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The Mid-county MEMO is your newspaper. We want to hear from you. Discuss an important issue or address a concern you want to call to the community’s attention. We prefer e-mailed letters to the editor sent to Darlene Vinson, at editor@midcountymemo.com. Please put ‘letter to the editor’ in the subject line. You may also mail your letter to 3510 N.E. 134th Ave., Portland, OR 97230 or fax it to 503-249-7672. Our deadline for the June issue is Friday, May 14.

To the Editor:
The Portland International Airport, or PDX, Noise Compatibility Study Advisory Committee will recommend four new flight track alternatives for PDX aircraft arrivals and departures to the Port of Portland and the FAA. Alternative 16 will provide for preferential use of the North runway for commercial and air cargo nighttime landings. The advisory committee will be bringing the study to the community and hearings will eventually address the issues the Part 150, or PDX Noise Compatibility Study, is working to resolve. Please support alternative 16 as it may provide some relief to the increased noise affecting Mid-County residents.

Keep calling the Noise Hotline at 503-460-4100 if loud, low flying aircraft disturb you.

Thank you.
Kerry Brown
503-252-4242
dks152@hevanet.com



To the Editor:
Oregon nonprofit organizations play an ever-increasing role in the strength and well being of our state. They deliver counseling, educate our children, help those in need and encourage volunteerism. Indeed, it’s hard to imagine where we would be today without the diverse cross-section of nonprofits that serve us. As their importance to the fabric of our state grows, now more than ever each of us needs to do more to show our support. But the question is, are we willing to?

Of course, many Oregonians are already doing their part. According to a recent Giving in Oregon Council report, Oregon ranks 15th in the nation in charitable giving relative to income, with donations averaging 2.3 percent of our incomes. In short, Oregonians have adopted a strong sense of philanthropy that bolsters the work of nonprofits. Many devote countless hours of volunteer time and also contribute financially.

And Oregon is fortunate to have a wealth of giving resources. Among those is The Oregon Community Foundation, or OCF, who for the past 30 years has served as a critical conduit to aid both donors and nonprofits. In fact, with the help of OCF, last year Oregonians embraced philanthropy in record numbers contributing more than $1 billion to much-needed nonprofit programs and scholarships across the state. Such a significant amount of giving reflects the tremendous spirit of community caring exemplified by Oregonians.

Still, there are more needs to be met and more work to be accomplished. So, what exactly needs to happen?

Each of us must take responsibility to do our part. I have seen firsthand what an incredible difference individuals can make when united for a common cause. To start, I suggest you think about where your passion for giving lies. Do you have a special interest in the needs of seniors, children, or the homeless? Or for increasing literacy, addressing hunger, or supporting cultural literacy?

Once you know where your passion lies, take advantage of the many ways to give: hands-on volunteer work, charitable donations, and support of scholarship funds, for example. Finally, share your passion with others, particularly young people, to pass along important philanthropic values to the next generation.

Charitable giving in its many forms not only meets crucial needs, but also increases communities’ ability to access excellent programs and services. Furthermore, individuals gain the opportunity to express themselves and the chance to make a real change in their community. Those involved in philanthropic giving can’t imagine life without it.

We all know that individuals can and do make a difference, and we have seen what the spirit of generosity and rugged determination has done to support the many worthy causes in Oregon. And so I find myself pessimistically looking to the future. After all, if we have big dreams about strong communities in Oregon, we must do our part to make that a reality. So, get involved: give generously, give meaningfully and give often.

Ben Whiteley, Vice Chair
The Oregon Community Foundation Board of Directors
403-227-6846
www.ocf1.org

Editors Note: In collaboration with the Oregon Student Assistance Commission, OCF created ASPIRE, an initiative that recruits community advisors to help high school students raise their sights toward higher education by providing them with counseling, assistance in applications and scholarship help. ASPIRE at Parkrose High School was featured in the January 2004 issue of the MEMO. In addition, you will find numerous volunteer opportunities in the pages of the MEMO.

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