February 1, 2012

Seismic retrofit - the city wants our help.

Last year SEPTL and St David's Church hosted a City of Portland seismic strengthening workshop.  The city is now asking for our feedback.  The links below are well worth reading even if you missed the workshop.  Here is what the city has sent us:

Having grown into major city long before scientists discovered its unique seismic vulnerabilities, Portland is now expected to experience a potentially devastating earthquake of magnitude 9.0 or greater. Work is underway to identify those vulnerabilities and make Portland a more earthquake-resilient city. This work -now embodied in the Portland Bureau of Emergency Management?s new Earthquake Response Appendix - will help lessen the severity of an earthquake?s impact on residents.

The Earthquake Response Appendix is a supplement to the City?s Basic Emergency Operations Plan and a framework for Portland's ever-evolving approach to earthquake response. Soon, this document will reach Portland City Council for consideration. In the meantime, PBEM is asking the public to thoroughly examine the appendix and provide feedback.

To learn more about the threats facing Portland?s energy, water, sewer, transportation, communication and building infrastructures; to understand the roles elected leaders, city officials, emergency responders, the private sector and community-based organizations play in the context of earthquake response; and to understand the partnerships established among public and private agencies to help support this response, please read the appendix.

To provide insight and comments about the document, please fill out the feedback form.

January 25, 2012

Kitchen Tool Library Opening Soon

Calling all food lovers! SE Portland residents are forming a kitchen tool lending library, Kitchen Share SE.

On Wednesday February 8th, from 6-8 pm, come to an Eat and Greet at Pyro Pizza and Potato Champion food carts, located at 12th and Hawthorne. The food carts will donate 20 percent of the proceeds from your dinner to help open Kitchen Share SE.

Going beyond the neighborly cup of sugar, Kitchen Share SE will be a place where community members can borrow tools and share in the joy of processing, preserving, and serving food. We hope to offer dehydrators, cider presses, canning equipment, ice-cream makers, food processors, bread makers, and more. We plan to grow into a community supported kitchen where we can share our culinary skills, nourish our bodies with healthy local food, and collaborate on projects.

This is a community directed initiative and we would love for you to share your input and get involved!  Join us for our next planning meeting, on Sunday February 5th at 6:30pm, at the People?s Food Co-op.

To learn more, contact Kitchen Share SE at kitchensharese@gmail.com, or 503-208-4706, and visit kitchenshare.org.

January 19, 2012

New tools!

Over the next few weeks I'll be posting some of the new tools we've purchased recently thanks to your very welcome donations and (ambivalence shows here) overdue fees.

From these sources of cash we pay our rent, pay for our website hosting, pay for supplies, and if any is left, we buy tools that you've told us you need!

These first two tools that have proven extremely popular.

Hitachi 10" compound Mitre Saw:
Greenworks 1700 PSI 1.4 GPM Electric Pressure Washer:
Thank you so much for your generous donations!  They really do make a difference.

January 2, 2012

Meeting: The future of our Tool Library - part 2

Come all friends of the Southeast Portland Tool Library (SEPTL) to a general meeting in which we will be discussing the future of the SEPTL.

The first meeting on this topic, in December, was unproductive as so few were able to attend with the holiday season approaching.  This is an enormously important topic for us to discuss with all those have an interest in the future of the Tool Library, so we are hoping you will help us by coming on this new date.

We need volunteers and we need money to help maintain and repair SEPTL tools.  Ideas that have been proposed are charging a small sliding scale membership fee 10 to 20 dollars; creating a Co-op out of the SEPTL, which again would result in some sort of membership fee; creating a committee to search and help create and host grant writing efforts, fund raisers and the like.

Come all with your ideas.  We will be in the Grace Room at St. David's unless we have to move to a location where we have more space.

When: Thurs, January 12, 2012
Time: 7 - 9 pm
Where: St. David's Episcopal Church, 2800 SE Harrison Ave

November 11, 2011

We closed early due to a lack of volunteers

We closed early last week due to a lack of volunteers. A hard truth.

It was the first time we've actually had to close our doors, but we've come close plenty of other times.

We need more of our members to become volunteers.  Simple as that.

Please, right now, offer to become a volunteer.  Our Tool Library is a community resource run entirely by people like you, and we are asking for your help.  Thanks.

November 10, 2011

Meeting: The future of our Tool Library

Come all friends of the Southeast Portland Tool Library (SEPTL) to a general meeting in which we will be discussing the future of the SEPTL.

We need volunteers and we need money to help maintain and repair SEPTL tools.  Ideas that have been proposed are charging a small sliding scale membership fee 10 to 20 dollars; creating a Co-op out of the SEPTL, which again would result in some sort of membership fee; creating a committee to search and help create and host grant writing efforts, fund raisers and the like.

Come all with your ideas.  We will be in the Grace Room at St. David's unless we have to move to a location where we have more space.

When: Thurs, Dec 8, 2011
Time: 7 - 9 pm
Where: St. David's Episcopal Church, 2800 SE Harrison Ave

October 27, 2011

Coffee + Growing Food: 11 am Sun, Oct 30

Coffee + Growing Food:

Join representatives from the Food Bank, Food Not Bombs, and others for a conversation about food security and growing food in our neighborhood to help feed people who are hungry.

At St. David of Wales Parish Hall, 2800 SE Harrison Street.

11 am Sun, Oct 30. Free.

August 3, 2011

RAIN GARDENS 101 WORKSHOP

Rain gardens are a great way to add beautiful landscaping to your yard and protect overloaded urban sewers and streams at the same time. Join us at this free workshop to learn how to build a rain garden on your property to keep our streams clean and healthy!

DATE: Sunday, November 6
TIME: 1:00-5:00pm
WHERE: St. David?s Episcopal Church, 2800 SE Harrison St
         
Hosted in Partnership by:
SE Portland Tool Library & St. David?s Episcopal Church

Advanced registration is required and space is limited.
   
Register online at: www.emswcd.org
Information: 503-935-5383

August 3, 2011

SITE PLANNING WORKSHOP 1

An extension of the Naturescaping Basics Workshop, this workshop gives participants experience with the steps involved in planning a landscape or project. You will learn how to map your property, assess your garden style and needs, do some garden dreaming, and work on a group design scenario.
 
Please Note: Participants must have attended the Naturescaping Basics workshop first!

Advanced registration is required and space is limited.
 
DATE: Sunday, October 16
TIME: 1:00-5:00pm
WHERE: St. David?s Episcopal Church, 2800 SE Harrison St
         
Hosted in Partnership by:
SE Portland Tool Library & St. David?s Episcopal Church
Advanced registration is required and space is limited.
   
Register online at: www.emswcd.org
Information: 503-935-5383

August 3, 2011

NATURESCAPING BASICS WORKSHOP

DATE: Sunday, September 25
TIME: 1:00-5:00pm
WHERE: St. David?s Episcopal Church, 2800 SE Harrison St.

Naturescaping is beauty and function. Discover the practice of designing or redesigning a landscape so that it reduces water use, stormwater runoff, and pollution without sacrificing splendor. Plus, learn how it can save you time, money, and energy ? all while providing a beautiful habitat for birds, wildlife, and you.

Hosted in Partnership by:
SE Portland Tool Library and St. David?s Episcopal Church

Advanced registration is required and space is limited.  
Register online at: www.emswcd.org
Information: 503-935-5383

August 3, 2011

SITE PLANNING WORKSHOP 1

An extension of the Naturescaping Basics Workshop, this workshop gives participants experience with the steps involved in planning a landscape or project. You will learn how to map your property, assess your garden style and needs, do some garden dreaming, and work on a group design scenario.
 
Please Note: Participants must have attended the Naturescaping Basics workshop first!

Advanced registration is required and space is limited.
 
DATE: Sunday, October 16
TIME: 1:00-5:00pm
WHERE: St. David?s Episcopal Church, 2800 SE Harrison St
         
Hosted in Partnership by:
SE Portland Tool Library & St. David?s Episcopal Church
Advanced registration is required and space is limited.
   
Register online at: www.emswcd.org
Information: 503-935-5383

August 3, 2011

Seismic Strengthening Workshop

The Portland Office of Emergency Management along with the Portland Bureau of Development Services and SE Portland Tool Library are sponsoring a presentation on Tuesday, August 16th to educate residents how to strengthen their homes for an earthquake. This free event is taking place at St. David of Wales Episcopal Church (SE 28th and Harrison) from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

The recent 9.0 magnitude earthquake in Japan is a reminder the Pacific Northwest is also in a seismically active region. The last catastrophic quake was geologically similar to the one in Japan and struck off the West Coast in 1700. Scientists expect it is only a matter of time before the next one occurs locally.

Jim Nicks of the Portland Bureau of Development Service will provide information about the City?s Residential Seismic Strengthening Program, including an overview of the program?s standards and steps residents can take to better prepare their homes and to reduce the likelihood of damage.

Members of the SE Portland Tool Library will be available to explain how residents within the boundaries of the SE Uplift Neighborhood Coalition can join the library and gain free access to tools.

Volunteers from Portland?s Neighborhood Emergency Teams (NETs) will also be on hand to share information about the NET program as an opportunity for Portlanders to get directly involved with community preparedness.

WHEN: Tuesday, August 16, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

WHERE: St. David of Wales Church (2800 SE Harrison Street, Portland, OR 97214)

COST: Free

May 24, 2011

Last Naturescaping Workshop Sat May 28

Sunnyside Neighborhood Association has partnered up with Southeast Uplift to host the last FREE Naturescaping workshop of the spring 2011 season!

Naturescaping Basics
Learn to design a landscape so that it reduces water use, decreases stormwater runoff and pollution while saving you time, money and energy. You?ll learn how to create a thriving, low maintenance, garden that is free from chemicals. You will get advice on native plant gardening & landscape design, visit a nearby naturescaped garden, and receive a comprehensive workbook and a native plant to help you get started.  Space is limited and advanced registration is required.

• Saturday, May 28
• 9am ? 1pm
• Southeast Uplift, located at 3534 SE Main, Portland, OR 97214

Register online at www.emswcd.org . For more information call: 503-935-5368

May 11, 2011

Weatherization Workshops - a few spaces remain

We've heard that here are a few slots open, so now is the time to email tim@southeastuplift.org to sign up for the The SE Uplift Sustainability Program's series of free trainings to help homeowners learn about inexpensive do-it-yourself ways to increase the energy efficiency of their homes.  Professional trainers will cover topics such as behavior modification and light weatherization, bypass sealing, basic insulation, ventilation corrections and discussing when to call a contractor.  There will also be a field session in a home where participants will get guided hands-on experience applying weatherization methods.

http://southeastuplift.org/content/diy-weatherization-trainings

May 9, 2011

Weatherization Workshops May 23, 2011...

Begins Monday, May 23rd, from 6:30 to 8:30 PM.  Dates for the following two sessions will be scheduled soon.

The SE Uplift Sustainability Program is hosting a series of free trainings to help homeowners learn about inexpensive do-it-yourself ways to increase the energy efficiency of their homes.  Professional trainers will cover topics such as behavior modification and light weatherization, bypass sealing, basic insulation, ventilation corrections and discussing when to call a contractor.  There will also be a field session in a home where participants will get guided hands-on experience applying weatherization methods.

This training opportunity is for residents of southeast Portland interested in weatherization techniques they can learn to do on their own without having to hire a contractor.  The result will be low cost energy efficiency that will lower the carbon impact of your home!

Email tim@southeastuplift.org to sign up!

April 19, 2011

Rain Gardens 101 Workshop

Taught by professional landscape designers (from the East Multnomah Soil and Water Conservation District), this workshop provides step by step details on how to build a rain garden. You?ll learn how to determine soil suitability, calculate impervious surfaces, determine the correct size and location for your rain garden, choose appropriate plants, and much, much more. Participants will receive a comprehensive manual to help as you do it yourself.

Space is limited and advanced registration is required for this FREE Workshop.

Sunday, May 15
11:30am ? 3:30pm
Cost: FREE
St. David?s Episcopal Church at 2800 SE Harrison Street, Portland, 97214.

Register online at www.emswcd.org. For more information call: 503-935-5368

April 19, 2011

Naturescaping Basics Workshop

Learn to design a landscape so that it reduces water use, decreases stormwater runoff and pollution while saving you time, money and energy. You?ll learn how to create a thriving, low maintenance, garden that is free from chemicals. You will get advice on native plant gardening & landscape design, visit a nearby naturescaped garden, and receive a comprehensive workbook and a native plant to help you get started.  AND all  participants get to take home a free native plant!

Space is limited and advanced registration is required for this FREE Workshop.

Saturday, May 21
Cost: FREE
9am ? 1pm
St. David?s Episcopal Church at 2800 SE Harrison Street, Portland, 97214.

Register online at www.emswcd.org (East Multnomah Soil and Water Conservation District). For more information call: 503-935-5368

April 3, 2011

Ask the real, live Contractor