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FEATURE ARTICLES | |
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Retired but still kicking
The Rose City Chapter of the National Association of Retired Federal Employees will hold its monthly luncheon meeting on Monday, Dec. 9 at 10:30 a.m. in the Activity Room of the Oregon Baptist Retirement Homes, 1825 N.E. 108th Ave. All federal retirees and their spouses are invited. For more information call Bill Cornett at 503-232-4743, or Don Paape at 503-557-5156.
Fun and prizes
If you want to do something for the community and also enjoy a weekly bingo game, the Columbia View Kiwanis is the club for you. Each weekly meeting includes discussion on how to help local charities, and a lively game of bingo. A special program with guest speakers on topics of interest is another regular feature.
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.
Protect our resource
One of the most important ingredients for a healthy environment is a clean, plentiful water source. Portland wouldn’t be the “City of Roses” without it. Oregon not only gets a healthy environment, including plentiful fish, but also hydroelectric power from its rivers. Our water even provides Oregon with out-of-state revenues. Find out what you can do to protect this valuable natural resource.
The East Multnomah Soil and Water Conservation District Board of Directors will meet at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 9 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.
Get a unique perspective
Bird’s Eye View is a club in the Parkrose area that provides support for those who are losing their vision. This club brings together those dealing with sight impairment. Bird’s Eye View provides a support group of people who 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 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. Wednesday, Dec. 11, come to the Parkrose High School Cooperative 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.
Take a hand in government
The League of Women Voters is a non-partisan group dedicated to increasing citizen participation in government. They also seek to influence public policy through advocacy and education. Help keep the people’s voice in government by attending their next meeting and finding out what you can do.
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, Dec. 21, come join your fellow patriots and make a difference. For more information, please call zone chairwoman Artie Johnson at 503-282-8044.
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, Dec. 28 at Tabor Heights Methodist Church, 6161 S.E. Stark St. Use back entrance. For more information, please call Charlotte Smith at 503-771-5762.
Senior Resources
Drive safely
Seniors now have the chance to both improve their driving skills and save money on insurance. The American Association of Retired People is offering “55 Alive” defensive driving course. This course helps teach older citizens strategies of safe driving. Learn “tricks of the trade” to help improve your reflexes, as well as reviewing traffic laws you may have forgotten or that have changed recently.
Not only will you avoid costly tickets, fines and accidents, but the “55 Alive” driving course may also help save you 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 offered for a fee of just $10. The next classes will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 11 and Wednesday, Dec. 18.
For more information, please call Instructor Artie Johnson at 503-282-8044.
Earn holiday cash
Now is your chance to make a difference in the life of a child and earn some extra holiday cash at the same time. The Foster Grandparent Program is looking for seniors to act as positive role models for at-risk children in Portland. Help a child with reading, developing social skills and much more.
Seniors 60 and up on a limited income are eligible to participate in this program, which pays two hundred dollars a month tax-free. The program also offers 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.
Classes for seniors
Portland Parks and Recreation offers a number of classes just for seniors. Pre-registration is required for all free classes. For more information, a complete schedule, or to pre-register, please call Senior Recreation at 503-823-4328. You must be 55 or older to qualify. Local classes are listed below:
• Festival of Lights: Holiday tradition at the Grotto illuminates the spirit of the holidays at the annual choral festival. Join the community in a season of joy and sharing amid spectacular lights and outdoor caroling in a sanctuary garden setting. The $12 class fee covers admission. This is an outdoor event with covered performance areas. Bring money for dinner at Applebee’s. This outing will run from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, Dec 12. Group will meet at the Mt. Scott Community Center, 5530 S.E. 72nd Ave.
• Floral Designs with Fresh Flowers: Make beautiful fresh flower arrangements. Expand your skills as you learn composition and style techniques of the trade. Delight in lovely, aromatic banquets as your ability blossoms. There is a $20 supply fee payable at the first class. Take home an arrangement valued at $25 each class. The fee for enrollment is $12.
There will be two sessions held. One will be at the East Portland Community Center, 740 S.E. 106th Ave. on Wednesday, Dec. 11, from noon to 2 p.m. For more information about this session, please call 503-823-3450.
Another session will be held from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 18 in the Mt. Scott Community Center, 5530 S.E. 72nd Ave. For more information about this session, please call 503-823-3183.
• Filipino Paper Lantern Making: Traditionally made during the winter holidays, parols (paper lanterns) are hung as a symbol of the season’s light. The joy of creating together with your grandchild will be enhanced as you fashion decorative masterpieces that will illuminate your holidays. The creative class is taught by Fernando Saclan, who grew up in the Philippines where he learned to make the beautiful hanging lanterns. This free workshop will be held at the Mt. Scott Community Center, 5530 S.E. 72nd Ave. on Saturday, Dec. 21.
• Ornament Extravaganza: It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas when you make fun tree trimmers with a young friend or grandchild. Assemble personalized and unique decorations. Promote holiday spirit while spending memorable time together. Using the huge assortment of supplies, duplicate sample ornaments or make your own at this workshop on Saturday, Dec. 7 from 10 a.m. to noon at the East Portland Community Center, 740 S.E. 106th Ave.
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