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FEATURE ARTICLES
December 2008 — one for the books
Citizens agree on future streetcar use
Crime concerns threaten County Digs project
Robinson wins Spirit of Portland Award
Council’s Midland trip postponed

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FUNDRAISERS
Parkrose can and bottle collection
The Parkrose High Bronco Boosters are on hand the first Saturday of each month to collect your refundable cans and bottles. Bag them up and swing by Parkrose Middle School, 11800 N.E. Shaver St., between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. This effort supports PHS scholarship programs. For more information, call volunteer Dave Luce at 503-255-3745.

SnowCap event to be held at MHCC
Airline tickets, beach vacations, a Lake Havasu getaway, job shadowing: all these items will be up for bid at the seventh annual Valentine Dinner and Auction to benefit SnowCap Community Charities.

The major fundraising event for the agency will be Saturday, Feb. 7 from 5 to 9 p.m. at Mt. Hood Community College, 26000 S.E. Stark St. in Gresham.

SnowCap Community Charities is a philanthropic organization created to provide food, clothing, advocacy and other services to the poor in much of east Multnomah County, including Parkrose, Gresham, Wood Village, Troutdale and Fairview.

The evening will include both silent and oral auctions and an elegant buffet dinner. Tickets are $50 per guest and must be purchased in advance.

Event Chair Tom Weldon of Gresham said SnowCap hopes to raise $55,000 at the event to help meet a serious need in the community.

“Each day now we see new faces at our door, many requesting help for the first time,” Weldon said. “Seniors on (a) fixed income are telling us they don’t know where to turn as health care, energy and food prices continue to rise.”

Funds from the event will support SnowCap’s well-established food pantry, Food 2 You, for seniors and shut-ins and winter energy assistance.

Weldon said SnowCap is accepting donations of auction items as well. “Every donation, large or small, will contribute to our ultimate success. We especially need items that are fun and family oriented.”

For information regarding auction donations and dinner ticket reservations, contact Dolores Livesay at 503-674-3695, ext. 17, or dolores@snowcap.org.

THE ARTS
Find your inner artist
Portland Fine Arts Guild meets for instructional classes and demonstrations on the first three Mondays of the month at the Russellville Grange, Northeast 121st Avenue and Prescott Street, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Classes are $12 for nonmembers and $10 for guild members; however, if you would like to check them out, the class fee will be waived one time for first-time attendees. This offer is good through May.

Classes on Jan. 5, 12 and 19 will be taught by Paul Clendenin, a versatile artist in many types of media and an award-winner in oils, watercolors and colored pencils. He has been a guild member for 25 years and also teaches for the Portland Parks & Recreation arts programs. His demonstrations will be in watercolor, but attendees may work along in any medium of their choice, as is the custom of the guild. Bring your own supplies.

Coffee is provided, but please bring your own lunch; there are several fast food restaurants nearby as well. To find out more, please visit www.portlandfineartsguild.org.

Winter dance recital
David Douglas High School is proud to present the DDHS dance students in their winter recital, “Takin’ It Back to the Old School” on Wednesday, Jan. 14 at 7 p.m. in the south gym on Southeast 130th Avenue near Taylor Court. Tickets are $4 for adults, $3 for students (K-12) and senior citizens; children 5 and under are admitted free. Tickets may be purchased in advance from any dance student or at the door on the night of the recital.

Publication calls for submissions
Artists, writers, photographers, videographers and musicians are invited to send in their original works for publication in the Mt. Hood Community College literary publication, Perceptions.

Perceptions is a magazine of the arts that was first published in 1969. In recent years, the publication has expanded to include a CD for multimedia presentations such as music, film or computer animation.

To submit original work for consideration, a completed submission form must be attached to the entry. Fiction and creative nonfiction must be typed, double-spaced and one-sided on 8 1/2” x 11” paper or on a CD in the form the writer wishes the poem to appear in print. There is a 10 poem limit.

Artwork or music entries must be original and will be accepted and they must be submitted on a CD. Film entries must also be original and submitted in digital format.

Submissions will be accepted until Friday, Jan. 16. There will be a $100 first prize award in each genre. Submissions may be delivered to the MHCC English department or submitted via e-mail to megamind9@gmail.com. Information can also be found at www.perceptionsmagazine.net. Questions may be directed to professor Lidia Yuknavitch at lidia.yuknavitch@mhcc.edu.

Night of jazz
Come to the Howard Horner Performing Arts Center, 1400 S.E. 130th Ave., on Thursday, Jan. 22 for a night of jazz. Beginning at 7 p.m., jazz bands from Alice Ott Middle School, Floyd Light Middle School, Ron Russell Middle School and David Douglas High School will be performing until about 9 p.m. This free concert is open to everyone.

Writing workshop for adults
Beginning Tuesday, Feb. 10, Gilbert Park Elementary School, 13132 S.E. Ramona St., will host a 10-week writing workshop facilitated by Write Around Portland. Write Around Portland provides high quality, skillfully facilitated writing workshops in safe, accessible and respectful environments for adults to write and share in their community. At the end of the 10 weeks, writers’ works will appear in a published anthology. Workshops will be held on Tuesday evenings from 6 to 8 p.m. through April 21; they are free of charge. Journals and snacks will be provided. Workshops are open to all low-income adults in the David Douglas community. Please contact Mandy Hurley, site manager for Gilbert Park SUN School, at 503-256-6531, ext. 5045, if you are interested in attending or have any questions.

Students to perform Arthur Miller classic
The Parkrose High School Theater has announced that it will produce “The Crucible” by Arthur Miller this winter. Performances will run Feb. 26, 27 and 28 and March 6 and 7; curtain is at 7 p.m. all nights. Tickets are $8 for adults, $5 for students 18 and under and for seniors. To learn more, call 503-408-2718.

YOUR HEALTH
Free acupuncture and medicinal foods seminars
Oregon College of Oriental Medicine will offer free seminars to the public on Wednesday, Jan. 10 and 17 from 10 a.m. to noon.

The seminar on Jan. 10 will focus on acupuncture. The speaker will cover the history of acupuncture and what common conditions it can help treat. Participants can sample ear acupuncture treatments in a group setting, seated in a chair and fully clothed.

The seminar on Jan. 17 will focus on eating for the season. OCOM’s resident Chinese medicinal food expert will talk about what foods are most beneficial during the winter. Participants can sample two warming teas that are perfect for the chilly winter months.

Spots fill quickly, so reserve your place by calling 503-253-3443, ext. 197, or e-mailing eshepard@ocom.edu. The Oregon College of Oriental Medicine Acupuncture & Herbal Clinic is located near Mall 205 at 10541 S.E. Cherry Blossom Drive.

YOUR POCKETBOOK
Neighborhood Fix-it Fair
A fix-it fair is a free event designed to save you money and connect you to resources presented by the city of Portland Office of Sustainable Development, the Energy Trust of Oregon and local power companies. Join your neighbors and talk to experts about how to spend less and stay healthy.

One of these events is set for Saturday, Jan. 10 from 8:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. at Parkrose High School, 12003 N.E. Shaver St.

Daylong exhibits and hourly workshops provide information and resources for water and energy savings, home and personal health, food and nutrition, community resources, recycling and yard care, lead testing and more. Free lunch and child care are provided.

For more information, call 503-823-4309 or visit www.portlandonline.com/osd/fif.

Learn to better manage your finances
Gateway Baptist Church will host Dave Ramsey's "Financial Peace University" beginning Jan. 25. This 13-week DVD series is designed to assist families in better managing their finances. Sessions will run from 6 to 8 p.m. and child care will be provided. The $99.50 membership kit includes a workbook, audio CDs of Ramsey's presentations, one of his books and more. Limited scholarships are available.

A free preview session is scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 10 at 10 a.m. Call 503-252-1435 to register for the preview or if you have questions. The church is located at 13300 N.E. San Rafael St. The church's Web site, www.gatewaybaptistpdx.com, has further details.

EVENTS
Parkrose to host swearing-in ceremony of new mayor
The Parkrose High School Performing Arts Theater has been selected as the site for the swearing-in ceremony of Mayor-Elect Sam Adams. The event is scheduled for Monday, Jan. 5 at noon.

A reception will follow the ceremony. The Parkrose School District is delighted to be part of this important community event and welcomes your participation.

Planetarium show explores winter sky
The popular Mt. Hood Community College Planetarium Sky Theater is opening the 2009 season with an informative show called "Wonders of the Winter Sky."

Planetarium Director Doug McCarty will provide fascinating insight about the universe in his down-to-earth style. The 45-minute presentation will identify prominent constellations, planets and galaxies as viewed from the Pacific Northwest in the winter. McCarty will use the star projector to recreate a realistic model of the night sky.

"Wonders of the Winter Sky" will be presented on Monday, Jan. 5 at 7 and 8 p.m; admission is $1. The planetarium is located beneath the library on MHCC's Gresham Campus, 26000 S.E. Stark St., in Room AC1305. Planetarium shows will run on the first Monday of every month, now through August.

Visitors are seated on a first-come, first-served basis. Children are welcome, and the planetarium is wheelchair accessible.

The Planetarium Sky Theater offers live, customized one-hour programs to school and community groups and private parties on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, now through Aug. 22. A $75 facility-use fee is charged for each program, and the maximum capacity is 70.

Tour historic farmhouse
The Zimmerman Heritage Farmhouse, Northeast 171st Avenue and Sandy Boulevard, will be open for guided tours on Saturday, Jan. 17 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Admission is $3 for visitors 12 and over.

NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION and COMMUNITY MEETINGS
Please note: This information is subject to change. Contact East Portland Neighborhood Office at 503-823-4550 if you have questions.

East Precinct Citizens' Advisory Committee meets on Tuesday, Jan. 6 from 6 to 8 p.m. in the East Precinct Community Room, 737 S.E. 106th Ave. Please use side doors. The public is welcome to this event hosted by East Precinct Commander Mike Crebs.

East Portland Neighborhood Organization meets on Wednesday, Jan. 7 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the East Portland Neighborhood Office, 1017 N.E. 117th Ave. Contact Richard Bixby, EPNO director, at 503-823-4501 for more information; meetings are the first Wednesday of each month.

East Portland Parks Coalition meets Thursday, Jan. 8 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the East Portland Neighborhood Office, 1017 N.E. 117th Ave. Contact East Parks Chair Alesia Reese at 503-253-4414 or alesiajmr@yahoo.com for more information.

Centennial Community Association general membership meets on Tuesday, Jan. 13 from 7 to 8:50 p.m. at Harold Oliver Intermediate School, 15840 S.E. Taylor St., Room 65. Contact CCA Chair Tom Lewis at 503-253-5025 or gamodato@aol.com for more information.

East Portland Land Use Committee meets Wednesday, Jan. 14 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the East Portland Neighborhood Office, 1017 N.E. 117th Ave.

Russell Neighborhood Association and Wilkes Community Group will hold a joint general membership meeting on Thursday, Jan. 15 from 7 to 9 p.m. at Western States Chiropractic College, 2900 N.E. 132nd Ave. Contact RNA Co-Chair Bonny McKnight at 503-253-6848 or bonnymck@comcast.net with questions.

Citywide Landlord Forum meets Thursday, Jan. 15 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the East Portland Neighborhood Office, 1017 N.E. 117th Ave. Contact Rosanne Lee, crime prevention coordinator, at 503-823-3505 or rosanne.lee@ci.portland.or.us for more information.

Hazelwood Neighborhood Association board meets Monday, Jan. 19 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the East Portland Neighborhood Office, 1017 N.E. 117th Ave. Contact HNA Chair Arlene Kimura at 503-252-9429 or arlene.kimura@kraft.com.

Argay Neighborhood Association general membership meets Tuesday, Jan. 20 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Fire Station #2, 4800 N.E. 122nd Ave. Call 503-256-5579 or e-mail argayinfo@yahoo.com for more information.

Parkrose Heights Association of Neighbors
After taking a month off, the Parkrose Heights Association of Neighbors board will meet on Tuesday, Jan. 20 to discuss goals for the new year.
A general membership meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 27. A representative from the code compliance division of the city of Portland will be on hand to share information and discuss violations and concerns on properties in the neighborhood.
Both meetings will be at Parkrose United Methodist Church, 11111 N.E. Knott, at 7 p.m. For more information, contact PHAN President Carol Williams at Carolsmailbox@msn.com.

Parkrose Neighborhood Association general membership meets on Tuesday, Jan. 20 from 7 to 9 p.m. at Faithful Savior Ministries, 11100 N.E. Skidmore St. Call 503-252-2146 or e-mail parkrosephoenix@gmail.com for more information.

Glenfair Neighborhood Association meets on Thursday, Jan. 22 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Glenfair Elementary School, 15300 N.E. Glisan St. Contact GNA Chair Donna-Lynn Kublick at 503-257-3784 or kublick5583@comcast.net for more information

Partners for a Safe and Livable East Portland meets on Monday, Jan. 26 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at East Portland Neighborhood Office, 1017 N.E. 117th Ave. Contact Arlene Kimura at 503-252-9429 or arlene.kimura@kraft.com to learn more.

Airport Futures Public Involvement Committee meets Wednesday, Jan. 28 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at East Portland Neighborhood Office, 1017 N.E. 117th Ave.

LIBRARIES
Gregory Heights Library, 7921 N.E. Sandy Blvd., www.multcolib.org/agcy/grh.html, 503-988-5386

Space at programs is limited. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis, except as noted.

Pajama Time: Put on your pajamas, grab a bedtime buddy and join staff for stories, songs and fun. For children 6 years and younger with adult. Wednesdays from 7 to 7:30 p.m.

Tiny Tots: Storytime for children 12 to 24 months with adult. Thursdays from 10:15 to 10:45 a.m., except Jan. 1.

Book Babies: Storytime for children newborn to 12 months with adult. Thursdays from 11:15 to 11:45 a.m., except Jan. 1.

Toddler Storytime: Storytime for children 24 to 36 months with adult. Fridays from 10:15 to 10:45 a.m., except Jan. 2.

Preschool Storytime: Storytime for children 3 to 6 years with adult. Fridays from 11:15 to 11:45 a.m., except Jan. 2.

Chicka Chicka Boom Boom: Visit our colorful jungle, listen to stories and make your own book to take home. For ages 2 to 8. Saturday, Jan. 10 from 11 a.m. to noon.

Become a Rain Stomper: Learn about the book "The Rain Stomper" and meet the author, Addie Boswell. Make your own baton so that you can dance and twirl like Jazmin. Sunday, Jan. 25 from 3 to 4 p.m.

Ping-Pong Tournament: Celebrate the Year of the Ox, have fun, get a good workout and compete with other ping-pong enthusiasts for prizes. All ages are welcome. Saturday, Jan. 31 from 1 to 4 p.m.

Youth Community Service Crew: Do you need community service hours and volunteer credit? Check out the Youth Community Service Crew at your library. Come for a two-hour block of fun, music, snacks and enough work to keep you busy. For ages 10 to 18. Wednesday, Jan. 7 from 4 to 6 p.m.

Teen Lounge Unplugged -- Dance Dance Revolution: The second Thursday of the month is DDR Day. Anyone in grades 6-12 is invited to jump around like a fool to DDR. Compete with a friend or just try it out yourself. No experience necessary. Or just hang out and eat snacks. Bring your friends. Thursday, Jan. 8 from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.

Teen Council: Meet new friends, learn new skills, help the library, eat snacks and have fun. Teen Council members work with library staff to make the library teen-friendly. Wednesday, Jan. 14 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.

Teen Lounge and Homework Center: Use library computers, get homework help or just do your homework and listen to music. For teens in grades 6-12. Thursdays, Jan. 15, 22 and 29 from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.

Tuesday Arts & Crafts: Come after school and go home with a new creation. Recommended for kids 8 to 12 years. Made possible by the Harold & Arlene Schnitzer Children's Art Programs Endowment Fund of The Library Foundation. Tuesday, Jan. 27 from 4 to 5:30 p.m.

Language Exchange: Engage in conversation with native English speakers who want to practice their Spanish and with native Spanish speakers who want to practice their English. There will be time for conversation in both languages. Saturdays from 4 to 5:30 p.m.

Citizenship Classes: Learn about the process of becoming a citizen in a six-session series of classes. Prepare for your citizenship interview. Study United States history and government for the examination. Classes are in English and are taught by library volunteers. For more information, please call 503-988-6318. Registration is required. Register online, in the library or by calling 503-988-5234. Sundays, Jan. 4 through Feb. 8 from 12:15 to 2:15 p.m.

Pageturners Book Group: Read "The Gathering" by Anne Enright. Engage in stimulating conversation about books, exchange perspectives about characters and plot, and get to know your neighbors. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library. Tuesday, November 18 from 7 to 8 p.m.

Computer Lab: Lab assistants are available to help beginners practice their computer skills. Saturdays from 9 to 10 a.m.

Midland Library, 805 S.E. 122nd Ave., www.multcolib.org/agcy/mid.html, 503-988-5392

Space at programs is limited. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis, except as noted.

Story Stop: Stories for children newborn to 6 years with adult. Mondays through Fridays from 1:30 to 1:45 p.m., except Jan. 1 and 19.

Book Babies: Storytime for children newborn to 12 months with adult. Tuesdays from 10:15 to 11 a.m.

Pajama Time: Put on your pajamas and join staff for stories, songs and fun. For children 6 years and younger with adult. Tuesdays from 7 to 7:45 p.m., except Jan. 27.

Tiny Tots: Storytime for children 12 to 24 months with adult. Wednesdays and Fridays from 10:15 to 11 a.m.

Toddler Storytime: Storytime for children 24 to 36 months with adult. Wednesdays and Fridays from 11:15 a.m. to noon.

Preschool Storytime: Storytime for children 3 to 6 years with adult. Thursdays from 10:15 to 11 a.m., except Jan. 1.

Vietnamese/English Storytime: Bilingual storytime for children ages newborn to 6 with adult. Saturdays beginning Jan. 17 from 10:15 to 11 a.m.

Chinese Storytime: Storytime presented in Cantonese for children ages newborn to 6 years with adult. Saturdays beginning Jan. 17 from 1:15 to 2 p.m.

Yoga for Youngsters: This class introduces children to the benefits of yoga through stories, music and simple movements. For ages 4 to 7 years and their caregivers; one child per adult. We encourage you to bring your own mat. Tuesdays from 11:15 a.m. to noon.

Knitting Club: Whether you are a beginner or an experienced knitter, come join the fun as we learn together. All experience levels and ages welcome. Please bring your own supplies. Thursdays from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., except Jan. 1.

Wii Play 2gether: Play Super Smash Bros. Brawl at the library. All ages are welcome. Monday, Jan. 5 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Slavic New Year Celebration: Celebrate the new year and join staff for music, dancing, crafts and authentic Russian treats. Saturday, Jan. 10 from noon to 5 p.m.

Celebrate the Year of the Ox: Celebrate the Lunar New Year traditions of China and Vietnam. Enjoy free food and entertainment, games and crafts for children and a special performance by the Orchids and Bamboo Ensemble. Each child that attends will receive a lucky red envelope. Tuesday, Jan. 27 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Mz. Pearl's Variety Show: A solo clown show filled with physical comedy, juggling, magic, dance and wordplay. The audience is really involved in Mz. Pearl's show: in their seats, as volunteers and in a mini-workshop at the end. Free tickets for seating will be available 30 minutes prior to the program. Thursday, Jan. 29 from 3:30 to 4:15 p.m.

Read to the Dogs SM: Improve your reading skills and make a new friend by reading aloud to a therapy dog from the DoveLewis Animal Assisted Therapy and Education Program. Registration is required. Call 503-988-5392. Mondays from 6:30 to 8 p.m., except Jan. 19.

Teen Council: Meet new friends, learn new skills, help the library, eat snacks and have fun. Wednesday, Jan. 7 and 21 from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.

The Art of Anime and Manga -- Japanese Style Animation and Cartoon Drawing: Learn how to draw your favorite Japanese anime character, such as Pikachu and Totoro. For teens in grades 6-12. Registration is required. Register online, in the library or by calling 503-988-5234. Sunday, Jan. 11 from 2:30 to 4 p.m.

Teen Lounge and Homework Center: Use library computers, get homework help or just do your homework and listen to music. For teens in grades 6-12. Tuesdays, Jan. 6 and 20 from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.

Teen Lounge Unplugged -- Board Games and Wii: Come "Wii" with your friends. Anyone in grades 6-12 is welcome. No experience is necessary. Tuesday, Jan. 13 from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.

Talk Time: Talk Time is an informal conversation circle for non-native speakers to practice speaking English. Saturdays from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m., except Jan. 10.

Beyond the Border 2009 -- New Stories of the Latin World: Lynn Darroch's narratives are set to music performed live and arranged by guitarist Alfredo Muro and accompanied by jazz percussionist Gary Hobbs. Tuesday, Jan. 13 from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

Pageturners Book Group: Engage in stimulating conversation about books. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library. Read "The Book Thief" by Markus Zusak for discussion on Tuesday, Jan. 13 from 6:45 to 8 p.m. or "The Whistling Season" by Ivan Doig for Wednesday, Jan. 21 from 1 to 2:15 p.m.

Ten Steps to Starting a Business: This seminar covers basic small business start-up information. Presented by the Hispanic Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce. Sunday, Jan. 25 from 12:30 to 3 p.m.

Citizenship Classes: Learn about the process of becoming a citizen. Classes are in English and are taught by library volunteers. For more information, please call 503-988-6318. Registration is required. Register online, in the library or by calling 503-988-5234. Mondays, Jan. 26 through March 9 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., except Feb. 16.

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