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Gateway Transit Center redevelopment approved
East District Assessment map shown
First Measure 37 test case in Argay
Educational Foundation raises money, honors its own
A look back at Mid-county Memos of the past

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Local businesses are the lifeblood of our community. The Mid-county Memo offers this section to our business neighbors for news, advancements, promotions, expansions and other noteworthy events to be shared with the community at large. Business Memo submissions for the July issue are due by Wednesday, June 15. For best results, e-mail Darlene Vinson at editor@midcountymemo.com. You may also mail editorial submissions to 3510 N.E. 134th Ave., Portland, OR, 97230. To call or leave a phone message, dial 503-287-8904. The Mid-county Memo fax number is 503-249-7672.

On Cinco de Mayo new Friendly Village Market owner Mario Forzan (right) held an outdoor Cinco de Mayo celebration complete with $1 tacos, music and dancing. Harold Darden (second from right) prepares an order for tacos while server Laura Morales and son Gerald look on. Friendly Village Martket is open seven days a week for the neighborhood’s convenience.
MEMO PHOTOS: TIM CURRAN
Market’s new owner commits to the community
“Neighbors need this store,” Mario Forzan said to himself as he drove away from Friendly Village Market on Northeast Sandy Boulevard in Parkrose after making his regular delivery of fresh tortillas to the market’s deli. One day last year the owner told Forzan business was so bad he was going to shut the doors. Knowing the immediate area around the store had a large number of Hispanic families; Forzan stepped forward and purchased the store last December.

Forzan, born in Mexico City, had a talent for soccer. A gift and talent so great it enabled him to begin playing professionally at the ripe old age of 13. By 1985 he was playing professionally in Wichita, Kansas, Rockford, Illinois and finally in Chicago. When his professional soccer playing days ended, Forzan found his way to Portland where he worked as an industrial engineer for Boeing in Troutdale until recently.

Forzan and Beth Clark, who he describes as his right hand, have set about creating a market and Mexican deli that serves the needs of the community. Visitors to Friendly Village Market have noticed changes already. The hot deli area now offers seating and a large television, mainly for soccer games as Forzan describes himself as a soccer fanatic. Specialty items come in daily from Tortilleria y Tienda, his cousin’s deli on Northeast 162nd Avenue and Glisan Street, and weekly specials on grocery and meat products will continue. Regular customers recognize Sheri Mottram at the register. Mottram has worked at the market as bookkeeper, buyer and cashier for more than three years.

Clark says one of the goals for the owners of Friendly Village Market is to become involved in local schools and organizations and to serve the community. An example of their outreach efforts last month was hosting an outdoor Cinco de Mayo celebration featuring music, dancing and $1 tacos. It rained, and despite light attendance, neighbors are just beginning to learn about the changes at Friendly Village Market. Next year Forzan and Clark envision a parking lot filled with neighbors dancing and sharing Mexican heritage and culture as music and the aroma of fresh tacos fill the air. Friendly Village market is at 13118 N.E. Sandy Blvd.; their phone number is 503-252-2664. Friendly Village Market is open Monday and Tuesday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Leisure Care takes over at retirement community
Leisure Care, one of the largest privately owned operators of retirement communities in the United States and Canada, has assumed management responsibilities for Russellville Park at 20 S.E. 103rd Ave., a retirement community previously operated under the name of Courtyard at Russellville. The property’s principal owners are Rembold Properties and Dr. Franklin Piacentini.

Completed in June 2004, the five-story complex offers a mix of studio, one and two bedroom units, for a total of 154 apartments situated around a fully landscaped central courtyard. In addition to a beautiful setting suited to adults 55 years and better, particularly unique features include proximity to Portland’s extensive light rail transit system and the presence of a childcare center and playground on community grounds.

“Rembold has created a wonderful atmosphere for senior living at Courtyard at Russellville,” said Dan Madsen, president and CEO, Leisure Care. “Introducing Leisure Care’s attitude of successful aging to this outstanding backdrop is a winning combination for active seniors.”

Leisure Care communities emphasize a fun, active lifestyle and amenities most often associated with a 5-star hotel. The range of programs and wellness-oriented offerings include restaurant style dining; Prime Fit, a health and fitness-oriented program; Seniors Making Art; and Travel By Leisure Care, a full-service escorted travel and tour program.

“Leisure Care has redefined the concept of senior living,” said Wayne Rembold, president, Rembold Companies. “Bringing its fresh perspective and proven programs to Russellville Park brings a premium senior living option to the area.”
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