As CNRG is one of the member organizations of the Multnomah Food Initiative, we are happy to announce that on May 1st, 2010, folks from across our regional food system will gather for a day-long summit to facilitate an in-depth conversation with the community about working together to create a sustainable, equitable, and healthy local food system.

The purpose of the Multnomah Food Summit is to:

• Examine the existing conditions of Multnomah County's food system
• Celebrate the tremendous work already being done in our community
• Examine and build consensus on the framework for a long term action plan
• Provide feedback and get involved in the next steps of the action plan development
• Hear from national leaders in the areas of food policy and social equity
• Network and build new connections across the food system

Registration for this summit is $20.

The summit is the kick-off event for the Multnomah Food Initiative. Currently lead by Multnomah County, the initiative is as an innovative partnership between community organizations, businesses, and local governments.

The Next Wave: Putting Science Back Into Public Policy Monday, May 3, 2010 at 7pm at Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall,

Jane Lubchenco, Chief Administrator, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

As head of NOAA, Jane Lubchenco leads our nation’s efforts to meet environmental and ecosystem challenges. A MacArthur “genius” fellow, past President of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, member of the National Academy of Science, and former Professor at Oregon State University, Dr. Lubchenco is internationally recognized for her ground-breaking research on the ways in which human activities have unintentionally caused shifts in environmental stability.

The Community Housing Resource Center will be holding a free Mortgage Default workshop on Thursday, April 15th, from 5-6PM at the Center. This orientation is the required first step in getting help and assistance in resolving your mortgage issue. You do not need to be in default in order to attend or get help. For information, contact 360-690-4496 X105

Johnson Creek Watershed Council Morning Bird Walk Saturday, May 1, 2010 8:30am-10:30am

Join Christine Steele, former JCWC staff member, and Joe Liebezeit, both expert birders, for a morning of bird watching in the Johnson Creek Watershed. All levels welcome.

Please bring water and a snack and dress for the weather. Be prepared to do some moderate walking over uneven ground. With advanced notice, the JCWC will find loaner binoculars for those who need them.

Trip size is limited. Directions to the meeting location will be sent after registering for the activity.

To register, please contact Lori at [email protected] or call (503) 652-7477.

Radical Deconstruction of Apathy (RDA) Playshops

3 Playshops For Essential Engagement of Relationship - To Self, Other & Community

When Saturday 4/17 10:30am-8:30pm St. Francis Church - Che Room 1131 SE Oak St.

TO REGISTER: http://rda.eventbrite.com

A fundraiser and collaborative promotion a portion of the proceeds will be donated to CityRepair and the Village Building Convergence! It takes a Village to build a Village – come join the Village!

Suggested Donation: $10-$30 per session $25-85 for all three (done privately these events would be $60 each or $180 for all three)

Spring Cleaning with nontoxic products April 22nd, 2010 at 6:30 p.m.

It is time to clean out your house and shake off the winter chill. Learn the non-toxic products you can use to clean your house and protect our local streams at a workshop co-sponsored by the Washington State University Clark County Extension Watershed Stewards and the Clark County Clean Water Program.

Watershed Stewards will provide practical tips on “green” cleaning using everyday inexpensive household products such as baking soda and vinegar. Learn how you can replace expensive and potentially toxic cleaners with earth-friendly products for a healthier environment for your family and pets.

Daybreak Cohousing will host a Grand Opening Celebration on Saturday, April 17 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the community at 2525 North Killingsworth Street in North Portland. The public event, which will mark the six month anniversary of the first residents moving into the new, sustainable development, will feature tours of the facilities, light refreshments, and music by Celtic harpist Elizabeth Nicholson.

City Councilwoman Amanda Fritz and other officials will speak at 2:30 pm. A potluck supper will also be served after the event concludes at 4 p.m. in the Daybreak common house. The event is free and open to the public.

JANUS YOUTH PROGRAMS, INC.

April 14, 2010

JANUS YOUTH PROGRAMS, INC. has the following positions available. Janus is a nonprofit agency providing community-based services, including residential and shelter care, to youth referred by OYA and/or DHS, as well as homeless and street-dependent  youth. We operate facilities in Oregon and in SW Washington. Services also include alternative education (Lents Education Center) and an Urban Agricultural Program. We are an agency that values diversity and values the contributions made by our staff in helping the youth we serve.  All positions involve working together with strong, supportive teams to support and make a difference in a young person’s life.

There is still space available in Growing Gardens May workshops.

Gardening Basics

Thursday, May 6 – 6-8pm (SE Portland)

Learn to plan, implement and care for a healthy, affordable, and sustainable veggie garden.

Container Gardening

Tuesday, May 18 – 6-8pm (NE Portland)

Get inspired to grow your own food in containers and locations of all kinds during this hands-on demonstration.

All Growing Gardens workshops are a $5-20 sliding scale donation. All proceeds benefit Growing Gardens programs. To sign up and get location directions contact Rodney Bender at 503-284-8420 or [email protected]

Rodney Bender

Garden Programs Manager

Growing Gardens

There is still space available in Growing Gardens upcoming workshop.

Healthy Soil for Healthy Plants

Monday, April 19 – 6-8pm

Soil is the foundation of a healthy garden.  Learn how to build up the health and fertility of your garden beds to keep your plants happy and productive. 

All Growing Gardens workshops are a $5-20 sliding scale donation.  To sign up and receive location directions contact Rodney Bender at 503-284-8420 or [email protected]

Rodney Bender

Garden Programs Manager

Growing Gardens

2003 NE 42nd Ave. #3

Portland, OR. 97213

503-284-8420

www.growing-gardens.org

[email protected]

The African Community Coalition for Economic Self-Sufficiency (ACCESS) is a project of IRCO that assists African youths and adults living in the Tri-County area increase their usage of financial systems to help them to achieve self sufficiency. IRCO works closely with clients and several community partners community partners to offer culturally- and linguistically-specific financial literacy classes and workshops, and tax and credit assistance for African refugees and immigrants.

Two volunteer opportunities-- Reception Visitor Services Volunteer and Special Events Volunteer -- available at Oregon Jewish Museum. See below for further information.

Job Title: Reception Visitor Services Volunteer

Reports to: Marketing/Development Director

Shifts: Tuesdays – Fridays Shift A 10:00 am – 1:00 pm Shift B 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm Sundays Shift A 1:00 pm– 4:00 pm

Primary Role:

What do you do on a great summer evening? Head up the Gorge for a short hike? Bike along the waterfront? Throw down a blanket at one of the free concerts in a park? You could do all that AND make a difference in the life of a teen in foster care at the same time. Just take him/her along. Ask how his day went. Ask her what’s on tap for tomorrow. And when September rolls around he might invite you to watch him play ball for his school or help her look at area colleges. Your presence in his or her life might make the difference between good choices or bad.