Portland Oregon newspaper 2002 archives

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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.

David Douglas High asks for your help

The parents of David Douglas High School seniors are planning the Senior’s All-Nigh Drug and Alcohol Free Graduation Party. They are asking for the help of businesses and individuals to provide an opportunity for seniors to celebrate an important milestone in their lives in a fun, safe environment.

The Party Committee does not receive financial support from the school, and has to rely on the generosity of the community in the form of donations and fundraisers. There are several fundraisers planned which will assist with the cost, and there will also be a modest admission fee to the party. However, help from the community is still needed.

Any donation will be gladly accepted, whether cash or product. Your donation is cash deductible and you will be provided with the tax ID number for your records. Your name will also be included in a published acknowledgment of all the contributors.

Help the David Douglas seniors have a fun, safe graduation night. For more information on how you can help, please call David Douglas High School at 503-252-2900.

Seniors - take advantage of free services

The Senior Services Program Office hosts many free informational clinics and health checks. Senior Services offers a free law clinic every Friday with half-hour consultations. Make your appointment today for these free services!

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 any of these programs, please call 503-988-6073.

Help Snow-CAP support our community

Snow-CAP, a Community Action Program, benefits many people in our area. This is made possible by the local volunteers who donate their time or money to help support those less fortunate in the community.

Snow-CAP runs several food and clothing programs for low-income residents of the Mid-County area. These programs have served over 4,000 different families in the last year. This translates to over 65,000 visits for various services. These programs 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, as well as much more.

Our community works through volunteers from the community pitching in, providing time and donations to help those less fortunate make it through another Portland winter. 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 paperwork, 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.

You can also get involved over the Internet. Sign up today to participate in public surveys about issues that affect seniors. Your voice will help Elders in Action to decide what issues to focus on, and you will also be more informed about current legislation that may affect you. Sign up today in an email addressed to volunteer@eldersaction.org.

Become a foster grandparent

The Foster Grandparent Program is looking for seniors sixty years and up on a limited income to help at-risk children in Portland. These children need positive role models to help them with reading, developing social skills, and much more. Not only will the foster grandparents get to help out a child, but they will also receive two hundred dollars a month tax-free. The program also offers other benefits, including meal and travel compensation, paid time off and sick leave. No experience is necessary, just the desire to better a child’s life. For more information, please call Randy Lucas 503-232-0007 ext. 202.

Avoid the worst road hazard - other drivers

Seniors, the American Association of Retired People regularly offers a “55 Alive” defensive driving course. This course helps teach older citizens strategies of safe driving. One feature that makes this class especially valuable to seniors is that some of the strategies that are presented are designed to help overcome the problems that can come with age, such as dimmed vision or slow reflexes.

Not only will you avoid costly tickets, fines, and accidents, but the “55 Alive” driving course can also help save you money on your car insurance - check with your insurance provider. The class is a refresher course in driving skills and general information, available to anyone aged 55 or over. All this for a fee of just $10. For more information or upcoming class dates, please call Instructor Artie Johnson at 503-282-8044.

Experience local area history

The David Douglas Historical Society has a museum highlighting the history of the David Douglas School District and of the area. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to share. Immerse yourself in the history of your neighborhood. 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.

Congratulations to Teen of the Month

The Mid-county Memo extends our congratulations to Michael Neemia for his selection as the Gateway Elks Teenager of the Month. Michael is a senior at Marshall High School, where he has been a fine representative of the school’s talented and diverse student body. He was recently honored by being selected Student Body President.

Neemia is also a part of the Marshall High Adopt-a-Family program. In this program, a needy family is selected to receive a basket for Thanksgiving dinner. Members also help out a family during Christmas with dinner and gifts. In addition to helping others, Neemia also works hard to assure his own success. Neemia is member of Upward Bound, a program through Portland State University giving classes to help high school students prepare for college and help them with scholarship opportunities. It is his goal to earn a Bachelors degree in Education, with the hope to one day become a grade school teacher.

Neemia takes an active part in his local church by helping the younger members with their Bible studies. He also meets weekly with members his own age.

In addition to all of this, Neemia started the Polynesian Club at Marshall to not only maintain a link to his Samoan heritage, but also to educate the other students in his multi-cultural class. Neemia also helps arrange and then emcees monthly class assemblies on cultural aspects of Russian, Mexican, Vietnamese, African and Native American culture.

Michael’s parents, Allen and Phyllis Neemia, are very proud of how their son has shown the ability to lead his class and the younger members of his church, as well as the ability to position himself with a great opportunity to succeed.

The Gateway Elks agree and are pleased to name him their Teenager of the Month.

Help open a book - and a new 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 are willing to 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.

Knit one, purl two

Discover the joys of knitting - join a Gateway area knitting group, Knit One, Purl Two. 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 who would like to increase their skill. For more information, please call Mary Kay Taylor at 503-255-4129.

Prescott - something for everyone

Prescott Elementary School opens 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 Prescott Elementary, 10410 N.E. Prescott St.

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

Congratulations to local soccer champs

The Mid-county Memo congratulates the Parkrose Jaguars, who dominated the fall soccer season, finishing the season undefeated. They led the Columbia River Youth Soccer Association, scoring 60 goals on the opposition, and giving up only three goals. This is the Jaguars’ second undefeated season: the first was 1999. The team has improved every year as the players got more practice, and the coaches and players learned how to work together.

Coach Ron Gomez says, “Since this is their last season, I am most proud that they all had an opportunity to score a goal. Our offense was crushing, and our defense was dominating.”

This was the last season not only for the boys but also for coach Ron Gomez and assistant coaches Randy Suckers and Gary Alwert. Congratulations to the Parkrose Jaguars and coaching staff for an outstanding year and a great team!

Elks offer Opportunities for teens

The Gateway Elks are currently offering two programs to help teens. One is the Elks National Foundation Scholarship Competition, which is taking place now. Any high school senior can compete for this scholarship. Applications and instructions for the Elks National Foundation Scholarship are available at the Lodge Office, 711 N.E. 100th Ave. The Foundation has made over two million dollars available to students, so take advantage today! Applications are due to the Lodge office by Friday, Jan. 11.

The second available program is the Elks vocational grant program. Any prospective male or female who plans to pursue an eligible technical/vocational program beyond high school may file an application. All applicants must be U.S. citizens. Applications and instructions for the Elks vocation grant program are available at the Lodge Office, 711 N.E. 100th Ave. Each application must be filed with the Lodge office by Monday, April 1. For more information, please call the Lodge Office at 503-255-6535.

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 at Prescott, Sacramento, and Shaver Elementary Schools. 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.

Human Solutions offers help

Human Solutions is a non-profit social service corporation that helps low-income families move into self-sufficiency. They do this by providing transitional and permanent affordable housing, as well as a broad range of social services. To find out how they can help you, call Human Solutions at 503-988-5200.

PBA celebrates, honors students and members

The 2001 Parkrose Business Association (PBA) Holiday Party was a roaring success. PBA not only raised funds to support their scholarship program, but also presented awards and had a great time!

All proceeds from the admission fee and silent action went towards the PBA’s Parkrose High School Scholarship Fund. Each spring the PBA grants a $1,000 scholarship to a graduating high school senior to help further the senior’s education. “All the money spent on the purchase of auction items (personal services and goods) is geared to the continued funding of our scholarship program,” said PBA President Nancy Murphy, herself a graduate of Parkrose High School. Murphy will also be the featured speaker at this month’s PBA general meeting, discussing the state of the PBA. (See Calendar item).

Aside from the success of the silent auction, this year’s PBA Holiday Party saw the return of the Parkrose Debonnaires to assist in the evening’s festivities. The “Debs”, as they are affectionately known, have been present at PBA holiday celebrations for many years. This year was no exception, and the presentation was beautifully sung by the choristers. The evening of celebration played to a packed banquet room at Steamer’s Restaurant, where a splendid and delicious banquet buffet was served.

PBA also presented it’s most prestigious honor, the Karl F. Lind Award. This honor was presented to Marsha Lee, owner of Copy Express. Lee is a board member of the PBA and dedicated booster of the organization. She was honored for her many contributions to the association. Artie Johnson, a former recipient of the award, summed up the committee’s decision to honor Lee with these words, “Marsha Lee’s spirit and professional stature are the perfect profile of the Karl F. Lind Award. She is known for the highest integrity and honesty. Marsha is a true leader in the Parkrose Community!”

Johnson also received her own honor during the evening. She was awarded the very first Artie Johnson Award. This award, to be given annually, will recognize the efforts of anyone connected to the Parkrose Business Association who has invested an amazing amount of energy, time, and dedication to the organization. Congratulations from the Mid-county Memo to Marsha Lee and Artie Johnson.

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

Operation Shoe Lift

Over thirty years ago, as a Parkrose Lion’s Club member was walking along some of the Mid-county’s toughest roads, he got a Christmas inspiration. At the annual Lion’s Club Christmas meeting, he stood up and launched his idea: Help each child in the community have a good pair of shoes. This was the humble beginnings of what would become the Parkrose Lion’s Operation Shoe Lift.

Thirty years later, things have changed in Operation Shoe Lift. Originally, the shoes were only given to Parkrose school district elementary school students. The children were shuttled from the school to local contributing shoe stores until everyone had a pair fitted especially for them. Today, Parkrose Middle School has been added to the list of benefiting schools. Also, parents and school officials no longer have to scramble to find transportation to the various shoes stores.

Today, all the shoes are provided by the Portland Running Company, owned by Ed McLarty and Dave Harkin. Instead of taking the children to the shoes, McLarty and Harkin bring the store to the children, with the help of Diane McLarty and Lorna Strey. They were joined this year by local endurance athlete Alex Laws, chosen by Coca Cola to be an Official Torch Bearer at the 2002 Olympic Games. Everyone worked together and had a great time when they visited Parkrose Middle School on Wednesday, Dec. 19.

The young feet at Shaver, Russell, Sacramento, and Prescott Elementary Schools, as well as Parkrose Middle School, have never been more comfortable. The community thanks the Parkrose Lions Club and Portland Running Company for their involvement and contribution to our schools.

For more information, call the Parkrose Lions Club at 503-254-7035 or the Portland Running Company at 503-524-7570, or visit www.portlandrunningcompany.com

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, or how you can help, please call 503-287-8639.

Have fun at Gregory Heights

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

•Book Discussion Group: Join friends and neighbors to discuss insights and read interesting books. For Tuesday, Jan. 15 at 7 p.m., read “Corelli’s Mandolin” by Louis de Bernieres, a sprawling novel that follows the lives of the inhabitants of an idyllic Greek island from the peaceful days before World War II through the tumult of the war and into the present.

•Tiny Tots: Storytimes for children aged 12 to 24 months with adult will be held at 10:30 a.m. every Thursday, beginning Thursday, Jan 17.

•Preschool Storytime: Storytimes for children aged 3 to 6 years with adult will be held at 11 a.m. every Friday, beginning Friday, Jan 18.

•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 Tuesdays from 4 to 7 p.m., Wednesdays from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m., and Saturdays from noon to 3 p.m. Available whenever school is in session.

•Email for beginners: Prerequisite: Web Basics. Learn how to use free e-mail on the Web, using programs 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, Jan. 5 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 held from 9 to 10 a.m. Classes will be held on Saturday, Jan. 12, Saturday, Jan. 19, and Saturday, Jan. 26.

•Snow Days: A cold day is the perfect time to cuddle up for stories and songs with Anne-Louise Sterry. For preschoolers and their parents or caregivers, held on Saturday, Jan. 19 at 2:30 p.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 to 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, Jan. 8, Tuesday, Jan 15, and Tuesday Jan 22, all at 9 a.m.

Midland offers free classes and activities

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 January, weekly events include computer and Internet classes and story times. Pre-registration is required for all classes. 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 Discussions Group: Engage in stimulating conversation about books and get to know your neighbors. Come and exchange perspectives about characters, plot and more! For Wednesday, Jan. 9 at 7 p.m., read Anita Diamant’s “The Red Tent.” Through the eyes of Dinah, a minor character in the Old Testament, Diamant gives us a look at life in those times from a woman’s perspective. For Wednesday, Jan 16 at 1 p.m., read “Girl With a Pearl Earring” by Tracy Chevalier, which traces the life of the subject of the Vermeer painting who is a servant in the artist’s household.

•Math Fun with Doorbells: 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 us for stories and games featuring ladybugs, frogs, fish and blueberry pancakes! This interactive program is for children 3 to 7 years with adult. The class meets on Tuesday, Jan. 8 at 7 p.m.

•Sobre Viviendo: Enjoy the performance of Ecuadorian mime Omar Vargas, featuring classic pantomimes from around the world, including interactive games for children. The performance will be held on Saturday, Jan 12 at 11 a.m.

•Story Stop: Listen to stories every day! Children of all ages and their adults are invited to stop by the library for a short, daily program of fun stories. This program is held seven days a week at 1:30 p.m.

•Book Babies: Storytimes for children aged infant to 12 months with adult will be held at 10:15 a.m. every Monday, beginning Monday, Jan. 14.

•Tiny Tots: Storytimes for children aged 12 to 24 months with adult will be held at 10:15 a.m. every Tuesday, beginning Tuesday, Jan 15.

•Toddler Storytime: Storytimes for children aged 24 to 36 months with adult will be held at 10:15 a.m. every Wednesday, beginning Wednesday, Jan 16.

•Preschool Storytime: Storytimes for children aged 3 to 6 years with adult will be held at 10:15 a.m. every Thursday and Friday, beginning Thursday, Jan 17, and Friday, Jan. 18.

•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 will be held on Wednesdays from 4 to 6 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 Thursday, Jan. 3 at 7 p.m., read Robb White’s “Deathwatch.” Needing money for school, a college boy accepts a job as guide on a desert hunting trip and nearly loses his life.

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.

•Book Discussion Group: Meet with your neighbors and have interesting discussions! Come join the book discussion group at Parkrose Cooperative. The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 8 at 7 p.m. For that meeting, read “The Samurai’s Garden” by Gail Tsukiyama. On the eve of World War II, a Chinese man recuperates from tuberculosis in his family’s summer home in Japan. Through the Japanese caretaker, he meets local residents who teach him about compassion and acceptance.

•Family Storytime: Storytime will be held for children 6 and younger with adult on Tuesdays at 7 p.m. and Saturdays at 1 p.m.

•Journal Making: On Saturday, Jan. 19 at 2 p.m., sew your very own journal or diary using a variety of decorated papers.