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Have an event you would like to announce or something special you would like the community to know about? We want to hear about it, and publish it in our Memo Pad on a space-available basis. Email it to editor@midcountymemo.com.

Learn about the history of the David Douglas School District

The David Douglas Historical Society has a museum highlighting the history of the David Douglas School District and of the area.  Come see old pictures and memorabilia in the Children’s Services building, 1400 S.E. 135th Ave.  The museum is currently open by appointment only.  For more information or to make an appointment, please call Jo Curry at 503-254-5923.

Snow-CAP supports our community

Snow-CAP, a Community Action Program, benefits many people in our area through volunteers from the community pitching in, providing time and donations.  Snow-CAP runs a food and clothing program for low-income residents of Mid-Multnomah County that has served over 4,000 different families in the last year.  This translates to over 65,000 visits for various services. 

These services include a shopping style food pantry, 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. 

Snow-CAP also has a clothing room where 500 children are outfitted for school each year.  The children each receive one nearly new outfit and a backpack full of school supplies.  To donate, bring clothes and/or school supplies to 17788 S.E. Pine St., Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

Help your community by supporting Snow-CAP.  Call 503-674-8785 to volunteer, donate, or for more information.

Seniors - help a child and earn extra cash

The Foster Grandparent program is looking for seniors sixty years and up and 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 will the foster grandparents get to help a child, but they will also receive two hundred dollars a month tax-free, along with 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.

Elders in Action offers help for seniors

Elders in Action has specially trained volunteer Ombudsman available to assist seniors and people with disabilities who may be experiencing problems in the areas of healthcare, housing and elder crime and abuse.

These Ombudsman can provide problem solving assistance, advocate for a client’s rights, safety, dignity and well being, provide information and link clients with community services, provide emotional and peer support, and provide physical support in making phone calls, filling out paper work, or accompanying clients to appointments. 

Elders in Action volunteers are also available to speak to senior and community groups about Medicare Fraud and Abuse and to alert them to scams and fraudulent practices that may be aimed at seniors. 

For more information on Ombudsman Services, or to arrange for a speaking engagement call the Elders in Action Ombudsman Services Line at 503-823-5293.

Introduce a local resident to a larger world

Help an adult in your area discover the world of communication.  The Mt. Hood Literacy Coalition, with the support of Mt. Hood Community College (MHCC) and multiple local agencies, is recruiting volunteers who can help adults in Mid-Multnomah County improve their reading, writing and/or English-speaking skills.  The coalition is seeking volunteers who can commit two to four hours per week to meet with adults in settings such as one-on-one tutoring, working with small groups and assisting an instructor in a class.

Currently, the largest need is for volunteers to assist with life skills and basic literacy for non-readers. In addition, volunteers are needed who will tutor small English as a Second Language groups.  Tutoring locations include the Mt. Hood Maywood Park Campus. 

For more information or to volunteer, call Christina Bright at the Mt. Hood Literacy Coalition at 503-667-1640 or the Oregon Literacy Hotline at 1-800-322-8715.  

Seniors: save money and keep yourself safe

The American Association of Retired People regularly offers a “55 Alive” defensive driving course.  This is a refresher course in driving skills and general information available to those 55 and older.  Not only does this class help you avoid tickets and accidents, but it can also save you on your car insurance.  The class only costs ten dollars. 

For more information or upcoming class dates, please call Instructor Artie Johnson at 503-282-8044.

Volunteer to feed the heart

Monday through Friday, volunteer Meals-on-Wheels drivers deliver hot noon meals to homebound seniors and those with disabilities.  For about a third of those receiving the hot meal, the volunteer driver is the only visitor that they will see all day.  The meals feed their stomachs, but having someone come to visit can feed the soul.  Drivers are needed Monday through Friday to provide this important service.  The time commitment can be adjusted to meet the schedule of the volunteer.  Volunteer every day, once a week, even once a month.  The deliveries last about an hour, and lists are maintained for on-call drivers.  Call Cherry Blossom Loaves & Fishes at 503-256-2381 to find out about joining the other volunteers providing this important service to homebound seniors.

Early Childhood Program moves to Parkrose

The Multnomah Education Service District has relocated its growing Early Childhood Special Education and Early Intervention Program (ECSE) to a former Parkrose elementary school located at 14030 N.E. Sacramento St.  This new school offers many advantages over the old facility in Gresham, including large classrooms, a gymnasium and outdoor play areas, which will enhance the program, according to Principal Nancy Anderson.

The ECSE program provides evaluation and screening for possible early intervention and early childhood special education. The program also provides home instruction, parent education and consultation for children from birth to three years of age. 

The services available for students ages three to five years include center-based instruction, a variety of classroom placement options, consultative and direct services to Head Start and community pre-school settings, and parent education.  Five of these community classes, formerly held in other locations, will be relocated to the new school.

For more information, please contact Mark Skolnick at 503-257-1516, or email mark_skolnick@mesd.k12.or.us. 

Near friends for the nearsighted

Join a companionable group of neighbors who know what you are going through.  There is a low-vision support group forming right now in the Parkrose area.

This group is lead by Deborah Rowe, a grandmother who has been steadily losing her sight since she was 16.  The group meets the second Wednesday of each month to discuss ways to cope with sight loss, and to share stories.  Learn ways to keep yourself self-sufficient, so there is no need to ask the help of strangers.  Or if you have someone in your life that has vision problems and you would like to learn how to help them, come to the next meeting.  On Wednesday, Oct. 10, come to the Parkrose High School Library, 12003 N.E. Shaver, 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 503-255-3533. 

Vision Northwest, an 18 year old Tigard based non-profit organization, is sponsoring groups throughout the Portland Metro area, including the Parkrose High group.  Along with sponsoring support groups, Vision Northwest provides information and referral, at no cost, to individuals with permanent vision loss.  For more information, please call 503-684-8389.

Budget committee positions open to community volunteers

The Parkrose School District is looking to fill two volunteer positions on its budget committee, which became vacant June 30. Committee members serve a three-year term.

Interested candidates may pick up applications at the district office, 10636 N.E. Prescott St., or at any school office. To be eligible, you must be a registered voter living in the Parkrose School District and not be an employee of the school district. Applications are due at the district office by Thursday, November 1. The school board is expected to make a decision at the November 13 board meeting.

The work of the committee involves reviewing the Superintendent’s proposed budget and ensuring it meets the needs of the district, according to Mary Larson, Director of Business and Operations for the district.  For more information, call the Parkrose School District at 503-408-2100.

Make those repairs today

The Portland Development Commission sponsors a very important program: the Neighborhood Housing Program, (NHP) formed to serve the home repair needs of the community, with the goal of improving the overall livability of Portland.  Offering affordable options to make needed repairs, NHP helps homeowners to stay in their homes.

NHP provides this service through a variety of low- and no-interest loan programs to assist homeowners in repairing their property.  These loans are available to low- and moderate-income households in Portland.

In addition to their loans, NHP is now able to offer a mortgage product, the FannieMae HomeStyle purchase/rehab loan. The HomeStyle loan allows buyers to purchase homes in need of rehabilitation based on the “as-completed” value of the property and include the cost of repairs in the loan amount.  This allows those “fixer-uppers” on the market to actually get purchased and improved.  Homeowners can also use this loan to refinance an existing property that needs repairs, or even to remodel.

NHP also offers the FannieMae second mortgage loan product for improvements and repairs for homeowners not interested in a refinancing option. This Remodeler product has the ability to lend funds even when no equity currently exists.

The Green Home loan is another available program through NHP. In partnership with ShoreBank Pacific, the nation’s first environmental bank, the “green” loan product is designed specifically to finance home repairs that are energy efficient and use materials that are environmentally friendly.

One Mid-County resident, Shanon Georgeades, was able to make many needed repairs to her home with a 0% interest, deferred payment loan.  “My house is much safer now,” says Georgeades.  She was able to replace a ceiling that was falling down in chunks, get drywall, flooring, and handrails.  “It is much more livable now,” says Georgeades about her new and improved house.  NHP even provided her with a list of contractors to help her get started on her improvements.

If you have a home repair need, want to purchase and do repairs, refinance an existing mortgage and do repairs, or for additional information, contact the Neighborhood Housing Program at the Portland Development Commission, 503 823-3400, or e-mail us at: www.NHP@portlanddev.com.

Elks Teen of the Month

The Mid-county Memo congratulates April Lewis as the Gateway Elks Teen of the Month.  Lewis started her senior year at David Douglas High School this fall.  She is taking advanced level and college preparatory classes in English, math, social studies, and science.  Even with so many high-level classes, Lewis has still managed to keep her GPA at 3.5.

Although she is only 17 years old, Lewis has already chosen a career in veterinary medicine.  Making this decision so early has given her a great head start.  Lewis has been volunteering at the Dove Lewis Emergency Animal Hospital for the past year.  At the hospital, Lewis helps inform the clients and helps with various pet therapies.

Lewis also spent a week of her spring break as an intern to Dr. Beethelsen, which allowed her the opportunity to learn about specialized care, including a surgical procedure.

In addition, Lewis spent her summer break working at the Gateway Veterinary Hospital, performing a wide range of duties, ranging from kennel worker to hospital assistant.  Lewis has gained valuable experience, and has also earned over 40 college credits before her high school graduation.

In addition to her other pursuits, April Lewis is a team leader for her church youth group.  She helps set up meetings for church functions and arranges gatherings for the younger members.  The Memo wishes the best to this talented, determined teen.

East Portland Community Center offers fun for all ages

Don’t let your family miss out on all the fun events held at the East Portland Community Center.

The center offers many programs throughout the year, a few of which are listed below.  All classes take place at the East Portland Community Center, 740 S.E. 106th Ave.  For more information about any of these classes or other East Portland Community Center activities, please call 503-823-3450.

•Art for All & All for Art! This class provides an opportunity for families to create fabulous works of art together, taught by international artist and instructor, Illa Guttman.  This is a series of workshops specifically designed for all ages.  Children under age 10 must be accompanied by an adult.  Adults pay half price.  All supplies are provided.  Session 1 will be Contemporary Kite Building.  Session 2 will be African Masks.  Session 3 will be Let’s Draw Horses!  Session 4 will be Egg Tempura.  The classes will be Saturday, Oct. 6 and 13, and November 3 and 10, from 10:30 a.m. to noon.  Cost is $10 per child and $5 per adult.

•Early Childhood Parenting: Gain valuable parenting skills in a class designed especially for parents whose children are newborn through age 5. 

Meet other parents in an atmosphere of mutual support and learn to understand your child’s behavior, build their self-esteem, and develop healthy family relationships.  Each participant receives a free copy of Parenting Young Children.  The classes will be held Saturday, Oct. 20, Nov. 3 and 17, from 10 a.m. to noon.  Cost is $10 per person or $15 per couple.

•Family Night: A low-cost solution to a night out with the entire family! Enjoy a variety of indoor park toys for younger children, trampoline, basketball, crafts, snacks, and a different multi-cultural music or dance performance each week.  Family Night will be Fridays, from Oct. 12 through Dec. 7, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.  Cost is $2 per family.

Hispanic Heritage month

The Multnomah County Libraries will be celebrating Hispanic Heritage month this October with a variety of free programs.

The Midland Library, 805 S.E. 122nd Ave., will be hosting a combination workshop and show called “Lizards in the Sun” on Saturday, Oct. 6 at 3 p.m.  Make your own drum, puppet, costume, or mask in the workshop session, and then use your creation in a bilingual storytelling performance.  Midland Library also hosts bilingual storytimes, on Saturdays from Saturday, September 15 through Saturday, November 17.  For more information about either of these programs, call the Midland Library at 503-988-5392.

Gregory Heights offers opportunity

A variety of classes are offered this month at the Gregory Heights Library, 7921 N.E. Sandy Blvd.  Gregory Heights Library hours are Sunday, 1 to 5 p.m., closed Monday, open Tuesday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., and open Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.  Free programs and special events for October are listed below.  For more information or to pre-register for any event call 503-988-5386.

•Cyber Sundays: One-on-one computer help is available at Gregory Heights on Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m.  Free help for the whole family! No registration is required. Friendly, trained “TechnoHost” volunteers help you search the Web, play educational CD-ROM games, look up books and more with the library’s online catalog, use the library’s online databases and guides, and practice basic computer skills, like “point-and-click.”

 •Book Discussion Group: Engage in stimulating conversations about books and get to know your neighbors.  Come and exchange perspectives about characters, plot and more! For Tuesday, Oct. 16 at 7 p.m. read John Irving’s “A Prayer for Owen Meany,” a story about a New Hampshire child who believes he is God’s instrument after accidentally killing his best friend’s mother with a baseball.

•Tiny Tots: Storytimes for children 12-24 months with an adult will be held on Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. from Thursday, September 13 through Thursday, November 15.

•Family Storytime: Storytimes for children 6 years and younger with adult will be held Fridays at 11 a.m., from Friday, September 14, through Friday, November 16.

•Homework Helpers: Homework Helpers are trained volunteers who give students one-on-one help finding the books and information they need to complete homework assignments in the library.  Sessions at Gregory Heights will be held on Saturdays from noon to 4 p.m. and Wednesdays from 4 to 7 p.m. Available whenever school is in session.

•Beginning E-mail: Learn how to use e-mail. Sign up with a free Internet service provider like Yahoo or Hotbot, and you can send letters without stamps or a trip to the post office. Participants should be comfortable using a keyboard and mouse.  Class will be held on Saturday, Oct. 6, at 9 a.m.  Pre-registration is required.

•Gregory Heights Computer Lab: Library staff help beginners practice computer basics in the computer lab at Gregory Heights on Saturdays from 9 to 10 a.m.  Pre-registration is required.  No lab on the first Saturday of each month.

•Mehndi Folk Art: Indian folk artist Harsha Parikh explains this art of body decoration and how it is used. She will demonstrate how to mix and apply powdered henna in traditional designs. Designs remain on the skin for approximately one week.  Decorate yourself on Saturday, Oct. 13, at 11 a.m.

•Decorative Decoupage Boxes: Artist Shanon Schollian will show you how to decorate small boxes for keepsakes or gift giving. Make your box on Saturday, Oct. 27, at 11 a.m.

•Thomas and His Musical Tales: Storyteller Thomas Schroyer presents a rich, interactive show featuring original stories, puppets and music on Tuesday, Oct. 2 at 7 p.m.

•Arthur’s Pet Business Math Box: Have fun helping Arthur solve problems! Figure out how to put a hungry caterpillar’s life in order, shop for play groceries and sort colorful dinosaurs. This interactive program is for children 3-7 years with adult on Friday, Oct. 5 at 11 a.m.

•Who’s in Rabbit’s House? Emily Alexander of Tears of Joy Theatre uses a variety of puppets and her own style of enchanting storytelling in this show based on a Bantu folktale from East Africa. Sungura the Hare finds someone in his house and calls on his animal friends to help him drive the intruder out. No one can help until Chura, “son of the great leaper,” arrives.  See the show on Saturday, Oct. 13 at 2:30 p.m.

•The Doorbell Rang Math Box: Your mom gives you a dozen cookies to split with your sister, and the doorbell rings. First, there are two friends, then two more and then six more! Join in for stories and games featuring ladybugs, frogs, fish and blueberry pancakes! This interactive program is for children 3-7 years with adult.  The class takes place on Friday, Oct. 19 at 11 a.m.

Get involved on our city

The Multnomah County Citizen Involvement Committee (CIC) is now accepting new members.  This citizen run committee, created by voters in 1984, benefits the committee by working for cost efficient government, to improve county operations, and to reconnect citizens and politics for maximum effectiveness.  The CIC works to keep citizens involved and informed, giving them a voice on policy matters. 

Any Multnomah County resident may apply for membership.  Members can also be nominated by neighborhood associations, district coalitions, community groups, or non-profits boards and commissions..

CIC members contribute three volunteer hours per month and represent their areas on county issues.  Members must live in Multnomah County, and cannot be employed by the county.  If you are interested, or for more information, call the CIC at 503-988-3450, or write to the Citizen Involvement Committee, 2115 S.E. Morrison #206, Portland, OR, 97214, or email carol.l.ward@co.multnomah.or.us.

Buy a flower for Parkrose High

Parkrose High School Senior All-Nite Party will be selling gorgeous Holiday Poinsettias from Friday, Sept. 21 through Wednesday, Oct. 24.  Your living decorations are available in several sizes, and will be ready for pick up on Saturday, December 1.  Prices vary according to sizes.  Poinsettias are available from, Ronda Reese at 503-255-9631, Larry Linter at 503-252-8919, your friendly Parkrose Senior, or you can pick up an order form at the Parkrose High Community Center Bulletin board inside the southeast door of Parkrose High, 12003 N.E. Shaver St.  Proceeds benefit the oldest drug- and alcohol-free graduation celebration in Oregon.  Help teens celebrate their graduation enjoyably and safely.

Women’s opportunity awards available

Soroptimist International Portland East will be awarding several $1,500 Women’s Opportunity Awards in February 2002.  To qualify you must be a female head of household, attending an undergraduate degree program or vocational/skills training program, and have financial need.

Women’s Opportunity Awards are cash awards that assist women in obtaining the skills and education they need to improve their employment status.  Recipients may use the awards for any expenses related to their educational pursuits.  The deadline for receipt of applications is December 15, 2001.

 For more information, email soroptimistpdxe@hotmail.com, call Lisa Ortquist at (503) 261-9608, or write to P.O. Box 30657, Portland, OR  97294-3657.

Home sold to help Oregonians see better

Recently, long time residents John & Elsie Anderson donated their personal residence on Fargo Ct. to the Oregon Sight & Hearing Foundation.  The home has been for sale with proceeds going to the Foundation.  Kyle Ziegler, a Parkrose Lion herself and Real Estate Broker listed the house in June and represented both the Foundation and purchasers of the property to bring the sale together.

Heather and Ben Bailey who sold their home with CastleGate Realty, Inc. in a miraculous six days in order to purchase this special home.  The Lions are most appreciative for the donation to their foundation.  In addition to the proceeding from the sale of the home, Ziegler presented a check on Wednesday, Sept. 2k6 in the amount of $1,700 to the Parkrose Lion’s Club for a donation back to the Oregon Lions Sight & Hearing Foundation.  Congratulations and thank you to Ben and Heather Bailey from all the Lions.

Check out the free events in Parkrose

Parkrose Cooperative Library, located at Parkrose High School, 12003 N.E. Shaver St., offers classes and entertaining activities for those looking for something to do.  Library hours are Monday through Thursday from 3 to 8 p.m., Friday 3 to 6 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and closed on Sunday.  For more information on any of the events or to pre-register, please call 503-988-5383.

•Family Storytime:  Storytimes for children 6 years and younger with an adult will be held on Tuesdays at 7 p.m., from Tuesday, September 11 through Tuesday, November 13.

•Winnie-the-Pooh Play: Celebrate Winnie-the-Pooh’s 75th birthday and join Pooh and his friends on their joyful adventures in the Hundred Acre Wood.  The cast of the Northwest Children’s Theater and School entertains audiences with this classic program.  See the show on Saturday, Oct. 20 at 11 a.m.

•Create a Critter: Create your own critter to take home using assorted papers, fabrics, ribbons and other objects with artist Shanon Schollian at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 6.

MHCC reveals new plan and new emblem

Mt. Hood Community College (MHCC) is taking a broad step into the future with a new plan for the college and a new logo to emphasize this change.  The revamping campaign is the result of months of planning by the president, college staff and members of the board of education. 

The new direction for the college concentrates on providing a knowledge-based education for students and in building strong communities.  “By providing a knowledge-based education for our students, we are better preparing them to deal with a fast-changing economy. We want students to not only be prepared with specific skills, but with the ability to grow in their respective fields,” said Bob Morris, board chairman.

The new vision for the college also includes new initiatives in information, engineering, biomedical and biological technologies.  “Currently Oregon does not produce enough engineers to fill the demand. We want to work harder in filling this need,” Morris said. “We will also increase our efforts in preparing students for the biotechnology area. 

SMART volunteers needed

The non-profit organization, SMART - Start Making A Reader Today - is looking for daytime volunteers to work with children on their reading skills.  You can help a local child by donating just one hour of your time per week.  Read with two different children for a half-hour each, once a week, and make a difference in the lives of children in the Parkrose Community. For more information or to sign up, call Micaela Boyington 503-402-1954.