DECEMBER NEWSLETTER

District 1 East Calendar

*click on desired event for more information

My Neighborhood

Argay Terrace

Centennial

Glen Fair

Hazelwood

Lents

Mill Park

Parkrose

Parkrose Heights

Pleasant Valley

Powellhurst-Gilbert

Russell

Sumner

Wilkes

Woodland Park

About the Month of December

December is the twelfth and final month of the year, known for its crisp winter weather in the Northern Hemisphere and warm, sun-filled days in the Southern Hemisphere. It marks a time of reflection, celebration, and seasonal transition—whether that means snowy landscapes or the height of summer.

December Fun Facts

Naming: December comes from the Latin decem, meaning “ten,” as it was originally the tenth month in the early Roman calendar.

Birthstone: Turquoise, Zircon, and Tanzanite – each symbolizing protection, wisdom, and good fortune.

Birth flower: Narcissus – representing hope, purity, and new beginnings.

Holidays: Christmas – December 25, Hanukkah – December 14th-22nd, Winter Solstice (Northern Hemisphere) – December 21, Kwanzaa – December 26 to January 1, New Year’s Eve – December 31.

Zodiac Signs: Sagittarius (Nov. 22 – Dec. 21) and Capricorn (Dec. 22 – Jan. 19)

Days in December: December has 31 days, closing out the calendar year with the longest nights in the Northern Hemisphere and the longest days in the Southern Hemisphere.

December Babies: Those born in December are often described as grounded, generous, and quietly strong. They’re known for their reliability, sense of humor, and natural ability to bring comfort and calm to those around them.

Recruitment: Multnomah County’s FY 26-27 Community Budget Advisory Committees (CBAC)

No budgeting or financial expertise is necessary! CBACs are groups of community members that review and make recommendations on county departmental budgets and operations. Meetings are focused on the bigger picture - understanding the county's programs and services, discussing challenges and opportunities that departments are considering in their budget process, and providing input on key budget decisions for the next year. 

Applicants select the top three department or office CBACs that most align with their interests and experience. Departments select participants based on application answers and, often, an interview. Once selected, CBAC members will hear directly from department directors and frontline staff about county programs and services. Working in a cohort model, CBAC members co-create and present recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners near the end of the budget cycle. 

Apply by December 5th to be considered in this round of applications.

Yard Trees for Portland Neighbors

Portland Parks & Recreation’s Urban Forestry are excited to share that they are in the midst of giving away 4,000 free trees to Portlanders this fall! With only around 600 trees left, they are making another push to get the last trees out the door.

Eligibility Reminder: Trees must be planted within City of Portland limits. Trees are for planting on private property, not as street trees.

Why Trees: Trees provide essential services like cleaning the air we breathe, keeping us cool during the hot summer months, blocking noise, and improving our mental and physical health.

Personal Safety Workshop

Come join us for an Introductory Personal Safety and Self-Defense workshop to learn the empowering skills to help keep yourself and your young ones safe and strong! Snacks provided for all attendees

The class will cover assertive communication and de-escalation skills. Learn how to tap into intuition and options for escape and safety planning. This is open to all community members ages 11 and older. Community members ages 11-14 must be accompanied by an adult.

When: Wednesday, December 17th

Where: MIDLAND LIBRARY, 805 SE 122nd Ave

Snacks will be provided for all attendees

The City of Portland is committed to providing meaningful access. To request translation, interpretation, modifications, accommodations, or other auxiliary aids or services, contact 311, Relay: 711.

Metro’s Fall 2025 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

(DEI) Training

Upcoming December 3rd Training: Cross Cultural Conflict, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Metro’s Fall 2025 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) training schedule is now live—and as valued partners, you and your staff are warmly invited to participate.

At Metro, we believe that fostering diversity, equity, and respect benefits everyone. These trainings are designed to support our collective growth as equity leaders within our organizations and throughout the communities we serve.

What to Expect: The linked schedule below includes session dates, times, and course descriptions. All trainings are free of charge and open to any staff member from your organization. Participation is completely optional and based on interest and relevance to your team.

How to Register: Registration is now self-administered. In the attachment, you’ll find a registration link below—an easy way to sign up for any session(s) that work for you. Thank you for your continued partnership. We hope to see you at one or more of the upcoming sessions!

AdoptOneBlock News - Cleanups, Savings, & MORE!

AdoptOneBlock makes it easy to keep your neighborhood clean & connected!

In just three steps, you can become a Block Ambassador:

1. Create a profile
2. Adopt your block using their interactive map
3. Order free supplies - delivered straight to your door!

Ready to get started? Visit adoptoneblock.org or reach out to info@adoptoneblock.org for more information.

Support AOB While You Shop, Sip, and Recycle

BottleDrop - AdoptOneBlock is now a listed nonprofit on BottleDrop! If you already have an account, you can easily donate any amount from your balance by clicking below:

New to BottleDrop? Learn more and sign up here! It’s a simple way to earn a little while you clean—and an even easier way to support AdoptOneBlock if you choose.

*If you picked up a Blue BottleDrop bag at the Appreciation Picnic, don’t forget to fill it and return it! We can’t wait to see our total grow as those bags get turned in—every bottle and can makes a difference!

Fred Meyer Rewards

Do you shop at Fred Meyer? Don’t forget, you can use your Fred Meyer Rewards Card to support AdoptOneBlock. After you link your card to AdoptOneBlock, a portion of the money you spend will come right back to our organization. It is easy to set up and there is no cost to you, here’s how:

1. Sign in to your Fred Meyer account.
2. New users will need to create an account which requires some basic information, a valid email address, and a rewards card.
3. Search for Adopt One Block and select us from the list.
4. Click “Save!”

No Rewards Card? No problem. Stop by the customer service desk at any Fred Meyer location to get yours so that you can link it to our organization.

Food Pantries Information - Portland, Oregon

Here are ways to get support right now or by calling 2-1-1:

- Oregon Food Bank’s Food Finder – find the nearest pantry or market by ZIP code

- Urban Gleaners Free Food Markets – fresh produce and pantry staples, open to all

- Sunshine Division Emergency Food Boxes & Delivery – free home-delivered groceries

- Milk Crate Kitchen – free chef-prepared meals delivered to families

- Full list of Portland and PPS-area food pantries 

Portland Grants & Funding

The City of Portland offers a wide variety of grants and funding opportunities to improve our community.

Click below to learn more about each grant opportunity and learn more about how to apply.

Do you Need a Notary Public? We have you covered.

Central Northeast Neighbors can help. Our own Ronda Johnson is a Notary! 

This is a free service from Central Northeast Neighbors. Please contact her for more information and about doing curb side notaries.

She is not an attorney licensed to practice law. She is not allowed to draft legal records, give advice on legal matters, including immigration, or charge a fee for those activities.

Central Northeast Neighbors Ronda (971) 438-8736 rondaj@cnncoalition.org

Get in Touch: District 1 Councilors

Candace Avalos

councilor.avalos@portlandoregon.gov

503-823-4350

Jamie Dunphy

councilor.dunphy@portlandoregon.gov

503-823-4350

Loretta Smith

councilor.smith@portlandoregon.gov

503-823-4350

District 1 East Coalition was formerly known as Central Northeast Neighbors

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