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The Grotto to host events
Established in 1924, The Grotto is one of Portland’s most unique and popular visitor attractions, welcoming 200,000 visitors annually. Open daily, this 62-acre Catholic sanctuary and botanical garden is a place of peace for all peoples of the earth. The Grotto is located on Sandy Boulevard at N.E. 85th Avenue.
Freedom Day celebration - One of the largest celebrations in Portland the first weekend in July will be the annual Freedom Day Celebration at The Grotto on Sunday, July 6th. The Most Reverend John G. Vlazny, Archbishop of Portland, will preside at a special Mass at noon outside in The Grotto’s central plaza.
The Freedom Day Celebration began at The Grotto in 1976 as a way for new immigrants in Portland to celebrate their independence. Most of the people who come to give thanks for the liberty they enjoy in the United States are Southeast Asian. However, the ethnic groups who participate in this celebration are Polish, Croatian, Russian, Korean, Filipino, Hispanic, Eretian, Cambodian, Laotian and Vietnamese.
Singers and liturgical dancers, dressed in native costumes, will take part in the ceremony and procession. Mass is celebrated in several languages in honor of the variety of ethnic groups that will be in attendance.
Saint Anne’s Celebration - People of all faiths are invited to refresh the soul and spirit at the annual celebration of the Feast of St. Anne at The Grotto. This year’s celebration of the liturgy and reflection will be held on Saturday evening, July 26, at 7:30 pm, outside on the plaza at The Grotto.
The theme for this year’s reflection is: “Who Do You say That I Am?” This is a question that was asked not only of the first disciple, but is also asked of us today. Father Jack Topper, OSM, Executive Director of The Grotto, will preside at the celebration.
Blessing of the animals - The Grotto will observe its twentieth annual Blessing of the Animals on Sunday, July 20, 2003, at 2:00 p.m. outdoors in the sanctuary’s central plaza. Father Jack Topper, OSM, Executive Director of The Grotto, will preside over the blessing.
The Blessing of the Animals offers individuals with pets an opportunity to reflect upon the positive impact animals have on our emotional and physical well-being. This annual event attracts a wide variety of animals and their human friends. Individuals of all faiths are invited to bring their companion animals, properly restrained, to The Grotto for the Blessing of the Animals.
For further information contact The Grotto at 503-254-7371.
SENIOR RESOURCES
Free workshops for Mid-County seniors
Back pain doesn’t have to ruin your golden years. Western States Chiropractic College is offering free six week workshops to seniors that will help them manage back pain with drug-free techniques in a variety of southeast Portland locations including a class at East Portland Community Center 740 S.E. 106th Ave.
The study, funded by the National Institute of Health, employs self-management techniques developed in the late 1990’s by Stanford University to help people cope with a variety of on-going conditions. Kaiser, which operates a similar program, is reporting the workshops improve patients’ health and sense of well-being while reducing health care costs both for the individual and for the system as a whole.
Back pain affects an estimated 80 percent of the population at some time in their lives and it’s something that usually doesn’t get better with age. “The idea is to develop strategies that will allow us to age,” says Dr. Mitch Haas, Dean of Research at Western States, “without becoming dependent on drugs and pain-killers that often rob us of the joy and pleasure of everyday living.
For more information about the classes call 1-800-678-9072.
Firwood field trips
Under the leadership of new activity director Joyce Phipps, the activity calendar at Firwood Gardens, 819 N.E. 122nd Ave. is filling up. Residents are anticipating many events and outings in addition to daily activities.
The following outings and events are planned for July (all events meet at Firwood):
Thursday, July 3 - Williamette Falls, 3 p.m.
Saturday, July 5 - Blues Festival, 1 p.m.
Thursday, July 10 - Downtown Oregon City, 3 p.m.
Friday, July 11 - Cannon Beach, 9:30 a.m.
Friday, July 18 - Gresham Park w/sack lunch, 9:30 a.m.
Saturday, July 19 - Cathedral Park Jazz Festival, 1 p.m.
Thursday, July 24 - Luau, 12 noon
Friday, July 25 - Rose Gardens w/ lunch, 9:30 am
Thursday, July 31 - Birthday Party with Charles Suniga, 2 p.m.
Space permitting, area seniors are invited to participate. Costs for these events vary, check with Joyce at 503-252-0085 for more information or to sign up.
FUNDRAISERS
Barn Dance approaches
If you’re looking for a foot stompin’ good time, head on down to Rossi Farms on Saturday, July 12. The annual benefit for Parkrose youth activities gets underway at 6 p.m. The fun doesn’t stop until midnight. Dance to the music of the Last Rodeo Band, learn to line-dance, chow down on the barbecued chicken prepared by the Parkrose Lions and spend a summer evening with friends and neighbors.
Especially for the 21 and over crowd, volunteers will receive free admission, meal and a t-shirt. Call 503-253-5571 to sign up for a two-hour shift helping to park cars or serve food.
Kitty refuge
House of Dreams, a no-kill Portland cat shelter located in the Parkrose District, will be holding its annual rummage sale on Saturday July 12, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., at the Grange Hall at Northeast 121st Avenue and Prescott Street. You can buy everything from books, appliances, toys, collectibles, furniture, house wares, videos, clothes, jewelry, knick-knacks, handbags, and much, much more! All proceeds benefit the shelter and its special, loving feline residents.
House of Dreams is a non-profit, all volunteer operation, which began in April of 1999 when five volunteers took over a pre-existing shelter upon the retirement of the owner. Every day, rain, shine, holiday or not, 36 kitty boxes are cleaned, (13,140 a year!), water bowls refilled, cats fed, the floors and surfaces scrubbed, and the kitties are loved and played with. House of Dreams is the only cat shelter in the Portland area where the cats are allowed to live out their natural lives in a free roam environment.
For information, call 503-262-0763 or visit their website at www.kittydreams.org .
Take the plunge: Multnomah Madness to benefit safety program
In an effort to benefit the highly successful Oregon River Safety Program (ORSP,) American Medical Response (AMR) and the Troutdale Booster Club have partnered to create the Multnomah Madness Adventure Challenge - the TOUGHEST aquatic adventure race in Oregon. The race will consist of a 6 K road run, a 6 K canoe/kayak, a secret teamwork challenge, a 10 K trail run and a 10 K Coasteering route. The coasteering course is a combination of swimming and island hopping in the Columbia River. Participants will compete in teams of three with all members completing the entire course together. This is a sanctioned United States Adventure Racing Association (USARA) event. Scheduled for 10:00 a.m., Saturday, July 12, at Lewis & Clark State Park in Troutdale, the race will take teams four to eight hours to complete. The registration fee is $65 per person for USARA members; $73 per person for non-USARA members. The post race awards barbeque will cost $10. Race participation is limited to the first 500 entries. Register now on-line at www.active.com. For more information call 503-736-3421 or e-mail multnomahmadness@amr-ems.com.
The annual cost of the River Safety Program is nearly $80,000 - half is paid by AMR, the Troutdale Booster Club funds the other half.
The Oregon River Safety Program began in August of 1999 in response to multiple drownings and unsafe water conditions in the Sandy River at Glenn Otto Park in Troutdale, Ore. This community service program is a partnership between the Troutdale Booster Club and AMR to provide river rescue technicians at Glenn Otto Park, and since last summer, has expanded to High Rocks Park from Memorial Day to Labor Day. All proceeds from Multnomah Madness will benefit this program.
AMR’s River Rescue Technicians are trained in lifeguard skills, swift-water rescue and are certified emergency medical technicians or paramedics. Besides assisting people who are swept away in the fast current, the river-rescue technicians increase safety awareness, encourage children and adults to wear floatation devices, identify hazardous conditions and warn people of hazardous spots. Since the inception of the program, no lives have been lost.
THE ARTS
Your Mid-County community is brimming with talent. Take the time to enjoy these local offerings.
Patio concerts
The Snow-CAP Outdoor Summer Concert featuring “The Portland Metro Concert Band” will be Sunday, July 20 at 3 p.m. at Eastminster Presbyterian Church, 12505 N.E. Halsey St. Concerts are held on the church Patio. You are invited to bring your own lawn chair - folding chairs are available. There is a suggested donation of $6.00 plus three nonperishable food items. For more information call the church office at 503-252-3888 Wednesday through Friday 9 a.m. to3 p.m. or check the web site: www.eastminsterptld.org. The third and final concert of this year’s series will be on Sunday August 17th at 3 p.m. featuring “The Blue Plate Special” band.
Comedy performance
The Resurrection Players will bring Joe DiPetro’s comedy, “Over the River and Through The Woods” to life next month. The story of Nick, a young marketing executive of Italian descent who goes from New York City to Hoboken, New Jersey every Sunday to have dinner with his four grandparents. This routine is disrupted when Nick receives an offer of a wonderful promotion in Seattle, Washington. This proposal greatly disturbs the grandparents who feel he will betray the family if he accepts. As Nick tells his story of dreams, hopes, ambitions and obligations we see the stories of the grandparents’ lives, which make up the fabric of Nick’s background. Through all the humor and ploys, Nick finally confronts the question of how much one owes to the people who were important in shaping one’s life.
Attend performances Friday through Sunday, August 1-3 and August 8-10 and Sunday, September 28 at Resurrection Lutheran Church, 1700 N.E. 132nd Ave, one block north of Halsey St. The curtain rises at 7:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, 3 p.m. on Sundays.
Tickets are on sale now. $7 for adults, $6 for seniors. Call 503-253-8393 or 503-256-0978 for reservations or purchase at the door. A portion of the ticket sales, after expenses will be donated to SnowCap Community Charities and to Shepherd’s Door.
LIBRARIES
Is summer boredom setting in? Imaginations will soar and the whole family can experience new and wonderful adventures through books and special presentations at our local libraries. Make a note now of the events you would like to attend so as not to miss out.
Gregory Heights Library, 7921 N.E. Sandy Blvd., 503-988-5386, www.multcolib.org/agcy/grh.html
Pajama Time: Put on your pajamas, grab a bedtime buddy and join them for stories, songs and fun. Tuesdays, July 1-22, 7-7:30 p.m.
Tales of Japan: Tears of Joy Theatre presents two stories. In ‘Gift’ Myoga and his comical goat meet a magical princess and learn that even a great and wonderful gift can have drawbacks. In the second story, the classic ‘Momotaro’ is told using an array of rod puppets and audience participation. Thursday, July 3, 2:30-3:30 p.m.
Tiny Tots: Storytime for children 12-24 months with adult. Thursdays, July 3-24, 10:15-10:45 a.m.
Mandalas, Patterns and Colors: Explore pattern making, radiating lines and color theory with artist Mark Brody as he shows you how to make a multicolored, patterned creation with colored pencils. Recommended for children 5 years and older. Thursday, July 10, 2:30-4:30 p.m.
Preschool Storytime: Storytime for children 3-6 years with adult. Fridays, July 11-25, 11-11:30 a.m.
Introduction to Comics: Explore what makes a comic with artist/creator Nik Arnold. Learn how to create your own character and bring its story to life with speech bubbles and other techniques. Recommended for children 8 years and older. Saturday, July 12, 2:30-4:30 p.m.
Young Readers’ Club: Calling all readers ages 10 and up. Join the librarians for discussion, fun and friends. For this month’s title, call 503-988-5386 or check the Talk It Up! Web site, www.multcolib.org/talk. Thursday, July 17, 7-8 p.m.
Harry Potter Party: Escape the world of the Muggles and enjoy some Harry Potter fun. Experience many mysterious surprises. Come dressed as your favorite Harry Potter character. Friday, July 18, 7-9 p.m. Pre-registration required; call 503-988-5386.
Web Basics: Learn about the World Wide Web, explore the library’s home page, and practice entering Web addresses. Participants need to be comfortable using a keyboard and a mouse. Saturday, July 5, 9-10 a.m. Pre-registration required; register online, in the library or by calling 503-988-5234.
Book Discussion Group: Engage in stimulating conversation about books and get to know your neighbors. Come and exchange perspectives about characters, plot and more. Read “Invisible Man” by Ralph Ellison. Tuesday, July 15, 7-8 p.m.
Midland Library, 805 S.E. 122nd Ave., 503-988-5392, www.multcolib.org/agcy/grh.html
Book Babies: Storytime for children newborn-12 months with adult. Tuesdays, 10:15-11 a.m.
Tiny Tots: Storytime for children 12-24 months with adult. Wednesdays, 10:15-10:45 a.m.
Toddler Storytime: Storytime for children 24-36 months with adult. Thursdays, 10:15-11 a.m.
Happy Birthday America: Join your friends and neighbors for patriotic fun and games. Make sparklers and celebrate Independence Day. Thursday, July 3, 2-3 p.m.
The Camel With a Runny Nose: Seattle storyteller and folk singer Courtney Campbell entertains all ages with a musical program packed full of hilarious, creative and interactive songs and stories! Thursday, July 10, 4-5 p.m.
Preschool Storytime: Storytime for children 3-6 years with adult. Fridays, July 11-25, 10:15-11 a.m.
Captain Bogg & Salty’s Pirate Band: Weigh anchor with Captain Bogg & Salty as they perform pirate jigs, galloping rock and mermaid lullabies. Discover the tradition of pirate music as the band sings tales and tunes for buccaneers of all ages accompanied by guitar, drums, toy piano, melodica and xylophone. Thursday, July 17, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Dan Crow: Get ready to dance, clap and sing along with Disney singer/songwriter Dan Crow. Children and families will enjoy Crow’s funny faces, sounds and delivery as he performs songs like “Oops!” and “American Gum.” Monday, July 28, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Read to the Dogs: Improve your reading skills and make a new friend by reading aloud to therapy dogs. The dogs and handlers are from the Dove Lewis Animal Assisted Therapy and Education Program. Saturdays, July 5 & 19, 3-4:30 p.m. and Thursdays, July 10 & 24, 6-7:30 p.m. Pre-registration required; call 503-988-5392.
Introduction to Comics: Explore what makes a comic with artist/creator Nik Arnold. Learn how to create your own character and bring its story to life with speech bubbles and other techniques. Recommended for children 8 years and older. Thursday, July 24, 2-4 p.m.
An Elegant Ella Enchanted Party: Come to a party in celebration of the Newbery Honor book “Ella Enchanted” by Gail Carson Levine, and you could win a pair of tickets to the movie version opening in August! Come dressed as Cinderella, either before or after her visit with the fairy godmother, play games, make crafts, and perform a short play - all in honor of “Ella Enchanted!” For ages 9 and older. Thursday, July 31, 2-3 p.m.
Web for Computer Novices: This class is designed for the complete beginner. Learn basic computer terms and keyboard and mouse skills. Tuesday, July 1 and July 29, 2-3:30 p.m. Pre-registration required; register online, in the library or by calling 503-988-5234.
E-mail 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. Tuesday, July 1 and Tuesday, July 29, 7-8:30 p.m. Pre-registration required; register online, in the library or by calling 503-988-5234.
Web Searching I: Prerequisite: Web Basics. How do you find good information on the Web? We’ll get you started with a few simple tools, and then help you understand why some Web sites might be better choices than others for reliable information. Tuesday, July 8, 7-8:30 p.m. Pre-registration required; register online, in the library or by calling 503-988-5234.
Book Discussion Group: Engage in stimulating conversation about books and get to know your neighbors. Come and exchange perspectives about characters, plot and more! Attend this joint planning party with the evening book discussion group and help choose titles for the upcoming year. Wednesday, July 9, 7-8:30 p.m.
Web Basics: Learn about the World Wide Web, explore the library’s home page, and practice entering Web addresses. Participants need to be comfortable using a keyboard and a mouse. Friday, July 11, 2-3:30 p.m. and Thursday, July 31, 10:30 a.m.-noon. Pre-registration required; register online, in the library or by calling 503-988-5234.
Nivel 1: Esta clase es para el principiante. Aprenda lo básico sobre las computadoras y el Internet. Practique usando el ratón y el teclado. Aprenda varias maneras de navegar en Internet. Infórmese sobre los beneficios y riesgos de este medio. Para inscribirse en español, llame al 503.988.4332. Saturday, July 12, 3-5 p.m. and Tuesday, July 22, 6-8 p.m. Pre-registration required; register online, in the library or by calling 503-988-5234.
Nivel 2: Aprenda más sobre el poder de Internet. En está sesión de trabajo según el interés de los estudiantes, puede elegir sacar una cuenta de correo electrónico, buscar información en Internet, reservar materiales de la biblioteca u aprender a usar otras herramientas electrónicas. Para inscribirse en español, llame al 503.988.4332. Thursday, July 17, 6-8 p.m. and Saturday, July 26, 3-5 p.m. Pre-registration required; register online, in the library or by calling 503-988-5234.
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