February 2011 Community Newsletter by Forest Heights Homeowners Association

ASK THE MANAGER This month GM Stephen Herr provides an update on the FIT proposal.

COMPLIANCE CORNER How staying in compliance helps your bottom line.

YOUR NEIGHBORS VOICE What the bond measures mean for Portland Public Schools

REQUEST FOR NOMINATIONS FHHOA seeks new members for its Board of Directors.

pinnacle press MILESTONES IN THE HISTORY OF FOREST HEIGHTS ere’s a fun fact: in just three short years, Forest Heights will celebrate its 25th anniversary. While the ground breaking that occurred in 1989 symbolized the dream of developers George Marshall and Dan Grimberg, it also brought to light the hopes and dreams of those who took the plunge and purchased either property or homes in what was then the largest Planned Unit Development (PUD) in Oregon.

Bobbie Regan’s family took that plunge in 1994. With two kids (ages 1 and 4), 4 large dogs and a transfer to Oregon to manage, Bobbie had to prioritize what mattered most: finding the right home and in the right neighborhood. Her realtor had heard of Forest Heights but hadn’t yet been to the neighborhood. Nevertheless, she thought it sounded like the right fit, and she was right. Bobbie not only found but purchased her home in one day. Although her home was under heavy construction when she toured it—only the roof and foundations stilts were

NEWS AT FOREST HEIGHTS

FEBRUARY•2011

complete—a plumber working on site was able to explain the floor plan to Bobbie and offered a ―hands on tour‖, identifying critical elements of the home. That day marked the start of Bobbie’s hopes and dreams for her family by moving to Forest Heights. Seventeen years later, Bobbie and her family are still in that home. I sat down with Bobbie to talk about the changes she has seen in the neighborhood over the years. Here’s what one pioneer of Forest Heights has to say: Q: What milestones have you seen the neighborhood achieve? I think the biggest milestone would be the addition of the elementary school. Although the neighborhood was originally thought of a place for ―emptynesters‖, many families like mine were moving into Forest Heights and having to bus our children an hour and a half each way to Skyline Elementary. In 1995, a school bond passed which allowed Forest Park Elementary to be the first school built in Portland in over 30 years. We campaigned hard to make sure the Continued on page 2 →

W H AT ’ S I N S I D E Forest Heights Milestones

1-2

Request for Board Nominations

SST Committee Update

Ask the Manager

Go Green Planting

Compliance Corner: Compliance and Value Add

8-9

Portland Public School News

10-11

Upcoming Community Events

Volunteer Appreciation Reception

Cold & Flu Season is Here!

14-15

FOREST HEIGHTS MILESTONES Continued from page 1

Forest Heights Homeowners Association 2033 NW Miller Road Portland, Oregon 97229 Phone: 503.297.9400 Fax: 503.297.9408 Office Hours: Monday—Friday 9:00 am—5:00 pm

Email: contactus@fhhoa.com

Vision Statement To create and foster excellence in community, environment and quality of life. Board of Directors | 2010 Eric Butterfield—President Michael Fletcher—Vice President Sherrill Corbett—Secretary Ric Barton—Treasurer Stuart Roberts Mark Sanzone Joseph Schutz

Association Staff Stephen K. Herr—General Manager email: sherr@fhhoa.com Judith Souers—Office Administrator email: jsouers@fhhoa.com Molly McManus Oliver—Compliance Coordinator email: moliver@fhhoa.com Kimberly Monaco—Marketing, Communications & Event Coordinator email: kmonaco@fhhoa.com Richard Metzger—Maintenance Supervisor

school would be built on time, going door-to-door to every home in the neighborhood surveying the residents in order to convince the school board of the need to complete construction in the timeframe we were quoted. Q: And did that happen? Yes, absolutely. I was heavily involved in the design process of the school and knew that the addition of a 21st century school Forest Heights would continue to attract families to this area, bringing stability to the market and longevity in homeownership. In fact, Portland State University demographers estimated 67 students would enroll at Forest Park Elementary during its first year, but we had over 200 students enroll. Those same students will be graduating from Lincoln High School this spring, so it’s been very gratifying to see this first class of Forest Park Elementary kids complete their K-12 education. Another milestone for Forest Heights was the addition of the fire station on Skyline. The FHHOA and the NW Heights Neighborhood Association worked very closely on bringing a new level of safety to our collective neighborhoods. Not unlike the school project, this, too, came about as the result of a bond measure and required a lot of community support and involvement.

Q: What advice would you give a new homeowner who has just moved to Forest Heights? I’d tell them to really think about and appreciate what they have here in the community. Most neighborhoods that are 5 to 7 minutes from any downtown center are probably not very safe or attractive. We live in 600 acres of beautifully maintained homes, have access to 200 acres of common space which, also, is maintained at a very high standard. I walk every morning and have seen deer, bobcats, beavers...birds of all kinds and all only minutes from downtown. Q: You’ve been very active in the community and have seen a lot happen over the years. Do you have an interesting story you’d like to share that you think many people wouldn’t know anything about? Well, the first thing that comes to mind is that during the construction of the school, I received a call at work that the school had caught fire during construction and was burning. It was devastating to get that call. I was so upset that I left work immediately, only to learn that there was a small fire in the gymnasium floor but it was contained and extinguished quickly. Thank goodness that all our hard work to bring the school into the neighborhood wasn’t going up in smoke!

Oh, Pioneers! Are you, too, a ―Pioneer of Forest Heights‖? If so, you are the historians of our very unique community and can offer us a wealth of information. Please consider sharing your Forest Heights history by participating in the Forest Heights History project. Each month, the HOA will run an interview, much like this one, in our newsletter. Gathering this information is critical to documenting the history of this place so many call home and will aid the association in preparing for our 25th anniversary. To participate, please email: kmonaco@fhhoa.com

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HAVE YOU PAID YOUR SEMI-ANNUAL HOA DUES? You can now pay your HOA dues one of the following ways (or simply drop off your payment at the HOA office):

1 | Mail Mail a check along with your invoice stub to: Forest Heights HOA c/o SmartStreet PO Box 105007 Atlanta, GA 30348-5007

2 | Online Bill Pay Set up payment via your bank’s online bill pay. Enter the following address in the payee section:

3 | Online Payment via E-Check or Credit Card To pay with e-check or credit card, follow these steps: •

Go to www.fhhoa.com

•

Click the SmartStreet logo on the home page

•

Select e-check or credit card payment option

•

Complete the online instructions

Note: There will be a $9.95 convenience fee if you pay via credit card. Mastercard, American Express and Discover are accepted. Visa is not accepted.

Payee: Forest Heights HOA Address: PO Box 105007 | Atlanta, GA 30348 Phone: 888.705.0600 Account Number: Enter as it appears on statement

4 | Recurring Automatic Draft If you’d like to pay through a recurring automatic draft, follow these steps: •

Go to www.fhhoa.com

Note new payee address! If you pay with online bill pay, please update this information.

•

Click the SmartStreet logo, then choose payment option #3

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REQUEST FOR NOMINATIONS FHHOA Board Seeks New Members for its Board of Directors

orest Heights is governed by a seven (7) member Board of Directors, each of whom serves for a three year term. The three year terms are staggered so that each year new board members join as the most senior board members’ terms expire. In May, three (3) board members’ terms expire, and the board is seeking their replacements. The annual board member election will be held May 3rd, the first Tuesday in May, in conjunction with the Annual Meeting. At this time, we are recruiting candidates to run for the three (3) board member positions. A Nominating Committee has been assigned the task of recruiting/coordinating candidates and answering any questions you might have.

Schedule for Nominees •

February Decide on candidacy (self-nominated or nominated by another). Contact Chair, Joe Schutz ASAP.

•

March Candidate profile and statements will be published in the FHHOA Newsletter. Deadline 2/15.

•

April Candidate statements will be published in the FHHOA Newsletter and proxy will be distributed via the annual mailing. Deadline 3/15.

•

Participate in a ―Meet the Candidates‖ open forum at Forest Heights Elementary (date TBD)

•

May 3 Annual Meeting. Candidate statement and election.

Requirements for Nominees Nominees should be members in good standing of Forest Heights with a desire to actively participate in guiding and providing direction for our community. Previous board service is desirable, but not necessary. If elected you will be expected to: •

prepare for and attend monthly board meetings

•

participate in study sessions, evaluate subjects in an objective manner

•

educate yourself on homeowners associations

•

support the will of the majority of the board.

An ability to communicate and work with others is, of course, helpful. Please refer to the FHHOA Board Meeting Goals, Objectives, and Code of Ethics and Conduct.

To nominate yourself or someone else Please contact me directly at jfreischuetz@comcast.net or by phone at 503-780-4677(cell). If you have any questions, please feel free to talk to me, your Nominating Committee Chair, current Board Members, or FHHOA Staff directly. You can also send your nomination to the FHHOA staff at contactus@fhhoa.com. Nominations will be closed March 15, 2010 (except for write-in candidates and nominations from the floor at the Annual Meeting). I will contact every interested party directly, to get you started. Joseph Schutz FHHOA Director Nominating Committee Chair jfreischuetz@comcast.net

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S T R E E T, S A F E T Y A N D T R A N S P O R T AT I O N C O M M I T T E E U P D AT E

he start of a new year brings with it new opportunities and goals for the Street, Safety and Transportation committee. As we embark on our goals for 2011, let’s take a moment to reflect on what the SST committee accomplished in 2010. The most visible results of our committee work this past year include: • • •

Installation of a Speed Reader Board on Miller road Repainting the crosswalks by Starbucks Installation of a new crosswalk across Miller road at Spencer

With the completion of these jobs, and weekly visits from the Portland police traffic division, the consensus is that some of our speeding issues have diminished along Miller road. We are, however, still getting complaints about speeding on residential streets. If you are one of the guilty, please give your neighbors a ―brake‖ and slow down while traveling in your neighborhood. On the safety front, we have had a number of petty acts of vandalism to homes in the nature of thrown eggs and fruit. If you are a victim of vandalism, or

witness any act of vandalism, please report such incidents to the HOA as well as the police non-emergency number at 503.823.3333. Another issue has been two instances of vandalism to bus seats on the ECO shuttle. If you are witness to any act of vandalism on the ECO shuttle, please alert the driver immediately. In order to avoid cost increases, we had to make the difficult decision to reduce the ECO shuttle service by three hours during midday non-commuting hours. One of our objectives for 2011 is to get a Forest Heights bus route into TriMet’s 5 year plan. We have established a task force for this project and will be reporting on our efforts during the year. Please feel free to contact me if have any questions or would like to get involved with the Street, Safety and Transportation committee. ~ Mark Sanzone, SST Committee Chair ~

“Curiosity is one of the greatest secrets of happiness.” - Bryant H. .McGill

ASK THE MANAGER Are you curious about things going on in our community? Do you ever wonder about something you see while walking or driving through our neighborhood? Do you have questions about issues that impact Forest Heights? Here’s your opportunity to get some answers! Our General Manager, Stephen Herr, will answer your questions about Forest Heights each month in this article. If you are wondering about something, chances are others in our community are curious about the same thing, so do us all a favor and send in your questions. If Manager Herr can’t answer the question, he’ll find someone who can! Please email your questions to contactus@fhhoa.com with “Ask the Manager” in the subject line. Questions received by the 10th of each month will be answered in the newsletter the following month.

“I was wondering what the board decided after their notice in the newsletter last month for community comments on the association’s contribution to FIT?”

n January 11th, the board finished its deliberations on whether or not to contribute $15,000 to the Field Improvement Team (FIT) for the purpose of assisting FIT in its efforts to replace the sod field at the Forest Park Elementary school with a synthetic turf field. After listening to comments from residents during the open forum at the January board meeting, discussing the matter, reviewing community comments on the proposed contribution, and reviewing an attorney opinion letter on the matter which stated:

“there is nothing in Oregon law, Oregon statutes or the governing documents of Forest Heights prohibiting the donation of funds to the FIT program”, the board approved the following motion:

Motion: The HOA, determining that the following is in the best interest of the community, hereby resolves that this association will support the community program known as FIT (Field Improvement Team) by providing financial assistance to the program. The amount of $15,000 will be paid to the FIT program when they can demonstrate that they have raised funds within $15,000 of the 80% of the project funds required to commence construction. The foregoing condition is the only condition to the giving of the $15,000, and the condition must be satisfied on or before December 22, 2012.

For additional information please refer to the board minutes which are available on our website www.fhhoa.com. If you would like to get involved with FIT or make a tax deductible contribution, please contact Brad McMahon by email brad.mcmahon11@gmail.com. ~ Stephen Herr, FHHOA General Manager ~ Page 6

NEXT GO GREEN PLANTING FEBRUARY 26TH

ith the anticipated dredging of Mill Pond, it has become extremely important to limit stream bank erosion along the creeks running into Mill Pond. The major reasons for stream bank erosion is lack of vegetation and infestation of invasive species (such as ivy, bamboo or non-native blackberry) which have shallow roots and do not hold the soil on slopes or stream banks. Stream bank erosion is one of the contributing factors of the sedimentation in Mill Pond. To address these issues, the Forest Heights Go Green committee has partnered with SOLV and West Multnomah Soil and Water Conservation District to restore a portion of the Cedar Mill stream bank adjacent to Mill Pond. SOLV has made a commitment to this site for eight years to ensure long-term survival of trees/shrubs planted at each site. Our first planting in November brought over 20 members of the community out to plant willow and red osier dogwood stakes to vegetate the stream bank itself. We now need ongoing community support for the next phase of stream bank restorationâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;planting & mulching the upland areas with several native trees and shrubs, namely: Deer fern, Hazel nut, Salal, Oregon grape, Pacific ninebark, Rose, Red elderberry, Douglas fir, Snowberry and Western red cedar. Please join us on February 26th, from 9am to noon by registering here. Be sure to fill out the appropriate liability forms included with registration. Please dress for the weather and wear sturdy, water resistant footwear. Refreshments, tools, gloves and camaraderie will be provided! Further questions: please contact FHHOA at 503.297.9400 REGISTER: Sign up for this event here

FHHOA Natural Area Restoration Timeline

2010 SEP Awarded grant, removed invasive plants

OCT

2011 NOV Harvest & plant willows

DEC

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

Plant trees & shrubs Page 7

COMPLIANCE CORNER

W H Y C O M P L I A N C E M AT T E R S TO YOUR BOTTOM LINE Four local realtors share their perspective on the value of CC&Rs and architectural guidelines

resident recently raised the question of whether compliance enforcement and architectural review requirements provide a ―valueadded‖ component to Forest Heights properties. To answer that question, we interviewed four realtors who are active in the Forest Heights real estate market. They all also own or have owned property within Forest Heights. We asked Linda Cohn, with Coldwell Banker Seal Properties, Linda Locker with Locker Properties, Steve Kaer with Kaer Property Group and Rosanne Vecchio with Windermere Cronin & Caplan Realty Group for their insights on how valuable these HOA functions are in maintaining property values. Noted responses from each realtor are provided below. Q: Do you feature the fact that FHHOA has CC&Rs and staffs a compliance coordinator when touring a potential buyer through our community? Cohn: Buyers are driven by value (price) right now. It’s up to the realtor to explain the attributes of an HOA in maintaining value. CC&R enforcement has kept home values in Forest Heights consistent. Buyers may not understand the benefit of CC&Rs before the sale, but once in the neighborhood, they come to appreciate them. When visitors come through an open house in Forest Heights, they expect the neighborhood to look as nice years from now as it does when they tour homes. Realtors defi-

nitely see differences between Forest Heights and other neighborhoods when they go on tour. Even with issues like landscape and basic yard and home maintenance, there is a standard here that you don’t necessarily see in other neighborhoods. Kaer: The HOA and the service they provide in relation to compliance is the backbone of Forest Heights. Simply put, they keep things looking nice. Neighbors know they can call in confidence to get problems resolved. If not for the HOA, Forest Heights would just be another neighborhood. Maintaining Forest Heights is not inexpensive, but Forest Heights has never been a bargain basement community. When I show properties in Forest Heights, I can confidently tell buyers their investment will be secure here. Locker: Buyers appreciate a community that protects the value of the homes with CC&Rs. The covenants eliminate eyesores such as broken down cars, RVs and other vehicles parked in public view as well as poorly maintained yards or fences. I always stress to buyers that the HOA’s compliance coordinator steps in to help solve problems that may need to be addressed personally, where in other neighborhoods may result in disputes. Vecchio: I always inform all potential buyers of the HOA and that rules and regulations (as well as monthly fees) apply if a home is purchased within the

HOA boundaries. I would say about half don’t have an opinion about compliance and the other half would prefer to live just on the outskirts and avoid the HOA regulations and fees but still enjoy the benefits the HOA brings to the neighborhood. Many have had bad experiences with HOAs in the past and are wary of potential difficulties. That being said, for the buyers who have purchased in the neighborhood, I haven’t had any complaints regarding FHHOA post-purchase. Q: Do you feature the fact that FHHOA has an Architectural Review Committee and a review process for changes to the exterior of a home when touring a potential buyer through our community? Cohn: As an agent, I appreciate both the CC&Rs and the ARC Guidelines. They help me successfully sell property, and I always counsel new homeowners to work with the ARC when planning exterior projects. Locker: Yes. Buyers do not want surprises. It’s important to disclose the review committee process for any changes they may be considering when buying a home. As with the CC&Rs, the ARC insures professional review of changes to the exterior of their future neighbors’ homes. Again, the ARC eliminates the need to get personally involved in disputes over bad choices with respect to paint color, landscaping, new fencing, etc. Continued on page 9 → Page 8

12%

Do HOAs increase or decrease residential property values? To answer this question, we did an analysis of 12 subdivisions with HOAs and adjoining housing without an HOA. We found that the subdivisions with HOAs outperformed the adjoining development by 12%.

In today’s market, HOAs may be of greater importance because they, if well managed, can enforce maintenance standards. With more and more homes going to rental, this can be important as one can often tell a rental by the lack of upkeep. ~ Gene Urban, Urban Team ~

W H Y C O M P L I A N C E M AT T E R S TO YOUR BOTTOM LINE Continued from page 8 Q: Do you have an anecdote or story you’d like tao share about how FHHOA’s compliance/ARC assisted you in a transaction or swayed a buyer to make a purchase in our community? Cohn: Buyers in a transaction wanted to make changes to the back yard landscape to make it more child-friendly. They did not want to purchase the home if their landscaping goals could not be accomplished. The seller submitted an ARC application for preliminary approval of the landscape plan and the buyer submitted preliminary drawings. Both buyer and seller met with the ARC. With preliminary approval from the ARC, the sale successfully moved forward. Locker: What usually sways a buyer is that the Forest Heights community has so much to offer; a top-ranked elementary school, quick commute to downtown, area hospitals and the hi-tech corridor, 200 acres of green space, two parks AND our FHHOA

complete with snow plow, landscaping maintenance and a great HOA team to ensure compliance with the covenants. Vecchio: Personally, I’ve never had a problem with FHHOA and the sale of a home. In fact, one family wanted to erect a fence for the safety of their children and needed approval before purchasing the home. I can’t speak for their personal experience since I represented the seller; however, the (ARC) application process did go smoothly and the sale was not interrupted in the least. I believe that if the process had been difficult, the buyers would not have gone forward with the purchase. From a real estate perspective, I have found that the existence of the HOA has helped maintain the value of the neighborhood. When you live in a beautiful neighborhood, it is easy to take for granted that the beauty exists because of the HOA and not in spite of it. It’s also true that a difficult and unreasonable HOA can be just as harmful to home values as a neighborhood filled with abandoned cars, neglected homes and unmaintained common

areas. However, in my dealings with FHHOA I have always found the association to be reasonable, respectful and conscientious of both the homeowner and the neighborhood. As a real estate broker and a homeowner in Forest Heights, I without question consider the HOA and the compliance service they provide a ―value-added‖ feature of this neighborhood. ~ Molly Oliver, FHHOA Compliance Coordinator, ~

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YOUR NEIGHBOR’S VOICE

PORTLAND PUBLIC SCHOOL NEWS Congratulations to the first graduating class from Forest Park Elementary!

n June 6th, 2011 at 8:00 pm, the very first cohort of kindergarten students who attended Forest Park Elementary School will walk across the stage at the Portland Memorial Coliseum to receive their high school diplomas. This milestone is one we can all be proud of as Forest Heights residents. The construction of Forest Park Elementary was made possible when voters residing in the Portland School District boundaries voted to approve a capital bond back in 1995. The school opened in September 1998 and today serves approximately 500 students. Forest Park Elementary was the only school built during the span of that bond (1995 – 2002). Now, Portland Public Schools is going out for capital bond in May to make improvements to East and West Sylvan Middle School and Lincoln High School, and to start a rebuilding process to update all Portland public school buildings. As a parent with children in Portland Public Schools, a volunteer elected Portland School Board member, and a resident of Forest Heights, I’m pleased to invite you to a community forum on February 23, hosted by the Forest Park PTA and the Forest Heights Homeowners Association, to hear about the Portland schools capital bond. As a parent, I obviously have a direct interest in making sure our schools are safe and providing our kids the up-to-date learning environment they need to succeed. But

Taken as 5th graders, above are students from the first kindergarten class of Forest Park Elementary. These students will be graduating from Lincoln High School this spring, marking the first class of students to complete their K-12 education from Forest Park Elementary thru Lincoln High.

all Portlanders, and all of us in Forest Heights, have a stake in our local schools whether or not we have children or grandchildren in the schools today. Strong, quality schools are the backbone of our neighborhoods, our economy and property values. Right now, our schools are in serious trouble and they need us. Aging facilities and years of tight budgets have pushed our schools to the physical brink – nearly every penny has gone to maintaining teachers, class sizes and providing learning materials. With more state cuts coming, our community needs to pass the proposals for Portland Public Schools coming on this May’s election ballot.

The Bond Measure Measure 26-121 will appear on the May election ballot and would fund urgently needed improvements to all of Portland’s 85 school buildings. Our school buildings average 65 years of age with more than half built during or before World War II.

Many are crumbling and all but two are out-of-date. Examples: We can’t graduate future engineers, nurses, and scientists from schools with non-existent science labs or those that can’t support a modern science programs. One elementary school leaks so badly that multiple 50-gallon barrels are stationed to collect the water pouring in from outside each time it rains; Almost half our schools depend on antiquated boilers the size of RVs that are expensive to run, are fire safety hazards, and often require seven hours of maintenance a week just to keep them operating safely; Fire safety and security systems are seriously out of date. Electrical systems cannot support current technology: school staff take turns plugging in equipment to use;

Continued on page 11 → Page 10

PORTLAND PUBLIC SCHOOL NEWS Continued from page 10 Students in out of date classrooms with obsolete technology are competing for college and jobs with those from surrounding districts with newer buildings and current technology. And while Forest Park Elementary is one of two new schools built in the last 30 years, our kids’ 6th grade building (East Sylvan), the middle school (West Sylvan), and our high school (Lincoln) all are in desperate need of repair and updating. Measure 26-121 will provides updates, upgrades and increase safety in each of the 85 public schools of PPS. For our area, passage of the bond will deliver: Safety and classroom updates to extend the use of West Sylvan, including updated science labs, teaching technology, and a full sprinkler system; A rebuilt six-grade building on the West Sylvan campus, initiating the master planning and eventual rebuild of that entire middle-school entity;

them: school repair, weatherization, renovation and rebuilding produces good jobs – the effect of which is multiplied when wages are spent right here in town.

Community Forum Wednesday, February 23, 2011

The Local Option for Teachers and Learning Materials With the certainty of more state spending cuts before us, the PPS School Board is also considering the renewal of our local operating levy on the May election ballot as part II of the schools proposal, fully utilizing it to enable us to protect teaching positions, class sizes and learning materials. Kids need safe, up-to-date classrooms to learn in and teachers to teach them. One won’t work without the other. This May, we can help ensure both. For more information or to get involved, see www.portlandersforschools.com or call the campaign at 503 284-6346.

Time: 7:00 pm Location: Forest Park Elementary School Hosted by : The Forest Park PTA & the Forest Heights Homeowners Association Guest Speakers: •

State Senator Suzanne Bonamici

•

Portland School Board Member and Forest Heights Resident Bobbie Regan

Please Join Us!

~ Bobbie Regan, Portland School Board Member and Forest Heights Resident ~

Planning and design for Lincoln High School so that construction work can begin immediately in a subsequent bond planned for 6-7 years from now. In addition, Lincoln will see approximately $2 million in upgrades including a new top layer on the turf field. All of the work will be completed in six years, and most would also be paid off in that period. This ―pay as you go‖ approach is unique in its fiscal responsibility. We save over $200 million in interest payments by issuing these school bonds over six years instead of the traditional 20 years. Annual audits and independent citizen oversight will ensure dollars are spent as intended.

Our investment in this school bond will also create thousands of local jobs in our community when we really need Page 11

Mark Your Calendars! Here’s a snapshot of community events for the upcoming year. Be sure to check the newsletter for more information about these events and others throughout the year. Portland Public Schools Forum Date: Wednesday, February 23, 2011 Time: 7:00 pm Location: Forest Park Elementary

Volunteer Appreciation Reception Date: Friday, April 15, 2011

4th of July Celebration Date: Monday, July 4, 2011 Time: To be announced Location: Mill Pond Park

Concerts in the Park Date: To be announced Time: To be announced Location: To be announced

International Fall Festival Date: Saturday, September 10, 2011 Time: 4:30—7:30 pm Location: Mill Pond Park

Easter Egg Hunt Date: Saturday, April 23, 2011 Time: 10:00 am Location: Mill Pond Park

Fall Community Garage Sale Date: Saturday, October 1, 2011 Time: 9 am—3 pm Location: Forest Heights Neighborhood

Annual Meeting Date: Tuesday, May 3rd, 2011 Time: 7:00 pm Location: Forest Park Elementary

Halloween at the Village Center Date: Sunday, October 31, 2011 Time: 5:00—7:00 pm Location: Village Center

Spring Community Garage Sale Date: June 4, 2011 Time: 9 am—3 pm Location: Forest Heights Neighborhood

Holiday Tree Lighting Date: Saturday, December 3, 2011 Time: To be announced Location: Village Center

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FHHOA VOLUNTEER A P P R E C I AT I O N R E C E P T I O N We at Forest Heights Homeowners Association would like to show our sincere appreciation to all our community volunteers. You have devoted your precious time, energy and resources to make our community the most desirable around. Your volunteer spirit is admired and greatly appreciated! We invite you to join us on Friday, April 15th, for an evening of camaraderie, great food and drinks! If you have been a volunteer in the past year, please RSVP to: contactus@fhhoa.com

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COLD AND FLU SEASON IS HERE

how to prevent both with natural treatments

nce again, cold and flu season is upon us. While it may be easy to reach for an over-the-counter treatment, why not try getting some relief—while trying to prevent symptoms in the first place—in a more natural way? First and foremost, it is important to note that colds and flu are viral infections and not bacterial, in which case antibiotics are not an effective treatment. So, how can one treat these infections if antibiotics are not an effective treatment? Let’s first distinguish a cold from flu. Cold

Flu

Begin with a sore throat lasting a few days

Similar to cold symptoms but come on more quickly and are more severe

Runny nose and congestion (thicker and darker later in the cold)

Muscle aches and soreness

Possible cough on days 4 or 5

Fever

Fever more common in children and rarely in adults

Swine flu is associated with vomiting and diarrhea

Symptoms last about a week

Flu symptoms last for 2 to 5 days

Possible bacterial infection if it lasts longer or if it goes to the chest and sinuses

If flu lasts longer and is associated with chest pain and shortness of breath, pneumonia can develop and one should see their doctor right away.

Prevention Whether it is a cold or flu, there are ways to prevent these viruses from infecting you. Both cold and flu enter the body through the mucous membranes of the eyes, nose and mouth. Those who have a weak immune system usually get infected more easily, but those with strong immunity tend to fight infection and stay healthy and vibrant during the winter months. The following are some tips to prevent these infections: •

Wash your hands Wash your hands continuously during the day and avoid close contact with anyone who has a cold or flu as these viruses usually get passed around through person-to-person contact.

•

Cover your mouth When you sneeze or cough, cover your mouth with the inside of your elbow rather than your hand. This will prevent the spread of infection.

•

Drink plenty of fluids Each person’s need for fluid varies depending on their weight. A good rule of thumb is to divide your weight in half and drink that much fluid in ounces. Example: if you weigh 160 pounds [160/2 = 80] you need to drink 80 oz. of water a day.

•

Engage in a form of aerobic exercise 3 to 4 times a week This increases the flow of oxygen to cells which aids and improves their function, as well as making the body sweat which helps excrete toxins. Research has also demonstrated the beneficial effects of aerobic exercise on the immune system and neurotransmitter and endocrine functions.

•

Eat lots of colorful fruits and vegetables Colorful vegetables and fruits are high in bioflavonoids and include all citrus fruits, berries, beets, red chard, peppers and any other fruit or vegetable with yellow, red, purple, green and other vibrant colors. A note of caution is with citrus fruits: they need to be avoided during an acute infection due to their mucous forming effect which can make a sinus infection and chest cold worse.

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Covering your mouth with the inside of your elbow when you sneeze helps prevent the spread of infection

Drinking hot liquids relieves nasal congestion and soothes inflammation of your nose and throat Fighting a cold/flu While we try our best to stay healthy, often, with the constant stressors in our lives and our exposure to sick people in large enclosed environments where we spend the majority of our time will make getting infected inevitable. Here are some tips to fight the infection much quicker: •

•

Rest No matter how many unfinished projects you have waiting for you, it is imperative to realize that in order to get better you need to rest your body.

to it. I recommend washing your sinuses in the morning with the NeilMed and doing the probiotic nasal wash at night. •

Eat a simple diet consisting of mostly fruits and vegetables and avoid protein This will allow your body to focus on fighting the infection rather than to digest hard to break down foods. Apply hot and cold compress to your face to reduce congestion Alternate 3 minutes of a hot wet wash cloth with 30 seconds of cold wet wash cloth on your face. Repeat this 3 times, ending with the cold phase. This treatment should be done several times a day for 2-3 days. Use a nasal wash You can find NeilMed Nasal Rinse at most drug stores. Follow the instructions on washing. Alternatively, you can use distilled water and add a pinch of the probiotics

Apply warming socks My kids love this treatment. Wash a pair of clean cotton socks with cold water and ring out completely. Put these socks on your feet covered with a pair of dry wool socks and go to bed immediately. This will bring the blood flow down to the feet in order to warm up the socks which will pull the congestion down with it. This is even more effective if it is preceded by a hot bath.

•

Drink hot liquids Drinking hot liquids relieves nasal congestion, helps prevent dehydration, and soothes the inflamed membranes that line your nose and throat.

•

Take a combination immune boosting supplement There are many herbs that boost the immune system and actually fight bacterial and viral infections. Based on your symptoms the combination of these herbs can vary. Before taking any herbal

supplement, you should consult your healthcare provider as these herbs could be contraindicated if you have a preexisting condition. I hope you find these tips helpful. If you have any questions about any of the aforementioned recommendations, you can call or email me at 2bwell Clinic (503-655-0044 or vida@2bwell.net)

~ Vida Talebi, ND and Forest Heights Residents ~

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Parents of Kindergarteners: Don’t forget to turn in your Kindergarten Round Up forms to Forest Park Elementary! To enroll your kindergarteners for school starting in September 2011, you’ll need the following documentation for your children: MT HOOD SKI CHALET and GRAND LODGE VACATION RENTAL - By Owner

FHHOA RATES!

Visit www.lphsd.com/lodge or www.lphsd.com/chalet

•

Proof of residency

•

Up-to-date immunizations

•

Birth certificate

If you missed the Kindergarten Round Up meeting held last month, stop by the Forest Park Elementary office and pick up the forms for kindergarten enrollment.

Loren 503-291-9822 | lorenhotchkiss9821@msn.com

$200 discount towards ANY service scheduled in the month of February Present this coupon at time of estimate to receive your $200 discount

Lynn Marshall Broker, Coldwell Banker/SEAL  Involved in Forest Heights development since its inception

•

Marble, Granite, Travertine, Limestone cleaning, polishing & sealing

 Owner of Forest Heights Realty from 2000-2007

•

Caulking replacement, counter sanitizing, polishing & sealing

 Forest Heights Homeowner

•

Grout cleaning, restoring, sealing

 Licensed Realtor for 20 years  Neighborhood references

866-536-8036 www.marblelifepdx.com

lynnmarshall@cbseal.com Direct: (503) 780-1890

Interested in advertising in the Forest Heights Community Newsletter? When you advertise in the FHHOA Community Newsletter, your ad will appear monthly during your contract period. In addition to your ad, we provide links to your website from the both the newsletter itself and the monthly email blast that delivers the newsletter. For ad rates, submission deadlines and general information, please contact Kim Monaco, Marketing, Communications and Event Coordinator, at: kmonaco@fhhoa.com or by phone 503.297.9400. Page 16

BABYSITTING

RENTALS

BABYSITTING SERVICE AVAILABLE! Hi, my name is Emilie Jackson, I'm 17 years old, and go to St. Mary's Academy. I've been babysitting for 6 years with all ages and love it! I'm available most week nights but especially weekends and willing to book on short notice. I have lots of references upon request, so give me a call! (503) 804-6616

FOR RENT MANZANITA BEACH HOUSE w/great ocean views. Works well for families to share or that winter retreat for the book/bridge club. Sleeps 14, no pets/smoking. Call 503.292.3270 or visit www.bellavistavacation.com

NANNY/BABYSITTER My name is Ashley and I am 17 year old., experienced babysitter and Red Cross certified. I love to play games, do arts and crafts, play sports and be active. I have my drivers license and am a good driver with my own car. I am able to drive myself along with others if needed. I am available school nights, weekends and this summer. Please call Ashley at 503-577-6951 or email ktmarcy@yahoo.com. BABYSITTER Responsible 12 year old girl available for babysitting in the Forest Heights Neighborhood. I am Red Cross-certified and love kids! Call Abby at 503-292-7744. FUN, RELIABLE, BABYSITTER AVAILABLE Responsible, caring and experienced with kids of all ages! Available on weeknights and weekends to babysit for families, during parties, etc. Call 503-291-1249 or email juliarenner@comcast.net BABYSITTER/PET SERVICES AVAILABLE Hi my name is Haley and I am a sophomore in high school. I am offering babysitting and pet services. I am Red Cross certified for CPR. I have been a camp counselor for ages 2-12, a mother’s helper for a 1 year old, and a sitter for school age children. My parents are available to drive me anywhere in the neighborhood. I love kids and am very patient with them! I currently charge $10 per hour. My pet services are as follows: Grooming and sitting. Grooming would be available at my own home where a grooming center is available. I currently charge $20 per full day/night sitting and grooming cost varies by size and coat length. References are available. Email: sunrisepetcare@hotmail.com or call 503.863.6673 BABYSITTER AVAILABLE High school student, Red Cross infant and toddler CPR certified, 3 years experience. Available to babysit Fridays and Saturdays year round. References available. Phone #: 503-841-5989 | Rate: $6/hr BABYSITTING SERVICE My name is Kendall and am 13 years old. I live in Forest Heights and an Red Cross CPR certified. My parents will drive me to residences in the neighborhood. I can be reached at 503-780-1890/503-706-0348, and charge $5.00/hr. EXPERIENCED NANNY Experienced nanny for many families in Forest Heights. Flexible availability. Reliable transportation and perfect driving record. Many references. Part time preferable. Phone Jocelyn at: 503-459-9443.

The classified ad section of this newsletter is available to Forest Heights residents only. Business classified ads are only $15.00 per month. All other ads are free! For more information, email: kmonaco@fhhoa.com

MUSIC DRUM LESSONS Accomplished, studious high school student (junior) offering lessons in home studio; 2 drum sets for teach and follow instruction and recording equipment to monitor progress. Qualifications: 5 years study, numerous instructors, rock & jazz emphasis. Drummer and percussionist in 3 bands: rock, jazz and orchestra. Performance venues include clubs, charity events & private engagements. Rate: $10/half hour; $18/hour. Email: jeremyk23@yahoo.com, 503.686.8020 www.youtube.com/watch?v=3C24mJgNyP8 PIANO TEACHER/TUTORING Excellent piano teacher and professional tutor (LA, Math, French, Study Skills). Fully certified. Established business 6+ years in Forest Heights. Great references from your neighbors. I make learning fun and I connect personally with my students. I travel to you! Please call Sarah at: 503.313.1216 or mail me: sarahwannell@hotmail.com.

PET/PLANT CARE PET CARE Responsible 12 year old girl who loves to care for your pets. I am available to walk, play with, feed or care for while you are at work or away. All types of animals, birds or fish are acceptable. Please call to schedule your pet care. Manoy 503-203-1787 PET CARE / PLANT WATERING Responsible 13 and 16 year old brothers will provide excellent nurture for your pets and plants. In the last five years we have cared for numerous neighborhood pets, watered an abundance of vegetation and provided many dogs a daily walk. References available. Call Reid or Trent at: 503-203-1491 TWO BROTHERS PET & PLANT SITTING We are 14 and 16 year old brothers who provide quality care for your pets and plants while you’re away. We have over five years of experience caring for pets and plants, indoors and out, from cats and cacti to dogs and dahlias. References available. Gabe and Hayden Henderson, call 503-296-9165 or email gabehend@gmail.com

FOR RENT MT HOOD SKI CHALET- One for Vacation Rental - One For SALE by Owner. Sleeps 8. Three Bedroom, 2.5Bath, 2-car Garage, Pools, Spa, Deck. Hot Tub, Trails. Offers four seasons of fun: Ski, Hike, Fish, Boat, Climb. Located Right at Government Camp - Collins Lake Resort and Grand Lodges. Mention this FHHOA ad for FHHOA Member Rates and Book Direct with owner. Loren P Hotchkiss lorenhotchkiss9821@msn.com 503-291-9822 ROOM FOR RENT Forest Heights homeowner looking for clean, responsible, financially stable roommate to share a single-family home across the street from Mill Pond park & nature trails. Includes bedroom & bathroom, use of laundry, kitchen, & 4 outdoor patios. Nice views looking out over the neighborhood. Your roommates would be a husband & wife w/out kids or pets. No smoking, pets, illegal substances, day sleepers, or overnight guests. Email jprobertson@hotmail.com for more info & photos. $500.00/month

FOREST HEIGHTS HOUSE FOR RENT Beautiful home in Forest Heights with spectacular view and private setting! Open floor plan with a lot of light. 3500 sqft home, 4 bedrooms plus bonus room, 2.5 bath, 2 car garage, 2 big decks, lots of storage place and much more. 10 minutes from downtown. No smoking and no pets. Price: $2,900/month. For more information, please email: vitasanafitness@yahoo.com

TUTORING EXPERT COLLEGE ESSAY COACH As the acceptance rates of competitive colleges decline, it becomes essential for applicants to craft compelling admission essays. Experienced high school English teacher with Master’s Degree available to help plan, organize, revise, and edit admission and scholarship essays during evenings and/or weekends. Hourly fee. References supplied upon request. Please contact Ali at 503.867.6321 or allisonleighmarks@gmail.com CERTIFIED READING THERAPIST Private sessions to improve your child's reading skills. Call for information or to schedule an evaluation. Caren 503-327-8046 or cbcohen@hotmail.com

MISCELLANEOUS PLAY DATE 5 year old girl is looking for the girl of same age or older, to arrange regular play dates. Please call Julia at 503.332.8080 or email: juliabreda@comcast.net PIANO FOR SALE Polished ebony, upright 57” wide x 43” high. Excellent condition, never used. Moving, must sell. Original price: $2999, asking $2500/OBO. Email italychick2008@comcast.net for more information. My name is Nick Grout and I am an 8th grader at West Sylvan. I am willing to wash cars, feed and bathe pets, house sit, and do yard work. I can come anytime during the week or weekend. Please contact me at 503.292.5440 or njgrout@gmail.com NEED SOME EXTRA HELP? My name is Nathan VanDomelen, 16 years old. I am a trustworthy and dedicated person. I honor all appointments and always do quality work. Here are a few things I can do: babysit, take care of plants, take care of pets (I am good with animals), pull weeds, and clean cars (inside and out.) Please note that I am not limited only to the jobs specified. I am available most weekdays, but prefer weekends due to school. Please don’t hesitate to call me (503) 206-6563. Thank you. FOREST HEIGHTS STORAGE UNITS FOR RENT Secure Storage/Parking Garages available in Forest Heights behind the Village Center. Sizes and Prices Vary. Contact 503-384-0333 if you’re interested. Professionally managed by C and R Real Estate Services, Co. LOOKING FOR EXTRA HELP? Hi! My name is Jake Marcy and I am 16 years old. I am dedicated to my sports and school. I am a lacrosse player for Lincoln High School and love my sport. I am very motivated and willing to work as hard as you need. I can help with yard work, computer work (Facebook, upload photos, etc.), animal watching and walking, babysitting, house sitting, lacrosse training. I am a hard worker so feel free to call me for any work you might have. Please feel free to call me at 503-297-5921 or 503-407-0846. BUDDING MUSICIAN? Used upright piano—FREE to a Forest Heights family! Email reganstambler@comcast.net or call 503-292-6841.

SOCCER UNIFORMS & LEGOLAND TICKETS FOR SALE 2 Forest Heights Soccer uniforms, navy blue & white, size L | $20 each 2 Tickets to Legoland in Carlsbad, Ca. Good for either an adult or a child. Must be used by 3/31/11. | $35 each. Contact Noelle at 503-297-5646.

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Here’s a snapshot of FHHOA activities and meetings from February thru mid-March. Print and keep this calendar in a handy spot so you’ll have access to what’s happening in your community.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday 1

February 2011

1 Safety, Streetscape & Transportation Committee 1:00 pm

2 GO Green Committee 6:00 pm

8 Safety, Streetscape & Transportation Committee 1:00 pm

9 Communications Committee 7:00 pm

Forest Heights HOA Board of Directors 7:00 pm 13

14 Community Activities Committee 12:00 pm

23 Budget & Finance Committee 6:00 pm

26 Go Green Community Tree and Shrub Planting @ Wetlands Trail 9:00 am

Portland Public Schools Community Forum 7:00 pm 27

March 2011 2

4 Safety, Streetscape & Transportation Committee 1:00 pm

5 GO Green Committee 6:00 pm

10 Community Activities Committee 12:00 pm

11 FHHOA Board of Directors Meeting 6:00 pm

Page 18