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 2008!   

We recently presented you with a survey to learn what issues were the biggest and most concerning in your neighborhood.  This year the overwhelming response addressed was sidewalks and bike lanes.  Or rather, being able to get around our great neighborhood, by means other than a car. And a lot of you also expressed interest in our local parks, improved and not improved.

So we have invited staff from the Bend Metro Parks and Rec, the City of Bend and Commute Options to join us at our meeting.  We will be discussing upcoming projects that will be occurring in our neighborhood we are hoping that you will bring your questions and concerns about your neighborhood to our attention.   If you have ever felt that you were not able to get in contact with the right person to help you with the problems you may have in your neighborhood—this will be a great opportunity to do so.  As well, our neighborhood association will be following up on these issues in the months to follow and will keep you updated on our progress. 

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 fifth year.  891 volunteers mobilized at dozens of locations throughout Deschutes, Crook and Jefferson Counties 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, current planning is underway to continue expanding this massive volunteer effort to also include Klamath, Jackson and Josephine Counties.

In 2008 we are also being joined by OPB. Their documentary "The Silent Invasion" kicks off on April 22, 2008. For a preview check out www.opb.org/silentinvasion.  They have asked to co-brand with Lets Pull Together and reinforce each other's message-- which is to get people across Oregon to take action.

This is an endeavor we hope to surpass in coming years with our next annual multi-county weed pull event scheduled for June 14, 2008.  We hope that we can count on your continued support in 2008 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 5th 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. 

We hope that you join us at your neighborhood meeting where we will begin taking some major steps in learning everything there is to know about our walkability in our neighborhood, concerns and ongoing plans for action and improvements.   

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

Cheryl Howard, Chair