First Creek NeighborsMay 2011 Meeting

First Creek Neighbors

Invites You to Attend Our Monthly Meeting

6:30pm, Wednesday, May 4
The Portland Ave. Community Center
3513 Portland Avenue


TOPIC

Preview of the presentation about First Creek Neighbors and the Green Thumb Garden that will be made at Neighborhoods USA Conference towards the end of May

http://www.nusa.org/


Find out about what's going on in the First Creek Neighborhood, meet your neighbors, learn about the First Creek Watershed and our Community Gardens

Please join us!

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The results are in! First Creek Neighbors came in Third Place nationally.
Very good showing for our community group and for Tacoma.

New Community Garden for the Eastside of Tacoma

Good News for Tacoma! The "Good Medicine Community Garden" will be built this Spring at East 32nd and Portland Avenue. This is a wonderful community effort lead by the Puyallup Tribe, along with First Creek Neighbors, the City of Tacoma and many others working to build a better and healthier community.

We still need some funding to finish this garden project as planned, but we now have enough to get started building it. We'll be having work parties throughout the Spring, so keep your eyes and ears open to opportunities to help, we'll need your help, plus it's fun.



Future home of Good Medicine Community Garden

A special thanks goes to the Puyallup Tribe of Indians for providing the land and a large portion of the funding. Sustainable Tacoma also provided a small grant for the project.

Learn more about how to get involved at our next garden meeting on Friday evening, April 1st, 6:30 at the Portland Avenue Community Center. Also, we'll talk about it at the First Creek Neighbors monthly meeting on April 6th, time 6:30 same location.

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News article from the Puyallup Tribal News, April 2011:

http://www.puyalluptribalnews.net/news/news/a_second_garden_sprouts_up_for_tribal_use/
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First Creek NeighborsFebruary 2011 Meeting

First Creek Neighbors
Invites You to Attend Our Monthly Meeting

6:00pm, Wednesday February 2
at The Portland Ave. Community Center
3513 Portland Ave.

Fund Raiser for the Green Thumb Garden
6:00pm, Chili Feed, $2.00 per person, $5.00 per family. Proceeds from the fund raiser will be used to sponsor the $15.00 garden plots fee for needy gardeners.


Regular Meeting starts at 6:30

Main Topic of the evening:

Economic Development Plans of the Puyallup Tribe
It's always nice to hear from the Puyallup Tribe and to learn about the wonderful things they are doing for Tacoma.

Please join us for this important meeting.
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Building Healthy Communities from the Ground Up

Cascade Land Conservancy and the City of Tacoma invite you to a free evening workshop:

Building Healthy Communities from the Ground Up:
How to make your neighborhoods safer, cleaner and greener!

Join us at the Portland Ave community center, Wednesday at 6pm to 8:30.

Share in a potluck meal and gathering (bring something to share with four if you can).

Hear from a panel of community members from South Tacoma and the Eastside who have made their neighborhoods healthier:

o Dan Fear & David Whited, First Creek Neighbors & Puyallup Tribe – neighborhood restoration and crime reduction
o Carol Ramm-Gramenz & students, McCarver Elementary – safe routes to school and the Zina Linnik Park
o Octavia Hathaway, Caffeteria Octavia – starting a local business

Learn from Cascade Land Conservancy and Tacoma’s Community-Based Services about how you can effectively make change.

Brainstorm and plan concrete actions in your neighborhoods.

WHEN: 6-8:30pm, Wednesday January 26th
WHERE: Portland Ave Community Center (3513 East Portland Ave)

More information? Skye Schell at (206) 905-6891

RSVP Online:
http://www.cascadeland.org/events/healthy
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First Creek Neighbors - January Meeting

First Creek Neighbors

Monthly meeting
6:30 - 8:00 pm, Wednesday January 5th
The Portland Avenue Community Center
3513 Portland Avenue

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Agenda for January 5, 2011

* Welcome and Introductions

* News from the Puyallup Tribe

* First Creek Restoration Work Party in celebration of MLK day which is planned for January 17th at Fairbanks and First Creek, from 10:00 - 1:00.

* New boards for the garden painted by First Creek Middle School Students

* News from the City

* News from the Community Garden and Garden Fund Raiser

* Other community business: Pot Holes and Swan Creek Library

* Announcements
Next Garden meeting will be February 4 at 6:30 at the Portland Ave. Community Center. A $15.00 fee to rent a plot is due on or before February 4th.

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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
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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
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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.
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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
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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.

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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.
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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
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First Creek Neighbors Meetingand 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.

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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/

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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.

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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
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February Meeting AnnoucementFirst 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

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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.

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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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January Meeting AnnouncementFirst Creek Neighbors

Help your neighbors plan improvements for our community!
Attend the monthly meeting of

First Creek Neighbors


Wednesday, January 6, 2010
6:30pm - 8:30pm
Portland Avenue Community Center
3513 Portland Avenue

Please join us at our January meeting to plan for the coming year.

Thanks to all of our neighbors who have made

the First Creek Neighborhood safer and cleaner in 2009.

For more information call Edwina at 474-7083

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First Creek Neighbors - November Meeting Notice

Find out how you can be part of the great things happening in our community!

Attend the monthly meeting of
First Creek Neighbors

Wednesday November 4, 2009
6:30pm - 8:30pm
Portland Avenue Community Center
3513 Portland Avenue


Good News: Our September Clean-up was a great success. Our 92 participants got rid of 46 tons of junk and 333 tires. We had over 30 volunteers that helped with the event. Thank you to all participants and our sponsors, the City and the Puyallup Tribe.

Link to article in The Tacoma Weekly about the Clean-up:
http://www.tacomaweekly.com/article/3560/

We look forward to seeing you at our November meeting.
For more information call Edwina at 474-7083

More good news.

Priorities for First Creek Neighbors in 2009:
* Reduce gang activity
* Clean-up the community and Creek
* Stop illegal dumping
* Suppress fireworks
* Make opportunities for community social gatherings
* Fill pot holes

Things All of Us Can Do to Have a Cleaner and Safer Community.
* Speak to your neighbors. Learn their names and their children’s names.
* Pick up trash from in front of your house even if you did not put it there. Also pick up trash in your neighborhood.
* Use your 2 free yearly call-2-hauls to get rid of household junk. To arrange for a pick-up call-573-2468 (Only available for residents of single family or duplex houses)
* Leave your porch light on all night

Neighborhood Accomplishments So Far:
* 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. The creek and open space area around it is becoming a community asset and the fall is a good time to visit and see the lovely colors.

Over 50 people attended our candidates forum in October.
Don't forget to Vote before November 3rd

Scheduled Events
Citizen’s Patrol-Ongoing
Winter Ivy Removal from trees in the First Creek Open Space. Email Dan Fear at firstcreekwatershed@gmail.com if you're interested in volunteering.
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Tacoma Candidates’ ForumSponsored by First Creek Neighbors

You Are Invited to Attend
A Candidates’ Forum

Sponsored by First Creek Neighbors

Wednesday October 7, 2009
6:30pm - 8:30 p.m.

Portland Avenue Community Center
3513 Portland Avenue

Who will be there?

* Candidates for Mayor
* Candidates for City Council Positions 4 and 6
* Candidates for School Board Positions 2 and 4

Come hear and meet the future leaders of our City and School District. For more information call Edwina at 474-7083

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Big Community Clean-up, Saturday, September 19th, sponsored by The Puyallup Tribe , City of Tacoma and First Creek Neighbors. Time 10:00 - 2:00 p.m. Location behind Puyallup Tribal Headquarters near 30th and Portland Avenue. Hazardest waste will also be accepted. Sorry, no commercial businesses or appartments, must living in the lower Portland Avenue or Roosevelt Heights areas. For more information call Edwina at 474-7083.
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First Creek Neighbors - September Meeting Notice

You Are Invited
to Attend the Monthly Neighborhood Meeting

First Creek Neighbors Monthly Meeting
Wednesday September 2, 2009
6:30pm - 8:30pm
Portland Avenue Community Center
3513 Portland Avenue

Who will be there?
First Creek Neighbors
Tacoma Police Department
Puyallup Tribal Police
City Code Enforcement
Many Others!!!

What Will We Discuss?
* The City of Tacoma's Nuisance Ordinance

* September 19th Clean-up

Your Attendance Would Be Most Appreciated
For more information call Edwina at 474-7083

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Priorities Identified at Feb. First Creek Neighbors Meeting

• Reduce gang activity
• Clean-up the community and Creek
• Stop illegal dumping
• Suppress fireworks
• Make opportunities for community social gatherings
• Fill pot holes and fix our streets

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Things All of Us Can Do to Have a Cleaner and Safer Community

• Speak to your neighbors. Learn their names and their children’s names.

• Pick up trash from in front of your house even if you did not put it there.

• Use your 2 free yearly call-2-hauls to get rid of household junk. To arrange for a pick-up call-573-2468 (Only available for residents of single family or duplex houses)

• Leave your porch light on all night

• Rent an Alley light from the City of Tacoma. These lights work really well and cost less than $15.00 a mongh, call Alley Lighting at 502-8618, leave a message and they will get back to you.

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Neighborhood Accomplishments So Far:

• Cleaned up a Meth Lab
• Closed 16 Drug Houses
* Closed Marijuana Growing Operation
• Hauled 155 Tons of Junk
• Lights Restored in Portland Avenue Park
• Illegal Encampments Closed
• Cleaned Fairbanks and painted the posts over First Creek
• 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
• Held a Community picnic at First Creek meadow (below 32nd bridge)
* Hosted Home Ownership Fair and Tour of Vacant Easide Homes
* Participated in Foreclosure Intervention Fair

Just a few of our accomplishments so far.
The more active you are in your community the more that gets done.

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Scheduled Events:

• Big Community Clean-up, Saturday, September 19th, sponsored by The Puyallup Tribe , City of Tacoma and First Creek Neighbors

* Tour of the First Creek (the actual green belt and habitat area) September 26th, at Fairbanks and First Creek, 11:00, 11:30, Noon and 12:30

• Citizen’s Patrol - ongoing daily and nightly patrols.

For additional information about the monthly meeting
call Edwina at 474-7083

First Creek Neighbors - August Meeting Notice

You Are Invited
to Attend the Monthly Neighborhood Meeting

First Creek Neighbors Monthly Meeting
Wednesday August 5, 2009
6:30pm - 8:30pm
Portland Avenue Community Center
3513 Portland Avenue

Who will be there?
First Creek Neighbors
Tacoma Police Department
Puyallup Tribal Police
City Code Enforcement
Many Others!!!

What Will We Discuss?
* The Puyallup Tribe’s Development Plans,
Presented by Peter Mills, Project Manager for the Tribe

Your Attendance Would Be Most Appreciated
For more information call Edwina at 474-7083

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Priorities Identified at Feb. First Creek Neighbors Meeting

• Reduce gang activity
• Clean-up the community and Creek
• Stop illegal dumping
• Suppress fireworks
• Make opportunities for community social gatherings
• Fill pot holes and fix our streets

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Things All of Us Can Do to Have a Cleaner and Safer Community

• Speak to your neighbors. Learn their names and their children’s names.

• Pick up trash from in front of your house even if you did not put it there.

• Use your 2 free yearly call-2-hauls to get rid of household junk. To arrange for a pick-up call-573-2468 (Only available for residents of single family or duplex houses)

• Leave your porch light on all night

• Rent an Alley light from the City of Tacoma. These lights work really well and cost less than $15.00 a mongh, call Alley Lighting at 502-8618, leave a message and they will get back to you.

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Neighborhood Accomplishments So Far:

• Cleaned up a Meth Lab
• Closed 16 Drug Houses
• 155 Tons of Junk and Garbage from First Creek & Neighborhood
• Lights Restored in Portland Avenue Park
• Illegal Encampments Closed
• Cleaned Fairbanks and painted the posts over First Creek
• 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
• Community picnic in First Creek (July meeting attended by 66 people).

Just a few of our accomplishments so far.
The more active you are in your community the more that gets done.

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Scheduled Events:

• School Supply Carnival-Saturday, Aug 8, 2:00pm-6:00pm at the Portland Ave. Community Center. Sponsored by World Vision.

• Monthly Community Street Clean-up: First Saturday of each month from 9:00-Noon. Meet at at Portland Avenue Community Center (3513 E Portland Avenue). August 1 and September TBD.

• Monthly Creek Clean-up: Second Saturday of each month from 9:00-Noon. Meet at 1801 E 34th, the church parking lot at East 34th and R Street. August 8 and September 12

• Citizen’s Patrol - ongoing daily and nightly patrols.

For additional information about the monthly meeting
call Edwina at 474-7083

July Meeting Notice & Pot Luck Picnic

You Are Invited to Attend a Beach Blanket Pot Luck Picnic

Hosted by
First Creek Neighbors
Wednesday July 1, 2009
6:30pm - 8:30pm

Location:
First Creek Canyon near the 32nd Street Bridge*


What you should bring?

• Your favorite picnic pot luck dish, water, or pop to share.
(Eastside World Vision Program will furnish fried chicken)

• A blanket or folding chair to sit on (a few will be provided)

• A big smile

• Your ideas for the future of First Creek

* Enter the canyon near East 29th Street near the Emerald Queen Casino (North entrance)and walk a 2 block trail to 32nd Street Bridge. You can also enter at East Wright and East T Street.

Provisions will be made for elderly and disabled to shuttle them in to the picnic area.

Your Attendance Would Be Most Appreciated
For more information call Edwina at 474-7083


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First Creek Neighbors Priorities for 2009 addressed at this meeting:

• Clean-up the community and Creek

• Make opportunities for community social gatherings



Things All of Us Can Do to Have a Cleaner and Safer Community:

• Get to know your neighbors. Learn their names and their children’s names.

• Pick up litter and trash from in front of your house even if you did not put it there. Also, do the same in your alley.

• Use your 2 free yearly call-2-hauls to get rid of unwanted household stuff. To arrange for a pick-up call-573-2468 (Only available for residents of single family or duplex houses)

• Leave your porch light on all night

Visit our community blog at http://firstcreek.blogspot.com/



Scheduled Events:

• Home Buyers Fair and Tour of East Tacoma Homes - Portland Ave. Community Center-June 27th, 10:30am-4:00pm

• Technology Day Camps sponsored by WSU Extension Program throughout the summer - Portland Ave. Community Center (Free)

• Fitness Boot Camp for youth ages 12-18, Every Saturday, 10:00am-12:00, Portland Ave. Community Center. Register at the main desk of the Center (Free)

• Community Street Clean-up: First Saturday of each month, 9:00am-Noon. Meet at Portland Ave. Community Center

• Creek Clean-up: Second Saturday of each month, 9:00am-Noon. Meet at East 34th and R Street in the church lot

• Citizen’s Patrol - Ongoing

• Visit the new skateboard features 5 minutes away at McKinley Park. Take McKinley Ave. toward the Tacoma Dome. Park is on your right before you get to the Dome

• National Night Out-Tuesday, Aug. 4th. Do we want one big community party or do you want to hold smaller events on your own block? Who wants to do the planning?

First Creek Neighbors - May Meeting

You Are Invited
to Attend the Monthly Neighborhood Meeting

First Creek Neighbors Monthly Meeting
Wednesday May 6th, 2009
6:30pm - 8:30pm
Portland Avenue Community Center
3513 Portland Avenue

Who will be there?
First Creek Neighbors
Tacoma Police Department
Puyallup Tribal Police
City Code Enforcement
Many Others!!!

What Will We Discuss?
* How to get the best results from a call to 911
*Things We Can Do To Achieve our 2009 Priorities

Your Attendance Would Be Most Appreciated
For more information call Edwina at 474-7083

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Priorities Identified at Feb. First Creek Neighbors Meeting

• Reduce gang activity
• Clean-up the community and Creek
• Stop illegal dumping
• Suppress fireworks
• Make opportunities for community social gatherings
• Fill pot holes and fix our streets

-----------------

Things All of Us Can Do to Have a Cleaner and Safer Community

• Pick up trash from in front of your house even if you did not put it there.

• Use your 2 free yearly call-2-hauls to get rid of household junk. To arrange for a pick-up call-573-2468 (Only available for residents of single family or duplex houses)

• Leave your porch light on all night

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Neighborhood Accomplishments So Far:

• Cleaned up a Meth Lab
• Closed 10 Drug Houses
• City of Tacoma 140 Tons of Junk and Garbage from First Creek
• First Creek Clean-up Removed 3 Tons of Garbage and Liter
• Lights Restored in Portland Avenue Park
• Illegal Encampments Closed
• Cleaned Fairbanks where it passes over First Creek
• Organized an Active Neighborhood Patrol
• Cleaned up Numerous Problem Houses
• Our Own Blog – http://firstcreek.blogspot.com
• Media Attention
• Resolution passed by Tacoma City Council in support of City/Puyallup Tribe/community collaboration to create a stewardship plan for First Creek

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Scheduled Events:

• Monthly Community Street Clean-up: First Saturday of each month from 9:00-Noon. Meet at at Portland Avenue Community Center (3513 E Portland Avenue). Other dates are April 4, May 2, June 6, July 6 (will replace July 4 date), August 1 and September TBD.

• Monthly Creek Clean-up: Second Saturday of each month from 9:00-Noon. Meet at 1801 E 34th, the church parking lot at East 34th and R Street. April 4th will be replace the April 18 date. Other dates are May 9, June 13, July 11, August 8 and September 12.

• Physical Fitness Boot Camp: For youth ages 12-18. Location: Portland Avenue Community Center, 3513 East Portland Avenue. Saturday's from 10-Noon. Start Date: April 18, 2009. Pre-registration is required, space limited. Contact Ben at 253 310-7896 or Frieda at 253 591-5391 for more information and to sign up.

• Eastside Clean-Sweep - Date: Saturday, May 2 at 9:00am. Meet at the Eastside School of your choice. Parents, teachers and the community will be their to help students clean up the community.

• Citizen’s Patrol - ongoing daily and nightly patrols.

For additional information about the monthly meeting
call Edwina at 474-7083

First Creek Neighbors - April Meeting

You Are Invited
to Attend the Monthly Neighborhood Meeting

First Creek Neighbors Monthly Meeting
Wednesday April 1st, 2009
6:30pm - 8:30pm
Portland Avenue Community Center
3513 Portland Avenue

Who will be there?
First Creek Neighbors
Tacoma Police Department
Puyallup Tribal Police
City Code Enforcement
Many Others!!!

What Will We Discuss?
* Needs of Eastside Youth
* Opportunities for Eastside Youth

Your Attendance Would Be Most Appreciated
For more information call Edwina at 474-7083

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Priorities Identified at Feb. First Creek Neighbors Meeting

• Reduce gang activity
• Clean-up the community and Creek
• Stop illegal dumping
• Suppress fireworks
• Make opportunities for community social gatherings
• Fill pot holes and fix our streets

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Neighborhood Accomplishments So Far:

• Cleaned up a Meth Lab
• Closed 10 Drug Houses
• Hauled 25 Tons of Junk and 218 Tires
• 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
• Media Attention
• Resolution passed by Tacoma City Council in support of City/Puyallup Tribe/community collaboration to create a stewardship plan for First Creek

-----------------

Scheduled Events:

• April 4th, First Creek Spring Clean-up and Ivy Removal, plus Community Celebration, Meet at East 34th and R Street or Fairbanks and First Creek. Work party 9-Noon, Celebration and Barbeque Noon to 1:30pm. We're looking for teams and groups, also RSVP needed for food count. Contact Dan Fear at 425 260-4991 or email him at firstcreekwatershed@gmail.com

• Monthly Community Street Clean-up: First Saturday of each month from 9:00-Noon. Meet at at Portland Avenue Community Center (3513 E Portland Avenue). Other dates are April 4, May 2, June 6, July 11 (will replace July 4 date), August 1 and September TBD.

• Physical Fitness Boot Camp: For youth ages 12-18. Location: Portland Avenue Community Center, 3513 East Portland Avenue. Saturday's from 10-Noon. Start Date: April 18, 2009. Pre-registration is required, space limited. Contact Ben at 253 310-7896 or Frieda at 253 591-5391 for more information and to sign up.

• Monthly Creek Clean-up: Second Saturday of each month from 9:00-Noon. Meet at 1801 E 34th, the church parking lot at East 34th and R Street. April 4th will be replace the April 18 date. Other dates are May 9, June 13, July 11, August 8 and September 12.

• Eastside Clean-Sweep - Date: Saturday, May 2 at 9:00am. Meet at the Eastside School of your choice. Parents, teachers and the community will be their to help students clean up the community.

• Citizen’s Patrol - ongoing daily and nightly patrols.

For additional information about the monthly meeting
call Edwina at 474-7083