Orchard District Neighborhood Association 

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."  Margaret Mead

The Orchard District Neighborhood Association was recognized by the City Council June 5th of 2002, becoming Bend's third neighborhood association. 

If you live, operate a business, or own property in our neighborhood, we invite you to become a member.  There are no dues or fees; it's all about neighbors helping to improve the neighborhood.

Hello Neighbors,

It’s great to be here in 2010!   

Projects and programs that began here in our neighborhood continue to grow and evolve, benefiting so many nice folks, our environment and our community. 

Lets Pull Together was the most successful thus far in its seventh year.  Hundreds of  volunteers mobilized at dozens of locations throughout Deschutes County and joined us in learning about these invasive plants and removing them from city and county easements, national forestland, private, school, park and irrigation district properties.  Within a few hours we had eradicated and removed tons of Knapweed and Dalmatian Toadflax!

Thanks to your support, our event has grown exponentially since its inception as a Bend city wide endeavor in 2003.  We expanded including all of Deschutes County in 2004, and in 2006 we were joined by Jefferson and Crook Counties. In 2008 the project was joined by many counties throughout Oregon.    We were also joined by OPB. Their documentary "The Silent Invasion" kicked in April, 2008.

This is an endeavor we hope to surpass in coming years with our next annual multi-county weed pull event scheduled for June 12, 2010.  We hope that we can count on your continued support in 2010 in our battle against invasive species.  ODNA’s coordination efforts are partnered by the expertise and highly motivated volunteers of the Deschutes County Weed Advisory Board and many other fine organizations. 

Now in its 7th year, our Good Samaritan Assistance Program has grown immensely, represented by fellow neighborhood associations and volunteers throughout the city. Our hope is this, if we can help a few of our neighbors live at home with dignity we are all a good deal better off for it. And to boot it’s not a major commitment, as 15 minutes of a volunteer’s time shoveling a walkway goes a long way in making helping an elderly neighbor stay safe through the winter. As well, it also provides us valuable information in identifying neighbors in our neighborhood who may need checking in on or assistance in the event of a disaster.  

We also encourage you to keep a close eye for seniors in your immediate neighborhood.  If you notice that they aren’t getting to their driveway or sidewalk on a timely basis—if at all, it very well may be because they are not able or able to hire it done.  So I encourage you to entertain that random act of kindness and to shovel theirs when you tackle your own.  If you (or a neighbor —definitely make friends with them!) has a snow blower, this can be very helpful if we get a significant snow fall.  Especially in keeping the sidewalks clear for kids walking to school, seniors that walk to their mailbox and for those who need to push garbage and recycling to the curb. 

As always, thank you all for your continued participation and involvement in our neighborhood,

 

 

Cheryl Howard, Chair