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.

Get money to help the environment

Environmental Services has up to $45,000 available this year to help fund community projects to improve watershed health in the City of Portland. Groups and individuals can apply for funding of up to $5,000 per project. Environmental Services will accept grant applications until May 10, 2002.

To qualify for a Community Watershed Stewardship grant, projects must be in the Portland City limits and promote citizen involvement in watershed stewardship and the health of urban streams. Grant recipients can use the money for supplies, materials, equipment, room rentals, feasibility studies or technical assistance. Grants are awarded in a merit-based competitive process.

Grant applications and information are available by phone at 503-823-5740 or email at amberm@bes.ci.portland.or.us. Applications are also available online at http://www.cleanrivers-pdx.org/get_involved/stewardship.htm.

Elks name teen of the month

The Mid-county Memo congratulates the Gateway Elks Teen of the Month Geanna Marek. She is a member of the Police Youth Council where she volunteers at community safety fairs. She also accompanies officers to local schools in an effort to create a more positive relationship between our younger citizens and the police.

Marek is an active member of her church, where she volunteered at the Grotto “Festival of Lights” program. Last year, she participated in a mission to Oakland, California to help restore an old church to its once grand condition.

Marek is a member of the Key Club where she helps collect old eyeglass lenses to be recycled into new frames. She also helped with a pancake dinner to raise money for Christmas presents for less fortunate members of the community. Marek volunteers at a local homeless shelter and served holiday meals at a soup kitchen in Old Town.

Marek is a senior at David Douglas High School where she has a GPA of 3.87. She has received a varsity letter in band playing the xylophone and she recently took fifth place in an East Metro solo competition. She also plays jazz on the piano.

Geanna Marek has been accepted to Whitworth College in Spokane, Washington. She will begin this fall, majoring in American History. Marek takes pride in knowing that her high GPA and SAT scores have rewarded her with scholarship funds that will help her and her family.

Walt and Sandra Marek are very proud of their daughter. She has been a guiding influence to our community’s children and a light to those in need. Congratulations to Elks Teen of the Month Geanna Marek.

Support David Douglas High

It’s that time again - the parents of the senior class at David Douglas High School are once again planning 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. The school provides no financial support, 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.

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.

Fun for kids at Montavilla Community Center

•Spring’s the Thing: Bring your young artist, 18 months to 4 years to this fun and messy art class. Smocks and clean-up are provided. Two sessions will be held on Wednesdays from Wednesday, May 8 though Wednesday, June 5. One session is held from 10 to 10:45 a.m., and the second session is from 10:45 to 11:30 a.m. The cost is $14.

•Dabbling Da Vincis: Bring your budding artist to the Community Center for a messy art class. Montavilla Community Center will provide the smocks and do the clean up. This class, for ages30 months to 5 years will be held on Tuesdays from 9:30 to 10 a.m. from Tuesday, May 7 though Tuesday, June 6. Cost is $14.

•Baby Gym: This lets crawlers explore a safe and soft room, helping them to build coordination and strength. The class will be held Tuesdays from 9:30 to 10 a.m. from Tuesday, May 7 through Tuesday, June 6. This class is for children from 6 months to 17 months and costs $14.

•Baby Sing Along: Montavilla Community Center has musical wiggly games for your child. These sessions will be held Fridays, from 10 to 10:30 a.m., from Friday, May 10 through Friday, June 7. Baby Sing Along is for children aged 6 months to 23 months, and costs $14.

For more information on any of these classes, please call the Montavilla Community Center at 503-823-4101 or stop by the center at 8219 N.E. Glisan St. to register.

Elk’s teen wins big

Our very own Gateway Elks have started Jonathon Wong’s rise to the top. After being elected as the Elk’s Teen of the Month, Jonathon Wong went on to win the Gateway Elks Teen of the Year Award in May 2001. In preparation for his graduation from David Douglas High in June, Wong entered the Elks scholarship contest and won first place and a $2000 scholarship. This qualified him for the Elks district scholarship contest held in Beaverton. Wong again won first place and an additional $1600 scholarship, as well as the right to advance to the state contest.

Jonathon Wong has made the Gateway Elks and the community very proud with his repeated honors, and he continued to do well, placing third in the state contest. This has earned him an additional $5500 scholarship from the Oregon State Elks and the Elks National Foundation. His information will also be sent on to the National Elks Lodge in Chicago for a chance to win a $60,000 scholarship. Good luck Jonathon Wong!

For more information about the Gateway Elk’s community program, please call 503-255-6535.

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. There are many volunteer positions open now, including clothing room positions, client interviewers, and warehouse positions. Call 503-674-8785 to volunteer, donate, or for more information about what you can do to help.

Library funding measure comes up for approval

Multnomah County Library receives over 90% of its funding from local property taxes. 55% of library funding comes from a special five-year serial levy last approved in 1997. The Multnomah County Board of Commissioners has approved placing a renewal serial levy on the ballot this May to continue support for library operations and maintain current library services.

Ballots will be mailed to registered voters on May 1 and are due May 21. In order for voters to approve this measure, over 50% of those voting must cast their ballots in favor and over 50% of registered voters must exercise their right to vote. Ballots may be returned at all library branches.

Passage of the levy would continue current library services at neighborhood libraries for the next five years, through summer 2007. Specific services supported by the levy include:

•Monday hours at Central Library and the four busiest neighborhood libraries

•Tuesday through Sunday hours at all libraries

•Children’s library programs, including story hours for babies, toddlers and preschooler, services to childcare centers, homework help for students, art programs and summer reading

•Library services for job seekers, small business owners and those speaking English as a second language

•Purchase of new books and other materials.

If there is not a new levy, the library will lose half it’s funding. Libraries would be closed more hours, book purchases would be cut back, and significant staff layoffs would decrease user services. For more information call Liz Kaufman at 503-221-7922 or your local library branch.

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. They 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 swindles and fraudulent practices 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 might affect you. Send an e-mail addressed to volunteer@eldersaction.org.

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. The fee is 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.

Prescott - something for everyone

Prescott Elementary School opens its 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.

Help someone discover a whole new world

Are you interested in helping someone else learn about the joy that can be found in books? Or maybe you just like kids and want to help out at your child’s school. Whatever you have in mind, the Mid-county Memo has the tutoring program for you. Some local programs are listed below:

•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. SMART not only assists children with learning to read, but also sends each child home with two books a month, so students can build an at-home library. For many students, this would not be possible without SMART. See if you can donate a little time or money to help keep this wonderful program going. For more information or to sign up, call Micaela Boyington 503-402-1954.

•The Volunteers In Partnership (VIP) Mentor Program matches students in David Douglas and Parkrose elementary schools with caring adults who then meet together once a week on school grounds for the duration of the school year. During their weekly time together the student/mentor pairs are given the freedom to decide what kind of activities they want to do. Many mentor pairs do art projects, read books, or play games. One hundred percent of the students involved in the VIP program reported that they would definitely like to continue with the program in the future. The VIP program needs volunteers interested in spending one hour a week with a child for the remainder of the school year. Anyone interested in participating in this fun and rewarding experience should contact Beth Ragel at 503-261-8275 for additional information.

•Glenfair Elementary asks if you can spare one hour a week to helping a local child. If so, join other volunteer tutors helping 2nd and 3rd grade students improve their reading skills. For more information, contact Myra or Diane at Glenfair School at 503-252-3479 ext. 223.

•The Older Adult Service and Information System (OASIS) has joined with Parkrose and David Douglas school districts to offer the Intergenerational Tutoring Program, which provides adults over the age of 55 the opportunity to help children in local schools. The program also provides volunteers with training, supplies, and ongoing support. All local seniors are encouraged to join in. OASIS provides services, classes, and various programs that benefit seniors. For more information or to get an application packet, please contact OASIS Mid-county Coordinator Beth Ragel at 503-261-8275.

•The Mt. Hood Literacy Coalition 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 (ESL) 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.

Twirling & Whirling at Vestal School

Vestal School is calling all preschoolers: get physical with bean bags, scarves, parachute and music! Three and four year olds twirl their way through danceable activities involving tumbling, ballet and jazz. Improve coordination, rhythm and creativity.

Spring also brings many other new dance classes for the twirling preschoolers, tap for all ages, hip hop, highland, and romantic ballroom dance, and yoga. The gym includes sword swinging fencers, self-defense awareness, as well as soccer and basketball for kids.

Montavilla’s Vestal School program is located at 161 N.E. 82nd Ave. For more information or to register, call Montavilla Community Center at 503- 823-4101 or drop by The Montavilla Community Center at 8219 N.E. Glisan St.

Apply now for a scholarship

Mt. Hood Community College is offering a range of scholarships for fall term 2002, and the time to apply is now. Scholarships for students in specific MHCC programs include: automotive technology, cosmetology, funeral services, horticulture, industrial technology, journalism, mathematics, nursing, performing and visual arts, and science.

In addition, there are scholarships for students in the English as a Non-Native Language (ENL) or the English as a Second Language (ESL) programs, ethnic minority students, students under age 21, those with financial need, students with a commitment to community service, students attending MHCC part time, students in the college’s Transitions program and those pursuing a GED. There are also general scholarships for full-time students who have completed 36 credits at the college.

Deadline dates for all scholarships are during spring term, with most due by Friday, May 10. Some are yearlong scholarships, while others are limited to one term’s tuition. Scholarship descriptions and applications are available in the MHCC Office of Financial Aid, located on the Gresham campus in Room 1152. Scholarships may be applied towards classes taken at MHCC’s Maywood Park Campus, 10100 N.E. Prescott St.

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 life skill classes and other social services. To find out how they can help you, call Human Solutions at 503-988-5200.

Neighborhood office staffer’s job in jeopardy

Under the proposed 2002-03 Office of Neighborhood Involvement (ONI) budget, the position of East Portland Neighborhood Office manager is secure. However, the same cannot be said for Becky Hughes’ future in the job.

Because ONI never formally made the job permanent, it is officially a temporary position, and despite six years of service, Hughes has no civil service tenure. This means that if other clerical employees in city government lose their positions, they can “bump” Hughes and claim the job as their own on the basis of greater seniority. The problem does not apply to the North Portland Neighborhood Office, where the positions are permanent, or to the city’s other five neighborhood offices, which are outside the civil service system entirely. “I’ve got my fingers, my knees and everything else crossed,” Hughes told the Memo.

She joined the office in 1996, when it was still run by the East Portland District Coalition. That year, the coalition collapsed due to internal dissention, with “everyone suing everyone else,” as Hughes recalls. The office was placed temporarily under direct city control, an arrangement that eventually became permanent.

Over the years, she says, “I’ve made a lot of friends, and I’ve received a lot of support.”

The effects of bumping have already hit the East Portland Neighborhood office. Kay Collier, East Portland Crime Prevention Specialist and longtime Hazelwood volunteer, lost her job to Terry Poppino, one of four police bureau crime prevention specialists whose jobs were eliminated in the bureau budget.

Talks seek solution to IRCO parking problems

Hazelwood Neighborhood Association president Arlene Kumura told her board last month that collective talks are planned with the Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization (IRCO), the adjacent Glisan Street Baptist Church, a nearby medical clinic and residential neighbors to address parking issues. IRCO moved into its new headquarters at 10301 N.E. Glisan St. in the expectation that parking spaces were available at the church, only to find that the spaces were already spoken for. Some neighbors have since complained about IRCO clients parking all day in front of their houses.

Learn something new

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., Tuesday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and closed Monday. Free programs and special events for May are listed below. For more information or to pre-register for any event call 503-988-5386.

•E-mail for beginners: Web Basics is a prerequisite for this class. Learn how to use free e-mail on the Web, like Yahoo or Hotmail. Sign up, then compose and send messages to anywhere in the world. Pre-registration required for this class, held on Saturday, May 4 at 9 a.m.

•Flower Arranging Demonstration: Learn basic flower arranging techniques, which tools to use, and how to keep your flowers looking beautiful. Florist Ramona Hugulet will provide flowers or you may bring your own. Bring your own cutters for this demonstration on Saturday, May 4 from 2 to 4:30 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 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 Tuesdays, May 7, 14, and 21, all at 9 a.m.

•Gregory Heights Computer Lab: Library staff help beginners practice computer basics in the computer lab at Gregory Heights. Pre-registration required for the classes, which will be 9 to 10 a.m. Classes will be Saturday, May 11, Saturday, May 18, and Saturday 25.

•Book Discussion Group: Join friends and neighbors to discuss insights and read interesting books on Tuesday, May 21 at 7 p.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., Tuesday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., closed Monday. In May, weekly events include computer and Internet classes and story times. Pre-registration is required for all classes. There will also be many special events. For more information on any of the listed programs or to pre-register for a free class, please call the library at 503-988-5392.

•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 Tuesday through Sunday from 1 to 2 p.m.

•Chinese Knot Tying: Since ancient times, Chinese people have used knots for more than just fastening and wrapping. Chinese knot-tying fully reflects the grace and profundity of Chinese culture. In this class, children along with adults will learn how to do some basic knots and create beautiful products to take home. Learn about this ancient art on Saturday, May 11 from 3 to 5 p.m.

•Chinese Storytime: Celebrate Asian Heritage Month at this Chinese/English bilingual program of Chinese folk tales. Don’t miss the magic on Saturday, May 18 at 2 p.m.

•Japanese folk tales: Seattle Storyteller Elizabeth Falconer shares an assortment of Japanese folk tales and accompanies herself with original compositions and effects on the classical Japanese koto. Enjoy “The Crane’s story” and other tales of love on Wednesday, May 22 at 4 p.m.

•Young Reader’s Club: Calling all readers ages 10 and up! Join in for discussion, fun and friends on Thursday, May 16 at 7 p.m.

•Web Basics: Learn about the World Wide Web, explore the library’s home page, and practice entering Web addresses. Participants need to be comfortable using a keyboard and a mouse. Learn about the Web on Thursday, May 2 at 10 a.m. Pre-registration is required for this class.

•Home Schooling Education: What’s home schooling all about? A panel of home schooling families will discuss home-based education and answer questions from the audience at this informal seminar on Tuesday, May 7 at 7 p.m.

•Book Discussion Group: Engage in stimulating conversation about books and get to know your neighbors. Come and exchange perspectives about characters, plot and more. Two sessions are held: one on Wednesday, May 8 at 7 p.m., and the other on Wednesday, May 15 at 1 p.m.

•Web for computer novices: This class is designed for the complete beginner. Learn basic computer terms and keyboard and mouse skills. Pre-registration is required for this class, held on Friday, May 10 at 10 a.m.

•Email for Beginners: Web Basics is a prerequisite for this class. Learn how to use free e-mail on the Web, like Yahoo or Hotmail. Sign up, then compose and send messages to anywhere in the world. Two classes will be held, one on Saturday, May 11 at 2 p.m., and the second on Tuesday, May 2 at 7 p.m.

•Web Basics: Learn about the World Wide Web, explore the library’s home page, and practice entering Web addresses. Participants need to be comfortable using a keyboard and a mouse. Pre-registration is required for this class, held on Saturday, May 18 at 11 a.m.

•Web for Computer Novices: This class is designed for the complete beginner. Learn basic computer terms and keyboard and mouse skills. Enter the world of computers on Saturday, May 18 at 2 p.m.

•Fundamentals of Feng Shui: Learn the basic concepts of Feng Shui with instructor Paula Hills. Apply Feng Shui principles to the kitchen and bedrooms in your home. Learn the basics of this harmony-inducing skill on Sunday, May 19 at 2 p.m.

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 Tuesday through Thursday from 3 to 8 p.m., Friday 3 to 6 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., closed on Sunday and Monday. For more information on any of the events or to pre-register, please call 503-988-5383.

•Family Storytime: Storytime for children 6 years and younger with adult. This storytime will be held every Tuesday at 7 p.m.

•Keys to Interviewing Success: Climb the ladder of success, whether you’re employed or not. Instructors T.J. Helm and Amy Ellsworth will help you define your job search and position yourself to choose the employment opportunity that’s best for you. Pre-registration is required for this class, held on Saturday, May 11 at 2 p.m.

•Book Discussion Group: Engage in stimulating conversation about books and get to know your neighbors. Come and exchange perspectives about characters, plot and more on Tuesday, May 14 at 7 p.m.

•Web Searching I: Web Basics is a prerequisite for this class. How do you find good information on the Web? We’ll get you started with a few simple tools, and then help you understand why some Web sites might be better choices than others for reliable information. Pre-registration is required for this class, held on Wednesday, May 15 at 6 p.m.

•Chinese Music: Zheng-Yang Liu presents a program of erhu (Chinese folk fiddle) and flute music. Originally from the Anhui Province of Chine, the musician also provides a history and cultural background of the music. Enjoy this unique music on Saturday, May 18 at 2 p.m.

•Job Search Strategies: Learn how to develop contacts and stay organized. Be prepared for job searching interviews and salary negotiation. Pre-registration is required for this class, held on Saturday, May 25 at 2 p.m.