Portland Oregon newspaper 2001 archives

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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

Witness firsthand the magic events in Bethlehem

The Players of Resurrection Lutheran Church will present an unusual type of theater with their presentation of “In the Bethlehem Inn”. Join the innkeeper and his family as they sit down to dinner. Theatergoers will not only enjoy dinner theater: they will be part of the performance. Participants will enjoy dinner with the innkeeper as the events of that famous night are recreated. The play also includes several musical interludes as events unfold.

Performances will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 1, Friday, Dec. 7, and Saturday, Dec. 8 at Resurrection Lutheran Church, 1700 N.E. 132nd Ave., between Halsey St. and San Rafael St.

Save on bills and protect the environment

Don’t let your heating bills take you hostage. The Community Energy Project offers you a chance to take action against the harsh winter weather and weatherize. Come to a free workshop and learn how to save energy through material installation, behavioral changes and simple maintenance around your home. Both homeowners and renters are welcome. Qualified participants will also receive a free kit of materials worth $150. A free workshop will be held on Thursday, Dec. 13, from 6 to 8 p.m. in the East Portland Community Center, 740 S.E. 106th Ave. To register, please call 503-284-6827.

GABA to hold elections

This month the Gateway Area Business Association (GABA) will hold elections for the board at their general meeting on Thursday, Dec. 13 at JJ North’s Grand Buffet, 10520 N.E. Halsey St., from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. Members, do not miss this meeting! There will be a special Christmas ceremony. Bring an ornament to participate in an ornament swap. For more information, please call President Bruce Altizer at 503-261-1575.

Support the community and have some fun

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. The meetings have a different program each week, often with guest speakers. The Columbia View Kiwanis also have a bingo game in their weekly meetings. 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, please call Charlie Ross at 503-252-1570.

Learn a lesson about life

Would you like to learn something new this month? Attend the meeting of the Russellville Home Family and Community Education Program. This programs holds classes on life lessons, everything from how to balance your diet to insurance education. The December meeting will be a Holiday Celebration at JJ North’s Grand Buffet, 10520 N.E. Halsey St. from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 6. For more information, please call June Carey at 503-257-6573.

Don’t 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, Dec. 15, come and find out what you can do to make a difference. For more information, please call zone chairwoman Artie Johnson at 503-282-8044.

Early risers - make good use of your time

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 down to the Old Country Buffet in Plaza 205, at 10542 S.E. Washington St, and help make our world a better place.

Parkrose Business Association has Holiday Event

On Friday, Dec. 7, the Parkrose Business Association (PBA) invites the public to enjoy a special Holiday Event. Entertainment for the evening includes a special performance by the Phoenix Theatre Company, and another special production by the Parkrose High School Debonnaires. There will also be a silent auction, with proceeds to benefit the PBA Scholarship fund. Come to Steamers Restaurant at 7 p.m. and join in the fun. Steamers is located on the corner of N.E. 82nd Ave. and Sandy Blvd. Please call 503-493-2215 for reservations. Cost is $20 at the door.

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 in and conquer your fears. For more information, please call David Hattery at 503-401-3777.

Retired Educators meeting

The East Multnomah County Retired Educators Association meets in order to promote participation in community activities, especially local school programs. The next meeting will be at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 27, in the Refectory, 1618 N.E. 122nd Ave. For more information, call BettyAnne Mosen at 503-760-3958.

Retired Federal Employees meeting

The Rose City Chapter of the National Association of Retired Federal Employees will hold its monthly luncheon meeting on Monday, Dec. 10, at 10:30 a.m. in the Activity Room of the Oregon Baptist Retirement Homes, 1825 N.E. 108th Ave. All federal retirees and their spouses are invited. For more information, please call Lee Ayer 503-253-3358, or Don Paape 503-557-5156.

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 December, 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, Dec. 10 and the second meeting will be on Monday, Dec. 17. For more information, please call Jim McAfee 503-257-9027.

SMART volunteers needed

The non-profit organization, SMART - Start Making A Reader Today - is looking for daytime volunteers to work with children on their reading skills at Prescott and Shaver Elementary Schools. You can help a local child by donating just one hour of your time per week. Read with two different children for a half-hour each, once a week, and make a difference in the lives of children in the Parkrose Community. For more information or to sign up, call Micaela Boyington 503-402-1954.

Business Association meets

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

Knit one, purl two

Discover the joys of knitting - join Knit One, Purl Two. There are no fees and no hassles, just a morning of knitting and fun. The group welcomes all skill levels, from those who have never seen a knitting needle to those who just like to talk and knit. There will be an experienced knitting teacher available for those that would like to increase their skill. The meeting will be held on Thursday, Dec. 20 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Location changes each month. For more information, please call Mary Kay Taylor at 503-255-4129.

Take part in your school

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

• David Douglas School Board will meet on Thursday, Dec. 6 and Thursday, Dec. 20 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, Dec. 10 in rooms L13 and L14 at the Parkrose High School Community Center, 12003 N.E. Shaver St. For more information, please call 503-408-2100. There is a regularly scheduled period for public comment during each board meeting. The board meeting will be aired every Thursday and Saturday at 2 p.m. on Channel 27.

Join in spending your time on something worthwhile

The Mid-county 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 International Polio Plus - a project to eradicate polio. There are two local chapters, whose meetings are listed below.

• The Central East Rotary meets at 7 a.m. every Thursday in the Ringside East Restaurant, 14021 N.E. Glisan St. 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.

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 student needs. The Boosters will be in the East parking lot of Parkrose High School, 12003 N.E. Shaver St. from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 1. Every nickel goes to the students! For more information, please call Sharon Mershon at 503-252-7139.

Near friends for the nearsighted

Join a companionable group of neighbors in a low-vision support group in the Parkrose area. This group is lead by Deborah Rowe, a grandmother who has been steadily losing her sight since she was 16. The group meets the second Wednesday of each month to discuss ways to cope with sight loss, and to share stories. Learn ways to keep yourself self-sufficient, so there is no need to ask the help of strangers. Or if you have someone in your life that has vision problems and you would like to learn how to help them, come to the next meeting. On Wednesday, Dec. 12, come to the Parkrose High School Library, 12003 N.E. Shaver St., from 6:30 to 7:45 p.m. and join the discussion. If you are interested in joining or would like to learn more, please call 503-255-3533.

Tired of hearing those airplanes overhead?

Don’t just cover your ears - make a difference. There are two groups working 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, Dec. 13. The public is invited, so come to the Commission room in the Port of Portland building downtown, at 121 N.W. Everett St. to educate yourself and express your opinion. Each meeting includes time for public comment. For more information, please call 503-460-4023.

The Airtraffic Issues Roundtable (AIR) is sponsored by the City of Portland, and meets on Tuesday, Dec. 4 at 7 p.m. in City Hall, 1221 S.W. 4th St.

You can also voice your complaints when a plane flies over. When you hear a plane zooming overhead, call 503-460-4100, and give the time and your address.

Let your voice be heard over the roar of the planes.

Make your neighborhood a better place

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 through activities such as cleanups and tree plantings. Neighborhood associations make your neighborhood more exciting through community-organized events and celebrations. Chances are there is one in your neighborhood that you didn’t even know about. Now that you do - go check it out! For general East Portland Neighborhood Office information, please call EPNO at 503-823-4550.

• The Argay Neighborhood Association meeting is Tuesday, Dec. 18, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Shaver Elementary School Cafetorium, 3701 N.E. 131st Place. For more information, please call Sandy Nelson at 503-254-1984.

• Glenfair Neighborhood Association meets on Thursday, Dec. 27 in Glenfair School, 15300 N.E. Glisan St., at 7 p.m. For more information, please call Stephen Jenkevice at 503-661-1308.

• The Hazelwood Neighborhood Association will meet on Monday, Dec. 17 at 6:30 p.m. in the East Precinct Community Room, 737 S.E. 106th Ave.

• The Mill Park Neighborhood Association meets on Tuesday, Dec. 11, in Mill Park Elementary, 1900 S.E. 117th Ave at 7 p.m. For more information, please call Rosemarie Opp at 503-253-5491.

• The Parkrose Neighborhood Association will meet on Tuesday, Dec. 18 at 6:30 p.m. in St. Matthews Episcopal Church, 11229 N.E. Prescott St.

Review of neighborhood guidelines begins

A taskforce of neighborhood leaders - the Guidelines, Review, Empowerment, and Assessment Taskforce (GREAT) - has begun the yearlong process of reviewing the guidelines that set forth the roles and responsibilities for neighborhood organizations. GREAT will meet twice a month to discuss individual’s access to the neighborhood system, the operation of the associations and coalitions, and their relationships with the Office of Neighborhood Associations.

The public is welcome to come to the meetings and make short comments during the public comment agenda time. Written comments are also encouraged. The meetings in December will be on Tuesday, Dec. 11, and Tuesday, Dec. 18, in the Lovejoy room of City Hall, 1221 S.W. 4th Ave. You can also receive minutes and agendas by contacting Brian Hoop at 503-823-3075, TTY 503-823-6868, or visiting www.myportlandneighborhood.org.

Maywood Park City Council meeting

Maywood Park residents have a chance to affect the decisions that are made for them by the Maywood Park 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 223 at the Maywood Park campus of Mt. Hood Community College, located at N.E. 102nd Ave. and N.E. Prescott St. Look for the sign in the front window.

There will be a Maywood Park City Council meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 4 at 7 p.m. Also in December will be a City Ordinance meeting, on Monday, Dec. 3 at 7 p.m. in the same location. This is a great opportunity for Maywood Park residents to find out more information about their City Ordinances.

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.

Who says there’s no such thing as a free lunch?

The Parkrose Lions Club invites you to attend their meeting and find out what they are all about. Join them and they will treat you to dinner. The December meeting of the Parkrose Lions Club will be on Wednesday, Dec. 5. The meeting will be held at the Royal Garden Restaurant, 13816 N.E. Sandy Blvd. The meeting begins at 6 p.m. with dinner at 6:30 p.m.

Visit the Parkrose Lions while Christmas shopping at Lloyd Center. Volunteers from the Lion’s Clubs throughout Portland will be staffing the Salmon Kiosk from Saturday, Nov. 17 through Monday, Dec. 24. Salmon makes a great Christmas gift and is also a fundraiser for Lions Club.

For more information about the Lion’s Club, please call Kyle Ziegler at 503-254-7035.

African Violet Society meets

Love African Violets? Portland has just the club for you - the African Violet Society, a group that can teach you everything you ever wanted to know about growing African Violets. Meetings often include guest speakers, workshops, or slide shows featuring different violets.

The African Violet Society will meet at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday Dec. 29., at Tabor Heights Methodist Church, 6161 S.E. Stark St. For more information, please call Charlotte Smith at 503-771-5762.

Get involved in the government

Each of us has a chance to participate in the governing of Multnomah County. The Board of Commissioners affects many areas of policy, including community health measures, housing project funding, and many other issues. You can also air your concerns - 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 at 9:30 a.m. every Thursday morning, 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.

Indoor Gardening Club

If you are a gardener with indoor plants, or would like to learn to become one, visit the next meeting of the Indoor Gardening Club. Every meeting includes a potluck dinner. Meetings may also include field trips, special guest speakers, and plant exchanges, as well as a lot of information about different kinds of indoor plants. The next meeting of the Indoor Gardening Club will be at noon on Sunday, Dec. 23, at 15893 N.E. Holladay St. For more information, please call Charlotte Smith at 503-771-5762.

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 Conservation Board is an elected board that meets in a forum open to the public. Join them for their next meeting at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 10. This meeting will be held at 2115 S.E. Morrison St. (S.E. 20th Ave. and Morrison St) 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.

Soroptimists of Portland East

Soroptimist International is the world’s largest classified organization for executive and professional women. Soroptimist have 100,000 members in 119 countries throughout the world. With more than 50,000 members in 21 countries, Soroptimist International of the Americas is the largest of the four federations of Soroptimist International.

Soroptimist International of Portland East gives $180,000 a year back to the community. They blend talents, strengths, and ideas to form a strong network of professionals to imagine and implement projects to support victims of domestic violence and to improve the status of women and children. Typical projects include: participating in literacy projects; supporting shelters for battered women; participating in environmental clean-up projects; giving funds for scholarships; and other projects as dictated by community need.

Another major source of funs is the All-Star Bingo Hall, located on the corner of S.E. 146th Ave. and Stark St. Come play bingo - maybe even win a little cash - and support local women and children at the same time.

Now is your chance to get some of these funds. Soroptimist International of Portland East will also be awarding several $1,500 Women’s Opportunity Awards in February 2002. To qualify you must be a female head of household, attending an undergraduate degree program or vocational/skills training program, and have financial need.

Women’s Opportunity Awards are cash awards that assist women in obtaining the skills and education they need to improve their employment status. Recipients may use the awards for any expenses related to their educational pursuits. The deadline for receipt of applications is December 15, 2001.

If you are a professional woman who would like to make a difference, call 503-255-7094, email soroptimistpdxe@hotmail.com, or write to P.O. Box 30657, Portland, OR 97294-3657. First timers get treated to lunch, so come learn about this group and enjoy a good meal. Come join in: the December meetings will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 5, Wednesday, Dec. 12, and Wednesday, Dec. 19 at noon in the banquet room of the New Copper Penny Restaurant, located on the corner of S.E. 92nd Ave. and Foster Rd.

Opportunity to assist others and enjoy yourself

The Gateway Elks Lodge #2411 helps support many charitable causes through the support and volunteerism of their members. But membership in the Elks also grants access to the many members-only events that the Elks hold. Members-only events include everything from the Monday night sports games viewed on the Lodge’s big screen TV with cheeseburgers and chips, to Latin Ballroom dance classes. The Elks will also continue with their regular lodge meetings, every Thursday at 7 p.m. at the Lodge, 711 N.E. 100th Ave. The regular meeting on Thursday, Dec 6 will include a memorial service to remember absent members.

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.

Make a difference to Gateway

The Opportunity Gateway Program Advisory Committee (PAC) helps to guide projects in the Gateway area, such as the planned conversion of the Mall 205 area. They are in charge of monies dedicated to parks, landscaping, transportation, and many other projects. This month’s meeting will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 19, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Adventist Medical Center 10123 S.E. Market St., in Education Center A and B. For more information, please call Laurel Schweitzer at 503-823-3193.

Escape from the hectic holiday season

Get away from the “busy-ness” of Christmas to participate in a day of retreat. The Advent Retreat will be held at The Grotto, located at NE 85th Ave. and Sandy Boulevard, on Saturday, Dec. 8, from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Cost is $25, which includes lunch and a token to the upper level gardens. Registrations must be received by Monday, Dec. 3. The retreat, A Season for Giving the Present of Presence, is a time to step aside from the Christmas rush. It provides an opportunity for participants to reflect on how they might give the gift of themselves to loved ones and to our world so in need of the gift of peaceful presence. The day will include personal prayer time, shared prayer, Advent reflections, and celebration of the Eucharist for the Feast of Immaculate Conception.

To register or for more information, contact Sister Mary Jo Chaves, Spiritual Director, at 503-261-2430.

Learn about your computer with free classes

Learn more about using your computer with free one-day courses offered at the Maywood Park campus of Mt. Hood Community College. These courses are open to the public and no registration is necessary. To attend, just come to the Self-Paced Learning Center at the Maywood Park Campus, 10100 N.E. Prescott St. on the day of the class. Several classes are held each month. For information about upcoming classes or any other questions, please call the Self-Paced Learning Center at 503-491-6122.

In December, Maywood Park will be holding a workshop entitled “How to Buy a Computer.” Learn the key questions and terms you need to know in order to find the right computer for you. Class will be held Tuesday, Dec. 4, between noon and 1 p.m.

Montavilla Kiwanis Clubs meetings

The Montavilla Kiwanis is a service organization, part of the International Kiwanis Club (also with chapters in Mall 205 and Columbia View - see other Calendar Items). The Montavilla chapter meets at 12:10 p.m. every Tuesday in the Chinese Village Restaurant and Lounge, 520 S.E. 82nd Ave. For more information, please call Diane Lawrence at 503-289-6427.

Don’t miss the Parkrose American Dance Extravaganza

The Parkrose Neighborhood Association, with the support of the Parkrose Business Association will present “The Great American Dance Extravaganza” on Saturday, Jan. 5, at Parkrose High School from 7 pm to 11 pm. Admission will be five dollars at the door with all proceeds going to the American Red Cross.

The Great American Dance Extravaganza is an evening of interactive dancing presented in a historical context. There will be dances for everyone. Some of the dances include western two-step, line dance, contra, hoedown, jazz and swing, ballroom, rock and roll and more. The students of Parkrose High School will provide intermission entertainment.

This is your opportunity for a fun evening that will help support the efforts of the American Red Cross. For more information please call Ron Nelson at 503-254-1164.

See the plans for Portland

The Portland’s Transportation System Plan (TSP) is nearing completion. The City of Portland has been working with the public, Metro, and other agencies for the past several years to create a Transportation System Plan that will shape our city’s transportation network over the next 20 years. The planning process is complete and the key elements of the document are available for review and comment. The City is hosting an open house at the East Portland Community Center, 740 S.E. 106th Ave. Attend the open house meeting to learn more about the proposed plan and how it will affect you on Wednesday, Dec. 12, from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Let dogs enjoy the parks too

Come learn about the areas where dogs and people can roam free. The Citizens for Safe Parks with Off-Leash Territory (C-SPOT) is hosting an open house from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 13, at the Midland Library in Portland. This will be a town hall discussion about off-leash dog areas in East Portland.

Portland Parks and Recreation has asked the East Portland Neighborhood Office (EPNO) to propose off-leash sites in East Portland. C-SPOT is working to support EPNO with this process, and citizens are encouraged to get involved.

The city’s hope is that by providing at least one off-leash area in the EPNO and each of the city’s six other neighborhood coalitions, citizens will better respect the leash and scoop laws in other neighboring parks.

Residents of the 13 East Portland neighborhoods listed below are invited to attend the open house to learn more about Portland Park’s request, EPNO’s plan, and how C-SPOT is helping. Additionally, attendees are encouraged to bring questions, support, ideas, concerns, and neighbors.

EPNO is a coalition of the following neighborhood associations: Argay, Centennial, Glenfair, Hazelwood, Mill Park, Parkrose Heights, Parkrose, Pleasant Valley, Powellhurst-Gilbert, Russell, Wilkes, and Woodland Park. It roughly encompasses portions of the city east of I-205. More information about EPNO can be found on their website at www.epno.org or by calling 503-823-4550.

C-SPOT is a citywide dog advocacy group that focuses on keeping off-leash areas safe for people and dogs through education about responsible dog ownership. Information about the open house or C-SPOT’s work in East Portland can be obtained from Thomas Christian at dogs@xjs.com or by calling 503-761-7480.

Involved teens: win $500

Soroptimist Int’l of Portland East will be awarding four Violet Richardson Awards in February 2002. To qualify, each participant must be a high school girl age 14 to 17 and actively involved in the community by volunteering in an organization that somehow improves the lives of women and girls.

The Violet Richardson Awards are cash awards that reward girls for their involvement in the community. The award money has no restrictions for spending. The top award recipient will also have a $500 award granted to their volunteer organization of choice. The deadline for receipt of applications is Saturday, Dec. 15.

Learn how to improve your neighborhood

Friends of Trees (FOT) will offer two opportunities for people to learn how to lead volunteer teams in tree plantings to enhance Portland’s urban forest and natural areas: Neighborhood Trees crew leader training will be held on Saturday, Dec. from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Natural Area Restoration crew leader training will be held on Saturday, Dec. 8, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Both training sessions will give participants a chance to “learn interesting information about trees, and how to plant and care for them,” said Neighborhood Trees Manager Chad Honl. The events also offer people a chance to meet others in the community who share their interest in improving the environment.

In addition to proper tree planting techniques and urban landscape ecology, crew leaders will acquire skills to help them organize, inspire and lead groups. Each new crew leader will “become an environmental educator,” notes Honl. Crew leaders are expected to lead three Saturday planting events between January and April.

The Neighborhood Trees program builds community, protects and expands the urban forest, and fosters environmental stewardship through street tree planting projects. The Natural Area Restoration program restores and enhances degraded urban natural areas to preserve biodiversity, improve water and air quality, protect native species, and enhance wildlife habitat.

FOT promotes community partnerships to plant, care for and preserve urban trees in order to strengthen neighborhood, create an ecologically healthy environment and enhance the quality of urban life. To learn more about FOT, call 503-284-TREE (8733) or visit www.friendsoftrees.org.

To learn more about the trainings or to register, call Neighborhood Tree Coordinator Julianne Maynard at 503-282-8846, ext. 13, or Natural Area Tree Coordinator Ryan Durocher at 503-282-8846, ext. 11.

A new alternative for David Douglas

The Mastery Learning Institute, a non-profit organization that currently runs the after school reading project Everybody Reads, has recently submitted an application to the David Douglas School District Board.

The Mastery Learning Institute is proposing opening a public charter school in the David Douglas School District. Since a charter school is supported by public funds, it would be available, for free, to any student in the David Douglas School District. If the charter contact is approved, the new school will be named the Arthur Academy, and would be a small K-3 Elementary. Arthur Academy would be an alternative to more crowded public schools, offering personalized instruction, with only one class per grade level. Charter schools are recognized by Oregon law as “a legitimate avenue for parents, educators, and community members... to create new, innovative and more flexible ways of educating children within the public school system.”

However, to go forward as a charter school, Arthur Academy needs a charter contract with the David Douglas School District. The School Board is expected to make a decision on this matter in January.

Meanwhile, the Mastery Learning Institute will be holding open meetings to talk about their proposed school and find out the level of interest in the community. All are welcome at these meetings to find out about the school and its unique program, as well as having a chance to meet the school’s leaders.

The first meeting will be held at 7:15 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 4, in the Board Room of the David Douglas Administrative Building, 1500 S.E. 103rd Ave. For more information, please call the Mastery Institute at 503-236-9326.