(PHOTO: Introducting Bill Gates, new minister at Parkrose United Methodist Church.)

A new shepherd for the Parkrose flock
Rev. Bill Gates was appointed to the Parkrose United Methodist Church (PUMC) at the Annual Conference held at Willamette University in Salem in mid-June. He began his work at PUMC in July with his first sermon followed by a potluck dinner in Miller Hall to get acquainted.

Rev. Gates began his ministry ten years ago in Richmond, California for three years, and was associate pastor at Lake Oswego UMC from 1995 to 2000. He served the United Methodist church in Roseburg until his transfer to Parkrose. He and his wife Pamela have three adult children, Ryan, 25 a graphic designer, Trevor, 22, a management trainer with a retail company and daughter Cami, a sophomore at the University of Denver.

Rev. Gates enjoys the out-of-doors and enjoys hiking and bicycling. He is eager to begin his work at Parkrose United Methodist Church at 11111 N.E. Knott Street. Worship is at 10:00 a.m. every Sunday. For more information, please call Parkrose United Methodist Church at 503-253-7567.

Introduce a senior to the world of computers
Are you interested in sharing your knowledge of computers with senior citizens? Multnomah County Libraries, including Midland and Gregory Heights, are looking to increase their Cyber Senior Computer Classes. Volunteer instructors and class assistants are needed for these classes. The classes are offered for free and intended for seniors who have little or no computer experience. The classes cover three areas: computer basics, how to find information on the Internet, and how to sign up for and use free e-mail.

The ideal candidates for the volunteer positions are individuals who would like to share their knowledge of computers and the Internet, have an ability to work with seniors, have patience and a sense of humor, and are able to work independently. The library provides training for instructors and class assistants. Volunteers are asked to commit to a minimum of six hours per month.

If you are interested in becoming an instructor or class assistant or in finding out more about Cyber Senior Classes in general, please call Marcia Anderson, Cyber Seniors Coordinator at 503-988-6256 or check out the web site at www.multcolib.org/seniors/.

Portland Parks forced to cut back
Portland’s neighborhood parks will look different beginning this summer: longer grass, fuller garbage cans, and restrooms that close earlier than usual. Effective in July, Portland Parks & Recreation has had to reduce staff and services to meet the $2.2 million in budget cuts. People who participate in some recreation and after-school programs will also feel the belt tighten as community schools close along with two indoor swim pools.

“These service cuts are required because of a shortfall in City funds. And, after years of taking on more responsibility, we are squeezed to the point where direct services will stop or be cut back severely,” said Director Charles Jordan. “We know people love their parks and we will strive to deliver the best park system possible with the resources available.”

“A measure on the May ballot to reinstate services and further restore and renovate the park system received 70% voter support. Unfortunately, a required 50% voter turn out was not met and so the measure could not pass,” said Commissioner Jim Francesconi. “This November voters will have another opportunity to vote on this measure. In the meantime, funding for these services is gone as of July 1, 2002 and Portland Parks & Recreation has to keep within budget by implementing these service cuts.”

Some cuts are listed below:

• All community schools will close during the summer months. Seven of 13 community school program sites will close permanently but six will re-open in the fall providing after-school homework help and recreation programs.
  
• Basic park maintenance will be reduced. Garbage cans will be emptied five times a week or less in some parks, instead of current daily service. Litter pick-up will be 2-3 times a week instead of 5-7 times. Seasonal employees will be working a shorter season so restrooms will open later (in May) and close earlier (in September). The greatest impact will be on fall soccer players/families and spring baseball/ soccer families.
  
• Damaged, unsafe play structures will be removed and not replaced. As recently done at Willamette Park, other unsafe playground features will be removed and nothing will replace them.
  
• Trail maintenance will be reduced. Maintenance of Springwater Corridor and Peninsula Crossing Trails will be cut in half. Protection and restoration of wildlife habitat will be reduced by 5 to 10%.
  
• More flowerbeds will disappear and tree care will decrease. Response to all public tree hazard emergencies, tree inquiries, non-developmental related tree permits and maintenance of park trees will be delayed. When the summer annuals have finished blooming in park flowerbeds, they will be removed and no winter annuals will be planted leaving bare-dirt beds.
  
• Care of community centers will be cut by one-third. Community center painting and repairs will be delayed beginning July 1. All of the 69 major buildings, some with additional facilities like swimming pools, will face delays in service that may result in closures until repairs can be made.
  

For more information or to find out more about service reductions, citizens may call Portland Parks and Recreation’s central office at 503-823-PLAY or visit www.PortlandParks.org.

Help Snow-CAP support our community
Snow-CAP, a Community Action Program, benefits many people in our area. This is made possible by the local volunteers who donate their time and/or money to help support those less fortunate in the community.

Snow-CAP runs several food and clothing programs for low-income residents of the Mid-County area. These programs have served over 4,000 different families in the last year. This translates to over 65,000 visits for various services. These programs include distribution of food boxes, 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, as well as much more.

Back-to-school season will be upon us soon, and Snow-Cap is already getting prepared. Donations of school supplies and school clothes are needed to get children ready for the new school year. Volunteers are also needed to help the week of Monday, Aug. 26 through Friday, Aug. 30. For more information about the back to school program or how you can help, please call Kara at 503-674-8785 x23.

Numerous other positions are also available, including client interviewer, positions in the clothing room, the food pantry, the warehouse, drivers and garden help. Please call Danni at 503-674-8785 x19 to volunteer or for more information about volunteer opportunities.

Memo Pad continued...