Portland Oregon newspaper 2002 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

Hear the Commissioner

Every month, the Parkrose Business Association holds a meeting including, among other things, a guest speaker from the community speaking on a topic of interest, and a “Member Moment” highlighting one of the member businesses. This month, the Parkrose Business Association is honored to have Commissioner Jim Francesconi as the speaker at their general meeting. The meeting will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 21, in Steamer’s Restaurant, 8303 N.E. Sandy Blvd. PBA will also hold a board meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 13 at 7 p.m. in the same location.

The “Member Moment” for February will focus on Helena Wagner, of Quantum Benefits Associates. A state-licensed insurance agent, Wagner recently started her own business offering discounted dental/health plans. She also offers full insurance through National Health Insurance Co., offering the choice of any doctor or hospital without depleting your pocketbook. For more information about Quantum Benefits Associates, please call 503-760-4139.

For more information about The Parkrose Business Association, please contact Executive Director William Warren at 503-493-2215 or e-mail proseba@aol.com.

Help make the rules

Citizens of Maywood Park have a chance to have their say in the city’s laws, as well as contribute in other ways. Attend a city council meeting and you will find out what is going on in the government, changes that are coming, and the plans for your neighborhood. Exercise your right as an American and attend the Maywood Park City Council meetings on Thursday, Feb. 7, and Thursday, Feb. 14. The meetings will be held at 7 p.m. on the Maywood Park campus of Mt. Hood Community College, 10100 N.E. Prescott St. Meetings are usually located in room 223. Look for the sign in the front window.

For more information, call the Maywood Park City Council at 503-255-9805. Citizens are also encouraged to write in with their concerns, which will be discussed during the meeting. Address your concerns, comments, or potential solutions to the Maywood Park City Council, 10100 N.E. Prescott St., Maywood Park, OR, 97220.

Add a touch of the exotic

See the variety of beautiful and unusual houseplants available at the African Violet Society’s Display and Plant Sale.

This event includes large, miniature, and trailing African Violets, related flowers (gesneriads), begonias, orchids, and many other exotic houseplants. Both starter and blooming plants will be available, as well as cuttings and leaves.

Come see the show from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, March 9, at the back entrance of the Tabor Heights Methodist Church, 6161 S.E. Stark St. For more information, please call Charlotte Smith, 503-771-5762.

Don’t grumble - do something

Are you bothered by airplane noise or loud, frequent flights over your home? Check out the Port of Portland-sponsored Citizen’s Noise Advisory Committee (CNAC). The public is invited to their meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 12, in the Commissions Room of the Port of Portland building downtown at 121 N.W. Everett St. Come to the meeting from 6 to 8 p.m. to educate yourself and express your opinion. The meeting includes time for public comment. For more information about the CNAC or the Noise Abatement Office, please call 503-460-4100.

The City of Portland also sponsors a group to deal with airport matters. For any airport concerns, attend the next meeting of the Airtraffic Issues Roundtable (AIR) on Tuesday, Feb. 5 at 7 p.m. in City Hall, 1221 S.W. 4th Ave.

Face your fear

One of the most common fears is a fear of speaking in front of others. However, many jobs today require that you speak in front of groups in meetings and presentations. Let Toastmasters International help you conquer those butterflies in your stomach and reveal the confident, entertaining speaker that is hiding inside.

Toastmasters International meets every Monday at 12:05 p.m. in the Columbia Center, 17650 N.E. Sandy Blvd. For more information, please call David Hattery at 503-401-3777.

Seniors - you have someone on your side

The Elders in Action commission is a committee that advocates seniors rights and advises government agencies such as the Department of Aging and Disability Services. The commission also works to achieve beneficial legislation for seniors focusing on the areas of transportation for homebound seniors, housing, nutrition and health care.

Come participate in a meeting of the commission, which has been a strong voice for seniors for over 30 years. The Elders in Action Commission invites interested citizens to join them on Wednesday, Feb. 20, from 12:30 to 3 p.m. in Columbia Villa, 8920 N. Woolsey Ave. For more information about the meeting or Elders in Action, please call 503-823-5269.

Make connections

The Gateway Area Business Association (GABA) invites all members to attend the February Valentine’s Day meeting Thursday, Feb. 14 at 11:45 a.m. Enjoy the Valentine’s Day festivities at the meeting with a special catered menu provided by member business Aloha Kona. Members should order their choice from the menu in the newsletter. Guests are welcome and can call in their orders directly to 503-255-5662.

February’s speaker will be Lou Torres from the Oregon Lottery. He will give a general overview of the Oregon Lottery, covering the history of lotteries in America, the legal framework of the Oregon Lottery, information about the games, revenue earned by the Lottery, where the money goes, and other issues. GABA’s meeting will be held at the Midland branch of the Multnomah County Library, 805 S.E. 122nd Ave. in the large meeting room. For more information, please call President Fred Sanchez at 503-256-3910.

Exercise your right as an American

Help keep yourself and other Americans informed and involved in the government. Join the League of Women Voters, a non-partisan group dedicated to encouraging the participation of regular citizens in government, one of the most basic American rights. The group also works to influence public policy through advocacy and education.

The local chapter meets at 10 a.m. on the third Saturday of each month at the Airport Shilo Inn, 11707 N.E. Airport Way. On Saturday, Feb. 16, come join your fellow patriots and make a difference. For more information, please call zone chairwoman Artie Johnson at 503-282-8044.

Eyes bigger than your stomach?

Now is your chance to stuff yourself on a delicious pancake breakfast. The Parkrose Lions Club will hold an “All You Can Eat” Pancake Breakfast to benefit the Oregon Lions Sight and Hearing Foundation, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 10 at the Parkrose Masonic Lodge, 4812 N.E. 102nd Ave. Tickets: $12 family; $4.00 adults; $2.50 children ages 6 through 12. For tickets or more information, please call 503-252-5288.

Parkrose Lions is celebrating over 70 years providing services to the needy and to those who have sight and hearing disabilities in our local area.

Join in for bingo and good works

Like to play bingo? Want to help others in the community? Then the Columbia View Kiwanis are the club for you. Each month’s lively meetings include a bingo game. There is also a different program each week, often including guest speakers. Come help the Kiwanis discuss and implement ways to support charitable organizations such as Snow-CAP, Loaves and Fishes, and many others.

The meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 6 will focus on the Girl Scout trip to Mexico in August 2002, while the guest speaker on Wednesday, Feb 13 will be Deana Allen, from Guide Dogs for the Blind.

Have fun and help a worthwhile cause - attend the next Kiwanis meeting. The Columbia View Kiwanis meet every Wednesday at noon in the Refectory, 1618 N.E. 122nd Ave. For more information, please call Charlie Ross at 503-252-1570.

Spend your mornings helping others

Spend an early morning once a week with a companionable group of folks. Join the Mall 205 Early Riser Kiwanis. This service club is a part of Kiwanis International, and works to support such local charities as Snow-CAP and the East Portland Community Center. The Early Risers meet at 7 a.m. every Thursday in the Old Country Buffet in Plaza 205, at 10542 S.E. Washington St. Help make our world a better place. For more information, please call Bruce Altizer at 503-261-1575.

Make connections

The 82nd and Foster Business Association invites neighborhood business members to come to the next monthly meeting. Meet other area business owners and make connections at this luncheon. Enjoy food and companionship which you expand your business contacts. The meeting will be held at 11:45 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 12 in 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.

Help our children and the environment

Donate your bottles and cans to the Parkrose High Bronco Boosters. Every cent collected goes to the students. Each month, they offer community members the opportunity to donate their beer and soda cans and bottles to benefit the children of the community. On the first Saturday of each month, come to the east parking lot of Parkrose High School, 12003 N.E. Shaver St. The Bronco Boosters will be there from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 2 to collect your donations. For more information about donations or how you can help, please call Sharon Mershon at 503-252-7139.

Gone but not forgetting

The East Multnomah Retired Educators may have stepped down from teaching, but they haven’t stopped working for the benefit of the children and community. They promote participation in community activities, especially local school programs. If you are a retired educator who would like to continue to make a difference, attend the next meeting at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 28, in the Refectory, 1618 N.E. 122nd Ave. For more information, please call BettyAnne Mosen at 503-760-3958.

Montavilla Kiwanis Club 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.

Help shape your neighborhood

Look around your neighborhood. Are there community events that you enjoy? Are there neighborhood improvements that need to be made? Even if you just want to know what is going on in your area, the answer lies with your local neighborhood association. Meetings offer more than just the chance to meet your neighbors and work together as a community. Association meetings provide a forum to discuss and solve community issues, and improve the quality of the neighborhood through joint improvement efforts. Local neighborhood association information is posted below. For general East Portland Neighborhood Office information, please call 503-823-4550.

• The Argay Neighborhood Association meeting is Tuesday, Feb. 19, 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.

• The Hazelwood Neighborhood Association will meet on Monday, Feb. 18 at 6:30 p.m. in the East Precinct Community Room, 737 S.E. 106th Ave. For more information, please call Jane Baker at 503-252-7386.

• The Mill Park Neighborhood Association meets on Tuesday, Feb. 12, in Midland Library, 805 S.E. 122nd Ave. at 7 p.m. For more information, please call Rosemarie Opp at 503-256-4591.

• The Parkrose Neighborhood Association will meet on Tuesday, Feb. 19 at 6:30 p.m. in St. Matthews Episcopal Church, 11229 N.E. Prescott St.

• The Parkrose Heights Association of Neighbors will hold a meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 19 at 7 p.m. in Sacramento School, 11400 N. E. Sacramento St. January’s speaker will be Linda Hunter, a Neighborhood Mediator. For information, please call Carol Williams, 503-255-9596 or Grace Fitzgerald, 503-254-3767.

Enjoy good company and a free dinner

The Parkrose Lions Club invites members of the community to come see what the Lions Club is like, and how many good friends and fun activities are included. Join in to enjoy yourself and help the Parkrose community. First-time visitors will receive a free meal. February’s meetings will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 6 and Wednesday, Feb. 20 at the Royal Garden Restaurant, 13816 N.E. Sandy Blvd. The meeting begins at 6 p.m. with dinner at 6:30 p.m. For more information, please call Kyle Ziegler at 503-254-7035.

Near friends for the nearsighted

Now is your chance to join a companionable group of neighbors forming a low-vision support group in the Parkrose area. Bird’s Eye View is a club that provides support for those who are losing their vision by bringing together those with similar problems. This provides a place where people can find a group of people who actually understand the difficulties of being vision-impaired without being totally blind. Come take a load off your chest. This group is lead by Deborah Rowe, a grandmother who has been steadily losing her sight since the age of 16, so she can empathize with both those who are just beginning to lose their sight, and those whose vision loss is more severe. Family members are welcome at these meetings.

The group meets the second Wednesday of each month to discuss ways to cope with sight loss, and to share stories. Learn ways to stay self-sufficient, so there is no need to ask the help of strangers. When people put their heads together, it is amazing the number of helpful ideas they can come up with. If you are having vision problems, or if you would just like to learn how to help and support a loved one, attend the next meeting. Wednesday, Feb. 13, 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 Deborah Rowe at 503-255-3533.

Join a Mid-county Rotary Club

Dedicate your time to having fun and helping others in a companionable atmosphere. The rotary clubs work to help out such programs as Habitat for Humanity, numerous scholarships, and International Polio Plus - a project to eradicate polio. Attend one of the local meetings listed below:

The Central East Rotary Club 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 Club 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.

Brighten up your home

Fill your house with the beautiful colors and aromas of your favorite flowers and plants. Whether you are a beginner or just want to get helpful tips for your thriving indoor plants, the Indoor Gardening Club can help you out. Each meeting includes a special program, often with field trips, guest speakers, and plant exchanges. Not only that but every meeting also includes a potluck dinner provided by all those who attend. The next meeting will be held at noon on Sunday, Feb. 24 at 15893 N.E. Holladay St. For more information, please call Charlotte Smith at 503-771-5762.

Elkettes invite you to join them

The Gateway Elkettes will meet at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 12 at the Elks Lodge, 711 N.E. 100th Ave. This charitable group of ladies donates their time to helping others by raising funds for various women’s and children’s charities. Membership in the group also allows access to the many enjoyable events, such as picnics, dances, and various other events. For more information, please call the Elkettes at 503-408-4861.

The Gateway Elks offer opportunity for enjoyment

Joining the Gateway Elks, Lodge #2411, gives you good feelings about yourself because of the community services that you will contribute to, and also provides general enjoyment of the various members-only events. Special events for this month include a Super Bowl Sunday Party with the game on the lodge’s big-screen TV on Sunday, Feb. 3 from 1 to 6 p.m., and a special wine tasting on Sunday, March 3 at 2 p.m. There will be wines from Oregon, Washington, California, Chili, Australia, and France. There will even be an Elkettes “Sweetheart Ball” on Saturday, Feb. 9. The Elks also hold members-only Lodge meetings every Thursday night at 7:30 p.m. In addition to this, the Elks offer the community the chance to support charitable causes without joining the club.

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, 711 N.E. 100th Ave.

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 and having a lot of fun, consider joining the Elks - the club welcomes both men and women. For more information, please call 503-255-6535.

Meet with fellow retirees

The Rose City Chapter of the National Association of Retired Federal Employees will hold its monthly luncheon meeting on Monday, Feb. 11 at 10:30 a.m. in the Activity Room of the Oregon Baptist Retirement Homes, 1825 N.E. 108th Ave. The speaker this month is to be arranged. All federal retirees and their spouses are invited. For more information call Lee Ayer at 503-253-3358, or Don Paape at 503-557-5156.

See the difference in 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. Help shape the area’s future or just discover plans for your neighborhood by attending a meeting. All meetings are open to the public, and each meeting includes a public comment period. This month’s meeting will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 20, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Portland 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.

Improve your community

Help our future by taking part in our local public school systems. Educate yourself on what is going on in our children’s schools. Help ensure the future of our community by making sure our children have everything they need to become the leaders of tomorrow. Local Board meeting dates and locations are listed below.

• David Douglas School Board meets Thursday, Feb. 7, and Thursday, Feb. 21 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 for a work session on Monday, Feb. 11, and a regular meeting on Monday, Feb. 25. Both meetings will be held at 7 p.m. in rooms L13 and L14 of 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.

Can’t quite fit the board meeting into your schedule? No problem - each meeting will be aired Thursdays and Saturdays at 2 p.m. on Channel 27.

Help youth and the community

Attend a meeting of the Parkrose Masonic Lodge, a group that is dedicated to helping charitable causes and youth. Find out how you can help. There will be two meetings in February, both held at 7:30 p.m. at Parkrose Masonic Temple, 4812 N.E. 102nd Ave. The first meeting will be Monday, Feb. 11, and the second will be on Monday, Feb. 25. For more information, please call Jim McAfee at 503-257-9027.

Indulge your passion for flowers

Learn all you could want to know about African Violets. If this lovely flower is your passion, Portland has just the club for you. The African Violet Society can teach you everything you need to grow beautiful, healthy African Violets, as well as other exotic flowers. Meetings often include guest speakers, workshops, or slideshows featuring different types of violets.

The African Violet Society will meet at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 23 at Tabor Heights Methodist Church, 6161 S.E. Stark St. Use the back entrance. For more information, please call Charlotte Smith at 503-771-5762.

Stay involved

Keep your hand on the pulse of Oregon - our water. This is truly the lifeblood of our state, providing everything from water to power and out-of-state revenues. The East Multnomah Soil and Water Conservation District Board of Directors will meet at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 4, in the District Office Conference Room 207, at 2115 S.E. Morrison St. After 4:30, ring the bell at the southeast corner of the building for admission. For more information or to arrange handicap access, please call 503-231-2270, ext. 104.

Help others by stuffing yourself

On Saturday, Feb. 16, Cherry Blossom Loaves & Fishes will be holding an All-You-Can-Eat Pancake Breakfast at the East Portland Community Center located at 740 S.E. 106th Ave.

The Breakfast will be from 8 a.m. to noon. The scrumptious menu includes all-you-can-eat pancakes or all-you-can-eat biscuits and gravy, plus ham, eggs and juice. Cost for adults is $3.50 and children under 10 years of age are only $2.00.

Proceeds from the breakfast support the Meals-on-Wheels program that provides hot noon-time meals to homebound seniors. For additional information call Mary Lou at 503-256-2381.

Soroptimists of Portland East

Soroptimist International is the world’s largest classified organization for executive and professional women. This organization has over 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.

A major source of funds 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.

If you are a professional woman who would like to make a difference, call Lisa Ortquist at 503-261-9608, e-mail 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 meal. The Soroptimists meet every Wednesday at noon in the banquet room of the New Copper Penny Restaurant, located on the corner of S.E. 92nd Ave. and Foster Rd.

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. This month’s topic will be “Women need chocolate: a look at the effect of chocolate in the lives of some people”.

The meeting will be held on Thursday, Feb. 7, in the East Portland Community Center from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Each meeting also includes a light lunch at noon. Lunch fee is one dollar, but first-time visitors are treated to lunch. The Russellville Education Program especially invites stay-at-home moms to learn something new and spend a little “adult time”. For more information, please call June Carey at 503-257-6573.

Learn some important skills

Save energy and protect your family this month with free workshops offered by the Community Energy Project. These free workshops offer you the opportunity to learn how to weatherize your home and save money, or how to detect sources of dangerous lead poisoning in your home.

Lead poisoning can cause brain and organ damage, learning disabilities and other serious heath problems for young children. The most common sources of lead poisoning are found in and around homes. Come to a workshop and learn about the effects and sources of lead poisoning; how to test for lead, and prevention tips. Qualified participants receive a free kit of materials worth $45. Free childcare is provided.

Don’t let your heating bills take you hostage. Take action and weatherize! Come to a 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 receive a free kit of materials worth $150.

Classes for February on both topics are listed below. To register for any of these classes, please call 503-284-6827.

• A Lead Poisoning Prevention Workshop will be held on Thursday, Feb. 7, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in the East Portland Community Center, 740 S.E. 106th Ave.

• A Lead Poisoning Prevention Workshop will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 12, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in the Montavilla Community Center, 8219 N.E. Glisan St.

• A Weatherization Workshop will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 19 from 6 to 8 p.m. in Montavilla Community Center, 8219 N.E. Glisan St.

• A Lead Poisoning Prevention Workshop will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 20 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Mt. Scott Community Center, 5530 S.E. 72nd Ave.

• A Weatherization Workshop will be held on Saturday, Feb. 23 from 10 a.m. to noon at the East Portland Community Center, 740 S.E. 106th Ave.

Review of neighborhood guidelines begins

A taskforce of neighborhood leaders - the Guidelines, Review, Empowerment, and Assessment Taskforce (GREAT) - is working on reviewing the guidelines that set forth the roles and responsibilities for neighborhood organizations. GREAT meets 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. They are reviewing the ONI guidelines, and at the end of the review process, will present their conclusions and recommendations to the city.

The ONI Guidelines describe detailed roles and responsibilities for recognized and acknowledged organizations in Portland’s neighborhood system including:

• Requirements for being recognized as a neighborhood association

• Roles and responsibilities of the Office of Neighborhood Involvement

• Designating and resolving conflicts over neighborhood boundaries

• How to resolve grievances

• Requirements for being acknowledged as a business association

• Summary of state public meetings and public records law for neighborhood groups

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 will take place from 8:30 to 10 a.m. on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month. On Tuesday, Feb. 5, and Tuesday, Feb. 19, attend the meetings 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.

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 will be available 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.”

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 third in the series of monthly meetings will be held at 7:15 p.m. on Thursday Feb. 14 in the Board Room of the David Douglas Administrative Building, 1500 S.E. 103rd Ave. The subject of this meeting will be “How Beginning Reading Is Taught: Part 2.” Come to find out about the school, its unique program, and meet its leaders. For more information, please call the Mastery Learning Institute at 503-236-9326.

Enjoy music and a chance to help others

Enjoy “A Valentine for those we love” presented by pianist Michael Allen Harrison and Aurora Chorus. This is a benefit concert for David’s Harp, a program offering adults with mental illness opportunities for independence and a better quality of life. “A Valentine for those we love” will be held on Saturday, Feb. 9 at 7 p.m. at the Parkrose United Methodist Church at 11111 N.E. Knott St. Tickets are available for $15 from Sandra Chisholm at 503-666-6981.

Learn to use your computer with free classes

Get more from your computer with a series of 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, Room 125 at the Maywood Park Campus, 10100 N.E. Prescott St. on the day of the class. The following classes all take place between noon and 1 p.m.:

• World Wide Web: This class offers an explanation of what the web is and how to use it effectively when searching for information. The class will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 12.

• Maintaining Your Computer: Every computer requires regular maintenance and upkeep to function properly for any extended period of time. This class offers tips to maintain your computer, and will be offered on Tuesday, March 12.

• Using E-mail Effectively: This class will teach you what you need to get started using e-mail, including the differences between e-mail programs, accessing free e-mail, using the address book, and sending attachments. This class will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 26.

For more information about any of these classes, please call the Self-Paced Learning Center at 503-491-6122.

Basketball and more

The Montavilla Community Center is offering several classes in February and March. For more information, call the Montavilla Community Center at 503-823-4101. Unless otherwise noted, all classes are held in the Montavilla Community Center, 8219 N.E. Glisan St.

• Hoop Shooters: The Kid’s Basketball Association, a non-competitive co-ed league begins on Monday, Feb. 11. The league, for third and fourth grade students ages 8 to 11, focuses on ball handling, skill development, teamwork and sportsmanship. One session will be held Mondays and Wednesdays from 4 to 4:45 p.m., and the other will be held Mondays and Wednesdays from 5 to 5:45 p.m. Cost is $30.

• Open Basketball Night for Teens and College Students: High school and college students can now shoot hoops on Tuesdays from 7:45 to 9:45 p.m. Student ID is required, and there is a $2 drop-in fee.

•See a special effects show: The Mad Scientist technicians are invading for an evening of fire and ice. Be amazed by giant balls floating in midair, ice storms indoors, and flashy reactions. Bring kids and adults to the show on