Tigard Area 10 Neighborhood Web Page

Tigard Area Chamber of Commerce Updates

2009-11-13T04:17:00.000-08:00

Near Term Focus

In listening to the BOD, chamber members, chamber staff, and Ambassadors, there are several areas that need immediate attention that I will be working on in the first 90 days with help from chamber staff and other volunteers. Those are:

* Finish the implementation of the new website and assist members with getting their piece of the online directory up and running
* Restart monthly and weekly newsletter communications
* Improve the hard copy business directory development process
* Improve membership retention and recruitment programs
* Create more value for the TACC members in their membership

To that end, there will be survey coming within the next 60 days asking for your input on the chamber, what is working, what is not and what you need as a chamber member. Your feedback will be critical in this process and I want to hear from you.

Please bear with us as Brittany and I ramp up on the tools needed to update the web and kickstart electronic communications. If you check out the Events Tab in the Directory portion of the web, you should now see new events loaded for Good Morning Tigard for the rest of 2009. Thank you Brittany!

Until we get the web fully updated with events we have created PDF flyers we can e-mail to you with the coming events.

Thank you all for being Tigard Area Chamber of Commerce members. I have met some of you at the recent Good Morning Tigard, or you have stopped in to see me. I am looking forward to connecting with the rest of you through other chamber events and would love an invitation to come see your business. Please do not hesitate to contact me with your feedback.

Best regards,

Debi Mollahan
CEO

Tigard Chamber of Commerce
12345 SW Main Street
Tigard, OR 97223
Phone: 503-639-1656
Email: debi@tigardchamber.org

Where Business Soars!

Ride Connection

2009-11-13T04:15:00.000-08:00

Transportation is a basic human need for older adults and people with disabilities and Ride Connection provides this essential service. Transportation is the link between individuals and the life enriching and sustaining resources they need to remain healthy, active, and productive members of their community.

Founded in 1988, Ride Connection provides transportation services, options, and resources for older adults and people with disabilities in Portland area, including Clackamas, Multnomah, and Washington counties. The services offered by Ride Connection are designed specifically for each neighborhood and area served. Additionally, each trip request is tailored for an individual's ability level and need. Individuals have the option to learn how to use the public transit system via our RideWise travel training program, take a neighborhood shuttle, or be picked up at their door with any of Ride Connection’s ADA-accessible vehicles.

Last fiscal year, through a collaborative partnership with our network of over 30 community service partners, Ride Connection provided over 371,700 rides to over 10,000 individuals. In addition, the RideWise travel training program successfully provided mobility support and travel training to 137 individuals and supported over 1,100 other individuals in their travel needs.

Website: http://www.rideconnection.org/index.htm

Tigard Library Book Group Will Explore Saudi Arabia with Finding Nouf

2009-11-13T04:10:00.000-08:00

The Tigard Library evening book group will discuss Finding Nouf on Wednesday, Nov. 25, at 7 p.m. and welcomes readers to join the discussion. Zoe Ferraris’ debut novel is a literary mystery set in contemporary Saudi Arabia.
Desert guide and devout Muslim Nayir al-Sharqi works with crime scene investigator Katya Hijazi to investigate the mysterious death of sixteen-year-old Nouf, who disappeared shortly before her wedding. Ferraris, who has lived in Saudi Arabia, provides insight into male vs. female and traditional vs. modern perspectives of Saudi Arabian society.
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. For information about Library book groups and other activities, visit the Library’s Web site at http://www.tigard-or.gov/library and click on Adult Programs or call 503-684-6537.

Area 10 Neighborhood Update

2009-11-07T06:39:00.000-08:00

October 2009 – Update on Issues raised through the Neighborhood Network Program

1. Will there be a Grant Street School Zone?

Yes. Work commences within the next few weeks on changing out the signage.

2.There is a visibility problem at Pathfinder Court. Could a convex 'safety' mirror could be mounted on the sign pole to facilitate safe egress from Pathfinder Court?

No. Unfortunately, safety mirrors do not provide the same level of visibility in a street setting as they do when used in a parking lot, and they are not a viable solution to this issue. However, the city is looking at ways to improve visibility. Public Works staff will send crews out within the next few weeks to trim back ivy and arborvitae where possible.

3. More Sidewalks needed on 121st between Walnut Street and Quail Hollow

This project is planned to be included as a High-Priority Project in Tigard’s Transportation System Plan – the 20-year plan for transportation projects in the city.
The city has made it a priority to complete sidewalks, bike lanes, and piped drainage along 121st Avenue from Walnut Street to Gaarde Street. Engineering for this project has been completed, and right-of-way would be acquired and the project would be constructed when funding becomes available. There are a couple of projects, such as Walnut Street near Fowler School, that are on the funding list ahead of this project on 121st.

4. Speed bumps! Stop signs

As traffic calming measures (such as speed humps or bumps or stop signs in neighborhoods) can be quite controversial, the city has developed a process by which residents can request speed humps. The steps are:
a) Submit a petition signed by a majority of affected residents and property owners stating the specific issue and desired steps to resolve it.
b) Upon receipt of the petition, city staff will conduct a traffic safety investigation of the street(s).
c) Certain specific traffic criteria need to be met for traffic measures to be considered. Locations meeting this criteria are prioritized based on the technical data in relation to this criteria.
d) When a location rises to the top of the list and staff time is available, a conceptual design of traffic calming measures is prepared (with citizen input) for the street.
e) A survey is mailed out to all the affected residents and property owners describing the conceptual design and asking them to say ‘yes’ or ‘no’ to that design.
f) If yes votes are received from a majority of affected people, the traffic calming measures are installed.
For questions about this process or to submit a petition, contact Mike McCarthy at
503-718-2462.

5.Sidewalks on 121st along Walnut

The city applied for federal stimulus funding for this project, but it was not awarded. We will continue to pursue funding for this project by any avenue through which funding may become available. It is a priority for the city to complete sidewalks along Walnut Street from 116th Avenue (west of Fowler School) to Highway 99W, and this project is in the City, County, and Regional Transportation System Plans. The city has completed the engineering and right-of-way acquisition for a project to add sidewalks, bike lanes, and piped drainage along Walnut Street from 116th Avenue to Tiedeman Avenue. However, construction of this project is on hold due to lack of funding.

6.Sidewalks along Fonner – between 115th & Walnut and all of 115th Ave.

Pedestrian improvements along Fonner are being considered for Tigard’s Transportation System Plan.However, there would be some potentially significant detrimental impacts to constructing these walks, as typical sidewalks would necessitate removal of trees and would result in a more open feel for Fonner Street, which might lead to drivers going faster as they perceive the road to be more open. Perhaps a more creative solution, such as a pathway meandering around the trees where appropriate, might also be an option.
This project (to construct sidewalks along 115th Avenue) has been identified in Tigard’s plans for pedestrian facilities, and is on the list for construction when funding becomes available.

Have a question or issue to raise? Email your Neighborhood Web Administrator at
http://tigardarea10.blogspot.com

Tigard Voters Turn Down Parks and Open Space Bond

2009-11-07T06:37:00.000-08:00

Tigard voters said no at the ballot box Tuesday to a $20 million bond measure to preserve Natural Areas, and Develop Parks and Trails. The vote was 47% in support and 53% against the measure.

If approved, the proceeds from the bond would have paid to purchase land for parks, trails and natural areas. Bond proceeds would also have funded new and expanded park facilities throughout the city. For the average homeowner, the $65 cost to voters in the first year of the 20 year bond repayment would have declined over time.

Mayor Craig Dirksen, reflecting on the outcome, said “It’s clear to me this measure was a good idea to the majority of Tigard residents but uncertainty about the economy made it difficult to say yes. Perhaps when we have a clearer view of the future, we’ll try again. Hopefully the land will still be available.”

The Tigard City Council and members of the City’s Park and Recreation Advisory Board will meet in the coming weeks to discuss next steps.

Tigard Library Hosts Holocaust Remembrance

2009-11-07T06:33:00.000-08:00

On Tuesday, November 17 at 7 p.m. the Tigard Library will host Peter Wigmore, who will describe his mother’s experiences in Auschwitz, where she was subject to the brutal experiments of Dr. Josef Mengele. The library is presenting the program in observance of the 71st anniversary of Kristallnacht, which occurred on November 9 and 10, 1938.

Kristallnacht, or the Night of Broken Glass, was a coordinated assault by Nazi forces on German and Austrian Jewish citizens. As a result, 30,000 people were sent to concentration camps. Many historians consider Kristallnacht as the first clear portent of the future Holocaust.

The program will be held in the Community Room. 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 and click on Adult Programs.

Façade Improvement Program to Revitalize Main Street

2009-10-31T07:29:00.000-07:00

The City of Tigard is kicking off the Façade Improvement Program for Main Street property and business owners. This program is an approved project in the City Center Urban Renewal Plan and is funded through Urban Renewal funds. It is designed to encourage businesses to make façade improvements by providing professional design assistance and matching funds. The purpose of this program is to help revitalize Main Street as a place to shop, do business, and invest in.

The program has two parts. The first part is the Façade Improvement Design Assistance. Design assistance will include 30–40 hours of architectural design services. The architect will meet with property and business owners to discuss their objectives for the building’s facade. Final results will include complete schematic design level drawings and also a general estimate of project cost. This assistance is completely free to eligible applicants and is available on a “first come, first served” basis.

The second part of the program is the Façade Improvement Matching Grant. Applicants who received Design Assistance can apply to be considered for a 50% matching grant to complete the project. The award will be a competitive process and applications will be reviewed by the Façade Improvement Subcommittee.

The program is a pilot project for this fiscal year and, depending on demand, the program may be expanded in future years.

For more information, contact project manager Sean Farrelly, 503-718-2420, sean@tigard-or.gov or visit http://www.tigard-or.gov/FacadeProgram.

Guitarist Dorian Michael Will Perform at the Tigard Public Library

2009-10-31T07:26:00.000-07:00

Guitarist Dorian Michael will perform fingerstyle acoustic guitar at the Tigard Public Library on Wednesday, Nov. 18, at 7 p.m. Michael’s “contemporary traditional” music weaves blues, folk, jazz and rock and roll to create his own sound.
“Some music makes you feel, some makes you think and some music is just for the fun of it. I try to get to all those places in the space of a performance,” said Michael.
This free musical performance will be held at the Library Community Room and is sponsored by the Friends of the Tigard Public Library. For more information, please call the Library at 503-684-6537 and request the Adult Reference Desk or visit the Library’s Web page at: http://www.tigard-or.gov/library/ and click on Adult Events.

Attention High School Students

2009-10-25T06:26:00.000-07:00

Are you interested in having a voice in city government? Tigard’s Committee for Citizen Involvement (CCI) is looking for you! The CCI seeks a youth member with fresh ideas and a youthful perspective. Is that you?

The CCI advises City Council on all matters pertaining to citizen involvement and communications. It’s a fun and friendly group of citizens with a passion to serve and a desire to experience “hands on” community involvement. If that describes you—read on!

The CCI typically meets at 7 p.m. on the third Wednesday of every month at the Tigard Public Library. What do they do? Check out recent agendas and minutes below.

This youth position will be appointed through the City's interview process. The interview is friendly and applications are available online at http://www.tigard-or.gov/city_hall/boards_committees/cci/default.asp. If computers aren't your thing, hardcopies are available at Tigard City Hall, or by calling Marissa Daniels at 503-718-2428. Don't be shy. We would love to hear from you. You don't have to be a public speaker, just someone with a desire to get involved.

The application deadline is Friday, November 13, 2009 (so don’t drag your feet.) Apply now!

November Cityscape newsletter

2009-10-25T06:20:00.000-07:00

Here is the link to the November Cityscape newsletter:

http://www.tigard-or.gov/community/cityscape/default.asp

A Movie with Margaret Features 1942 Musical at the Tigard Public Library

2009-10-25T06:19:00.000-07:00

Library Director Margaret Barnes will host a matinee of a 1942 musical starring Bing Crosby, Fred Astaire and Marjorie Reynolds on Sunday, Nov. 8, from 1:30-3:30 p.m. At an inn that is only open on holidays, a crooner and a hoofer vie for the affections of a beautiful up-and-coming performer.
The movie is part of the A Movie with Margaret series at the Tigard Public Library. Refreshments will be served.
The free program will be shown in the Community Room. No registration is required. For more information, please call the Library at 503-684-6537 and request the Adult Reference Desk or visit the Library’s Web page at: http://www.tigard-or.gov/library/ and click on Adult Events.

Tigard Library Presents Whodunit on Mysterious 1935 Fire at Oregon Capitol Building

2009-10-25T06:17:00.000-07:00

On Thursday, November 5, at 7 p.m., the Tigard Public Library will present a free program about the 1935 fire that destroyed Oregon’s Capitol building. “Whodunit: The Burning of Oregon's Capitol in 1935” features Kyle Jansson, Coordinator of the Oregon Heritage Commission.
In the middle of the Great Depression, Oregon's Statehouse, modeled after the U.S. Capitol, suddenly burned to the ground on a beautiful spring day. Investigators later uncovered several surprising clues to the fire's cause.
The program will be held in the Library’s Community Room. 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/ and click on Adult Programs.

Deployed Soldiers in Tigard's 41st Brigade HQ‏

2009-10-17T06:50:00.000-07:00

This information is in response to requests for sending care packages to Tigard’s men and women who are deployed with the 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Troops (IBCT) Headquarters in Iraq & Afghanistan. The link at the end of this sentence will take you to additional mailing addresses for Oregon troops overseas. http://www.oregon.gov/OMD/DeployedUnits.shtml

At this link: http://www.oregon.gov/OMD/AGPA/docs/Care_Package_Items.pdf you will find a list of popular requests and do’s and don’ts for sending items to the soldiers. It’s recommended that a note or letter be included with the package if materials are meant to be shared among a group. If you are addressing your package or letters to a specific soldier, their name should be on the address line.

Task Force Jungleer

(Tigard’s groups) 2700 soldiers

Wentworth, Michael
HHC 41 IBCT
Task Force Jungleer
Camp Adder
APO AE 09331

Buschbach, Brandon
HHC 41st IBCT
(MNC-I)
Task Force Jungleer
APO AE 09342

Hovie, Tom
HHC/41 IBCT
Task Force Jungleer
Camp Adder
APO AE 09331

City of Tigard Names New Police Chief

2009-10-17T06:48:00.000-07:00

City Manager Craig Prosser, recently announced his appointment for a new police chief for the City of Tigard. Former Assistant Chief Alan Orr will assume his new role as Chief of Police effective November 24th. That day coincides with the planned retirement of Bill Dickinson, the current Police Chief. Dickinson announced his retirement in August and Orr was appointed as Interim Chief of Police at that time.

Prosser expanded on his motivation regarding the appointment by stating that Orr “has the highest commitment to serving our community and to high ethical standards.” He added that he is looking forward to working with Orr in his new role while helping move the Department and the City to the next level of professional excellence. Prior to his decision, Prosser conducted a series of interviews with other Tigard Police employees in efforts to better learn about Orr and the entire agency overall.

Newly appointed Chief Orr began employment with the City of Tigard in 2002 as a Captain for the patrol division. He was promoted to Assistant Chief in 2003. During his tenure with the Tigard Police Department, Orr worked to enhance the professionalism of officers by expanding on opportunities to interface with other metro area law enforcement agencies and specialty police units. Prior to his employment with the Tigard Police Department, Orr spent the previous 32 years working for the Portland Police Bureau. There he held a variety of positions culminating as a Precinct Commander until his announced retirement from the bureau in 2002. Orr, 61, is married and has one son and a daughter.

Newly appointed Police Chief Alan Orr will be officially sworn in at the regularly scheduled Tigard City Council meeting on November 24th.

Potso Dog Park changes

2009-10-17T06:45:00.000-07:00

Starting Monday November 2, 2009 Potso Dog Park will be open winter hours, weekends only from dawn to dusk. Note, that the water tank will be removed and you will need to bring water for your canine friends.

Also, we have had some people ask about Potso remaining open all year round. The current lease doesn't allow us to have the park open all year round, we have contacted the owners who are reluctant to change the current lease to allow Potso to be open all year round.

Batman is Unleashed at Tigard Library

2009-10-17T06:43:00.000-07:00

The Tigard Public Library will screen the latest Batman film preceded by a brief presentation about the Batman character in comics and film on Tuesday, October 27, at 6 p.m. The film, released in 2008, stars Christian Bale as the Caped Crusader and is the highest-grossing Batman film to date. Heath Ledger was awarded an Oscar posthumously for his portrayal of the Joker.
The program will be held in the Community Room. For more information, please call the Library at 503-684-6537 or visit the Library’s Web page at www.tigard-or.gov/library and click on Adult Programs.

Tigard Library Book Group Explores Alternative History in October

2009-10-17T06:39:00.000-07:00

The Tigard Library Evening Book Group invites readers to discuss The Yiddish Policemen’s Union on Wednesday, October 28, at 7 p.m. Pulitzer prize-winning author Michael Chabon imagines a world where Alaska, not Israel, became the homeland for the Jews after World War II.
In this world, Detective Meyer Landsman and his half-Tlingit partner Berko Shemets investigate the death of a heroin-addicted chess prodigy. Publisher’s Weekly describes the novel as “a murder-mystery speculative-history Jewish-identity noir chess thriller.”
The evening book group meets on the fourth Wednesday of each month in the Grace Tigard Houghton Room on the second floor of the Library. New members are always welcome. For information about Library book groups and other activities, visit the Library’s Web site at http://www.tigard-or.gov/library and click on Adult Programs or call 503-684-6537.

Tigard Library Program Offers Tips To Save on Groceries

2009-10-14T17:31:00.000-07:00

The Tigard Public Library invites you to attend a free one-hour presentation on saving money on groceries. The program will be held on Tuesday, October 20, at 7 p.m. in the Library Community Room.
Presenter Louise Jaffe will share her methods for saving more than 50 percent on grocery bills, including tips for planning painless grocery trips and using coupons effectively. Jaffe has been featured in The Oregonian Food Day section and Channel 8 News. She is a frequent radio guest on KPAM 860 A. M.
For more information, please call the Library at 503-684-6537 or visit the Library’s Web page at www.tigard-or.gov/library and click on Adult Programs.

Tigard Public Library Presents Program on Migratory Waterfowl

2009-10-14T17:29:00.000-07:00

Local birding expert Doug Robberson will present a program for bird enthusiasts on Saturday, October 24, from 1-3 p.m. at the Tigard Library. With a lecture and slideshow, he will identify the types of waterfowl that can be found at the Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge in winter.
Participants can learn how to recognize the varieties that migrate through our community each year. The free program will be held in the Community Room and is open to all ages. 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 and click on Adult Programs

Tigard Public Library Offers E-Bay Program

2009-10-14T17:27:00.000-07:00

Patricia Hogan, a certified eBay Educational Specialist, will present two programs at the Tigard Public Library for those interested in selling on eBay. Hogan will lead a workshop on Saturday, Oct. 17, from 2-3:30 p.m. in the Community Room followed by a hands-on training session on Thursday, Oct. 22, 7-8:30 p.m. in the Technology Room.
Hogan will explain how to register with eBay and conduct business using safe, successful methods. Participants will also learn how to effectively price items, create titles that get noticed and craft advertising copy to sell items quickly for top dollar. Additional information will cover safely conducting financial transactions, including how to accept credit card payments, and packing and shipping items.
Participants should know how to use the Internet. Space is limited for the Training Class. Registration for that session is required. To register or obtain more information about the workshops, please call the Library at 503-684-6537 and ask for the Adult Reference Desk

Recycle your "Water Guzzlin' Toilets"

2009-10-14T16:58:00.000-07:00

Do you have a 3.5 or 5 gallon toilet and want to upgrade to something more environmentally friendly? If you are interested in purchasing a new WaterSense labeled toilet, the City of Tigard is offering up to a $150 credit to your water bill. One requirement of the WaterSense Reimbursement Program is to recycle your old toilets. Recycle your old, unwanted toilets at the Westside Toilet Roundup.

When: Saturday October 17 9 AM to 1 PM
Where: Tualatin Valley Water District
1850 SW 170th Ave (Beaverton)
Cost: None! The event is sponsored by the City of Tigard and Tualatin Valley Water District. All toilets will be accepted free of charge.

Questions? For more information about water saving reimbursements, visit our website at www.tigard-or.gov/water or contact Environmental Program Coordinator Jennifer Joe at 503-718-2599.

Tigard Public Library Hosts Book Group Social

2009-10-14T16:55:00.000-07:00

Librarians will host a Book Group Social at the Tigard Public Library on Friday, Oct. 23, from 1-2:30 p.m. in the Community Room. The program is aimed at those who are either currently in a book group or would like to join or start one.
In honor of National Reading Group Month, librarians will share book talks, booklists, news about the latest great books, tips and tricks for running book groups and online and library resources for groups. Refreshments will be served and participants will have a chance to win prizes.
For more information, please call the Library at 503-684-6537 and request the Adult Reference Desk, or visit the Library’s Web site at: http://www.tigard-or.gov/library and click on Adult Events.

Special Town Hall Meeting on October 13, 2009‏

2009-10-04T06:35:00.000-07:00

Stop by Town Hall on Tuesday, October 13, 2009 between 7–9 p.m. to meet with elected officials and Tigard residents to share ideas pertinent to the City of Tigard.

Members of City Council will attend, as well as the new State Representative Margaret Doherty, State Senator Ginny Burdick and former Representative Larry Galizio. Light refreshments will be served.

Download the Upcoming Meeting Agenda

Volunteer for the SOLV Clean and Green Project, Oct 10!‏

2009-10-04T06:28:00.000-07:00

Please join us on Saturday, October 10th, from 9am-1pm at SOLV's Clean & Green Project at one of several project sites in Washington County and East Multnomah County. Activities include: litter cleanup, invasive vegetation removal, native planting and maintenance of natural areas.

To view the Clean & Green flyer, click here.

To view a list of projects and to sign up to volunteer, click here.

City of Tigard Recruiting for Planning Commissioners

2009-10-04T06:24:00.000-07:00

The City of Tigard is recruiting to fill four vacancies on the Planning Commission. The vacancies are for 3 commissioners and 1 alternate commissioner. The Planning Commission advises the City Council on general land use and transportation planning issues, long range community investment programs, and acts as a hearings body for certain land applications. Commissioners make recommendations to update and maintain the Tigard Comprehensive Plan, assist City Council in the formulation of Community Investment Plans, apply development regulations, and advance cooperative relationships in the community.

The Planning Commission consists of nine members and one alternate, and generally meets at 7:00 p.m. on the 1st and 3rd Mondays at Tigard City Hall. The term length for a commissioner is 4 years, while the alternate commissioner has a 1-year term.

Individuals interested in being considered for a Planning Commission position need to fill out a Citizen Committee Interest application and return it to City Hall by 5:00 p.m. on Monday, October 26th. Applications are available on-line at http://www.tigard-or.gov/community/volunteer or at the City Hall lobby, 13125 SW Hall Blvd.

For more information about these vacancies, and Planning Commission activities, please contact Dick Bewersdorff at 503-718-2432 or dick@tigard-or.gov