Community

Radon. An Invisible Danger. Radon gas occurs naturally. It is present in nearly all soil and rock. You can't see, smell or taste it - but it's there. Radon forms when uranium breaks down to radium, which in turn breaks down to form radon. As radon decays, it releases radioactive byproducts that are inhaled.

Health Impact
Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking -- and the number one reason why non-smokers die of lung cancer. It's estimated to be responsible for over 21,000 deaths annually in the United States.

Is Their Radon In Your Home
Radon enters a home through cracks in walls, basement floors, foundations and other openings. Once inside, radon can become trapped and build up to unsafe levels, especially in areas below ground-level. Nationwide it's estimated that 1 in every 15 homes has elevated radon levels. In the Portland / Vancouver area (map) that number can skyrocket to 1 in 4 homes.

Gresham PAL Center, NE 172nd Av Photo:Everton Bailey Jr./The Oregonian

Generous donations keep doors open through end of month for more than a hundred at-risk children. Fundraiser next Friday

Source: kgw.com (Feb 15, 2013)

The Gresham Police Activities League Center will stay open at least through the end of the month.

The PAL center is an after school program for more than a hundred “at risk” children. More than 3000 children a year benefit from the program.

“We’re thrilled!” said PAL Board President Mark McGinnis. Earlier in the week he said the doors would close if the organization could not make payroll by Friday. He said that would take $20-thousand-dollars.

PAL Center, 424 NE 172nd Av, Gresham

PAL Center on 172nd to close Feb 15th Local youth center to cease after school activities

Source: Pamplin Media Group, Feb 12, 2013

Without additional funding, the Greater Portland Police Activities League Program said Tuesday that it will be forced to close its centers in Portland and Gresham on Friday, Feb. 15.

Beaverton’s PAL center is expected to stay open for now.

A Tuesday press release said “the ongoing reduction of governmental funding and the economic times have placed the organization in the position to need to make this difficult decision.”

“It is with great sadness that this wonderful program may have to close,” said PAL board member Cliff Madison. “It has made a great impact in the lives of many kids in our community and has taken down many of the walls between Cops, Kids and Community. It will be missed.”

The closure will include both the Bud Monnes PAL Center (NE 172nd Av) in Gresham and the PAL Office at the Portland Police Bureau’s North Precinct.

Orion MHCC Planetarium website

Exploring Orion’s Secrets When: Mon Jan 07, 2013 Show Times: 7:00PM and 8:15PM Where: Mt Hood Community College Planetarium Sky Theater 26000 SE Stark St Gresham, OR Get Map!

Admission $2. MHCC students are admitted free.
The Sky Theater is wheelchair accessible.

Exploring Orion’s Secrets
Join planetarium director Pat Hanrahan as he shows visitors how to locate the planets and prominent constellations, star clusters, galaxies and nebulae. You don't want to miss this exciting monthly star adventure into our universe.

All shows are presented under a realistic representation of the night sky, featuring the latest galactic, stellar and planetary images.

Visitors are encouraged to ask questions during each 45-minute program. Children are welcome to attend.

Share Your Ideas Jeff Merkley Town Hall Where: Gresham City Hall When: 1333 NW Eastman Pky Gresham, OR Get Map!

Oregon's Senator Jeff Merkley is holding his annual Multnomah County town hall in Gresham this year.

Share your opinion and ideas. Plan to attend.

Gresham’s beloved holiday kick-off event Tree Lighting, Music and Santa When: Sat Dec 01, 2012 5 PM Where: Arts Plaza 401 NE Second St Get Map!

The Spirit of Christmas features a program full of music and fun including performances by East County’s Got Talent winner Bo Baskoro, The Dickens’ Carolers and the Gresham Christmas Choir.

Santa Claus will hand out candy canes and help light the tree, a 60-foot Ponderosa pine on the Arts Plaza. The free event starts at 5 p.m. and the tree will be lit promptly at 6 p.m. Read more

Solar Flares, Solar Maximum MHCC Planetarium website

Our Sun Reaching Solar Maximum When: Mon Dec 03, 2012 Show Times: 7:00PM and 8:15PM Where: Mt Hood Community College Planetarium Sky Theater 26000 SE Stark St Gresham, OR Get Map!

Admission $2. MHCC students are admitted free.
The Sky Theater is wheelchair accessible.

Our Sun Reaching Solar Maximum
Join planetarium director Pat Hanrahan as he shows visitors how to locate the planets and prominent constellations, star clusters, galaxies and nebulae. You don't want to miss this exciting monthly star adventure into our universe.

All shows are presented under a realistic representation of the night sky, featuring the latest galactic, stellar and planetary images.

Visitors are encouraged to ask questions during each 45-minute program. Children are welcome to attend.

Storybook Lane, Train rides, Christmas ships, Colorful lights, 200+ Tuba concert and much more.

22nd Annual Tuba Christmas Concert
Sat, Dec 8, 2012 1:30-3:30PM, Pioneer Courthouse Square
Downtown will pulse with the melodic sounds of big brass as over 200 tubas play in unison for the 22nd Annual Tuba Christmas Concert in the heart of downtown. FREE.

Alpenrose Storybook Lane
Dec 7-22, Fri 3-6PM, Sat-Sun 11AM-6PM, 6149 SW Shattuck Rd, Portland
A family tradition for more than fifty years. Alpenrose's old western town is transformed into a winter wonderland where you are invited to peek at the animals on display in nostalgic Storybook Lane. Visit with Santa. Bring a can of food for the Oregon Food Bank. FREE

2012 Christmas Ship Parade
Nightly thru Dec 31st, Columbia River and Willamette River
The Christmas Ship Fleet averages about 55 to 60 boats between the two Columbia and Willamette River fleets. Both fleets will be out most every night. Visit the website for schedule details. FREE.

Lights on Peacock Lane
Nightly Dec 15-31 6PM-11PM, SE 40th between Stark & Belmont
Since the 1920s, each house on Peacock Lane has been decorating for Christmas. Tudors style houses are adorned with sparkling lights, nativity scenes, rotating Christmas trees plus Santa, Frosty and the gang. (Dec 15-16 pedestrians only) FREE.

Pittock Mansion Christmas
Daily, 11AM-4PM, 3229 NW Pittock Dr, Portland
Home to Portland pioneers Henry and Georgiana Pittock, pioneer owners of the Oregonian newpaper, this beautiful mansion is decorated will all the splendor of the holiday season. Adults $9.50. Children under six free.

Portland's Holiday Express
Dec 7,8 & 9; Dec 14,15 & 16; 2250 SE Water Ave, Portland
Join Santa and his elves on a steam powered and heated railroad adventure along the scenic Willamette River and Oaks Bottom wildlife refuge. Tickets $8.50 to $17. Each ride about 40 minutes. Check ORHF website for schedule and availability.

Oregon ZooLights
Daily 5PM-8PM, Oregon Zoo
More than a million LED lights transform the Oregon Zoo into a luminous winter wonderland filled with moving sculptures, forests of lighted trees and animal silhouettes. Adults $10. Children (3-11) $7.

WinterWonderland at P.I.R.
Fri,Sat & Sun, 5PM-9PM, Now thru Dec 25th, Portland Intl Raceway
Recognized throughout the Pacific Northwest as the "Largest Holiday Light Show West of the Mississippi", the 20th annual Winter Wonderland will grab your attention with glimmers and glows around every corner. $16 per car.

The Grotto: Festival of Lights
Nightly 5PM-9:30PM thru Dec 30th, 8840 NE Skidmore, Portland
With over 500,000 lights, 150 choral performances, a petting zoo, carolers, puppet shows and hot chocolate this is a special event for the whole family.
The Grotto’s Christmas Festival of Lights is the largest Christmas choral festival in the world. The 2012 festival features nearly 180 indoor holiday concerts performed by many of the region’s finest school, church and civic choirs. Adult $9. Children (3-12) $4.

Need More?
Check out the Oregonian newspaper's 2012 Holiday Events Guide. 20-pages of local bazaars, gift ideas and holiday events. Something for everyone!

The Pleiades MHCC Planetarium website

Sleeping Beauties and the White Dwarf When: Mon Nov 05, 2012 Show Times: 7:00PM and 8:15PM Where: Mt Hood Community College Planetarium Sky Theater 26000 SE Stark St Gresham, OR Get Map!

Admission $2. MHCC students are admitted free.
The Sky Theater is wheelchair accessible.

Sleeping Beauties and the White Dwarf
Join planetarium director Pat Hanrahan as he shows visitors how to locate the planets and prominent constellations, star clusters, galaxies and nebulae. You don't want to miss this exciting monthly star adventure into our universe.

All shows are presented under a realistic representation of the night sky, featuring the latest galactic, stellar and planetary images.

Visitors are encouraged to ask questions during each 45-minute program. Children are welcome to attend.

You can do this! When: Wed, Nov 14, 2011 6PM-8PM Where: Mt Hood Community College Main Mall (Downstairs past flag poles) 26000 SE Stark St Get Map!

NOW is the time!
Mt Hood Community College (MHCC) will host College Night, Wednesday Nov 14th 6-8PM, one of several such events held this time of year throughout the state.

College Night is an annual event to inform high school juniors and seniors (and their parents /guardians) about strategies for accessing, attending and paying for college. The information shared is not specific to MHCC and is open to all high school juniors and seniors, regardless of their desired college destinations.

Scholarships Drawing Tonight!
Educational Credit Management Corporation (ECMC), the event sponsor, will award four $500 scholarships to attend any post-secondary institution in the U.S. that participates in Title IV programs. The drawing will be held close to 8PM.