Portland Oregon newspaper 2002 archives

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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

Letter to Mid-county Memo readers

Hello neighbors! May is the beginning of new things, and it marks a special beginning for me. May is my anniversary issue. I have now been with the Mid-county Memo for one year, and I am proud of the expansion of my Memo Calendar and Memo Pad sections. Thanks to all the organizations and community members who have provided me with information, and given me leads for upcoming events. I also want to thank all of our readers for taking the time to look through our paper and perhaps attend a few of the events we publicize. This month, I am introducing something new in the Calendar section that will hopefully make things more convenient for our readers: section headers. Please feel free to email me, Dawn Widler, at editor@midcountymemo.com to let me know if you like this new style or if you would prefer to keep the mixture that has prevailed until now. Please put “section headers” in the subject line. And as always, I welcome comments from the public on any part of the paper.

Special Events

Save time and money

Tired of having to go all over Portland to save money by visiting a few garage sales? You can find almost anything at the 15th Annual Maywood Park Community Garage Sale. With this many families participating, the variety is amazing. Last year, 67 individual homes participated in the garage sale. Food and drink stands will be provided. Come see the bargains in Maywood Park from Friday, May 31 through Sunday, June 2. The sale will be held on Friday and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Sunday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. At any one of the participating homes, attendees can obtain a brochure giving the addresses where sales are being held, listing the “special” items each home will be selling, and showing a map of the neighborhood. The Maywood Park Community is located between N.E. 92nd Ave. and 102nd Ave. from Fremont to Prescott. You should be able find anything you’re looking for in this community garage sale!

Enjoy a musical treat

A Spring Bouquet of Music will be offered to the community by Gethsemane Lutheran Church at S.E. 115th Ave. and Market St. on Sunday, May 5 at 3 p.m. Enjoy a mixed bouquet of music for all ages featuring Gethsemane’s outstanding musical talent. The concert will include a variety of selections both choral and instrumental. Come and celebrate God’s great gift of music. For more information, please call Gethsemane Lutheran Church at 503-256-1835.

Join in the fun!

It’s time for another exciting Gateway Community Fair, held this year on Saturday, May 18 from 1 to 4 p.m. There will be interactive, interesting displays by Gateway area merchants and community groups. There will also be games, food, entertainment, and prizes, as well as police and fire exhibits. Raffle prize winners will be announced every 15 minutes. Tickets will be available both in advance and at the fair. Don’t miss the fun and community spirit at the Gateway Community Fair on 111th Square, at N.E. 111th Ave. and N.E. Halsey St. Admission is free.

This third annual Gateway Community Fair is just part of the Gateway Fun-o-rama excitement. The Fun-o-rama Carnival, at N.E. 104th Ave. one block south of Halsey St., behind JJ North’s Buffet, will feature rides and fun from Thursday, May 16 through Sunday, May 19. The fair will be open from 5 to 10 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, noon to 10 p.m. on Saturday, and noon to 8 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are available in advance for $10 or at the gate for $15. One ticket includes unlimited rides, access to the midway, and live entertainment. Friday, May 17 is buddy night. Bring a friend – two tickets for the price of one will be offered on Friday only.

Pre-sale unlimited ride tickets of the Gateway Fun-o-rama Carnival are available at the following mid-county locations: Washington Mutual Bank, 1515 N.E. 112the Ave., Washington Mutual Bank, 102nd Ave and Halsey St. (inside Fred Meyer), Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization, 10301 N.E. Glisan St., The Postal Annex, 11994 N.E. Glisan St. (inside the Glisan St. Station), Postal Place, ) 11124 N.E. Halsey St. (in 111th Square), Wells Fargo Bank, 122nd Ave. and Glisan St. (inside Safeway), and the Wells Fargo Bank on S.E. 103rd Ave. and Washington St.

The highlight event is the Gateway Fun-o-rama Parade on Saturday, May 18 at 10:30 a.m. The parade will march down N.E. Halsey St. from 122nd Ave. to 102nd Ave. The Fun-o-rama parade will include floats, bands, and much, much more! Judging will take place at the community fair at 111th Square, and prizes will be awarded in numerous categories.

The Fun-o-rama events are sponsored in part by the Gateway Area Business Association (GABA), as well as other local businesses. For more information, please call Fred Sanchez at 503-256-3910 or email fred@realtybrokers.com. More detailed information is also available at the Gateway Fun-o-rama web site neighborhoodlink.com/org/gatewayparade.

Enjoy yourself at the Parkrose Community Fair

Spring is in full bloom bringing beautiful flowers and green grass. But even better, spring brings the 3rd Annual Parkrose Community Fair. Join the fair for breakfast, lunch or dinner - performers will be on the outdoor stage all day. Both professional and student performances will be featured. The Fair will include numerous vendor booths, school group booths, food booths, and fun and games for the kids. The children’s play area will include inflatable slides, bouncing rooms, clowns, face painting, and much more. The Parkrose Community Fair features the Spring Car Classic, a car show for all types of cars, as well as a student art exhibition, and much more. Don’t miss this exciting event for the whole family, held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 18. This event will be held at Parkrose High School, 12003 N.E. Shaver St. For more information, please call Mary King at 503-408-2687.

The perfect time to spring clean

Now is the time to get rid of all that old junk in your driveway, backyard and garage. Bring your appliances, old furniture, bicycles, electronics, metal, tires and yard debris to the 2002 Spring Neighborhood Cleanup. Seize the chance to get rid it of it all and bring us your waste. Families must live within the boundaries to participate. The eligible area is bordered north by the Columbia River, West by I-205, south by Clatsop St., and east by 162nd Ave. The covered area includes the following neighborhoods: Parkrose, Parkrose Heights, Argay, Russell, Wilkes, Hazelwood, Glenfair, Centennial, Mill Park, Powellhurst-Gilbert, Pleasant Valley, and Lents. The Spring Neighborhood Cleanup will be held on Saturday, May 11 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Tri-Met Park-N-Ride lot on S.E. 122nd Ave. and Burnside St. Enter on Ash St. Fees for various types of loads are as follows:

•Yard debris: $10 per pickup load

•Tires: $1 without rims, or $3 with rims

•Old furniture/ appliances: $20 per pickup load

•Monitors/ televisions: $10

Only one pickup load of debris is allowed per household. You may bring more than one type of debris but you must be able to separate it into the drop boxes. If fees are a hardship, they can be waived by calling 503-823-4550 or 503-771-4667 prior to the cleanup. The neighborhood cleanup cannot accept food waste, hazardous materials, commercial waste, or debris from outside the service area. For more information, please call 503-253-4414 or e-mail alesiajmr@yahoo.com.

Help put the “park” in Parkrose

Come and pitch in on a true community park. Senn’s Dairy Park has already had more public input that most parks ever receive. Every aspect from the location to the name has been influenced by the community. Join in on a Work Day to help make this community park a reality. You are encouraged to bring any gloves, rakes, spades/forks, loppers and pruners, empty garbage cans, buckets or wheelbarrows that you might have around your house. Be sure to tag or otherwise mark your tools for easy ID.

Some of the projects in the works right now include: installing cyclone fence around the area, planting native trees and shrubs along the driveway facing 112th, planting to fill in the laurel hedge, and planting grass seed. The park also needs volunteers and equipment for grading the area, cutting out a small area of concrete, tilling, digging and laying irrigation pipe and putting in a dry well. Parkrose residents will plant trees and Parkrose High School students will plant native shrubs for the natural habitat area that will eventually encircle the park.

Join in on the second workday held on Saturday, May 4 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and possibly longer. Meet at the Senn’s Dairy Park site at N.E. 112th Ave. and Prescott St. Volunteers are needed for all kinds of jobs. Come dressed for the weather and be ready to have a great time working shoulder-to-shoulder with youth and neighbors building a local treasure. For more information or to offer your help, contact Krystyn Czarnecka at FamilyWorks, 503-256-2330 x26 or chch@hevanet.com.

A different kind of steed

Come help the Portland area car club Road Knights celebrate 50 years as a car club at a Cruise-In. Some of the original members of the Road Knights will be in attendance at Jim Dandy’s Drive-In on the day of the event. Jim Dandy’s Drive-In is one of the last of its kind, and has been in business since 1937. See the great cars and compete for awards and raffle prizes. Dash plaques will be available, and music will be booming. Don’t miss this rocking good time. The Jim Dandy Drive-In is located at 9626 N.E. Sandy Blvd. The open car show will be held from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 18. Car registration for the show is $8. For more information, please call Bob at 503-663-5213 or Bruce at 503-310-8921.

Check out the fair and your health

On Saturday, May 18, come visit the Parkrose Lions Club Mobile Screening Unit (MSU) during the Parkrose Community Fair from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. The MSU will be parked outside Parkrose High School. You can’t miss the colorful exterior mural depicting scenes from all over Oregon. The MSU travels throughout the state delivering free health screenings in Visual Acuity, Glaucoma, Hearing, Blood Pressure, and Diabetes. The Mobile Screening Unit is sponsored by The Oregon Lions Sight and Hearing Foundation. Get your health checked out! For more information, please call Lorraine Lanxon at 360-896-3024 or Kyle Ziegler at 503-254-7035.

Huge book sale

Don’t miss the Portland State University Miller Library’s annual book sale. This sale includes more than 8,000 volumes for sale, as well as many magazines. Most hardbacks will sell for one dollar, paperbacks for 50 cents, and magazines for a quarter. The sale will be held 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, May 14 and Wednesday, May 15, and from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursday, May 16,in the Smith Memorial Center ballroom on the Portland State University Campus. For more information, please call Claudia Weston at 503-725-4542.

Big rummage sale

It’s time for the Our Saviors Lutheran Church Annual Rummage Sale. Come on Saturday, June 1 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for a fun shopping experience. There will be a wide variety of items to chose from, including, furniture, books, knickknacks, clothing, etc. There will also be tasty snacks for sale. Our Savior Lutheran Church is located just a few blocks away from Parkrose High School at 11100 N.E. Skidmore. For more information, please call 503-257-9409.

Learn more about what you drink

Learn about our water, where it comes from, and where it goes. Environmental Testing Lab Coffey Laboratories is celebrating Drinking Water Awareness Month by hosting a Drinking Water Festival. On Friday May 10, from 3 to 6 p.m., get all your questions answered and receive help with your water-related problems at the Festival. You can learn the vital role water plays in our daily lives. Many local vendors will be present to help explain their important role in keeping our water clean and safe. The festival will be held at the Alderwood Inn, 7025 N.E. Alderwood Inn St., off N.E. 82nd Ave.

Many people in America take the precious resource, water, for granted and understand very little about what it takes to get water to them. Learn where your water was last night, last month, and last year. Find out where your water is headed after it swishes across the slick surface of the sink and vanishes through a pipe. From the nation’s smallest community to its biggest city, Americans use our rivers, lakes and aquifers for drinking water.

For more information about the Water Drinking Festival, please call Nancy Williams at 503-254-1794.

Join the National Day of Prayer

Everyone is invited to gather to pray for our nation, our leaders, men and women in the military and other concerns during our National Day of Prayer. This event is sponsored by a number of churches and will be held on Thursday, May 2 at 7 p.m. in St. Mathews Episcopal Church, 11229 N.E. Prescott St.

The National Day of Prayer was established as an annual tradition by Congress in 1952. There will be worship and prayer in hymns and song, and presentations on prayers. The 2002 theme is “America Under God”. For more information, please call Ed Sandvig at 503-590-6129.

Take control of your utilities

Save energy and money this month with the help of the Community Energy Project. Learn how to take control of your water and sewer bills. This free workshop provides information on how to detect and repair leaks, water conservation ideas in and around your home, plus details on Portland’s incredible water system. Each Portland household receives an instructional workbook and a free kit of materials worth $25. This workshop will be held from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, May 28, in the Mt. Scott Community Center, 5530 S.E. 72nd Ave. For more information or to register, please call 503-284-6827.

Learn how to protect yourself and your kids

The Lead Poisoning Prevention Coalition invites the public to participate in a Community Lead Awareness Forum. The Forum will be held at King Elementary School, 4906 N.E. 6th Ave., on Thursday, May 30, from 6 to 8 p.m. Topics will focus on general lead poisoning information and home remodeling dangers. Free home lead test kits will be given to participants and free on-site blood lead testing for all ages will be available from 5 to 8 p.m.

Lead is a hidden danger in our homes. Lead poisoning causes permanent brain and organ damage possibly leading to learning disabilities, serious health problems, and in severe cases, death. Unfortunately, most children are exposed to lead hazards in the home such as deteriorating lead-based paint chips and dust, water, soil, and miscellaneous household items. To help our community protect children from lead hazards, the Lead Poisoning Prevention Coalition seeks to educate parents and other concerned community members about the effects and common sources of childhood lead poisoning. The forum also provides an opportunity for community members to share their experiences and concerns.

Community members are encouraged to bring the entire family. The Forum is a perfect opportunity for parents to learn about childhood lead poisoning and have their children screened immediately to determine their blood lead levels. Free childcare and food will be provided. Please contact Janice Lewis at 503-823-2354 for more information.

Treat your mom on her special day

Treat your Mother to a special meal this Mother’s Day. The Grotto is holding a special Mother’s Day Brunch on Sunday, May 12. Three sessions are offered: an early riser brunch at 8:30 a.m., a traditional brunch at 11:15 a.m., and a late brunch at 1:30 p.m. This special meal will be served in the Grotto Conference Center, at N.E. 85th Ave. and Sandy Blvd. Cost is $18.50 per person. Reservations are required by Wednesday, May 8. For reservations or more information, please call Dana Schmidling at 503-254-7371.

Cultural fair and open house

A cultural fair and open house on Thursday, May 2, from 4 to 7 p.m. will spotlight Multnomah Education Service District’s Early Childhood Special Education/Early Intervention Program, located at 14030 N.E. Sacramento St. The event is free and the public is invited to enjoy food, facility tours and family activities such as storytelling and children’s art. Families whose young children attend the program and volunteers from the Multnomah Education Service District (MESD) Foundation will be there to provide program information as part of Oregon’s “Back-to-School Week” activities.

In the summer of 2001, Multnomah Education Service District relocated its growing Early Childhood Special Education and Early Intervention Program to the former Thompson School. The 43,000 square foot school is owned by the Parkrose School District but has not been used as a public elementary school for a number of years. The program also provides services in a number of classrooms in various locations in mid-Multnomah County. Five of these community classrooms, as well as three classrooms for Head Start, have located at the new site.

The MESD program provides evaluation and screening for potential eligibility for early intervention and early childhood special education. The program also provides home instruction, parent education and consultation. The services for students ages three to five years include center-based instruction, a variety of classroom placement options, consultative and direct services to Head Start and community pre-school settings, and parent education.

For more information about the open house or MESD, please call MESD Foundation Specialist Kathy Burman at 503-257-1621.

Bare your body with confidence

Summer is the time where bared bodies are much in evidence. From skimpy swimsuits to short shorts, the sun forces everyone to bare a little more skin. No matter what your body shape, the “Spring into Summer” seminar will focus on helping everyone look their best for summer. Two doctors will be presenting information in the Cosmetic Surgery Center of Woodland Park Hospital.

Dr. Gregory Roduner will begin the seminar with a discussion of body cosmetic and reconstructive surgery, using “before and after” slides to illustrate each of the procedures. He will discuss the current status of breast augmentations, sharing the latest information. He will also discuss breast reduction, liposuction, and tummy tucks, as well as other procedures.

Dr. Glen Milligan will focus on facial cosmetic procedures. His slides will feature facelifts, eyelid surgery, and eyebrow lifts. He will also discuss adjunctive procedures such as dermabrasion, liposuction and collagen injections. Dr. Milligan will show nasal surgery, chin augmentation, and otoplasty (ear tacking). Both Dr. Milligan and Dr. Roduner will answer audience questions following their presentations.

The seminar will be held from 1 to 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 11 in the Main Auditorium of the Woodland Park Hospital, 10373 N.E. Hancock St. There is no charge for the seminar, but pre-registration is required. To pre-register or for more information, please call Jean Snook at 503-257-5588.

Monthly Group Meetings

Network - and learn something new

Parkrose business owners - don’t miss this month’s exciting meeting of the Parkrose Business Association. Each month’s meeting includes not only a guest speaker from the community speaking on a topic of interest, but also a “Member Moment”. This allows you to expand your knowledge of the area, learn about other businesses, and advertise your own business when it’s your turn in the spotlight.

This month’s speaker will be State Representative Jackie Dingfelder.

The “Member Moment” for May will focus on Kevin Minkoff, a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). Just because tax season is over is no reason to let your finances slip. The meeting will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursday, May 16, 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.

Learn from other business owners

The Gateway Area Business Association invites all business owners and managers of Gateway Area businesses to join this thriving group. GABA is a great way to meet with other business owners and enjoy some of the many events sponsored by GABA. Each month features meaningful speakers on business, community, or related subjects, and an update on Gateway area events.

On Thursday, May 9 at 11:45 a.m. come and hear City Commissioner Jim Francesconi in JJ North’s Grand Buffet banquet room, 10520 N.E. Halsey St. Francesconi is Commissioner of Public Utilities for the City of Portland. One of his responsibilities is the Bureau of Parks and Recreation, and that will be his topic for the meeting. GABA will also be holding a board meeting on Tuesday, May 14, in the Midland Library, 805 S.E. 122nd Ave., at 7:30 a.m.

GABA also sponsors area projects. Don’t miss this month’s Gateway Fun-o-rama parade and community fair event.

For more information about GABA or how to become a member, call President Fred Sanchez at 503-256-3910.

Impress your co-workers

Want to go from shy wallflower to the go-getter wowing the boss? Toastmasters International can help you learn to conquer your nervousness about speaking in front of others. As you gain confidence, you will be able to do presentations and attend important meetings without those butterflies in your stomach.

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.

Fun and prizes

If you want to do something for the community and also enjoy a weekly bingo game, the Columbia View Kiwanis is the club for you. Each weekly meeting includes both discussion on how to help local charities, and a lively game of bingo. Each meeting also includes a special program with guest speakers on topics of interest.

The Columbia View Kiwanis meet every Wednesday at noon in the Refectory Restaurant, 1618 N.E. 122nd Ave. For more information, please call Charlie Ross at 503-252-1570.

Keep government in the hands of the people

The League of Women Voters is a non-partisan group that works to keep American citizens informed and involved with the government. The group also works to influence public policy through advocacy and education.

The League of Women Voters meets at 10 a.m. on the third Saturday of each month at the Airport Shilo Inn, 11707 N.E. Airport Way. Saturday, May 18, meet your fellow patriots and make a difference. For more information, please call zone chairwoman Artie Johnson at 503-282-8044.

Still helping our kids

They may not be teachers anymore, but the East Multnomah Retired Educators still work to benefit 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, May 23, at the Refectory Restaurant, 1618 N.E. 122nd Ave. For more information, please call BettyAnne Mosen at 503-760-3958.

Stay in the loop

Maywood Park citizens - take advantage of your rights and take part in governing your city. Maywood Park residents have the opportunity every month to attend the meeting of the Maywood Park City Council. Whether you have an opinion you want heard or you just like to know what is going on in your neighborhood, a city council meeting is for you. Maywood Park city council meetings for May will be held on Tuesday, May 7 and Tuesday, May 21. The meetings 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.

The decision has been made to incorporate public safety issues into the first council meeting of the month every other month. The next meeting with safety items on the agenda will be Tuesday, May 7 meeting. Come voice your concerns or ideas about how to keep our children and our community safe.

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 during the meeting. Address your concerns, comments, or potential solutions to the Maywood Park City Council, 10100 N.E. Prescott St., Maywood Park, OR, 97220.

Be part of the business community

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 luncheon. Enjoy food and companionship while expanding business contacts.

The next meeting will be held at 11:45 a.m. on Tuesday, May 14 in the New 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.

A different early riser event

Next time you’re considering an “Early Bird” breakfast, visit the Mall 205 Early Riser Kiwanis Club. Meet some good friends while enjoying weekly programs. This service club helps to support causes such as Snow-CAP and the East Portland Community Center. The Early Risers meet at 7 a.m. every Thursday at 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.

Help shape your neighborhood

Are there problems in your neighborhood that need to be dealt with? Improvements you’d like to see made? Even if you just want to know what is going on in your area, the answer lies within your local neighborhood association. Meetings offer more then just the chance to meet your neighbors and work together as a community. Neighborhood association meetings provide a forum to discuss and solve community issues, and improve the quality of the neighborhood through joint improvement efforts. Mid-county neighborhood association information is posted below. For general East Portland Neighborhood Office information, please call Becky Hughes at 503-823-4550.

•The Argay Neighborhood Association meeting is Tuesday, May 21, 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 will hold a general meeting and picnic in the park on Thursday, May 23 in the park behind Glenfair School, 15300 N.E. Glisan St., at 6 p.m. The park is located on N.E. 154th Ave. between N.E. Glisan St. and N.E. Burnside St. Come enjoy the info and a pizza dinner! For more information, please call Stephen Jenkevice at 503-661-1308.

•The Hazelwood Neighborhood Association will meet on Monday, May 20 at 6:30 p.m. in the East Precinct Community Room, 737 S.E. 106th Ave. For more information, please call Jane Baker at 503-252-7386.

•The Mill Park Neighborhood Association meets at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, May 14 in the Midland Library, 805 S.E. 122nd Ave. For more information, please call Rosemarie Opp at 503-256-4591.

•The Parkrose Neighborhood Association will meet on Tuesday, May 21 at 6:30 p.m. in St. Matthews Episcopal Church, 11229 N.E. Prescott St.

•The Parkrose Heights Association of Neighbors will hold a board meeting on Tuesday, May 21 at 7 p.m. in Sacramento School, 11400 N. E. Sacramento St. For information, please call Carol Williams, 503-255-9596 or Grace Fitzgerald, 503-254-3767.

•Russell Neighborhood Association meets next on Thursday, May 16 in Russell Elementary School, 2700 N.E. 127th Ave, at 7 p.m. Andrew Aebi, LID Department Manager from Portland Department of Transportation (PDOT), will describe the new LID process, potential loan fund, and other changes in an alternative method (the LID) for neighborhood residents to get their streets repaired and/or sidewalks developed. Other agenda items will include an update on Land Use issues, status of the Office of Neighborhood Association (ONI) budget request, and a progress report on Shepherd’s Door construction. For more information, please call Bonny McKnight at 503-253-6848.

Support the Parkrose community

The Parkrose Lions Club invites Parkrose community members to join in the fun and worthwhile activities they support. To encourage visitors, the Lions will treat first-time guests to a free dinner. What you hear during dinner will keep you coming back for the companionship and good works.

May’s meetings will be held on Wednesday, May 1, and Wednesday, May 15 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.

Make your home more hospitable

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. Not only that but every meeting also includes a potluck dinner provided by all those who attend. The next meeting will be held at noon on Sunday, May 26 at 15893 N.E. Holladay St. For more information, please call Charlotte Smith at 503-771-5762.

Join a Mid-county Rotary Club

Spare a little time to have fun helping others in a companionable atmosphere. The rotary clubs work to help out such programs as Habitat for Humanity, numerous Rotary sponsored scholarships, and International Polio Plus - another Rotary project, aimed at eradicating polio. 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 Restaurant Banquet Room, 1618 N.E. 122nd Ave. at Halsey St. For more information, please call Tom Lobingier at 503-252-4036.

Gateway Elks club opens up new worlds

The Gateway Elks offer not only the chance to help out others in the community, such as youth and veterans, but also the chance to improve the Gateway area. Membership also opens new social doors. The Lodge is constantly having functions of all sorts. Events for May include bingo games on Wednesdays, a special Mother’s Day program, and the Portland Inaugural Ball, as well as the regular lodge meetings on Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. held at the Gateway Elks Lodge, 711 N.E. 100th Ave

The Elks also offer the public the chance to support groups through recycling. Donate to the paper recycling drop-box in the Lodge parking lot to help the Youth Activities Fund, supporting groups such as our area Boy Scout troops. Donate colored glass and cardboard recycle donation area on the north side of the Lodge in the RV parking lot to help support veterans in hospitals.

If you are interested in being a part of charitable projects and having a lot of fun, consider joining the Elks - the club welcomes both men and women. For more information, please call 503-255-6535. You can also email secretary@gatewayelks.org or visit www.gatewayelks.org.

Retired but still active

The Rose City Chapter of the National Association of Retired Federal Employees will hold its monthly luncheon meeting on Monday, May 13 at 10:30 a.m. in the Activity Room of the Oregon Baptist Retirement Homes, 1825 N.E. 108th Ave. This will be an information meeting. Chairman Don Paape will be sharing news about the 50th annual meeting of the Oregon Federation of Retired Federal Employees. All federal retirees and their spouses are invited. For more information call Bill Cornett at 503-232-4743, or Don Paape at 503-557-5156.

Help revitalize your community

Neighborhood Associations are the glue that holds neighborhoods together. Now is the time designated by the City of Portland to update the guidelines that shape our neighborhood associations. A taskforce of neighborhood leaders, the Guidelines, Review, Empowerment, and Assessment Taskforce (GREAT), meets twice a month to discuss updates to neighborhood organization guidelines and also to redefine the responsibilities of the City’s Office of Neighborhood Involvement (ONI).

The Guidelines apply to Neighborhood Associations, District Coalitions, Business District Associations, Communities beyond Boundaries, Alternative Service Delivery Structures (i.e. the North and East Portland Neighborhood Offices) and the Office of Neighborhood Involvement. Taskforce participants are charged with recommending to the Commissioner-in-charge suggested changes, revisions, additions, and/or deletions to the Guidelines. Final recommendations for Guidelines changes are submitted to City Council for final approval.

The public is welcome to come to the meetings and make brief comments during the public comment agenda time. Written comments are also encouraged. The meetings will take place from 8:30 to 10 a.m. on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month. On Tuesday, May 14 and Tuesday, May 28, attend the meetings in the Lovejoy room of City Hall, 1221 S.W. 4th Ave.

You can also receive minutes and agendas by contacting Brian Hoop at 503-823-3075, TTY 503-823-6868, or visiting www.myportlandneighborhood.org.

Help youth and the community

Attend a meeting of the Parkrose Masonic Lodge, a group that is dedicated to helping charitable causes and youth. Find out how you can help. There will be two meetings in May, both held at 7:30 p.m. at Parkrose Masonic Temple, 4812 N.E. 102nd Ave. The first meeting will be Monday, May 13, and the second will be on Memorial Day, Monday, May 27. For more information, please call Jim McAfee at 503-257-9027.

See the difference in Gateway

The Opportunity Gateway Program Advisory Committee (PAC) helps to guide projects in the Gateway area, such as the planned conversion of the Mall 205 area. They are in charge of monies dedicated to parks, landscaping, transportation, and many other projects. Help shape the area’s future or just discover plans for your neighborhood by attending a meeting. All meetings are open to the public, and each meeting includes a public comment period. This month’s meeting will be held on Wednesday, May 15, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the East Portland Community Center, 740 S.E. 106th Ave.

There will also be a Design and Development meeting held on Thursday May 2 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Adventist Medical Center Garden, 10123 S.E. Market St. The Housing committee will be holding a meeting from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Monday, May 6 at the Adventist Medical Center, 10123 S.E. Market St., in Education Center B. The Transportation Committee will hold a meeting on Monday, May 6 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the Adventist Medical Center, 10123 S.E. Market St., in Conference rooms 1 and 2. For more information on any of these meetings, please call John Conner at 503-823-3376.

Find out about Oregon’s health

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, May 13, in the District Office Conference Room 207, at 2115 S.E. Morrison St. After 4:30, ring the bell at the southeast corner of the building for admission. For more information or to arrange handicap access, please call 503-231-2270, ext. 104.

Soroptimists of Portland East

Soroptimist International is the world’s largest classified organization for executive and professional women. They give back to the community and to their members. This organization blends 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.

A major source of funds for the Soroptimist of Portland East is the All-Star Bingo Hall, located on the corner of S.E. 146th Ave. and Stark St. Come play bingo - maybe even win a little cash - and support local women and children at the same time.

If you are a professional woman who would like to make a difference, call Lisa Ortquist at 503-261-9608, e-mail soroptimistpdxe@hotmail.com, or write to P.O. Box 30657, Portland, OR 97294-3657. First timers get treated to lunch, so come learn about this group and enjoy a meal. The Soroptimists meet every Wednesday at noon in the banquet room of the New Copper Penny Restaurant, located on the corner of S.E. 92nd Ave. and Foster Rd.

Montavilla Kiwanis Club meetings

The Montavilla Kiwanis is a service organization, part of the International Kiwanis Club. They also help to support local non-profit organizations. The Montavilla chapter meets at 12:10 p.m. every Tuesday in the Chinese Village Restaurant and Lounge, 520 S.E. 82nd Ave. For more information, please call Diane Lawrence at 503-289-6427.

Learn a lesson about life

Would you like to learn something new this month? Attend the meeting of the Russellville Home Family and Community Education Program. This program holds classes on life lessons, everything from how to balance your diet to insurance education.

The May meeting will be held on Thursday, May 2. This is an open meeting. The group will meet in the East Portland Community Center, 740 S.E. 106th Ave., at 10 a.m., and then carpool to the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI). Entrance fee for OMSI is $5. For more information, please call June Carey at 503-257-6573.

Get a unique perspective

Bird’s Eye View is a recently formed club in the Parkrose area that provides support for those who are losing their vision. Bird’s Eye View brings together those dealing with sight impairment. Bird’s Eye View provides a support group of people who actually understand the difficulties of being vision-impaired without being totally blind. Learn ways to stay self-sufficient, so there is no need to ask the help of strangers. When people put their heads together, it is amazing the number of helpful ideas they can come up with.

This group is lead by Deborah Rowe, a grandmother who has been steadily losing her sight since the age of 16. Rowe can empathize with both those who are just beginning to lose their sight, and those whose vision loss is more severe. 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. If you are having vision problems, or if you would just like to learn how to help and support a loved one, attend the next meeting. Wednesday, May 8, come to the Parkrose High School Cooperative Library, 12003 N.E. Shaver St., from 6:30 to 7:45 p.m. and join the discussion. If you are interested in joining or would like to learn more, please call Deborah Rowe at 503-255-3533.

Tired of noisy planes?

Do something about airport noise. There are several organizations that have been formed to deal with this ongoing problem. The public is invited to Citizen’s Noise Advisory Committee (CNAC) meeting on Thursday, May 9, in the Commissions Room of the Port of Portland building downtown at 121 N.W. Everett St. Come to the meeting from 6 to 8 p.m. to educate yourself and express your opinion. The meeting includes time for public comment. For more information about the CNAC or the Noise Abatement Office, please call 503-460-4100.

The City of Portland also sponsors a group to deal with airport matters. For any airport concerns, attend the next meeting of the Airtraffic Issues Roundtable (AIR) on Tuesday, May 7 at 7 p.m. in City Hall, 1221 S.W. 4th Ave.

School Corner

SNAP’s addition to the Parkrose fair

The David Douglas High Senior All Night Party Committee (SNAP) will be participating in the Parkrose Community Fair held at the Parkrose High School Campus, 12003 N.E. Shaver St. SNAP’s contribution to the festivities is the Spring Car Classic, a car show for all kinds of cars. Shine up your ride and enter to win in any of a variety of divisions. Car entries may be registered at the fair between 9 and 11 a.m. on the day of the Fair, Saturday, May 18. SNAP will also be raffling off a helicopter ride for three people. Come to the Parkrose Community Fair for the cars, the food, the vendors, the live entertainment, the games, the Skate Church exhibition, or the Student Art exhibit and sale. The Fair hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, please call 503-408-2697.

Recycle your way to a better school

Every month the Parkrose High Bronco Boosters gives the community the opportunity to contribute to our children’s education and protect the earth at the same time. The Bronco Boosters accept donations of soda and beer cans and bottles in the east parking lot of Parkrose High School Community Center, 12003 N.E. Shaver St. Bronco Boosters will be there from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 4 to collect donations. For more information about donations or how to help, please call Sharon Mershon at 503-252-7139.

Arthur Academy invites parent to learn more

The Mastery Learning Institute (MLI) charter application has been approved by the David Douglas School Board, officially admitting Arthur Academy to the David Douglas school district. Arthur Academy, named for MLI Director Charles Arthur, will be an alternative to more crowded public schools, offering personalized instruction with only one class per grade level. Since it will be supported by public funds, Arthur Academy will be available free to any student in the David Douglas School District.

If successful, Arthur Academy can provide a model that can be utilized in public schools. Arthur Academy has been designed to provide students and parents an alternative elementary school choice with proven academic success.

During the 2002 school year, the Arthur Academy must have 80% of its enrollment from the sponsoring school district, David Douglas. But beginning in 2003, this restriction is lifted, and children from neighboring districts can attend in larger numbers. This will allow Arthur Academy to attract students from anywhere in the mid-county area.

Arthur Academy will hold its monthly parent meeting at 7:15 p.m. on Thursday, May 23 in the Board Room of the David Douglas Administrative Building, 1500 S.E. 103rd Ave.

The purpose of the meeting is to enable parents to ask questions about the school and allow the school to continue to inform parents about its approach to teaching children in grades K-3. For more information, please call the Mastery Learning Institute at 503-236-9326.

Know what is going on

Take part in our local public school systems and educate yourself on what is going on in our centers of education. Help ensure the future of our community by making sure our children have everything they need to become the leaders of tomorrow. Local school board meeting dates and locations are listed below.

•David Douglas School Board meets Thursday, May 2 and Thursday, May 16 at 7 p.m. in the David Douglas District Office Boardroom, located at 1500 S.E. 130th Ave. For more information, please call 503-252-2900.

•Parkrose School Board meets for a work session on Monday, May 13, in the District Administration Office, 10636 N.E. Prescott St. at 4:30 p.m. Parkrose School Board will also hold a regular meeting on Tuesday, May 28 at 7 p.m. in rooms L13 and L14 of the Parkrose High School Community Center, 12003 N.E. Shaver St. For more information, please call 503-408-2100. There is a regularly scheduled period for public comment during each board meeting.

Can’t quite fit the meeting into your schedule? No problem - each meeting will be aired Thursdays and Saturdays at 2 p.m. on cable channel 27.

Shakespeare with a twist

Enjoy an alternative version of Shakespeare’s Much Ado about Nothing at Portland Christian High School. The drama department has set this Shakespearian classic in the post-World War America with music by George Gershwin. Performances will be held on Friday, May 3 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, May 4 at 3 p.m. Cost will be $7 general admission, $5 for students. The performances will be held at Portland Christian High School, 12425 N.E. San Rafael St. For more information, please call Portland Christian HS at 503-256-3960.

Pre-school holds open house

Our Savior Lutheran Church Pre-school is having an open house on Friday, May 31 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. See the fun that’s been going on at the pre-school: look at the pictures from the field trips, visiting professional guests, and the Christmas and Fall programs. You can also check out some of the projects the kids have done throughout the year. Pre-school hours are 9 to 11:30 a.m., with classes held either Monday / Wednesday / Friday or Tuesday/Thursday, for a reasonable fee. Meet the teacher and the pastor. Our Savior Lutheran Church Pre-school is located at 11100 NE Skidmore. For more information, please call pre-school director Arleene Frecke at 503-257-9409.

OASIS honors local tutors

The OASIS Tutoring Program will be holding a ceremony to thank the dedicated and caring tutors that have helped children in Gresham-Barlow, David Douglas, and Parkrose elementary schools this school year. In the last year OASIS tutors in Mid and East County have served 21schools. OASIS tutors have made a tremendous impact on our children, schools, and communities. School staff and those interested in learning more about OASIS are invited to participate in this fun event.

The event will be held from 4 to 5 p.m. on Thursday, May 23 at the Gresham Council Chambers, 1331 NW Eastman Parkway in Gresham. The afternoon will include speakers and a special time for tutors to reflect and share their experiences with those attending. Student’s story journals will also be on display.

OASIS is a national tutoring program that engages volunteers in helping children in local elementary schools. Each OASIS tutor is matched with a student who they work with for one hour a week, during the school day, at the student’s school. OASIS volunteers are trained in the “language experience” approach of helping kids learn to read. This approach involves writing stories in a journal and is also supplemented with reading books and other activities. Both volunteers and school staff agree that the OASIS approach is very effective in helping children improve their language and reading skills.

For more information about OASIS or the honorary event, please call Beth Ragel at 503-261-8275.

Help provide a fun and safe time

Spring is upon us, and with spring comes every child’s dream - the end of the school year. For the parents of the senior class at David Douglas High School it means they go into high gear as they continue to plan for the Senior All Night Drug and Alcohol Free Graduation Party. This party provides graduating teens with a safe, fun place to celebrate this milestone in their lives. No financial support is provided by the school, so the Graduation Committee is asking your help in providing a safe place for our teens to celebrate.

Any donation will be gladly accepted, whether cash or product. Your donation is tax 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.

Senior Resources

Find out about senior rights

The Elders in Action commission advocates senior 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.

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, May 15 from 12:30 to 3 p.m. in Irvington Village Assisted Living facility, 4003 N.E. Grand Ave.

Joan Smith, Executive Director of Loaves and Fishes, will give an update on the new nutrition and multi-ethnic food programs available for seniors in the Metro area. She will also highlight some of the nationally recognized health and nutrition programs run by Loaves and Fishes.

The Elders in Action commission meeting will include discussion about the advocacy strategy for the upcoming Portland and Multnomah County Budget Hearings. For more information about the meeting or Elders in Action, please call 503-823-5269.

Help a child and yourself

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

Seniors - take advantage of free services

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

Medicare advice is available as well, through Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance (SHIBA). Volunteers help both seniors and people with disabilities to understand their rights, make informed choices on how to receive their benefits, and file claims and appeals. Appointments are required.

The Senior Services Program Office is located in the East Portland Community Center at 740 S.E. 106th Ave. For more information or to schedule an appointment with any of these programs, please call 503-988-6073.

Avoid the worst road hazard - other drivers

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 is offered for a fee of just $10. For more information or upcoming class dates, please call Instructor Artie Johnson at 503-282-8044.

Free computer classes offered

Gregory Heights Library, 7921 N.E. Sandy Blvd., is offering Cyber Seniors Computer Classes. This free 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. Learn how to communicate with your kids, grandkids, and other loved ones through the computer. Each session will consist of one hour of instruction and one hour of practice. Participants must pre-register and attend all three classes, held at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, May 7; Tuesday, May 14; and Tuesday, May 21. To pre-register or for more information, please call Gregory Heights Library at 503-988-5386.