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St. Therese's Disciples lead the way
MEMORABLE MENUS
Parents converge on Parkrose for the 10th annual Parent Leadership Conference
East Portland gets new agency's attention
Parkrose homecoming 2010
Perlman's Potpourri:
Stimulus dollars spent on sidewalks, bioswales
Family support makes Parkrose auto shop possible
Fruit trees added to Fir Ridge garden

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The Memo Calendar is your vehicle to publicize community events. Let your mid-Multnomah County neighbors know about events of interest, meetings, fundraisers and the like. Calendar submissions for the December issue are due Monday, Nov. 15. For best results, e-mail Darlene Vinson at editor@midcountymemo.com. Or mail your 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.

SCHOOL CORNER
Gain confidence while learning English
The fall term of free Community English for Speakers of Other Languages Classes is underway at Multnomah University. Multiple levels are offered to accommodate the varying needs of English learners in the Northeast Portland community - for those who have recently moved to the United States and know very little English as well as those who have lived in America for many years but want to gain confidence in pronunciation or conversations. The classes focus on English vocabulary and grammar, as well enabling students to use their English in practical life settings, such as applying for jobs or going shopping. The teachers are students from the undergraduate and graduate TESOL program at Multnomah University. According to Professor Kristen Hubert, TESOL program director, “Our goal is to give adult students increased confidence in the English skills needed for daily living. Of course, we also enjoy the fact that we get to meet people and learn about their home cultures in the process!”

The classes are held in the on the campus of Multnomah University, 8435 N.E. Glisan St. on Tuesdays from 6:30-8 p.m. New students are welcome to join classes at any point throughout the term. The classes are free, and materials are provided.

For questions or directions, contact Hubert at 503-251-6412 or khubert@multnomah.edu.

MEETINGS
Speak up
Oregon State Rep. Michael Dembrow will host his monthly constituent coffee on Sunday, Nov. 6 at Case Study Coffee, 5347 N.E. Sandy Blvd. from 9:30 to 11 a.m.

Club will tend trees and study plant propagation, seed conservation
Flower Lane Garden Club will meet at East Portland Community Center, 740 S.E. 106th Ave., Tuesday, Nov. 16 at 10 a.m. Geri Grieve and Paola Dembroski will present “What Goes Around Comes Around - Seed Conservation & Propagation.” Light refreshments will be served and all are welcome to drop in for this fascinating topic.

After the meeting the group will travel to its tree planting project at Northeast 122nd Avenue and Siskiyou Street for some maintenance work. Bring a sack lunch, folding chairs and gardening tools.

PP&R needs public input on budget cuts
There will be a community budget information meeting on the fiscal year 2011-2012 Portland Parks & Recreation budget on Tuesday, Nov. 16 from 6 to 8 p.m. in Room C, Second Floor, the Portland Building, 1120 S.W. 5th Ave.

This year the budget conversation will be even tougher, as Portland Parks & Recreation, which depends upon the city of Portland's general fund discretionary to support operations and maintenance, is facing the third straight year of significant budget cuts. With this upcoming year, PP&R will have lost nearly $6 million in three years from the general fund discretionary.

Although the amount of FY 2011-12 cuts have yet to be determined, PP&R will prepare a budget reflecting $2.4 million in potential cuts. This will allow for more options in discussions with the Budget Advisory Committee. It is not yet known if the cuts will be this large, but PP&R must prepare for it.

As a result of these continued budget cuts, the bureau will no longer be able to maintain the programs and services the public has come to expect. Efficiencies and fee increases cannot cover the gap again. Tough choices will have to be made about what the bureau can still offer and what will have to be cut to meet a potential $2.4 million reduction. The public's input is needed.

These guiding principles will be used as PP&R moves forward:
• How to best take care of current properties with limited resources.
• Should emphasis be put on maintaining revenue-generating programs to off-set other programs?
• Is it reasonable to attempt to maintain geographically equitable services?
• Is there another entity that can provide the same service or part thereof?
• Some services may have to be eliminated.

While this is a difficult time of uncertainty for many, the bureau will still be providing over 94% of current services. PP&R is committed to doing the best to deliver services with a professional team and ensure Portland's park and recreation legacy for future generations.

Transit police
You have likely heard and read about crime on the MAX platforms at 82nd Avenue, and also on 162nd Avenue and Burnside Street. You've heard about harassment and violence on busses and light rail trains. Who is responsible for the safety and security of MAX, and other transportation locations?

Attend the East Precinct Involved Citizen's meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 17 to learn the answer and much more. Mike Crebs, former commander of East Precinct, and now commander of the transit police will be the guest speaker.

This meeting will be held at the East Precinct Community Room, at 737 S.E. 106th Ave. from 6 to 8 p.m.
Bring a friend or neighbor. For additional information contact Dave Smith at dave.smith@portlandoregon.gov.

Winter flower arrangements
Villa Garden Club's November program will focus on how to create winter flower arrangements. Please come and bring some plant materials and a vase to receive direction and inspiration. The meeting will be held Thursday, Nov. 18 at Savage Memorial Presbyterian Church, 1740 S. E. 139th Ave., starting at 10:30 a.m. Coffee and dessert will be served. Please call Lyn Farris, 503-255-5355, for more information.

Making MAX safer, cleaner
MAXaction is a citizen group working to build a network of people to develop the MAX as a community asset in east Portland. A town hall work session is scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 18 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Glenfair Evangelical Church, 50 N.E. 143rd Ave.

Volunteers worked the Blue Line Max Stations from Gateway to 162nd Avenue last summer to question riders and compile information.

MAXaction has collected nearly 1000 surveys, concluding that top priorities for riders are increasing public safety and increasing cleanliness. The town hall work session will briefly review the survey results, announce raffle winners, and commit to actions that will result in safer and cleaner MAX stations and station areas.

Participants and hosts will include local residents along with State Representative Jefferson Smith, Emerging Community Leader Spirit of Portland Award winner Tom Barnes, transit leaders, law enforcement leaders, neighborhood leaders and more.

MAXaction is a subcommittee of the East Portland Action Plan. Contact Mike Vander Veen at 503-810-8269 or mjonvv@yahoo.com for more information.

EPAP updates and meeting
The East Portland Action Plan was developed by the community for the community. A group of active community members met to advocate for improved life in East Portland. In the first few years of meeting, community members came up with 268 action items to make East Portland even better. The East Portland Action Plan is a living document that allows everyone to share what they have done to take action. What you do matters. You can share with the community your progress towards addressing action plan items by going to www.eastportlandactionplan.org/updates.

EPAP works toward:
• Advocacy for East Portland's fair share of resources
• Improved quality of life for residents
• Equity
• Strong community connections.

Community members meet the fourth Wednesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. in the David Douglas School District Office board room at 1500 S.E. 130th Ave. Dinner is provided and with one-week notice, childcare and language interpretation will be arranged. Lore Wintergreen, EPAP advocate can be reached at 503-823-4035 or lore.wintergreen@portlandoregon.gov.

FAITH and VALUES
In memory of those we have lost
On Sunday, Nov. 7, in celebration of All Saints Day, St. Matthews Episcopal Church, 11220 N.E. Prescott St., will have a service to bless all those who have gone before us. If you have loved ones who have died and you would like a special commemoration said in their behalf, please call 503-252-5720 or join the service at 9 a.m. There will be a viewing area for photographs of loved ones and their names will be inscribed in a special book kept at the church.

Lao community celebrates temple's 30th anniversary
The Lao community of Oregon and Southwest Washington will host a Celebration of Success on Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 6 and 7 at Wat Buddhatham-aram, 4350 N.E. 133rd Ave.

This event will celebrate the accomplishments of the temple over the last 30 years while increasing credibility and visibility. Buddhist ceremonies and activities; Lao cultural shows, dances and classical music along with sporting activities will be part of the festivities. Vendor booths will be on site to offer information, crafts, food, music and videos for sale.

The program will begin with a community Buddhist ceremony at 9 a.m. on Saturday, followed by lunch at noon.

A Kathin Ceremony will take place from 1 to 3 p.m. The first day will conclude with a celebration party with live music at Legin Restaurant, 8001 S. E. Division St. from 7 p.m. until midnight.

On Sunday, events will run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and include the Wat Buddhatham-aram annual general assembly meeting, a traditional Buddhist ceremony, lunch, and Lao cultural traditions.

VOLUNTEER ACTIVITIES
Deliver meals to seniors on Veteran's Day
Loaves & Fishes Centers, the Meals-On-Wheels people, are seeking volunteer drivers to ensure homebound seniors receive nutritious meals and a bit of companionship on Veteran's Day, Thursday, Nov. 11.

“These volunteers are invaluable because they not only help us feed our frail elderly, but they make sure these seniors see a friendly face every day,” said Caroline Henry, who manages Loaves & Fishes Centers' Weekend and Holiday meal program. “Sometimes the Meals-On-Wheels driver is the only person these homebound seniors see in a given day. Holiday volunteers also help fill routes left by our regular drivers who have the day off on Veteran's Day.”

If you can help, call Henry at 503-953-8123 weekdays or 503-953-8202 weekends.

SnowCap needs volunteers and auction items
You are needed to assist in the SnowCap Community Charities pantry. ”We need a few 'personal shoppers' who can assist low-income folks make their way through our new pantry operation and select their own food items,” says Judy Alley, SnowCap executive director. “No lifting is required. Only requisite is a willingness to help your neighbor.”

Cart helpers, a position which does require some lifting, are needed as well to help put the groceries into cars, along with shelf stockers in the pantry and warehouse area and sorters to inspect donated food and beverages. “Some lifting - up to 25 pounds - is necessary in the stocking operation, and the shift is four hours,” Alley added. These positions are open weekdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. or from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Additional volunteer information is available by contacting Kari James at 503-674-8785 ext. 37 or kari@snowcap.org.

The agency is also actively soliciting auction sponsorships and items for both the silent and oral auctions at its annual Valentine fundraising event. The event is set for Saturday, Feb. 12 at Mt. Hood Community College.

FUNDRAISERS
Cans for choir
The Parkrose High choir is staffing the Parkrose High Booster returnable can and bottle collection site at Parkrose Middle School, 11800 N.E. Shaver St. on Saturday, Nov. 6 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Students and some of their parents will bag, bundle and recycle so you don't have to.

Chocolate equals support for Kiwanis causes
On Saturday, Nov. 6, you will find members of the Russellville Kiwanis Club at the Fred Meyer Gateway east entrance, selling See's chocolate candy bars and lollypops from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Proceeds will support area helping agencies including SnowCap Community Charities, DayBreak Family Shelter, Mt. Hood Kiwanis Camp for Handicapped Individuals, Parkrose Little League, Ronald McDonald House, Children's Book Bank, and Shaver Elementary School. Satisfy your sweet tooth and support your community.

In addition, 2011 Entertainment Books are available for $25 each from Charlie Ross at 503-252-1570 or Jason Zwick at the State Farm Insurance office at Northeast 106th Avenue and Sandy Boulevard or by calling him at 503-287-6122.

Russellville Kiwanis meets every Tuesday at the Refectory restaurant on Northeast 122nd Avenue, just north of Halsey from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. You are invited to stop by, get to know them, and join in the group's efforts to help the community. They'll even buy your lunch on your first visit.

You get tacos; high school seniors get a party
Your meal planning has been done for you for Wednesday, Nov. 17. Eat at the Original Taco House on Northeast 82nd Avenue just south of Fremont Street between 11 a.m. and 10 p.m. and the Taco House will donate 50% of the net proceeds to the Parkrose High Senior All Night Party. Dine in or call ahead and take your order to go.

You will need to present a flyer. Pick one up at the high school or e-mail Kris Brown of the party committee at krislynnbrown@gmail.com, and she'll send you a copy.

Christmas wreaths
It's time once again for the annual Parkrose High School choir fall fundraiser. Choir members are selling a complete selection of swags, wreaths and garland, starting at $23. To purchase please call Choir Director Lesley Bossert at 503-408-2695 or contact any choir member.

Santa expected at PHS coffee house
The Parkrose High School Theatre Coffee House will be open Wednesday, Dec. 1 from 7-9 p.m. in the theatre classroom. Santa will be on hand for pictures. Guests can help decorate cookies or participate in other free activities.

Admission is free. Students, friends and family members are invited to perform or drop in to watch the performances of others. Proceeds from coffee and dessert sales will help fund a trip to the state competition later this year.

BAZAARS and CRAFT FAIRS
The annual St. Rita Catholic Church Fall Festival and Bazaar is Friday and Saturday, Nov. 5 and 6 from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. in the church hall, 10029 N.E. Prescott St. Many experienced craft people will offer items for sale alongside fresh produce, baked goods and boutique items. Food service will be available both days.

The St. Therese Parish 29th Annual Holiday Bazaar is Friday and Saturday, Nov. 5 and 6. The event begins with the traditional sparkling punch evening on Friday from 5 to 8 p.m. On Saturday, the bazaar hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Enjoy the talents of many crafters as well as traditional baked goods, used books, wonderful raffle items along with snacks and luncheon delights. St. Therese Multi-Purpose Center is located at Northeast 132nd Avenue at Halsey Street.

Portland Christian Royals Holiday Gift Show featuring hand-crafted artisan goods, jewelry, home décor and more Saturday, Nov. 6 from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Portland Christian Elementary School, 11845 S.E. Market St. Free admission.

The Bennett Chapel, United Methodist Church Annual Bazaar and Craft Fair is Saturday, Nov. 6 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 13047 S.E. Ramona St. Browse for holiday gifts and peruse white elephants while enjoying free coffee.

The Gateway Elks Lodge annual Spaghetti Dinner and Elkettes Christmas Bazaar is Sunday, Nov. 7 from noon to 6 p.m. at 711 N.E. 100th Ave. The all-you-you-can-eat spaghetti dinner is $7 for adults, $3 for children aged 3 to 12 and free for kids under 3. Admission to the bazaar is free.

Greet Santa for breakfast at the Madison High Dance Team Holiday Bazaar on Saturday, Nov. 13 at Roseway Heights School, 7334 N.E. Siskiyou, from 9 to 11 a.m. Bazaar hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Gift items, baked goods and free beverages will be offered at the Glisan Care Center bazaar on Thursday, Nov. 18 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 9750 N.E. Glisan St.

Kick off your holiday season at the Leach Botanical Garden Holiday Bazaar, Friday and Saturday, Dec. 3 and 4 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. This festive holiday event features bulk greens, wreathes and swags, handcrafted items, nuts, baked goods and more. Enjoy the winter garden and sip hot cider in the historic manor house. The garden is located at 6704 S.E. 122nd Ave.

Select from handcrafted candles, quilts, jewelry, aprons, baby items, stuffed animals and more at the Midway Christian Church Holiday Bazaar, 2546 S.E. 131st Ave., Friday and Saturday, Dec. 3 and 4 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday Dec. 5 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The 14th annual David Douglas High School PTSA Holiday Bazaar is Saturday, Dec. 4 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 1500 S.E. 130th Ave.

Mark your calendars now for the 3rd annual Cherry Park PTA Holiday Bazaar. This year's bazaar will be held on Saturday, Dec. 11 at 1930 S.E. 104th Ave. Vendors, contact Holly Dolan at hollydolan@msn.com to reserve space now.

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