Portlandia
‘City of Roses’
Premier episode to start comedy series focusing on the eccentricities of Portland see inside, A&E page 11
www.portlandobserver.com Volume XXXX1, Number 3
Wednesday • January 19, 2011
Established in 1970 Committed to Cultural Diversity
Doing for Others Martin Luther King Jr. example; doctors, nurses give back CARI E. HACHMANN THE PORTLAND OBSERVER Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. believed, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: ‘What are you doing for others?” In the spirit of giving back to the community and taking action for social justice, the volunteer physicians and staff at the North by Northeast Community Health Center are offering not just a day of service, but as a collective, an entire year’s worth. Two-dozen doctors, along with several nurse-practiBY
PHOTO BY MARK WASHINGTON/THE PORTLAND OBSERVER
Dr. Jill Ginsberg sees patients and helps run the free community health clinic North by Northeast at 3030 N.E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Ginsberg along with other volunteer physicians, nurse-practitioners and staff give up hours each week from their regular day jobs to work at the clinic at night at no cost for patients in need.
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Free Medical for Hard Times Clinic opens doors to flux of uninsured CARI HATCHMANN T HE PORTLAND OBSERVER Despite the swirling debate around medical health care, there is one sure bet for the uninsured in parts of north and northeast Portland; free medical services offered through the North by Northeast Community Health Center. BY
With the recession still lingering, individuals and families without health insurance are walking in greater numbers through the doors of the community clinic at 3030 N.E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., with most patients seeking chronic disease management, primarily for diabetes and hypertension.
“We are definitely seeing more people who are saying that they have lost their job and health insurance,” says Dr. Jill Ginsberg, a co-founder and medical director of the health center which has continued
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We are definitely seeing more people who are saying that they have lost their job and health insurance. — Dr. Jill Ginsberg, a co-founder and medical director of North by Northeast Community Health Center
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January 19, 2011
King’s Legacy Praised after Arizona Shooting For message of peace and tolerance (AP) -- The Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy as a preacher of peace and tolerance was lauded Monday as Americans marked his memorial day just over a week after the shootings in Arizona that killed 6 people and seriously wounded a congresswoman. Attorney General Eric Holder, speaking at King's former church in Atlanta, praised him as "our nation's greatest drum major of peace" and
said the Jan. 8 bloodshed was a call to recommit to King's values of nonviolence, tolerance, compassion and justice. "Last week a senseless rampage in Tucson reminded us that more than 40 years after Dr. King's own tragic death, our struggle to eradicate violence and to promote peace goes on," Holder said. President Barack Obama, in Washington, said part of King's legacy was about service and urged Americans to get out into their communities — a step he suggested would have special meaning following the shootings. "After a painful week where so
many of us were focused on the tragedy, it's good for us to remind ourselves of what this country is all about," he told reporters as he and first lady Michelle Obama took part in a painting project at a school on Capitol Hill. National and local politicians joined members of the King family at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta to mark what would have been the civil rights icon's 82nd birthday. Members of the King family also laid a wreath at the tombs of King and his widow, Coretta Scott King, on the 25th anniversary of the federal holiday established to honor the 1964
Shirley Kaiser, a retired teacher and principal from St. Paul, Minn., closes her eyes as 'Lift Every Voice and Sing' was sung during a local Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. celebration. Nobel Peace Prize winner. Rep. John Lewis of Georgia, who worked with King during the civil rights movement, issued a renewed call for Americans to unite in peace and love as King preached during his lifetime. "If Dr. King could speak to us today, he would tell us that it does not matter how much we disapprove of another persons point of view,
Week in The Review
there is never a reason to deny another human being the respect he or she deserves," Lewis said. The Rev. Raphael Warnock, pastor of Ebenezer, called for members of Congress to show solidarity during the State of the Union Address this month. Quoting the Bible and Abraham Lincoln, Warnock said, "A house divided against itself cannot stand."
Sandy River Jumps Banks
Heavy rain and runoff from melting snow helped push the Sandy River across a road near Mount Hood, washing it out and forcing residents Bomb Found on MLK Parade to evacuate on foot. The washout Route in Spokane Sunday bear the town of Zigzag was An unexploded backpack bomb was part of the damage done across left along the parade route of a Martin Oregon and Washington by heavy Luther King Jr. holiday celebration weekend rains. in Spokane Tuesday. The unattended backpack with wires visible Dictator Faces Court was discovered about 30 minutes Former Haitian dictator Jean-Claude before the parade was scheduled to Duvalier, who abruptly returned to Haiti Monday was begin. hauled into court to Dropped School Backpack answer questions Fires; Two Students Hurt Tuesday as a legal A gun in a 10th-grader's backpack case was opened accidentally discharged when he against him nearly 25 dropped the bag, wounding two years after he was ousted from power students at a Los Angeles high in a popular uprising against what school Tuesday. A 15-year-old girl was widely regarded as a brutal and was in critical condition with a head corrupt regime. wound and a 15-year-old boy sufAdvocate for Poor Dies fered a neck wound. Sargent Shriver, a member of the City Turns to Wells Kennedy family and a former U.S. The Portland Water Bureau tempo- vice presidential nominee who rarily turned off the Bull Run water served as the first Peace Corps disupply system and activated its wells rector, died on Tuesday. He was 95. near the Columbia River Monday Shriver had been an advocate for because of heavy rains which stirred the poor and powerless who helped up stream sediments to discolor the launch President Lyndon Johnson's Bull Run system. War on Poverty.
January 19, 2011
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INSIDE Week in The Review
LOCAL NEWS
SPORTS page 4
Working for Equity
HEALTH
Lifetime of work honored on MLK Day
pages 6-7
EL
OBSERVADOR
CALENDAR
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page 9
Linda Banks receives a lifetime achievement award from the World Arts Foundation which was recognized Monday at the foundation’s annual “Keep Alive the Dream” Martin Luther King Jr. Day tribute in northeast Portland. “The Lifetime Achievement Award is a testament to Linda Banks’ unwavering commitment to the community and acknowledges her ongoing work in the areas of equity and diversity,” said Arleen Barnett, PGE’s vice president of administration. “Linda is one of our strongest diversity advocates and her contributions have helped shape our diversity programs at PGE. We are very proud of her and this achievement.” Banks also is recognized within
Timely boost as winter cold peaks
OPINION pages 14-15
page 48
Linda Banks, a human resources diversity specialist at Portland General Electric, Monday received the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award from the World Arts Foundation. Banks received the award at the foundation’s 26th consecutive “Keep Alive the Dream” event in celebration of the life and work of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at the Highland Christian Center in northeast Portland. Banks was recognized for her more-than 20 years of service to the community including serving as a World English Institute volunteer for 12 years, a board member for Uniting to Understand Racism for 11 years, a volunteer for the Multicultural Resource Center for the World Affairs Council, and cocreator of PGE’s Diversity Summit, one of Oregon’s premier diversity training conferences that examines workplace diversity and best practices. Banks is currently leading the planning the upcoming PGE Diversity Summit 2011: Maximize the Power of a Changing Workforce set for Friday, April 15 at the Oregon Convention Center.
PGE for her commitment to diversity. She has earned awards such as the PGE Excellence in Diversity Award for her work in shaping PGE's diversity programs since the 1980s when she had the idea for the creation of PGE’s first diversity network, the African American Network. PGE is a longtime supporter of the World Arts Foundation, a nonprofit established in 1978 to promote and preserve African American contributions to American culture.
Critical Help for Heating
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Oregon’s Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden announced Friday that that the State of Oregon will receive approximately $44 million to help families who are unable to pay their heating bills during the winter. The funding amount is an estimate from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. As part of the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), the grant is administered through local Community Action Agencies across
the state. The program provides lowincome families with assistance paying for energy bills, home weatherization, and energy-related repairs. “Families shouldn’t have to choose between paying their utility bills and paying for the next meal, but all too often they do,” Merkley said. “This energy program provides critical assistance to Oregon families struggling to pay their monthly heating bills. The program stimulates the economy and
helps keep families warm.” “With temperatures dropping in Oregon and only a third of the way through the winter, this announcement couldn’t come at a better time,” Wyden said. “Low-income families have enough to worry about in this difficult economy without having to choose between heating their homes or putting food on their tables.” Information on eligibility requirements and how to apply for assistance is available through Oregon Housing and Community Services at oregon.gov or call 1800-453-5511.
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January 19, 2011
SPORTS Little League Signups Due WilshireRiverside sends out notices All children ages 5 to 14 years old interested in playing baseball and softball for the Wilshire-Riverside Little League are encouraged to sign up in person or on-line. In-person signs up will be held Thursday, Jan. 20 and Wednesday, Jan. 26 from 6-8 p.m. at Alameda Elementary School on Northeast Fremont Avenue. Returning players can sign up online at the league’s website, wilshireriversidell.org. The 2011 baseball and softball season officially gets under way on April 2 with the league’s opening day ceremonies held at Riverside Field, located off Northeast 33rd Avenue near Riverside Golf & Country Club. “We realize it’s a little early to be thinking about baseball and softball,” said league president Steve PHOTO BY PAT HOGLUND Terry, “But there’s a lot that takes Mary Kate Hoglund gets ready to hit the ball off the tee. Before long spring will be here and area place prior to the first pitch of the boys and girls will be playing Tee Ball. season. We strive to get the word out early so we have enough time make sure the season starts without a hitch.” The Wilshire-Riverside Little League has over 500 boys and girls
and fields over 50 softball, baseball and tee ball teams. “We really are encouraging people with young kids to sign up and play tee-ball,” said Terry. “It’s a really positive experience for the younger kids and they are the future of baseball and softball in north and northeast Portland.” Tee ball players range in age from 5-6 and the next level of play is farm baseball and softball, which caters to players who are 7 and 8 years old. For the farm level kids, pitching machines make the experience less intimidating. “The goal is to make it fun, fast and enjoyable,” said Terry. “As the kids get older and advance to the minor and major league levels they’re hitting live pitching. But for the younger kids we want to provide as much of a positive experience as possible.” Terry also is putting the word out to recruit coaches for the tee ball and farm levels. “We’d like nothing more than to have a dozen moms or dads sign up to coach. Much like the younger kids in the league, these coaches are the foundation of our coaching fraternity. Without them we wouldn’t be as successful of a league as we are.” For more information, visit wilshireriversidell.org or call Steve Terry at 503-780-8735.
Roy Surgeries Went Well Portland Trail Blazers guard Brandon Roy underwent successful arthroscopic surgery Monday on both knees, it was announced by General Manager Rich Cho. Dr. Don Roberts performed the surgery in Vancouver. No timetable has been set for Roy’s recovery. "We’re hopeful today’s procedure will help alleviate some of the pain Brandon has been experiencing in his knees and allow him to get back to playing basketball again,” said Cho. Roy, 26, has missed 18 games this season (three games from Nov. 16-20 and the last 15 games beginning on Dec. 17) with a sore left knee. A three-time NBA All-Star and 2007 NBA Rookie of the Year, Roy has led the team in scoring in each of the last three seasons. He holds career averages of 19.9 points, 4.4 re-
Brandon Roy
bounds, 4.9 assists and 1.08 steals in 297 career games (295 starts). In 23 games (all starts) this season, Roy has averaged 16.6 points, 3.0 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.13 steals in 35.3 minutes per game. He scored 20 points or more in nine contests and led the team in scoring eight times.
January 19, 2011
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Local Native American dancers pay their respects during the blessing ceremony at the 2010 Portland Community College Winter Powwow.
Winter Powwow The Wacipi ("they dance") traditional powwow takes center stage at Portland Community College on Saturday, Jan. 22 to highlight Native American culture and ancestry. The event is free and open to the public, starting at noon in the Health Technology Building of the PCC Sylvania Campus, 12000 S.W. 49th Ave. Drum groups and dancers from across the region, as well as a variety of Native vendors, attract more than 1,000 attendees to the powwow every year. Grand entries of dancers along with drumming will take place between 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. Other powwow attractions include a college fair from noon to 4 p.m. and a free community dinner at 5:30 p.m. For more information, visit pcc.edu/powwow.
Financial Aid Day Learn how to get money for college at “Financial Aid Day,” Saturday, Jan. 22, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Mt. Hood Community College Library. Students should bring their 2009 tax returns, end-of-year pay stubs, current value of assets, social security number (and those
of their parents if student is a dependent), driver’s license and alien registration card (if applicable). Experts from the financial aid office will be on hand to offer free oneon-one assistance with the FAFSA form, scholarships and tips for writing winning essays. Dr. Billy R. Flowers (above center) and his skilled staff are ready to help those in need.
Part 1. CHIROPRACTIC: For the best in natural healing, hearing is believing.
Q A
: How did Chiropractic care pain and reposition the vertebra, By making sure that the spinal come about? Dr. Palmer placed him on a table and column is in correct alignment, pushed down on his back, perform- Chiropractors eliminate any pos: Spinal manipulations have ing a spinal manipulation or “ad- sible interference, which would been practiced for over 2,500 justment.” He performed this ad- prevent the central nervous sysyears. Hippocrates, the “Father justment three days in a row. By the tem from keeping the body funcof Medicine,” advised: “look well third day, not only had the patient’s tioning the way nature, intended. to the spine for the cause of disTo find out how Chiropractic back pain disappeared, his hearing ease.” But modern Chiropractic reappeared. Today’s Chiropractors might be able to help you or for came of age back in 1895. In know that the central nervous sys- answers to any questions you Davenport, Iowa, a patient came tem (housed within the body’s spi- might have about your health, to Dr. D.D. Palmer complaining of nal column) provides the energy, please feel free to call us at the back pain. This patient had also which governs all bodily functions. phone number shown below. been nearly deaf since suffering a back injury 17 years earlier. Dr. Flowers' Chiropractic Office Palmer noticed a bump on the 2124 NE Hancock, Portland Oregon 97212 patient’s back, which he suspected was related to a dislocated Phone: (503) 287-5504 vertebra. To relieve the patient’s
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January 19, 2011
HEALTH For Your Health BY DR. RICHARD N. WALDMAN
Reduce Birth Defects with Folic Acid Approximately 2,500 children each year in the US are born with defects of the neural tube—the part of a growing fetus that will become the brain and spinal cord—which can cause severe mental and physical disability or death. Spina bifida, the most common form of neural tube defect, occurs when the bones of the spine do not completely form around the spinal cord. Anencephaly, another defect, is a fatal condition in which an infant is born missing parts of the brain. Folic acid—an essential B vitamin necessary for proper cell growth and vital to the development of a baby’s neural tube and central nervous system—is an integral component in preventing birth defects. Women who get enough folic acid have a 50–70 percent reduced risk of having a baby with neural tube and other defects, such as cleft lip and palate.
Folic acid is most effective when it is abundant in a woman’s body before she gets pregnant and during the first three months of pregnancy, around the time when the neural tube begins to develop. Neural tube defects occur in the first weeks of fetal development, often before a woman even knows she is pregnant. But because nearly half of all pregnancies in the US are unplanned, many women are at risk of beginning a pregnancy with a folic acid deficiency. Therefore, health experts recommend that all women of childbearing age take a daily multivitamin that contains 400 micrograms (.4 milligrams) of folic acid, regardless of whether they are currently planning a pregnancy or not. Taking folic acid before pregnancy ensures that the nutrient is present, even if an unplanned pregnancy occurs or if a pregnancy is not discovered for
several weeks. It’s also a good idea to eat a diet rich in natural sources of folic acid including leafy green vegetables, citrus fruits, and beans, and folic acid-enriched grain products, such as breads, cereals, flours, pastas, and rice. Most women will still need a supplement because it can be difficult to meet the daily requirement through food sources alone. Women who have had a child with a neural tube defect or certain other birth defects, are pregnant with twins, have particular medical conditions (such as sickle cell disease), or take some forms of medication (such as antiseizure medication) require 10 times the amount of folic acid recommended for most women. A daily 4,000 microgram (4 milligram) folic acid supplement can be prescribed. Women should not consume large amounts of folic acid through regular multivitamins because the quantities of other vitamins and minerals included may be harmful. Dr. Richard N. Waldman is president of the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
Health Insurance for Your Child The Northside Family Support Center is having a health insurance Sign-Up Clinic on Wednesday, Jan. 26 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The clinic will be at the center’s
Applegate site at 7650 N. Commercial Ave. Assistance with food stamp applications will also be available. For an appointment for insurance or food stamps, call 503-916-5875.
All services available in Spanish and English. You may be eligible for free health insurance for your children, even if your child is not a US Citizen or you work full time.
Chiropractic Auto Injury Clinic, PC Zchon R. Jones, DC 333 NE Russell St., #200, Portland, OR. 97212 (503) 284-7838 Truly making a difference in the lives of Auto Accident victims and Injured Workers for nearly 20 years. If you or someone you know has been in an accident, call us so we can help you with your needs. (503) 284-7838 We are located on the corner of MLK and Russell Street, on the second floor above the coffee shop.
H E A LT H W AT C H Family Caregiver Support Group -- This topic-oriented group offers a safe place to discuss the stresses, challenges and rewards of providing care to an older relative or friend. Meets the first Thursday of each month at 3 p.m. at Legacy Good Samaritan Hospital. Chronic Pain Support Group -- Meets the first Wednesday at 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. and the third Wednesday of each month, from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. For more information, call 503-256-4000. Cholesterol Profiles -- Get the resources to help you keep an eye on your cholesterol and other indicators of heart health. Educational material provided. For more information, call 503-261-6611. Bereavement Support Groups -- Free, safe confidential group meetings for those who have experienced the death of a loved one offered on various nights and locations. For information and registration, call 503-215-4622. Maternity Water Workout -- Helping new moms regain muscle tone, strength, and flexibility, all in the support and freedom of the water. Call 503-256-4000 for more information. Senior Aerobics -- A low-impact workout geared specifically toward seniors. Call 503-449-0783 for current schedule. Osteoporosis Screening -- An ultrasound bone density screening with personalized education; fee $30. To schedule an appointment, call 503261-6611. Mind Body Health Class -- Learn and practice techniques to help you improve your mood, health and wellbeing, including effective ways to manage difficult emotions and chronic stress or illness. Registration is $70 for Kaiser Permanente members and $95 for nonmembers. Call 503-2866816. Red Cross Certification -- The Oregon Trail Chapter Red Cross now offers credits to helps professionals maintain licensing or certification. For a cumulative list, visit pdxinfo.net. Tenderfoot Care -- Treat your feet with a soak, nail trim, buffing and massage from a licensed nurse at one of six clinics or at your home. Call 503-251-6303 for more information. Free Body Basics -- This physician recommended class is appropriate for all ages and health conditions. Plan to attend this one-session class and learn the simple guidelines for safe exercises, including stretching. Call 503-256-4000 to register. Families with Mental Illness -- A free, 12-week course for people whose family members live with mental illness is offered at Emanuel Hospital, Mt. Hood Medical Center and Providence Medical Center. The course has been described as “life-changing” by former participants. Registration is required by calling 503-203-3326. Managing Chronic Hepatitis C -- Third Wednesday of each month at 5 p.m. The informative session is led by a registered nurse to help you manage side effects of medications and dosage preparations and administration; doctor referral required. To register, call 503-251-6313. Better Breathers -- An asthma educational support group meets on the 1st Tuesday of the month from 1:15 p.m. to 2:45 p.m. at Adventist Medical Center. For information, call 503-251-6830. Cancer Resource Center -- Providence St. Vincent Medical Center and the American Red Cross have joined forces to create the first in-hospital resource center providing books, printed material, computer access and more for individuals and families dealing with cancer. The center is open Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Lead Poisoning Prevention -- Learn how to protect your family from lead poisoning. Ideal for folks in live in older homes with children or pregnant women. Qualified participants receive a free kit of safety and testing supplies. Call 503-284-6827. Parenting Classes -- Newborns don’t come with instruction manuals but parents and parents-to-be can learn about a variety of topics from pain and childbirth to breastfeeding to infant CPR and much more. For a schedule of events, call 503-574-6595 or visit: providence.org/classes. Cardiac-Rehab Exercises -- A medically supervised exercise program for people dealing with heart conditions. For information, call 503-251-6260.
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HEALTH Younger Patients in Nursing Homes Growing numbers present host of challenges (AP) – Adam Martin doesn't fit in here. No one else in this nursing home wears Air Jordans. No one else has stacks of music videos by 2Pac and Jay-Z. No one else is just 26. It's no longer unusual to find a nursing home resident who is decades younger than his neighbor: About one in seven people now living in such facilities in the U.S. is under 65. But the growing phenomenon presents a host of challenges for nursing homes, while patients like Martin face staggering isolation. “It’s just a depressing place to live,” Martin says. “I’m stuck here. You don’t have no privacy at all. People die around you all the time. It starts to really get depressing because all you’re seeing is negative, negative, negative.” The number of under-65 nursing home residents has risen about 22 percent in the past 8 years to about 203,000, according to an analysis of statistics from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. That number has climbed as mental health facilities close and medical advances keep people alive after they've suf-
Quadriplegic Adam Martin works with physical therapist Wes Bower at a Sarasota, Fla., rehabilitation center. About one in seven people now living in nursing homes in the U.S. are under 65. (AP photo)
fered traumatic injuries. Still, the overall percentage of nursing home residents 30 and younger is less than 1 percent. Martin was left a quadriplegic when he was accidentally shot in the neck last year by his stepbrother. He spent weeks hospitalized before being released to a different nursing home and
eventually ended up in his current residence, the Sarasota Health and Rehabilitation Center in Sarasota, Fla. There are other residents who are well short of retirement age, but he is the youngest. As Martin maneuvers his motorized wheelchair through the hallway, most of those he passes
have white hair and wrinkled skin. Advocates who help young patients find alternatives to nursing homes say people are often surprised to learn there are so many in the facilities. About 15 percent of nursing home residents are under 65. Federal law requires states to provide alternatives to institutional care when possible, though its implementation varies from place to place. Navigating the system can require a knowledgeable advocate and, sometimes, litigation. Not all younger nursing home residents are there for good. Some nursing homes are seeing an increase in patients who come to recover there instead of in a hospital, because it is cheaper for their insurance company. Like Martin, many younger residents have suffered a traumatic injury. Others have neuromuscular diseases such as multiple sclerosis, or have suffered a stroke. The same generational tensions that exist outside nursing homes are inside them as well, and are sometimes exacerbated by the often close confines. Older residents complain about loud music and visitors, younger residents complain
about living with someone with dementia or being served creamed spinach. Many nursing homes try to house younger residents together, though in many cases their small numbers make that difficult. For young people who find themselves newly disabled, the psychological and social needs are often even more challenging than their physical demands. That presents a challenge for nursing homes that are used to serving people near the ends of their lives. Still, many younger residents sink into depression because of their physical limitations, their loneliness and their nursing home surroundings. Martin fears that may be true for him. He used to look forward to joining the Army and earning a college degree in science or engineering. Now he simply looks forward to visits from his friend Paul Tuttle, who on this day brings him nachos he feeds him along with sips of water. “If I’m not here, he’s got no one his age to talk to about football or anything,” Tuttle says, wiping Martin’s face. Propped in his wheelchair, Martin says: “It makes you feel old. If that's all you're around, that's what you become.”
Planning for Aging in Place Seminar looks at home options We all love our vintage homes and their charming features such as porches, stair step approaches, multiple stories, and staircases to the upper floors and basements. But as our houses age, so do we. As anyone who has had a mobility-limiting accident, such as a broken leg knows, we quickly find how challenging it is to navigate into and around our houses.
Sometimes we think we need to move and that’s not necessarily the case. “Aging in place” is a growing field of house modifications that can be made to let us comfortably remain in our houses. A seminar that explores options for solving mobility limitations will be held Saturday, Jan. 29 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Architectural Heritage Center, 701 S.E. Grand Ave. The focus is to learn about what modifications are available and how we might plan them without damaging the historic
features of our houses. There are good options – including ramps, stair transport systems, bathroom and kitchen improvements, and more. Two presenters who are certified aging in place specialists with the Neil Kelly Company will cover lots of options available and highlight some case projects they have completed that maintain architectural character. Pre-registration is strongly suggested by going to the website VisitAHC.org or calling 503231-7264. Tickets are $18.
Family Owned. Serving this community for over 20 years!! Lowest Rates on MLK--Guaranteed! Western Union • Utility Payments Money Orders • Prepaid Debit Cards
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Always the best customer Service!! 5132 NE MLK Blvd. (503) 284-2277 1724 NE Broadway (503) 288-8845
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January 19, 2011
EL OBSERVADOR Triumphs and Failures Miracle Theatre Group, the Northwest premier Latino arts and culture organization, presents “Duende De Lorda, an original bilingual play now playing through Saturday, Jan. 22. The story centers around Federico García Lorca who is celebrated the world over for his poetry, music and plays. Yet at the age of 27, he was still a struggling artist living with his parents, and staging puppet plays that were laughed off the stage by the critics. Lorca’s need for freedom has fueled his desire to succeed. In search of duende, his travels
through New York and Cuba become a quest for cultural integration and gender acceptance. In the Americas, he shines like a mad and fiery diamond, fusing his cante jondo with an Afro-Cuban son to create a new rhythm of powerfully poetic drama. Ajai Tripathi, Rory Stitt and Danny Moreno in the world premiere of Duende de Lorca, now playing through Saturday, Jan. 22 at the Milagro Theatre, 525 S.E. Stark St.
Some Visits to Cuba Made Easier But changes fall below expectations (AP) -- Cuba said Sunday that the Obama Administration's decision to lift some travel restrictions on students, academics and religious groups and make it easier for Americans to send money were positive steps, but not nearly enough while the U.S. maintains its 48-year trade embargo on the island. The changes announced last week mean that students seeking academic credit and churches and synagogues traveling for religious
purposes will be able to go to Cuba. Any U.S. international airport with proper customs and immigration facilities will be able to offer charter services to the island. The plan will also let any American send as much as $2,000 a year to Cuban citizens who are not part of the Castro administration and are not members of the Communist Party. Previously, only relatives could send money. "Though the measures are positive," Cuba's Foreign Ministry said
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in a statement Sunday, "they are well below what was hoped for, have a limited reach and do not change U.S. policy against Cuba." The ministry said most of the changes simply bring U.S. policy back to where it was during the Clinton Administration, before President George W. Bush toughened restrictions. They do not alter Washington's trade embargo, which Cuba refers to as a "blockade." "These measures confirm that there is no will to change the policy of blockade and destabilization against Cuba," the ministry said. "If there exists a real interest in widening and facilitating contacts between our peoples, the United
People travel on a bus Friday with an image of Argentinean born Cuban revolution leader Ernesto 'Che' Guevara in Havana, Cuba.
States should lift the blockade and eliminate the restrictions that make Cuba the only country in the world to which North Americans cannot travel." Under the embargo, American tourists are still prohibited from visiting Cuba and most trade with the island is barred. Obama had previously made it easier for CubanAmericans to visit family and send money home, and cultural exchanges had greatly expanded under his watch. Still, relations between the Cold War enemies remain frosty, in particular over the detention of an American subcontractor held in Cuba since December 2009 on suspicion of spying.
Executive Shares Talents When Michele Horn signed on as a grant professional at Virginia Garcia Memorial Foundation three years ago, the organization which serves migrant, low-income and minority and disadvantaged populations, knew they had a talented person on the team. Since then, the grant department has grown to support $1 million of Virginia Garcia Memorial Health Center's annual budget. Now Horn is poised to share her knowledge with other professionals as the Vice President of the Oregon and South- Michele Horn
west Washington Chapter of the Grant Professionals Association. The non-profit association builds and supports an international community of grant professionals committed to serving the greater public good by practicing the highest ethical and professional standards. “Michele has been an asset to our team for years and we are thrilled that others will benefit from her expertise," said Christine Rontal, executive director of Virginia Garcia Memorial Foundation.
January 19, 2011
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January SUNDAY
MONDAY
CALENDAR 2011
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
1 New Year’s Day Japanese New Year
2
3 Let's Go On a Long Drive Today
4
5
6 Epiphany
Show You Can
7 Jefferson High School
Set Your Goal Today
N. Portland Library Multicultural Film 5:00-7:30pm 2nd Flr
Keep Your City Clean
9 Self Grooming Day
10 Feel Great Today
11 Confess Your Love To Someone
12
13
Doing Nothing
14 Makar Sankranti Pongal
16 Women In Skirt Day
17 Martin Luther King Day
18 Blind Date Today
19 Speak Up Today
20 Sit Close To Me Today
8
Sketch something today
21 Kiss Your Sweetheart/Love Today
Wildlife Week
15 Give Happiness Today
22 NAACP Membership Meeting 12:00pm-2:00pm PCC Cascade Campus Terrell Hall Room 122
Fun At Home Today
23
24
25 I’m always there for you
26 Indian Republic Day Australia Day Spouse Day
30
31 World Leprosy Day
27 Tell Someone You Like Him/Her Day
28
29
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January 19, 2011
Arts&
Entertainment
The Imaginary Invalid Argan (David Margulies) attempts to lay a big smooch on his less than enthusiastic wife, Beline (Christine Calfas) in The Imaginary Invalid, a skewering of a health care crisis from an entirely different century, now playing on the Portland Center Stage Main Stage through Feb. 6.
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Graceful Names Art Exhibit -- “Graceful Names,” an art exhibit at the Littman and White Galleries at Portland State University, will feature the work of locallybased artist Kanaan Kanaan and highlights the 99 names of Allah (God) as titles, each with intricate detail and vibrant color. Show continues all month. Last Polar Bear exhibit -- At the World Forest Center Discovery Museum, photographer Steven Kazlowski documents the devastating urgency of global warming’s impact on the Arctic in the photo exhibit, The Last Polar Bear: Facing the Truth of a Warming World. Show runs through April 3. Norman Sylvester Band -- Boogie Cat Norman Sylvester and his band performs Friday, Jan. 21 at Tillicum’s; Saturday, Jan. 22 at Mac’s Place Silverton; Friday, Feb. 4 at the West Linn Saloon; and Saturday, Feb. 5 at the Top Shelf in Vancouver. ChocolateFest – An anticipated 75 vendors are expected to be at ChocolateFest, a World Forestry Center fundraiser for educational programs that moves this year to the Oregon Convention Center. The opening night premiere is Friday, Jan. 21 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.; and the celebration continues Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 22-23 from 10 am. to 5 p.m. Visit chocolatefest.org. Murals Exhibit -- The exhibit “Walls of Heritage, Walls of Pride: African American Murals,” showcasing murals from Portland artists and all over the country takes place at the Oregon Historical Society through Feb. 13. Mel Brown Live -- Portland jazz giant Mel Brown performs at Salty’s on the Columbia every Friday and Saturday night. Known as the “Gentleman of Jazz,” Brown has a career spanning over 40 years. Chili Cook Off – Bethel Church, 5828 N.E. Eighth Ave., will host a Chili Cook Off on Saturday, Jan. 29 from
noon until 4 p.m. A donation of $10 will be accepted at the door. For more information, call 503-288-5429. Tinker Toy Inspiration -- Tinker toys are bigger than ever at the Portland Children’s Museum where a “Build Your Imagination” exhibit continues through Sunday, Jan. 23. Giant replicas of the classic Tinker toy construction set provides for fun and educational activities targeted to children ages 3-10. Explore What Makes You Tick -- OMSI’s new highly interactive exhibit “Identity: An Exhibition of You” explores the physical, psychological and social elements in your life and challenges our notions of personal identity. Live Jazz -- Every Friday and Saturday from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m., the Third Degrees Lounge at the River Place Hotel, 1510 S.W. Harbor Way. No cover or minimum purchase. For more information, visit pdxjazz.com. Music Millennium Free Shows -- The Music Millennium, 3158 E. Burnside, hosts in-house live performances. Enjoy free music and the opportunity to meet artists. Call 503-231-8926 for a schedule. Office Warming Party -- Freedom Socialist Party and Radical Women invite friends and the activist community to celebrate their new Bread & Roses Center home, 6834 N.E. Glisan, on Saturday, Jan. 22 at 4 p.m. Event is free and open to all. Discount Admission -- OMSI visitors pay only $2 per person for general admission on the first Sunday of each month as well as discounted admission of $5 to the Planetarium, OMIMAX Theater and USS Blueback submarine. Slough Celebration -- On Friday, Feb. 4, 6-9 pm, the Columbia Slough Watershed Council invites the community to the 12th Annual Slough Celebration and fundraiser; includes dinner, drinks, silent auction, award presentations, creative videos, and live music. Melody Ballroom, 615 S.E. Alder St. For tickets, visit columbiaslough.org or call 503-281-1132.
January 19, 2011
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Arts&
Entertainment
Cast members from the new Cable TV show ‘Portlandia’ during a scene in Tom McCall Waterfront Park, downtown. The premiere episode airs on Friday, Jan. 21 at 10:30 p.m. on Comcast Channel 503 and Dish Channel 131.
Focusing on the Eccentricities of Portland Portlandia comedy series debut If you don’t already look the part, get ready to put on your flannels, combat boots, facial piercings, favorite unnatural hair colors and relive the 90s! Why? Because you will be transported to a land where the 90s still exist in “Portlandia,” a comedy series coming to cable and satellite TV. Created by Fred Armisen, formerly of Saturday Night Live, and Carrie Brownstein, a member of the groups Wild Flag and SleaterKinney, the show premieres on Friday, Jan. 21 at 10:30 p.m. on Comcast channel 503 and Dish channel 131. Presented by the new Independent Film Channel, Portlandia features a 6-part, short-based comedy series where each episode's character-based shorts draw viewers into the creators' dreamy and absurd rendering of the Rose City of Portland. The show was dreamed up when Armisen and Brownstein were hanging out in Portland this summer, shooting scenes that made them laugh. A few film edits later, Portlandia evolved. "I love Portlandia. It really represents so much of what I love culturally, musically and in so many other ways," said Armisen. Portlandia's inhabitants include but are not limited to the owners of a feminist book store; a militant bike messenger; an artsy couple who
attach cut-outs of birds to everything ("put a bird on it!"); an organic farmer who turns out to be a cult leader; an adult hide and seek league; and a punk rock couple negotiating a "safe word" to help govern their love life. The first episode depicts Armisen and Brownstein meeting with the Mayor of Portland (played by Kyle MacLachlan) who solicits the duo to write a new theme song for the city. This segment features a cameo from the real mayor of Portland (Sam Adams) playing the assistant to MacLachlan's "mayor." Much of the series' original music is written and performed by Armisen and Brownstein. Crashing the scenes of Portlandia, are an assortment of guest stars including Kyle MacLachlan (Twin Peaks, Sex and The City), Aubrey Plaza (Parks and Recreation), Selma Blair (Legally Blonde, Hellboy), Heather Graham (The Hangover), Edie McClurg (Ferris Bueller's Day Off), Kumail Nanjiani (Michael & Michael Have Issues), Jason Sudeikis (SNL, The Cleveland Show), and Gus Van Sant (Milk). Singer/songwriter Aimee Mann also guest stars, alongside James Mercer (The Shins), and local Portland musicians Jenny Conlee and Colin Meloy (The Decemberists) and Corin Tucker (Sleater-Kinney).
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January 19, 2011
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Reggae Time at Mt. Tabor The soulful and edgy traditions of Reggae music take center stage on two consecutive weekends at the Mt. Tabor Theater, 4811 S.E. Hawthorne Blvd. Anthony B will bring his trade-
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Anthony B guests are $22 advance and $26 at the door. On Friday, Jan. 28, brothers Vaughn and Ron Benjamin weave cultural rhythms of “old school” roots music with Midnite. At the core of the group are sounds from St. Croix and the U.S. Virgin Islands, naked, raw, danceable and through provoking. Vaughn provides the lead vocals for Midnite with his Reggae born of modern day experiences; and Ron brings masterful production skills and harmony vocals. Tickets are $22 in advance and $26 at the door.
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January 19, 2011
Page 13
Arts&
Entertainment
Architect of Funk Fred Wesley to perform local benefit Fred Wesley will be performing at Cleveland High School in southeast Portland on Friday, Jan. 21 at 6:30 p.m. for a jazz celebration to benefit local public school music programs. Wesley is the trombonist, composer, arranger, bandleader and author known worldwide as one of the architects of funk music. Cleveland is hosting the event with public school bands participating from the intermediate and advanced bands of Battleground High School, Beaumont and Hosford Middle Schools, Chief Umtuch Middle School of Battleground, and Cleveland’s own Jazz 1 band. Mr. Wesley will also be performing with the students. Admission is $10. Wesley’s work with Godfather of Soul James Brown in the 1970s established him as the world's funki-
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Funk master Fred Wesley takes a bow during a concert. est trombone player. He has also been a member of George Clinton’s various Parliament-Funkadelic projects, The Commodores, and the Count Basie Orchestra, as well as playing with and arranging for a wide variety of other artists such as Ray Charles, Ike and Tina Turner, Bootsy Collins, Pancho Sanchez,
New York Voices, Slide Hampton, Van Morrison, the SOS Band and Cameo, to name a few. Today he fronts his own jazz-funk band, the New JBs, passes his expertise along to students and younger musicians around the world, and lends his fire to assorted artists across a broad musical spectrum.
A celebration of women choreographers culminates with the world premiere of visionary Portland choreographer Mary Oslund’s ‘Childhood Star.’
World Premiere Dance White Bird’s celebration of American women choreographers culminates this weekend with the world premiere of Childhood Star, commissioned by White Bird, from visionary Portland choreographer Mary Oslund, performed by her company, Oslund + Co/Dance. Performances are scheduled at Portland State University’s Lincoln
Hall from Thursday, Jan. 20 through Saturday, Jan. 22. Oslund’s choreography is insightful, rigorous and passionate with an intricacy of movement that mesmerizes the viewer. The Oregonian has described her as one of the, “seminal figures in Portland dance,” and Dance Magazine has described her movement as, “…serious and
intellectual—the exploration of character and mood through movement is a constant in her work.” White Bird last presented Oslund + Co in January 2004 as part of the White Bird/PSU Dance Series in an exciting program that included the White Bird-commissioned work Volant. For tickets and more information, visit whitebird.org.
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January 19, 2011 Opinion articles do not necessarily represent the views of the Portland Observer. We welcome reader essays, photos and story ideas. Submit to news@portlandobserver.com.
OPINION
How Many children Will it Take? When handguns lead to death and destruction BY TOM H. HASTINGS
Christina Taylor Green is a message spirit. She arrived on Earth on Sept. 11, 2001, a day when terrorists armed with no more than boxcutters turned jet airliners into guided missiles and slaughtered almost 3,000 people, mostly civilians. Indeed, she was one of the babies featured in a book, Faces of Hope, that looked at one baby from each of the United States born on that day. The third-grader had been elected to her Mesa Verde elementary school student council and was at the meet-up for congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords with a neighbor adult, Susan Hileman. The two were holding hands when gunfire erupted on Jan. 8. For me, this child's death engenders the question, How many children will it take? How many children will it take
before the Rush Limbaughs and Sarah Palins stand down from violent imagery and rhetoric? Would it be so hard for them to find language that doesn't evoke killing, shooting and crosshairs? How debilitating to their effectiveness could it be? Do they believe they would lose followers if they honored the spirit of this child and abjured such language? Do they need the kind of followers who only respond to that imagery? How many children will it take? How many before those who defend the Second Amendment finally agree that it doesn't apply to handguns, and if it does, it's time to repeal it? Ah, they say, guns don't kill people, people kill people. Yes, but it seems that when given the option, murderers seem to choose handguns, don't they? Christina was not in fact stabbed, nor was she bombed, nor was she rundown by a malicious driver. She was shot. That was the weapon of choice. A knife-wielding assassin would simply never have been able to kill six and wound 14 more. In a knife attack upon a public figure, Christina would almost certainly
have been a survivor. Bombs are already outlawed. And how many times each year do murderers run a car into a crowd of people, killing six and injuring so many? We are not going to outlaw cars, since they are not designed to murder and since they transport us to work, to school, to shop, etc. But handguns are different. Yes, hunters, I see your hands. I am not suggesting your rifles are part of this conversation. Just handguns, and that is what most of us who want to outlaw guns are talking about. Outlaw handguns. What is so sacred about them? Really? Who could be against the life of Christina Taylor Green? Or how about the 500 or more children who are killed accidentally by guns annually in the US? Well, you say, I keep my handgun locked. Sure, and do you inspect the homes where your child might go? Should the parents of 4-year old Dylan Jackson have swept the home where their child was at a birthday party, where he found a gun, picked it up and innocently shot himself dead in the chest? Well, to paraphrase Madeleine
Albright in the late 1990s when asked if the thousands of Iraqi children dying every year because of the deadly sanctions program kept out many crucial medicines, "We think it's worth the price." Is that what handgun lovers believe? That without their handguns, the communist Muslim Obama government would take away their freedoms? Seriously? That, after all, is the stated reason for the Second Amendment, to prevent the government from infringing on the people. Since the US leads the so-called developed world in gun deaths per hundred thousand citizens, I guess we can safely say it's just lucky we have that Second Amendment, so we aren't oppressed like the Canadians, Scots, Finns and Japanese, all of whom have far lower rates of gun deaths than do we. I guess they are just too protective of their little children, willing to give up liberties to keep them alive. Oh, that's right, the only liberties they give up are the gun rights. Guns are how we murder in the US (a higher rate amongst the nations studied than any except Colombia, even higher than Guatemala
in terms of percent of murders committed by guns) and how we commit suicide. They make it easy. We like it easy, and the stories of hurt and killed children have not dented the gun lovers. 16,907 suicides in the US in 2004 were by gun, many of them by teenagers temporarily despondent and highly unlikely to end their lives in any other way. But there was a gun available, as there was when more than 50,000 lost their lives in the US to guns last year, and the year before, and the year before...even box cutters and jetliners can't approach those mortality numbers. Really, gun lovers, just be honest. The lives of these children just don't matter much to you once we start talking about the sacred right to own your handgun, eh? Apparently, there is no number, no story of unspeakable tragedy, no little face that can pierce the armor you have around your love for your handguns. I get that. What I don't get is why the rest of us allow it to remain law and public policy. Tom H. Hastings is director of Peacevoice, a program of the Oregon Peace Institute.
Sticks and Stones to Guns and Bullets Taking responsibility for the ways we interact BY REV. M. LINDA JARAMILLO
Christina Taylor Green was born on Sept. 11, 2001; she was nine years old when she was shot and killed on Jan. 7, 2011. Christina’s is the Arizona face in the book, Faces of Hope that included one baby from each state born on that fateful day almost 10 years ago. Today her beautiful smile is on the front page of newspapers and at the center of television screens around the world. Christina had just been elected to her student council
so she wanted to meet her Congresswoman; a young leader whose life was cut short by tragedy in a shopping mall in Tucson, Ariz. Our thoughts and prayers go out to her parents and extended family who so courageously spoke of her innocent and hopeful spirit. We cannot help but grieve the loss of our children’s innocence. “Sticks and stones can break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” I remember this phrase from my childhood; it was how we responded to someone who was calling us names, putting us down, or just being mean. While this response was a way to deflect the pain, it did not really help because words did hurt; we just pretended that they didn’t.
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Today’s children are no different, words still hurt them, but the sticks and stones have turned into guns and bullets. During sad times like these, we can’t help but be angry or lose hope for the future. Every day, we hear voices seemingly intent on proving that anyone who disagrees with “our” point of view is wrong and should be silenced. Most will agree that we live in a time when our profound differences of opinion are escalating from words to much more violent expressions – from sticks and stones to guns and bullets. Words can be influential instruments of hate and anger that can lodge in the hearts and minds of those who are focused on destruction and despair. Words can also be powerful sources of encouragement
meant for good and kind purposes. The power of suggestion is far more significant than any one of us wants to admit. We must not underestimate the potential that words have to be used as sticks and stones…..or guns and bullets. While our leaders set the example for appropriate and civil behavior, we cannot simply blame our public officials for the culture of hostility in which we live. Each one of us must take responsibility for the ways in which we interact. As adults, we should provide the example to our children on how to resolve differences without violence. Ironically, just a few days following the Tucson tragedy, we observed the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a public leader who walked among us pleading for a nonviolent response to injustice.
His words ring so true today, “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” Regardless of our own perspective on any issue, let’s find ways to disagree and even get angry, without resorting to violence. Otherwise our children will see only hate, darkness, and despair rather than love, light and hope. As we grieve and search for answers to this shooting tragedy, let’s remind ourselves that we can and must participate in transforming our current culture of violence to one of care and kindness. Our children deserve nothing less. Rev. M. Linda Jaramillo is an executive minister in Justice Ministries for the United Church of Christ.
The Portland Observer welcomes freelance submissions. Manuscripts and photographs should be clearly labeled and will be returned if accompanied by a self addressed envelope. All created design display ads become the sole property of the newspaper and cannot be used in other publications or personal usage without the written consent of the general manager, unless the client has purchased the composition of such ad. © 2008 THE PORTLAND OBSERVER. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED, REPRODUCTION IN WHOLE OR IN PART WITHOUT PERMISSION IS PROHIBITED. The Portland Observer--Oregon’s Oldest Multicultural Publication--is a member of the National Newspaper Association-Founded in 1885, and The National Advertising Representative Amalgamated Publishers, Inc, New York, NY, and The West Coast Black Publishers Association
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January 19, 2011
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OPINION
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Expanding a Covert War Drone attacks go largely unnoticed BY JIM CASON
The failure of the U.S. war strategy in Afghanistan to contain the anti-government insurgency has led the Obama administration to expand the undeclared war in Pakistan. According to the Long War Journal, the number of U.S. attacks in Pakistan, using unmanned Predator drones, has gone from five in 2007 to 117 in 2010. Government officials here in Washington say privately that they expect the covert war to expand even further this year. Yet Congress and the public have undertaken no significant examination of this new war's consequences. Members of Congress have almost daily reminders of the cost of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq in the form of the dead and wounded U.S. soldiers that return to this country. Lawmakers travel regularly to attend funerals of the fallen. The U.S. drone strikes in Pakistan produce many casualties, but none of those killed are citizens of our country. The pilots operating the remote-controlled drones used to launch missile attacks in Pakistan usually sit behind computer screens
far from the battlefield. For policymakers in Washington, this is a war without cost or hometown casualties. The English language press in Pakistan often relays reports of civilians killed in these attacks. But those reports rarely make headlines in the United States. The only ongoing reminder of this war is the occasional headline that suggests the United States has successfully killed another al-Qaeda militant. For most Americans, that's justification enough for this new war by assassination. Having closely followed the Congressional investigations of CIA assassination attempts in the 1970s, I find the current shift in public attitudes alarming. Back in the 1970s, when investigations led by Sen. Frank Church revealed that the CIA had engaged in targeted killings of foreign leaders, President Gerald Ford felt obligated to sign an executive order banning intelligence agencies from engaging in assassinations. I'm not naïve enough to believe that the United States halted its involvement, but at one time the
public attitude was that such assassinations were wrong. We are a nation of laws. As recently as 2001, when Israel engaged in targeted assassinations against Hamas leaders in Gaza, the U.S. ambassador to Israel was forced to go on record against the killings (although our government didn't cut off assistance to the Israeli units involved in these murders). Following the 9/11 terrorist attacks, President George W. Bush authorized U.S. intelligence agencies to kill al-Qaeda leaders operating anywhere in the world. In my view, these campaigns were ineffective and violated international law. President Obama's startling expansion of this drone assassination campaign has gone by largely unnoticed. Missile attacks from drones often target a single person for assassination, but end up killing dozens. Nearly 2,000 people have been killed in Pakistan by drones since 2006, yet Congress has held only one public hearing on these weapons. Instead, Congress inserts even more money than the President requests for them into the Pentagon's budget--and there's even a special caucus to promote the drones.
As the Obama administration exponentially expands the use of remote-controlled drones for assassinations, Congress should take a second look at this new kind of fighting that's done in our name. You don't have to work for a Quaker lobby to question whether remote control killings in Pakistan are helping to make our country more secure. Within Pakistan and Yemen (where the United States has also used such drones), the strikes have become a rallying cry for anti-government political groups and a recruiting tools for the same violent, extremist organizations that the U.S. claims to want to damage. There's a bumper sticker that sums up this problem. It reads: "We're making enemies faster than we can kill them." Congress, and the nation as a whole, needs to decide if our goal is simply to kill more people or to make this country safer. If our goal is the latter, then assassinations by drones or any other means doesn't belong in our policy tool kit. Jim Cason is an associate executive secretary at the Friends Committee on National Legislation, a Quaker lobby in the public interest.
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January 19, 2011
CLASSIFIED/BIDS The NAACP Portland Branch is calling all members and potential members to come out and attend our General Membership meeting on January 22, 2011, 12 noon – 2:00 pm, at PCC Cascade Campus, Terrell Building Room 122. Let your voice be heard.
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Bridge Maintenance Mechanic Multnomah County’s Department of Community Services has a vacancy for an experienced journey level mechanic to respond to emergencies, perform repairs and maintenance, complete inspections and make modifications and improvement to the County’s steel, concrete, and wood bridges. Bridge Maintenance Mechanics work on operation machinery, gears, bearing, brakes hydraulic systems, expansion joints, decks, rails and all bridge operation systems. These mechanics perform strenuous manual labor either individually or as a member of a crew. The successful candidate will have the ability to perform all the essential functions of the position in all weather conditions, in heavy traffic conditions, and at heights up to 160 feet. Deadline to apply is 1/ 28/11. For more information about the essentials and qualifications, visit www.multcojobs.org. See job #6060-07 EOE
Outreach Mgr / Trainer / Recruiter The University of Oregon Division of Undergraduate Studies is seeking an Outreach Manager / Trainer / Recruiter to coordinate and manage the UO Opportunities Program for students and their families in underserved populations in Lane County and Oregon. This position works in close collaboration with schools and offices across the campus including the Robert D. Clark Honors College, the Office for Equity and Institutional Diversity, the Office for Multicultural Academic Support, the Office of Admissions, and the Office of Student Orientation. This position is fulltime. The successful candidate will have the ability to work effectively with faculty, staff and students from a variety of diverse backgrounds. For further details on the scope of work and specific responsibilities of this position and for instructions on how to apply, please visit: http://hr.uoregon.edu/jobs/ This position is listed under Unclassified Administrative Positions. Applications must be received by Friday, January 14, 2011 for priority consideration. The UO is an EO/AA/ADA institution committed to cultural diversity.
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City of Portland Hearings Clerk Office of the City Auditor Recruitment No. 11-022 FFD: 02/01/11 Hourly Wage: $20.73 – 26.47 The Hearings Clerk position in the Hearings Office of the elected City Auditor’s Office is responsible for providing highly detailed and time sensitive administrative support to the Hearings Officer on code, appeal, tow, and land use hearings. For more info and to apply online go to http:// www.portlandoregon.gov/jobs or call Keri Caffreys, Sr. Human Resources Analyst, (503) 8234034. The City of Portland is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Half-time, temporary position located in Portland. Responsible for coordinating delivery of Carescapes intervention to child care providers with high fidelity to training program and research protocol; coordinating intervention workshops and post-workshop consultations; and data collection. Master’s Degree, preferably in early childhood education or early intervention and 3-5 yrs of increasingly responsible research, teaching, or intervention experience, or equivalent required. Experience working with individuals from diverse cultural, ethnic and racial backgrounds valued. Strong computer skills required. More information and required application and procedures are available online at www.ori.org or at Oregon Research Institute, 1715 Franklin Blvd., Eugene, OR. (541) 484-2123, Fax: (541) 484-1108, or. Closes: Noon, 1/14. EOE. Job #543
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January 19, 2011
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Obituary
Our beloved "Ricky" Ricaldo J Dials II passed away at the age of 43. A native of Portland, Oregon and graduate of Wilson High School. Ricky was the son of Teresa Ismail and the late Ricaldo Dials Sr. He was the husband of Michelle Dials and father of Richelle and Anthony Dials of Stockton CA., Ricaldo Dials III of Vancouver, WA. and Elizabeth Leedle, of Camas WA. He will be remembered most by his contagious smile, jovial spirit and a love for people, that left all who crossed his path uplifted. He will be deeply missed. Visitation will be Thursday, January 20, 1pm-7pm at the Thompson Memorial Chapel
2118 E. Lafayette St. Services will held Friday January 21 at 1pm. at Eastside C.O.G.I.C. 3206 E. Marsh St. Both locations are located in Stockton, CA.
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January 19, 2011
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tioners and nurses are just a portion of the 70 volunteer staff members that give up hours each week at the free medical health care clinic North by Northeast Community Health Center on 3030 NE Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. “I think everyone wants the community to be strong and healthy, and as physicians we have certain skills we can offer that we know will make a difference,” says staff member and co-founder of the clinic, Dr. Jill Ginsberg. “For myself, and for most of the physicians, we see the need in the community and know how easy it is to treat most of these conditions, and it makes sense to take care of these things before they become
emergencies,” she said. Though most of the doctors work full-time and paid schedules elsewhere, they volunteer three hours of their time for one shift per month, which keeps the clinic open one evening per week for the whole year. The clinic plans to expand to two evenings per week with the increased demand from uninsured people seeking medical care. The North by Northeast clinic started in 2006 with a shared passion for community service and a vision for free health care. Two women, Pastor Mary Overstreet Smith and Dr. Ginsberg, founded the clinic after Smith returned from a visit to three southern states on a mission to relocate Hurricane Katrina sur-
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1716 N.E. 42nd Ave. Portland, OR 97213 (Between Broadway and Sandy Blvd.)
• Automobile accident injuries • Chronic headache and joint pain • Workers Compensation injuries
Call for an appointment!
(503) 228-6140
• Weddings
Open: Mon.-Fri. 7:30am til 5:30pm Saturday 9am til 2pm.
Candy Korner www.candykorner.net
• Anniversaries
Cori Stewart-Owner, Operator
Website: avalonflowerspdx.com email: avalonflowers@msn.com We Offer Wire Services
vivors to Portland for a fresh start. After moving, feeding, clothing, and housing 40 families, Pastor Mary realized that some of the survivors needed medications and medical care, but within the North Portland area, there were few if any free clinics that existed, especially during evening hours. Talking with neighbors and church members she found that many local community residents, even those who worked full time, also had no health coverage. Around the same time, Dr. Ginsberg, a family physician at Kaiser, heard about Pastor Mary’s actions in helping the hurricane survivors and was inspired to offer her support. Ginsberg wasted no time in gathering donations from neighbors and meeting with Pastor Mary where she worked at the Powerhouse Temple Church. The two agreed to start a free medical clinic at a small office building Pastor Mary owned up the street from the church. With a shared passion for community service and a vision of free health care for low-income adults that provided care for chronic illnesses and the help of friends, colleagues, and community members, on Aug. 17, 2006 the North by Northeast Community Health Center welcomed its first patient. For more information about North by Northeast Community Health Center, visit nxneclinic.org.
January 19, 2011
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Free Medical for Hard Times pand hours to twice a week this coming year, keeping three paid staff and 70 medical health volunteers, including doctors and nurses on the team. The only qualification for the center’s services is that uninsured patients live in one of the following local zip codes: 97211, 97212, 97217, 97227, or 97203. Visiting patients are able to receive blood pressure screening, adult immunizations, acute care for minor illnesses and injuries, prescription medication, patient education, on-going care for diabetes, social services information and referrals, some specialty consul-
tation, and off-site laboratory services. Not provided are medical services such as STD testing and gynecologic care. Though there are many Oregon programs working hard to provide uninsured people with low-cost, attainable health insurance, the North by Northeast Community Health Center will continue to do their part in making sure folks are not left to fend for themselves. “People don’t have to give up on their health. We are there to help, and if you have a health issue or know a family member with one, we encourage you to get in touch with us,” Dr. Ginsberg says.
Southern Styles & Barber GRAND OPENING January 17th-22nd
PHOTO BY MARK WASHINGTON/THE PORTLAND OBSERVER Dr. Jill Ginsberg, a local physician (left) and Sharetta Butcher, an office and volunteer coordinator, welcome patients to their North by Northeast Community Health Center, a free localhealth clinic for uninsured patients in need.
report. As of now, the free walk-in recorded a 25 percent increase clinic opens every Thursday in patients from last year and evening, when volunteer medijust had their busiest month cal staff begins checking in yet. patients at 4:30 p.m. The clinic “People are scared to be without coverage and of running out of medications, Ginsberg said, explaining how most of the patients the clinic sees need ongoing care and medical monitoring, but cannot afford it. A 2009 report by the Census Bureau Official shows a spike in the number of Americans without health insurance from 4.3 million - to a record 50.7 million. Oregonians alone, make up over 643,000 of the country’s uninsured, with the Multnomah County serving over 62,000 uninsured people last year, according to a recent continued
from front
fills up until the volunteer doctors arrive at 6 p.m. and treat patients until 9 p.m. Due to a recent increase in demand for free medical services, the clinic plans to ex-
5130 NE MLK Blvd. Portland, OR 97211 503-284-0044
We would like to invite you to come and join us. Now Hiring Liscensed Stylists & Barbers Contact: SAM at 360-980-6153 or Secret at 360-980-6619
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FOOD Get Ready for the Superbowl Double Chili Cheese Dip Ingredients • • • • •
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened 1 (15 ounce) can chili without beans 4 green onions, thinly sliced 1/4 cup diced green chiles, drained 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
Directions 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9inch pie plate. 2. Spread cream cheese into the prepared pie plate. Top the cream cheese with chili, onions, chilies, and cheese. 3. Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 15 to 20 minutes.
Party Pinwheels Ingredients • 2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened • 1 (1 ounce) package ranch dressing mix • 2 green onions, minced • 4 (12 inch) flour tortillas • 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced • 1/2 cup diced celery • 1 (2 ounce) can sliced black olives • 1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese Directions 1. In a medium-size mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, ranch dressing mix, and green onions. Spread this mixture on each tortilla. Sprinkle red pepper, celery, black olives, and cheese (if you'd like) over the cream cheese mixture. Roll up the tortillas, then wrap them tightly in aluminum foil. 2. Chill 2 hours or overnight. Cut off ends of the rolls, and slice the chilled rolls into 1 inch slices.
Baked Buffalo Wings Ingredients • • • • • • •
3/4 cup all-purpose flour 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 1/2 teaspoon salt 20 chicken wings 1/2 cup melted butter 1/2 cup hot pepper sauce (such as Frank's RedHot®)
Directions 1. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil, and lightly grease with cooking spray. Place the flour, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and salt into a resealable plastic bag, and shake to mix. Add the chicken wings, seal, and toss until well coated with the flour mixture. Place the wings onto the prepared baking sheet, and place into the refrigerator. Refrigerate at least 1 hour. 2. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Whisk together the melted butter and hot sauce in a small bowl. Dip the wings into the butter mixture, and place back on the baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven until the chicken is no longer pink in the center, and crispy on the outside, about 45 minutes. Turn the wings over halfway during cooking so they cook evenly.
January 19, 2011