Movies at the Library

The Tigard Public Library will show two critically acclaimed sports films on Tuesday, March 20 and 27, at 6:30 p.m. Both films are rated PG-13.

On March 20, the Library will show the film adapted from Michael Lewis’ book Moneyball about the Oakland Athletics’ manager Billy Beane and how his unconventional management style made the team competitive. This film was nominated for six Academy Awards.

  On March 27 the Library will host a film about estranged brothers who train for a Mixed Martial Arts tournament. It is both a fight film and a family drama.

These free events will be held in the Library’s Community Room at 13500 SW Hall Blvd. The Library welcomes all ages to this event. For more information, please call the Library at 503-718-2517 or visit the Library’s website at www.tigard-or.gov/library and click on Programs & Classes.

Clear Your Clutter with Feng Shui - March 21

            Consultant and teacher Bette Steflik will host a workshop on how to clear clutter from home and office using feng shui on Wednesday, March 21, from 7 to 8 p.m. at the Tigard Public Library.  Steflik, of Shen Men Feng Shui, helps people analyze their attitudes about clutter based on five personality types.  She explains how clutter is often an emotional issue and provides advice on how to overcome those barriers.

            Steflik has assisted her clients with design challenges for their homes and offices since 1999. The workshop will be held in the Library’s Community Room at 13500 SW Hall Blvd.  For information, visit the Library’s website at http://www.tigard-or.gov/library and click on Programs & Classes or call the Adult Reference Desk at 503-718-2517.

Fowler Talk Forum

"If I Were Mayor" Contest

Tigard students from fourth to twelfth grade, including students who are home schooled, are encouraged to enter the 2012 "If I Were Mayor, afterschool would be…" student contest sponsored by the Oregon Mayors Association (OMA) and Oregon Afterschool for Kids (ASK).

Students must submit their original work with a completed entry form to Joanne Bengtson at Tigard City Hall, 13125 SW Hall Blvd, Tigard, OR 97223 by 5 p.m. on Friday, April 20, 2012.  The contest rules and entry forms are available online at www.tigard-or.gov/mayor and at City Hall.

Mayor Dirksen will select one winner in each category: Elementary School Poster, Middle School Essay and High School Video or PowerPoint presentation. The local winner in each category will be awarded a $50 Visa gift card and recognition at the May 8, 2012 televised City Council meeting. 

Each winner from Tigard will be entered into the statewide contest, where three students will receive a laptop computer from the OMA and Oregon ASK. Statewide winners will be notified (along with their Mayor) in mid-July.  The winner and his/her parents will be invited to the OMA Annual Conference in Florence on July 28, to be recognized and receive their prize.

Carman & I-5 Construction

An ODOT contractor is beginning work this month on a project on I-5 southbound from Carman Drive to Lower Boones Ferry Road.  The fourth lane of I-5 southbound that currently tapers off just south of the Carman Drive off-ramp will be extended past the interchange to connect with the existing exit-only lane for Lower Boones Ferry Road.  This will help reduce rear-end crashes in this heavily congested section of I-5, thus increasing traffic flow.  Any lane closures on I-5 will occur during nighttime work hours.  Project completion is slated for August 2012. 

The attached newsletter has more information and will be mailed to approximately 3000 nearby residents and businesses. Please feel free to pass this information along to others who may be interested. We're looking forward to a successful project.

Keep up to date by visiting the project website: http://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/HWY/REGION1/carman/

State of the City Speech

Mayor Dirksen gave his annual State of the City speech and Council adopted new goals for 2012.  You can find all of this material at http://www.tigard-or.gov/city_hall/city_council/agenda.asp.

Trimet Tough Choices

As you may have heard, TriMet is facing a $12 to $17 million budget shortfall. Tough budget choices are ahead and we want to know what’s most important to you, your employees and county residents. 

We invite you to review the challenges and options presented in this guide trimet.org/choices. You will see that “everything is on the table” when it comes to possible cost-saving measures. All options are being discussed. One of these options is the possible reduction of low-performing bus service. This includes lines that serve less than 15 riders per vehicle hour. Thus, I want to give you an early heads up that, as you may already know, in and near Washington County, these lines are 43-Taylors Ferry Road, 47-Baseline/Evergreen, 50-Cedar Mill, 55-Hamilton and 59-Walker/Park Way. We currently are researching who rides, when they ride and for what purpose. This information will assist with the decision-making process.  

TriMet is just beginning the outreach process and is seeking input from everyone via an online questionnaire, meetings, onboard bus outreach and other communication tools. The initial feedback we receive by January 20, 2012, will help us develop a specific proposal before our public open houses occur in February. The feedback period continues through the public hearings in March.  

Please forward this information, encourage people to consider the options presented in this guide trimet.org/choices and provide feedback. Again, we want to hear from everyone.

Your partnership and input are much appreciated – and necessary as we move forward towards difficult choices.