Network - and learn something new

Parkrose business owners - don't miss this month's exciting meeting of the Parkrose Business Association.  Each month's meeting not only covers business topics, the "Member Moment" feature lets you expand your knowledge of the area, learn about other businesses, and advertise your own business when it's your turn in the spotlight.

The "Member Moment" for March will focus on Express Personnel, presented by Donna Jenkins.  The meeting will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursday, March 21 in Steamer's Restaurant, 8303 N.E. Sandy Blvd.  There will also be a board meeting on Wednesday, March 13 at 7 a.m. in the same location.

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

Stay in the loop

Maywood Park citizens - take advantage of your rights and take part in the governing of your city.  Maywood Park residents have the opportunity every month to attend the meeting of the Maywood Park City Council.  Whether you have an opinion you want heard or you just like to know what is going on in your neighborhood, a city council meeting is for you.  Take part in the governing of your city.  Maywood Park city council meetings for March will be held on Tuesday, March 5, and Tuesday, March 19.  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.

Tired of noisy planes?

Do something about airport noise.  There are several organizations that have been formed to deal with this ongoing problem.  The public is invited to Citizen's Noise Advisory Committee (CNAC) meeting on Thursday, March 14, 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, March 5 at 7 p.m. in City Hall, 1221 S.W. 4th Ave.

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.  Don't miss this unique opportunity to brighten your home.

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.

Impress your co-workers

Want to go from being a shy wallflower to the go-getter wowing the boss?  Toastmasters International can help you learn to conquer your nervousness about speaking in front of others.  As you gain confidence, you will be able to do presentations and attend important meetings without those butterflies in your stomach.

Toastmasters International meet 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.

Find out about senior's rights

The Elders in Action commission advocates senior's 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, March 20 from 12:30 to 3 p.m. at Calaroga Terrace, 1400 N.E. 2nd Ave.  For more information about the meeting or Elders in Action, please call 503-823-5269.

Meet Oregon’s future governor

The Gateway Area Business Association invites all business owners/managers of Gateway Area businesses to join this thriving group.  GABA is a great way to meet with other business owners and enjoy some of the many great events sponsored by GABA.  Each month's program features interesting speakers, and an update on Gateway area events. 

On Thursday, March 14, GABA is proud to host a Governor's Candidate Forum.  Invitations have been sent to Bev Stein, Ted Kulongoski, Jim Hill, Kevin Mannix, Jack Roberts, and Ron Saxton - all six candidates for the office of Governor of Oregon.  Come meet Oregon's future governor at 11:45 a.m. in JJ North's Grand Buffet banquet room, 10520 N.E. Halsey St.

GABA also sponsors area projects, such as the current effort to acquire seasonal banners for the Gateway area.  The Gateway Identification Signage project is a joint effort with the Opportunity Gateway Program Advisory Committee (PAC).

For more information about GABA or how to become a member, call Fred Sanchez at 503-256-3910.

Fun and prizes

If you want to do something for the community and also enjoy a weekly bingo game, the Columbia View Kiwanis are the club for you.  Each weekly meeting includes both discussion on how to help local charities, and a lively game of bingo.  Meetings also include a special program with guest speakers on topics of interest.  Meeting speakers and topics are listed below:

• Wednesday, March 6: Herb Tarlich Day - Attend this hilarious fund raising event, where participants bring their ugliest neckties and auction them off to other Kiwanians who must then wear them to every Kiwanis function in March or pay a fine.

• Wednesday, March 13: Chris Bartlett - September 11 - Twin Towers

• Wednesday, March 20: Jerry Tucker - Mt. Hood Kiwanis Camp Foundation

• Wednesday, March 27: A representative from the Portland Parks Levy Committee will speak on the upcoming ballot issue.

The Columbia View Kiwanis meet every Wednesday at noon in the Refectory Restaurant, 1618 N.E. 122nd Ave.  For more information, please call Charlie Ross at 503-252-1570.

Keep government in the hands of the people

The League of Women Voters is a non-partisan group that works to keep American citizens informed and involved with the government.  The group also works to influence public policy through advocacy and education.

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

It's Easter season

Easter events at Our Savior Lutheran Church will not only include an Easter Sunday breakfast, but fun activities on other important days as well.  A Good Friday Tenebrae Service will be held on Friday, March 29 at 6:30 p.m.  And what is Easter without an Easter egg hunt?  Children ages 3 to 10 are invited to participate in this year's Easter egg hunt.  Prizes and refreshments will be provided for the hunt at 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 30.  Easter breakfast will also be served on Sunday, March 31 from 8:30 to 9:15 a.m., with worship at 10:30 a.m.

All events take place in Our Savior Lutheran Church, located at 11100 N.E. Skidmore St.  For more information, please call 503-257-9404.

A different early bird event

Next time you're considering an "Early Bird" breakfast, visit the Mall 205 Early Riser Kiwanis Club.  Meet some good friends while enjoying weekly programs.  This service club helps to support causes such as Snow-CAP and the East Portland Community Center.  The Early Risers meet at 7 a.m. every Thursday at 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.

Still helping our kids

They may not be teachers anymore, but the East Multnomah Retired Educators still work to benefit 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, March 28 at the Refectory Restaurant, 1618 N.E. 122nd Ave.  For more information, please call BettyAnne Mosen at 503-760-3958.

Be part of the business community

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 while expanding business contacts. 

The next meeting will be held at 11:45 a.m. on Tuesday, March 12 in the New 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.

Enjoy an Easter treat

The Gateway Baptist Church invites the Gateway community to join them for Easter breakfast.  The church will be serving pancakes, scrambled eggs, applesauce, and ham, along with a variety of juices and coffee.  Cost is only $2.50 per person or $9 per family.  Bring family and friends on Easter Sunday, March 31, from 8 to 10:30 a.m. and enjoy a filling Easter breakfast.  The breakfast will be held at the Gateway Baptist Church, 13300 N.E. San Rafael St.  Church services will be held at 9:15 and 11 a.m.  For more information, please call the Gateway Baptist Church at 503-252-1435.

Recycle your way to a better school

Every month the Parkrose High Bronco Boosters gives the community the opportunity to contribute to our children's education and protect the earth at the same time.  The Bronco Boosters accept donations of soda and beer cans and bottles in the east parking lot of Parkrose High School Community Center, 12003 N.E. Shaver St.  Bronco Boosters will be there from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 2 to collect donations. For more information about donations or how to help, please call Sharon Mershon at 503-252-7139.

Help shape your neighborhood

Are there problems in your neighborhood that need to be dealt with?  Improvements you'd like to see made?  Even if you just want to know what is going on in your area, the answer lies within your local neighborhood association.  Meetings offer more then just the chance to meet your neighbors and work together as a community.  Neighborhood association meetings provide a forum to discuss and solve community issues, and improve the quality of the neighborhood through joint improvement efforts. Mid-county neighborhood association information is posted below.  For general East Portland Neighborhood Office information, please call Becky Hughes at 503-823-4550.

 • The Argay Neighborhood Association meeting is Tuesday, March 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, March 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, March 12 at the Midland branch 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, March 19 at 6:30 p.m. at St. Matthews Episcopal Church, 11229 N.E. Prescott St.  For more information, please call PNA chair Ron Nelson at 503-254-1164

• The Parkrose Heights Association of Neighbors will hold two meetings in March.  Both meetings will be held at Sacramento School, 11400 N. E. Sacramento St. and both will begin at 7 p.m.    The Board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 12, and is an open meeting but is a working session of the Board.   The General meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 19 and the guest speaker will be Multnomah County Commissioner Lisa Naito. The regular meeting will also include elections for six borad of director positions.

• Russell Neighborhood Association meets next on Thursday, March 14 in Hampton Hall Conference Room at Western States Chiropractic College, 2900 N.E. 132nd Ave., from 7 to 9 p.m.  For more information, please call Bonny McKnight at 503-253-6848.

Commissioner Lisa Naito will be speaking at the meeting, in her new role as the area's representative on the Multnomah County Board of Commissioners.  Commisioner Naito will discuss county budget cuts, potential changes in her priorities and responsibilities after redistricting, and the new Children's Receiving Center being built at 102 and East Burnside St.

Information about a parks funding measure on the ballot this spring will be provided by Neighbors for Portland Parks.  They will explain what is included in the parks levy request and how people can become more involved in either supporting or opposing the measure.  The Russell neighborhood association will take no position at this meeting.

Get a unique perspective

Bird's Eye View is a recently formed club in the Parkrose area that provides support for those who are losing their vision.  Bird's Eye View brings together those dealing with sight impairment. Bird's Eye View provides a support group of people who actually understand the difficulties of being vision-impaired without being totally blind.  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. 

This group is lead by Deborah Rowe, a grandmother who has been steadily losing her sight since the age of 16.  Rowe 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.  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 on Wednesday, March 13.  The meeting will be held in the Parkrose High School Cooperative Library, 12003 N.E. Shaver St., from 6:30 to 7:45 p.m.  If you are interested in joining or would like to learn more, please call Deborah Rowe at 503-255-3533. 

Support the Parkrose community

The Parkrose Lions Club invites Parkrose community members to join in the fun and worthwhile activities they support.  To encourage visitors, the Lions will treat first-time guests to a free dinner.  What you hear during dinner will keep you coming back for the companionship and good works. 

March's meetings will be held on Wednesday, March 6, and Wednesday, March 20 at the Royal Garden Restaurant, 13816 N.E. Sandy Blvd.  The meetings begin at 6 p.m. with dinner at 6:30 p.m.  For more information, please call Kyle Ziegler at 503-254-7035.

Make your home more hospitable

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.  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, March 24 at 15893 N.E. Holladay St.  For more information, please call Charlotte Smith at 503-771-5762.

Join a Mid-county Rotary Club

Spare a little time to have fun helping others in a companionable atmosphere.  The rotary clubs work to help out such programs as Habitat for Humanity, numerous Rotary sponsored scholarships, and International Polio Plus - another Rotary project, aimed at eradicating 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.

Gateway Elks club opens up new worlds

The Gateway Elks offer not only the chance to help out others in the community, such as youth and veterans, but also the chance to improve the Gateway area.  Membership also opens up new social doors.  The Lodge is constantly having functions of all sorts.  From a Superbowl party with the game on the big screen TV to a Valentine's sweetheart ball, the Elks have it all.  Events for March include a wine tasting on Sunday, March 3, as well as  regular lodge meetings  every Thursday at 7:30 p.m. held at the Gateway Elks Lodge, 711 N.E. 100th Ave.  Wine tasting will include wines from around the world, with the opportunity to buy the wines you like at a special price.

The Elks also offer the public the chance to support groups through recycling.  Donate to the paper recycling drop-box in the Lodge parking lot to help the Youth Activities Fund, supporting groups such as our area Boy Scout troops.  Donate colored glass and cardboard recycle donation area on the north side of the Lodge in the RV parking lot to help support veterans in hospitals. 

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.  You can also email secretary@gatewayelks.org or visit www.gatewayelks.org.

Retired but still active

The Rose City Chapter of the National Association of Retired Federal Employees will hold its monthly luncheon meeting on Monday, March 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 will be Juanita Mansholt, speaking on her experiences in Albania and Russia teaching English.  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.

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 March, both held at 7:30 p.m. at Parkrose Masonic Temple, 4812 N.E. 102nd Ave.  The first meeting will be Monday, March 11, and the second will be on Monday, March 25.  For more information, please call Jim McAfee at 503-257-9027.

Pay attention to your child's school

Take part in our local public school systems and educate yourself on what is going on in our centers of education.  Help ensure the future of our community by making sure our children have everything they need to become the leaders of tomorrow.  Local school board meeting dates and locations are listed below.

• David Douglas School Board meets Thursday, March 7, and Thursday, March 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, March 11, 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 cable channel 27.

Avoid the worst road hazard - other drivers

The American Association of Retired People is once again offering the "55 Alive" defensive driving course.  This course helps teach older citizens strategies of safe driving.  One feature that makes this class especially valuable to seniors is that some of the strategies that are presented are designed to help overcome the problems that can come with age, such as dimmed vision or slow reflexes. 

Not only will you avoid costly tickets, fines, and accidents, but the "55 Alive" driving course can also help save money on your car insurance - check with your insurance provider.  The class is a refresher course in driving skills and general information, available to anyone aged 55 or over.  All this is available for a fee of just $10.  The next class will be held on Wednesday, March 20 and Thursday, March 21 from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the Parkrose High School Community Center, 12003 N.E. Shaver St.  For more information, please call Instructor Artie Johnson at 503-282-8044.

Enjoy Easter season festivities

The members of St. Matthew's Episcopal Church, 11229 N.E. Prescott St., would like to invite the community to join them in their Easter-related services. 

The services on Palm Sunday will feature a procession with palm leaves and palm crosses for each attendee.  These services will be held on Sunday, March 24, at 8 a.m. and again at 10 a.m.

The service for Holy Thursday, March 28 will begin with a potluck dinner at 7 p.m., followed by the service.

Two services will be held on Good Friday, March 29, at noon and 7 p.m.  The service will feature the Stations of the Cross and the Good Friday Liturgy and lasts about one hour.

Easter Sunday, March 31 will be observed again with two services, at 8 and 10 a.m.  Communion with special music will be featured.

For more information about St. Matthew's Episcopal Church or any of these events, please call 503-252-5720.

Parkrose brings parents and teachers together

Parkrose High School's Parent/Teacher conferences will be held on Thursday, March 14. Teachers will meet with parents and guardians to let them know what their children are learning and update them on their child's progress.  For parent's convenience, there will be both afternoon and evening sessions.  No appointments are necessary for the event and all parents are encouraged to come and discuss their student's progress.  Faculty will be available from 1 to 3 p.m. and 6:30 to 9 p.m.  High school students will be released early to accommodate this schedule.  Lunch will be served at 11:25 a.m. before the bus run.  Parents should check in at the main lobby on campus, 12003 N.E. Shaver St., and pick up a list of their students teachers and classes.  For more information, please call Parkrose High School at 503-408-2681.

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, March 30 at Tabor Heights Methodist Church, 6161 S.E. Stark St.  Use back entrance.  For more information, please call Charlotte Smith at 503-771-5762.

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.   One project currently being undertaken are the seasonal banners for Gateway streets.  This project is being conducted jointly with the Gateway Area Business Association. 

This month's meeting will be held on Wednesday, March 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.

Soroptimists of Portland East

Soroptimist International is the world's largest classified organization for executive and professional women.  They give back to the community and to their members.  This organization blends 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.

A major source of funds for the Soroptimist of Portland East 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.

Montavilla Kiwanis Club meetings

The Montavilla Kiwanis is a service organization, part of the International Kiwanis Club.  They also help to support local non-profit organizations.  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.

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 program holds classes on life lessons, everything from how to balance your diet to insurance education.

The meeting will be held on Thursday, March 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.

Spend Easter with a special group

Hope Lutheran Church of the Deaf invites you to join them for a feast and fellowship on Easter Sunday, March 31.  Breakfast will be served from 8:30 to 9:15 a.m., with worship at 10:30 a.m.  Hope Lutheran Church of the Deaf is located at 11100 N.E. Skidmore St. and has handicap access.  For more information, please call 503-252-0706.

Help revitalize your community

Neighborhood Associations are the glue that holds neighborhoods together.  Now is the time designated by the City of Portland to update the guidelines that shape our neighborhood associations.  A taskforce of neighborhood leaders, the Guidelines, Review, Empowerment, and Assessment Taskforce (GREAT), meets twice a month to discuss updates to neighborhood organization guidelines and also to redefine the responsibilities of the City's Office of Neighborhood Involvement (ONI).

The Guidelines apply to Neighborhood Associations, District Coalitions, Business District Associations, the Office of Neighborhood Involvement and Alternative Service Delivery Structures such as the North and East Portland Neighborhood Offices.  Taskforce participants recommend changes, revisions, additions, and/or deletions to the Guidelines.  Final recommendations for Guidelines changes are submitted to City Council for final approval.

The public is welcome to come to the meetings and make brief comments during the public comment agenda time.  Written comments are also encouraged.  This month's meeting will take place from 8:30 to 10 a.m. on Tuesday, March 12, in the Lovejoy room of City Hall, 1221 S.W. 4th Ave.  There will also be a special workshop for public feedback held from 7 to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, March 26 in the same location. 

You  can also receive minutes and agendas by contacting Brian Hoop at 503-823-3075, TTY 503-823-6868, or visiting www.myportlandneighborhood.org.

Stuff yourself on Palm Sunday

St. Rita's Church invites you to join them for the St. Rita's Famous Spaghetti and Meatball Dinner on Palm Sunday, March 24.  This dinner will include spaghetti with meatballs, salad, bread, homemade cakes and pies, and choice of coffee or punch.  Wine is also available for an extra charge.  Cost of the dinner for adults is $8, and for children under 12, $4.  The dinner will be held in St. Rita's Church Hall, 10029 N.E. Prescott St.  For more information, please call the church at 503-252-3403.

3rd Annual Neighborhood Association Summit

If you are involved with your local neighborhood association, don't miss this chance to learn more about how you can make a difference.  This year's Neighborhood Association Summit is co-sponsored by City of Portland, Office of Neighborhood Involvement and Metro.  It will include a number of workshops including: visioning a healthy neighborhood system, good government initiative, Dignity Village, the inner city and the American Dream, and Metro's "Let's Talk Portland" program.

City services and the Office of Neighborhood Involvement (ONI) are also undergoing times of change, and will be present at the workshop.  This is a great time to tell these services exactly what they should be providing to support stronger neighborhood associations.  Participants can also join the discussion on how to build a stronger and more inclusive neighborhood system and preserve essential services in a time of decreasing public resources.

The Summit will be held on Saturday, March 16, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Cleveland High School, 3400 S.E. 26th Ave.  To register or have an application mailed to you, please call Grant Coordinator Amber Marra at 503-823-4519, or email ashepard@ci.portland.or.us.  For more information, visit www.myportlandneighborhood.org.

Enjoy Easter season in Parkrose

The Parkrose United Methodist Church will be holding special services and events during March.  The John Nelson trio will present a service of music and worship on Sunday, March 17, at 10 a.m. worship. 

The Lenten Soup Suppers will be held Wednesday, March 6, Wednesday, March 13, and Wednesday, March 20.  The dinner is a simple soup and bread, served at 6:30 p.m. before mediation is presented. 

Pastor Tom Rannells will lead a service of Palms and Passion at the regular service on Palm Sunday, March 24.  There will also be a service on Holy Thursday, March 28.  at 7 p.m.

An Easter Sunrise Service will be held in the Church yard, or in the sanctuary if rains.  Easter breakfast will be served from 7:30 to 9 a.m., followed by Easter worship service at 10 a.m., with traditional music by the vocal and hand bell choirs. 

Parkrose United Methodist Church invites everyone to any of these services, held at the church, 11111 N.E. Knott St.  For more information, please call the church at 503-253-7567.