Hot ham, potatoes, vegetables, treats and beverages were aplenty for the 25 guests and representatives in attendance, dining in the Ardenwald Elementary School cafeteria by the “warm fire” displaying on a small television screen with Christmas tunes. ArtHouse Coffee in Ardenwald provided delicious hot “cowboy blend” and decaf coffee.

Both Portland commissioner Amanda Fritz and Milwaukie councilor Dave Hedges attended to represent each city within the Ardenwald boundary.

Fritz is the commissioner for Portland’s Office of Neighborhood Involvement (ONI) that oversees the seven neighborhood coalitions and the 95 neighborhood associations, including Ardenwald-Johnson Creek NDA.

The potluck took place in lieu of the regular neighborhood association meeting and that no official business would take place.

About an hour into the event, co-chair Matt Rinker interrupted the meeting and asked for opinion to conduct one business pertaining to allocating funds for Walk Safely Milwaukie Program.

The Neighborhood Association must make a decision before the next regular meeting on January 10, 2012, but with holidays coming up, Tuesday night was the best time to make the motion and vote.

Without any objection, a brief discussion took place regarding allocating funds for Walk Safely Milwaukie Program educational purpose, declining partial allocation and heading towards the full allocation.

The Neighborhood Association voted unanimously to allocate the full $500 towards the WSMP educational purpose funding (view minutes).

The potluck wrapped up by 8:30 p.m.

Every year the Neighborhood Association holds the Holiday Potluck party. It’s a great time for residents and neighbors to get together and socialize with Neighborhood leaders and residents in a causal setting.

The holiday potluck is held in lieu of our regular neighborhood meeting. No formal neighborhood business is conducted at the potluck. The next regular neighborhood meeting is Tuesday, January 10, 2012.

Everyone is invited to attend the Holiday Potluck. If you like to bring food or non-alcoholic beverages, please contact Lisa Gunion-Rinker at (503) 659-7807.

Download Flyer (PDF)

The Ardenwald-Johnson Creek Neighborhood District Association has selected two anonymous families in need to receive donated Christmas gifts for 2011 Ardenwald Christmas Families program.

Donations are being accepted until Sunday, December 18, 2011, and the donations will be delivered later in the week to the families before Christmas Day.

How do you donate?

Go to the Ardenwald Christmas Families web page at www.ardenwald.org/christmasfam and browse at the “wish list.” The “wish list” page updates frequently and any items on the list means that item is still needed. Items no longer on the list means the item has been arranged by another donator to be donated.

To drop off the donation(s), contact Lisa Gunion-Rinker at 503-659-7807 to make arrangements. You can also drop off the item at the Ardenwald Holiday Potluck at the Ardenwald Elementary School in Milwaukie on Tuesday, December 13, 6:30 p.m.

Please contact Lisa Gunion-Rinker at 503-659-7807 with any questions you have about the Ardenwald Christmas Families program or with the donations.

The Ardenwald-Johnson Creek Neighborhood Association is asking for your volunteer help to clean up the terrace sign and prepare the plants for winter this weekend.

The terrace sign cleanup is Saturday, November 19, 2011, from 9 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Ardenwald sign located on S.E. Johnson Creek. Blvd. just west of S.E. Brookside and volunteer help is welcome.

Lisa Gunion-Rinker said at the Tuesday neighborhood meeting the volunteers will be weeding, pruning, laying down mulch and removing blackberry brush.

Volunteers also need to bring their own tools and work gloves, and dress for possibly working in muddy conditions.

Two other listening post sessions are scheduled later:

• Wed., Nov. 9, 2011, at Milwaukie Elementary School, 11250 S.E. 27th Ave., Milwaukie, in the cafeteria from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
• Thu., Nov 17, 2011, at Linwood Elementary School, 11909 S.E. Linwood Ave., Milwaukie, in the cafeteria from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

More information is available at the City of Milwaukie’s website.

Download Flyer (PDF)

It’s October and it’s that time of month when residential homes and yard in the Ardenwald-Johnson Creek neighborhood transform into haunted houses and cemeteries.

The nationally recognized Davis Graveyard elaborate haunted graveyard scene by Ardenwald’s co-chair Jeff Davis and board member at-large Chris Davis, is up for community enjoyment.

New this year is the  full size abbey that replaces the church facade and added a few new tombstones.

The new abbey footprint occupies much of the driveway and that left no room for any dance performances. The Milwaukie High School Dance Team will not be performing the “Thriller” dance this year.

The Davis Graveyard is also not holding an open house event this year.

Display lights will be on nightly from dusk to 10 p.m. (until 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday) until Nov. 4th. The full effects will be on Friday through Sunday only (weather permitting—check the FaceBook page for updates).

S.E. 43rd St. will be closed between S.E. Johnson Creek Blvd. and S.E. Roswell St. to motorized traffic on Halloween night only. Vehicle access will be granted for residents on the closed section of S.E. 43rd Ave.

The Milwaukie High School Dance Team will be selling snacks and hot beverages on Halloween night.

In another area of Ardenwald, Bishop Cemetery is another elaborate haunted cemetery display along S.E. 32nd Ave. near S.E. Kelvin St. There is no parking along S.E. 32nd Ave., so walking or bicycling to Bishop Cemetery is recommended.

Photo: Tombstones and boarded windows brings a haunting feel for the visitors at Davis Graveyard in 2010.  By Bryan Dorr.

The Ardenwald School community will participate in International Walk or Bike to School Day on Wednesday, October 5th, at 7:15 am at two start locations.

Students west of Ardenwald School will meet at Lisac’s Stove at the corner of S.E. 32nd Ave. and S.E. Boyd Street, and travel on S.E. Wake St. Students east of Ardenwald School will meet at Roswell Market at the corner of S.E. 42nd Ave. and S.E. Roswell St, travel on S.E. Roswell St.

Drivers traveling on S.E. Wake St. between S.E. 32nd Ave. and the school; and on S.E. Roswell between S.E. 42nd Ave. and the school should allow extra time for congestion during the event. Students assembling at Lisac’s will also cross S.E. 32nd Ave. at S.E. Wake St.

Bicycle helmets are required for all participants riding a bicycle.

Residents and Ardenwald School students will join over 4 million students, parents and faculty around the world in actively getting to and from school. The event will help to enhance the health of our children, improve the health of the community and promote neighborhood livability.

Both the Ardenwald Parade and the Walk or Bike to School dates have been set.

On Saturday, September 17, the 65th Annual Ardenwald Parade kicks off at 10:00 a.m. with the parade route beginning at the Ardenwald Elementary School and finishing at Ardenwald Park.

The Ardenwald Parade is a family fun event for all ages. Decorated bicycles, tricycles, and wagons are encouraged.

On Wednesday, October 5th, Ardenwald Elementary School is participating in the Walk or Bike to School Day.

The starting time and locations, and the route information for the Walk or Bike to School Day will be available later this month.

Bicycle helmets are required for participating children riding a bicycle in any event.