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MEMO Calendar Items - continued
Make a difference
Do you wish your neighborhood were more exciting? Or perhaps you’re worried about security. Help shape your neighborhood by participating in your neighborhood association. Neighborhood associations provide a place for differences between neighbors to be worked out, and community issues to be solved. They also provide an opportunity to plan for neighborhood events such as fairs or neighborhood yard sales. Get involved in your neighborhood’s association today, and help make your neighborhood a better place to live. Local meetings are listed below. For general East Portland Neighborhood Office information, please call Becky Hughes at 503-823-4550.
• The Argay Neighborhood Association meeting is Tuesday, Sept. 17, 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 Glenfair Neighborhood Association meets on Thursday, Sept. 26 in Glenfair School, 15300 N.E. Glisan St., at 7 p.m. For more information, please call Stephen Jenkevice at 503-661-1308.
• The Hazelwood Neighborhood Association will meet on Monday, Sept. 16 at 6:30 p.m. in the East Precinct Community Room, 737 S.E. 106th Ave. Representatives of Adventist Hospital will attend the meeting to discuss their master plan. For more information, please call Shirley Holmes at 503-253-7193.
• The Parkrose Neighborhood Association will meet on Tuesday, Sept. 17 at 6:30 p.m. in St. Matthews Episcopal Church, 11229 N.E. Prescott St. Board members will be voted on and the upcoming Harvest festival will be discussed. For more information, please call Ron Nelson at 503-254-1164.
• The Parkrose Heights Association of Neighbors will hold a meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 17 at 7 p.m. in Miller Hall at United Methodist Church, 11111th N.E. Knott St. For information, please call Carol Williams, 503-255-9596 or Grace Fitzgerald, 503-254-3767.
• The Russell Neighborhood Association meets next on Thursday, Sept. 19 in Russell Hampton Hall Conference Room, Western States Chiropractic College, 2900 NE 132nd Ave., at 7 p.m.
The meeting will include discussion of a proposal for a new activity area at Luby Park, an update on plans for the Homebase site at the San Rafael Shopping Center on 122nd Ave. and San Rafael St., planning for a special meeting in October with the Russell Elementary School PTV, and updates on the Shepherd’s Door development at 132nd Ave. and Halsey St.
There will also be an update on the proposed meeting about transportation and traffic issues to be held in November, for all residents of the neighborhood associations in our area. The meeting is open to anyone who is interested. For more information, please call Bonny McKnight at 503-253-6848.
• The Wilkes Community Group will hold a general meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 10, at 7 p.m. at the Teamsters Complex, Jo Edgar Hall, 1850 NE 162nd Ave. For more information, please call Ross Monn at 503-261-1010.
Have fun and help Parkrose
The Parkrose Lions Club invites Parkrose community members to visit the next meeting. The Parkrose Lions help to support the community through a variety of fun and worthwhile activities they support. Lions volunteers participated in the recent Rossi Farms Barn dance, cooking up amazing amounts of barbequed chicken for the attendees. Do your part to support local causes in a fun group of like-minded individuals. Lions will even treat first-time guests to a free dinner. After you go once, you’ll keep coming back for the companionship and the good works.
September’s meetings will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 4 and Wednesday, Sept. 18 at the Royal Garden Restaurant, 13816 N.E. Sandy Blvd. The meeting begins at 6 p.m. with dinner at 6:30 p.m. For more information, please call Kyle Ziegler at 503-254-7035.
Brighten up your home
The Indoor Gardening Club can provide you with a new way to decorate your home - with beautiful, fragrant plants and flowers. Liven up your living space by adding some of nature’s beauty. The Indoor Gardening Club can help your indoor garden even if you have been gardening for years. And the club has plenty of experts to help anyone just starting out.
Each meeting includes a special program, often with field trips, guest speakers, and plant exchanges. Every meeting also includes a potluck dinner provided by all those who attend. The next meeting will be held at noon on Sunday, Sept. 22 at 15893 N.E. Holladay St. For more information, please call Charlotte Smith at 503-771-5762.
A unique perspective
Bird’s Eye View is a 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. This club 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 growing steadily larger and now is your chance to join. Younger folks and baby boomers are especially encouraged to join in. This group provides support and companionship, with folks sharing stories from their lives and getting together outside of club meetings. Learn to face your vision loss with a sense of humor and a group of friends.
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. Rowe says “There is life after vision loss, and I am here to show them that.” Family members are also welcome at these meetings.
Other information is also available at these meetings: Rowe knows what helpful vision loss equipment is available, such as telephones with large numbers. The group also invites any and all optometrists, ophthalmologists, or anyone with a background in vision loss or vision impairment to be guest speakers.
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. Wednesday, Sept. 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 503-348-5894.
Help a local family have a home
Our local Mid-county Rotary Clubs help provide housing for local families through Habitat for Humanity. These service clubs also support many other valuable community services, provide numerous Rotary scholarships, and contribute to International Polio Plus - a Rotary project aimed at eradicating polio. Attend one of the local meetings listed below to find out how you can be of service to the community:
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 Restaurant Banquet Room, 1618 N.E. 122nd Ave. at Halsey St. For more information, please call Tom Lobingier at 503-252-4036.
The pranksters keep you hopping
The American Legion, Post #1, would like to invite the community to visit the Legion and enjoy the music of The Pranksters. This band plays a wide variety of music to suit every taste and dance style. The Pranksters will be playing at the American Legion Post, 1830 S.E. 122nd Ave on Wednesday, Sept. 25 from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. There’s no charge for the entertainment, so come and dance your heart out. For more information, please call 503-252-2201.
Keep your hand on Gateway’s pulse
The Opportunity Gateway Program Advisory Committee (PAC) helps to guide projects in the Gateway area, overseeing things such as the use of public funds 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. Come with your idea for Gateway’s improvement.
This month’s PAC meeting will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 18, from 6 to 8 p.m. in rooms 223 and 224 of the Maywood Park campus of Mt. Hood Community College, 10100 N.E. Prescott St.
The Design & Development committee will meet from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 5 at Portland Adventist Medical Center, 10123 S.E. Market St., in Conference Rooms 2 and 3.
The Housing committee will meet from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 9 at Portland Adventist Medical Center, 10123 S.E. Market St., in Education Center B.
For more information, please call Jon Conner at 503-823-3376.
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 benefits from a healthy environment, including plentiful fish, but also hydroelectric power. 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, Sept. 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.
Lower Willamette Agricultural Water Quality Management Area will hold a Local Advisory Committee meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 24 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Multnomah Building 501 S.E. Hawthorne Blvd., Room BCC, Conf 112. For more information, please call Julie Dileone at 503-231-2270 ext. 105.
Women working together
Soroptimist International provides an opportunity for executive and professional women to work together and make a difference in the lives of others. The Soroptimists give back not only to their members, but also to the community. This organization blends talents, strengths, and ideas to form a strong network of professionals to imagine and implement projects. These projects support victims of domestic violence and improve the status of women and children. Typical projects include participating in literacy programs; supporting shelters for battered women; participating in environmental clean-up projects; giving funds for scholarships; and other projects as dictated by community need. Just recently, the Soroptimists of Portland East made a large donation to the Mt. Hood Community College program to help low-income women receive college educations.
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 life lesson
The Russellville Home Family and Community Education Program holds classes on life lessons, everything from how to balance your diet to insurance education. Always wondered how everyone else seems to know how to treat a fever? Well, here is your chance to learn the things they didn’t teach you in school. This month’s topic will be “Connecting to Youth We Care About”.
The meeting will be held on Thursday, Sept. 5, in the East Portland Community Center, 740 S.E. 106th Ave., 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.
Retired Educators invite their peers to join in
The East Multnomah County chapter of the Oregon Retired Educators will be holding their monthly meeting on Thursday, Sept. 26 at 11:30 a.m. in the Refectory Restaurant, 1618 N.E. 122nd Ave. This month’s speaker will be a dog trainer who trains the drug-sniffing police dogs. Despite their name, these dogs do much more than sniff out drugs. They find bombs, criminals in hiding, and even missing people. All retired educators are invited to this informative and interesting meeting. For more information, please call BettyAnne Mosen at 503-760-3958 or President Benton Dailey at 503-254-6062.
Always something to do
The Gateway Elks offer the chance to help out others in the community, such as youth and veterans, as well as an opportunity to improve the Gateway area. Get results you can see reflected in the improvement of the community.
Elk membership also opens new doors. The Lodge hosts a variety of social functions each month. Regular lodge meetings will continue to be held on Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. in the Gateway Elks Lodge, 711 N.E. 100th Ave.
The Elks 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 at the recycle donation area on the north side of the Lodge in the RV parking lot to help support veterans in hospitals. Do your part to ensure a strong community.
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.
Water-cooler talk, even in retirement
Though they are no longer nine-to-five workers, the Rose City Chapter of the National Association of Retired Federal Employees continues to encourage participation in life. Every month, this group holds a monthly luncheon to enjoy companionship and learn about topics of interest. Each month features a different speaker. All retired federal employees and their spouses are invited to these meetings. Learn something new and enjoy the company of your peers.
This month’s meeting will be held on Monday, Sept. 9 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 Lisa Preston, Program Supervisor at Mid-Multnomah County Aging and Disability Services, Department of Human Services. Her presentation will include an overview of the services provided to both disabled adults and senior citizens, with emphasis on services for seniors. These include financial and medical benefits, food stamps and Medicaid, services provided to client’s homes and alternative living arrangements. Preston will also provide information on the Adult Protective Services Program.
For more information call Bill Cornett at 503-232-4743 or Don Paape at 503-557-5156.
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).
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. The meetings will take place from 8:30 to 10 a.m. on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month. On Tuesday, Sept. 10 and Tuesday, Sept. 24, attend the meetings in the Lovejoy room of City Hall, 1221 S.W. 4th Ave.
You can also receive minutes and agendas by contacting Brian Hoop at 503-823-3075, TTY 503-823-6868, or visiting www.myportlandneighborhood.org.
Don’t complain - do something
If you are tired of griping about airport noise and having nothing change, the city of Portland is offering you a chance to make a difference. One way to do that is to go to the next meeting of the Citizen’s Noise Advisory Committee (CNAC) on Thursday, Sept. 12, 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, Sept. 3 at 7 p.m. in City Hall, 1221 S.W. 4th Ave.
School Corner
Sign up for classes
Now is the time to register for all fall term classes at Mt. Hood Community College (MHCC). New and returning students are invited to sign up now for credit and continuing education (non-credit) classes. Classes are offered on all types of topics from business classes to one on how to build a horse-drawn carriage.
The term begins on Monday, Sept. 23. Returning students may register by Touch-Tone Telephone at any time by calling 503-491-6000. Anyone new to the college who is taking six or more credits is invited to come to the Admissions and Records Office (Room 2250) at the MHCC Gresham campus to submit data information in order to register. Current office hours are Monday through Thursday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
For those taking non-credit classes, phone registration is available by contacting MHCC’s Center for Continuing Education at 503-491-7571 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. on weekdays.
People requiring accommodations due to a disability should contact the MHCC Disability Services Office at 503-491-6923 or 503-491-7670 (TDD).
Take part in your child’s school
Get involved in our local public school systems and educate yourself on what is happening 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, Sept. 5 and Thursday, Sept. 19 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, Sept. 9 at 5 p.m. in the District Administration Office, 10636 N.E. Prescott. There will also be a regular meeting on Monday, Sept. 23. Both meetings will be held 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 Parkrose meeting into your schedule? No problem - each meeting will be aired Thursdays and Saturdays at 2 p.m. on cable channel 27.
Senior Resources
Take action
The Elders in Action is a group dedicated to protecting and furthering 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 Thursday, Sept. 26 from noon to 4 p.m. in the Rose Senior Center, 211 N.E. 18th St. For more information about the meeting or Elders in Action, please call 503-823-5269.
Seniors - take advantage of free services
The Senior Services Program Office hosts many free informational clinics and health checks. Senior Services offers a free law clinic every Friday with half-hour consultations. Make your appointment for these free services today!
Medicare advice is available as well, through Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance (SHIBA). Volunteers help both seniors and people with disabilities to understand their rights, make informed choices on how to receive their benefits, and file claims and appeals. Appointments are required.
The Senior Services Program Office is located in the East Portland Community Center at 740 S.E. 106th Ave. For more information or to schedule an appointment with any of these programs, please call 503-988-6073.
Help a child and yourself
The Foster Grandparent Program is looking for seniors sixty years and up on a limited income to help at-risk children in Portland. These children need positive role models to help them with reading, developing social skills, and much more. Not only do the foster grandparents get to help out a child, but they also receive 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.
Make a difference
Do you wish your neighborhood were more exciting? Or perhaps you’re worried about security. Help shape your neighborhood by participating in your neighborhood association. Neighborhood associations provide a place for differences between neighbors to be worked out, and community issues to be solved. They also provide an opportunity to plan for neighborhood events such as fairs or neighborhood yard sales. Get involved in your neighborhood’s association today, and help make your neighborhood a better place to live. Local meetings are listed below. For general East Portland Neighborhood Office information, please call Becky Hughes at 503-823-4550.
• The Argay Neighborhood Association meeting is Tuesday, Sept. 17, 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 Glenfair Neighborhood Association meets on Thursday, Sept. 26 in Glenfair School, 15300 N.E. Glisan St., at 7 p.m. For more information, please call Stephen Jenkevice at 503-661-1308.
• The Hazelwood Neighborhood Association will meet on Monday, Sept. 16 at 6:30 p.m. in the East Precinct Community Room, 737 S.E. 106th Ave. Representatives of Adventist Hospital will attend the meeting to discuss their master plan. For more information, please call Shirley Holmes at 503-253-7193.
• The Parkrose Neighborhood Association will meet on Tuesday, Sept. 17 at 6:30 p.m. in St. Matthews Episcopal Church, 11229 N.E. Prescott St. Board members will be voted on and the upcoming Harvest festival will be discussed. For more information, please call Ron Nelson at 503-254-1164.
• The Parkrose Heights Association of Neighbors will hold a meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 17 at 7 p.m. in Miller Hall at United Methodist Church, 11111th N.E. Knott St. For information, please call Carol Williams, 503-255-9596 or Grace Fitzgerald, 503-254-3767.
• The Russell Neighborhood Association meets next on Thursday, Sept. 19 in Russell Hampton Hall Conference Room, Western States Chiropractic College, 2900 NE 132nd Ave., at 7 p.m.
The meeting will include discussion of a proposal for a new activity area at Luby Park, an update on plans for the Homebase site at the San Rafael Shopping Center on 122nd Ave. and San Rafael St., planning for a special meeting in October with the Russell Elementary School PTV, and updates on the Shepherd’s Door development at 132nd Ave. and Halsey St.
There will also be an update on the proposed meeting about transportation and traffic issues to be held in November, for all residents of the neighborhood associations in our area. The meeting is open to anyone who is interested. For more information, please call Bonny McKnight at 503-253-6848.
• The Wilkes Community Group will hold a general meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 10, at 7 p.m. at the Teamsters Complex, Jo Edgar Hall, 1850 NE 162nd Ave. For more information, please call Ross Monn at 503-261-1010.
Have fun and help Parkrose
The Parkrose Lions Club invites Parkrose community members to visit the next meeting. The Parkrose Lions help to support the community through a variety of fun and worthwhile activities they support. Lions volunteers participated in the recent Rossi Farms Barn dance, cooking up amazing amounts of barbequed chicken for the attendees. Do your part to support local causes in a fun group of like-minded individuals. Lions will even treat first-time guests to a free dinner. After you go once, you’ll keep coming back for the companionship and the good works.
September’s meetings will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 4 and Wednesday, Sept. 18 at the Royal Garden Restaurant, 13816 N.E. Sandy Blvd. The meeting begins at 6 p.m. with dinner at 6:30 p.m. For more information, please call Kyle Ziegler at 503-254-7035.
Brighten up your home
The Indoor Gardening Club can provide you with a new way to decorate your home - with beautiful, fragrant plants and flowers. Liven up your living space by adding some of nature’s beauty. The Indoor Gardening Club can help your indoor garden even if you have been gardening for years. And the club has plenty of experts to help anyone just starting out.
Each meeting includes a special program, often with field trips, guest speakers, and plant exchanges. Every meeting also includes a potluck dinner provided by all those who attend. The next meeting will be held at noon on Sunday, Sept. 22 at 15893 N.E. Holladay St. For more information, please call Charlotte Smith at 503-771-5762.
A unique perspective
Bird’s Eye View is a 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. This club 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 growing steadily larger and now is your chance to join. Younger folks and baby boomers are especially encouraged to join in. This group provides support and companionship, with folks sharing stories from their lives and getting together outside of club meetings. Learn to face your vision loss with a sense of humor and a group of friends.
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. Rowe says “There is life after vision loss, and I am here to show them that.” Family members are also welcome at these meetings.
Other information is also available at these meetings: Rowe knows what helpful vision loss equipment is available, such as telephones with large numbers. The group also invites any and all optometrists, ophthalmologists, or anyone with a background in vision loss or vision impairment to be guest speakers.
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. Wednesday, Sept. 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 503-348-5894.
Help a local family have a home
Our local Mid-county Rotary Clubs help provide housing for local families through Habitat for Humanity. These service clubs also support many other valuable community services, provide numerous Rotary scholarships, and contribute to International Polio Plus - a Rotary project aimed at eradicating polio. Attend one of the local meetings listed below to find out how you can be of service to the community:
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 Restaurant Banquet Room, 1618 N.E. 122nd Ave. at Halsey St. For more information, please call Tom Lobingier at 503-252-4036.
The pranksters keep you hopping
The American Legion, Post #1, would like to invite the community to visit the Legion and enjoy the music of The Pranksters. This band plays a wide variety of music to suit every taste and dance style. The Pranksters will be playing at the American Legion Post, 1830 S.E. 122nd Ave on Wednesday, Sept. 25 from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. There’s no charge for the entertainment, so come and dance your heart out. For more information, please call 503-252-2201.
Keep your hand on Gateway’s pulse
The Opportunity Gateway Program Advisory Committee (PAC) helps to guide projects in the Gateway area, overseeing things such as the use of public funds 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. Come with your idea for Gateway’s improvement.
This month’s PAC meeting will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 18, from 6 to 8 p.m. in rooms 223 and 224 of the Maywood Park campus of Mt. Hood Community College, 10100 N.E. Prescott St.
The Design & Development committee will meet from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 5 at Portland Adventist Medical Center, 10123 S.E. Market St., in Conference Rooms 2 and 3.
The Housing committee will meet from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 9 at Portland Adventist Medical Center, 10123 S.E. Market St., in Education Center B.
For more information, please call Jon Conner at 503-823-3376.
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 benefits from a healthy environment, including plentiful fish, but also hydroelectric power. 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, Sept. 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.
Lower Willamette Agricultural Water Quality Management Area will hold a Local Advisory Committee meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 24 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Multnomah Building 501 S.E. Hawthorne Blvd., Room BCC, Conf 112. For more information, please call Julie Dileone at 503-231-2270 ext. 105.
Women working together
Soroptimist International provides an opportunity for executive and professional women to work together and make a difference in the lives of others. The Soroptimists give back not only to their members, but also to the community. This organization blends talents, strengths, and ideas to form a strong network of professionals to imagine and implement projects. These projects support victims of domestic violence and improve the status of women and children. Typical projects include participating in literacy programs; supporting shelters for battered women; participating in environmental clean-up projects; giving funds for scholarships; and other projects as dictated by community need. Just recently, the Soroptimists of Portland East made a large donation to the Mt. Hood Community College program to help low-income women receive college educations.
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 life lesson
The Russellville Home Family and Community Education Program holds classes on life lessons, everything from how to balance your diet to insurance education. Always wondered how everyone else seems to know how to treat a fever? Well, here is your chance to learn the things they didn’t teach you in school. This month’s topic will be “Connecting to Youth We Care About”.
The meeting will be held on Thursday, Sept. 5, in the East Portland Community Center, 740 S.E. 106th Ave., 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.
Retired Educators invite their peers to join in
The East Multnomah County chapter of the Oregon Retired Educators will be holding their monthly meeting on Thursday, Sept. 26 at 11:30 a.m. in the Refectory Restaurant, 1618 N.E. 122nd Ave. This month’s speaker will be a dog trainer who trains the drug-sniffing police dogs. Despite their name, these dogs do much more than sniff out drugs. They find bombs, criminals in hiding, and even missing people. All retired educators are invited to this informative and interesting meeting. For more information, please call BettyAnne Mosen at 503-760-3958 or President Benton Dailey at 503-254-6062.
Always something to do
The Gateway Elks offer the chance to help out others in the community, such as youth and veterans, as well as an opportunity to improve the Gateway area. Get results you can see reflected in the improvement of the community.
Elk membership also opens new doors. The Lodge hosts a variety of social functions each month. Regular lodge meetings will continue to be held on Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. in the Gateway Elks Lodge, 711 N.E. 100th Ave.
The Elks 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 at the recycle donation area on the north side of the Lodge in the RV parking lot to help support veterans in hospitals. Do your part to ensure a strong community.
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.
Water-cooler talk, even in retirement
Though they are no longer nine-to-five workers, the Rose City Chapter of the National Association of Retired Federal Employees continues to encourage participation in life. Every month, this group holds a monthly luncheon to enjoy companionship and learn about topics of interest. Each month features a different speaker. All retired federal employees and their spouses are invited to these meetings. Learn something new and enjoy the company of your peers.
This month’s meeting will be held on Monday, Sept. 9 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 Lisa Preston, Program Supervisor at Mid-Multnomah County Aging and Disability Services, Department of Human Services. Her presentation will include an overview of the services provided to both disabled adults and senior citizens, with emphasis on services for seniors. These include financial and medical benefits, food stamps and Medicaid, services provided to client’s homes and alternative living arrangements. Preston will also provide information on the Adult Protective Services Program.
For more information call Bill Cornett at 503-232-4743 or Don Paape at 503-557-5156.
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).
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. The meetings will take place from 8:30 to 10 a.m. on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month. On Tuesday, Sept. 10 and Tuesday, Sept. 24, attend the meetings in the Lovejoy room of City Hall, 1221 S.W. 4th Ave.
You can also receive minutes and agendas by contacting Brian Hoop at 503-823-3075, TTY 503-823-6868, or visiting www.myportlandneighborhood.org.
Don’t complain - do something
If you are tired of griping about airport noise and having nothing change, the city of Portland is offering you a chance to make a difference. One way to do that is to go to the next meeting of the Citizen’s Noise Advisory Committee (CNAC) on Thursday, Sept. 12, 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, Sept. 3 at 7 p.m. in City Hall, 1221 S.W. 4th Ave.
School Corner
Sign up for classes
Now is the time to register for all fall term classes at Mt. Hood Community College (MHCC). New and returning students are invited to sign up now for credit and continuing education (non-credit) classes. Classes are offered on all types of topics from business classes to one on how to build a horse-drawn carriage.
The term begins on Monday, Sept. 23. Returning students may register by Touch-Tone Telephone at any time by calling 503-491-6000. Anyone new to the college who is taking six or more credits is invited to come to the Admissions and Records Office (Room 2250) at the MHCC Gresham campus to submit data information in order to register. Current office hours are Monday through Thursday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
For those taking non-credit classes, phone registration is available by contacting MHCC’s Center for Continuing Education at 503-491-7571 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. on weekdays.
People requiring accommodations due to a disability should contact the MHCC Disability Services Office at 503-491-6923 or 503-491-7670 (TDD).
Take part in your child’s school
Get involved in our local public school systems and educate yourself on what is happening 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, Sept. 5 and Thursday, Sept. 19 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, Sept. 9 at 5 p.m. in the District Administration Office, 10636 N.E. Prescott. There will also be a regular meeting on Monday, Sept. 23. Both meetings will be held 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 Parkrose meeting into your schedule? No problem - each meeting will be aired Thursdays and Saturdays at 2 p.m. on cable channel 27.
Senior Resources
Take action
The Elders in Action is a group dedicated to protecting and furthering 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 Thursday, Sept. 26 from noon to 4 p.m. in the Rose Senior Center, 211 N.E. 18th St. For more information about the meeting or Elders in Action, please call 503-823-5269.
Seniors - take advantage of free services
The Senior Services Program Office hosts many free informational clinics and health checks. Senior Services offers a free law clinic every Friday with half-hour consultations. Make your appointment for these free services today!
Medicare advice is available as well, through Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance (SHIBA). Volunteers help both seniors and people with disabilities to understand their rights, make informed choices on how to receive their benefits, and file claims and appeals. Appointments are required.
The Senior Services Program Office is located in the East Portland Community Center at 740 S.E. 106th Ave. For more information or to schedule an appointment with any of these programs, please call 503-988-6073.
Help a child and yourself
The Foster Grandparent Program is looking for seniors sixty years and up on a limited income to help at-risk children in Portland. These children need positive role models to help them with reading, developing social skills, and much more. Not only do the foster grandparents get to help out a child, but they also receive 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.
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