Wesley Kirt Covington, 49, of Gresham was convicted on several counts of first-degree sexual abuse involving three grade-school age female relatives.
Covington, 49, of Gresham was convicted on several counts of first-degree sexual abuse involving three grade-school age female relatives. The crimes occurred more than 10 years ago.
Prosecutor Bryan Brock sought a prison term of 18 years and nine months, noting that Covington potentially faced 37 1/2 years in prison.
Defense attorney Lisa J. Ludwig said nearly 20 years behind bars was excessive. Covington had little criminal history and was a low-risk offender. A recently diagnosed a bi-polar disorder may have caused Covington's impulsive behavior, Ludwig said.
In an impassioned plea to Circuit Judge Thomas J. Rastetter, Covington talked extensively about his love for his pre-teen, who was not one of his victims, and spoke of the emotional devastation that would be caused by a long separation from her. "I'm all she has, and she's all I have," Covington said tearfully.
He also apologized to three girls -- now adults -- he molested. Two of the victims were in the courtroom. "If only I could have been stronger," he said. "I'm sorry for letting everybody down. I'm really sorry."
Covington, whose hands were shackled to a chain around his waist, attempted to stand or get out of his chair several times, which resulted in warnings from a courtroom deputy.
Rastetter ordered a short recess while he considered the sentence.
"I want to go outside, Lisa," Covington said to his attorney during the break. "I want to go home."
When the judge returned he quickly made it clear a homecoming was a long way off. Rastetter's comments were brief. Covington was a danger to the community and a long prison sentence was justified, he said. The sentence: 18 years and nine months.
-- Steve Mayes
Sean Patrick Stebbins, 35, and Mark Alan Romero, 22, both of Gresham, are being held at the Multnomah County jail on accusations of attempted burglary, police said in a press release.
Gresham Police arrested two men Monday morning accused of trying to break into the Gresham Bi-Mart at 2800 NE Hogan Dr.
Gresham Police officers responded at 4:07 a.m. Monday to an audible alarm indicating a problem with the store's roof hatch. The first officer to arrive saw a man running from the area. Officers from Troutdale Police, Fairview Police, Portland Police K9 and the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office arrived to help search, finding the two men in separate locations within two blocks of the store.
Police said the two are believed to have scaled a wall up to the rooftop. Officers reached the roof from a Gresham Fire ladder truck and saw signs someone was trying to break in, according to the press release.
Anyone with additional information about this burglary or the suspects is asked to call Gresham Police. The tip line is 503-618-2719 (local) or 888-989-3505 (out of area).
-- The Oregonian
Catch up on some of this weekend's headlines from Portland and Multnomah County.
Most of the names have changed. Campaign spending has grown far bigger. And yet, by and large, the arguments remain the same.
Portland's half-century fight over fluoride heads to voters for a fifth time Tuesday, marking a dramatic conclusion to a heated debate that's featured lawn-sign stealing, mock Adolf Hitler videos, allegations of push-polls, scare tactics and the revelation of new statistics showing still-problematic but improving dental health among Oregon children. But fluoride isn't the only issue on the May ballot. Across the metro area, voters will choose school board members and decide thumbs up or thumbs down on a couple of tax levies and light-rail participation.
Catch up on some more of this weekend's headlines from Portland and Multnomah County:
Half marathon: Skies cloudy but dry, temperatures in the comfortably mild mid 50s, Portland on Sunday morning felt just right for a long run such as the Rock 'n' Roll Portland Half Marathon. Except to Scott MacLay. "I was really hoping for it to be a little bit cooler," the Beaverton 41-year-old said. MacLay's minority opinion was understandable. He'd just run 13.1 miles while dressed in white undershirt and dress shirt, and black pants, suit jacket, tie, hat and sunglasses. Last year, MacLay ran among 14,000 others in the inaugural year of the Rock 'n' Roll Portland Half Marathon, one of 30 similar events around the world produced by the San Diego company Competitor Group. Disappointed that there weren't more costumes, he says, he decided to "come back and get more in the spirit of it. And what says rock 'n' roll more than the Blues Brothers?"
Neighborhood watch: Seth Fuger was hours into his Monday morning recycling pickup route in outer Southeast Portland when he noticed a silhouette in the road ahead. As he drew close enough to recognize details in the predawn light, Fuger's heart sank. An elderly man, shoeless and wearing only light pajamas on a chilly February morning, was waving at passing cars with the vacant look of dementia on his face. Such incidents are more common for waste collectors than for average citizens. They're on the streets long before most people rise from bed, during the hours when your mother might have said "nothing good happens." Through a partnership between the nation's largest residential waste disposal service and local law enforcement, chances are your trash man has been trained to watch for trouble in your neighborhood.
Nonprofit challenges: Students at David Douglas High School gave themselves a well-deserved round of applause last week. As the capper to the school's spring recognition assembly, social studies teacher Brad Joy announced that his students had raised $5,200 for a school bus driver's son, who was in desperate need of brain surgery. It marked the eighth year in a row that David Douglas adopted a child in need as part of Sparrow Clubs USA, a nonprofit based in Bend. Students sold raffle tickets and solicited donations from east Portland businesses. The adults who run Sparrow Clubs have learned their own hard lessons: Simply wanting to help isn't enough. Turning a good idea into a sustainable, long-lasting success requires caution, business acumen and a willingness to make sometimes heartbreaking, choices.
Voodoo's big move: Keep Denver weird? Voodoo Doughnut, downtown Portland's 24-hour doughnut shop, tourist attraction and purveyor of good things in pink boxes, is expanding to Colorado. Co-owners Kenneth "Cat Daddy" Pogson and Tres Shannon have been flying back and forth from Denver, talking with tourism boosters and city officials there while scouting out storefronts. They recently signed a lease on a space approximately the size of Voodoo Doughnut Too, the store's Northeast Portland location.
A teacher's gift: The only place a kid spends more time than at home is in the classroom. While lessons and assignments blur over the years, what remains clear is the memory of the teacher who made a difference. An encouraging word, a meaningful conversation or smile letting you know you were more than a name on the seating chart. But often by the time a child is wise enough to realize the impact, it's too late to acknowledge the gift. As the years pass, there's a lingering sense of unfinished business. Sometimes, though, life offers a chance to circle back to the beginning.
Joseph Rose: See that spiffy map? Factoring geography, traffic volumes, construction schedules and the potential for haunting nightmares of orange-clad flaggers, it's the time of year when I pick out the summer road projects most likely to mess up your commute in the Portland metro area.
Bicycle traffic: The growth of bicycle traffic in Portland slowed in 2012, but still clicked up by 3.3 percent, according to Portland Bureau of Transportation data released Friday. The study (PDF), based on automated and manual hand counts, showed about 18,800 per day crossed the Willamette River via the five bike-friendly bridges -- the Hawthorne, Steel, Burnside, Broadway and Morrison – last summer.
Feast lineup: Organizers for Feast Portland snuck another high-profile chef name into their announcement that tickets for the second annual food festival go on sale Monday: “Top Chef” judge and Georgia restaurateur Hugh Acheson. Acheson, a James Beard award winner for his cookbook “A New Turn in the South: Southern Flavors Reinvented for Your Kitchen” and for best chef, Southeast in 2012, runs two Athens, Ga., restaurants (Five and Ten and The National), as well as Atlanta’s Empire State South, which the New York Times hailed as “is one of many Southern restaurants that set the national agenda this year.”
Thorns: The "Alex Morgan-Christine Sinclair Show" made its season debut for the Portland Thorns Sunday afternoon. Sinclair scored late in the first half and Morgan added an insurance goal late in the second half in the Thorns' 2-0 win against Washington in front of 12,474 fans on a sunny day at Jeld-Wen Field. The two stars scored in the same game for the first time this season as Portland (5-1-1, 16 points) defeated Washington for the second time in two weeks and just three days after absorbing their first loss of the season Thursday. The Thorns were anxious to play another game following the setback, and they got their wish when the Spirit (1-3-3, 6 points) came to town.
Good morning Clackamas County. Here is my roundup of events in Happy Valley, Milwaukie, Lake Oswego, Oregon City, West Linn, Wilsonville, on Mount Hood, and in other locales in Clackamas County, as well as Southwest Portland.
BORING
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Celebration in Boring: Features live music, games with prizes, Classics in Progress Car Show, farmers market, booths staffed by community organizations, and ice cream and other food available for purchase. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sun, Sept. 8. Boring Middle School, 27801 S.E. Dee St., Boring; free admission, additional fee for food and some games; Marlin Marsh, 503-201-3640 or marlinm@comcast.net
CANBY
Live Music: The series continues with Carley Fairchild, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Fri, May 24; and Mark Seymour, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Fri, May 31. Refreshments available for purchase. The Place To Be Cafe, 190 N.W. Second Ave., Canby; free admission; www.theplacetobecafe.com or 503-263-8293
Looking ahead
Ongoing Bridge Games: Card game for senior citizens. Weekly 1 p.m. Mon. Canby Adult Center, 1250 S. Ivy St., Canby; free; www.canbyadultcenter.org or 503-266-2970 Line Dancing for Beginners: Wanda Matlock teaches senior citizens the basics. Partner not required. Weekly 1-2 p.m. Mon. Canby Adult Center, 1250 S. Ivy St., Canby; free, but donations appreciated; www.canbyadultcenter.org or 503-266-2970
Line Dancing: Wanda Matlock teaches senior citizens some advanced steps. Partner not required. Weekly 1-2 p.m. Tue and Thu. Canby Adult Center, 1250 S. Ivy St., Canby; free, but donations appreciated; www.canbyadultcenter.org or 503-266-2970
Tuesday Evening Dinner: Senior citizens can make new friends while eating a free dinner. Weekly 5-7 p.m. Tue. Zoar Lutheran Church, 190 S.W. Second Ave., Canby; free; www.zoarlutheran.org or 503-266-4061 Canby First Friday: Monthly 5-8 p.m. first Friday. Join participating merchants in downtown Canby for family-friendly activities, dining, wine and shopping discounts.
Handiwork Group: Senior citizens socialize while producing craft projects. Weekly 10 a.m. Tue. Canby Adult Center, 1250 S. Ivy St., Canby; free; bring your own project supplies; www.canbyadultcenter.org or 503-266-2970
Pinochle: Card game for senior citizens. Weekly 1 p.m. Tue and Fri. Canby Adult Center, 1250 S. Ivy St., Canby; free; www.canbyadultcenter.org or 503-266-2970 Yoga Fitness: Erin Hancock teaches the class for senior citizens. Weekly 1:15 p.m. Wed. Canby Adult Center, 1250 S. Ivy St., Canby; free, but donations appreciated; www.canbyadultcenter.org or 503-266-2970 Wednesday Afternoon at the Movies: Adults invited to snack on free popcorn and tea while watching a movie. Visit website for titles. Weekly 1 p.m. Wed. Canby Adult Center, 1250 S. Ivy St., Canby; free; www.canbyadultcenter.org or 503-266-2970
Civic
For information, visit www.ci.canby.or.us or call 503-266-4021.
*Canby Planning Commission: Monthly 7 p.m. second and fourth Monday in Canby City HallDevelopment Services Office, Council Chambers, 155 N.W. Second Ave.
*Canby City Council: Monthly 7:30 p.m. first and third Wednesday in Canby Development Services Office, Council Chambers, 155 N.W. Second Ave.
*Urban Renewal Agency: Monthly 6 p.m. second Wednesday in Canby Development Services Office, Council Chambers, 155 N.W. Second Ave.
*Canby Parks and Recreation Advisory Board: Monthly 7 p.m. third Tuesday in Canby City Hall, Conference Room, 182 N. Holly St.
Clubs Kiwanis Club of Canby: Kiwanis is a worldwide service organization of individuals who want to improve their communities. Weekly noon-1 p.m. Mon. Old Town Hall, Cutsforth's Thriftway, 225 N.E. Second Ave., Canby; $7-$10 for lunch; www.canbykiwanis.org or Nancy Murphy, 503-266-6048 Rotary Club of Canby: Rotary is a worldwide organization of more than 1.2 million business, professional, and community leaders. Members of Rotary clubs, known as Rotarians, provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations and help build goodwill around the world. Weekly 11:45 a.m. Fri. Old Town Hall, Cutsforth's Thriftway, 225 N.E. Second Ave., Canby; no-host lunch; www.canbyrotary.com
Canby Chamber of Commerce: Network while eating lunch. Reservations recommended. Monthly 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. first Tue. Old Town Hall, Cutsforth's Thriftway, 225 N.E. Second Ave., Canby; $12-$15; Canby Chamber of Commerce, 503-266-4600 or by email to chamber@canby.com
CLACKAMAS
Daniel Flannery, director of the Begun Center for Violence Prevention Research and Education at Case Western Reserve University, will focus on community-based violence prevention at the seminar, set for May 22-23 at Camp Withycombe Auditorium, 10101S.E. Clackamas Road.
Entitled "No More Massacres: How to Prevent School-Based Violence," the seminar is intended for school administrators, first responders, mental-health personnel, social workers, juvenile counselors and corrections staff members.
Flannery will focus on identifying at-risk youth, influence of exposure to violence and trauma, bullying and victimization, school violence, risk prevention, threat assessments, interventions, evidence-based practices and model programs.
Flannery, who holds a doctorate in clinical-psychology from Ohio State University, was the founding director of the Institute for Study and Prevention of Violence at Kent State University. He is a member of the graduate faculty of the University of Notre Dame. His primary areas of research are in youth violence prevention the link between violence and mental health and program evaluation.
In 2008, he was appointed to the U.S. Department of Education's Safe and Drug-Free Schools Community Advisory Committee.
Sessions will run 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. May 22 and 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. May 23.
Cost is $35, which covers both days and includes lunch.
Pre-registration is required. Interested persons can register on-line.
For more information, email Jan Miller.
-- Rick Bella
Women in Leadership Networking Group: Anne-Louise Sterry, award-winning recording artist, author, singer/songwriter and storyteller, presents "Professionalism and Audacious Joy." 11:30 a.m. Fri, May 24. Sah-Hah-Lee Golf Course, 17104 S.E. 130th Ave., Clackamas; free; no-host lunch available; www.yourchamber.com or North Clackamas County Chamber of Commerce, 503-654-7777 or laura@yourchamber.com
Indoor Play Park: Ages 6 and younger can explore, play, bounce and jump in the 31,000-square-foot gymnasium facility. A coach will be on hand to supervise; children must be accompanied by an adult. Weekly 12:30-1:30 p.m. Tue. Precision Elite Gymnastics, 15507 S.E. For Mor Court, Clackamas; $3.50-$4 per first child, $2 each additional sibling; www.precisionelitegymnastics.com or 503-659-0095
Knit Night: A social gathering for all ages and skill levels. Yarn provided or bring your own projects. Monthly 6:30-8 p.m. third Wednesday. Sunnyside Library, 13973 S.E. Sieben Park Way, Clackamas; free; www.clackamas.us/lib or 503-794-3883
Let's Lego: Ages 5 and older can build with other Lego fans and then tear down their constructions. Monthly 1:30-3 p.m. third Saturday. Sunnyside Library, 13973 S.E. Sieben Park Way, Clackamas; free; Legos provided; www.clackamas.us/lib or 503-794-3883 Sunnyside Grange Farmers and Artists Market: Vendors sell fine art, crafts, fresh local produce and eggs, fruits, fine foods, baked goods, plants and specialty items. Weekly 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sun. Clackamas Sunnyside Grange, 13100 Sunnyside Road, Clackamas; free admission; www.windancefarmsandart.com/sunnyside.php or Peter Tuomala, 503-704-4212, windance@pacifier.com
COLTON Looking waaaaay ahead
DAMASCUS
Day in Damascus: Features pancake breakfast, petting zoo, pony carousel, bounce houses, games and activities with prizes, field games, a bring-your-own-dog show, musicians, dancers, talent show, dunk tank, safety fair, food booths, crafters marketplace and raffle. 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Sat, July 27. Damascus Centennial Park, 20100 S.E. Highway 212, Damascus; free admission, $2.50 breakfast; 25 cents-$2 for games and food; www.dayindamascus.org or dayindamascus@gmail.com
For information, visit www.damascusoregon.gov or call Damascus City Hall at 503-658-8545.
*Damascus City Council: Monthly 7 p.m. first and third Mon. Damascus City Hall, 19920 S.E. Highway 212, Damascus.
*Coffee With the Damascus Mayor: Monthly 7:30 a.m. first Mon. Arrow Coffee Shop, 19880 S.E. Highway 212, Damascus
*Damascus Planning Commission: Monthly 6:30 p.m. second and fourth Tuesday. Damascus City Hall, Council Chambers, 19920 S.E. Highway 212, Damascus.
*Damascus Committee for Citizen Involvement: Monthly 6:30 p.m. first and third Wed. Damascus City Hall, Conference Room, 19920 S.E. Highway 212, Damascus.
Clubs
Damascus-Boring Kiwanis Club: Visitors are welcome to a meeting of Kiwanis International, a global organization of volunteers dedicated to changing the world one child and one community at a time. The local club supports the Mt. Hood Kiwanis Camp, Adopt-A-Road, Doernbecher Children's Hospital, Terrific Kids, Meals-On-Wheels, Kiwanis Kids, Builders Club and Oregon Impact. Weekly 7 a.m. Wed. Pub 212, 20400 S.E. Highway 212, Damascus; no-host breakfast; www.kiwanisofdamascusboring.org or Dale Parsons, 503-806-3739
EAGLE CREEK
Civic Eagle Creek-Barton Community Planning Organization: Monthly 7 p.m. second Thu. Eagle Creek Fire Station, 32200 S.E. Judd Road, Eagle Creek; free; www.eaglecreekbarton.com or Charlene DeBruin by email to eaglecreekcpo@gmail.com
ESTACADA
Memorial Day Ceremony: American Legion Post 74 hosts a Memorial Day breakfast. 7-11 a.m. Mon, May 27. Odd Fellows Hall, 267 S.W. Second Ave., Estacada; $5; Terry Brown, 503-867-6123"Stitches in Time": A presentation of crocheted and knitted wire art and jewelry and mixed-media sculptures. Ends June 2. Spiral Gallery, 341 S. Broadway St., Estacada; www.thespiralgallery.com or 503-630-7273
Estacada Summer Celebration: Watch the ArtBack artists paint their annual mural-in-a-weekend project and visit the Broadway Street Fair. Also free hands-on art activities for all ages, a silent art auction, clowns, giant puppets, live music, food vendors, farmers market and quilt show. 6-10 p.m. Fri, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Sat, July 26-27. In and around downtown Estacada; free admission; www.estacadasc.org or Estacada Area Arts Commission, 503-631-3898
Ongoing
GLADSTONE
Take Off Pounds Sensibly: T.O.P.S. is a nonprofit weight-loss support group. Weekly 5:30 p.m. Mon, through Aug. 26 (including Memorial Day). St. Stephen Lutheran Church, 290 W. Glocester St., Gladstone; free; www.tops.org or 503-750-7686
Aerobics: Low-impact chair aerobics for senior citizens. Weekly 10:30-11:30 a.m. Tue and Thu. Gladstone Senior Center, 1050 Portland Ave., Gladstone; free; www.gladstoneseniors.org or 503-655-7701 Wednesday Afternoon at the Movies: Features popcorn, tea, fellowship and popular movies. Visit website for titles. Weekly 1 p.m. Wed. Gladstone Senior Center, 1050 Portland Ave., Gladstone; free; www.gladstoneseniors.org or 503-655-7701 Gladstone Historical Society Meeting: Visitors welcome. Monthly 6 p.m. second Wednesday. Gladstone Senior Center, 1050 Portland Ave., Gladstone; free; www.gladstonehistoricalsociety.org Mommy's Morning Off: Child care provided for ages infant-5 years so parents can take a break to do whatever they please. Registration recommended. Weekly 9-11:30 a.m. Thu. Tri-City Baptist Temple, 18025 Webster Road, Gladstone; free; www.tcbt.org or 503-575-0629 Craft Circle: Make new friends while working on your knitting, crochet, embroidery, hand-quilting and other projects. Monthly 7 p.m. first and third Wednesday (except holidays). Gladstone Public Library, 135 E. Dartmouth St., Gladstone; free; www.gladstone.lib.or.us or 503-656-1411 Bridge Games: Card game for senior citizens. Weekly 12:30 p.m. Fri. Gladstone Senior Center, 1050 Portland Ave., Gladstone; free; www.gladstoneseniors.org or 503-655-7701
Charity
Salvation Army West Women's and Children's Shelter Drive: The wish list included nonperishable food, toiletries, and new and gently-used clothing, shoes, and coats of all sizes. Visit the website for a list of acceptable items. Contact the club to have items picked up or for information about renting its facility. Gladstone Community Club, 255 E. Exeter St., Gladstone; free; www.gladstonecommunityclub.com/ or gladcommclub@juno.com
HAPPY VALLEY
Concerts: Live music. Weekly 6-8 p.m. Fri. New Seasons Market, 15861 N.E. Happy Valley Town Center Drive, Happy Valley; free; www.newseasonsmarket.com or 503-558-9214 American Girl Club: Stories, books, kits and refreshments. Monthly 3 p.m. second Sun. Barnes & Noble Clackamas Town Center, 12000 S.E. 82nd Ave., Happy Valley; free; www.barnesandnoble.com or 503-786-3464
Support
National Alliance on Mental Illness: Support meeting for persons with mental illness and those who love them. Monthly 6 p.m. dinner, 6:30 p.m. program, 7:30 p.m. support group on third Mon. Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church, 9800 S.E. 92nd Ave., Happy Valley; free; www.nami.org/sites/nami:clackamascounty or 503-344-5050 or nami.clackamas@gmail.com
Meetings held in Happy Valley City Hall, Council Chambers, 16000 S.E. Misty Drive, Happy Valley. Details: http://www.ci.happy-valley.or.us/ or 503-783-3800
*Happy Valley City Council: 7-9 p.m. on first and third Tuesday of each month.
*Happy Valley Juvenile Diversion Panel: 5:30-7 p.m. on second Wednesday of each month.
*Happy Valley Planning Commission: 7-9 p.m. on second and fourth Tuesday of each month.
*Happy Valley Traffic and Public Safety Commission: 7-9 p.m. on second Thursday of each month.
*Happy Valley Youth Council: 7-9 p.m. on second Monday of each month, September through May.
LAKE OSWEGO
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Oregon Pinots Plus: Kale Anderson, winemaker for Pahlmeyer Wines, presents a tasting of Jason and Pahlmeyer wines. 5-7 p.m. Tue, May 21. World Class Wines, 269 A. Ave., Lake Oswego; $25; www.worldclasswinesoregon.com or 503-974-9841
Rox in Sox Festival: Children's music artist Aaron Nigel Smith brings this community family festival filled with music and books. Live children's music throughout the day, author readings, family fitness, drumming and hands-on arts and crafts. See website for list of performers. Festival held outside on the lawn. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Sat, Aug. 3. Lake Oswego West End Building, 4101 Kruse Way, Lake Oswego; free admission; donations of socks, shoes and books for children in Kenya and Jamaica; www.roxinsox.com or 503-635-3758
Grow Food Year-round With Cool-season Gardener: Seattle author Bill Thorness offers tips and shows images from his new book, "Cool-season Gardener: Extend the Harvest, Plan Ahead, and Grow Vegetables Year Round." 2 p.m. Sun, June 16. Dennis' Seven Dees Garden Center, 1090 McVey Ave., Lake Oswego; $5; www.dennis7dees.com or 503-636-4660
Mac Primary Skills: Learn useful tips, tricks and hints. Registration required. 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Fri, May 24. Lake Oswego Adult Community Center, 505 G Ave., Lake Oswego; $10-$15; www.ci.oswego.or.us/acc or 503-635-3758
Introduction to Digital Camera: Learn camera controls and settings, tips for taking better pictures, transferring images to and organizing them on a computer. Bring your camera and manual to class. Registration required. 3-4 p.m. Wed, May 29 and June 5. Lake Oswego Adult Community Center, 505 G Ave., Lake Oswego; $16-$24 series; www.ci.oswego.or.us/acc or 503-635-3758 Introduction to Facebook: Learn how to navigate the world of social networking. Topics include jargon, understanding what you see on the screen, setting privacy/security parameters, finding and adding friends, chatting, and posting wall messages. Registration required. 3-4:30 p.m. Fri, May 31 and June 7. Lake Oswego Adult Community Center, 505 G Ave., Lake Oswego; $16-$24 series; www.ci.oswego.or.us/acc or 503-635-3758
Cooking classes
French Bistro Classics: Hands-on cooking class with Andre Pianucci. Registration required. 6 p.m. Fri, May 24. In Good Taste, 6302 S.W. Meadows Road, Lake Oswego; $95; www.ingoodtastePDX.com or 503-248-2015
Oregon Seafood and Wine Dinner: Hands-on cooking class with Jeremy Niehuss. Registration required. 6 p.m. Sat, May 25. In Good Taste, 6302 S.W. Meadows Road, Lake Oswego; $120; www.ingoodtastePDX.com or 503-248-2015
Asado Argentino: Hands-on cooking class with Andre Pianucci. Registration required. 2 p.m. Sun, May 26. In Good Taste, 6302 S.W. Meadows Road, Lake Oswego; $95; www.ingoodtastePDX.com or 503-248-2015
Casual Italian: Hands-on cooking class with Andre Pianucci. Registration required. 6:30 p.m. Fri, May 31. In Good Taste, 6302 S.W. Meadows Road, Lake Oswego; $95; www.ingoodtastePDX.com or 503-248-2015
Lake Oswego Festival of the Arts: Features live music, entertainment, visual-arts shows, children's theater and activities, demonstrations and food and craft vendors. (Events also held in George Rogers Park, 611 State St., Lake Oswego.) 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Fri-Sat, June 21-22; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sun, June 23. Lakewood Center for the Arts, 368 S. State St., Lake Oswego; free admission, but donations welcome; or 503-635-3901 Ongoing
Kickboxing: Get a good workout led by an instructor in the drop-in program for ages 12-18. Visit www.loteenscene.org for After School Activities Program membership and schedule information. Weekly 4-5 p.m. Mon, through May 20. Lake Oswego West End Building, 4101 Kruse Way, Lake Oswego; $2 per class, or free to After School Activities Program members; or 503-635-3758
Scottish Country Dance Classes: Lessons for beginners weekly 7:30-8:45 p.m. Mon; intermediate dancers 8:45-9:30 p.m. Wear soft-soled shoes. Partner not necessary. Waluga Lodge 181, 417 Second St., Lake Oswego; $5 (first lesson free); http://portlandscottishdancers.org or Don Gertz, 503-692-5963 or dlgertz@frontier.com Preschool Story Time: Ages 3-5 years. Weekly 10:30 a.m. Tue-Wed. Lake Oswego Public Library, 706 Fourth St., Lake Oswego; free; www.ci.oswego.or.us/library or 503-636-7628 Baby Story Time: Ages newborn-18 months. Weekly 11:45 a.m. Tue. Lake Oswego Public Library, 706 Fourth St., Lake Oswego; free; www.ci.oswego.or.us/library or 503-636-7628
The 24/7 Library: Searching Online Resources: Library-card holders can learn how to access resources online anytime of the day or night. Registration required for each class. Weekly 10 a.m. first and second Thu. Lake Oswego Public Library, 706 Fourth St., Lake Oswego; free; www.ci.oswego.or.us/library or 503-636-7628 Musical Lap Time: Anne Clark, an early childhood music specialist, leads a combination of gentle rhymes, bounces and movements designed to create bonding between caregivers and babies (through 18 months old). Weekly 10:30 a.m. Thu. Lake Oswego Public Library, 706 Fourth St., Lake Oswego; free; www.ci.oswego.or.us/library or 503-636-7628
Nia: Increase your strength, flexibility and agility in the class that fuses dance, martial arts and yoga. Weekly 5:45-7 p.m. Thu. Pilates Bodies Studio, 16130 S.W. Boones Ferry Road, Lake Oswego; $10 drop-in per class, $32 for four-class punch card; Danielle Mery-Stern by email to merystern@comcast.net First Friday Pizza and Match Play: Youth, ages 12-18, who are on the verge of playing tennis or are currently playing are invited for pizza and a supervised competitive match play. Junior racquets provided. Registration suggested. Monthly 6-8 p.m. first Friday. Lake Oswego Indoor Tennis Center, 2900 Diane Drive, Lake Oswego; $15 per session; www.lakeoswegoparks.org or Lake Oswego Parks and Recreation, 503-675-2549
MILWAUKIE
Wellness Workshop: Dr. Jesse Buttler discusses detoxification therapy, nutrition, diet and an approach to addressing the emotional cause of disease. Registration required. 6-7 p.m. Tue, May 21. Milwaukie Ledding Library -- Pond House, 2215 S.E. Harrison St., Milwaukie; free; Northwest Natural Medicine, 503-786-2181
Toddler Play Date: A chance for toddlers and their caregivers to play with Duplos, puppets, bubbles and instruments. 10:30 a.m. Wed, May 22. Milwaukie Ledding Library, 10660 S.E. 21st Ave., Milwaukie; free; www.ci.milwaukie.or.us/library or 503-786-7580
Throw a Pizza Party: Chef Alan Maniscalco from Ken's Artisan Pizza demonstrates a variety of pizzas. Enjoy samples. Registration required. 5-7 p.m. Thu, May 23. Bob's Red Mill Whole Grain Cooking School, 5000 S.E. International Way, Milwaukie; $50; www.bobsredmill.com/visitors-center.html or 971-206-2208
Puppy Tales: All ages invited to read aloud to a therapy dog named Temp and improve their reading at the same time. Call to sign up for a 15-minute session. 10:30-11:45 a.m. Sat, May 25. Milwaukie Ledding Library, 10660 S.E. 21st Ave., Milwaukie; free; 503-786-7588
Sunny Hills Garden Club Plant Sale: Vegetable starts, perennials, succulents, pond plants, garden art and more. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Sat, June 1. Hillside Park Community Center, 10203 S.E. Hillside Ave., Milwaukie; free admission
Book Club: Adults read and then discuss a different book each month. Call for titles. Monthly 7-8 p.m. Wed. Milwaukie Ledding Library Pond House, 2215 S.E. Harrison St., Milwaukie; free; www.milwaukie.lib.or.us or 503-786-7580
Ledding Library Book Club: Call for titles. Monthly 7-8 p.m. fourth Wed. Milwaukie Ledding Library, 10660 S.E. 21st Ave., Milwaukie; free; www.milwaukie.lib.or.us or 503-786-7580
Knit Nite: Valarie Matthews leads a group for people who love to knit or want to learn the skill. Weekly 6:30-8 p.m. Thu. Milwaukie Ledding Library, 10660 S.E. 21st Ave., Milwaukie; free; bring your own supplies; www.milwaukie.lib.or.us or 503-786-7580 Civic
Willamette Falls Chapter of the Coastal Conservation Association Meeting: Visitors welcome. Monthly 7 p.m. third Wed. Round Table Pizza, 16550 S.E. McLoughlin Blvd., Milwaukie; free; Dale Ballard, 503-551-9772 or daleballard52@molalla.net
The following meetings are held in Milwaukie City Hall, 10722 S.E. Main St., Milwaukie. Details: http://www.ci.milwaukie.or.us/ or 503-786-7555
*Milwaukie City Council holds its work session at 5 p.m. and regular session at 7 p.m. on the first and third Tuesday of each month.
*Milwaukie City Council holds its study session at 5 p.m. on fourth Tuesday of each month.
*Milwaukie Citizens Utility Advisory Board meets at 6 p.m. on third Wednesday of each month.
National Alliance on Mental Illness: Support meeting for spouses or partners of persons with mental illness. Monthly 6:30 p.m. fourth Wed. National Alliance for the Mentally Ill of Clackamas County, 10202 S.E. 32nd Ave., Suite 501, Milwaukie; www.nami.org/sites/nami:clackamascounty or 503-344-5050 or nami.clackamas@gmail.com
MOLALLA
Celebrating the craft beer industry in and around the Pacific Northwest, the Molalla Brew Fest will feature more than 25 taps, wine, hard cider, draft root beer, food concessions and great local bands.
Thursday night is new this year and there is a suggested donation of $3 at the door. A portion of the evening's proceeds will benefit three local charities: Molalla Relay for Life, Share the Love and Colton Boosters.
Tasting packages will be available inside the event tent on Thursday for those interested in sampling craft beer. There is also a designated driver program that allows patrons to purchase a $5 stadium cup that will be filled for free during their time at the festival with Crater Lake Soda Root Beer or Oregon Rain bottled water. Friday and Saturday cost of entry is $20 and includes mug and tasting tickets.
Fantastic local talent will take the stage at Molalla Brew Fest this year. Brew Fest stage schedule is as follows:
* June 14: Jamalia from 6-9 p.m.; Abandon Stage from 9 p.m.-midnight
* June 15: Dancehall Days from 6-9 p.m.; Crush from 9 p.m.-midnight
For more information, visit www.facebook.com/molallabrewfestival; send an email to molallabrewfest@gmail.com; or call 503-970-8859 Looking ahead Molalla Buckeroo and Fourth of July Fireworks: Features four days of rodeo competition, a carnival, barbecue, live music, dancing and fireworks (nightly following rodeo). Activities various times Wed-Sat, July 3-6. Molalla Buckeroo Grounds, 815 Shirley St., Molalla; $13-$15; www.molallabuckeroo.com or 503-829-8388
National Alliance on Mental Illness: Support meeting for persons with a mental illness and those who love them. Monthly 6:30-8 p.m. first Mon. Molalla Christian Church, 223 E. Third St., Molalla; free; www.nami.org/sites/nami:clackamascounty or 503-344-5050 or nami.clackamas@gmail.com
MOUNT HOOD
Mt. Hood Lions Club Dinner and Auction: Annual event features steak and prawn dinner, raffle, and silent and oral auctions. Registration required for dinner. Auction donations welcome. Proceeds benefit the club's community projects. 5 p.m. Sat, May 18. Mt. Hood Lions Club, 24730 Woodsey Lane, Welches; free admission, $12 dinner, $10 raffle ticket; Michelle Dodge, 503-880-9874, or mthoodlionsclub@aol.com
Christmas Along the Barlow Trail: Visit with Santa Claus, sample free holiday treats, sing Christmas carols, and listen to Native American and pioneer flute music. Historians dressed in period clothing present "Pioneer Spirits Along Mount Hood's Oregon Trail." Storytellers offer "Christmas Tales of Old Oregon" -- a journey from the days of the Lewis and Clark Expedition in 1805, to the days of the Oregon Trail and pioneer settlement, to the slopes of Mount Hood in the early 1900s. Vendors sell history and nature books, huckleberry and wildberry products, and other specialty items. 1-4 p.m. Sun, Dec. 8. Oregon Country Settlement, 73370 E. Buggy Trail Lane, Rhododendron; free admission and parking; www.cascadegeographicsociety.com or Michael P. Jones, 503-622-4798 or cgsmthood@onemain.com Mount Hood Salmon, Mushroom and Bigfoot Festival: Features a Bigfoot exhibit and Sasquatch talks and presentations; Native American stories and salmon bake; salmon habitat walks and exhibits; wild mushroom exhibit; flute fest and folk music; arts and crafts; a scarecrow-making contest; and huckleberry and mushroom products plus other food also available for purchase. 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Sat, Oct. 5; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sun, Oct. 6. Mt. Hood Village Resort, 65000 E. Highway 26, Welches; free admission and parking; www.cascadegeographicsociety.com or Michael P. Jones, 503-622-4798 or cgsmthood@onemain.com Ongoing Family Story Time: Weekly 10 a.m. Tue. Hoodland Public Library, 68256 E. Highway 26, Welches; free; 503-622-3460 Line Dancing: Geared for senior citizens of all levels. Weekly 10 a.m. Tue and Thu. Mt. Hood Village Resort, 65000 E. Highway 26, Welches; free; www.mthoodvillage.com or 503-622-7665 Clubs Mt. Hood Lions Club: Lions Clubs International programs include sight, hearing and speech conservation; diabetes awareness; youth outreach; international relations; and environmental issues. Business meeting. Monthly 7:30 p.m. second Wed. Mt. Hood Lions Club, 24730 Woodsey Lane, Welches; free; Dan Wolf at 503-622-4664, mthoodlionsclub@aol.com
OREGON CITY
"Schemes of Scapino": James Eikrem directs the Clackamas Community College Theatre comedy. Experience life on the Neapolitan waterfront in this no-holds-barred farce adapted from Moliere's classic "The Trickeries of Scapin!" Reservations recommended. 7:30 p.m. Thu-Sat, 2:30 p.m. Sun, May 23-June 2. Osterman Theatre, Niemeyer Center. Clackamas Community College, 19600 S. Molalla Ave., Oregon City; $10, $8 students and ages 62 and older; www.theatreccc.org or 503-594-3153
From Discovery to Recovery: The National Alliance of Mental Illness of Clackamas acknowledges Mental Health Awareness Month with a free seminar series. Mental health, treatment, resources and other topics will be addressed by industry professionals. Speakers include staff from the National Alliance of Mental Health, Clackamas County Behavioral Health, LifeworksNW, Oregon State Hospital, and Dual Diagnosis of Oregon. Registration encouraged. Weekly 7-9 p.m. Wed, through May 29. Providence Willamette Falls Hospital Community Health Education Center, 519 15th St., Oregon City; free; www.facebook.com/NamiClackamas or 503-344-5050
10-Minute University: Oregon State University master gardener volunteers -- offering practical, proven, local gardening advice -- offer Saturday classes: Growing Edibles in Containers, 10 a.m. May 25; Growing Blueberries, 10 a.m. June 1; Attracting Pollinators to Your Garden, 10 a.m. June 8; Raised-bed Gardens, 10 a.m. June 15; Fruit Tree Pruning, 10 a.m. June 22; Growing Fall and Winter Vegetables, 10 a.m. June 29; How to Make Your Own Soil -- Sheet Mulching, 10 a.m. July 6, and Hey Kids! Grow a Salad Head, 11 a.m. July 6; Making Four-season Containers, 10 a.m. July 13; Pruning Trees and Shrubs, 10 a.m. July 20; and Saving Seeds, 10 a.m. July 27. See www.cmastergardeners.org for class handouts. 10 a.m. Sat, May 18; 10 a.m. Sat, May 25. Oregon City Farmers Market, 2051 Kaen Road at Beavercreek Road, Oregon City; free; http://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalog
The free viewings begin around sunset and continue until about 11 p.m., weather permitting, on the following Saturdays: June 22, July 6, Aug. 3, Sept. 14, Oct. 26, Nov. 30 and Dec. 28.
The Haggart Observatory, located at the Environmental Learning Center, offers views of the night skies through 24-inch and 13-inch Newtonian reflector telescopes. Viewings are free during the astronomy club's Public Nights.
Space in the observatory is limited, and viewers may at times have to wait to look through the telescope. If the weather is uncertain during the day of the event, call 503-594-6044 after 3 p.m. for a recorded message announcing if the viewing will be held or canceled.
For more information, contact Diana Fredlund, Rose City Astronomers media director, at media@rosecityastronomers.
Memorial Day Celebration: The annual Memorial Day Celebration at Mt. View Cemetery will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, May 27. Our ceremony will feature music from the Gardiner Middle School Band, floral tributes, guided historic cemetery tours, military vehicles, bagpipers, children's activities, and guest speaker Iraq War Veteran Ken Kraft, CPT (RET) US Army and CDR of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1324. There will also be complimentary refreshments and a barbecue. Coffee and donuts will be available for a donation. The cemetery is located at 500 Hilda St. in Oregon City. For more information, call the office at 503-657-8299.
Grief Support Group: The Bristol Hospice "Build a Bridge of Hope" support group, facilitated by Joanne Petrie, a chaplain, is a chance for people to share feelings and receive support from others who are experiencing grief. Contact Bristol Hospice volunteer Marilyn Fergus, fergusfamily@gmail.com, for more information. Monthly 1:30-3 p.m. the second and fourth Tue. Pioneer Community Center, 615 Fifth St., Oregon City; free For teens: Teen Wii Night: Grades 6-12 invited to play a Wii game and eat free snacks. Monthly 6:30-8 p.m. first Thu. Oregon City Public Library, 606 John Adams St., Oregon City; free; www.orcity.org/library or 503-657-8269 For adults: Beginning Line Dancing: Learn the basics and simple dances. No partner needed. Weekly 1-2 p.m. Mon. Pioneer Community Center, 615 Fifth St.; 50 cents per class; 503-657-8287 Busy Bees: Have fun making crafts, sewing quilts and aprons, and creating other items for fundraisers. Weekly 9 a.m.-noon Mon. Pioneer Community Center, 615 Fifth St.; free; 503-657-8287
Intermediate Line Dancing: Learn the latest and traditional steps. No partner needed. Weekly noon-3 p.m. Tue. Pioneer Community Center, 615 Fifth St.; 50 cents per class; 503-657-8287 Dance Lessons: The Bachelors 'N' Bachelorettes Square and Round Dance Club offers lessons weekly 7-9 p.m. Tue. The club for singles and couples also hosts dances weekly 7:30-10:30 p.m. Wed. Abernethy Grange, 15745 S. Harley Ave.; $5 per lesson (first lesson free); http://bnbsquares.org or Gene or Patricia Neils, 503-829-8529 Knitting and Crocheting: Learn basic stitches and share tips. Bring your own needles and yarn. Registration required. Weekly 10 a.m.-noon Wed. Pioneer Community Center, 615 Fifth St.; $20 for four sessions; Janice Tipton, 503-829-8031
Chrysalis: Women Writers: Local author Pat Lichen guides women writers of all levels through discussions of their work. Weekly noon-2 p.m. Wed. Clackamas Community College, Literary Arts Center, Rook Hall, Room 220, 19600 S. Molalla Ave.; free; 503-594-3254 Support
Clackamas County Chapter of Parents, Family, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG): Visitors welcome. Monthly 7-9 p.m. fourth Tue. Atkinson Memorial Church, 710 Sixth St., Oregon City; free; 503-887-4556 CASA 101 Volunteer Orientation: Child Advocates, Inc. is recruiting volunteers to serve as Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs) for foster children. Informational meetings offered monthly 6-7 p.m. first Wed. Mt. View Professional Building, Suite 203, 101 Molalla Ave., Oregon City; free; www.casa-cc.org or Linda Rinnan, CASA manager, 503-723-0521 or lrinnan@casa-cc.org
Alzheimer's Caregiver Support Group: Share feelings, thoughts and experiences to better cope with and manage the shared problems of Alzheimer's and other types of dementia. Monthly 1-3 p.m. the second Thu, except Nov. 22. Pioneer Community Center, 615 Fifth St., Oregon City; free; Diana Miha, 503-317-2245 or dhm@pdxarttherapy.com
SANDY
Pinochle: Play the card game with other senior citizens. Weekly 1 p.m. Mon. Sandy Community Center, 38348 Pioneer Blvd., Sandy; free; www.cityofsandy.com or 503-668-5569 Flex and Stretch: Sitting and standing exercises for senior citizens. Weekly 11 a.m. Tue and Thu. Sandy Community Center, 38348 Pioneer Blvd., Sandy; free; www.cityofsandy.com or 503-668-5569 Oregon Trail Democrats: Monthly 7 p.m. the fourth Tue. Clackamas County Bank, Sunset Room, 38975 Proctor Blvd., Sandy; free; Susan Gates, 503-668-9628 Community Parent-Child Play Group: Parents and caregivers with kids newborn-5 years are invited to meet others with young children, make new friends, share and exchange information about parenting, learn about community resources, and engage in activities that include the kids. The drop-in interactive parent-child opportunity is set in a large indoor park setting. Light snacks provided. Weekly 10:30 a.m.-noon Wed. Sandy Community Center, 38348 Pioneer Blvd., Sandy; free; www.cityofsandy.com or 503-668-5569
National Alliance on Mental Illness: Support meeting for persons with a mental illness and those who love them. Monthly 9-10:30 a.m. third Sat. Immanuel Lutheran Church, 39901 Pleasant St., Sandy; free; www.nami.org/sites/nami:clackamascounty or 503-344-5050 or nami.clackamas@gmail.com
SOUTHWEST PORTLANDMorning Bird-song Walks: Guided walks led by Audubon/Tryon volunteers Rick and Stephanie Wagner. Weekly 7 a.m. Mon, May 20. Tryon Creek State Natural Area, 11321 S.W. Terwilliger Blvd.; free; www.tryonfriends.org or 503-636-9886, ext. 225OngoingPreschool Story and Stroll: Program integrates nature exploration, art, literature, music, movement and outdoor play. Geared toward families with young children (preferably ages 2-6), but all are welcome. Registration requested at website. 10:30 a.m. Sun, May 5 and 19, 1 p.m. Fri. Tryon Creek State Natural Area, 11321 S.W. Terwilliger Blvd.; free; www.tryonfriends.org or 503-636-9886, ext. 225
West Linn Community Chorus: Love to sing? Singers with choral experience are invited to attend three rehearsals before committing to becoming a member. Weekly 7-9 p.m. Thu, through May 16. Emmanuel Presbyterian Church, 19200 Willamette Drive, West Linn; free; Bob, 503-954-4189 Woodworking: Novice to expert carvers welcome. Bring your own tools and supplies. Weekly 9 a.m.-noon Mon. West Linn Adult Community Center, 1180 Rosemont Road, West Linn; free; www.westlinnoregon.gov or 503-557-4700
Let's Talk Gardening: Share and pick up new tips while networking with fellow gardeners. Weekly 11 a.m.-noon Wed. West Linn Adult Community Center, 1180 Rosemont Road, West Linn; free; www.westlinnoregon.gov or 503-557-4700 Knitting and Crocheting Group: Bring your projects and join the group for conversation and relaxation. Beginners also welcome. Weekly 10 a.m.-noon Thu. West Linn Adult Community Center, 1180 Rosemont Road, West Linn; free; www.westlinnoregon.gov or 503-557-4700 Adult Recreational Co-ed Volleyball: New teams created weekly and rotate in round-robin-style play. Skills and rules taught and practiced. Weekly 8-10 p.m. Mon. Ages 18 and older. Willamette Primary School, 1403 12th St., West Linn; $2 per session; http://westlinnoregon.gov/parksrec/recreational-volleyball-open-gym, David Nepom, 503-657-3106 or by email to dnepom@aol.com Power Volleyball Open Gym: Designed for players with previous team experience and knowledge of the rules. Weekly 8:30-10 p.m. Tue. Gym, Athey Creek Middle School, 2900 S.W. Borland Road, West Linn; $2 per session; http://westlinnoregon.gov or Steve Young, 503-750-6151, or by email to sytees@hotmail.com
WILSONVILLE
Hospice Volunteer Training: Signature Hospice serves patients and families in Portland, Hillsboro, Clackamas, Gresham, Troutdale, Sandy, Newberg, Milwaukie, Oregon City and other communities. Volunteer training series involves three sessions: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. June 8-9 and 15. Call or send email for details or to register. Signature Hospice, 25117 S.W. Parkway, Wilsonville; free; 971-224-2509, ext. 2031, or mfuchs@4signatureservice.com
Stretch, Strength and Stamina: A personal trainer leads the upbeat class for people with arthritis of osteoporosis. Activities can be performed standing up or sitting in a chair; includes strength training with weights and exercise bands and more. Weekly 11-11:45 a.m. Mon and Fri. Wilsonville Community Center, 7965 S.W. Wilsonville Road, Wilsonville; $1 per class; www.ci.wilsonville.or.us or 503-682-3727 Hola! Hola! Drop-in Spanish Practice: Adults can have fun and gain confidence conversing in Spanish through crossword puzzles, and conjugation and conversation exercises. Weekly 10-11 a.m. Mon. Wilsonville Community Center, 7965 S.W. Wilsonville Road, Wilsonville; free; www.ci.wilsonville.or.us or 503-682-3727
Nia: Increase your strength, flexibility and agility in the class that fuses dance, martial arts and yoga. Weekly 11 a.m.-noon Mon and 5:45-6:45 p.m. Wed. St. Francis of Assisi Episcopal Church, 8818 S.W. Miley Road, Wilsonville; $8 drop-in per class, or $24 for four-class punch card; www.stfranciswilsonville.org or by email to p.jones@stfranciswilsonville.org Digital Photography Club: Senior citizens meet to share their works and pick up photography tips from each other. Weekly 10-11:30 a.m. Wed. Wilsonville Community Center, 7965 S.W. Wilsonville Road, Wilsonville; free; www.ci.wilsonville.or.us or 503-682-3727
Wilsonville City Hall, Council Chambers, 29799 S.W. Town Center Loop E, Wilsonville. For information, visit www.ci.wilsonville.or.us
*Wilsonville City Council: Monthly 5 p.m. first and third Monday.
*Wilsonville Planning Commission: Monthly 6 p.m. second Wednesday.
Wilsonville Genealogy Club: Learn from experienced genealogists, discover new genealogical resources and tools, and discuss personal research and goals. Open to seasoned genealogists and beginners. Monthly 1-2:30 p.m. third Monday. Wilsonville Public Library, Oak Room, 8200 S.W. Wilsonville Road, Wilsonville; Malia Laughton at 503-682-2744 or laughton@wilsonvillelibrary.org
-- Vickie Kavanagh
Through a partnership between the nation's largest residential waste disposal service and local law enforcement, chances are your trash man has been trained to watch for trouble in your neighborhood.
Seth Fuger was hours into his Monday morning recycling pickup route in outer Southeast Portland when he noticed a silhouette in the road ahead. As he drew close enough to recognize details in the predawn light, Fuger's heart sank. An elderly man, shoeless and wearing only light pajamas on a chilly February morning, was waving at passing cars with the vacant look of dementia on his face.
"I got out of the truck and asked if I could help him," Fuger says. "The first thing he said was, 'I'm lost.'"
Fuger, 31, a former missionary who served in an Italian convalescent home and watched his grandfather battle Alzheimer's, knew immediately age-related mental decay was to blame.
The 89-year-old had wandered from his home in a nearby neighborhood, Alzheimer's quickly erasing the reason for his errand and the direction back home.
Fuger removed his work-issued coat and gave it to the man, then calmed him with conversation about the things he could remember -- his Nebraska upbringing and days in the Navy.
By the end of the conversation, the man remembered his address. He was a customer on Fuger's route.
"I thought about carrying him, but I decided to call the police because I didn't know if there was a missing person's report out for him," Fuger says.
Such incidents are more common for waste collectors than for average citizens. They're on the streets long before most people rise from bed, during the hours when your mother might have said "nothing good happens."
"Sometimes a small piece of information reported by a driver can be just what law enforcement needs to make an arrest or complete an investigation," says Jackie Lang, regional spokeswoman for Waste Management.
The company, which serves seven counties in Oregon and is the metro area's largest waste disposal provider, has won national awards for its Waste Watch program, a nationwide effort that began with one Waste Management branch in Washington County.
Spotting an opportunity for backup during the hours when staffing is low and bystanders are few, local law enforcement in 2004 asked Washington County waste collectors to serve as extra eyes and ears on the road.
Other branches took notice of the program's success, and Waste Watch spread throughout the metro area and Oregon before launching in 100 communities nationwide. And the number is growing.
In Oregon, Waste Management drivers make 12 to 15 reports to law enforcement each month. Like Fuger's experience, many incidents involve assisting elderly people.
Drivers also have prevented identity theft by reporting suspicious people sifting through recycled business documents, caught vandals in the act, thwarted burglars and called ambulances and assisted during medical emergencies.
"We're trained as drivers to be hyper-vigilant out of safety for the communities we serve," Fuger says. "It helps us see things normal people wouldn't at the normal pace of life."
As coordinator of waste disposal for Beaverton's Westbrook Homeowners Association, 78-year-old Jo Ann Hektner regularly witnesses the training's results. Last year, a driver called police to report a suspicious person walking up and down Westbrook's driveways, lurking in the shadows outside houses. Another driver called for help when a disabled woman's vehicle was blocking her recycling cart, sparking the driver's concern.
"I'm just floored at what these guys and women do," Hektner says.
More than 190 drivers throughout the metro area have been trained by police officers to recognize suspicious activity and respond appropriately. They each carry a list of emergency numbers in their truck, with instructions to dial if they see crimes or emergencies.
"A driver gets used to his route," Lang says. "It almost becomes second nature (to notice) when something doesn't look quite right. The only visible thing might be that a trash can is not out, as it has been for 10 years."
Doug Bodeman, 59, hadn't even realized his father was missing when a police officer knocked on his door at 5:30 that February morning.
It was 38 degrees outside, and in addition to missing his shoes and wearing only pajamas, Bodeman's father was without the eyeglasses and walker that have become essential. He still wore Fuger's coat.
Touched by the waste driver's benevolence, Bodeman placed the coat on his recycling bin and waited for Fuger to pass by on his route. He chased down the truck when it came lumbering down the street.
"I told him how much that meant to me," Fuger says. "I called his bosses ... and said, 'I just want to let people know you've got some decent people working for you.'"
Kelly House: 503-221-8178; khouse@oregonian.com
Anyone with information about is asked to call CrimeStoppers at 955-8300.
Harris, 28, who is from Portland, was visiting for her 29th birthday, which is today, her sister confirmed Saturday night.
"The last message we have from her is a text message to our mom on Wednesday," said Holley Watson.
"She was having a good time," Watson said. "She went to breakfast (Wednesday). She went to the beach in the afternoon and she seemed to be extremely happy and enjoying herself."
Harris, who recently enrolled at Mt. Hood Community College, went to Hawaii about two weeks ago with her boyfriend and a friend, Watson said.
Harris graduated from Jefferson High School in 2001, according to the Facebook page Watson created Saturday called "BRING Ivanice HOME."
She is described in a Honolulu Police Department report as African American, 5 feet 3 inches tall, and she weighs 125 pounds. She was last seen wearing a red-orange, long-sleeve sweater and long blue denim pants. Anyone with information is asked to call CrimeStoppers in Honolulu at 955-8300.
In Portland, Watson said Harris' family and friends are spreading the word on social media and reaching out to the media. "We will continue to look for her," Watson said. "We just hope for her safe return."
-- Larry Bingham
The crash was reported about 8:35 p.m. in the westbound lanes of I-84 near Northeast 181st Avenue when a vehicle spun out and was hit by the truck. No injuries have been reported.
The wreck was reported about 8:35 p.m. in the westbound lanes near Northeast 181st Avenue when a vehicle spun out and was hit by the truck, said Lt. Claudio Grandjean, a Gresham police spokesman. The truck then went through the highway barrier.
Police are investigating the incident.
Two lanes are closed and at some point all westbound lanes will be closed to remove the semi-truck, according to Don Hamilton, a Oregon Department of Transportation spokesman. He added that it would take at least a half hour to move the vehicle and that he wasn't sure when the lanes would be shut down.
The identities of the people involved have not been released.
-- Everton Bailey Jr.
Donald Krebs, 87, died Thursday after Gresham firefighters pulled him out of his burning home in the 3800 block of Southeast 302nd Avenue. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
The cause of a house fire near Troutdale Thursday that killed a resident has been ruled as accidental but is still under investigation, according to the Gresham Fire Department.
Firefighters responded about 8:05 p.m. to the 3800 block of Southeast 302nd Avenue after a neighbor reported seeing smoke from a home, the department said Friday.
Fire crews found flames had engulfed about one-third of the home when they arrived. Strong heat forced firefighters to make two attempts to enter the home, where they found 87-year-old Donald Krebs unconscious near the front door.
Krebs was taken out of the home and died at the scene despite attempts by paramedics to revive him. Smoke inhalation is listed as his cause of death, the Multnomah County Medical Examiner's Office said. No one else was inside or injured.
The fire department estimates about $100,000 in total damages.
The adults who run Sparrow Clubs USA have learned valuable lessons recently: Even when everyone has the best intentions, saving the world -- or even just a few sparrows -- requires a willingness to make hard financial decisions.
Students at David Douglas High School gave themselves a well-deserved round of applause last week.
As the capper to the school's spring recognition assembly, social studies teacher Brad Joy announced that his students had raised $5,200 for a school bus driver's son, who was in desperate need of brain surgery. It marked the eighth year in a row that David Douglas adopted a child in need as part of Sparrow Clubs USA, a nonprofit based in Bend. Students sold raffle tickets and solicited donations from east Portland businesses.
Along the way, everyone at Oregon's largest public high school learned a few valuable lessons: Helping other people feels better than helping yourself. No matter how rough life seems, somebody else has it rougher. Working hard isn't so hard when you're fighting for a cause that matters.
"This is what David Douglas is about," Joy told the packed gym Wednesday. "This is what Sparrow Club is about."
Simply wanting to help isn't enough. Turning a good idea into a sustainable, long-lasting success requires caution, business acumen and a willingness to make sometimes heartbreaking, choices.
Even when everyone has the best intentions, saving the world -- or even just a few sparrows -- can be difficult. The first sparrow
Jeff Leeland, a former University of Washington football player, had just started teaching at Kamiakin Junior High in Kirkland, Wash., in 1992 when his 7-month-old son, Michael, was diagnosed with leukemia.
Leeland's health insurance hadn't kicked in yet, and he could not afford the bone marrow transplant needed to save Michael's life.
Students decided to help. The first $60 came from an overweight, frequently bullied boy named Dameon Sharkey, who offered Leeland his life's savings, 12 crumpled $5 bills.
Within a month, Sharkey and other students raised $227,000. Michael got the transplant, Sharkey's classmates gave him a standing ovation, and Leeland used the publicity and surplus to start Sparrow Clubs USA. The nonprofit moved to Central Oregon when Leeland did in the late 1990s.
He filled the nonprofit's governing board with fellow educators and established a basic model: Hospitals and social workers would recommend potential "sparrows." The nonprofit would find businesses to "sponsor" the child with a $4,060 donation -- the last $60 in honor of Sharkey's original gift -- and match child and sponsor with a school. Students would repay the donation by performing community service, at $10 per hour.
The nonprofit would then organize a school assembly to honor everyone's hard work, open a bank account for the sparrow and oversee the money to ensure that families use donations for intended purposes, including medical bills and living expenses. The money is important, but just as valuable to both sick and healthy children who participate in Sparrow is the sense of community it builds, of coming together to do something larger than any individual, participants said.
"As an educator, you see so many leadership and anti-bullying programs that feel canned," said Steve Mezich, principal at Kamiakin Junior High when Leeland arrived and a founding Sparrow board member. "There's nothing as fulfilling or meaningful as putting a child in need in front of students and saying, 'You can help them.'" From a few schools to 600
The organization started small, helping fewer than a dozen kids at a time. Leeland kept club records in the trunk of his car and the board met around kitchen tables. Within a few years, the club had affiliations in almost 600 schools and helped more than 130 new sparrows annually. Sparrow success stories stretched to New Jersey, Virginia and Florida. Revenues hit $1 million, and more.
"We had this vision of putting a Sparrow Club in every school in the country, because the model resonated with so many people so fast," Mezich said.
As the club's reach grew, so did expenses. By 2007, when Leeland described Sparrow Clubs as "a cutting-edge national youth charity," in his book, "A Thousand Small Sparrows," the nonprofit employed 11 people. Leeland was one. His salary started at $56,601 in 2001. Six years later, he earned $88,394, according to tax returns.
No one involved with Sparrow Clubs today suggests financial mischief by Leeland or the organization's other early leaders. Those expenses were, they say, part of trying to build a national network, which naturally meant spending more on travel, printing, bookkeeping and other overhead.
"Jeff didn't do anything wrong. Nobody did," said current board President Nancy Wilson, a retired Washington school principal who began volunteering in 2001. "We were just overly optimistic."
Looking back, it's easy to see disaster looming: Expenses consistently matched or outpaced revenue, starting as early as 2002, according to the nonprofit's IRS filings.
"Maybe we overreached," Mezich said.
As expenses increased, the club grew more reliant on outside fundraising events such as golf outings, fly-fishing tournaments, an annual roping competition and business-oriented breakfasts in the Bend area, where real-estate developers and agents made multiyear pledges to help Sparrow Club reach beyond Washington and Oregon.
Americans gave away a record amount in 2007, according to Stanford University research. Then the recession hit, and charitable contributions nationwide dropped 14 percent. Pledges never arrive
Sparrow leaders, most career educators rather than experts in nonprofit management, assumed promised contributions would arrive. They believed fundraising would continue to grow. Instead, board members describe a slow-dawning dread in 2008 and 2009 as anticipated pledges failed to materialize. Revenue fell from $1.67 million in 2008 to $477,443 in 2010.
"We should have waited until the money was in the door to go ahead with a growth plan, maybe," said Bill Buchanan, a Bend lawyer who joined the Sparrow board in 2008. "If the people in charge then were guilty of anything, it's wanting to do too much too soon. But I go back and forth. If you have a good idea, sometimes you have to take some risks."
Among the cuts: Leeland.
Board members describe the split with their founder, who still volunteers, as amicable but unavoidable. He did not respond to interview requests made through Sparrow Clubs.
"We had to go back to a model that was really all-volunteer," Wilson said. "Jeff needed a paycheck."
Today, the board, including Leeland's daughter, Amy, runs the Sparrow Club. Board members are focused on making the organization leaner, but still hope to eventually go national or even global. IRS returns suggest they haven't figured out a path to long-term sustainability yet: The number of children Sparrow helped was back near pre-recession levels in 2012, but expenses again were higher than revenues.
They're simply not raising enough money to do all the good they want, at least not under the old Sparrow Clubs model, which required a great deal of administrative work: sorting through Sparrow applications, finding businesses to sponsor each child, overseeing how each family spent each dollar. Applications still go through the Bend office, and a single business can still sponsor a child in exchange for student volunteer works. Community service remains an important element: This spring, students from Aloha High School dug up and repotted native plants destined for relocation to encourage donations to a 17-month-old with cancer.
A foot-stomping ovation
But students also do their own fundraising now. And this year, David Douglas students even found their own sparrow. Marco Strickland-Ferci, the 11-year-old son of a school bus driver, suffers from a condition in which the bottom of his skull is too small.
He recently underwent brain surgery at Oregon Health & Science University and was too fragile to attend Wednesday's assembly. Instead, David Douglas students gave a foot-stomping ovation to twin brothers who sold the most raffle tickets on Marco's behalf.
Cory and Gary Bigboy, 17-year-old seniors, have cerebral palsy. They sell coffee from their motorized wheelchairs each morning as occupational therapy, and donated their tips to the Sparrow fundraising, too.
"We know what it is like to face challenges," Gary said. "We wanted to help."
The Bigboy brothers rolled into the gym carrying a $5,200 cardboard check for Marco's family. Because students did all the work, they'll hand every penny directly to Marco's family rather than funneling the money through Sparrow Clubs USA, which takes 12 percent for administrative costs, teacher Joy said. "I'm sure we'll need help finding sparrows in the future, but it was cool to do it all ourselves," he said. "It let us really get the most bang for our buck."
So many potential sparrows
The Sparrow Club mission -- kids helping kids -- still resonates.
Not long ago, an "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" producer called the Bend Chamber of Commerce seeking an Oregon project. The ABC show built a home for a Sparrow volunteer whose children suffered their own medical troubles.
In a typical year, 50 to 75 families apply for help; the TV piece led to 1,000 inquiries from people wanting help or to form a Sparrow affiliate.
"It was this wonderful reminder that Dameon and Michael's story still means something," said Mezich, now Sparrow's executive director.
It was also bittersweet: "There are so many kids out there who need help, and so many who want to help," he said. "We don't have the infrastructure to reach them all, at least not yet."
The prime-time publicity resulted in fledgling Sparrow programs in Indianapolis and the San Francisco area. It has not, however, brought a noticeable increase in donations.
-- Anna Griffin
A glance at high school sports coverage across the state: Girls track: South Eugene’s Erin Clark breaks state record in 3,000 meters at Southwest Conference district meet (Register Guard)Girls track: McKay’s Susannah Philbrick sets a district record in the long jump (Statesman Journal)Softball: No. 1 North Medford stunned by Grants Pass (Mail Tribune)Baseball: David Douglas, last in the OSAA...
A glance at high school sports coverage across the state:
Girls track: South Eugene’s Erin Clark breaks state record in 3,000 meters at Southwest Conference district meet (Register Guard)Girls track: McKay’s Susannah Philbrick sets a district record in the long jump (Statesman Journal)Softball: No. 1 North Medford stunned by Grants Pass (Mail Tribune)Baseball: David Douglas, last in the OSAA 6A power rankings, upsets South Medford in play-in game (Mail Tribune)Boys track: Oregon City goes unbeaten in Three Rivers dual meets for fourth year in a row (Clackamas Review)
-- Jerry Ulmer