Neighbors enjoy potluck, vote for WSMP education allocation

Several neighbors and community leaders gathered Tuesday night to feast and have a great time at the Ardenwald-Johnson Creek Neighborhood District Association’s holiday potluck.

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.