Neighbors for a Livable West Linn

"Neighbors Working in the Community for the Community"

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NLWL in the News

On this page we will keep you updated on the latest happenings with Neighbors for a Livable West Linn.

Top Stories

• PSU Students Tour the White Oak Savanna

  On Friday, May 3, 2013, four students from Portland State University, who are working to restore a one acre Oak Savanna on their campus, toured the White Oak Savanna in West Linn.

  They were interested in edible plants (blue camas in particular). Their visit could not have been better planned since the camas are in bloom for such a short period of time and they got to see them in all their glory on Friday.

  They asked lots of great questions and seemed very interested in coming to help with the oak seedling planting on May 18th. The subsequent volunteer BBQ at noon that day sounded good to them, too.

  We hope that you will come and meet some of these great young people who have real fire in their bellies for Oak Savannas. They were very impressed that our community has volunteered 5,560 hours at the Savanna in the three and a half years that 14 of the acres there have been a natural park and significant wildlife habitat.

  Please see the following photos of these wonderful students in our White Oak Savanna.

  

  

• Earth Day in the White Oak Savanna

  We had 15 wonderful volunteers for our Earth Day in the White Oak Savanna event on Saturday, April 20, 2013, sponsored by our nonprofit organization, NLWL, and SOLVE.

  We planted 105 trees, 50 of which were oak seedlings and 55 of which were willows.

  Click here for a collage of this event.

  Bill and Tana Barger provided hot cocoa and coffee and great smiles. Kathie Halicki baked some amazing corn bread. Mr. Davies and Mr. Bingham are going to give their students who volunteered some well-deserved extra credit. The Clackamas County Soil and Water Conservation District donated the trees. David Rittenhouse came to register people.

  Everybody had fun and worked hard on this Earth Day 2013.

  We hope that you can join us for our next work party in the Savanna when we plant another 100 oak seedlings on May 18th beginning at 9:00 AM for Take Care of West Linn Day.

  BBQ lunch will follow. Please put it on your calendar.

• 2nd Annual Run/Walk for the White Oak Savanna

  Despite the weather, the 2nd Annual Run/Walk for the White Oak Savanna on Sunday, April 14, 2013, was a wet, cold, fun, and successful event. We had more runners and walkers and made more money than last year's maiden event.

  Every participant received a race t-shirt. Run and walk winners received additional prizes donated by Portland area companies.

  The Run/Walk was co-sponsored by the City of West Linn Parks & Recreation Department and NLWL.

  We would also like to thank the following people, businesses, and organizations for their generous donations or support:

  Adidas, Albertson's Market, City of West Linn Parks and Recreation, Columbia Sportswear, Dick's Sporting Goods, Elements Massage, Kathie Halicki, KEEN Shoes, Landmark Ford, Les Schwab, Market of Choice, NLWL Nonprofit Organization, Nike Global Equipment, Peet's Coffee, Sandy River Marketing, Trust for Public Land, West Linn-Wilsonville School District, Whole Food Market, and Wilson Tennis.

  Because of the support of all of these wonderful people, many of whom also volunteered, we will have enough money to hire the NW Youth Corps again this summer to come and work in the Savanna.

  The winning time for the 5K run was 18:58 by Ben Chase.

  Thank you again to the dozen people who volunteered with registration, food and drinks, and at the finish line. You all made it go so smoothly and that is very much appreciated.

  Click here for a photo collage of the event.

  We hope to see you at our 3rd Annual Run/Walk in 2014!

• Computers for Kids Project

  In December 2012, as we have done for many years, NLWL delivered four computers to families in time for the holidays. These computers were donated by generous local residents who had recently replaced their 4 to 5 year-old computers.

  NLWL refurbishes these computers and updates the software to newer versions. We also make sure that each computer arrives with a flat screen monitor, speakers, and a brand new printer.

  We believe that it is important to children to have access at home to computers for use with homework and research. Over the time it has been in existence, this program has delivered dozens of refurbished computers to local families.

  Click here for a link to a photo gallery of the recipient families.

• 3rd Annual Holiday Craft Faire Fundraiser
  
  On Friday and Saturday, November 30 and December 1, 2012 NLWL held our Holiday Craft Faire with over a twenty local craft artists offering great holiday gifts at great prices. This is an annual event and we hope that you will join us next year.
  

• White Oak Savanna Trail Opening Party
  
  On Saturday, September 29, 2012 we held a trail opening party for the new trail in the White Oak Savanna. This was the official opening of the new trail in the White Oak Savanna Park and was attended by many local residents as well as some dignitaries who opened the trail with a ceremonial ribbon cutting. The trail was constructed with over 1,250 hours of volunteer labor from the community and funds from the City of West Linn and NLWL. Albertson's and NLWL provided free barbequed ribs, cole slaw, and drinks to the first 150 people. Tours of the park and trail were also provided.
  
  Trail Opening Party Flyer
  
  Here's a link to local news coverage of the event:
  
  http://portlandtribune.com/lor/54-my-community/115308-volunteers-host-a-trail-opening-party-at-the-white-oak-savanna-
  
  
• Fiala Farm Fundraising Event
  
  On Saturday, September 15, 2012 we held our annual Festival at the Farm fundraising event. The event was hosted by the Fiala Farm, 21231 S.W. Johnson Road, West Linn (in the Stafford Area).
  
  The Festival at the Farm is a fundraising event to raise money for ongoing restoration and acquisition of the White Oak Savanna. 20% of all artist booth proceeds were donated by the vendors.
  
  Numerous artists had their wares on display and for sale. In addition, Burgerville had their "restaurant on wheels" there so visitors could enjoy some good Burgerville food while they were browsing the vendor booths. Face painting, balloon animals, musicians, and pottery-making were all also available. It was a fun event for adults and kids of all ages.
  
  Here's a link to news coverage of the event:
  
  http://portlandtribune.com/wlt/95-news/114972-spend-a-day-on-the-farm
  
  

• NLWL Presents an Evening of Music with Richard Arnold and the Groove Swingers

  On Thursday, August 9, 2012, Neighbors for a Livable West Linn presented Richard Arnold and the Groove Swingers in Concert. Five great musicians who play R&B, Motown, Blues, Jazz and “the Standards” like Nate King Cole and Count Basie equally well all performed at this fundraising event.

  The event was held at Tuxedo Charley's Lounge at Shenanigans' Restaurant, 2070 8th Avenue, West Linn (at the West Linn Marketplace).

  All proceeds from the benefit concert will be used toward acquisition and restoration of the White Oak Savanna.

  
  

• 8th Annual Computers for Kids Auction

  On Friday, August 3, 2012 Neighbors for a Livable West Linn presented our 8th Annual Computers for Kids Auction.

  The is a benefit auction with proceeds going toward providing four computers for families in the West Linn-Wilsonville School District. Numerous local and national companies donated auction items and gift certificates to be auctioned off to raise money to refurbish the computers. The auction was a big success and NLWL will again be providing four computers to families in the West Linn - Wilsonville School District.

• Northwest Youth Corps Works at the White Oak Savanna
  
  As we have for the past several years, in the summer of 2012 NLWL and the City of West Linn again hired a crew from the Northwest Youth Corps OutDoor Oregon program to work in the White Oak Savanna. This year we felt that we had our best crew ever. They spent two weeks removing invasive species and working on the trail. In addition, the kids furthered their education and visited with a biologist, and other experts regarding the native species found at the savanna. The kids also took a trip to the Fiala Farm to learn a bit about the life on a family farm.
  

• Trail Installation has Begun in the White Oak Savanna
  
  In order to make the White Oak Savanna more accessible to all, the City of West Linn and Neighbors for a Livable West Linn have begun installation of a soft surface trail in the White Oak Savanna. Through our fundraising efforts, Neighbors for a Livable West Linn was able to contribute $4,150 towards equipment rental and materials for the trail.
  
  In addition, on May 19, 2012 NLWL organized 28 volunteers to work on the trail during Take Care of West Linn Day.
  
  Current plans call for the trail to be completed no later than September 30, 2012.
  
  Here's a photo collage showing the volunteers from Take Care of West Linn Day (click on the photo for a larger version):

• The 2012 Walk/Run for the White Oak Savanna
  
  On April 7, 2012 the City of West Linn and Neighbors for a Livable West Linn jointly sponsored a 5k run and 1 mile walk with proceeds going toward the restoration and acquisition of the White Oak Savanna Natural Park and Wildlife Habitat.
  
  Here's a link to an article from the Oregonian.
  
  We were gratified that sixty (60) people participated in this event on a chilly morning. Prizes were awarded to the top finishers in each age group. All participants received a reusable cloth White Oak Savanna goody bag with great stuff inside.
  
  We are planning to make this an annual event occurring in early May so please check back in early 2013 for details about next year's event.
  
  Here's a photo collage from the Run/Walk event:
  

• Arbor Day 2012 Coloring Contest Showcases the White Oak Savanna
  
  Children from the West Linn-Wilsonville School District were invited to participate in a coloring contest inspired by the White Oak Savanna. Eight winners were selected by a panel of local artists. The winners were introduced to the West Linn City Council. You can read more about the contest and the winners by clicking on the following links:
  
  OregonLive.com
  
  West Linn Tidings
  
  And here are some photos from the City Council event:
  

• Four More Families Benefit from NLWL "Computers for Kids Program
  
  Thanks to the generosity of the community, in 2011 four more families received a refurbished computer, monitor, keyboard, mouse, printer and Microsoft software from NLWL's "Computers for Kids Program".
  
  This program provides the above computer hardware free of charge to four families in the West Linn-Wilsonville School District. NLWL believes that access to computers is critical for school age children and this is our way of helping that happen.
  
  More information is here.

• 2011 Holiday Craft Faire
  
  The Holiday Craft Faire was a big success again in 2011! We hope to see you in 2012.
  
  Here's a summary of the 2011 Faire:
  
  When: Saturday and Sunday, December 9 and 10, 2011 (10 AM to 2 PM)
  Where: Emmanuel Presbyterian Church, 19200 Willamette Drive (Hwy. 43), West Linn
  
  Again this year, NLWL will be hosting our Holiday Craft Faire featuring wares from 13 local vendors.
  
  Items for sale included:

  • White Oak Savanna jewelry, hats, t-shirts, and washable grocery/tote bags
  • Cactus and succulents in beautiful reclaimed containers
  • Ceramics
  • Crocheted items
  • Hand-made soaps
  • Fine wood boxes and other wood items
  • Zipper purses
  • Fine art photography
  • Glass art
  • Greeting cards
  • And much, much more!
  
  

• 200 School Children Plant 1,000 Blue Camas bulbs in the White Oak Savanna
  
  On Thursday, October 20, 2011 approximately 200 local school children helped in restoring the White Oak Savanna by planting 1,000 blue camas bulbs. 
  
  NLWL would like to thank Fred Meyer (Wilsonville) and Lowe's (Tigard) for providing the planting tools at cost, Albertson's (West Linn) for providing cookies and water for the students, and Ken Worcester and the City of West Linn Parks Department for providing the blue camas bulbs.
  
  Click here to see a video of the planting.

• OregonLive.com Article on the White Oak Savanna Restoration
  
  Article and Video highlight this summer's work in the Savanna
  
  On August 26, 2011 OregonLive.com ran an article about our continued restoration efforts in the Savanna. You can read the article here:
  
  http://tinyurl.com/438bmhz
  
  A video of the savanna restoration efforts was also posted by OregonLive.com. You can find it here:
  
  http://tinyurl.com/3or7o9l
  
  
• White Oak Savanna T-shirts, caps, and cloth grocery bags are now available
  
  We now have t-shirts, caps, and cloth grocery bags available for purchase. The t-shirts and caps are only $15 and the grocery bags are only $5. Why not buy some today and support the restoration and acquisition of the West Linn White Oak Savanna?
  
  Click here to see a photo collage of these items.
  
  You can contact us at info [at] nlwl.org to purchase.
  
  
• NLWL Awarded Spirit Mountain Community Fund Grant - May 26, 2011
  
  Funds to be matched by the City of West Linn. To be used for continued restoration of the White Oak Savanna
  
  On May 26, 2011 NLWL was notified that it had been awarded a grant of $3,950 from the Spirit Mountain Community Fund which is managed by the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde. This grant money will be matched by the City of West Linn. The funds will be used to once again hire the Northwest Youth Corps Outdoor Oregon crew to work in the White Oak Savanna for two weeks this summer removing invasive plants and helping to restore the Savanna.
  
  NLWL is very grateful to the Spirit Mountain Community Fund for their generous grant.
  
  
• Take Care of West Linn Day - May 14, 2011
  
  Over 25 participants help to install benches, eliminate invasives, and restore the White Oak Savanna
  
  Saturday May 14, 2011 was "Take Care of West Linn Day" and over 25 people volunteered their time at the Savanna. While the event was sponsored by the City of West Linn, participants came to the Savanna from all over the Portland metropolitan area (thanks, in part, to SOLV who let us announce our event on their web site).
  
  The participants enjoyed a pleasant morning working in the Savanna. They helped to install six benches, cut down Himalayan blackberry, and pulled weeds from around native plants to give them more room to grow.
  
  Refreshments were provided by Albertson's Market. We would also like to thank Kathie H. for her generous donation of an assortment of baked breads.
  
  Click here to see a photo movie of the event.
  
  

• Restoration of the White Oak Savanna Continues

  Over 180 local schoolchildren participate

  Here is an article from the March 3, 2011 West Linn Tidings which describes some of the restoration work going on in the savanna. In all, over 180 local schoolchildren participated by planting plants donated by the community.

  And here is an article from The Oregonian on March 4, 2011 describing the same event.

  Finally, click here to see a KGW Channel 8 news report on the event.

• NLWL Co-Founder Roberta Schwarz and White Oak Savanna Committee Receive "Oregon Community Trees" Awards

  Awards presented by State Sen. Richard Devlin at June 3 Ceremony at Oregon Garden in Silverton

  On June 3, 2010 our co-founder, Roberta Schwarz, and the White Oak Savanna Committee each received their respective awards in the Oregon Community Trees "Community Forestry Award" Citizen Volunteer and Civic Organization categories.

  The awards were presented by State Sen. Richard Devlin during the 2010 Oregon Urban Forestry Conference at Oregon Garden in Silverton.

  Pictured below, L-R, are Ed Schwarz, Teri Cummings, Julia Simpson, Roberta Schwarz, Mark Snyder (presenter), Sen. Richard Devlin, and Sheri Pryor.

  

  Click for a larger photo

• New Seasons Market Barbeque
  
  Over $1,500 raised to preserve the White Oak Savanna
  
  Our New Seasons Market Barbeque was a huge success. In all, we raised over $1,500.00. We very much appreciate the help of our volunteers and the wonderful New Seasons staff who set up the barbeque, prepared the food, and tore everything down at the end of both days.
  
  All food was donated by New Seasons Market. All proceeds go to NLWL for use towards preserving the White Oak Savanna.
  
  Thanks are also due to all of our supporters who went out of their way to stop by and buy a burger to support our cause.
  
  
• NLWL Co-Founder Roberta Schwarz Wins "Oregon Community Trees" Award
  
  Nominated by Rep. Scott Bruun and State Sen. Richard Devlin

  We are proud to announce that our co-founder, Roberta Schwarz, was recently named a recipient of the Oregon Community Trees "Community Forestry Award" in the Citizen Volunteer category for her work to preserve the White Oak Savanna in West Linn. Roberta was nominated by Rep. Scott Bruun and State Senator Richard Devlin. More information can be found here:
  
  http://shar.es/meIe2
  
  In addition, the White Oak Savanna Committee was also named a recipient of the same award in the Civic Organization category.
  
  Roberta and the Committee will receive their awards at the Oregon Community Trees banquet on June 3.

  Here's the press release from the Oregon Department of Forestry:
  
  Community Forestry Award Press Release (44K PDF)

• Barbeque, jewelry sales will benefit West Linn's White Oak Savanna
  
  An article from The Oregonian describing our upcoming June 5 & 6 benefit barbeques at New Seasons Market and a line of jewelry which can be purchased to benefit the savanna.
  
  More information is here:
  
  http://tinyurl.com/27vhraq
  
  
• White Oak Savanna Restoration Continues
  
  Northwest Youth Corp Removes Invasive Blackberry, Protects Native Species

  Restoration work on the White Oak Savanna is continuing. A group of twelve energetic young adults from the Northwest Youth Corps continued the work begun a few weeks ago by removing more of the invasive Himalayan Blackberries and preserving the native species found on the Savanna.
  
  Here's an article from The Oregonian describing their work:

  Volunteers Descend on White Oak Savanna

• White Oak Savanna Restoration Begins
  
  Volunteers Remove Invasive Blackberry, Protect Native Species on "Take Care of West Linn Day"

  Restoration work on the White Oak Savanna is beginning. Recently, a group of approximately a dozen volunteers (ages 8 to 80) turned out to mark White Oak seedlings with colorful, bio-degradable mesh and bright orange flags to preserve them during the upcoming removal of the invasive Himalayan Blackberries.
  
  The weather was idyllic and spirits were high as over 100 oak seedlings were found in the high grass of the savanna. Each seedling had the grass cleared from around it and was marked so as to be preserved during the upcoming blackberry removal.

  Here's an article from The Oregonian describing their work:

  Volunteers Descend on White Oak Savanna

• 2009 "Computers for Kids" Auction
  
  Our annual auction benefitting families in our local school district
  

  We made over $2,000 in our 2009 auction and were able to give four more computers to kids in our local schools who couldn't afford to have one at home. This makes a total of 20 computers which we have been able to provide to families with children in our local school district.
  
  Our 2010 auction is on August 6 at 7 PM in West Linn. All are welcome to attend.

• A rare patch of oak savanna is preserved in West Linn
  
  An article from The Oregonian regarding the purchase of the first 14+ acres of the White Oak Savanna.
  
  http://tinyurl.com/24dehv7
  
  

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