Going Green and Saving Resources

• Looking for effective ways to save money on utility bills?
• Where jobs and training in sustainability are posted?
• Where to donate used building materials for a tax-donation?
• Receive green home design ideas for little or no cash?
• Where you can attend a free class to build a rain garden?
• How to make your home elderly-friendly and wheelchair accessible?
• Which local green programs and incentives are available to you?

Try this FREE service from Metro!

Regional Green Building Hotline
A service of the Green Development Resource Center
503.823.5431 http://www.buildgreen411.com greenhotline@ci.portland.or.us

Tigard Library Book Group Discussion - People of the Book

The Tigard Library’s Morning Book Group will discuss Geraldine Brooks’ People of the Book on Tuesday, March 9, from 10:30 a.m.-Noon. Hanna Heath, an Australian rare-book expert, is offered the job of a lifetime. She is hired to analyze and conserve the famous Sarajevo Haggadah, which was rescued during the Bosnian war. When Hanna discovers a series of tiny artifacts in the book’s ancient binding, she begins to unlock its mysteries.

The group meets on the second Tuesday of the month in the Grace Tigard Houghton Room on the second floor of the Library. New members are always welcome. For more information, please call the Library at 503-684-6537 and request the Adult Reference Desk, or visit the Library’s web page at: http://www.tigard-or.gov/library/

Reading, Riding, (no) ‘Rithmatic

TriMet's WES Commuter Rail is celebrating its first year of service this month.
As part of the anniversary celebration, you can enter a drawing to win an
Amazon Kindle (no purchase necessary to enter or win). The deadline to enter
is 5 p.m., February 26; two winners will be chosen on March 4. See the contest
rules at http://www.trimet.org/wes/wesworkscontest.htm

WES, (Westside Express Service) provides a welcome alternative to I-5 and 217
for commuters living Wilsonville, Tualatin, Tigard and Beaverton. If you haven’t
tried WES, now is a great time to check it out!

McDonald Street / Hwy 99W Night Construction

McDonald Street / Hwy 99W Night Construction

Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday Nights February 7-10

Northwest Natural will be repairing gas valves in McDonald Street just east of Highway 99W on Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday nights, February 7th through 10th. Work hours will be 9pm to 5am. This will affect traffic on McDonald Street, Highway 99W, and Gaarde Street. The traffic signal at the 99W/McDonald/Gaarde intersection will be turned off during the work. Flaggers will do their best to keep traffic moving, but delays are inevitable due to the high volume of traffic. All lanes will be open to traffic during the day, but extra delays may occur. All businesses will remain open throughout the work.

Drivers are advised to use alternate routes to avoid the construction area while work is in progress.

If any issues arise, please forward them to NW Natural’s Issues Hotline at 503-226-4211 ext 4407

Seat Belt Enforcement Campaign Set To Begin

The Tigard Police Department will once again participate in the “Three Flags Safety Belt Campaign” beginning February 8th. The two week-long blitz is a multi-jurisdictional approach to help ensure motorists respect, obey and understand the importance of using seat belts and child safety seats. Tigard Police officers will be focusing on enforcement at various times and days. This effort is made possible through dedicated federal funding providing overtime opportunities to carry out the program. Officers will be focusing on overall seatbelt compliance, proper use of child booster seats and speed violations.

Recent statistics indicated that Tigard motorists demonstrated nearly 97% compliance regarding vehicle safety belt usage for front-seated occupants. The national average is just over 80%. While these figures are encouraging, it should also be noted that the lack of safety belt use was a major factor in half of all motor vehicle fatalities in Oregon during recent years.

The base fine for failure to wear a safety belt in a vehicle is $145.00. The base fine is the same for improperly wearing a safety belt, such as behind your back or under your arm.

In the past 16 years of record keeping pertaining to the wearing of seat belts in the State of Oregon, seat belt usage has grown from 43 per cent noted in 1989 to the current statewide estimates of 93 per cent. More importantly, that increased number of seat belt usage occurring during that same time span, also equates to reducing the motor vehicle collision mortality rate in Oregon by one – half. Seat belts save lives! The numbers don’t lie.

Additional information regarding child passenger safety can be found at http://www.actsoregon.org/index.html.

Get dirty for a good cause

If your list of New Year's resolutions included volunteering, why not plant some native trees to protect our watershed? Streams lined with native plants provide cleaner, cooler water, better flood management and habitat for fish and other wildlife. If you'd like to join in and get dirty for a good cause, see the schedule below for upcoming plantings. Events are Saturdays at 9 a.m. Click on the location link for more info and to volunteer.

January 16, Pascuzzi Pond, Tualatin
January 23, Durham City Park
January 30, King City Park
February 6, Durham City Park
February 13, Platanus Trail, Sherwood
February 20, Mary Woodward Wetland, Tigard
February 20, Ibach Park, Tualatin
February 27, Pascuzzi Pond, Tualatin

Visit with the Mayor and Members of City Council

Saturday, February 6, 9 a.m.
The Mayor and members of the Tigard City Council will be at the Tigard Public Library at 9 a.m. on Saturday, February 6, to visit with Tigard citizens in a relaxed setting.

In past years, the City Council held informal evening meetings when a month had a fifth Tuesday so citizens could drop-in to talk to the Council about any topic. During its 2009 goal setting meeting, the City Council decided to experiment with extra meeting venues periodically throughout the year to give more citizens an opportunity to meet their local elected officials. Last October, the City Council held a Town Hall and invited residents to ask questions and discuss current events with the City Council, Senator Ginny Burdick, Representative Larry Galizio and recently appointed Representative Margaret Doherty.

This coffee-time meeting on February 6 will be held in the Library Lobby next to the Sesame Donuts coffee store immediately before the 3rd Annual Neighborhood Network Open House, which will be held in the Tigard Library Community Room from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Please stop by and chat with your Mayor and City Council members!

News and Links from TriMet

· Feb. 2 was WES Commuter Rail’s first birthday. Have you tried WES yet? Riders say WES is fast, comfortable and friendly; plus, they can spend more time doing what they want, instead of fighting traffic. More

· 42% of WES trips were previously made via auto; work on Tualatin quiet zone underway. More

· If you have not tried WES, TriMet’s commuter rail line, now is a great time. As part of TriMet's WES anniversary celebration, you can enter a drawing to win an Amazon Kindle (no purchase necessary to enter or win). Please pass this information on to your friends and co-workers. Enter February 2 through 5 p.m., Friday, February 26, 2010. More

Neighborhood Network Open House

You’re invited to drop by the Tigard Library Community Room on Saturday, February 6, anytime between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. for the 3rd Annual Neighborhood Network Open House.

Check out your neighborhood web page, get information, discover community resources, connect with neighbors and explore opportunities to get involved.

The Neighborhood Network program has something for everyone! Let us show you what it can do! City staff and representatives from the Neighborhood Network Program will be on hand to answer your questions and listen to your ideas.

Refreshments will be served!

Need more information? Contact Joanne Bengtson at 503-718-2476.

Mapping How-to

Tigard Maps Demonstration
Wednesday, March 10
7-8 p.m.
Tigard Library - Houghton Room

Need to look up property information about your house? Look up permit history? Learn about crime in your neighborhood? See which businesses are located in your area? Join us as we explore some of the details of the City of Tigard’s online mapping application.

Bike Racks Available for Tigard Retail Businesses

The Washington Transportation Alliance is offering free bicycle racks to Tigard retail stores. Tell the businesses you frequent about this great program:

http://www.wta-tma.org/programs/bicycle-rack-program

Tigard Library Will Air Super Bowl XLIV on Big Screen

The Tigard Public Library will broadcast Super Bowl XLIV on Sunday, Feb. 7, on its large screen in the Community Room. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:25 p.m. Pacific Standard Time.

A Super Bowl Trivia Challenge will take place during the game. The winner and two runners-up will receive gift certificates from a local sporting goods store.

The Friends of the Library have donated refreshments for the game. Alcohol is not permitted in or on the premises of the Library. For more information, please call the Library at 503-684-6537 or visit the Library’s Web page at http://www.tigard-or.gov/library/ and click on Adult Programs.

Tigard Library Hosts Genealogy Workshop

Volunteers from the Tualatin Family History Center will present a free genealogy workshop at the Tigard Public Library on Thursday, Feb. 4, from 4 to 7 p.m. The workshop will show participants how to explore family roots using AncestryPlus and Heritage Quest, two genealogy databases available at the Library.

The public may attend the entire workshop or drop in for hands-on research assistance. The program will be held in the Technology Room on the second floor of the Library. Registration is not required. For more information about this program or other events at the Library, call the Library at 503-684-6537 or visit the Library’s Web page at http://www.tigard-or.gov/library/ and click on Adult Programs.

Tigard Committee for Citizen Involvement Openings

The Tigard Committee for Citizen Involvement (CCI) is recruiting for four at-large positions and one youth position.

Recent CCI focus areas have included:

• Increasing outreach to new and under-represented groups in the community
• Evaluating the structure and content of the Neighborhood Program
• Forming 2010 Census Complete Count Committee

The CCI generally meets from 7 – 8:30 p.m. on the third Wednesday of every month at the Tigard Public Library. All committee agendas and minutes are available at http://www.tigard-or.gov/city_hall/boards_committees/cci/default.asp.

Community members who have a passion to serve, experience working in community involvement, and are willing to give of their time are especially encouraged to apply. Encouraged also are residents who wish to develop their skills in public involvement, who represent the diversity of the community, and who are active in the City sponsored Neighborhood Network program.

The five members (4 regular and 1 youth) will be appointed through the City's established application and interview process. Applications are available online http://www.tigard-or.gov/community/volunteer_ops, at Tigard City Hall, or by calling Marissa Daniels at 503-718-2428.

Applications must be received by 5 p.m. on Friday, February 12, 2010.

"Tigard Reads" Examines the 1930s at the Tigard Public Library

The Tigard Library will examine the Great Depression and the Dust Bowl-era of the 1930s in February with a month-long series of programs. “Tigard Reads” is the library’s community reading program and the selected book for adults is John Steinbeck’s The Grapes of Wrath.

The community reading program encourages people to read and discuss the same book. For the first time the program includes books for children and young adults that correspond to the 1930s theme. The Library will hold discussion groups for all three books, as well as a Depression Dance with instruction for 1930s-era dances like the Foxtrot and the Lindy Hop.

The kick off on Saturday, January 30, at 1:30 p.m. will introduce Tigard Reads with family-friendly entertainment from the local folk duo, The Wanderers. Complementary copies of all three books will be available at the kick-off while supplies last. They were purchased by a donation from the Friends of the Tigard Library.
Other February events for adults include:

The Oregon Story: Agricultural Workers, Monday, Feb. 1, 7 p.m.
Oral History Interviews Saturdays, Feb 6, 18, 20, 27, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Book Discussion Groups, Tuesday, Feb. 9, 10:30 a.m.-noon and Wednesday,
Feb. 24, 7-8:30 p.m.
John Steinbeck Double Feature Films—The Grapes of Wrath and Of Mice and Men, Saturday, Feb. 13, noon-4 p.m.
Living Sustainably Workshop, Tuesday, Feb. 23, 7-8:30 p.m.
Starting Your Own Vegetable Garden and Edible Landscapes Workshop, Thursday, Feb. 25, 7-8 p.m.

Please visit the Library or the Library website at http://www.tigard-or.gov/library/for a complete listing of Tigard Reads activities for adults and children or call the Library at 503-684-6537 for more information.

Tigard Library Seeking Oral History

Tigard Library Seeking Oral History

Interview Participants in February

In conjunction with its community reading program in February, the Tigard Library would like to interview people who lived during the Great Depression. Tigard Reads 2010 will feature John Steinbeck’s classic novel The Grapes of Wrath. The Library will present a series of events throughout February focusing on the 1930s and the impacts of the Great Depression and Dust Bowl.

In association with the Tigard Historical Association, the Library would like to video-record those who grew up during the Depression about their own experiences and memories. The Library will provide participants with a copy of the interview and also add the interviews to its collection.

Oral history interviews will be conducted between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. each Saturday in February at the Library. Each interview will last about 45 minutes. Interviews will be conducted by appointment only. Please call the Library at 503-684-6537 and ask for extension 2517 to register.

Phishing, Email Scams & Bogus Census Web Sites

What Is Phishing?
'Phishing' is the criminally fraudulent process of attempting to acquire sensitive information such as usernames, passwords, social security numbers, bank account or credit card details by masquerading as a trustworthy entity in an electronic communication. Phishing is typically carried out by email and it often directs users to enter sensitive information at a fake web site whose look and feel are almost identical to the legitimate one.

The Census Bureau does NOT conduct the 2010 Census via email or the Internet.
Census Bureau initiated communication through email
You may receive an email from the Census Bureau regarding your participation in a survey, however:

• The Census Bureau does not request detailed personal information through email.
• The Census Bureau does not send email requesting PIN codes, passwords social security numbers or similar access information for credit cards, banks or other financial accounts.

How to report phishing, email scams and bogus Census web sites
If you receive an email or find a web site that you suspect is falsely representing the Census Bureau:

• Do not reply or click on any links within the email.
• Do not open any attachments. Attachments may contain code that could infect your computer.
• Forward the email or web site URL to the Census Bureau at itso.fraud.reporting@census.gov.
• After you forward the email to us, delete the message.

You will not receive a confirmation email after forwarding the information to us. However, the Census Bureau will investigate the information and notify you of its findings. The Census Bureau can use the information, URLs and links you forward to trace the hosting web site and alert authorities to help shut down the fraudulent site.

Is your survey legitimate?
If you have questions regarding the legitimacy of a survey questionnaire received in the mail, a phone call or visit by a Census Bureau employee, or other concerns of a non-cyber nature, please visit our Are You In a Survey? page.

Earthquakes Happen Here - Are you Ready?

Earthquakes Happen Here – Are You Ready?
Posted: 14 Jan 2010 03:47 PM PST

As we watch the devastation unfold in Haiti, our hearts go out to those who are suffering and in need. Buildings have collapsed, supplies are running low and families struggle to communicate with each other. Even though Haiti’s suffering is made worse by poverty and a lack of building codes, this week’s earthquake is a reminder that a similar earthquake could someday devastate our homes here in Oregon.

Geologists tell us that the Pacific Northwest will someday suffer a catastrophic earthquake. It’s only a matter of time. Buildings will fall, roads will crack, the power will go out and your cell phone will not work.

Do you know what to do when the ground starts shaking?

• Are you prepared?
• Do you have an emergency kit that can feed and shelter your family for several days?
• Does your family have a plan?
• Do you have a meeting place?
• How will you reach each other when cell phones don’t work?
  

TVF&R has a comprehensive list of resources that can help you plan. Click here to see that list.

Most importantly, if you don’t have a plan, develop one now before you forget. “Almost everyone thinks about it, then our vanishing attention span takes us to someplace else,” says TVF&R’s Emergency Manager Jeff Rubin, “then eventually we’re in the middle of an emergency or disaster and wishing we had followed through. If you’ve ever worried for an hour about an overdue loved one, imagine worrying for a month.”

Plan your Planting

It's not quite time to start your spring planting, but now is the time to start planning. Here are some resources to help you with native plants, natural landscapes and water-friendly gardening practices in your yard.

Sign up to be a Clean Water Hero and get up to three hours of free, on-site, technical assistance to help you create a sustainable stormwater landscape to fit your yard.

Attend a free naturescaping class to help plan your landscape:
- Naturescaping Basic Workshop Sun., February 21, 1 - 5 p.m.
Tualatin Hills Nature Park Register online
- Site Planning 1 (Must take Basic Workshop first) Sat., March 13, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Tualatin Hills Nature Park Register online

Download Metro's Grow Smart, Grow Safe guide to help you find lawn and garden products that are the least hazardous to your family, pets, wildlife and watershed.

Order native plants from East Multnomah Soil & Water Conservation District. Place your order by Sunday, February 7 and pick up Saturday, February 20

Free Early Childhood Resource Fair

Where: St. Anthony School Cafeteria

12645 SW Pacific HighwayTigard, OR 97223

When: Saturday, February 6, 20109:00 am – 12:00 pm

Interested Young Adults Wanted by Tigard Police

The Tigard Police Department is currently recruiting young adults who are interested in both law enforcement and volunteering in their community.

The Explorer Post is a program for young men and women ages 16 – 20 interested in learning about future careers in the field of law enforcement. The program provides an opportunity to experience first-hand the functions of a police department. Tigard Explorers assist with various community functions such as the annual Festival of Balloons, Tigard Tree Lighting event, Main Street Halloween, teen movie nights at the Tigard Library, as well the annual Old Fashioned July 4th Celebration. The events provide Explorers with invaluable experience and involvement within their community while creating opportunities to meet new friends and gain useful knowledge.

Once accepted into the program, Explorers are required to attend an 80 hour Explorer Academy. The training provided at the academy includes report writing, traffic stops, crime scene investigations, defensive tactics, firearm safety, arrest procedures, criminal law and a host of law enforcement related aspects.

Once graduated from the Explorer Academy, Tigard candidates are required to volunteer 16 hours a month while maintaining a 2.0 GPA in school.

To apply, obtain an application at Tigard City Hall or download one from the City of Tigard website: www.tigard-or.gov More information about the program can be obtained by calling 503-718-2578.

Citizens Police Academy Offers Opportunity

Citizens Police Academy Offers Opportunity To Learn About Tigard Police

The Tigard Police Department operates an eight week Citizens Police Academy once a year. The Department is presently recruiting interested citizens who want to learn about their police department for the upcoming academy beginning April 7th, 2010. The academy is conducted on eight consecutive Wednesday evenings from 7:00 PM to 9:30 PM at Tigard City Hall; 13125 SW Hall Blvd.

The purpose of the academy is to create better understanding and communication between citizens and police through education. The intent is not to produce citizens trained in law enforcement, but to help citizens better understand their police department. When citizens know and understand the limitations and abilities of law enforcement, the police can then better serve the community.

The academy subject matter covers a wide range of law enforcement topics such as investigations, patrol, training, community policing, gangs, narcotics and firearms. All sessions are conducted by members of the Tigard Police Department. A graduation on June 2nd will conclude this year’s program. To date, 350 community members have participated in previous academies, which have grown to be extremely popular.

Academy graduates leave with increased knowledge and enthusiasm to share the newly learned knowledge with their family, friends and neighbors. Further, some Citizens Police Academy graduates pursue volunteer efforts that closely match their interests. Other graduates have expanded on their interests in law enforcement or other elements of the community.

If you are interested and able to commit to attending most, if not all of the sessions, you are encouraged to apply. A criminal history background check will be conducted to determine eligibility. Apply early as enrollment is limited to 20 participants. Application deadline is March 25th. You can find an application online by visiting our website.
http://www.tigard-or.gov/police/community_policing/police_academy.asp Completed applications can be returned in person to the Tigard Police Department, faxed to
503-718-2645 or mailed. For more information, please call (503) 718-2561 during normal business hours.

It's Now Illegal to Trash that Computer or TV!

The new year brings an important reminder to all Oregonians: Beginning Jan. 1, 2010, it's illegal to dispose of computers, monitors or TVs in the garbage or at disposal sites such as landfills, transfer stations and incinerators.

This disposal ban is part of the same law that created Oregon E-Cycles, which provides free recycling of computers, monitors and TVs at any of the program’s 220 collection sites statewide. The law states that anyone violating the ban could receive a penalty of up to $500 for each violation. Each computer, monitor or TV disposed of improperly is considered a separate violation.

Visit Oregon E-Cycles to find a conveniently located collection site or call the toll-free hotline at 1-888-5-ECYCLE (1-888-532-9253).

Neither the ban nor Oregon E-Cycles covers computer peripherals (keyboards, mice, etc.) or other types of electronics, but DEQ encourages all Oregonians to recycle these items as well. You can find a partial list of other electronics recyclers on the Oregon E-Cycles website.

For questions about the new disposal ban, check out DEQ’s Q&A on the topic.

Emergency Preparedness (From TVF&R)

Tualatin Valley Fire and Rescue firefighters are recovering from a busy week dealing with broken water pipes across the District. In the past seven days, firefighters responded to 130 calls for service because of water problems at homes and businesses. “Now that the temperatures are back above freezing, this is a great time to educate yourself about how to shut off the water in your home,” says TVF&R Communications Officer Brian Barker, “this can happen to anyone, and many homeowners suffer thousands of dollars in damage because they don’t know how to stop the water from flowing.”

This is also a good time to prepare yourself for power outages and other problems that happen during the winter months. TVF&R advises that you take the following preventative measures:
- Gather necessary supplies for your family including flashlights, extra batteries, water, food, blankets, cell phone (vehicle) charger, manual can opener, battery-operated clock, etc. Stock up on food and water, as well as necessary medications.
- Candles are a fire hazard – use only flashlights, battery-operated lanterns, and light sticks as emergency lighting in your home.
- Prepare your vehicle. Inspect and change fluids (oil, antifreeze, wiper washer, etc.) and ensure your tire tread and brakes are in good working order. Keep your fuel tank at least half-filled and have emergency supplies (flares, blanket, water, cell phone) on hand in case you’re stranded. Avoid driving when roads are treacherous.
- Never use outdoor equipment including propane or kerosene heaters or charcoal barbecues inside a home due to the risk of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. CO is a colorless, odorless and tasteless gas that claims hundreds of lives every year.
- Gas-fueled generators must be used outside in a well-ventilated area to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully before using a generator.

Shut Off Your Water - How to Find Your Shut Off Valve
If a water pipe broke in your home, are you able to find the shut off valve? Know where it’s located before you have an emergency. There should be a valve near the house.

Look for your shut off valve in the following places:
- In the crawl space or basement, where the water line enters the home.
- In the garage where the water line enters the wall or ceiling, near the water heater or laundry hookup.
- Outside near the foundation, often protected by a concrete ring or clay pipe.
Your Water Meter
Your water meter is located in a concrete or plastic box in the ground, generally in front of your house and near the side property line. It’s important to keep the box free of plants and roots that can obstruct or hide the meter or damage the service line.

Can't Find Your Shut Off Valve?
You may want to have a shut off valve installed if you can’t locate one. If you have an emergency and need help shutting off your water at the meter or locating your water meter, please call Tigard Public Works at 503-639-4171 or (after 5 p.m.) 503-639-1554. This is for Tigard Water Service Area customers.
If your water provider is the Tualatin Valley Water District, call them at 503-642-1511.

Not sure who provides your water? If your bill comes from the City of Tigard, then you are receiving water from the Tigard Water Service Area.

Watershed report

Want to know what Clean Water Services have been up to in the last year? Check out their 2008-2009 Annual Report to learn about the treatment facility improvements, construction projects, future water supply and more. Also, get a run down of stats and funding for their service district.