local news
Community news Briefs
unemployment Payments Rise
Splash Pads Open for Summer Fun in Parks
As of July 3, the amount paid to Oregonians filing for
unemployment insurance benefits will increase slightly.
The maximum weekly benefit amount an individual can
receive will increase to $507, while the minimum amount
will be $118.
Under Oregon law, each year the Employment
Department recalculates the maximum and minimum
amounts paid weekly to those filing for unemployment
benefits. The amounts are set as percentages of the aver-
age weekly wage earned by Oregonians. The minimum
unemployment figure is 15 percent of average weekly
wage, and the maximum amount is 64 percent. Both dol-
lar amounts are rounded down to the nearest dollar as
required by law.
The new payment amounts are up slightly from those
paid over the past year. The maximum payment over the
past 12 months has been $496, with a $116 minimum pay-
ment. The change affects new unemployment insurance
claims filed with an effective date on or after July 3, 2011.
Those with existing unemployment claims will continue
to receive the same weekly amount.
Gardening Workshop
Want to grow organic food but not sure how? Boost
your garden IQ with simple steps to success at a free
workshop Saturday, July 16, 1 to 2:30 p.m. From picking
edibles for the right spot and season to prepping the soil
and watering waste-free, get the skinny on weeding, man-
aging pests and growing a bountiful garden without toxic
chemicals. Plus, learn where to find plants, seeds and
more tips for easy organic gardening.
Free event includes complimentary coupons and publi-
cations. Advance registration required; call THPRD at
503-629-6350. Hosted by Metro, Oregon State University
Extension Service and Tualatin Hills Park &
RecreationDistrict. Learn more at
www.oregonmetro.gov/gardenworkshops.
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o
m
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Portland Parks & Recreation
has opened its newest water
splash pad at Farragut Park, at
North Kerby and Farragut
Streets in North Portland.
The project has been in the
works for about a year and a
half, and includes a renovation
of the Farragut Park restrooms
and an improved walking trail
system. Splash pads are also
currently open at:
u
n
I
t
y
Columbia Park, N. lombard
Street and Woolsey Ave.
Essex Park, SE 79th Avenue &
Center Street
Earl Boyles Park, SE 112th
Avenue & Boise Street
Grant Park, NE 33rd Avenue &
uS Grant Place.
Kenton Park, 8417 N. Brandon
Avenue
c
a
l
e
n
McCoy Park, N Trenton Street &
Newman Avenue
Northgate Park, N Geneva
Avenue & Fessenden Street
Peninsula Park, N. 700 Rosa
Parks Way
Raymond Park, SE 118th
Avenue & Raymond Street
Woodlawn Park, NE 13th
Avenue & Dekum Street
d
a
r
P ortland J uly 2011
B ulletIn B oard
Friday July 8
2011 ICE CREAM ChuRN-A-MENT: Free ice cream.
local chefs will compete to see who will be the
first to freeze their ice cream using old fashioned
ice cream churns. 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Pioneer
Courthouse Square.
If you have an event you want to share
with the community, email it two weeks
in advance to The Skanner at
info@theskanner.com
thursday July 7
EAT KAlE AND PlAN FOR ThE EMERSON GARDEN.
you’re invited! Now that so many veggies have
been planted and a fence and learning center
constructed, community members of all ages
have a chance to come up with maintaining,
harvesting & educational strategies. Please bring
a chair and a snack to share with everyone.
RSVP to cassie@groundworkportland.org or call
503-662-2590. 6 – 7:30 p.m. 822 NE Emerson St.
Page 2 The Portland Skanner
July 6, 2011
Friday thru Sunday July 8 – 10
MISSISSIPPI STREET FAIR CElEBRATES ThEIR 10Th
ANNIVERSARy. Free music all day. The festival
spans from N. Mississippi Ave. from Fremont to
Skidmore and is now Portland’s largest street fair.
For times go to www.mississippiave.com
FOuRTh PlAIN INTERNATIONAl FESTIVAl. Food, live
music, dancing and a whole lot of fun. There is
something for everyone. 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. at
Warrior Field 4th Plain & Norris, 2000 Norris Rd.
Friday – Sunday July 15 – 17
hElVETIA lAVENDER FESTIVAl! u-Cut lavender, live
music, food, artisan crafts & much more. Friday
Noon – 5p.m. Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. – 5
p.m. helvetia lavender Farm is located at 12814
NW Bishop Rd in hillsboro.
Saturday July 9
18Th ANNuAl lylE’S MylES RuN/WAlK FOR hIV AIDS
PROGRAMS IN VANCOuVER: The run/walk is open
to anyone and their dogs who are willing to
make a donation of $10 per person, $5 youth
ages 15 and under and $2 per leashed dog.
8:30 a.m. in Esther Short Park in Vancouver, WA
SAND IN ThE CITy: The greatest beach party in the
country is coming to Portland’ living room. Fun for
all ages with majestic sand sculptures, interactive
youth exhibits and much more. $3 per person
before 6:30 p.m., $5 per person after 6:30 p.m.
$10 per family at all times. Pioneer Courthouse
Square.
62ND ANNuAl SAlEM ART FAIR & FESTIVAl: Ranked
20th in the nation, the Salem Art Fair & Festival
offers something for everyone. Friday and
Saturday hours are 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. Sunday 10
a.m. – 5 p.m. admission to get in. Bush Pasture
Park, 600 Mission St SE, Salem