are Tigard High sophomore Alexander Carsh (who lives in our neighborhood), Tigard's Mayor Craig Dirksen, Tigard's Assistant City Manager Liz Newton, Tigard/Tualatin School Board member Barry Albertson, and Tigard /Tualatin School District Superintendent Rob Saxton.

In January, America's Promise - the Alliance for Youth announced that Tigard was a winner of a national competition to identify the 100 Best Communities for Young People. In partnership with Capital One, the 100 Best competition honors communities - ranging from small towns to urban neighborhoods across America - for their commitment to provide healthy, safe and caring environments for young people.

Nothing is more important than seeing that our children and youth have the resources and support systems they need to thrive and succeed," said America's Promise Founding Chairman General Colin L. Powell, USA (Ret.). "When a community provides all that its young people need to be healthy and secure, they deserve to be honored and showcased as an outstanding example of what it takes to successfully nurture this nation's young people."

"The Tigard community values its youth, their energy, their creativity and their ideas. It's exciting to see what can be accomplished when the community works together." says Tigard's City Manager Craig Prosser. "Tigard's youth are equal partners empowered and involved in shaping the community's future. The City's Youth Advisory Council advises the City on issues of interest to youth and works to develop activities and programs that build leadership skills, promote safety and provide opportunities for them to give back to their community."

"Tigard is a community that really supports young people," said Rob Saxton, superintendent of the Tigard-Tualatin School District. "That support is evident in the community's willingness to approve school bond and local option measures, to volunteer thousands of hours in our classrooms and to provide supplemental staffing, equipment and educational programs for our schools. Our excellent and highly motivated staff is extra energized by this level of community support to do our part to provide the very best educational program that we can for our students."

Tigard and the other winners were chosen by a distinguished selection panel of civic, business and nonprofit leaders, including United Way of America President Brian Gallagher, U.S. Chamber of Commerce President Tom Donohue, NBC News Washington Bureau Chief and Moderator of Meet the Press Tim Russert, CEO's for Cities' President and CEO Carol Coleta, and former Denver Mayor Wellington Webb.

Founded by retired General Colin L. Powell, the America's Promise Alliance is the nation's largest private-public partnership committed to ensuring that every child receives the five fundamental resources - the Five Promises - essential for success: caring adults, safe places, a healthy start, an effective education and opportunities to help others.

100 Best Communities for Young People was first launched in 2005 by General Powell in partnership with Capital One Financial Corporation. Alma J. Powell currently serves as chair.

America's Promise grew out of the Presidents' Summit for America's Future in 1997, where Presidents Bush, Carter, Clinton and Ford, with Nancy Reagan representing President Reagan, challenged the country to make children and youth a national priority. President George W. Bush affirmed his commitment in 2001.