Nature Play Workshop at Westmoreland Park

Join Us!

Westmoreland Nature Play

March 17th

Come by anytime between

10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

5040 SE Milwaukie Ave.

and SE Mitchell St.

A fun, interactive chance

for you and your children

to explore nature based play.

How does a nature based

play area differ from

a traditional playground?

Portland Parks & Recreation

is designing the City of Portland’s

first nature based play area in

Westmoreland Park

All ages welcome and encouraged to

play! Snacks Provided

RSVP please – we want to know how many cookies to buy!

www.PortlandParks.org, or call Elizabeth at 503-823-5113.

The 2011 Playgroup Site...

...is up and running!  If you have a 2011 baby and live in Sellwood, Eastmoreland, Westmoreland or Garthwick, visit the 2011 Playgroup Site to join and find out about upcoming meetings. Thanks, Allison!

Sundae in the Park this Sunday

One of Sellwood-Moreland's best family events, Sundae in the Park, takes place this coming Sunday, August 7th.  There's a new website with all the details, too--check it out!

Welcome our new 2011 Coordinator!

I'd like to introduce you to our newest playgroup coordinator, Allison Eshel.  Allison has a very sweet new 2011 baby girl and a three-year-old boy, as well. She's graciously volunteered to serve as our 2011 Playgroup Coordinator.  If you emailed me with your interest in the 2011 group before today, I've most likely passed along your contact information to Allison and you should have received an email from me with her contact info.  Future queries can be directed to her until the 2011 Playgroup website is set up.  Our playgroups usually begin in the fall of each birth year to allow time for the majority of the babies to be born, which we find allows more families to be a part of setting up the group's schedule and expectations.  Look for more information on the 2011 Playgroup starting this fall.  Thanks, Allison!

Yep, We're Still Here!

Perhaps the lack of recent posts might lead a person to believe that Eric and I have vanished from the face of the planet, but really we've just shifted our focus to neighborhood issues, work, and the increasing needs of our families who now need to go places they can't get to by stroller. :) We are no longer maintaining the main calendar, but please let us know if that is something you, dear reader, would like to take over.  At our house we've been utilizing this fantastic event calendar. We are, however, still receiving emails from new families and trying to help them make neighborhood connections.  Here's the playgroup update:

If you have a child age 3 or over, chances are that your birth year's playgroup no longer meets on a regular basis.  Though traffic has decreased on these groups' listserves/websites now that we aren't comparing notes on nursing, sleep schedules and baby carriers, most of the playgroup listserves are still active and a good resource for finding a babysitter, asking for recommendations regarding a neighborhood doctor, or setting up a spontaneous park gathering.  They are also a great place to introduce yourself and make connections if you are new to the neighborhood, so feel free to look for the link on the right of this page if you're looking for that sort of resource.

If you have a child under age 3, your birth year's playgroup is most likely still meeting in some capacity or the members can hook you up with the unofficial places they see each other on a regular basis.  The younger the child the more gangbusters the groups tend to be with meeting schedules and listserve posts.

If you are looking for a 2011 Playgroup, we usually start playgroups up in the summer or early fall of the birth year--check out this post for more details on that rationale. If you'd like to be added to the list of families who want to be contacted when the group begins, please email Kirstin. And if you are organized and friendly and would like to serve as coordinator for the 2011 group, let me know that in your email. too.  Thanks!

First Monthly Community Potluck this Sunday

When: Sunday, Sept 26, 5-7 pm
Where: SMILE station, 8210 SE 13th Ave
Who: All Sellwood-Moreland residents, kids encouraged!
Why: To meet neighbors and have fun!
Details: Bring a dish to share (entree, side or dessert) and a beverage (water will be available). Also, please bring eating utensils, a serving utensil and plates for your family.

Neighborhood "Potlucks with a Purpose" is a step towards developing more of a neighborhood center and a greater sense of community here in Sellwood-Moreland. The SMILE (Sellwood-Moreland Improvement League) neighborhood association does so much to maintain and improve our neighborhood livability, so what better location is there to have monthly potlucks than the SMILE station?

The focus of each potluck, usually held on the last Sunday of the month, will vary, while consistently having a theme of community. Regardless of what the "topic" might be, it will always be a time for making new friends and having fun. Our first gathering is focused on simply getting together, having fun, and meeting your neighbors! We hope you'll join us to share some delicious food and learn more about the people who live in your neighborhood.

no rsvp necessary, just show up! email Carol Placer (carol.placer@gmail.com) or Eric Miller (chasingmoose@gmail.com) with questions. See you there!

Plant a Row Update!

How cute are they?  

K. and H. are a few of our playgroup members, enthusiastic contributors to the Oregon Food Bank's 'Plant a Row' program.  Remember our playgroup challenge?  These little sweeties just made their second drop of tomatoes and zucchini.  If you planted a row for the Oregon Food Bank (or just ended up with surplus to share), send me your photo and I'll put it up to inspire us all for next year.  Hopefully we'll have a longer, drier growing season next year and an abundant harvest!  Thanks to the families who participated and fed our community!