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January 2007 Minutes |
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Page ConteMinutes: Hillsdale Alliance Meeting, Jan. 10, 2007
Rieke Elementary School Library, 7 p.m.
Attending:
Mike Ponder—Hillsdale Neighborhood Association
Dianna Ponder—Hillsdale Farmers Market Board
Virginia Tribe—Library
Daniel Ronan—Wilson High School student, HNA board
Don Baack—Hillsdale Neighborhood Association, SW Trails, chair
Sue Brent—Wilson High School principal
Wes Risher—Hillsdale NA
Mike Miller—Rieke Elementary School parent
Mike Roach—Hillsdale Business and Professional Association President
Rick Nitti—Neighborhood House executive director
Rick Seifert—Hillsdale Neighborhood Association board, HBPA
John Morris—Hillsdale NET
Linda Doyle—Wilson High School site council
Ruth Atkins—Rieke, Wilson, Robert Gray site parent, former site council
Glenn Bridger—SWNI, board chair
Action items:
• Dianna Ponder, Mike Ponder, Rick Nitti and Rick Seifert will investigate by-laws and 501 (c) (3) status for a Hillsdale Community Foundation. Rick Seifert shared John Braidwood’s concerns about using the money for a foundation. John believes the money should be distributed. Rick S. suggested considering using part of the money to promote the foundation. Don Baack’s suggestion that we pursue establishing legal status for the foundation as the logical first step. The group decided to proceed with Don’s suggestion.
• Rick S. announced that the Alliance has received a $1000 grant through the neighborhood grants program to build an Alliance web site. A separate $1500 grant through the business association will help build an HBPA site. The two sites and others in the neighborhood will be linked. In the meantime, Rick has started The Red Electric as a forum for commentary.
Topics covered:
Alliance’s Third Anniversary: Rick Seifert noted that the meeting marked the third anniversary of the Hillsdale Alliance. (The Portland Tribune had a story about the Alliance in its Jan 9 issue. The January issue of the Multnomah Post also has an Alliance story. Both stories omitted schools here and include others that aren’t in Hillsdale. Also, our December book sale revenues were overstated.)
Book Sale on Dec. 3 raised $2700 gross. From its two 2006 sales, the Alliance has approximately $5700 in its SWNI account.
Farmers’ Market: Dianna Ponder reported that the winter market is in full swing. The first Sunday in May is the beginning of the regular weekly market. A Winter Feast on Feb 18 is being held as a benefit for the market. Tickets are $50 per person. Portland Public Schools has agreed to a three-year lease for the market to be at the Rieke site.
Plaza for Market: Mike Ponder is part of a committee exploring the possibility of covering the new Hillsdale Market Plaza with solar panels. Don Baack announced three meetings regarding Plaza planning: one with farmers on Jan. 28 and two with the community on Feb 11 and Feb. 25. $1000 in contributions is being sought to help with the next planning phase for the plaza.
Hillsdale Net: John Morris reported that 24 volunteers are in training for local NETS (Neighborhood Emergency Teams). Fifteen are already trained. NETS in three neighborhoods, including Hillsdale, are with Fire Station #5 in Hillsdale as their meeting place. In October there will be a major terrorist preparedness exercise conducted in the City. www.swni.org has more on NETS.
SW HOPE organized by St. Andrews: Rick Nitti said St. Andrews Presbyterian Church is inviting other area congregations to join in the effort to raise money or in-kind food for 50,000 pounds of food. Rick also noted that several pastors are meeting quarterly for breakfasts to talk about mutual concerns.
Annual NH banquet/Auction is Saturday, May 12, this year.
Everybody Reads: Virginia Tribe announced that start of the Everybody Reads program for 2007. The book is “Midnight at the Dragon Café” by Judy Fong Bates. She announced another program that will allow young patrons to “read off” fines for overdue books.
Stephens Creek update: Don Baack said that plans are moving ahead with the trail through the park. A community garden is under consideration for the park as well.
Wilson High School:
• Daniel Ronan reported on the Culture Night planned for April 21st. Thirty-two students from several cultural clubs are involved in planning and presentations.
• Wes Risher reported that the effort to develop the Wilson Master Plan received a $2000 neighborhood grant for a design charrette on Saturday, March 3. The plan will be reviewed at the Wilson 50th anniversary rededication in May.
• Some expressed concern to Sue Brent about the on-going litter/behavior problems around the REMAX/Equity bus stop. Parent monitors were suggested.
Concert in the Rieke Amphitheater pursued: Wes Risher said he is pursuing getting a summer concert in the amphitheater through Portland Parks and Recreation. The concert would be paid for by corporate sponsors.
Rieke update: Mike Miller reported that the School Board accepted the Rieke community’s plan but didn’t adopt it. A portable building will be added to the west of the present building in the fall, and there will be a new kindergarten class next year. Six new classrooms will be needed to meet the growth requirements outlined in the plan. The plan relies on selling the merits of the Hillsdale community to families with children.
Note: Although Garth Nisbet was unable to attend this Alliance meeting, he responded to the draft of the minutes by adding: “The School Board accepted the Rieke community’s plan by vote of 6-0. PPS resolution and minutes indicate "adoption" in affirmative several times..."
Robert Gray update: Ruth Atkins reported that a production of “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” is in the works at the middle school. The Multicultural Fair is set for Feb 27th.
Anti-War rally/vigil set: Ruth is organizing a half-hour anti-war event in response to the President’s announced escalation. The rally/vigil will be at the corner of Capitol Highway and Sunset Boulevard for Jan. 11 starting at 6 p.m. (The event was well attended and others are planned)
Ivy Removal: Don Baack said that volunteers will start ivy removal in Himes Park on Saturday, Feb 20.
Next Meeting: Wednesday, April 11, at 7 p.m. at the Equity Group Building.
Rick Seifert
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