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Have a fundraiser you would like to announce or a special event or a group meeting you would like the community to know about? We want to hear about it, and publish it in our Calendar on a space-available basis. We prefer e-mailed submissions sent editor@midcountymemo.com

Connect and grow

Every month, the Parkrose Business Association (PBA) holds a meeting including, among other things, a guest speaker from the community speaking on a topic of interest, and a “Member Moment” highlighting one of the member businesses.  January’s speaker will be PBA President Nancy Murphy discussing the state of the PBA.  The “Member Moment” for January will focus on the Portland Rescue Mission, represented by John Bailey.  The meeting will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 17, in Steamer’s Restaurant, 8303 N.E. Sandy Blvd. 

For more information about this organization, please contact Executive Director William Warren at 503-493-2215 or e-mail proseba@aol.com.

Help make the rules

Citizens of Maywood Park have a chance to have their say in the city’s laws, as well as contribute in other ways.  Attend a city council meeting and you will find out what is going on in the government, changes that are coming, and future plans for your neighborhood.  Exercise your rights as an American citizen and attend the Maywood Park City Council meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 15.  The meeting will be held at 7 p.m. on the Maywood Park campus of Mt. Hood Community College, 10100 N.E. Prescott St.  Meetings are usually located in room 223. Look for the sign in the front window. 

For more information, call the Maywood Park City Council at 503-255-9805.  Citizens are also encouraged to write in with their concerns, which will be discussed in the meeting.  Address your concerns, comments, or potential solutions to the Maywood Park City Council, 10100 N.E. Prescott St., Maywood Park, OR, 97220.

Don’t grumble - do something

Are you bothered by airplane noise - loud, frequent flights over your home?  Check out the Port of Portland-sponsored Citizen’s Noise Advisory Committee (CNAC).  The public is invited to their meeting on Thursday, Jan. 10, 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.

Face your fear

One of the most common fears is a fear of speaking in front of others.  However, many jobs today require that you speak in front of groups in meetings and presentations.  Let Toastmasters International help you conquer those butterflies in your stomach, and reveal the confident, entertaining speaker that is hiding inside.

Toastmasters International meet every Monday at 12:05 p.m. in the Columbia Center, 17650 N.E. Sandy Blvd.  For more information, please call David Hattery at 503-401-3777.

Seniors - you have someone on your side

The Elders in Action commission is a committee that 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 Wednesday, Jan. 16 from 12:30 to 3 p.m. in Westmore Union Manor.  For more information about the meeting or Elders in Action, please call 503-823-5269.

Weatherization workshop

Don’t let your heating bills take you hostage.  Visit one of the free workshops offered by the Community Energy Project and learn how to weatherize your home.  You will find out how to save energy through material installation, behavioral changes and simple maintenance around your home. Both homeowners and renters are welcome at the meetings. 

There will be two meetings, one on Tuesday, Jan. 15, from 6 to 8 p.m., at Parkrose High School, 12003 N.E. Shaver St.  The other will be on Wednesday, Jan. 30 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Mt. Scott Community Center, 5530 S.E. 72nd Ave.  Qualified participants receive a free kit of materials worth $150.  To register, please call 503-284-6827.

Join in for bingo and good works

Like to play bingo?  Want to help others in the community?  Then the Columbia View Kiwanis are the club for you.  Each month’s lively meetings include a bingo game.  There is also a different program each week, often including guest speakers.  Come help the Kiwanis discuss and implement ways to support charitable organizations such as Snow-CAP, Loaves and Fishes, and many others. 

Have fun and help a worthwhile cause - attend the next Kiwanis meeting.  The Columbia View Kiwanis meet every Wednesday at noon in the Refectory, 1618 N.E. 122nd Ave.  For more information, please call Charlie Ross at 503-252-1570.

January’s speakers are listed below, along with discussion topics:

•Wednesday, Jan 2: Dr. Hoefer - “Islam”

•Wednesday, Jan 9: Pat MacDonell - “Summer Work Experience Program”

•Wednesday, Jan 16: Lore Lee, past Gov. of Kiwanis Pacific Northwest District - “Membership Campaign”

•Wednesday, Jan 23: Beven Blair - “ARC”: formerly Association for Retarded Citizens

•Wednesday, Jan 30: John Gaddis - “Americorps”

Hear what the city is doing

The Gateway Area Business Association (GABA) invites all members to attend the January meeting on Thursday, Jan. 10 at 11:45 a.m.  Be in the loop: listen to the January speaker, Sam Adams from the City of Portland Mayor’s Office.  GABA’s meeting will be held at JJ North’s Grand Buffet, 10520 N.E. Halsey St.  For more information, please call President Bruce Altizer at 503-261-1575.

Exercise your right as an American

Help keep yourself and other Americans informed and involved in the government.  Join the League of Women Voters, a non-partisan group dedicated to encouraging the participation of regular citizens in government, one of the most basic American rights.  The group also works to influence public policy through advocacy and education.

The local chapter meets at 10 a.m. on the third Saturday of each month at the Airport Shilo Inn, 11707 N.E. Airport Way.  On Saturday, Jan. 19, come join your fellow patriots and make a difference.  For more information, please call zone chairwoman Artie Johnson at 503-282-8044.

Spend your mornings helping others

Spend an early morning once a week with a companionable group of folks.  Join the Mall 205 Early Riser Kiwanis.  This service club is a part of Kiwanis International, and works to support such local charities as Snow-CAP and the East Portland Community Center.  The Early Risers meet at 7 a.m. every Thursday in the Old Country Buffet in Plaza 205, at 10542 S.E. Washington St.  Help make our world a better place.  For more information, please call Bruce Altizer at 503-261-1575.

Think needles always mean pain?  Think again

The Oregon College of Oriental Medicine will be holding free seminars on Saturday, Jan. 12, Saturday, Jan. 19, and Saturday, Jan. 26 to introduce the public to the benefits of traditional Chinese medicine.  Topics include acupuncture, herbs, and the benefits of meditative exercise. Each Saturday seminar starts at 10 a.m. and ends at 11:30 a.m.

The seminar on Saturday, Jan. 12 will focus on Chinese medicinal herbs, including a look at how herbal formulas are prepared.  Find out how Chinese herbs compare to American drugs.  On Saturday, Jan. 19, the topic will be acupuncture – how it works and what it is used for.  Sample acupuncture treatments will be offered.  The final seminar on Saturday, Jan. 26, will demonstrate how the gentle movements of Qigong meditative exercise can ease aches and pains and improve one’s health.

The seminars are free, but space is limited.  To reserve your place, please call 503-253-3443 ext. 550.  The Oregon College of Oriental Medicine is located at 10525 S.E. Cherry Blossom Drive, by Mall 205.

Gone but not forgetting

The East Multnomah Retired Educators may have stepped down from teaching, but they haven’t stopped working for the benefit of the children and community.  This group promotes participation in community activities, especially local school programs.  If you are a retired educator who would like to continue to make a difference, attend the next meeting at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 24, in the Refectory, 1618 N.E. 122nd Ave.  For more information, please call BettyAnne Mosen at 503-760-3958.

Make connections

The 82nd and Foster Business Association invites neighborhood business members to come to the next monthly meeting.  Meet other area business owners and make connections at this delicious luncheon.  Enjoy the delicious food and the companionship at 11:45 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 8 in the Copper Penny Restaurant on the corner of S.E. 92nd Ave. and Foster Rd.  For more information, please call Nancy Chapin at 503-788-0412.

Help our children and the environment

You can donate your bottles and cans to the Parkrose High Bronco Boosters.  Every cent collected goes to the students.  Each month, they offer community members the opportunity to donate their beer and soda cans and bottles to benefit the children of the community.  On the first Saturday of each month, come to the east parking lot of Parkrose High School, 12003 N.E. Shaver St.  The Bronco Boosters will be there from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 5 to collect your donations.  For more information about donations or how you can help, please call Sharon Mershon at 503-252-7139.

Help shape your neighborhood

Look around your neighborhood.  Are there community events that you enjoy, or is there some neighborhood improvement that needs to be made?  Even if you just want to know what is going on in your area, the answer lies with your local neighborhood association.  Meetings offer more then just the chance to meet your neighbors and work together as a community.  Association meetings provide a forum to discuss and solve community issues, and improve the quality of the neighborhood through joint improvement efforts.  Local neighborhood association information is posted below.  For general East Portland Neighborhood Office information, please call 503-823-4550.

•The Argay Neighborhood Association meeting is Tuesday, Jan. 15, 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.   

•Glenfair Neighborhood Association meets at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 24 in Glenfair School, 15300 N.E. Glisan St.  January’s guest speaker will be Dan McGraw, a loan officer for Mercy Corps.  This company’s mission is to help people who are low-income, and entrepreneurs who have the tools they need to become successfully self-employed, but don’t qualify for a normal bank loan.  The Glenfair Neighborhood Association invites all neighborhood residents to attend.  For more information, please call Stephen Jenkevice at 503-661-1308.

•The Hazelwood Neighborhood Association will have a board meeting on Monday, Jan. 21 at 6:30 p.m. in the East Precinct Community Room, 737 S.E. 106th Ave.  January’s speaker will be a representative from the International Refugee Center of Oregon.  For more information, please call Jane Baker at 503-252-7386.

•The Mill Park Neighborhood Association meets on Tuesday, Jan. 8, in the Midland Library, 805 S.E. 122nd Ave., at 7 p.m.  For more information, please call Rosemarie Opp at 503-256-4591. 

•The Parkrose Neighborhood Association will meet on Tuesday, Jan. 15 at 6:30 p.m. in St. Matthews Episcopal Church, 11229 N.E. Prescott St. 

•The Parkrose Heights Association of Neighbors will hold a general meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 22 at 7 p.m. in Sacramento School, 11400 N. E. Sacramento St.  Present at this meeting will be guest speaker Linda Hunter from Neighborhood Mediation.  There will also be a board meeting at 7 p.m. in the same location on Tuesday, Jan. 15.  For more information, please call Carol Williams at 503-255-9596 or Grace Fitzgerald at 503-254-3767.

•Russell Neighborhood Association meets next on Thursday, Jan. 17 in Russell Elementary School, 2700 N.E. 127th Ave, at 7 p.m.  For more information, please call Bonny McKnight at 503-253-6848.

Enjoy good company and a free dinner

The Parkrose Lions Club invites members of the community to come see what the Lions Club is like, and how many good friends and fun activities are included.  Join in, enjoy yourself, and help the Parkrose community.  First-time visitors will be treated to meal.  January’s meetings will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 2, and Wednesday, Jan. 16, 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

Fill your house with the beautiful colors and aromas of your favorite flowers and plants.  Whether you are a beginner or just want to get helpful tips for your thriving indoor plants, the Indoor Gardening Club can help you out.  Each meeting includes a special program, often with field trips, guest speakers, and plant exchanges.  And, last but certainly not least popular, every meeting also includes a delicious potluck dinner provided by all those who attend.  The next meeting will be held at noon on Sunday, Jan. 27 at 15893 N.E. Holladay St.  For more information, please call Charlotte Smith at 503-771-5762.

Join a Mid-county Rotary Club

Dedicate your time to having fun and helping others in a companionable atmosphere.  The rotary clubs work to help out such programs as Habitat for Humanity, numerous scholarships, and International Polio Plus - a project to eradicate polio.  To join in or to find out more, attend one of the local meetings listed below:

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 Banquet Room, 1618 N.E. 122nd Ave. at Halsey St.  For more information, please call Tom Lobingier at 503-252-4036.

Meet with fellow retirees

The Rose City Chapter of the National Association of Retired Federal Employees will hold its monthly luncheon meeting on Monday, Jan. 14 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 a representative from Senator Ron Wyden’s office.  All federal retirees and their spouses are invited.  For more information call Lee Ayer at 503-253-3358, or Don Paape at 503-557-5156.

Hear the music of Heaven

The 2nd Annual Epiphany Choir Fest is slated for Sunday, Jan. 6 at 2 p.m.  This benefit for the Metro East Portland Interfaith Hospitality Network (MEPIHN) will be held at Gethsemane Lutheran Church, 11560 S.E. Market St.

The choirs will be singing Advent/Christmas music and the show will close with the joint choirs singing the Hallelujah Chorus.   Refreshments will be served during this event.  There will also be a free will offering.

Proceeds will fund the continuation of MEPIHN, a successful shelter/counseling program for families that are temporarily homeless in our area.  Many families have found jobs, received training and even acquired permanent housing, all while experiencing the love and acceptance of a community that wants to help make a difference in their lives.

MEPIHN’s various facilities host children and parents seven days a week, 24 hours a day.  Help this worthy cause and enjoy the sweet music of the choirs participating in the Choir Fest.  For more information about this program, please call 503-491-0578.

Improve your school

Help our future by taking part in our local public school systems.  Educate yourself on what is happening in our children’s schools.  Do your part to ensure the future of our community by making sure our children have everything they need to become the leaders and responsible, educated citizens of tomorrow.  Local School Board meeting dates and locations are listed below.

•David Douglas School Board meets on Thursday, Jan 3, and Thursday, Jan. 17 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 at 7 p.m. on Monday, Jan 7 and Monday, Jan. 21 in rooms L13 and L14 at 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 board meeting into your schedule?  No problem-each meeting will be aired every Thursday and Saturday at 2 p.m. on Channel 27.

Help youth and the community

Join in on a meeting of the Parkrose Masonic Lodge, a group that is dedicated to helping charitable causes and youth.  Attend a meeting to find out how you can help.  There will be two meetings in January, both held at 7:30 p.m. at Parkrose Masonic Temple, 4812 N.E. 102nd Ave.  The first meeting will be on Monday, Jan. 14, and the second will be on Monday, Jan. 28.  For more information, please call Jim McAfee at 503-257-9027.

Learn how to make your home more fashionable and comfortable

Let Classique Floors and Interiors educate you about different home improvements.  Classique Floors and Interiors, 14240 S.E. Stark St., offers free seminars on everything from painting to flooring - everything that people might want to know about when re-decorating.  The knowledge you gain at these free seminars will help you to make a well-informed, intelligent decision.  A schedule of classes follows.  The classes are free, but space is limited, so call Classique Floors and Interiors at 503-255-6775 today to reserve your seat.

Saturday, Jan. 12 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

•11a.m. to noon: How To Install Tile

•noon to 1 p.m.: How To Install Laminate Floor

•1 to 2p.m.: In-Floor Heating

•2 to 3 p.m.: Faux Painting

•Saturday, January, 26th 11am-2pm

•10 to 11 a.m.: Marble, Granite & Slate

•11 a.m. to noon : Cork

•noon to 1 p.m.: Marmoleum

•1 to 2 p.m.: Bamboo

•2 to 3 p.m.: Feng Shui

Indulge your passion for flowers

Learn all you could want to know about African Violets.  If this lovely flower is your passion, Portland has just the club for you.  The African Violet Society can teach you everything you need to grow beautiful, healthy African Violets.  Meetings often include guest speakers, workshops, or slideshows featuring different types of violets.

The African Violet Society will meet at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 26 at Tabor Heights Methodist Church, 6161 S.E. Stark St.  For more information, please call Charlotte Smith at 503-771-5762.

Stay involved

Keep your hand on the pulse of Oregon - its water.  This is truly the lifeblood of our state, providing everything from drinking water to power and out-of-state revenues.  The East Multnomah Soil and Water Conservation District Board of Directors will meet at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 7, in the District Office Conference Room 207, at 2115 S.E. Morrison St.  After 4:30 p.m., 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.

Help plan for the future

The Powellhurst-Gilbert Coffee Talk, a lively small group discussion, will tackle questions about growth in the area and more. The talk will be hosted jointly by Portland Metro and Powellhurst-Gilbert Neighborhood Association Board Member Thomas Christian. The Coffee Talk is intended to find out what people think about the way their neighborhood is growing.

Scheduled for 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 22, the Powellhurst-Gilbert “Coffee Talk” will be held at the Powellhurst Baptist Church, 3435 S.E. 112th Ave. at Powell St. Participants will learn more about the choices, trade-offs and costs necessary to manage and reduce the effects of future growth.

In cooperation with local jurisdictions, Metro is holding Let’s Talk conversations in city halls, coffee shops, community centers and in peoples’ homes throughout the region. This public outreach effort is designed to bring people together to discuss growth-related issues, consider associated trade-offs and determine the best course of action.  Should population growth be directed to new communities or to existing ones? How do we pay for streets, parks, schools and water service? Do we plan ahead for growth or do we ignore it? Where do we grow from here?  Contribute your ideas on issues and much more.

To sign up or for more information, call Christian at 503-761-7480 or email him at tc@xjs.com. To learn more about the 2040 growth concept, the region’s 50-year plan for managing growth, visit Metro’s web site at www.metro-region.or/letstalk.

East Portland Community Center helps you take care of yourself

The Osteoporosis Prevention and Stablilization Exercise Program is an informative and interactive class designed for all men and women who want to maintain their health and increase their activity level.  The next section will run from Monday, Jan. 7 through Friday, March 15 at the East Portland Community Center, 740 SE 106th Ave., Portland. The entire session costs $18.00 and is limited to 25 people.

Gentle weight-bearing exercises are combined with information about how people’s bones and body work.  Nutrition information is also provided.

This program has been developed by a state-certified senior exercise instructor and is taught by people with special training in osteoporosis prevention and stabilization. Osteoporosis can be prevented and bone density loss can be controlled.

In addition, a Foot Care Clinic is offered at the East Portland Community Center.  Nurses will soak participants’ feet and clip their toenails. The initial visit is $22.00, with future appointments costing $20.00. Appointments are necessary. Upcoming clinic dates are Thursday, Jan. 10, Thursday, Jan.  17, and Thursday, Jan. 24.

Both the class and the clinic are sponsored by Multnomah County Aging Services Division, the YWCA of Greater Portland, and Portland Parks and Recreation.  To pre-register for the osteoporosis class or make foot care appointments for these or future dates by calling 503-988-6073.

See the winter sky in a whole new way

See which planets and stars dominate the winter sky in the first Mt. Hood Community College Planetarium shows of the new year, offered for one weekend only: Saturday, Jan. 12 and Sunday, Jan. 13.

“Wonders of the Winter Sky” will examine the lineup of four planets and Orion’s “star guide” to the constellations in this 45-minute live show. 

Theater times are Saturday, Jan. 12, at 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m., and Sunday, Jan.13, at 2 p.m. The MHCC Planetarium Sky Theater is located on MHCC’s Gresham campus and is wheelchair accessible. Admission is $1, children are welcome, and visitors are seated on a first-come, first-served basis.

Beginning in 2002, the MHCC Planetarium Sky Theater will offer live public shows on the second Saturday and Sunday of every month, January through August. Custom group presentations can also be arranged. For more information contact Planetarium Director Doug McCarty at 503-491-7297. 

People requiring accommodations due to a disability should contact the MHCC Disability Services Office prior to the event at 503-491-6923 or 503-491-7670 (TDD).

Parkrose receives Safe to School grant

The North Parkrose Target Area group has received a $2,000 grant from the Oregon Health Division for its Safe to School program. This program encourages public school students to walk to their local school - in this case Prescott Elementary - and seeks to eliminate barriers to comfortable travel and a safe arrival. This encompasses many aspects of the children’s travel, including things like identifying hazardous intersections or places where sidewalks are needed. For more information about the program, come to Family Night from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 15 at Prescott Elementary, 10410 N.E. Prescott St.  Information is also available by calling 503-287-8639.

North Parkrose Neighborhood Target Area is also working on the construction of the new neighborhood park at N.E. 112th Ave. and Prescott St.  Construction plans are in the works for spring.  Find out more at the next North Parkrsoe Neighbors meeting, on Thursday, Jan. 17, from  6:30 to 8 p.m. at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church, 11229 NE Prescott.   Come early at 6:00 pm for a potluck.

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 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.  The next tutor training will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 15, and Wednesday, Jan. 16 from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. both days.  It will be held at the David Douglas District Office at 1500 S.E. 130th Ave.

For more information, to register for training, or to get an application packet, please contact OASIS Mid-county Coordinator Beth Ragel at 503-261-8275.

Soroptimists of Portland East

Soroptimist International is the world’s largest classified organization for executive and professional women.  This organization has over 100,000 members in 119 countries throughout the world.  With more than 50,000 members in 21 countries, Soroptimist International of the Americas is the largest of the four federations of Soroptimist International. 

Soroptimist International of Portland East gives back to the community and to their members.  They blend talents, strengths, and ideas to form a strong network of professionals to imagine and implement projects to support victims of domestic violence and to improve the status of women and children.  Typical projects include: participating in literacy projects; supporting shelters for battered women; participating in environmental clean-up projects; giving funds for scholarships; and other projects as dictated by community need.

Another major source of funds 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, email 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 good 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.

The Gateway Elks offer opportunity for enjoyment

Joining the Gateway Elks, Lodge #2411, gives you good feelings about yourself because of the community services that you will contribute to, and also provides general enjoyment of the various members-only events.  Special events for this month include the Elkette’s Chili Bakeoff on Sunday, Jan. 20 in the Lodge dining room.  The Elks are also selling tickets for the Gateway Showtime Revue described as “A little bit of country, a little bit of rock and roll”, taking place on Friday, Jan. 25, and Saturday, Jan 26.  The  Elks also hold members-only Lodge meetings every Thursday night at 7:30 p.m.  In addition to this, the Elks offer the community the chance to support charitable causes without joining the club.

The Elks are a service organization and run several ongoing fundraisers to help deserving local organizations, including a paper recycling drop-box in the Lodge parking lot that anyone can use to donate recyclable paper.  All proceeds from recycled paper go to the Youth Activities Fund, supporting groups such as Boy Scout troops. 

Elks also support a colored glass and cardboard recycle program that they encourage the public to donate to.  The glass and cardboard recycle donation area is on the north side of the Lodge in the RV parking lot, 711 N.E. 100th Ave.

Every Tuesday, a Vets Recycle committee recycles what has been donated, raising money to support vets in hospitals.  The money goes to everything from buying toiletries to prize money for bingo games. 

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.

If it ain’t broke - fix it anyway

Get ready for winter and so much more!  The 15th annual Fix-It Fair is a free neighborhood event designed to connect Portland residents with public resources that save money, conserve resources, and improve homes and neighborhoods. Take advantage of over forty exhibits and workshops with experts from neighborhood and City organizations and solve energy, water, recycling, yard, environmental, and home safety problems.

Workshop topics include weatherization, water conservation, organic gardening, tree pruning, bike tuning, nutritional meals, emergency preparedness, furnace basics, and financing your fixes - to name just a few.  Workshops will be offered throughout the day on weatherizing for winter; healthy, safe homes; yard and garden issues; water conservation; and home life.  Tired of finding unsightly mold on your walls every winter?  Attend the “Getting Mold Under Control” workshop and learn how to remove it for good.  Learn how to apply for low interest loans for home repair projects at the “Financing Your Fixes” workshop.  Many topics are offered.  Registration is not necessary for any of the workshops.  All workshops are 45 minutes in length and start on the hour.  Seating may be limited, so arrive early.  For a complete class schedule, contact the Office of Sustainable Development at 503-823-7590.  For the first 150 attendees, free weatherization kits will be distributed in the weatherization workshops and free home insulation applications will be available at the City of Portland’s Block by Block exhibit for qualifying households.

In between workshops, visit the exhibitor area in the cafeteria.  In addition to providing indispensable information and resources, many exhibitors offer free items such as faucet aerators, garden seeds, low flow showerheads, and door sweeps.  At noon, sample and learn how to make a variety of nutritional, low cost skillet meals at the OSU Extension exhibit.  Bring in your bike and receive a lesson on bike repair and maintenance at Portland Community Cycling Center’s booth. 

In addition to the exhibits and workshops, The City of Portland will provide free childcare, raffle off door prizes every hour, and NW Natural will be serving free hot dogs and drinks in front of the school.  Join in the fun and save money on Saturday, Jan. 12, from 8:30 a.m. through 2 p.m. at Parkrose Middle School, 11800 N.E. Shaver Ave.  For more information, call 503-823-7222.

Near friends for the nearsighted

Now is your chance to join a companionable group of neighbors forming a low-vision support group in the Parkrose area.  Bird’s Eye View is a club that provides support for those who are losing their vision by bringing together those with similar problems.  This provides a place where people can find a group of people who actually understand the difficulties of being vision-impaired without being totally blind.  Come take a load off your chest.  This group is lead by Deborah Rowe, a grandmother who has been steadily losing her sight since the age of 16, so she can empathize with both those who are just beginning to lose their sight, and those who can’t see their hand in front of their face.  Family members are welcome at these meetings. 

The group meets the second Wednesday of each month to discuss ways to cope with sight loss, and to share stories.  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.  Whether you are having vision problems, or if you would just like to learn how to help and support a loved one, come to the next meeting.  Wednesday, Jan. 9, come to the Parkrose High School 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 503-255-3533. 

Make your life a little better

Would you like to learn something new this month?  Attend the meeting of the Russellville Home Family and Community Education Program.  This programs holds classes on life lessons, everything from how to balance your diet to insurance education.  This month’s topic will be “All Stressed Out?”.  The class will explain how to recognize sign of stress and depression.  You will also learn how to relieve tension and anxiety using alternatives to conventional medicine, such as relaxation techniques.

January’s meeting will be held on Thursday, Jan. 3, in the East Portland Community Center from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.  Don’t miss your chance to learn how to relax.  Each meeting also includes a light lunch at noon.  Lunch fee is one dollar.  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.

Review of neighborhood guidelines begins

A taskforce of neighborhood leaders - the Guidelines, Review, Empowerment, and Assessment Taskforce (GREAT) - is working on reviewing the guidelines that set forth the roles and responsibilities for neighborhood organizations.  GREAT will meet twice a month to discuss individual’s access to the neighborhood system, the operation of the associations and coalitions, and their relationships with the Office of Neighborhood Associations.  They are reviewing the ONI guidelines, and at the end of the review process, will present their conclusions and recommendations to the city.

The ONI Guidelines describe detailed roles and responsibilities for recognized and acknowledged organizations in Portland’s neighborhood system including:

•Requirements for being recognized as a neighborhood association

•Roles and responsibilities of the Office of Neighborhood Involvement

•Designating and resolving conflicts over neighborhood boundaries

•How to resolve grievances

•Requirements for being acknowledged as a business association

•Summary of state public meetings and public records law for neighborhood groups

The public is welcome to come to the meetings and make short 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 Tuesday, Jan. 8 and Tuesday, Jan. 22 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.

A new alternative for David Douglas

The Mastery Learning Institute, a non-profit organization that currently runs the after school reading Project Everybody Reads, has recently submitted an application to the David Douglas School District Board.   

The Mastery Learning Institute is proposing opening a public charter school in the David Douglas School District.  Since a charter school is supported by public funds, it would be available, for free, to any student in the David Douglas School District.  If the charter contact is approved, the new school will be named Arthur Academy, and would be a small K-3 Elementary.  Arthur Academy would be an alternative to more crowded public schools, offering personalized instruction, with only one class per grade level.  Charter schools are recognized by Oregon law as “a legitimate avenue for parents, educators, and community members... to create new, innovative and more flexible ways of educating children within the public school system.”

However, to go forward as a charter school, Arthur Academy needs a charter contract with the David Douglas School District.  The School Board is expected to make a decision on this matter on Wednesday, Jan. 24.

Meanwhile, the Mastery Learning Institute will be holding open meetings to talk about their proposed school and find out the level of interest in the community.  All are welcome at these meetings to find out about the school and its unique program, as well as having a chance to meet the school’s leaders.

The second in the series of monthly meetings will be held at 7:15 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 10, in the Board Room of the David Douglas Administrative Building, 1500 S.E. 103rd Ave.  The topic for this month’s meeting will be “How beginning reading is taught”.  For more information, please call the Mastery Learning Institute at 503-236-9326.