The first of three work parties at James John Elementary School will be held this weekend starting at 10 a.m. Saturday.

All three events, which will transform part of the school's blacktop playground into a small soccer field as part of the AC Portland program, will be held on Saturdays beginning at 10 a.m.  Equipment and supplies will be provided at each event.  You will need to bring your own work gloves. 

Here is a breakdown of the work schedule:

July 16 (10 a.m.):  Cutting asphalt in preparation for removal.  We are seeking six to 10 TA volunteers.  Lunch will be provided by the St. Johns Farmers market, and participants receive a voucher redeemable at a North Portland market.

July 23 (10 a.m.):  Removal and disposal of asphalt.  We will need 50 or so volunteers for this.  There is no lunch provided but there will be a post-work viewing party at the St. Johns Pub just across the street when the Timbers play Columbus at 5 p.m.

July 30 (10 a.m.):  Finishing touches on the field and playground.  Need 40-50 volunteers.  Picnic lunches provided.  For this date, we will need rakes, wheelbarrows and other yard-cleaning tools.

To volunteer, contact 107ist Board Secretary Roger Anthony;  please include email and telephone contact information.

James John Elementary is located at 7439 N. Charleston Ave.;  the St. Johns Pub is located at 8203 N. Ivanhoe St.