July 2015 – Memo Pad

Each day members of our community quietly celebrate milestones, achievements and accomplishments—big and small. This department is meant to showcase these triumphs to the greater community.

When you send submissions, please include all details that apply: full names of any individuals mentioned, details of the milestone and everyone impacted by the event, and a contact name and phone number or email address. Send a photo if you have one. Please identify each individual from left to right (large group shots can simply be identified by the group name) and provide the name of the photographer so we can give proper credit. Memo Pad submissions for the August issue are due Wednesday, July 15. For best results, e-mail Darlene Vinson at editor@midcountymemo.com or mail submissions to 3510 N.E. 134th Ave., Portland, OR 97230. To leave a phone message, call 503-287-8904. The Mid-county Memo fax number is 503-249-7672.

PHS theater troupe is going to Scotland

The Parkrose High School Thespian Troupe #1783 earned an invitation to The Edinburgh Festival Fringe, one of the most prestigious theatre festivals in the world. More than 1,000 high school entrants were nominated to attend. Parkrose received one of only 40 United States invitations awarded to this incredible worldwide thespian event. The festival takes place in Edinburgh, Scotland, in June of 2016.

These deserving 18 young thespians must find a way to fund this experience. The cost for airfare, lodging, meals, venue space and other expenses is about $7000 per student.

Students are working to raise money for their trip and will continue to do so. You may make tax deductible donations at www.youcaring.com/tuition-fundraiser/help-high-school-students-go-on-the-trip-of-a-lifetime/353730 or send a check to Parkrose High School Theatre Department (specifying that it is for the Scotland Fundraiser), at 12003 N.E. Shaver St., Portland, OR 97220.

Follow their progress at m.facebook.com/toscotlandwego.

Stay cool and hydrated and be safe
Our summer is off to a blazing hot start. The Memo compiled the following information from a number of different sources to help you beat the heat:

• Avoid exertion during the heat of the day. Reschedule strenuous activity to early morning or evening.
• Stay hydrated with clear, non-alcoholic, non-caffeinated liquids.
• Do not leave pets or children in automobiles.
• Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke—confusion, dizziness, fainting, muscle or abdominal cramping and/or headache.
• Wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothing when possible.
• Keep blinds or shades closed during the day.
• Wait until cooler times of day to run dishwashers and clothes dryers.
• Instead of using a stove, consider a microwave or outdoor grill.
• Avoid working outdoors; if you must do so, take frequent breaks and use the buddy system.
• Check on family, friends and neighbors who do not have air conditioning, who spend much of their time alone, or who are more likely to be affected by the heat.
• If possible, bring animals inside. If not, frequently check to ensure they are comfortable and have water and a shady place to rest.
Many of you will head for a pool or one of the nearby rivers or lakes. Keep these tips in mind to have a safe outdoor experience:
• The water in our lakes and rivers is cold. Cold water can easily lead to hypothermia and put even strong swimmers in a dangerous situation.
• Be careful around moving water, which may be much faster and stronger than it appears. This can swiftly push you downstream or exhaust strong swimmers. Be honest with yourself about your swimming abilities.
• Look before you leap. Don’t blindly jump into unfamiliar water. Underwater obstacles can cause significant injury or death. Always jump feet first, especially this year, since we have severely low water levels.
• Never swim alone. Always swim with others, preferably in a supervised or lifeguarded area.
• Wear a lifejacket. They are simple to use and can prevent most drowning events. Make sure jackets are properly fitted and contain a U.S. Coast Guard Approved label.
• Know how to respond to a water emergency. Swimmers in distress need help immediately; reach or throw, don’t go. Call 9-1-1.

Neighborhood clean-up results announced
The Argay Neighborhood Association annual clean up held last month was a success, according to board member and clean up coordinator Katie Beymer. Nearly 90 households—of more than 2,300 in Argay Terrace—were served Beymer said in an email. In addition, more than $750 in donations was collected, and 16 volunteers, including ANA board members, showed up the day of to help.