As people age, falls are not uncommon.

Verna Porter, a registered nurse and senior advocate, will lead a conversation on how to live as independently as possible after a fall on Friday, Feb. 10 from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church, 11229 N.E. Prescott St.

Senior advocate and Registered Nurse Verna Porter gives a free seminar today on dealing with after effects of a fall.

This free discussion is open to both seniors and family members.

Refreshments will be served. To learn more contact Deacon Marla McGarry-Lawrence at 503-252-54720 or marlaml@stmatthewepiscopal.org.

At a Portland City Council Candidate forum — the first in a series sponsored by the Gateway Area Business Association — City Commissioner Amanda Fritz, vying for reelection, proudly told the audience how she intervened on behalf of Portland General Electric executive and David Douglas School Board chair Annette Mattson to get a small portion of a sidewalk built in outer east Portland specifically at Mattson’s request.

At a Portland City Council candidates forum, City Commissioner Amanda Fritz tells the audience how she personally intervened to get a sidewalk built for friend Annette Mattson in outer east Portland. East Portland businessman Bruce Altizer, one of Fritz's opponents in the race, looks on.

Posted online, here’s a recap of the February 2012 edition of the Mid-county Memo ….

Tom West, girls varsity basketball coach at Portland Christian for 30 years, was named Oregon’s 2010-2011 National Federation of State High School Associations Coach of the Year.

Former Portland Christian girls varsity coach Tom West, center, holding plaque, was named 2011 National Federation of State High School Associations Coach of the Year. West quit coaching after 30 years at the school. He won three state titles, including a 29-0, undefeated record in 2007.

СВЕТИ ГЕОРГИThe Parkrose Neighborhood Prosperity Initiative wrapped up its three organizational meetings last month with creation of a seven-person steering committee for the next step: a formal commitment to the Portland Development Commission and city, then formation of an “urban renewal light” district bringing physical, permanent improvements along Sandy Boulevard, from Northeast 99th to 120th avenues.

Colleen Gifford, from left, David Ableidinger and Luke Shepard at a Parkrose Neighborhood Prosperity Initiative organizational meeting held last month. Gifford, hired by the Parkrose Business Association through a grant from the City to recruit steering committee members for the Parkrose NPI, one of six areas in Portland designated by the City and Portland Development Commission.

Glisan Commons, a collaborative development by three non-profits planned for Northeast Glisan Street at 99th Avenue, had a Design Advisory — an informal discussion prior to a formal application — with the Portland Design Commission last month. The Commission called for some changes, but generally gave both the project and its design high marks.

The Glisan Commons is a new building slated to occupy the corner of Northeast Glisan at 99th Avenue.

The project is a joint venture by Human Solutions, which provides affordable housing and social services primarily in east Portland; Ride Connection, a transit services provider for the elderly and disabled throughout the city; and REACH Community Development, the city’s largest non-profit, low-income housing provider.

Editor’s note: The 2012 elections are a watershed moment in city politics. For the first time in decades, with the mayor declining to run for re-election, Randy Leonard retiring from his council seat and incumbent commissioner Amanda Fritz facing a serious challenge, there will be at least two, if not three new faces at City council. Veteran beat reporter Lee Perlman interviewed the major mayoral and city council candidates. Beginning with this issue and in upcoming editions, we publish the interviews; first up, former city Council member Charlie Hales.  

Gateway Elks Lodge selects a teenager from our community each month during the school year to receive Teenager of the Month honors. The winner of this award is chosen from applications from local high school teenagers who strive to make a difference in their school and community. At the end of the school year Gateway Elks Lodge will recognize one of the monthly winners as Teenager of the Year.

Vanessa Harris, Gateway Elks Teenager of the Month. COURTESY SONNY SAECHAO

Football
Despite a conference record of 1-4, the David Douglas Scots took advantage of play-in game defeating North Medford 20-6 to advance to the 6-A state tournament. They beat West Linn 17-14, but were ousted by Oregon City 28-18 the following week.

David Douglas was upended Round 2 of the 2011 OSAA 6A Football State Championships. Oregonian photo/Jessika Brandt

Parkrose finished the season 3-5 to qualify for a state tournament play-in game against PIL champs, Jefferson. The Democrats prevailed 36-19, bringing the Bronco season to an end on a cold, wet and rainy night. Zach Abney, Quame Adams, Jonathan Boland, Marquis Hammick, Jerry Hunter, Thomas Lott and Henry Vy earned Northwest Oregon Conference honorable mention honors.

Speaking from the stage in the auditorium of the East Portland Community Center last month, Commissioner Amanda Fritz told those gathered for the 2011 Spirit of Portland Awards, “It’s a coincidence that so many of our award winners are from this part of town, and yet it isn’t.” Locals were represented among the winners, including the winners of the Neighborhood of the Year and Business District of the Year awards.

Lents Association chair Nick Christensen wrote the nomination and mentioned the activities of his board members. At the ceremony, he thanked Richard Bixby, East Portland Neighborhood Office executive director, for being “always ready with a quick and easy solution,” and acknowledged the good work of “all Lentils.” (sic)

In the 18th century, author, poet and philosopher David Everett wrote “… Large streams from little mountains flow, Tall oaks from little acorns grow.” The tall oak that is the annual Festival of Lights at The Grotto began as a small, 10-day, acorn of an event that has grown into the largest Christmas choral festival in the world. The tree continues to emerge from the acorn planted 24 years ago. Its message carries further and becomes more beautiful with each passing year.