Portland News and Events for Jan. 1-7, 2016

Portland Parks & Recreation Wedding Reservations for 2016:

Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R) is the proud steward of more than 200 parks, gardens, and natural settings that can be reserved for weddings and/or receptions. These lovely settings are the perfect locations for ceremonies and celebrations.

Portland Parks & Recreation will begin taking wedding reservations for 2016 events on Monday, January 4, 2016, in person, via phone, and by mail and fax only. The PP&R Customer Service Center opens at 8:00am for walk-in service on weekdays, and on January 4, staff will begin answering phones at approximately 11 a.m. 

First come, first served. Walk-in customers will receive assistance before phone callers, mail or faxes are addressed. 

We provide hot beverages to those standing in line, to help customers through the early morning chill! Typically, many eager future happy couples stand in line prior to the center’s opening to ensure they get their first choices of PP&R wedding venues and their preferred dates.

Prior to January 4, please go to the PP&R online reservations system and walk through the steps to create an account. You may also call our Customer Service Center to establish your account. Creating your account ahead of time will speed up the reservation process!

We will only begin taking requests for wedding reservations online on Monday, January 11, 2016, at this site. Reservations cannot be made nor held online until Jan 11.

Future newlyweds, please note the following:

• The Customer Service Center is located in the first floor of the Portland Building, located at 1134 SW 5th Avenue. Entry doors are on the corner of SW 5th Ave and Madison St, under the awning. Several parking lots are available nearby. Be aware that street parking directly around the Portland Building is limited to 15 minutes during certain hours.
• Please come prepared with your first, second, and third preferences for both a wedding location and a date.
• Be prepared to pay the Application Processing Fee required to hold your reservation. We accept payment by cash, check, and Visa/MasterCard/American Express.

A few other things to know:

• While weddings may be scheduled at a picnic site, receptions cannot be scheduled in a wedding garden (only the ceremony portion).
• For information on weddings at Portland Public Golf courses, please contact the course directly.
• City Code requires that a permit be obtained for any wedding in a public park where guests are invited. Permits are issued by the PP&R Customer Service Center located on the first floor of the Portland Building at 1134 SW 5th Avenue. Office hours are 8:00 PM - 5:30 PM, Monday - Friday.
  Phone: 503-823-2525 | Fax: 503-823-2515
• Weddings are not permitted at the Japanese Garden, Pittock Mansion and surrounding Pittock grounds, or at the Portland International Raceway.
• Check the PP&R wedding brochure for locations, fees, policies,insurance, and other reservation information.

YWCA Clark County Begins New Volunteer Training on Jan. 7

New volunteer applications are currently being accepted for the upcoming volunteer training cycle. YWCA Clark County volunteers are partners in our mission to eliminate racism, empower women and promote peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. We are able to provide vital and life changing services because of our compassionate and dedicated volunteers.

The programs of YWCA Clark County offer opportunities for volunteers to support survivors of abuse, neglect, and oppression. Opportunities include providing advocacy and support to survivors of sexual assault, representing the best interests of abused and neglected children in the court system, and supporting the safety and healing of families experiencing domestic violence.

YWCA is interested in expanding the number of volunteers with CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) and the Sexual Assault Program. In addition to providing comprehensive training, YWCA offers a chance to make a positive impact during a difficult time in someone's life.

"Being a CASA starts with a love of children," says volunteer Connie Finck. Connie swore in as a CASA in April of 2013, and in her first year as a CASA, served over 450 hours. The CASA program provided advocacy for 870 children during the 2013-14 year, with the support of 245 advocates.

Winter training for new volunteers will begin on January 7, 2015. To learn how to become a volunteer with either Sexual Assault Program or Clark County CASA, visit ywcaclarkcounty.org or contact Nichole Peppers at 360-906-9112 or [email protected].

PSUSU Hosts Student Power Event

On Thursday, January 14th 2016 from 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. in Portland State University’s Smith Memorial Student Union in Room 327 the Portland State University Student Union (PSUSU) will be hosting an event entitled STUDENT POWER: Capitalism, Militarism and the International Student Movement.

This dynamic event will highlight the history and evolution of the international student movement and discussion of the rise of student power in our community at Portland State. Featured will be a presentation from students who are engaged in the anti-racist and anti-corporatization of education struggle locally and across the country.