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Have a fundraiser you would like to announce or a special event or a group meeting you would like the community to know about? We want to hear about it, and publish it in our Calendar on a space-available basis. We prefer e-mailed submissions sent editor@midcountymemo.com

Use your spare time to support a good cause

The Columbia View Kiwanis meet every Wednesday at noon to discuss and implement ways to support charitable organizations, such as Snow CAP, Loaves and Fishes, and many others. If you have a little free time you would like to use towards helping a worthwhile cause, attend the next meeting. Meetings are every Wednesday at noon at the Refectory, 1618 N.E. 122nd Ave. For more information, call Charlie Ross at 503-252-1570.

Do not leave government to the politicians

The League of Women Voters is a non-partisan group dedicated to encouraging the participation of regular citizens in government and to influencing public policy through advocacy and education. The local chapter meets at 10 a.m. the third Saturday of every month at the Shilo Inn at the Airport, located at 11707 N.E. Airport Way. On Saturday, August 18, come and find out what you can do to make a difference. For more information, please call Ann Duffy at 503-491-8406.

Early riser with nothing to do?

The Mall 205 Early Risers Kiwanis Club meets every Thursday morning at 7 a.m. This service club is part of the Kiwanis International, and supports such organizations as Snow CAP and the East Portland Community Center. Next Thursday, come on down to the Old Country Buffet in Plaza 205, at 10542 S.E. Washington St, and help make our world a better place. Hope to see you there!

Gateway Area Business Association meeting

This month the Gateway Area Business Association (GABA) will hear Susan Nielsen, Director of Operations for the Oregon Symphony.  She will be discussing the Oregon Symphony in the Neighborhoods program, with free concerts in local parks in conjunction with local arts groups.  The Association will meet on Thursday, August 9, at JJ North’s Grand Buffet, 10520 N.E. Halsey St., from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m.  GABA will also have Board of Directors meeting at 7:30 a.m. on Wednesday, August 22, Midland Library, at 805 S.E. 122nd Ave.  For more information, call President Bruce Altizer at 503-261-1575.

Conquer those butterflies in your stomach

Want to learn to speak in front of others without feeling red-faced? The Toastmasters International group promotes communication and leadership skills in a supportive environment. The Columbia Center chapter of Toastmasters meets every Monday at 12:05 p.m. in the Columbia Center, 17650 N.E. Sandy Blvd. Join the fun! For more information, please call David Hattery at 503-401-3777.

Parkrose Masonic Lodge meeting

The Parkrose Masonic Lodge is a group dedicated to helping charitable causes and youth. If you would like to help out, attend a meeting to find out more. There will be two meetings in August, both held at 7:30 p.m. at the Parkrose Masonic Temple, at 4812 N.E. 102nd Ave. The first meeting will be held on Monday, August 13 and the second meeting will be on Monday, August 27. Hope to see you there.

Business Association meets

The 82nd and Foster Business Associations will meet at 11:45 a.m. on Tuesday, August 14 for lunch.  Meet the other business owners in your area at this month’s meeting held at the Copper Penny Restaurant, at 92nd Ave. and Foster Road. For more information, please call Nancy Chapin at 503-788-0412.

Benefit concert

This summer enjoy an afternoon of music on the last Sunday of each month benefiting Snow CAP.  Eastminster Presbyterian Church, 12505 NE Halsey St., is expanding the Snow CAP Community Charities Benefit Summer Concert Series this year to three concerts. The concerts will be on the Patio at Eastminster Presbyterian Church on the last Sundays of June, July, and August. The concerts will all begin at 3:00 pm.

On Sunday, August 26, join the crowd to hear the Sandy Christian Youth Marimba Band, who have performed for many local community events and toured in Mexico this last June. Every one is invited to come and bring a blanket or lawn chair and relax during an afternoon of music. This will be the Third Annual Snow CAP Community Charities Benefit Summer Concerts in the Park series. The concerts are free, but Eastminster encourages a donation of 3 cans of food and/or five dollars per person to help Snow-Cap Community Charities get through the summer, which is a slow time for donations and a high time for needy families. Refreshments will be sold at the concert. In case of rain, the concert will be held in Church Fellowship Hall. For additional information, please call Eastminster Presbyterian Church at 503-252-3888.  Church hours are Wednesday through Friday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. You can also visit Eastminster’s Web site at: www.ForMinistry.com/97230EPC.

All sorts of services for seniors

The Senior Services Program Office hosts many free informational clinics and health checks. Get your blood pressure checked on Wednesday, August 15, from 10:30 to noon. Senior Services also offers a free law clinic every Friday with half-hour consultations. Make your appointment today! Medicare advice is available as well, through SHIBA - Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance. Volunteers help both seniors and people with disabilities to understand their rights, make informed choices on how to receive their benefits, and file claims and appeals. Appointments are required. You can also get your eyeglasses adjusted by a professional on Friday, September 28, from 10 a.m. to noon. The Senior Services Program Office is located in the East Portland Community Center at 740 S.E. 106th Ave. For more information or to schedule an appointment with any of these programs, please call 503-988-6073.

Parkrose Lions Club community event

The Parkrose Lions Club is having summer break - no meetings for July or August. But this doesn’t mean there’s nothing going on! In August the Parkrose Lions are sponsoring Oral Hull Park Fun Day. The day begins with a pancake feed from 7 to 9 a.m. then proceeds with a fun festival including carnival-type games, and a cakewalk. All this will be taking place in Oral Hull Park, a park for kids with sight disabilities, and their families. It includes a garden of enchantment, a half-acre of various plants and exhibits, with signs in Braille and recorded information. The Parkrose Lions will also have barbequed chicken available from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oral Hull Park is located on Oral Hull Road about 2 blocks past the Sandy airport. Please call Kyle Ziegler at 503-254-7035 for more information. 

Take part in the school

Ever wonder how you could help your child’s school be better? Share your ideas and opinions with the school board, or just observe how they go about governing your local schools. Board meetings for August listed below:

• David Douglas School Board meets Thursday, August 23, at 7 p.m. in the David Douglas District Office Boardroom, located at 1500 S.E. 130th Ave. For more information, please call 503-252-2900.

• Parkrose School Board meets at 7 p.m. on Monday, August 27 in rooms L14 and L15 at the Parkrose High School Community Center, 12003 N.E. Shaver St.. For more information, please call 503-408-2100.

Face the facts before you face the knife

Woodland Park Hospital’s Cosmetic Surgery Center is holding a free seminar covering many different types of plastic surgery. The seminar, on Wednesday, August 8, will include two doctors, one discussing body surgeries, the other focusing on facial surgeries. The evening will begin with Dr. Gregory Roduner, who will present information on liposuction, tummy tucks, and breast surgery, among other procedures. He will also present “before” and “after” slides to show what can be expected from each type of surgery.  Following this, Dr. Glen Milligan will present slides featuring facial procedures. His presentation will include information on facelifts, chin and nose surgeries, and even such procedures as eyelid, eyebrow, and ear surgery. Following the presentations, both doctors will answer questions from the audience. This event is free, but they do ask that you pre-register by calling the Cosmetic Surgery Center at 503-257-5588. Do not miss this informative seminar held at 7 p.m. in the Main Auditorium of the Woodland Park Hospital, at 10300 N.E. Hancock St.

Join in spending your time on something worthwhile

Our local Rotary Clubs are service organizations that have many irons in the fire. Among the beneficiaries are a housing project called Habitat for Humanity, numerous scholarships, and the International Polio Plus - a project to eradicate polio. There are two local chapters, listed below.

•The Central East Rotary meets at 7 a.m. every Thursday in the Ringside East Restaurant, 14021 N.E. Glisan. For more information, please call Teresa Platts at 503-253-7569.

•The Northeast Portland Rotary meets at 12:15 p.m. every Tuesday in the Refectory Banquet Room, 1618 N.E. 122nd Ave at Halsey St. For more information, please call Tom Lobingier at 503-252-4036.

Busloads of fun are coming your way this summer

The green bus owned by Portland Parks and Recreation will be rolling around this summer, bringing fun to Portland parks. All you need to do is show up and bring the family - the recreation staff will have lots of games and crafts for everyone. The Park and Play bus will be rolling into our very own Argay Park on N.E. 141st and Failing St. Wednesdays this summer, from Wednesday, June 27 through Wednesday, August 15, from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. There is a different theme every week - do not miss your last chance to join the fun. Call 503-823-PLAY for directions or more information. The theme for Wednesday, August 8 will be “Outdoor Explorers”, followed by the last theme for the summer, “Mystery” on Wednesday, August 15.

Get to know your neighbors

Neighborhood meetings are a great way to get involved, know what is going on, and make a difference for yourself and your community. They provide an opportunity to discuss and solve community issues, and improve the neighborhood though activities such as cleanups and tree plantings. Neighborhood associations work to make your neighborhood more exciting through community-organized events and celebrations. Chances are there is one in your neighborhood that you did not even know about. Now that you do - go check it out! Many neighborhoods take a break during July and August, so if you do not see your neighborhood represented in our listing, watch for it to reappear in September’s Calendar. For general East Portland Neighborhood Association information, please call 503-823-4550.

•Hazelwood Neighborhood Association will meet from 6 to 8 p.m. on Monday, August 20, at the East Precinct Community Room, 737 S.E. 106th Ave. For more information, please call Jane Baker at 503-252-7386.

•Parkrose Neighborhood Association will have a general meeting at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, August 21, at the St. Matthews Episcopal Church, 11229 N.E. Prescott St. For more information, please call Ron Nelson at 503-254-1164.

•Parkrose Heights Association of Neighbors will hold the monthly board meeting at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, August 21, in Miller Hall, Parkrose United Methodist Church, 11111 N. E. Knott. This is a working session of the board, but is open to the public. For further information, please call Carol Williams, 503-255-9596 or Grace Fitzgerald, 503-254-3767.

•Parkrose Neighborhood Association will have a general meeting at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, August 21, at St. Matthews Episcopal Church, 11229 N.E. Prescott St. For more information, please call Ron Nelson at 503-254-1164.

Mingle with neighbors as you fight crime

Once again it is time for the National Night Out Against Crime. This is an event where neighborhoods get together in local parks, or hold block parties, usually from 7 p.m. to dusk. Crime prevention specialists and police officers attend these festive events, moving from neighborhood to neighborhood, discussing ways to make your neighborhood safer for yourself and your family. Local participating neighborhoods are listed below. If you do not see yours, consider organizing an event next year for your neighborhood. For more information on how to accomplish that, please call 503-823-4550.

•Argay Neighborhood will host their 11th annual National Night Out Against Crime in conjunction with the national program. Come get a hot dog and some ice cream, meet neighbors, mingle with police and fire crews, - and even a canine patrol dog. Rose City Clowns will be on hand to paint faces and make balloon animals. If that weren’t enough, there will be games and prizes for all ages, and some music for your listening enjoyment. Folks are invited to bring a lawn chair and enjoy an evening in the park with the Argay Neighborhood on August 7th, from 6:30 to 9 p.m. in Argay Park, N.E. 141st and Shaver. For more information, please call Sandy Nelson at 503-254-1984. 

•Wilkes Neighborhood will also be holding a party in their park. Come join your neighbors in Wilkes Park, on N.E. 154th Ave. off Sandy Blvd for an entertaining night out. For more information, please call 503-823-4450.

Old fashioned fun at harvest time

The Parkrose Harvest Festival will be a real hoe-down. Families and friends of Parkrose Community are invited to join in the hayrides, free corn on the cob, and square dancing. On a more modern note there will be swing and ballroom dancing, along with a community information booth and hot dogs and soft drinks for only a dollar. The Parkrose Harvest Festival, a non-profit event sponsored by Rossi Farms, Maywood Park, and the Parkrose Neighborhood Association, is focused on creating community awareness in Parkrose. Attend this fun-filled Harvest Fair on Saturday, September 8, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Rossi Farms, 3839 N.E. 122nd Ave.

Recycle for school

The Parkrose High Bronco Boosters hold a beer and soda can and bottle drive on the first Saturday of every month to raise money for Parkrose High School. Some of the goals are field trips, scholarships, and many other students needs. Last year, the Boosters collected more than $7,000 worth of bottles and cans, and they are hoping to do even better this year! The Boosters will be in the East parking lot of Parkrose High School, 12003 N.E. Shaver from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, August 4. Every nickel goes to the students! For more information, please call Sharon Mershon at 503-252-7139.

Tired of hearing those airplanes overhead?

Do not just cover your ears - make a difference. When you hear a plane zooming overhead call 503-460-4100, and give the time and your address. There are two groups with the chance to actually change things.  The Port of Portland-sponsored Citizen’s Noise Advisory Committee (CNAC) will be meeting from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, August 9. The public is invited, so come to the Airport Maintenance Building at 7111 N.E. Alderwood Drive to educate yourself and express your opinion. For more information, please call 503-460-4023. The Airtraffic Issues Roundtable (AIR) is sponsored by the City of Portland, and meets on Tuesday, August 7 at 7 p.m. in City Hall, 1221 S.W. 4th Ave. This month let your voice be heard over the roar of the planes.

Help care for our earth and water

Every month we have the opportunity to learn about the condition of Portland’s lifeblood - our water. The East Multnomah County Soil and Water Board is an elected board that meets in a forum open to the public. From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Tuesday, August 7, the board and staff will meet to finalize the plan of work to be done next year and to develop strategies for the coming year. They will be developing literature designed to attract the interest and educate the general public about the board’s goals and current projects.  This meeting will be held at 2115 S.E. Morrison St. (20th and Morrison) in the Commons room on the second floor (ring the doorbell around the southeast corner). For more information or to arrange handicap access, call 503-231-2270 ext. 100.

Enjoy an all-American blast from the past

The big event this month is the Gateway Elk’s Hot August Daze. Don’t miss this all day neighborhood funfest.  There will be public tours of the lodge all day, as well as a carwash in the morning and a picnic in Lodge park including hamburgers, hot dogs, and pop and beer. Come see over a hundred classic cars in the afternoon exhibition while enjoying live stage performances by rock and roll bands, an era fashion show, and 50’s and 60’s variety acts. The Gateway Elks will continue through the summer with their regular lodge meetings, every Thursday at 7 p.m. at the Lodge, 711 N.E. 10th Ave. The lodge will also host the Widow’s Yard Sale in the lodge parking lot on Saturday, August 11. The Elks are a service organization and run several ongoing fundraisers to help deserving local organizations, including a paper recycling drop-box in the Lodge parking lot that anyone can use to donate recyclable paper. All proceeds from recycled paper go to the Youth Activities Fund, supporting groups such as Boy Scout troops. Elks also support a colored glass and cardboard recycle program that they encourage the public to donate to. The glass and cardboard recycle donation area is on the north side of the Lodge in the RV parking lot. Every Tuesday, a Vets Recycle committee recycles what has been donated, raising money to support vets in hospitals. The money goes to everything from buying toiletries to prize money for bingo games. If you are interested in being a part of charitable projects such as these, consider joining the Elks - the club welcomes both men and women. For more information, please call (503) 255-6535.

Bargains and barbeque

St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church will be holding their annual Parking Lot Sale and barbecue. Everyone is invited to attend. Munch on chicken, hamburgers, hot dogs, or sausages while you browse through a selection including items from many different families in the church. Salad, chips, and drinks will also be available during the sale and barbeque, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, August 25. Find bargains while you fill your stomach at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church, 11229 N.E. Prescott St.

Maywood Park City Council meeting

Maywood Park residents have a chance to affect the decisions that are made for them by the city council. Don’t like all the construction, or some other measure that affects your home? The best chance you have to do something about it is before it is implemented - while it is still being discussed in the City Council. Stand up and let your voice be heard by the government: it is one of the most fundamental rights granted to us as Americans. Find out what upcoming plans are for your neighborhood - attend a Maywood Park City Council meeting in room 220 at the Maywood Park campus of Mt. Hood Community College, located at 102nd and N.E. Prescott St. There are two scheduled meetings for the month of August, one on Tuesday, August 7 and one on Tuesday, August 21, both at 7 p.m. For more information, please call 503-255-9805. Or if you have a concern (maybe even with a few potential solutions), you can write your council members at 10100 N.E. Prescott St., Maywood Park, OR, 97220.

Get involved in the government

Each of us has a chance to participate in the governing of Multnomah County. The Multnomah County Board of Commissioners affects many areas of policy, including community health measures, housing project funding, and many other issues. Citizens who sign up at the start of the meeting are allowed commentary on any issue for three minutes per citizen. All meetings take place in Boardroom 100 of the Multnomah County Building at 501 S.E. Hawthorne Blvd. Meetings take place every Thursday morning, the first and third Tuesdays of each month, and other times as necessary. For more information call Deb Bogstad at 503-988-3277 or visit the web site at www.co.multnomah.or.us/ cc/index.html. A schedule of August meetings includes:

•Thursday, August 2, from 9:30 a.m. to noon and 1:30 to 3 p.m.

•Tuesday, August 7, from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

•Thursday, August 9, from 9:30 a.m. to noon and 1:30 to 3 p.m.

•Thursday, August 16, from 9:30 a.m. to noon and 1:30 to 3 p.m.

•Tuesday, August 21, from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

•Thursday, August 23, from 9:30 a.m. to noon and 1:30 to 3 p.m.

•Thursday, August 30, from 9:30 a.m. to noon and 1:30 to 3 p.m.

Park performances

How often do you get to hear the Oregon Symphony for free? If you said “never” you will be proved wrong this summer. As part of the Oregon Symphony in the Neighborhoods city project to “bring music to the people”, the Oregon Symphony will come to our very own Knott and Waterfront Parks this month.  Come join in this free public celebration of music. Come to Knott Park, N.E. 112th Ave. and Sacramento St., on Sunday, August 19, to enjoy local talent performance, food, and art displays and information starting at 3 p.m. and the Symphony performance at 7 p.m. There will also be a performance at Tom McCall Waterfront Park on Thursday, August 30 at 7 p.m. For more information, please call the Symphony at 503-228-4294, or visit their website at www.orsymphony.org.

Serendipity Center holds auction and golf tournament

Do not miss this extravaganza of events, beginning with an 18-hole golf game at 1 p.m. and finishing up the day with a prime rib buffet.  The tournament, held at the Meriwether Golf Club (5200 S.W. Rood Bridge Rd. in Hillsboro) also includes a 9-hole golf game beginning at 3:30 p.m., a putting contest at 4 p.m., and a silent auction with complementary wine and cheese bar beginning at 5:30 p.m.  Join in the fun on Saturday, September 8.  Win prizes and participate in a raffle drawing with lots of great prizes.  Tony Martinez from “Good Day Oregon” will be the master of ceremonies at this event. For tickets to any or all of these activities, please call Rita McClellan at the Serendipity Center 503-761-7139 or Sharon Seppa at the Metro West Women’s Club at 503-635-9144. 

The Serendipity Center is a private, non-profit school for special needs youngsters in the Portland Tri-county area, including Multnomah, Clackamas, and Washington counties.  Serendipity takes in children from grades K-12, arranging them in classes of approximately 10 children grouped according to skill level.  These special needs children are referred by their school districts after having exhausted the resources and programs offered by the public schools.  They are then referred to Serendipity Center, which specializes in dealing with children who have had a history of social, emotional, behavioral, and/or educational problems.  Serendipity Center is not only an accredited school, but also a licensed mental health facility, with a separate therapeutic staff.  Many of these students need to have mental health needs addressed before they can receive the education guaranteed them by the state.  If you think Serendipity Center might be the right place for your child, talk to your school district.  For more information, visit the school at 14815 S.E. Division St, or call Rita McClellan at 503-761-7139.

Help yourself with free classes

Human Solutions is offering free classes to help you get ahead.   For August, they are offering two classes: one in computers and one in breaking your barriers.  The beginning computer class meets three Mondays in a row, August 13, 20, and 27, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.  Now is your chance to learn more about how to use those computers that seem to be everywhere.  Programs being taught will include Windows, MS Word, and MS Excel.  For only three hours of your time one day a week, in three weeks you will have mastered the basics of computers.  Join in at 2900 S.E. 122nd Ave.  Human Solutions is also offering a class to help you get ahead by breaking down your barriers to success.  This class will present you with tools and strategies to defeat bad habits and misperceptions that might be holding you back.  This class will be held Tuesday, August 21 and Tuesday, August 28, from 5 to 8 p.m.  It will be held at the Willow Tree Inn, 311 N.E. Division St., in Gresham.  Free childcare is available for both classes by pre-arrangement.  To sign up for either of these classes, please call Rosario Hall at 503-988-5200, ext. 28861.

Free classes to help you save money and the environment

The City of Portland is offering free workshops to Portland residents over the summer to demonstrate easy actions to take to conserve your resources and your money. Over twenty workshops will be held from July through September at a variety of locations in your neighborhood. Each workshop will be loaded with strategies to reduce your energy and water bills, hands-on demonstrations, devices that will cut your energy and water usage, free water-monitoring kits, information on how to save money through recycling and even door prizes.  All workshop participants will be given information on the latest technology, tax credits and cash rebates.  In addition, money-saving extras will be offered to take home including compact fluorescent light bulbs, faucet aerators, water-monitoring kits and more.  A variety of valuable prizes will also be given away at the end of each workshop.  Classroom space is limited and is available on a first come, first serve basis (Portland residents only, please.) For a schedule of workshops or to register for classes call Lynda at the City’s Office of Sustainable Development, 503-823-4309.  August workshop dates are listed below.

•Holgate Library, 7905 S.E. Holgate: two workshops held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, August 14, and Thursday, August 30.

•First Pentecostal Church, 11410 S.E. Stark St: two workshops one on Saturday, August 18 from 10 to 11:30 a.m., and one Saturday, August 25 from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

•The Calvary Christian Center, 10505 S.E. Holgate St.: Monday, August 6, from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

•The Lents Gilbert Church of God at 12230 S.E. Harold: Thursday, August 9, from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

•Rockwood Library, 17917 S.E. Stark St.: Tuesday, August 7, from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

•Rockwood Water District, 19601 N.E. Halsey: Thursday, August 23, from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

•St. Timothy Lutheran, 14500 S.E. Powell St: Saturday, August 11, from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

•Tabor Heights United Methodist Church, 6161 S.E. Stark St.: Wednesday, August 29, from 7 to 8:30 p.m.