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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.

Local charities need your help now

Local charities ask us to remember that charity begins at home.  Salvation Army, St. Vincent de Paul, Sunshine Division, N.E. Emergency Food Program, William Temple House, Clackamas Service Center, FISH Emergency Service, and Snow-CAP Community Charities have joined together to ask that people volunteer to help their neighbors in need right here at home.  Each month these programs feed 4,312 families.  They provide help to local people who are facing hard times. 

Even before the attack on New York the economy had slowed substantially.   Today there are large layoffs reported in every paper.  Even those who avoid layoff face rising energy costs.  These local food programs have joined to form the Network of Emergency Service Teams (NEST).  Working together they can be more effective with their limited resources.  The NEST agencies welcome the food drives that bring groceries to their doors, but they need volunteers to sort and shelve those cans too.

Volunteers of all types are needed.  Clerical people, interviewers, food depot workers, drivers, and phone receptionists.  Many people volunteer because they care deeply about their neighbors.  Some want to learn new skills, meet new people or give something back to a community that has been good to them.  Others just want to share the camaraderie of working together to meet the needs of families in crisis.   Volunteers should plan to make a three-month commitment - three months that can change your life. 

Volunteerism is a uniquely American approach to solving community problems.  These agencies are proud to be a part of this tradition.  They are urging people who have assumed that someone else will carry on to think again.  Now is the time for all good people to come to the aid of their neighbors in need.  Contact numbers for each agency are listed below:

¥Salvation Army, 503-872-8392

¥St. Vincent de Paul, 503-235-5118

¥William Temple House, 503-226-3021

¥Sunshine Division, 503-823-2119

¥Clackamas Service Center, 503- 771-2824

¥FISH Emergency Service, 503-233-5533

¥Snow-CAP Community Charities, 503-674-8785

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 the Mid-County area, which 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. 

There are many ways to get involved, but you must sign up in advance.  Some volunteer opportunities are listed below:

¥Holiday Giving Trees: Decorate the Christmas tree in your business with the wishes of needy children.  Call Kirsten at 503-674-8785 ext. 13.

¥Adopt a Family: Make a Christmas miracle for a needy family by providing a Christmas dinner and gifts.  Call Patricia at 503-674-8785 ext. 19.

¥Packing Christmas Boxes: Come spend some time in the Snow-CAP warehouse spreading Christmas cheer by assembling holiday food boxes.  Call Linda at 503-674-8785 ext. 16.

¥Christmas Box Distribution: Help give out Christmas food boxes on Saturday, Dec. 22.  Call Lorie Wirth at 503-674-8785 ext. 17.

Assist your community by supporting Snow-CAP.  Call 503-674-8785 to volunteer, donate, or for more information about what you can do to help.

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 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.

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 out 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.

All sorts of services for seniors

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 today!  

Medicare advice is available as well, through SHIBA - Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance.  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 either of these programs, please call 503-988-6073.

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.  

Learn about the history of David Douglas

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.

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

Involved teens: win $500

Soroptimist International of Portland East will be awarding four Violet Richardson Awards in February 2002.  To qualify, a participant must be a high school girl age 14 to 17 and actively involved in the community by volunteering in an organization that somehow improves the lives of women and girls.

The Violet Richardson Awards are cash awards that reward girls for their involvement in the community.  The award money has no restrictions for spending.  The top award recipient will also have a $500 award granted to her volunteer organization of choice.  The deadline for receipt of applications is Saturday, Dec. 15. 

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.

Maywood Park instructor wins national poetry prize

A Mt. Hood Community College instructor was recognized for her writing recently with an "International Poet of Merit" award from the International Society of Poets.

Lucia Gorea, an English as a Second Language instructor at the MHCC Maywood Park campus, was awarded a medal and plaque as recognition for her poems.  Some of Gorea's poems have been published in poetry compilations by the International Society of Poets, including "I Am What I Want to Be" and "Of Friendship." Gorea read a selection of her poems at a function for award winners in Washington, D.C. in August.

At Maywood, Gorea teaches English speaking and reading skills to those in the Dislocated Workers Project program. Gorea has been teaching at Maywood for a year and a half and has 20 years of additional experience teaching English literature and ESL classes.  Congratulations to Lucia Gorea!

Be a VIP this year

The Volunteers In Partnership (VIP) Mentor Program, a program of the Mid County Caring Community, is preparing to start its fifth year.  Thanks to the efforts of dedicated volunteers and the support of numerous community organizations, the VIP program enjoyed tremendous success in 2000-2001 and is looking forward to continued growth and success in 2001-2002.

The VIP Program matches students in David Douglas and Parkrose elementary schools with caring adults who then meet together once a week on school grounds for the duration of the school year.  During their weekly time together the student/mentor pairs are given the freedom to decide what kind of activities they want to do.  Many mentor pairs do art projects, read books, or play games.

Mentoring programs have proven effective in helping children.  A recent study by the Big Brothers/Big Sisters of America indicated that children participating in mentoring programs where 53% less likely to skip school and 46% less likely to use illegal drugs.  The VIP 2000-2001 year-end report showed that the program helped improve student attendance, self-esteem, and attitude toward school.  In fact, 100% of the students involved in the VIP program reported that they would definitely like to continue with the program in the future. 

The VIP program needs volunteers interested in spending one hour a week with a child for the remainder of the school year.  Anyone interested in participating in this fun and rewarding experience should contact Beth Ragel at 503-261-8275 for additional information.

Festival of Lights needs volunteers

Over 800 volunteers are needed to help staff the 2001 Christmas Festival of Lights at The Grotto.  The fourteenth annual celebration, "O Holy Night," opens Wednesday, Nov. 28, and continues nightly (except Christmas Day) through December 30.  Individuals, families, neighborhood groups and community service organizations willing to volunteer as little as three hours one evening during the holidays are needed to carry out this month-long presentation.  Volunteers assist as greeters, hospitality hosts, ticket sellers, gift shop attendants, parking patrol, food booth helpers, office assistants, St. Nicholas, and the Angel.  All shifts are three hours with two shifts available each evening.

The Christmas Festival of Lights includes the largest holiday choral festival in the Pacific Northwest. This year the Grotto expects to welcome 50,000 visitors and present 135 indoor music concerts.  The success of this Christmas celebration is heavily dependent on volunteer support.  Last year, over 600 individuals volunteered to help staff the festival, contributing over 6,300 hours of volunteer service. 

To volunteer, or for more information, please call Gloria Jost, The Grotto Volunteer Coordinator at 503-261-2408.

Women's opportunity awards available

Soroptimist International of 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.

Local schools find oasis

David Douglas and Parkrose school districts started this school year with OASIS.  The Older Adult Service and Information System (OASIS) has joined with local school districts to offer the Intergenerational Tutoring Program, which helps kids while empowering older adults.  The program is off to a good start with the support of local residents and community organizations. 

The OASIS tutoring program is a national tutoring program which provides adults over the age of 55 the opportunity to help children in local schools.  This program trains adults in the "language experience" approach of helping kids learn to read.  In this approach, the adults talk with a child, write down a story the child tells, and then read the story with the child.  OASIS also provides volunteers with training, supplies, and ongoing support.

All local seniors are encouraged to join in.  Tutoring is fun and rewarding: OASIS volunteers agree that they get as much out of it as they give.  OASIS provides services, classes, and various programs that benefit seniors.  OASIS started this tutoring program as a way to help older adults get involved in their community, help children and schools, and make new friends.

Join OASIS today, and be part of an organization that has helped over 70,000 children learn to read since 1989.  For more information or to get an application packet, please contact OASIS Mid-county Coordinator Beth Ragel at 503-261-8275.

Tri-Met has new method to keep busses on time

Tri-Met is adding high-tech features to several bus lines that will save time for riders, improve on-time performance and lower operating costs for the agency. 

Transit Signal Priority (TSP) holds a green light a bit longer for buses that are running behind schedule.  Those extra seconds are often enough to get a bus through an intersection and help it get back on schedule.  Tri-Met is adding TSP technology along the following routes:

¥4-Division and Fessenden lines were the first to receive TSP.  Riders have saved about five minutes each way since it was added to 60 traffic signals.

¥12-Barbur Blvd line has 10 TSP signals along its route. 

¥72-Killingsworth/82nd Ave. line will get TSP over the next six months.

¥12-Sandy Blvd line will get TSP within a year.

Buses are equipped with transmitters that send signals to satellites and allow computers to compare where they are with where they are scheduled to be.  Only buses that are behind schedule will trigger traffic lights to stay green.  TSP will not change lights from red to green and signals return to normal within seconds, so it's unlikely to be noticed by other motorists.  Tri-Met is adding TSP within Portland city limits through a joint partnership with the City of Portland.  

Tri-Met estimates these changes can reduce travel time up to 10 percent and result in lower operating costs.  

For more information on Transit Signal Priority and the Streamline Program, visit www.tri-met.org.

Help a local child

Glenfair, Parkrose, and Shaver Elementary Schools are asking the community for volunteers to help encourage a young reader.  Volunteer a half hour or more per week to help a student with reading skills.  For more information, please call Glenfair Elementary at 503-252-3479, ext. 223; or Micaela Boyington at 503-402-1954 for Parkrose or Shaver Elementary.

Prescott opens it's doors to the community

Prescott Elementary School will be opening it's doors to students, parents, and the community every Tuesday evening from 7 to 8:30 p.m. 

During these evenings, staff will be available to provide supervision and instruction.  The library, computer lab, and gym will be open for family use.  There will be reading time and homework help for students and parents.

Prescott Elementary will also be offering English language instruction for non-English speaking students and their families.

In addition to this, the Prescott Parents Organization will be holding informational meetings every third Tuesday of the month, and will also be providing a program for Russian-speaking families to make a smooth transition into our community.  Classes to develop communication skills and learn about life in the United States will be held from 7 to 8 p.m. Tuesdays at the school.

For more information, please call Prescott Elementary at 503-408-2150.

Knit one, purl two

Discover the joys of knitting - join a Gateway area knitting group.  There are no fees and no hassles, just a morning of knitting and fun.  The group welcomes all skill levels, from those who have never seen a knitting needle to those who just like to talk and knit.  There will be an experienced knitting teacher available for those that would like to increase their skill.  For more information, please call Mary Kay Taylor at 503-255-4129. 

Local acupuncture college is first to receive a major grant

The Oregon College of Oriental Medicine in Portland has been awarded a $250,000 grant by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, a component of the National Institutes of Health.  The purpose of the grant is to compare the effectiveness and side affects of Chinese medicine versus hormone therapy in treating endometriosis, a painful condition that affects more than 5 million women in the United States.

"This is the first major grant the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine has awarded to an acupuncture and Oriental medicine college," said Elizabeth A. Goldblatt, Ph.D., M.P.A./H.A., President, Oregon College of Oriental Medicine.  "We are very pleased to be selected for this important research project, especially as it expands our research program with other health care institutions in the Portland area."

"Endometriosis is a significant public health issue that affects 10 to 15 percent of women of childbearing age, many of whom suffer persistent pelvic pain and infertility," explained the Principal Investigator for the study, Richard Hammerschlag, Ph.D., Director of Research, Oregon College of Oriental Medicine.  "Current treatment options including surgery and hormone therapy are often temporarily effective, but produce unwanted and unpleasant side-effects."  The two-year research project will compare treatment options and test whether Chinese medicine is at least as effective as Western medicine, with fewer side effects.

The OB/GYN department and the Women's Health Research Unit at OHSU will be responsible for recruiting, evaluating, and scheduling women who volunteer to participate in the research study.  Participants will be randomly assigned either to a traditional Chinese medicine group, or a hormone therapy group.

The Oregon College of Oriental Medicine is a nationally accredited four-year college, founded in 1983, which trains students in acupuncture and Oriental medicine.  The college also operates a teaching clinic with a Faculty Practice and an Intern Clinic, which offers affordable health care to people throughout the metropolitan area.  For more information, please call the Oregon College of Oriental Medicine at 503-253-3443, or visit them at 10525 S. E. Cherry Blossom Drive in East Portland.

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 November are listed below.  For more information or to pre-register for any event call 503-988-5386.

¥Self-Help Water Conservation Classes: Learn how to detect and repair leaks, lower water usage and decrease water and sewer bills in this 90-minute workshop.  Participants will receive a free water conservation kit.  Pre-registration is required for the class, held on Saturday, Nov. 10 at 11 a.m.

¥German Bells: Create decorative German Bell ornaments with artist Colleen Cavin on Saturday, Nov. 17 at 11 a.m.

¥Book Discussion Group: Engage in stimulating conversation about books and get to know your neighbors.  Come and exchange perspectives about characters, plot and more! For Tuesday, Nov. 20 at 7 p.m., read two books that use a painting by Dutch master Vermeer as a foundation. Tracy Chevalier's "Girl With a Pearl Earring" is the story of the girl in the painting, and Susan Vreeland's "Girl in Hyacinth Blue" traces an "unknown" painting from its present owner back three centuries to its creation.

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

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

¥Jen and Wendy's Eclectic Tunes: Musical sisters Jen and Wendy Bernard present a collection of eclectic tunes. Theatrical and wacky with a constant focus on vocal harmony and crowd participation, Jen and Wendy create a whirlwind of positive, enthusiastic energy that will engage kids and parents alike.  Join in this interactive experience on Tuesday Nov. 6 at 7 p.m.

¥Nate the Great: Celebrate Children's Book Week with Nate the Great!  Meet one of children's literature's favorite characters.  Take home a free photo and picture frame on Friday, Nov. 16 from 11 to 11:45 a.m.

¥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 Wednesdays from 4 to 7 p.m. Available whenever school is in session.

¥Email 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.  Pre-registration required for this class, held on Saturday, Nov. 3 at 9 a.m.

¥Cyber Sundays: One-on-one computer help is available at Gregory Heights on Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m.  Specially trained volunteers will teach you how to use the online catalog, search the Internet, play educational computer games with your kids and discover what a "mouse" can do.

¥Cyber Seniors Computer Classes: This series of three classes is designed for seniors who are interested in learning the very basics of how to use a computer. Learn to use a mouse, search the Internet, and send and receive e-mail. Each session will consist of one hour of instruction and one hour of practice.  Participants must pre-register and attend all three classes, held Tuesday, Nov. 6, Tuesday, Nov. 13, and Tuesday, Nov. 20, all at 9 a.m.

¥Gregory Heights Computer Lab: Library staff help beginners practice computer basics in the computer lab at Gregory Heights. Pre-registration required for the classes, which will be 9 to 10 a.m.  Classes will be Saturday, Nov. 10, Saturday, Nov. 17, and Saturday, Nov. 24.

Activities offered for adults and families

The Midland branch of the Multnomah County Library, located at 805 S.E. 122nd Ave., offers many free activities for adults and families.  Library hours are: Sunday, from 1 to 5 p.m., Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.  In November, weekly events include computer and Internet classes and story times.  Pre-registration is required for all classes.  There will also be many special events.  For more information on any of the listed programs or to pre-register for a free class, please call the library at 503-988-5392.

¥Book Discussion Group: Engage in stimulating conversation about books and get to know your neighbors.  Come and exchange perspectives about characters, plot and more! For Wednesday, Nov. 14 at 7 p.m., read Maria Laurino's "Were You Always an Italian?: Ancestors and Other Icons of Italian America," a witty examination of Italian stereotypes in both America and Italy and the immigrant experience.  For Wednesday, Nov. 21 at 1 p.m., read Ha Jin's "Waiting," about a doctor in Communist China who must wait 18 years before he can divorce his wife from an arranged marriage in order to marry the nurse he loves.

¥Calligraphy with Colleen Cavin: Learn calligraphy techniques for addressing envelopes and creating invitations. Teens and adulsts are welcome this class, held on Saturday, Nov. 17 at 2 p.m.

¥Tiny Tots: Storytimes for children 24-36 months with an adult will be held on Tuesdays at 9:30 a.m. from Tuesday, Sept. 11 through Tuesday, Nov. 13.

¥Book Babies: Storytimes for infants up to 12 months of age with an adult will be held on Tuesdays at 9:30 a.m. and 10:15 a.m. from Tuesday, Sept. 11 through Tuesday, Nov. 13.   

¥Preschool Storytime: Storytimes for children 3-6 years with an adult on Thursdays at 1 p.m., from Thursday, Sept. 13 through Thursday, Nov. 15, and Fridays at 10:15 a.m. from Friday, Sept. 14 through Friday, Nov. 16.

¥Tiny Tots: Storytimes for children 12-24 months with an adult will be held on Fridays at 9:30 a.m. from Friday, Sept. 14 through Friday, Nov. 16.

¥Tapestry of Tales Family Matinee: Enjoy a variety of stories and storytellers during the Tapestry of Tales family matinees. This matinee features David Novak, Antoinette Botsford and Anne-Louise Sterry, and will be held on Saturday, Nov. 3 at 11 a.m.

¥Bilingual Storytime: Bilingual Storytimes are presented in Spanish and English for children of all ages. Las horas de cuento bilingŸe se presentan en espa–ol e inglŽs para ni–os peque–os de todas las edades. Classes take place on Saturdays from Saturday, Sept. 15 through Nov. 17 at 11 a.m.

¥Rattling Thunder: Rattling Thunder creates the atmosphere of a pow-wow through drumming, dance, storytelling and humor of the Native American culture.  Come to the celebration on Sunday, Nov. 11 at 2 p.m.

¥Math fun with quilts: Explore designs and create a quilt! Dive into the world of a young girl's quilt and share stories and games about shapes and colors.  Participants can create a quilt block for a charity quilt that Northwest Quilt Guild members will sew together. This interactive program is for children 3 to 7 years with adult.  Quilt making will be taught on Tuesday, Nov. 27 at 7 p.m.

¥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 Midland Heights will be held on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays from 4 to 6 p.m., Saturdays from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., and Sundays, 1 to 3 p.m. Available whenever school is in session.

¥Young Readers Club: Calling all readers ages 10 and up!  Join us for discussion, fun and friends. For Tuesday, Nov. 6, at 7 p.m., read Cynthia Voigt's "Homecoming." Abandoned by their mother, four children begin a search for a home and an identity.

¥Harry Potter party: Escape to the world of the Muggles and enjoy some magical Harry Potter fun. See an owl and experience many mysterious surprises. Come dressed as your favorite Harry Potter character. For children 9 years and older. Parents are welcome to attend the party on Friday, Nov. 16 at 7 p.m.  Pre-registration is required.

¥Cyber Sundays: One-on-one computer help is available at Midland 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."

Check out the free events in Parkrose

Parkrose Cooperative Library, located at Parkrose High School, 12003 N.E. Shaver St., offers class 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.

¥Book Discussion Group: Engage in stimulating conversation about books and get to know your neighbors.  Come and exchange perspectives about characters, plot and more! For Tuesday, Nov. 13 at 7 p.m., read "Eleanor of Aquitaine: A Life" by Alison Weir. A popular British historian focuses her professional biographical light on one of the most fascinating women in history.

¥Family Storytime:  Storytimes for children 6 years and younger with an adult will be held on Tuesdays at 7 p.m., from Tuesday, Sept. 11 through Tuesday, Nov. 13, and on Saturdays at 1 p.m. From Saturday, Nov. 3 through Saturday, Nov. 17.

¥Decorative Keepsake Boxes: Artist Colleen Cavin shows you how to create keepsake boxes out of decorative paper for gifts or special items.

¥Horton Hatches an Egg: Emily Alexander of Tears of Joy Theatre brings to life an array of tabletop puppets with vivacious voice and movement.  Meet a       never-to-be-forgotten Horton, the irascible Mazie and other wonderful characters in this Dr. Seuss favorite. The play also includes a one-woman circus that will get everyone cheering on Saturday, Nov. 10 at 2 p.m.

¥Jory's Amazing Animal Show: Meet a confident iguana, some talkative parrots, howling hounds, glorious sea-life and many more puppet creatures as Jory presents a participatory concert for children of all ages on Saturday, Nov. 24 at 2 p.m.

¥Ply-Split Ornaments for Young Adults: Create beautiful ply-split star ornaments using prepared cotton and metallic cords. This class will be held on Saturday, Nov. 17 at 2 p.m.

Find a church, a job, or a home

If you are looking for an environment where people are motivated by love, nurtured by prayer, empowered by the Spirit, and united in faith, you may want to drop by Fresh Faith Community Church on a Sunday at 10:30 a.m.

At Fresh Faith Community Church, you will find a true commitment to the ancient commandment to love your neighbor as yourself.  The dress code and the atmosphere are both informal, and a friendly welcoming spirit is noticeable immediately.

Help for the spirit is not the only type available.  The church is located in an office complex along with an employment agency, medical facilities, insurance brokers, and a realtor.  Come visit the offices today in Halsey Center, 11300 N.E. Halsey St.  The church is located in Suite #205.

For more information, please call Fresh Faith Community Church at 503-257-4162.

Local Educator named Educator of the Year

Tom Dearborn, principal at Alpha High School in Gresham, Oregon, has been named "Educator of the Year" by the Oregon Association for Alternatives in Education.  The award was presented on Friday, October 12th at the Oregon Association for Alternatives in Education (OAAE) annual conference entitled "Education for the Whole Child; Programs that Work."  Two Alpha High School students and an Alpha High School teacher assisted in the presentation of the conference.

The award reflects Tom's many achievements during a career spanning 30 years. Tom Dearborn joined Multnomah ESD is 1996 after 25 years as a teacher, administrator and vice-principal. He also coached football, track and basketball at both the high school and college levels. A native of Pendleton, Oregon, Tom received his BA and MA from Portland State University.

His first public school job was teaching social studies at Jackson High School in Portland. From there he went to Clackamas Community College as head football coach and administrator in charge of work-study. In 1985 he joined the faculty at Parkrose High School where he was a classroom teacher and  administrator working with at-risk youth. He was also head coach of football and track at Parkrose. Just prior to joining MESD as principal of Alpha High School,  Tom was the vice-principal at Alice Ott Middle School in the David Douglas School District.

Tom has contributed immensely to Alpha High School's nationally-recognized school-to-work program. He led the school during its successful transition to a new facility in Gresham, all the while strengthening its academic and career-preparation model. Tom is continually hosting visits from educators from around the country, as well as from other countries, who want to emulate Alpha's model which has flourished under Tom's steady leadership.

For more information contact Mark Skolnick at 503-257-1516.