Green Thumb Community Garden
Potluck and Harvest Celebration
September 25th Noon - 3:00 at the garden
Location: Portland Avenue and East Wright Avenue in Tacoma.
We are planning to start setting up around Noon and eating around 1:00. Mayor Strickland and a few others will be touring Tacoma Community Gardens and we're scheduled as her first stop at 1:00 or shortly after. It's the Mayor's birthday and we'll have a cake for her, come celebrate her birthday and our Community Garden. It's a Potluck so bring something to share.
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Saturday, September 18, 2010
Compost Bines - Discounted Price & Sale
Compost bins discounted up to 60 percent, free workshops
With garden harvests winding down and fall leaves around the corner, now is the ideal time to start composting at home. City residents may take advantage of the last compost bin sale of the year featuring deeply discounted bins Sept. 15 through Oct. 15 at locations throughout Tacoma.
City of Tacoma Solid Waste Management, in partnership with Metro Parks Tacoma and Washington State Department of Ecology, encourage residents to compost at home to save resources while creating compost, a valuable soil amendment to use on lawns and gardens.
COMPOST BIN SALE (Tacoma residents) — Sept. 15-Oct. 15*
Discounted compost bins
· The Recycler Compost Bin: $35
· The Compost Wizard: $115
Purchase locations (call for hours and bin availability)
· Center at Norpoint: 4818 Nassau Ave NE, (253) 591-5504
· City of Tacoma EnviroHouse (Tacoma Landfill), 3510 S. Mullen St., (253) 573-2426
· Seymour Botanical Conservatory: 316 S. G St., (253) 591-5330
· South Park Community Center: 4851 South Tacoma Way, (253) 591-5299
· Tacoma Nature Center: 1919 S. Tyler St., (253) 591-6439
FREE COMPOSTING WORKSHOP (Tacoma and Pierce County residents)
· Oct. 9th, 11 a.m.-noon, location: City of Tacoma EnviroHouse (Tacoma Landfill), 3510 S. Mullen St., (253) 573-2426
For more information, visit www.cityoftacoma.org/composting or call Solid Waste Management, (253) 591-5543.
* Compost bin quantities limited, two bins per household, available only to residents residing within Tacoma city limits.
.
With garden harvests winding down and fall leaves around the corner, now is the ideal time to start composting at home. City residents may take advantage of the last compost bin sale of the year featuring deeply discounted bins Sept. 15 through Oct. 15 at locations throughout Tacoma.
City of Tacoma Solid Waste Management, in partnership with Metro Parks Tacoma and Washington State Department of Ecology, encourage residents to compost at home to save resources while creating compost, a valuable soil amendment to use on lawns and gardens.
COMPOST BIN SALE (Tacoma residents) — Sept. 15-Oct. 15*
Discounted compost bins
· The Recycler Compost Bin: $35
· The Compost Wizard: $115
Purchase locations (call for hours and bin availability)
· Center at Norpoint: 4818 Nassau Ave NE, (253) 591-5504
· City of Tacoma EnviroHouse (Tacoma Landfill), 3510 S. Mullen St., (253) 573-2426
· Seymour Botanical Conservatory: 316 S. G St., (253) 591-5330
· South Park Community Center: 4851 South Tacoma Way, (253) 591-5299
· Tacoma Nature Center: 1919 S. Tyler St., (253) 591-6439
FREE COMPOSTING WORKSHOP (Tacoma and Pierce County residents)
· Oct. 9th, 11 a.m.-noon, location: City of Tacoma EnviroHouse (Tacoma Landfill), 3510 S. Mullen St., (253) 573-2426
For more information, visit www.cityoftacoma.org/composting or call Solid Waste Management, (253) 591-5543.
* Compost bin quantities limited, two bins per household, available only to residents residing within Tacoma city limits.
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Thursday, July 22, 2010
Crime Busters - First Creek Neighbors
Here's a positive story about some citizen crime fighting in the First Creek Neighborhood of Tacoma. It's about making a community safer and a better place to live. The story was featured Thursday evening July 15th at 9pm on MYQ2 (channel 10) and at 10 pm on Q13 (channel 13).
One very imporatant element missing from the story is the importance of the City of Tacoma, the Police Department and Code Inforcement Officers, and the Puyallup Tribe of Indians and their Police Department. All of them are working really hard with the community and we consider them our partners.
If you missed the story here's a video link:
http://www.q13fox.com/videobeta/6c7529b5-ac13-45b3-a8c6-5aac20c13c3d/News/CRIME-BUSTERS-FIRST-CREEK-PKG
-------------------------------
Also: here's a transcript of the text and story by Darren Dedo
CRIMEBUSTERS: Tacoma Residents Take On Crack Den And Drug Dealing Squatters
A dedicated group of First Creek neighbors have decided enough was enough, and became Crimebusters.
TACOMA - It used to be one of Tacoma's toughest neighborhoods where pimps, prostitutes, and drug dealers ruled.
Now, a dedicated group of First Creek neighbors have decided enough was enough, and became Crimebusters.
It started when a group of addicts moved in next door to Ben Rimmele's home.
"I would let my dog out at night to use the restroom, I'd watch drug transactions go on, people breaking into cars all the time, I'd worry about my wife and daughter that, that stuff had happened," said Rimmele.
So, Ben and the rest of his First Creek neighbors decided to stand up to the bad guys.
"We started writing down license plates and descriptions," said Rimmele, "we took pictures, I (even) set up a camcorder on the top of my stairs to videotape the house."
The crack shack wasn't the only problem; Pimps and prostitutes were terrorizing their streets too.
Dan Fear says that when the First Creek folks decided to picket them.
"We literally went right up into their faces and said what are you doing?" said Fear, "it's a nice night, we're standing on the corner enjoying it, what are you doing?"
Ben and his good friend Martin Stokes also went mobile to fight crime and started patrolling under a neighborhood bridge.
Stokes says they see everything from crack pipes to beer, and the goal is to make sure squatters keep their open-air drug market away from kids.
"Now, we actually go to the park, go bike riding, go play basketball without worrying," said Stokes.
What a difference two years makes on Portland Avenue.
What used to be a vacant lot on the main strip that was a haven for criminal activity will soon become a community garden.
You can see and feel the renewed sense of community in First Creek.
It's thanks to Ben and his team of Crimebusters standing up for what's right.
"We stood our ground, said this is our neighborhood no one else's," said Rimmele, "all the neighbors together, we all came together."
Reporters final comments: The group says that at their last community crime meeting the Tacoma Policethe Tacoma Police told them that all of their efforts have made their First Creek area one of the least crime ridden areas of the city.
If you know of a Crimebuster in your neighborhood let us know about them, they could be featured in an upcoming story.
Link to online story but video link is difficult to find online:
http://www.q13fox.com/news/kcpq-071510-cimebustersfirstcreek,0,6322782.story
-------------------------------
Future Events:
August 3rd
First Creek’s First National Night Out
Location: Green Thumb Community Garden (Wright Avenue and Portland Avenue) Time: 7-10 pm. National Night Out Against Crime is a national event dedicated to increasing crime awareness and strengthening neighborhood spirit. Why not come and meet some old/new neighbors? You and your family are invited to join us at our new community garden site (a work in progress) at Portland/Wright Ave on August 3, 2010 from 7-10pm. This is a potluck event so please bring a dish to share, if you can. You might also bring a garden chair. There will be a BBQ for grilling. The garden should be fully fenced in by that time; neighbors of all ages are invited to come. We are hoping to have police presence, games for kids, and an opportunity to personalize pickets for the community garden. Questions? Please contact Katja at 253-576-6900 or katjarimmele@hotmail.com
August 4th
Join First Creek Neighbors for "A Picnic at the Creek"
Wednesday August 4th, 6:30pm - 8:00pm. Location: In First Creek Meadow near the 32nd St. Bridge. What you should bring? Your favorite picnic pot luck dish, water, or pop to share. A blanket or folding chair to sit on. A big smile. Enter the canyon near 29th St. behind the Emerald Queen Casino and walk a 2 block trail to 32nd St. Bridge or walk in from East Wright Street. at T Street. Provisions will be made for elderly and disabled to drive in. For more information call Edwina at 474-7083
.
One very imporatant element missing from the story is the importance of the City of Tacoma, the Police Department and Code Inforcement Officers, and the Puyallup Tribe of Indians and their Police Department. All of them are working really hard with the community and we consider them our partners.
If you missed the story here's a video link:
http://www.q13fox.com/videobeta/6c7529b5-ac13-45b3-a8c6-5aac20c13c3d/News/CRIME-BUSTERS-FIRST-CREEK-PKG
-------------------------------
Also: here's a transcript of the text and story by Darren Dedo
CRIMEBUSTERS: Tacoma Residents Take On Crack Den And Drug Dealing Squatters
A dedicated group of First Creek neighbors have decided enough was enough, and became Crimebusters.
TACOMA - It used to be one of Tacoma's toughest neighborhoods where pimps, prostitutes, and drug dealers ruled.
Now, a dedicated group of First Creek neighbors have decided enough was enough, and became Crimebusters.
It started when a group of addicts moved in next door to Ben Rimmele's home.
"I would let my dog out at night to use the restroom, I'd watch drug transactions go on, people breaking into cars all the time, I'd worry about my wife and daughter that, that stuff had happened," said Rimmele.
So, Ben and the rest of his First Creek neighbors decided to stand up to the bad guys.
"We started writing down license plates and descriptions," said Rimmele, "we took pictures, I (even) set up a camcorder on the top of my stairs to videotape the house."
The crack shack wasn't the only problem; Pimps and prostitutes were terrorizing their streets too.
Dan Fear says that when the First Creek folks decided to picket them.
"We literally went right up into their faces and said what are you doing?" said Fear, "it's a nice night, we're standing on the corner enjoying it, what are you doing?"
Ben and his good friend Martin Stokes also went mobile to fight crime and started patrolling under a neighborhood bridge.
Stokes says they see everything from crack pipes to beer, and the goal is to make sure squatters keep their open-air drug market away from kids.
"Now, we actually go to the park, go bike riding, go play basketball without worrying," said Stokes.
What a difference two years makes on Portland Avenue.
What used to be a vacant lot on the main strip that was a haven for criminal activity will soon become a community garden.
You can see and feel the renewed sense of community in First Creek.
It's thanks to Ben and his team of Crimebusters standing up for what's right.
"We stood our ground, said this is our neighborhood no one else's," said Rimmele, "all the neighbors together, we all came together."
Reporters final comments: The group says that at their last community crime meeting the Tacoma Policethe Tacoma Police told them that all of their efforts have made their First Creek area one of the least crime ridden areas of the city.
If you know of a Crimebuster in your neighborhood let us know about them, they could be featured in an upcoming story.
Link to online story but video link is difficult to find online:
http://www.q13fox.com/news/kcpq-071510-cimebustersfirstcreek,0,6322782.story
-------------------------------
Future Events:
August 3rd
First Creek’s First National Night Out
Location: Green Thumb Community Garden (Wright Avenue and Portland Avenue) Time: 7-10 pm. National Night Out Against Crime is a national event dedicated to increasing crime awareness and strengthening neighborhood spirit. Why not come and meet some old/new neighbors? You and your family are invited to join us at our new community garden site (a work in progress) at Portland/Wright Ave on August 3, 2010 from 7-10pm. This is a potluck event so please bring a dish to share, if you can. You might also bring a garden chair. There will be a BBQ for grilling. The garden should be fully fenced in by that time; neighbors of all ages are invited to come. We are hoping to have police presence, games for kids, and an opportunity to personalize pickets for the community garden. Questions? Please contact Katja at 253-576-6900 or katjarimmele@hotmail.com
August 4th
Join First Creek Neighbors for "A Picnic at the Creek"
Wednesday August 4th, 6:30pm - 8:00pm. Location: In First Creek Meadow near the 32nd St. Bridge. What you should bring? Your favorite picnic pot luck dish, water, or pop to share. A blanket or folding chair to sit on. A big smile. Enter the canyon near 29th St. behind the Emerald Queen Casino and walk a 2 block trail to 32nd St. Bridge or walk in from East Wright Street. at T Street. Provisions will be made for elderly and disabled to drive in. For more information call Edwina at 474-7083
.
Thursday, July 15, 2010
The New Directions for Livable Communities Award
Cascade Land Conservancy Board of Directors recently annouced "The New Directions for Livable Communities Award." The award “celebrates the innovation and cooperation required to create great communities and conserve great landscapes.”
This year the award is being given to First Creek Neighbors, The Puyallup Tribe of Indians and The City of Tacoma. The award is for the strong partnership and leadership in launching and implementing the First Creek Neighborhood transformation and engaging the broader community to make the First Creek Neighborhood safer, cleaner and more attractive.
Four other awards to other organizations and people (including our Lifetime Achievement Award to Congressman Norm Dicks) will be given during the Cascade Land Conservancy Pierce County Conservation Awards Lunch on Thursday, September 16, 2010, from 11:30 am – 1:30 pm at the Hotel Murano, Bicentennial Pavilion. This is an important event where over 500 community leaders come to celebrate conservation and building great communities – the largest conservation gathering in the South Sound.
Additional information will be posted soon on how you can attend the luncheon.
New Directions for a Livable Communities Award Video on You Tube:
To view the video right click on link and open in a New Window
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r1hkQyssO7A
.
This year the award is being given to First Creek Neighbors, The Puyallup Tribe of Indians and The City of Tacoma. The award is for the strong partnership and leadership in launching and implementing the First Creek Neighborhood transformation and engaging the broader community to make the First Creek Neighborhood safer, cleaner and more attractive.
Four other awards to other organizations and people (including our Lifetime Achievement Award to Congressman Norm Dicks) will be given during the Cascade Land Conservancy Pierce County Conservation Awards Lunch on Thursday, September 16, 2010, from 11:30 am – 1:30 pm at the Hotel Murano, Bicentennial Pavilion. This is an important event where over 500 community leaders come to celebrate conservation and building great communities – the largest conservation gathering in the South Sound.
Additional information will be posted soon on how you can attend the luncheon.
New Directions for a Livable Communities Award Video on You Tube:
To view the video right click on link and open in a New Window
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r1hkQyssO7A
.
First Creek Neighbors News and Events
News Stories
Last month, several First Creek Neighbors were interviewed for a "Crime Busters Story" that will air tonight (Thursday July 15) at 9 pm on MYQ2 (channel 10) and at 10 pm on Q13 (channel 13). It should be an interesting and positive story about a community working hard to make their neighborhood safer and a better place to live. If you miss the story tonight, it might be on the Q13 website tomorrow: http://www.q13fox.com/
Future Events
August 3rd
First Creek’s First National Night Out, Location: Green Thumb Community Garden (Wright Avenue and Portland Avenue) Time: 7-10 pm. National Night Out Against Crime is a national event dedicated to increasing crime awareness and strengthening neighborhood spirit. Why not come and meet some old/new neighbors? You and your family are invited to join us at our new community garden site (a work in progress) at Portland/Wright Ave on August 3, 2010 from 7-10pm. This is a potluck event so please bring a dish to share, if you can. You might also bring a garden chair. There will be a BBQ for grilling. The garden should be fully fenced in by that time; neighbors of all ages are invited to come. We are hoping to have police presence, games for kids, and an opportunity to personalize pickets for the community garden. Questions? Please contact Katja at 253-576-6900 or katjarimmele@hotmail.com
August 4th
Join First Creek Neighbors for "A Picnic at the Creek" Wednesday August 4th, 6:30pm - 8:00pm. Location: In First Creek Meadow near the 32nd St. Bridge. What you should bring? Your favorite picnic pot luck dish, water, or pop to share. A blanket or folding chair to sit on. A big smile. Enter the canyon near 29th St. behind the Emerald Queen Casino and walk a 2 block trail to 32nd St. Bridge or walk in from East Wright Street. at T Street. Provisions will be made for elderly and disabled to drive in. For more information call Edwina at 474-7083
Work Parties
July 17th
First Creek Cleanup, Saturday, July 17th, 2010 from 9:00 am to Noon. Location: East Fairbanks Street and First Creek. Join the First Creek Neighbors for a morning of trail maintenance with a little trash pickup and invasive plant removal. It will be easy and fun work and there will be an opportunity to do some exploring of the habitat area surrounding First Creek. If you have any questions please contact Dan Fear via phone at (253) 304-2808 or email at danfear@hotmail.com.
July 17th
Green Thumb Community Garden, Saturday, July 17th, from 9:00 - 2:00. Working on the garden on Saturday @ 9 am, by then we will have fence boards, stain, paint and more planks delivered, so bring all the appropriate tools that you think we could use. Perhaps: cordless screw guns, painting clothes, brushes (we will have some delivered along with the paint), saw horses for painting on..., and a lunch (Potluck). Soon we will be having weeknight work parties. For additional information contact Paul at (253) 678-5483 or email at stuthman@yahoo.com. On Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=129893867033700
.
Last month, several First Creek Neighbors were interviewed for a "Crime Busters Story" that will air tonight (Thursday July 15) at 9 pm on MYQ2 (channel 10) and at 10 pm on Q13 (channel 13). It should be an interesting and positive story about a community working hard to make their neighborhood safer and a better place to live. If you miss the story tonight, it might be on the Q13 website tomorrow: http://www.q13fox.com/
Future Events
August 3rd
First Creek’s First National Night Out, Location: Green Thumb Community Garden (Wright Avenue and Portland Avenue) Time: 7-10 pm. National Night Out Against Crime is a national event dedicated to increasing crime awareness and strengthening neighborhood spirit. Why not come and meet some old/new neighbors? You and your family are invited to join us at our new community garden site (a work in progress) at Portland/Wright Ave on August 3, 2010 from 7-10pm. This is a potluck event so please bring a dish to share, if you can. You might also bring a garden chair. There will be a BBQ for grilling. The garden should be fully fenced in by that time; neighbors of all ages are invited to come. We are hoping to have police presence, games for kids, and an opportunity to personalize pickets for the community garden. Questions? Please contact Katja at 253-576-6900 or katjarimmele@hotmail.com
August 4th
Join First Creek Neighbors for "A Picnic at the Creek" Wednesday August 4th, 6:30pm - 8:00pm. Location: In First Creek Meadow near the 32nd St. Bridge. What you should bring? Your favorite picnic pot luck dish, water, or pop to share. A blanket or folding chair to sit on. A big smile. Enter the canyon near 29th St. behind the Emerald Queen Casino and walk a 2 block trail to 32nd St. Bridge or walk in from East Wright Street. at T Street. Provisions will be made for elderly and disabled to drive in. For more information call Edwina at 474-7083
Work Parties
July 17th
First Creek Cleanup, Saturday, July 17th, 2010 from 9:00 am to Noon. Location: East Fairbanks Street and First Creek. Join the First Creek Neighbors for a morning of trail maintenance with a little trash pickup and invasive plant removal. It will be easy and fun work and there will be an opportunity to do some exploring of the habitat area surrounding First Creek. If you have any questions please contact Dan Fear via phone at (253) 304-2808 or email at danfear@hotmail.com.
July 17th
Green Thumb Community Garden, Saturday, July 17th, from 9:00 - 2:00. Working on the garden on Saturday @ 9 am, by then we will have fence boards, stain, paint and more planks delivered, so bring all the appropriate tools that you think we could use. Perhaps: cordless screw guns, painting clothes, brushes (we will have some delivered along with the paint), saw horses for painting on..., and a lunch (Potluck). Soon we will be having weeknight work parties. For additional information contact Paul at (253) 678-5483 or email at stuthman@yahoo.com. On Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=129893867033700
.
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
First Creek Neighbors - July Meeting
First Creek Neighbors
Monthly meeting
6:30 - 8:00 pm, Wednesday July 7th
The Portland Avenue Community Center
3513 Portland Avenue
Main Topics
* Twelve Easy Ways to Improve Our Community
* “Unity in the Community Kick Off” Saturday July 10th from 3-8 pm., at Portland Avenue Park. Hosted by Puyallup Tribe's Community Alliance Committee. Everyone in the community is invited, entertainment for all ages, food, raffles and fun.
* Green Thumb Community Garden (our new community garden located at Wright and Portland Avenues)
* August 4th First Creek Neighbors Community Picnic at the First Creek Meadow below 32nd Street bridge.
____________________________
Find information about our neighborhood as well as community resources by visiting our blog. This is the primary information site for our community garden.
http://firstcreek.blogspot.com/
First Creek Watershed blog features additional information primarily about the creek and habitat area. Contact Dan Fear at 253 304-2808 if you have any questions.
http://firstcreekwatershed.blogspot.com/
Green Thumb Community Garden now on Facebook, information and pictures.
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=129893867033700
For more information call Edwina at 474-7083
.
.
Monthly meeting
6:30 - 8:00 pm, Wednesday July 7th
The Portland Avenue Community Center
3513 Portland Avenue
Main Topics
* Twelve Easy Ways to Improve Our Community
* “Unity in the Community Kick Off” Saturday July 10th from 3-8 pm., at Portland Avenue Park. Hosted by Puyallup Tribe's Community Alliance Committee. Everyone in the community is invited, entertainment for all ages, food, raffles and fun.
* Green Thumb Community Garden (our new community garden located at Wright and Portland Avenues)
* August 4th First Creek Neighbors Community Picnic at the First Creek Meadow below 32nd Street bridge.
____________________________
Find information about our neighborhood as well as community resources by visiting our blog. This is the primary information site for our community garden.
http://firstcreek.blogspot.com/
First Creek Watershed blog features additional information primarily about the creek and habitat area. Contact Dan Fear at 253 304-2808 if you have any questions.
http://firstcreekwatershed.blogspot.com/
Green Thumb Community Garden now on Facebook, information and pictures.
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=129893867033700
For more information call Edwina at 474-7083
.
.
Monday, May 10, 2010
Eastside Community Garden Meeting
Last Saturday, May 8th, there was a meeting about our Eastside Community Gardens, here's a recap of what went on. Attendance was good, some 15 - 20 people showed up. Kristen McIvor representing the city was also on hand.
By-Laws and Garden Rules were discussed and Design of the Gardens, and each person had a chance to talk about there vision of the garden.
Small groups were formed to come up with garden designs and two designs were presented to the city for consideration. The Puyallup Tribal property was discussed and it was suggested that we do raised bed on the edges of 32nd Street and along Portland Avenue on the high spot. Basically not trying to do too much this first year.
Next Community Garden meeting is scheduled for Saturday, May 15th at 8:30 a.m. the location will be the Portland Avenue Community Center. Please join us if you are interested in gardening or making our neighborhood better.
.
.
By-Laws and Garden Rules were discussed and Design of the Gardens, and each person had a chance to talk about there vision of the garden.
Small groups were formed to come up with garden designs and two designs were presented to the city for consideration. The Puyallup Tribal property was discussed and it was suggested that we do raised bed on the edges of 32nd Street and along Portland Avenue on the high spot. Basically not trying to do too much this first year.
Next Community Garden meeting is scheduled for Saturday, May 15th at 8:30 a.m. the location will be the Portland Avenue Community Center. Please join us if you are interested in gardening or making our neighborhood better.
.
.
Monday, May 3, 2010
First Creek Neighbors - May Meeting
You are invited to attend the monthly meeting of First Creek Neighbors this Wednesday May 5th, from 6:30 - 8:00
Location
The Portland Avenue Community Center
3513 Portland Avenue
Main Topics
* Youth /Adult Partnership Program
* The Community Gardens (two in our community)
Thank you, everyone who participated in our Community Clean-up. You make this community a great place to live. A special thanks goes out to the Puyallup Tribe, City of Tacoma, Burns Towing, Girl Scouts AmeriCorps, World Vision, Christ Community Baptist Church, and Peace Community Center Youth Group, thank you for stepping up to help our community.
Article in the Tacoma Weekly about the April 24th, Clean-up:
http://www.tacomaweekly.com/article/4342
For more information about our monthly meeting as well as other events and activities in our neighborhood call Edwina at 474-7083
.
Location
The Portland Avenue Community Center
3513 Portland Avenue
Main Topics
* Youth /Adult Partnership Program
* The Community Gardens (two in our community)
Thank you, everyone who participated in our Community Clean-up. You make this community a great place to live. A special thanks goes out to the Puyallup Tribe, City of Tacoma, Burns Towing, Girl Scouts AmeriCorps, World Vision, Christ Community Baptist Church, and Peace Community Center Youth Group, thank you for stepping up to help our community.
Article in the Tacoma Weekly about the April 24th, Clean-up:
http://www.tacomaweekly.com/article/4342
For more information about our monthly meeting as well as other events and activities in our neighborhood call Edwina at 474-7083
.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Eastside Community Garden Work Party
Successful work party to clean-up the new Eastside Community Garden, April 27th. A Special thank you goes to Bellarmine High students and teachers, and to Habitat for Humanity for organizing the garden clean-up.
We have two community garden sites on Portland Avenue. For this work party we primarily worked on the property at 32nd Street, owned by the Puyallup Tribe. They're working with the community and neighbors to help make a successful garden.
This work was focused on removing blackberry roots as well as bricks and cement on the property. The tree planters along Portland Avenue were weeded and are ready for some beautiful plants. The grass was also cut in the parking area between our two gardens.
There's still work to be done, if you have time stop by the garden and grub out a blackberry root or two. No need to wait for a work party, however rumor has it that on Friday morning, May 7th, you might see some neighbors out working at the garden site.
.
Friday, April 23, 2010
First Creek Neighborhood Clean-up
It's Spring Clean-up time around First Creek. Join the fun and make our neighborhood better and cleaner on Saturday, April 24th, from 10-1. The City of Tacoma and the Puyallup Tribe are being dumpsters to us and you can drop-off stuff you want to get rid of. There are some rules like what you can and cannot bring, and you have to show ID that indicates you are from the First Creek area (lower Portland Avenue and Roosevelt Hieghts).
Also, if you want to join us at Fairbanks and First Creek we'll have numberous work parties picking up litter and removing invasive plants (Ivy) along the creek.
Come on out Saturday morning rain or shine, we'll be making improvements to the neighborhood. If you need to talk with someone or get lost, call Dan at (253) 304-2808
.
Also, if you want to join us at Fairbanks and First Creek we'll have numberous work parties picking up litter and removing invasive plants (Ivy) along the creek.
Come on out Saturday morning rain or shine, we'll be making improvements to the neighborhood. If you need to talk with someone or get lost, call Dan at (253) 304-2808
.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Tacoma Garden Meeting
Share ideas for Tacoma’s new community gardens at April 21 kickoff event
Citizens are invited to help mold the future of Tacoma’s new community garden program by attending the Community Gardens Kickoff from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, April 21, at the Evergreen Tacoma campus, 1210 Sixth Ave., Tacoma. Children are welcome to attend with their families.
More than 150 people participated in a Community Garden Summit on March 20, where Mayor Marilyn Strickland announced that the City of Tacoma is supporting the growing interest in community gardening in a very tangible way: by creating seven new community gardens.
“Community gardens are neighborhood spaces where people come together to grow both food and relationships with each other,” said Kristi Lynett, City of Tacoma sustainability manager.
The Community Gardens Kickoff on April 21 will be an opportunity for neighbors and community members to learn more about the new community garden efforts, as well as give input on the vision and management for each garden location. Each group of gardeners will be encouraged to create the type of gathering place they’d like to have in their neighborhoods.
Topics to be addressed:
Purpose/vision for each neighborhood’s garden
Garden design, including gathering spaces or other communal areas
Organizational structure
Timeline and plan for construction
The new community garden locations are:
1400 S. 85th & Sheridan
South 25th & Grant Avenue
57th Avenue Northeast and Norpoint Way
North 45th & Orchard Streets
South 48th & Yakima Avenue
South 12th & Stevens:
Portland Avenue & Wright Avenue
To learn more or RSVP for the Community Gardens Kickoff, go to www.cityoftacoma.org/gardens. For additional questions, call (253) 591-5414.
-----------------------
Nice article about the East Side, our Community Gardens and the April 24th Clean-up activities. The Puyallup Tribe, City of Tacoma and East Side community groups are working together and creating a better community, in today's Tacoma News Tribune.
http://www.thenewstribune.com/2010/04/14/1147046/east-side-neighborhoods-mobilize.html
Join the fun, get involved, help make a difference.
.
Citizens are invited to help mold the future of Tacoma’s new community garden program by attending the Community Gardens Kickoff from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, April 21, at the Evergreen Tacoma campus, 1210 Sixth Ave., Tacoma. Children are welcome to attend with their families.
More than 150 people participated in a Community Garden Summit on March 20, where Mayor Marilyn Strickland announced that the City of Tacoma is supporting the growing interest in community gardening in a very tangible way: by creating seven new community gardens.
“Community gardens are neighborhood spaces where people come together to grow both food and relationships with each other,” said Kristi Lynett, City of Tacoma sustainability manager.
The Community Gardens Kickoff on April 21 will be an opportunity for neighbors and community members to learn more about the new community garden efforts, as well as give input on the vision and management for each garden location. Each group of gardeners will be encouraged to create the type of gathering place they’d like to have in their neighborhoods.
Topics to be addressed:
Purpose/vision for each neighborhood’s garden
Garden design, including gathering spaces or other communal areas
Organizational structure
Timeline and plan for construction
The new community garden locations are:
1400 S. 85th & Sheridan
South 25th & Grant Avenue
57th Avenue Northeast and Norpoint Way
North 45th & Orchard Streets
South 48th & Yakima Avenue
South 12th & Stevens:
Portland Avenue & Wright Avenue
To learn more or RSVP for the Community Gardens Kickoff, go to www.cityoftacoma.org/gardens. For additional questions, call (253) 591-5414.
-----------------------
Nice article about the East Side, our Community Gardens and the April 24th Clean-up activities. The Puyallup Tribe, City of Tacoma and East Side community groups are working together and creating a better community, in today's Tacoma News Tribune.
http://www.thenewstribune.com/2010/04/14/1147046/east-side-neighborhoods-mobilize.html
Join the fun, get involved, help make a difference.
.
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Community Gardens in Tacoma
The City of Tacoma is creating seven new community gardens for the 2010 growing season. This is terrific news for gardeners and neighborhoods throughout Tacoma.
Last week residents living near the gardens received a Public Notice about the gardens (yellow notice sent). Basically, it's part of the Land Use Permit Procedures and is a requirement to let citizens in the neighborhoods know about the city plans.
You can help by submitting written comments supporting the gardens before April 29th.
File Number: INT2010-40000143179
To allow the use of "community gardens" pursuant to Tacoma Municipal Code Section 13.05.030.E Permitted Uses - Uses Not Specifically Classified.
For further information regarding the proposal, log onto the website at http://govme.org/ and select "Permit Information" then "Land Use Notices. The case file may also be viewed in the Building and Land Use Services Division, 747 Market Street, room 345. Staff contact is Philip Kao, Associate Planner, 253 591-5378 or email at pkao@cityoftacoma.org
Also, related to the gardens, there will be a public meeting for anyone interested in gardening. Wednesday April 21st, 6:30pm, Evergreen College – Tacoma campus.
Thanks for your gardening interest.
.
Last week residents living near the gardens received a Public Notice about the gardens (yellow notice sent). Basically, it's part of the Land Use Permit Procedures and is a requirement to let citizens in the neighborhoods know about the city plans.
You can help by submitting written comments supporting the gardens before April 29th.
File Number: INT2010-40000143179
To allow the use of "community gardens" pursuant to Tacoma Municipal Code Section 13.05.030.E Permitted Uses - Uses Not Specifically Classified.
For further information regarding the proposal, log onto the website at http://govme.org/ and select "Permit Information" then "Land Use Notices. The case file may also be viewed in the Building and Land Use Services Division, 747 Market Street, room 345. Staff contact is Philip Kao, Associate Planner, 253 591-5378 or email at pkao@cityoftacoma.org
Also, related to the gardens, there will be a public meeting for anyone interested in gardening. Wednesday April 21st, 6:30pm, Evergreen College – Tacoma campus.
Thanks for your gardening interest.
.
Monday, April 5, 2010
Pictures of Garden meeting 4 April 2010
Neighbors and Garden Experts gather to discuss our two new Community Gardens. It was a wet and cold day.
The gardens will be located on Portland Avenue at Wright Avenue and 32nd. At the meeting we discussed the upcoming Innovative Grants and what we might want to accomplish with one.
Important meeting on Wednesday April 21st, 6:30pm, Evergreen College – Tacoma campus. There will be a city and county wide meeting for anyone interested in gardening. The City of Tacoma is fast tracking the new community garden sites and community feedback is needed at this meeting. Please attend if you are hope to garden in any of the city sites.
.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Eastside Community Garden / Pea Patch
The Eastside of Tacoma has a new Community Garden / Pea Patch that will be planting this Spring. The Puyallup Tribe has given approval and is helping to create a large garden on their property located at 32nd and Portland Avenue. This will be a joint effort with the Neighbors on the Eastside and the Puyallup Tribe.
We need to get started soon. If you know of anyone wanting to garden on the Eastside, we need let them know so they can get involved. Also, we're looking for planning committee members and a garden leader.
The property is listed on http://govme.org as 0.30 acre with another section on Portland Avenue listed as 0.10 acre. The official addressese are: 1610 East 32nd and 3205 East Portland Avenue.
The garden space will be approximately 100' x 150'
There's also plenty of room for flowers and some fruit trees.
The Puyallup Tribe will be hooking up the water and paying for it. Plus we have a group of AmeriCorps volunteers to help with some of the initial clean-up. We need community members and gardeners to get involved right away.
We also, need to come up with a name for the garden, if you have any ideas please send them. Any ideas or interest would be appreciated.
Send email to danfear@hotmail.com and let him know about your interest. It's time to get started so don't delay.
Additional information will be provided at the April meeting of First Creek Neighbors at 6:30, Wednesday, April 7th, at the Portland Avenue Community Center, located at Portland Avenue Playfield.
.
We need to get started soon. If you know of anyone wanting to garden on the Eastside, we need let them know so they can get involved. Also, we're looking for planning committee members and a garden leader.
The property is listed on http://govme.org as 0.30 acre with another section on Portland Avenue listed as 0.10 acre. The official addressese are: 1610 East 32nd and 3205 East Portland Avenue.
The garden space will be approximately 100' x 150'
There's also plenty of room for flowers and some fruit trees.
The Puyallup Tribe will be hooking up the water and paying for it. Plus we have a group of AmeriCorps volunteers to help with some of the initial clean-up. We need community members and gardeners to get involved right away.
We also, need to come up with a name for the garden, if you have any ideas please send them. Any ideas or interest would be appreciated.
Send email to danfear@hotmail.com and let him know about your interest. It's time to get started so don't delay.
Additional information will be provided at the April meeting of First Creek Neighbors at 6:30, Wednesday, April 7th, at the Portland Avenue Community Center, located at Portland Avenue Playfield.
.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Neighborhood Improvement and
Environmental Clean-up Day
Mark your calendars for April 24th. Our neighborhood and others on the Eastside of Tacoma are planning a major effort to clean-up our streets and open space areas to make our communities better.
Help us clean up your neighborhood!
What’s this clean up all about?
The City of Tacoma, The Puyallup Tribe and several neighborhood groups in your area are joining forces to clean up our community because clean neighborhoods are safer neighborhoods.
April 24, 2010 – 1 day only! 10 AM to 2 PM
Where you can bring your junk:
• Parking lot behind the Tribal Administration Building (behind 3009 Portland Avenue)
Who Can Participate?
Those who live in a single family home or duplex between I-5 and 38th Street between Thompson Avenue and the east City limits (bring a driver’s license or utility bill to show for proof of residence) and members of the Native American community of the Puyallup Reservation (please bring your Tribal ID).
Volunteers may be available to help you unload your items, but please be aware that you offload at your own risk. A flyer with additional information will most likely be delivered to your doorstep or you can read more about it in forthcoming issues of the Puyallup Tribal News and or Tacoma Weekly.
-------------------
Anyone interested in helping to make the lower portion of First Creek better, please join us on April 24th. We'll be meeting at First Creek and Fairbanks at 10:00 am and working until 1:00. The focus will be on removing non-native and invasive plants (mostly Ivy) in several key areas of the creek near Fairbanks. We'll also be doing some light clean-up. A variety of tasks will be available from easy to moderate so everyone can participate. Work boots required, dress for the weather, and if you have tools for removing Ivy please bring them. Some tools and gloves will be available if needed. Please join us in making First Creek, the environment and the community better, contact Dan Fear at 253 304-2808 or email him at danfear@hotmail.com if you can participate.
This event might be changed to another day. If it is and you want to remove Ivy, please attend the Clean-up event at McKinley Park, overlooking the Tacoma Dome. More on this later. Be sure to contact Dan Fear at 253 304-2808 if you are interested.
-------------------
The Environmental Science Club at First Creek Middle School and UWT, along with the Pierce County Stream Team will be planting 275 Native Plants behind the new middle school on the same day (April 24th). From 9-10 am there will educational information on display in the lunch room of First Creek Middle School, so you can learn more about the creek and your environment. If you want to help plant plants, you should plan on joining them. They will also be removing some Ivy from trees around the school.
-------------------
Please plan on joining one of the efforts to make our neighborhood and the environment around First Creek better. More information and additional contact numbers will be added soon.
.
.
Help us clean up your neighborhood!
What’s this clean up all about?
The City of Tacoma, The Puyallup Tribe and several neighborhood groups in your area are joining forces to clean up our community because clean neighborhoods are safer neighborhoods.
April 24, 2010 – 1 day only! 10 AM to 2 PM
Where you can bring your junk:
• Parking lot behind the Tribal Administration Building (behind 3009 Portland Avenue)
Who Can Participate?
Those who live in a single family home or duplex between I-5 and 38th Street between Thompson Avenue and the east City limits (bring a driver’s license or utility bill to show for proof of residence) and members of the Native American community of the Puyallup Reservation (please bring your Tribal ID).
Volunteers may be available to help you unload your items, but please be aware that you offload at your own risk. A flyer with additional information will most likely be delivered to your doorstep or you can read more about it in forthcoming issues of the Puyallup Tribal News and or Tacoma Weekly.
-------------------
Anyone interested in helping to make the lower portion of First Creek better, please join us on April 24th. We'll be meeting at First Creek and Fairbanks at 10:00 am and working until 1:00. The focus will be on removing non-native and invasive plants (mostly Ivy) in several key areas of the creek near Fairbanks. We'll also be doing some light clean-up. A variety of tasks will be available from easy to moderate so everyone can participate. Work boots required, dress for the weather, and if you have tools for removing Ivy please bring them. Some tools and gloves will be available if needed. Please join us in making First Creek, the environment and the community better, contact Dan Fear at 253 304-2808 or email him at danfear@hotmail.com if you can participate.
This event might be changed to another day. If it is and you want to remove Ivy, please attend the Clean-up event at McKinley Park, overlooking the Tacoma Dome. More on this later. Be sure to contact Dan Fear at 253 304-2808 if you are interested.
-------------------
The Environmental Science Club at First Creek Middle School and UWT, along with the Pierce County Stream Team will be planting 275 Native Plants behind the new middle school on the same day (April 24th). From 9-10 am there will educational information on display in the lunch room of First Creek Middle School, so you can learn more about the creek and your environment. If you want to help plant plants, you should plan on joining them. They will also be removing some Ivy from trees around the school.
-------------------
Please plan on joining one of the efforts to make our neighborhood and the environment around First Creek better. More information and additional contact numbers will be added soon.
.
.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
March First Creek Neighbors Meeting
March Meeting Annoucement
First Creek Neighbors
Neighbors for a Better Eastside Community
Please join us at the monthly meeting of First Creek Neighbors. Learn about what's going on in your neighborhood, have dinner with your neighbors, and share your thoughts and concerns.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Portland Avenue Community Center
3513 Portland Avenue
For the month of March, we'll be talking about the plans for creating a Community Garden / Pea Patch for growing healthy food for your family, neighbors, or to donate to local food banks.
We'll also be talking about Spring Clean-up activities in the neighborhood. Mark your calendars, we need you support and energy for a big Spring Clean-up on April 24th. More about this at the Wednesday meeting.
The East Side Boys and Girls Club is planning to close and we'll have an update on what's going on with the club and how you can help save it.
Finally, we are having a POT-LUCK just before the meeting starts, so bring a dish to share, brigh two if you feel up to it. Who wants to bring a Costco Pizza or a bucket of Albertson's Chicken?
For more information call Dan at 253 305-2808
.
.
First Creek Neighbors
Neighbors for a Better Eastside Community
Please join us at the monthly meeting of First Creek Neighbors. Learn about what's going on in your neighborhood, have dinner with your neighbors, and share your thoughts and concerns.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Portland Avenue Community Center
3513 Portland Avenue
For the month of March, we'll be talking about the plans for creating a Community Garden / Pea Patch for growing healthy food for your family, neighbors, or to donate to local food banks.
We'll also be talking about Spring Clean-up activities in the neighborhood. Mark your calendars, we need you support and energy for a big Spring Clean-up on April 24th. More about this at the Wednesday meeting.
The East Side Boys and Girls Club is planning to close and we'll have an update on what's going on with the club and how you can help save it.
Finally, we are having a POT-LUCK just before the meeting starts, so bring a dish to share, brigh two if you feel up to it. Who wants to bring a Costco Pizza or a bucket of Albertson's Chicken?
For more information call Dan at 253 305-2808
.
.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
First Creek Neighbors Meeting
and Community Gardens
First Creek Neighbors and Friends,
We're planning a Community Garden / Pea Patch for the Eastside of Tacoma. Learn more about this at the March 3rd meeting of First Creek Neighbors, 6:30 Portland Ave. Community Center.
For now, I would like to invite you to the following community gardening event: Space is limited, so I urge you to RSVP as soon as possible if you're interested. Also, if you know of others interested in growing food and gardening please let them know.
---------------------------------------
Growing Community Gardeners!
Tacoma / Pierce County Community Garden Summit
March 20th at Manitou Community Center
Kick off Spring the right way:
Come learn from expert growers how to start a new community garden, or how
to garden on your own – and meet your neighbors who are gardening too!
Highlights
Keynote speakers:
Tacoma Mayor Strickland, Carrie Little & Terry Carkner
Expert panel:
How to start a new community garden
Hands-on Workshop:
Creating a spiral garden in a small space
Neighborhood networking
…and much more! (like a free healthy lunch)
Free and open to everyone interested in growing food!
Details
When: March 20, 2010, 10am¬–4pm. (Registration starts at 9am)
Where: Manitou Community Center, 4806 S. 66th St, Tacoma WA
Contact: Janet Bissell (253) 312-4458 or janetb@tacomaparks.comRSVP by March 13th: by phone or online: http://www.cascadeland.org/events/summit/
---------------------------------------
A major concern the we have on the Eastside, is the planned closing of the East Side Branch of the Boys and Girls Club located near 64th and McKinley Avenue. The club has been in our neighborhood for many years and we need to save it from closing. Here're links to articles in the Tacoma Weekly and Tacoma New Tribune:
http://www.tacomaweekly.com/article/4077
http://www.thenewstribune.com/2010/02/15/1071007/east-side-branch-of-boys-girls.html
More about how you can help at our March meeting.
---------------------------------------
First Creek Neighbors Monthly Meeting
First Wednesday of each month:
6:30pm - 8:00pm
Portland Avenue Community Center
3513 Portland Avenue, Tacoma, 98404
We look forward to seeing you at the March meeting.
Dan Fear
First Creek Neighbors
425 260-4991
.
.
We're planning a Community Garden / Pea Patch for the Eastside of Tacoma. Learn more about this at the March 3rd meeting of First Creek Neighbors, 6:30 Portland Ave. Community Center.
For now, I would like to invite you to the following community gardening event: Space is limited, so I urge you to RSVP as soon as possible if you're interested. Also, if you know of others interested in growing food and gardening please let them know.
---------------------------------------
Growing Community Gardeners!
Tacoma / Pierce County Community Garden Summit
March 20th at Manitou Community Center
Kick off Spring the right way:
Come learn from expert growers how to start a new community garden, or how
to garden on your own – and meet your neighbors who are gardening too!
Highlights
Keynote speakers:
Tacoma Mayor Strickland, Carrie Little & Terry Carkner
Expert panel:
How to start a new community garden
Hands-on Workshop:
Creating a spiral garden in a small space
Neighborhood networking
…and much more! (like a free healthy lunch)
Free and open to everyone interested in growing food!
Details
When: March 20, 2010, 10am¬–4pm. (Registration starts at 9am)
Where: Manitou Community Center, 4806 S. 66th St, Tacoma WA
Contact: Janet Bissell (253) 312-4458 or janetb@tacomaparks.comRSVP by March 13th: by phone or online: http://www.cascadeland.org/events/summit/
---------------------------------------
A major concern the we have on the Eastside, is the planned closing of the East Side Branch of the Boys and Girls Club located near 64th and McKinley Avenue. The club has been in our neighborhood for many years and we need to save it from closing. Here're links to articles in the Tacoma Weekly and Tacoma New Tribune:
http://www.tacomaweekly.com/article/4077
http://www.thenewstribune.com/2010/02/15/1071007/east-side-branch-of-boys-girls.html
More about how you can help at our March meeting.
---------------------------------------
First Creek Neighbors Monthly Meeting
First Wednesday of each month:
6:30pm - 8:00pm
Portland Avenue Community Center
3513 Portland Avenue, Tacoma, 98404
We look forward to seeing you at the March meeting.
Dan Fear
First Creek Neighbors
425 260-4991
.
.
Saturday, February 6, 2010
February Meeting Annoucement
First Creek Neighbors
WHAT KIND OF COMMUNITY DO YOU WANT?
Attend the monthly meeting of
First Creek Neighbors
and help shape the future of our community!
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
6:30pm - 8:00pm
Portland Avenue Community Center
3513 Portland Avenue
The ideas and energy of both adults and youth are needed to create and achieve our vision for our community. Youth we look forward to seeing you and your parents at the meetings of First Creek Neighbors.
For more information call Edwina at 474-7083
----------------------------------------
Neighborhood Accomplishments So Far:
• Our first Christmas float
• Our first candidates’ forum
• Our first picnic in the Creek
• New Middle School Named for First Creek
• Cleaned up a Meth Lab
• Closed 16 Drug Houses
• Closed Marijuana Growing Operation
• Hauled 201 Tons of Junk
• Lights Restored in Portland Avenue Park
• Illegal Encampments Closed
• Organized an Active Neighborhood Patrol
• Cleaned up Numerous Problem Houses
• Our Own Blog – http://firstcreek.blogspot.com
• Resolution passed by Tacoma City Council in support of City/Puyallup Tribe/community collaboration to create a stewardship plan for First Creek
Update from our January 6, 2010 meeting
At our January meeting we began to develop a vision for our community. We brainstormed answers to 4 questions. The questions and our responses are included with our February flyer. At our February meeting we will add to and refine the work from January. Students from First Creek Middle School have been brainstorming answers to these questions. Their responses will be added. We hope to have youth in attendance at our February meeting. We hope that you will hold meetings in your homes and have your neighbors answer these questions so that we can add additional ideas. After our vision is complete, we will identify resources and activities to achieve our vision. It is encouraging that January’s notes identify activities that we can accomplish with resources readily available in our community. We look forward to seeing you at our February meeting. Please read the notes from January prior to the meeting.
----------------------------------------
First Creek Neighbors Visioning Meeting
January 6, 2010
1. How can we build relationships in our community? Who is missing?
• Potlucks
• More follow-ups after meetings
• Sending out Thank You’s
• Promote our work w/other groups
• Drawings and prizes
• Cultural events and clean-ups
• Different groups to host meetings, events, etc…
• Market our group in news (media)
• Continue to invite city officials
• Invite athletes
• Fundraisers
• Send our info to groups who distribute newsletters
• Personal invites
• First Creek Neighbors day at the ball park
• Yard of the month
• Movie in the park
• Community Geo-tracking
2. How can we include kids?
• Reach out to middle & high schools, universities
• Court system (youth who offend and need to do community service)
• Incentives for youth
• Give kids opportunity to build and take ownership
• Have kids come and teach us
• Partnership w/newspaper and highlight things that the kids are doing
• Outreach to parents to help kids get involved
• Scholarships
• Joining PTA
• Reaching out to churches
• Forming a youth board
3. What do we want our community to look like?
• Litter free, nice yards, better lighting
• Green Eastside
• Safe and welcoming
• Play areas, walking areas, picnic areas
• Trees
• Better gateway off freeway, beauty, better sidewalks, roads, hiking trails
• Sense of identity
• Economic development, business district
• Proud community, walker friendly
• Landscaping
• Community center w/more activities
• We want our community to look like the North End
4. What more can be done?
• Begin grant writing
• Invite small businesses, churches, local organizations
• Logo (First Creek)
• 501c3
• More quality neighbors
• Solid mailing list (active list)
• Contact Bill Gates Foundation
• Visible reader board at Portland Ave Park and off the freeway
• Welcome door hangers
• Reach out to our neighbor, neighborhood councils
.
.
Attend the monthly meeting of
First Creek Neighbors
and help shape the future of our community!
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
6:30pm - 8:00pm
Portland Avenue Community Center
3513 Portland Avenue
The ideas and energy of both adults and youth are needed to create and achieve our vision for our community. Youth we look forward to seeing you and your parents at the meetings of First Creek Neighbors.
For more information call Edwina at 474-7083
----------------------------------------
Neighborhood Accomplishments So Far:
• Our first Christmas float
• Our first candidates’ forum
• Our first picnic in the Creek
• New Middle School Named for First Creek
• Cleaned up a Meth Lab
• Closed 16 Drug Houses
• Closed Marijuana Growing Operation
• Hauled 201 Tons of Junk
• Lights Restored in Portland Avenue Park
• Illegal Encampments Closed
• Organized an Active Neighborhood Patrol
• Cleaned up Numerous Problem Houses
• Our Own Blog – http://firstcreek.blogspot.com
• Resolution passed by Tacoma City Council in support of City/Puyallup Tribe/community collaboration to create a stewardship plan for First Creek
Update from our January 6, 2010 meeting
At our January meeting we began to develop a vision for our community. We brainstormed answers to 4 questions. The questions and our responses are included with our February flyer. At our February meeting we will add to and refine the work from January. Students from First Creek Middle School have been brainstorming answers to these questions. Their responses will be added. We hope to have youth in attendance at our February meeting. We hope that you will hold meetings in your homes and have your neighbors answer these questions so that we can add additional ideas. After our vision is complete, we will identify resources and activities to achieve our vision. It is encouraging that January’s notes identify activities that we can accomplish with resources readily available in our community. We look forward to seeing you at our February meeting. Please read the notes from January prior to the meeting.
----------------------------------------
First Creek Neighbors Visioning Meeting
January 6, 2010
1. How can we build relationships in our community? Who is missing?
• Potlucks
• More follow-ups after meetings
• Sending out Thank You’s
• Promote our work w/other groups
• Drawings and prizes
• Cultural events and clean-ups
• Different groups to host meetings, events, etc…
• Market our group in news (media)
• Continue to invite city officials
• Invite athletes
• Fundraisers
• Send our info to groups who distribute newsletters
• Personal invites
• First Creek Neighbors day at the ball park
• Yard of the month
• Movie in the park
• Community Geo-tracking
2. How can we include kids?
• Reach out to middle & high schools, universities
• Court system (youth who offend and need to do community service)
• Incentives for youth
• Give kids opportunity to build and take ownership
• Have kids come and teach us
• Partnership w/newspaper and highlight things that the kids are doing
• Outreach to parents to help kids get involved
• Scholarships
• Joining PTA
• Reaching out to churches
• Forming a youth board
3. What do we want our community to look like?
• Litter free, nice yards, better lighting
• Green Eastside
• Safe and welcoming
• Play areas, walking areas, picnic areas
• Trees
• Better gateway off freeway, beauty, better sidewalks, roads, hiking trails
• Sense of identity
• Economic development, business district
• Proud community, walker friendly
• Landscaping
• Community center w/more activities
• We want our community to look like the North End
4. What more can be done?
• Begin grant writing
• Invite small businesses, churches, local organizations
• Logo (First Creek)
• 501c3
• More quality neighbors
• Solid mailing list (active list)
• Contact Bill Gates Foundation
• Visible reader board at Portland Ave Park and off the freeway
• Welcome door hangers
• Reach out to our neighbor, neighborhood councils
.
.
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