Northwest Neighborhood Association

THEME: Bring a Neighbor!

Apr 29, 2001

We are trying to build participation and more community in the Northwest Neighborhood. So in addition to you joining us for the next meeting, we?’d like you to bring a neighbor along, too!


Featured Speaker:

Congressman, Brian Baird
Our Representative and our Neighbor

?“It is a privilege to represent Southwest Washington in Congress. The most
> important part of my job is listening to my constituents. I am looking
> forward to attending our neighborhood association meeting on April 19,
> 2001 at 7:00 p.m. At the meeting I hope to listen to your ideas and
> answer questions on issues of importance to you. I will also touch on
> some of my priorities in Congress.?”
>

Also: Elizabeth Walker, City Forester
City of Vancouver



We?’d Love to Hear from You!
Did you know the Northwest Neighborhood Association (NWNA) neighborhood has a website? Neighborhoodlink.com/Vancouver/northwest

Like to get periodic updates from the NWNA?
If you would like to receive more current information than the semi-annual newsletters, please forward your Email address to:
tknappy@pacifier.com

We promise, we will not use your address for anything other than NWNA business and updates.

Calendar (Save these dates!)
Thursday, April 19 ?– Quarterly NWNeighborhood Association Meeting
Saturday, July 14th NWNA Picnic @ Ben Franklin Park (56th & Cherry)
12 ?– 4 p.m. (Additional details inside this newsletter)
The picnic will take the place of the Quarterly Association Meeting
October 11 ?– Quarterly NWNeighborhood Association Meeting

What If We Gave A Picnic and Nobody Volunteered?
We are planning a neighborhood Picnic on Saturday, July 14th at Franklin Park (56th & Cherry). And we need volunteers!! Please sign up at the NWNA Meeting on April 19th or call Marilyn Koenninger 695-9012 to volunteer!

Plans are already being made to have picnic tables, a barbecue (BYO Grillables), the Fun Wagon for kids, a visit by the Vancouver Fire Department and other things?… so far!

Names & Phone Numbers of officers

Kevin Cornwell, Chair 992-9287
Marilyn Koenninger, Vice-Chair 695-9012
Tom Knappenberger, Secretary/Treasurer 693-1877
Chuck Ray, Area Rep 694-8760
Azam Babar ?– City of Vancouver Liaison 696-8005
(We?’re looking for more Area Reps to volunteer!)



Northwest Neighborhood Association
Quarterly Meeting

Jan. 11, 2001 Minutes

Place: Ben Franklin Elementary School, 53rd and Franklin Streets
Time: 7 p.m., Jan. 16, 2001
Attendance: Thirty-one members plus guests
Meeting called to order by NWNA President Kevin Cornwell

Tom Knappenberger was nominated as secretary/treasurer and elected unanimously.

Kevin said to expect a newsletter twice a year, spring and fall.

Doris Girt, Community Policing Specialist with the City of Vancouver, talked about mail security and neighborhood crime statistics (which are comparatively low).

NWNA Vice President Marilyn Koenninger gave an update on the 39th Street Bypass/Overpass railroad issue. She said the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) has been delayed from January to June. The alternatives are: 1) no action; 2) close 39th Street for increased train traffic; 3) Build an overpass over the tracks.

Kevin discussed communications. Several new A-frame signs purchased with a grant from the city were used to advertise the meeting tonight. A notice was placed in the Columbian Neighborhood page. Information about the NWNA can be found on the city?’s neighborhood web site - www.neighborhoodlink.com/vancouver/northwest Word of mouth is the best way to spread news of the NWNA, Kevin said. And there may be a possibility of sending meeting notices home through the schools.
More ?“slow down?” street signs will be available from the city in the spring.

Moria Galvan, Vancouver City Neighborhood Coordinator for our Association, talked about neighborhood services available such a chipper for yard debris that can be brought to a communal location once a year at the association?’s request. The city also can help with our planned July 14 picnic by loaning tables, a port-a-potty and the city?’s ?“fun wagon?” for kids. There is also a curbside pickup planned during April for non-working metal appliances such as stoves and refrigerators. Many at the meeting said they were interested in scheduling the chipper.

A suggestion was made to schedule City Forester Elizabeth Walker.

Franklin Principal MaryEllen Brunaugh said visitors are welcome at the school, and may drop in any time, especially during breakfast and lunch. She discussed the possible upcoming bond election (Mar. 13) that would fund construction of a new Franklin Elementary on the school?’s lot. Renderings of the proposed new school will be on display during the Franklin School Carnival, scheduled Feb. 10. All are welcome.

The next quarterly NWNA meeting is set for Thursday, April 19. Kevin proposed a NWNA picnic at Franklin Park for Saturday, July 14.

Kevin recognized Bill Cone, Barbara Veals, and Chuck Ray for their long service to the Association and presented Vice President Marilyn Koenninger with a certificate for her NWNA efforts.

A suggestion was made to invite a city code enforcement person to a future meeting as well as a law enforcement officer.

The meeting adjourned at approximately 8:30 p.m.

Mail Theft/Identity Fraud
Due to the increasing incidence of mail theft in Northwest Neighborhood, we are reprinting information from the last association meeting that was distributed by Doris Girt, Community Policing Specialist with the City of Vancouver.

Don?’t leave your outgoing mail in an unlocked mailbox.
Alternatives: Take it to a blue pick up box
Place it in the outgoing slot of a locking group mailbox
Check with regarding going together on a locking box.

Pick up your incoming mail as soon as possible after delivery
Alternative: Check into getting a post office box

Shred important papers that have your name and address on them.
Offers for credit cards or checks
Anything that has your social security number on it

Only carry your insurance card or social security card when you know you are going to need it.

IF YOU FIND OUT YOUR MAIL HAS BEEN STOLEN - REPORT IT!

Neighborhood Watch

Some ideas that were presented at the last NWNA Meeting included information about how to start a Neighborhood Watch on your block. A neighborhood watch program is supported by the City of Vancouver and helps neighbors look out for one another. Normally, the approximate size of a group is limited to households that are in view of one another. The thinking behind this is so that people can literally and figuratively ?“keep an eye?” out for suspicious activities going on with their neighbors?’ property and vice versa. It also provides an opportunity to get to know your neighbors better and provides a sense of community.

For additional information on starting a Neighborhood Watch on you block, contact Doris Girt at the West Precinct 696-8585.