Sunnyside Neighborhood Association

Kids bring new life to Blair Garden

After five years of laying fallow, the Blair Community Garden is back! The first official garden work party got off to a great start on October 30 with the enthusiastic help of a group of kids and their coaches from the All in One Basketball Academy. Gray weather did not deter 15 young volunteers, ages 10 to 16, from an afternoon of garden preparation. Lamar Hurd and several other coaches at the All in One Basketball program worked with the kids hauling and spreading compost over the entire upper section of the garden.

The SNA would like to thank Lamar, the coaches and the kids for an entertaining and very productive afternoon. When they are not shooting hoops, Lamar and his team are often volunteering for groups such as the Oregon Food Bank and the Blanchet House. We would also like to thank Bridget Hazard, who helped bring the hoop-shooting gardeners to the event, and Portland Community Gardens staff Dan Franek and John Iott.

Our next work party is November 13 from 9:30 to 11 am.

The  garden entrance is located on the west side of SE 33^rdAvenue, about a half block south of Stark Street. For some recent press on the garden’s rebirth http://sunnysideportland.com/. For more information, contact the SNA hotline at 503 295-1699.

Thanks, Tim

A true story, from neighbor Mary Ann.

As kids were leaving school at Sunnyside today, Mary Ann and I were walking my dogs past the corner at 35th and Yamhill. A hostile drunk with an open brown bag container was yelling profanity at some of  the many kids and parents on bikes and foot passing by there at the corner by the church. Mary Ann yelled back at him to watch his mouth around the kids. He started shouting profanity back at her for interfering and at us for walking dogs. I called 911 and reported it as an aggressive drunk with an open container. We continued down Yamhill, as did he. As we got to 34th, he started around toward Belmont, but then came back and continued on Yamhill. He started yelling at us again, threatening us and my dogs. I called 911 again and reported that the same guy was being threatening. The report was taken, the cops responded and the guy was arrested. I’m very glad to see an alcohol related complaint taken and responded to. Please pass along thanks to dispatch and the police bureau and all involved.

A response from Commissioner Fritz:

Thank you for telling me about this incident. I will pass along your kudos to the Bureau of Emergency Communication. Thank you to you and Mary Ann for your good citizenship.

Sincerely,

Amanda

Amanda Fritz

Commissioner, City of Portland

Yes, it takes a village to raise a child. Katie and I have done our very best to invite the Sunnyside Environmental Teachers and Playground parents to do the same — call 9-1-1 — with the individuals description, how tall, color hair, clothing, and shoes, if carrying a brown paper bag. Please note, this occurred on Monday, not on Wednesday, or on Friday when the Sunnyside United Methodist Church prepare evening meals to the hungry. My fears for Katie? This guy not know which house was hers: therefore, we stayed standing on the sidewalk a few minutes — long after he was out of sight.

Good citizenship is simply “neighborhood watch” in action.

Blessings,

mas

A response from Sarah Taylor, Principal Sunnyside Environmental School:

Thanks everyone,

These things are very stressful when thy happen at recess or during the school day but we call 911 too.

Sarah

Hello Neighborhood Association and Community Leaders,