Guest post by Montavilla Neighborhood Association Vice Co-Chair Brian Wong.
Rep. Ben Cannon visits MNA meeting
State Representative Ben Cannon and his assistant, Christy Splitt dropped by the last Montavilla Neighborhood Association (MNA) meeting to update neighbors on public education, job creation, and health care legislation. When he's not busy legislating, Cannon is a middle school teacher, father of one daughter, Evelyn, and husband to his wife, Liz. He welcomed everyone to participate in his online questionnaire located at www.repbencannon.com to help guide his work in Salem.
MNA Elections 10/12
Elections to all MNA board positions will be held October 12, 7 p.m., at Montavilla Community Center (located on the corner of 82nd Avenue and Glisan Street). The positions of Chair, Co-Chair, Treasurer, Public Safety, etc—you get the idea—are all open. If you have a certain passion or vision for the community you live, work, or worship in, then MNA has a place for you. Your time is compensated with the satisfaction of seeing a project through to completion and shaping the Montavilla community. There are also committee positions available. For example, Mural and Public Art Committee, Electronic Communication and Outreach Committee, and Community Garden and Parks Committee all have one or two seats available.
Neighborhood Tree Plantings
This has been a busy summer in Montavilla. The area was blessed with one of the largest tree plantings ever, with almost 200 trees planted. The plantings occurred in partnership with Friends of Trees. Plans for 2010 plantings are already underway. Tree costs are subsidized by Friends of Trees. A tree can be planted in front of your home for as little as $39.99. (You can barely buy a shrub for that cost!) The deadline for signup is January 4th and can be done at the Friends of Trees web site. The earlier you select your tree, the better choices that exist. More information and questions answered by contacting Jennifer Tamayo at montavillatrees@yahoo.com or calling 503.257.2940.
First Annual Montavilla Kids Carnival and Movie Night a Big Success!
MNA partnered with the Montavilla Foot Patrol, SouthEast Uplift, City Blessing Church, Highland Christian Church, and Central Bible Church to put together the first Annual Montavilla Kids Carnival and Movie Night in Montavilla Park. The event was held August 22nd from 4–11 p.m. It is estimated that 800 people showed up to participate in some or all of the events that occurred that day. 400 backpacks stuffed with school supplies were given away during the event. Funds are currently being raised to repeat this event August 14th, 2010. If you wish to donate, contact Brian Wong at 971-221-4718 or email wong.brian57@yahoo.com.
Kudos to Thatcher's Pub for its generous support
MNA would like to extend a community ‘Thank You' to Thatcher's Pub at 80th and Stark. Not only did they throw a great BrewFest on August 22nd, but they have been incredibly supportive of the MNA and other community organizations. This year, they donated $1,400, which is close or equal to the sum they donated last year. MNA runs on volunteers and donations, so we're grateful of any and all support we get. Thank you!!!
Milepost 5 event attracts 4,000 visitors to Montavilla
Gavin Shettler of MilePost 5 (located at 900 NE 81st Avenue, due west of Montavilla Park) is happy to report that Manor of Art was a success. The in-house art exhibit ran August 15th through August 23rd and featured live entertainment, photographs, paintings, performance art, and hands-on exhibits. The weeklong event brought 4,000 people in and ended with a speech by Mayor Sam Adams. If you're interested in learning more about MilePost 5, visit the web site or call 503.998.4878.
Safeway to donate percentage of club card purchases to Vestal PTA
Kate Dingmann, manager of Safeway, contacted MNA recently to let neighbors know that when you register your Safeway club card at www.escrip.com, Safeway will automatically donate a percentage of every purchase made with registered Safeway cards to Vestal PTA. Vestal PTA will use the funds for community events and to purchase supplies to use in the classroom. You will need your card in hand to register. If you do not have a card, stop by Safeway and pick one up. Help your community with little effort on your part!
Montavilla Food Co-op
The community is a-buzz with talk of a Food Co-op. The first meeting was held September 13th at Lydia and Steven's home at the corner of 80th and Oregon. If you are interested in participating in future discussions about a Montavilla Food Co-op, please call Lydia at 503.807.0156.
Business news: Welcome Montavilla Station!
In case you have not noticed, Sassy Jacks at 417 SE 80th Avenue got a new paint job, but its sign is missing! This is because the pub is changing ownership and its name. The new name is Montavilla Station and the new owner is Ray Salvi. Ray was contacted by MNA about signing a Good Neighbor Agreement. This type of agreement can be used for a multitude of reasons, but, in this case, it was to affirm the desire of Montavilla Station to respect the residential needs of the neighborhood and MNA's desire to promote businesses with good business practices. A copy of this document can be had by contacting Fritz Hirsch at 503.568.7804. Other local Montavilla establishments that have similar agreements are Delotti Deli at 324 SE 82nd and Aaron's Wine Cellar at 322 SE 82nd. If you see something worth reporting about these businesses, please contact us.
Montavilla Graffiti Clean Up 10/3
October 3rd is the next Graffiti Clean Up. Make an immediate impact on your community and remove an eyesore! All supplies are provided, but it is recommended that you wear clothing intended to become permanently stained. Coffee and donuts will be provided. Meet at Safeway at 9:30 a.m.
Mountain Valley Community School Block Party 10/17
Mountain Valley Community School and its neighbors are putting on a block party October 17th. The block party will feature face painting, games, and a potluck lunch. Feel free to drop by. Learn more about the school on its web site or call 971.285.5949. The block party will be held at 85th between Taylor and Court.
SEUL Photo Contest
SouthEast Uplift is hosting a photo contest. They are looking for pictures that scream neighborhood or articulate the people and places that make your community hum. The contest is open to those that live, work, shop, or worship within the SouthEast Uplift boundaries (which are huge!). All photos must be original works of the entrant. Winners will have their work framed and displayed permanently at SouthEast Uplift headquarters at located at SE 35th and Main. For questions and more information, visit the SEUL web site or call 503-232-0010.
MNA Meets: 2nd Monday of each month at 7 p.m.
Location: Montavilla Community Center, 8219 NE Glisan
Contact: Brian Wong, 971.221.4718
more info: www.montavilla.info
