Portland Oregon newspaper 2001 archives

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Have an event you would like to announce or something special you would like the community to know about? We want to hear about it, and publish it in our Memo Pad on a space-available basis. Email it to editor@midcountymemo.com.

Parkrose Christmas Bazaar

You won’t want to miss the bargains available at the Parkrose High School Christmas bazaar. Come see the variety on Saturday, Dec. 8 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Parkrose Community Center, 12003 N.E. Shaver. Pick up one-of-a-kind Christmas gifts and support Parkrose High Athletics. For more information, please call 503-256-4230

Seniors - help a child and earn extra cash

The Foster Grandparent program is looking for seniors sixty years and up and on a limited income to help at-risk children in Portland. These children need positive role models to help them with reading, developing social skills, and much more. Not only will the foster grandparents get to help out a child, but they will also receive two hundred dollars a month tax-free, along with other benefits, including meal and travel compensation, paid time off and sick leave. No experience is necessary, just the desire to better a child’s life. For more information, please call Randy Lucas 503-232-0007 ext. 202.

Elders in Action offers help for seniors

Elders in Action has specially trained volunteer Ombudsman available to assist seniors and people with disabilities who may be experiencing problems in the areas of healthcare, housing and elder crime and abuse.

These Ombudsman can provide problem solving assistance, advocate for client’s rights, safety, dignity and well being, provide information and link clients with community services, provide emotional and peer support, and provide physical support in making phone calls, filling out paperwork, or accompanying clients to appointments.

Elders in Action volunteers are also available to speak to senior and community groups about Medicare Fraud and Abuse and to alert them to scams and fraudulent practices that may be aimed at seniors.

For more information on Ombudsman Services, or to arrange for a speaking engagement, call the Elders in Action Ombudsman Services Line at 503-823-5293.

You can also get involved over the Internet. Sign up today to participate in public surveys about issues that affect seniors. Your voice will help Elders in Action to decide what issues to focus on, and you will also be more informed about current legislation that may affect you. Sign up today in an email addressed to volunteer@eldersaction.org.

Snow-CAP supports our community

Snow-CAP, a Community Action Program, benefits many people in our area through volunteers from the community pitching in, providing time and donations. Snow-CAP runs a food and clothing program for low-income residents of the Midcounty area, which has served over 4,000 different families in the last year. This translates to over 65,000 visits for various services. These services include a shopping style food pantry, produce distribution on Tuesdays, a co-op-type program called Community Basket, a community garden, and a delivery program for low-income seniors called Food 2 You.

Snow-CAP also has a clothing room where they outfit 500 children for school each year. The children each receive one nearly new outfit and a backpack full of school supplies. To donate, bring clothes and/or school supplies to 17788 S.E. Pine St., Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Assist your community by supporting Snow-CAP. Call 503-674-8785 to volunteer, donate, or for more information about what you can do to help.

All sorts of services for seniors

The Senior Services Program Office hosts many free informational clinics and health checks. Senior Services 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.

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.

Introduce a local resident to a larger world

Help an adult in your area discover the world of communication. The Mt. Hood Literacy Coalition, with the support of Mt. Hood Community College (MHCC) and multiple local agencies, is recruiting volunteers who can help adults in Mid-Multnomah County improve their reading, writing and/or English-speaking skills. The coalition is seeking volunteers who can commit two to four hours per week to meet with adults in settings such as one-on-one tutoring, working with small groups and assisting an instructor in a class. Currently, the largest need is for volunteers to assist with life skills and basic literacy for non-readers. In addition, volunteers are needed who will tutor small English as a Second Language groups. Tutoring locations include the Mt. Hood Maywood Park Campus. For more information or to volunteer, call Christina Bright at the Mt. Hood Literacy Coalition at 503-667-1640 or the Oregon Literacy Hotline at 1-800-322-8715.

Seniors: save money and keep yourself safe

The American Association of Retired People regularly offers a “55 Alive” defensive driving course. This is a refresher course in driving skills and general information available to those 55 and older. Not only does this class help you avoid tickets and accidents, but it can also save you on your car insurance. The class only costs ten dollars. For more information or upcoming class dates, please call Instructor Artie Johnson at 503-282-8044.

Help a local child

Glenfair, Parkrose, and Shaver Elementary Schools are asking the community for volunteers to help encourage a young reader. Volunteer a half hour or more per week to help a student with reading skills. For more information on Glenfair’s program, please call Glenfair Elementary at 503-252-3479, ext. 223. For more information on the SMART program (Start Making a Reader Today) at Prescott or Shaver Elementary, please call Micaela Boyington at 503-402-1954.

Prescott opens it’s doors to the community

Prescott Elementary School is opening it’s doors to students, parents, and the community every Tuesday evening from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

During these evenings, staff will be available to provide supervision and instruction. The library, computer lab, and gym will be open for family use. There will also be reading time and homework help for students and parents.

Prescott Elementary will also be offering English language instruction for non-English speaking students and their families. In addition to this, the Prescott Parents Organization will be holding informational meetings every third Tuesday of the month, and will be providing a program for Russian-speaking families to make a smooth transition into our community. Classes to develop communication skills and learn about life in the United States will be held from 7 to 8 p.m. Tuesdays at the school. For more information, please call Prescott Elementary at 503-408-2150.

Congrats to accomplished teen

Congratulations to Deborah Love, the Gateway Elks teen of the month. Love is a senior at David Douglas High School, where she is an active member of the National Honor Society.

Love has taken advanced classes in Social Studies and History and currently has a 3.9 GPA. She is also the President of the German Club. She is described by her teachers as a wonderful student, but one who can debate and discuss historical issues at length

She has also joined the Peer tutoring program, and helps other students who are having trouble with their schoolwork. She is also a counselor with the Outdoor School Program.

But she isn’t all about books and classes. Love is also a member of the school soccer team and a cross-country runner in track and field. When she isn’t participating in a sport event as a competitor, she is supporting the team as a varsity cheerleader.

Congratulations to Deborah Love for her many accomplishments!

Find a church, a job, or a home

If you are looking for an environment where people are motivated by love, nurtured by prayer, empowered by the Spirit, and united in faith, you may want to drop by Fresh Faith Community Church on a Sunday at 10:30 a.m.

At Fresh Faith Community Church, you will find a true commitment to the ancient commandment to love your neighbor as yourself. The dress code and the atmosphere are both informal, and a friendly welcoming spirit is noticeable immediately.

Help for the spirit is not the only type available. The church is located in an office complex along with an employment agency, medical facilities, insurance brokers, and a realtor. Come visit the offices today in Halsey Center, 11300 N.E. Halsey St. The church is located in Suite #205.

For more information, please call Fresh Faith Community Church at 503-257-4162.

Tri-Met ridership reaches record highs

During its first three weeks, the Airport MAX Red Line’s success boosted light rail ridership and overall Tri-Met ridership to record highs. Tri-Met broke all previous ridership records in several areas, including the following:

• MAX reached 80,200 average weekday rides, a 19 percent increase over last year.

• Combined MAX and bus weekday ridership reached 293,300, a 6% increase over last year.

• Combined weekly ridership reached 1.76 million, a 7.7% increase over last year.

More people are choosing to take public transit, which saves both energy and the environment. For those unable to use conventional methods, Tri-Met offers the LIFT door-to-door service.

LIFT, which provides door-to-door service for people with disabilities and others unable to use MAX and buses, posted a 6.3% daily ridership increase from September last year. Weekend rides were up 14 % from last year. Tri-Met counts each time a person boards a vehicle as one ride.

For trip-planning information see www.tri-met.org or call 503-238-RIDE weekdays between 7:30 AM and 5:30 PM, TTY 503-238-5811.

Get involved on our city

The Multnomah County Citizen Involvement Committee (CIC) is now accepting new members. This citizen-run committee, created by voters in 1984, benefits the community by working for cost efficient government, to improve county operations, and to reconnect citizens and politics for maximum effectiveness. The CIC works to keep citizens involved and informed, giving them a voice on policy matters.

Any Multnomah County resident may apply for membership. Members can also be nominated by neighborhood associations, district coalitions, community groups, or non-profits boards and commissions.

CIC members contribute three volunteer hours per month and represent their areas on county issues. Members must live in Multnomah County, and cannot be employed by the county. If you are interested, or for more information, call the CIC at 503-988-3450, or write to the Citizen Involvement Committee, 2115 S.E. Morrison #206, Portland, OR, 97214, or email carol.l.ward@co.multnomah.or.us.

Ever dreamed of owning a baseball team?

Here’s your chance to make important decisions affecting many baseball teams. The Parkrose Little League Board is currently seeking volunteers to serve on the Board. Come help make it a great baseball season! Or if you want to help out in a different way, Parkrose Little League is also seeking volunteers to assist with Field Maintenance Days. For more information, please call Bobbi Malatesta at 503-771-3734 or Sue Kunz at 503-254-2664.

Learn about the history of David Douglas

The David Douglas Historical Society has a museum highlighting the history of the David Douglas School District and of the area. Come see old pictures and memorabilia in the Children’s Services building, 1400 S.E. 135th Ave. The museum is currently open by appointment only. For more information or to make an appointment, please call Jo Curry at 503-254-5923.

Human Solutions offers help

Human Solutions is a non-profit social service corporation that helps low-income families move into self-sufficiency. They do this by providing transitional and permanent affordable housing, and a broad range of social services. To find out how they can help you, call Human Solutions at 503-988-5200.

Gregory Heights offers opportunity

A variety of classes are offered this month at the Gregory Heights Library, 7921 N.E. Sandy Blvd. Gregory Heights Library hours are Sunday, 1 to 5 p.m., closed Monday, open Tuesday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., and open Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Free programs and special events for December are listed below. For more information or to pre-register for any event call 503-988-5386.

• Make Decorative Keepsake Boxes: Artist Collen Cavin shows you how to create keepsake boxes out of decorative paper for gifts or special items. Make a box for yourself on Saturday, Dec. 8 at 11 a.m.

• Book Discussion Group: Engage in stimulating conversation about books and get to know your neighbors. Come and exchange perspectives about characters, plot and more. For 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 18, read Arthur Golden’s best-selling novel “Memoirs of a Geisha,” the story of a celebrated geisha, told with authenticity and lyricism.

• Festivals of Light: Storyteller Sarah Stein will enchant families with stories and songs about the three Winter festivals of light: Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa. Take in this performance on Saturday, Dec 1 at 2:30 p.m.

• Peter and the Wolf: Amy Gray of Zing Productions presents a hilarious, interactive retelling of Prokofiev’s classic tale. Expect lively, kid-friendly masks and puppets, as well as a few surprises. See this performance on Tuesday, Dec. 4 at 7 p.m.

• Homework Helpers: Homework Helpers are trained volunteers who give students one-on-one help finding the books and information they need to complete homework assignments in the library. Sessions at Gregory Heights will be held on Wednesdays from 4 to 7 p.m. Available whenever school is in session.

• Email for beginners: Prerequisite: Web Basics. Learn how to use free e-mail on the Web, like Yahoo or Hotmail. Sign up, then compose and send messages to anywhere in the world. Pre-registration required for this class, held on Saturday, Dec. 1 at 9 a.m.

• Cyber Sundays: One-on-one computer help is available at Gregory Heights on Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m. Specially trained volunteers will teach you how to use the online catalog, search the Internet, play educational computer games with your kids and discover what a mouse can do.

• Cyber Seniors Computer Classes: This series of three classes is designed for seniors who are interested in learning the very basics of how to use a computer. Learn to use a mouse, search the Internet, and send and receive e-mail. Each session will consist of one hour of instruction and one hour of practice. Participants must pre-register and attend all three classes, held Tuesday, Dec. 4, Tuesday, Dec. 11, and Tuesday, Dec. 18, all at 9 a.m.

• Gregory Heights Computer Lab: Library staff help beginners practice computer basics in the computer lab at Gregory Heights. Pre-registration is required for the classes, which will be 9 to 10 a.m. Classes will be Saturday, Dec. 8, Saturday, Dec. 15, and Saturday, Dec. 22.

Parkrose School District receives grant

The Parkrose School District has just been granted a $2,000 grant by the State of Oregon Health Division. This grant will allow Parkrose School District, Prescott Elementary, and the surrounding community to move forward a plan concentrating on identifying and removing obstacles in the way of children getting to and from school.

The State of Oregon Health Division is interested in encouraging children to walk or bike to school to increase their physical activity. The Parkrose School District is interested in sidewalk improvements and whatever other barriers might be identified. The project will go through October of 2002 when a plan will be completed and additional resources and assistance may be available.

If you are interested in being part of a task force, and would like to attend training to learn about survey methods, identifying barriers and mapping safe routes, please call Christine Charneski, Coordinator of the N. Parkrose Neighbors Target Area, at 503-287-5428.

Midland offers free classes and activities

The Midland branch of the Multnomah County Library, located at 805 S.E. 122nd Ave., offers many free activities for adults and families. Library hours are: Sunday, from 1 to 5 p.m., Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. In December, weekly events include computer and Internet classes and story times. Pre-registration is required for all classes. There will also be many special events. For more information on any of the listed programs or to pre-register for a free class, please call the library at 503-988-5392.

• Book Discussion Group: Engage in stimulating conversation about books and get to know your neighbors. Come and exchange perspectives about characters, plot and more!

For Wednesday, Dec. 12, at 7 p.m. read Margaret Maron’s “The Bootlegger’s Daughter.” While campaigning for district judge in North Carolina, an attorney whose father is a retired bootlegger tries to solve an old murder.

For Wednesday, Dec. 19 at 1 p.m., read J. K. Rowling’s “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.” Orphan Harry Potter discovers that he comes from a line of distinguished wizards and is invited to attend Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

• Holiday Flute and Cello Duo: Tessa Brinckman and Phil Hansen perform a selection of holiday tunes. Enjoy the show on Sunday, Dec. 16 at 2 p.m.

• Weave a friendship bracelet: Artist Linda Hendrickson will teach you how to weave a friendship bracelet or a choker necklace to take home with you. This two-hour class is recommended for anyone 7 years or older. Class will be held on Saturday, Dec. 1 at 2 p.m.

• Math Fun with goldilocks: Are you taller or shorter than Baby Bear? How many small bears weigh the same as one large bear? Join the Three Bears in measuring fun, games and stories. This interactive program is for children 3-7 years with adult and will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 4 at p.m.

• Jen and Wendy’s Eclectic Tunes: Musical sisters Jen and Wendy Bernard present a collection of eclectic tunes. Theatrical and wacky with a constant focus on vocal harmony and crowd participation, Jen and Wendy create a whirlwind of positive, enthusiastic energy that will engage kids and parents alike. Join in the fun on Saturday, Dec. 8 at 11 a.m.

• Math fun with Frog and Toad: Is it round? Is it square? Is it big? Is it small? Help Toad find his lost button and join in the fun with shapes, games and stories. This interactive program is for children 3 to 7 years with adult and will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 11 at 7 p.m.

• Math fun with Arthur: Have fun helping Arthur solve problems! Figure out how to put a hungry caterpillar’s life in order, shop for play groceries and sort colorful dinosaurs. This interactive program is for children 3-7 years with adult, and will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 18 at 7 p.m.

• Homework Helpers: Homework Helpers are trained volunteers who give students one-on-one help finding the books and information they need to complete homework assignments in the library. Sessions at Midland will be held on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays from 4 to 6 p.m., Saturdays from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., and Sundays, 1 to 3 p.m. Available whenever school is in session.

• Young Readers Club: Calling all readers ages 10 and up! Join us for discussion, fun and friends. For Tuesday, Dec. 4 at 7 p.m., read Victoria Hanley’s “The Seer and the Sword” and see how Princess Torina, who has the ability to see the future, works to restore peace and the rightful rulers to her kingdom.

• Cyber Sundays: One-on-one computer help is available at Gregory Heights on Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m. Free help for the whole family! No registration is required. Friendly, trained “TechnoHost” volunteers help you search the Web, play educational CD-ROM games, look up books and more with the library’s online catalog, use the library’s online databases and guides, and practice basic computer skills, like “point-and-click.”

Check out the free events in Parkrose

Parkrose Cooperative Library, located at Parkrose High School, 12003 N.E. Shaver St., offers classes and entertaining activities for those looking for something to do. Library hours are Monday through Thursday from 3 to 8 p.m., Friday 3 to 6 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and closed on Sunday. For more information on any of the events or to pre-register, please call 503-988-5383.

• Book Discussion Group: Engage in stimulating conversation about books and get to know your neighbors. Come and exchange perspectives about characters, plot and more! For Tuesday, Dec. 11 at 7 p.m., read Jonathan Lethem’s “Motherless Brooklyn,” a mystery featuring a detective with Tourette’s syndrome.

• Twirly Whirly Toys: Using beads and copper wire, create simple and fun toys with artist Kathy Karbo on Saturday, Dec. 1 at 2 p.m.

• Holiday Printmaking: Artist Terina Chapman will show you how to make foam core prints to use as gift items. On Saturday, Dec. 15 at 2 p.m.

The Mid-County Memo congratulates newlyweds Minh and Lisa Huynh

Minh Tuan Huynh and Lisa Diane Larson both grew up in the Parkrose area, meeting for the first time while attending Parkrose Middle School. When both attended Parkrose High School, they had many mutual friends, which brought them together. After graduating high school in 1995, Lisa attended the University of Oregon, where she received a management degree in 1999. Minh attended the University of Portland, where he received a marketing degree in 1999.

During college they continued to have correspondence through e-mail, and their mutual friends would bring them together on school breaks. Minh asked Lisa out on a date during senior year in college during Christmas break, which started them down the road to their marriage in New Hope Community Church on, Saturday, Aug. 25, 2001 after knowing each other for over 12 years.

In attendance at the ceremony were the bride’s parents, Don Larson and Cheryl (Savage) Larson, the grooms parents, Len and Muoi (Lam) Huynh, Matron of Honor Christina (Hinson) Burnett, and Best Man Stephen Dulley. Husband and wife team Drs. Judi and Keith Schwanz married the couple, beginning their life as Mr. and Mrs. Huynh.

In keeping with the old tradition, on their wedding day, Mrs. Huynh wore a new strapless wedding dress, simple but elegant (something new). She carried a bouquet of red, yellow, and ivory roses; inside the bouquet was a souvenir from her great-grandmother’s wedding bouquet (something old). A blue anklet provided something blue, and a cousin and flower girl let the bride borrow a white bead bracelet to wear on her wedding day. Linda Negus of Bloomin’ Bouquets (a Parkrose business) did all of the flower arrangements.

The reception was held at the Pantheon in Portland. Stephen Dulley gave a memorable speech for the bride and groom. Another feature was a slide show of the bride and groom growing up and the stages of their relationship. Lisa Huynh says, “The Pantheon did an outstanding job with our service, dinner buffet and their detailed timeline created a memorable evening. We danced and visited with our friends and family until the night was over.”

Mr. and Mrs. Huynh planned to go to Maui for ten days. However, due to the Sept. 11 events, their return flight only went as far as Oahu, so they remained stranded in Oahu for an additional week, making a 17-day honeymoon. In the words of the bride: “We had a great time, emptied our pocketbooks and when we could, we safely returned home.”

Congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Huynh!