Meet Charlie Buck: Area 2’s Adventurous Representative!

Published July 7, 2024

This month, we’re thrilled to spotlight Charles “Charlie” Buck, the dedicated Area Representative for Area 2 on our Palisades Neighborhood Association Board. Charlie’s journey to Lake Oswego is as exciting as his adventurous spirit!

From Pretoria, South Africa to Lake Oswego

Charlie was born in Pretoria, South Africa, where his love for the outdoors and speed was ignited on his family’s farm. It all started with driving fast on dirt bikes and enjoying the expanse of the great outdoors. In 1995, he moved to the United States with his wife and daughter, making stops in Pennsylvania and California before finally finding his home in Lake Oswego.

A Passion for Real Estate and the Outdoors

With over 22 years in residential real estate and a Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) credential, Charlie has built a solid reputation in the field. Yet, his passion for the outdoors never waned. He’s a Scuba Diving Instructor, President of the Oregon Scuba Club, and an avid whitewater enthusiast, often enjoying self-guided multi-day river trips across the West. To add to the list of volunteer involvement, Charlie is active with the Oregon Whitewater Association (OWA).

A Love for the Rogue River

Charlie’s favorite river stretch is Oregon’s own Rogue River, especially the exhilarating Blossom Bar section. The tricky “The Move” maneuver at the top of Blossom Bar keeps even seasoned rafters like Charlie on their toes, avoiding the treacherous picket fence. Once through, “Celebration Eddy” awaits at the end of the rapid. A few celebratory beverages are said to have been enjoyed there…

From Lambretta 125 to KTM 890 Adventure

Gone are the days of zipping down dirt roads on his inherited blue Lambretta 125 scooter, handed down from his uncle. Today, Charlie’s ride of choice is the KTM 890 Adventure motorcycle, which perfectly complements his adventurous lifestyle.

Home in Lake Oswego

Despite his thrilling escapades, Charlie’s heart belongs to Lake Oswego. He cherishes his time with his family and two spirited Irish Soft-Coated Wheaten Terriers, Mungo and Mia, who keep him busy and cheerful. The two dogs are adorable with their quirky friendly attitudes. Charlie always has a good story to share about his mischievous canine pals. 

Area 2, you’re in good hands! Charlie’s blend of adventurous spirit and dedication to community makes him a remarkable representative. Here’s to many more adventures and contributions from Charlie Buck!

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Neighborhood Enhancement Program (NEP) Project Coordinator

Primary Role:

  • Handles NEP grant applications, grant approvals, reviews receipts for reimbursement and is the single point of contact between the entire Palisades Neighborhood Association (PNA) and the City.
  • To be successfull in this role you should be organized, communicative.
  • Time commitment: From 8-12 hrs. throughout the year

Process:

  • Accepting NEP proposals: Anyone living in the Palisades Neighborhood Association can submit proposal(s) to the NEP Coordinator along with estimated costs throughout the year. They should follow the application guidelines and answer the questions related to their proposal.
  • PNA Board will Vote on Which Items To Include in our NEP Proposal: During the month of March PNA board meeting the NEP Coordinator asks the board to vote on the proposed item(s). NEP Coordinator encourages person(s) proposing the item(s) to attend the meeting to answer questions that might come up. The PNA board then votes on which items should be included in the NEP grant proposal.
  • Developing and Submitting the NEP Grant Proposalt: During the NEP grant proposal period (usually the month of May) the NEP Project Coordinator:
    • Fills out the NEP grant proposal application based on items approved by the PNA Board;
    • Gets sign offs from the PNA Chair
    • Submits the proposal form to the city in early May for the initial review process
    • Provides additional information requested by the city
    • Revises and submits the final application to the City by the deadline (typically May 31).

What Happens Next:

  • Iris McCaleb from the City forwards the NEP grant proposals to the grant review committee and then to the City Council who review it and awards certain grants.The NEP Coordinator will receive a letter of award from the City and will share it with the PNA Leadership Team.
  • As items are purchased from the approved grant list, the project close-out form is filled out by the person requesting reimbursement. They will attach digital copies of receipts and photos and then submit all to both the NEP Project Coordinator and the PNA Chair. The NEP Project Coordinator submits the reimbursement request to Iris at the City for reimbursement.
  • Reimbursement checks are then sent directly to the person who purchased the item(s).