THURSDAY, JAN. 10

Elks Bingo — 6:30 p.m., Gresham Elks Lodge, 3330 N.E. Division St. Members and guests welcome. For more information, call 503-666-1805.

SATURDAY, JAN. 12

Gresham Elks Lodge No. 1805 Hoop Shoot (free throw contest) — 9 a.m., Phonics Phactory, 3333 N. E. Eighth St., Gresham. The contest is open to boys and girls 8-13. Medals will be awarded to the top three contestant in each of the six age categories. Registration begins at 9 a.m., with the competition beginning at 9:30 a.m. For more information, call Elks Hoop Chairman Dick Witmer at 503-329-4336.

SUNDAY, JAN. 13

Vegetarian Cooking Class — 2-4 p.m., Seventh-day Adventist Church, Fellowship Hall, 223 S.E. Cleveland Ave. Join in for an afternoon of preparing healthy, tasty meals, recipe sharing, shopping help, cooking tips and techniques. This is an ongoing class held every second Sunday of the month.

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 9

Gresham Toastmasters — 6:30 a.m., Elmer’s Restaurant, 1590 N.E. Burnside Road. Learn how to be a better speaker and to be more confident in front of an audience. For more information, visit greshamtoastmasters.freetoasthost.org or call George Miller at 503-666-9278.

Governmental Affairs AM — 7:30 a.m., Adventist Medical Center, 10123 S.E. Market St., Portland. A networking meeting for members and guests of the East Portland Chamber of Commerce. Lore Wintergreen, an EPAP Advocate, and Nick Sauvie, of ROSE Community Development, will speak about the East Portland Action Plan. For more information, call 503-788-8589 or visit eastportlandchamberofcommerce.com.

I Take the Lead — 7:30 a.m., Banaka & Brown Artisan Bakery, 835 N. Main Ave. Build your business by generating professional business leads and referrals. Visit itakethelead.com.

Take Off Pounds Sensibly (TOPS) — 7:45 a.m., Gresham Manor, 2895 S.E. Powell Valley Road. Weigh-ins from 7:15-7:45 a.m., and the meeting is from 7:45-8:45 a.m. For more information, call 503-665-8078.

Columbian Garden Club — 10 a.m., Corbett Fire Hall, 36930 E. Historic Columbia River Highway, Corbett. A club that promotes interest and activity in the beautification of homes and gardens. For more information, call Shirley Knittle at 503-695-6572.

Overeaters Anonymous — 10:30 a.m., St. Henry Catholic Church, 346 N.W. First St. All welcome. Call 503-665-9129 or visit sthenrygresham.org for more information.

Mt. Hood Republican Women — 11:30 a.m., Francis Xavier’s Restaurant, 1933 N.E. 181st Ave. For more information, call Clarice Moss at 503-658-5227.

Gresham Rotary Club — Noon, M&M Restaurant, 137 N. Main Ave. A worldwide organization of business and professional leaders that provides humanitarian service, encourages high ethical standards in all vocations, and helps build goodwill and peace in the world. Visit clubrunner.ca/Gresham for information.

I Take the Lead — Noon, Chu’s Eatery, 17110 S.E. Powell Blvd., Portland. Build your business by generating professional business leads and referrals. Visit itakethelead.com.

Rockwood Kiwanis Club — Noon, Abby’s Pizza, 21255 S.E. Stark St. For more information, call George Riley at 503-661-6754 or Sandy Christoffer at 503-789-0961.

Government Affairs Committee — Noon, Rivermark Community Bank, 225 E. Burnside Road, Gresham. Formulating the chamber’s legislative agenda to include education, land use and environment issues, transportation, economic development and government regulartions and taxation. Call 503-665-1131 or visit greshamchamber.org for information.

Historic Downtown Gresham Kiwanis — 5:30 p.m., M&M Restaurant, 137 N. Main Ave. A community volunteer group that supports the youth of East Multnomah County with its projects. Visit hdgkiwanis.org for information.

Friends of the Boring Station Trailhead Park — 7 p.m., Boring-Damascus Grange, 27861 S.E. Grange St., Boring. An advocacy group for the Boring Station Trailhead Park.

THURSDAY, JAN. 10

Gresham Breakfast Lions Club — 6:45 a.m., M&M Restaurant, 137 N. Main Ave. An international community service group that participates in a variety of projects. For more information, call Kent Carter at 503-522-6997.

Optimist Club of Gresham — 7 a.m., Heidi’s of Gresham, 1230 N.E. Cleveland Ave. The Optimists conduct positive service projects in their communities aimed at providing a helping hand to youth. Contact President Bob Hollingsworth at 503-407-3387.

West Columbia Gorge Rotary Club — 7 a.m., McMenamins Edgefield, Barley Room, 2126 S.W. Halsey St., Troutdale. For information, email wcg.rotary@gmail.com.

I Take the Lead — 7:30 a.m., Park Place Coffee, 1288 S.E. 182nd Ave. Build your business by generating professional business leads and referrals. Visit itakethelead.com.

Gateway Area Business Association — noon, 740 S.E. 106th Ave., Portland. French Chef Robert Bradley of Loaves and Fishes and Linda Robinson of Gateway Green will speak. For more information, call 503-256-3910, ext. 1, or visit gabanet.com.

Soroptimist International of Gresham — Noon, Gresham Elks Club, 3330 N.E. Division St. A worldwide organization for women in management and professions, working through service projects to advance human rights and the status of women. Visit sigresham.org for information.

Kiwanis Club of Troutdale — 6 p.m., Shirley’s Tippy Canoe, 28242 E. Historic Columbia River Highway, Troutdale. Visit troutdalekiwanis.org or email troutdalekiwanis@gmail.com for information.

Oregon Equestrian Trails, Mt. Hood Chapter — 6 p.m., M&M Restaurant, 137 N. Main Ave. Equestrians in the Mount Hood/East County area who want to see Oregon remain a place where trail riders are welcome. The meeting starts at 7 p.m. after dinner. For more information, call Barb Adams at 503-695-3399.

Mental Illness Support Group for Family Members — 6:30 p.m., Legacy Mount Hood Medical Center, Cascade Room, 23800 S.E. Stark St. A drop-in group for family members of people who have a mental illness to share their stories and find support. No registration needed. For information, call Nancy at 503-665-5481. Sponsored by NAMI of Multnomah County.

Young Onset Parkinson’s Disease Support Group — 7 p.m. People with Parkinson’s disease and their caregivers can benefit from the shared experiences of others in a supportive environment. Open to patients, caregivers, family members and friends. Free and meets on the second Thursday of the month. Call April at 503-665-8846 or Donna at 503-805-2478 for information and meeting locations.

Oregon Association of Parliamentarians, Mt. Hood Chapter — 7:30 p.m., St. Luke the Physician Episcopal Church, 120 S.W. Towle Ave. OAP teaches, promotes, and disseminates the philosophy and principles underlying the rules of deliberative assemblies. Visit parliamentarians.org/or.

FRIDAY, JAN. 11

Connect with Success AM — 7 a.m., Office Depot, 2205 N.E Burnside, Gresham. A casual networking experience to meet more than 100 other Gresham Area Chamber of Commerce members and potential members. Call 503-665-1131 or visit greshamchamber.org for information.

Gresham Earlyrisers Kiwanis Club — 6:45 a.m., M&M Restaurant, 137 N. Main Ave. The Earlyrisers club is a service group dedicated to changing the world, one community and one child at a time. For more information, contact Dick Vaughn at 503-760-2106.

AM Business Connection — 7:30 a.m., Oregon City Acupuncture, 619 Madison St. Ste. 110, Oregon City. North Clackamas Chamber of Commerce members gather at a different business for networking and events. Free, and a continental breakfast is provided by the host business. Call 503-654-7777 or visit yourchamber.com for information.

Good Morning Damascus — 7:30 a.m., Clackamas County Fire District No. 1, Station 7, 10921 S.E. 172nd, Happy Valley. A business-networking event for Damascus-area businesses. For more information, call Mary Wescott at 503-658-3183 or visit gmdamascus.org.

Celebrate Recovery — 6 p.m., Good Shepherd Community Church, 28986 S.E. Haley Road, Boring. A 12-step recovery program based on Christian values. Child care available; must be 18 years of age or older. For information, call 503-666-8501 or visit goodshepherdcc.org.

Fibromyalgia, Chronic Pain, Chronic Fatigue Support Group — 6:30 p.m., Gresham Wellness Center, 333 S.E. 223rd Ave., Suite 206. Come meet others and share ideas, resources and information in a supportive atmosphere. For information, email greshamfibro@gmail.com or call 503-661-1302.

SATURDAY, JAN. 12

Daughters of the American Revolution, Oregon Trail Chapter — 10 a.m., Courtyard Fountains, 1545 S.E. 223rd Ave. A service organization, part of a national society, that promotes the preservation of American heritage and history, education and patriotism. For more information, visit rootsweb.com/~orotcdar.

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 9

Damascus City Council and Planning Commission Orientation — 5:30-9:30 p.m., Damascus City Hall, 19920 S.E. Highway 212. Call 503-658-8545 or visit damascusoregon.gov for more information.

Mt. Hood Community College District Board — 6:30 p.m., Mt. Hood Community College Board Room, 26000 S.E. Stark St.

Gresham Redevelopment Commission Advisory Committee — 7 p.m., Rockwood Community Office, 18709 S.E. Stark St. For more information, call 503-618-2640.

Troutdale Parks Advisory Committee — 7 p.m., City Conference Building, 223 Buxton Ave., Troutdale. For information, call Rooney Barker at 503-674-7262.

Centennial School District Board — 7 p.m., Board Room, 18135 S.E. Brooklyn St.

East Portland Land Use and Transportation Committee — 6:30 p.m., East Portland Neighborhood Office, 1017 N.E. 117th Ave., Portland. Examines land use planning, zoning and transportation issues that impact the East Portland area. Call Linda Bauer at 503-761-2941 for information.

Reynolds School District Board — 7 p.m., Fairview City Hall, Council Chambers, 1300 N.E. Village St.

Multnomah County Rural Fire Protection District No. 14 Board — 7:30 p.m., Corbett Fire Hall, 36930 E. Historic Columbia River Highway. Call 503-695-2272 for information.

THURSDAY, JAN. 10

Joint Policy Advisory Committee on Transportation — 7:30 a.m., Metro Regional Center, Council Chamber, 600 N.E. Grand Ave., Portland. For more information, call Kelsey Newell at 503-797-1916.

Multnomah County Board of Commissioners — 9:30 a.m., Multnomah Building, First Floor Commissioners Boardroom 100, 501 S.E. Hawthorne Blvd., Portland. Visit multco.us or call 503-988-5274.

Clackamas County Board of Commissioners — 10 a.m., 2051 Kaen Road, Oregon City. Call 503-655-8581 or visit clackamas.us/bcc for information.

Transit-oriented Development Steering Committee — 10 a.m., Metro Regional Center, Council Chamber, 600 N.E. Grand Ave., Portland. For more information, call Pamela Blackhorse at 503-797-1757.

Fairview Parks Advisory Committee — 6 p.m., City Hall, Park View Conference Room, 1300 N.E. Village St. For information, call Devree Leymaster at 503-674-6202.Clackamas County Board of Commissioners — 10 a.m., 2051 Kaen Road, Oregon City. Call 503-655-8581 or visit clackamas.us/bcc for information.

Joint Policy Advisory Committee on Transportation — 7:30 a.m., Metro Regional Center, Council Chamber, 600 N.E. Grand Ave., Portland. For more information, call Kelsey Newell at 503-797-1916.

Transit-oriented Development Steering Committee — 10 a.m., Metro Regional Center, Council Chamber, 600 N.E. Grand Ave., Portland. For more information, call Pamela Blackhorse at 503-797-1757.

Metro Council — 2 p.m., Metro Regional Center, Council Chamber, 600 N.E. Grand Ave., Portland. For more information, visit oregonmetro.gov or call 503-797-1793.

FRIDAY, JAN. 11

Good Morning Damascus — 7:30 a.m., Clackamas County Fire District No. 1, Station 7, 10921 S.E. 172nd Ave., Happy Valley. Call 503-658-8545 or visit damascusoregon.gov for more information.

SATURDAY, JAN. 12

Damascus Town Hall Meeting — 1 p.m., Damascus City Hall, 19920 S.E. Highway 212. Discussing the parks plan and integrated water capital plan. Call 503-658-8545 or visit damascusoregon.gov for more information.

Ghost towns on Bridal Veil Creek topic of talk

Tom Cowling will discuss the log camps on Bridal Veil Creek at 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 20, at the Troutdale Historical Society Barn Museum, 732 E. Historic Columbia River Highway.

The slide show and discussion will focus on Palmer and New Palmer, communities along Bridal Veil Creek that Cowling frequented before his family left town in 1960 when the Bridal Veil mill was sold at an auction.

Today, Bridal Veil includes a post office and cemetery, but Cowling recalls when it was a thriving town, and when Palmer, now with only a few rusty artifacts, was bustling.

The program is free to the public, and light refreshments will be served. In case of inclement weather, the program will be rescheduled.

For more information, call 503-661-2164 or email terry@troutdalehistory.org.

‘Reactive Rover’ class offered Jan. 30

The Oregon Humane Society is offering a six-week “Reactive Rover” class from 7:15-8:15 p.m. Wednesdays, Jan. 30 through March 6, at the Oregon Humane Society, Manners Hall, 1067 N.E. Columbia Blvd., Portland.

The class will help dog owners gain better control of their dogs and learn positive training techniques that will help make walks and interactions with other dogs more enjoyable.

The fee is $175 per dog, and registration is available at oregonhumane.org/pet-training. For more information, call 503-285-7722 or visit oregonhumane.org.

Crisis intervention training coming Feb. 25

The Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office, Clackamas County Behavioral Health and National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) are hosting a five-day session of crisis intervention training to improve law enforcement encounters with mentally ill, aging and drug- or alcohol-affected people.

Open to first responders, 9-1-1 dispatchers, law enforcement and fire personnel, the course will be held Monday through Friday, Feb. 25 through March 1, at the Public Safety Training Center, 12700 S.E. 82nd Ave., Clackamas.

The Crisis Intervention Team, a collaboration among the sheriff’s office, NAMI and local mental health agencies, aims to provide information, tools and resources to improve first responder encounters with emotionally disturbed people in jail and on the streets.

Registration opens Monday, Feb. 11. For more information, call Julie Fanger at 503-682-1012.

Crab feed benefits Hoodland Women’s Club

The Hoodland Women’s Club is holding its fourth annual crab feed beginning at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 19, at Mt. Hood Village Resort in Welches.

A no-host bar will begin at 5:30 p.m., followed by dinner at 6:30 p.m. and music by Bob Voll and Bill Runnion at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets, which cost $25, are available at Wy’east Book Shoppe, Welches Liquor Store and Clackamas County Bank in Welches.

For more information, call Ann Holbrook, vice president of the Hoodland Women’s Club, at 503-622-5919.

Adventist Medical Center is offering a free open house about cancer risks and treatment options 3 to 5 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 10, at Adventist Medical Center Oncology, 10000 S.E. Main St., Portland.

Learn how to reduce risks of cancer and discover possible causes, advanced treatments and options to consider.

Call 503-256-4000 to RSVP.

The Gresham Redevelopment Commission invites local contractors to attend an open house 3-7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 10, at Gresham City Hall, 1333 N.E. Eastman Parkway, to learn about opportunities to participate in construction of the new Rockwood Public Safety Facility.

For more information, contact Michael Parkhurst at 503-618-2416, Michael.Parkhurst@GreshamOregon.gov or visit GreshamOregon.gov/RPSF.

Gresham-Barlow bond committee meets Tuesday

The Gresham-Barlow School District bond measure planning committee will meet from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 8, at the Center for Advanced Learning, 1484 N.W. Civic Drive, Gresham, Room 220.

The meeting will touch on the results of a school needs priorities assessment, options for capital needs and data about demographics.

The advisory committee uses data compiled by the facilities and instructional planning needs committees and through the community to make bond measure recommendations, if any, to the school board. For more information, call the Gresham-Barlow district office at 503-618-2834.

Reynolds School Board to meet

The Reynolds School Board will meet for a business meeting at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 9, at Fairview City Hall Chambers, 1300 N.E. Village St.

ACE Academy will hold a public hearing around 9:10 p.m. to present its request for charter renewal, with Mike Bryant presenting.

Public comment is limited to seven speakers with three minutes each. Those wanting to speak should sign up prior to the start of the meetings. Only public comment on the ACE Adademy renewal will be taken.

For more information, or to request an interpreter or accommodations for persons with disabilities, call Connie Philibert at least 48 hours in advance at 503-661-7200.

Host Japanese students

Mt. Hood Community College is seeking local families to host 15 Japanese students for three weeks in their homes.

A host orientation meeting will be held the evening of Friday, Jan. 25, on campus, at 26000 S.E. Stark St., Gresham.

The Japanese students, ages 18 to 24, come from Ryukoku University to Mt. Hood to participate in English as a Foreign Language classes held on campus 9 a.m. to noon each weekday, Feb. 16 to March 10.

To give students the best possible experience, the college asks host families to provide breakfast and dinner, and ensure that students have transportation to and from campus.

Host families must speak English while the student is present. An individual bedroom is preferred, and a shared bathroom is acceptable. Host families will receive a stipend to help defray additional household expenses.

Families interested in hosting a student should contact Yoko Sato, part-time Japanese instructor at Mt. Hood and on-site Ryukoku director, before Jan. 18 at yoko.sato@mhcc.edu.

Grow your own garden

Mt. Hood Community College is offering “Home Vegetable Gardening Done Right,” a new community education class that will touch on the basics of creating and maintaining your own home garden, both organically and non-organically.

The class will be held from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Feb. 18-20 at 26000 S.E. Stark St, Gresham. The cost is $69 or $59 for seniors older than 62. Parking on campus is always free.

Students may register for community education classes such as Home Vegetable Gardening Done Right via fax at 503-491-7390, phone at 503-491-7572, online at my.mhcc.edu or by mail (call for a registration form or pick one up from the winter 2013 issue of College + Community magazine/class schedule).

Planetarium show on the visible and invisible night sky

The monthly planetarium show at Mt. Hood Community College will feature “The Beauty of the Visible and Invisible Night Sky” at 7 and 8:15 p.m. Monday, Feb. 4, at 26000 S.E. Stark St., Gresham.

The program will include a number of dramatic photographs: Ancient supernovae appear brilliant when viewed in X-ray imagery; the Milky Way appears as if it is on fire when viewed from infrared dust map imagery; and huge star-forming regions appear brilliant when looked at from deep red (hydrogen-alpha) imagery.

Admission for the public is $2 and students are free. Visitors are encouraged to ask questions during each 45-minute program. Children are welcome.

Planetarium shows are held the first Monday of each month, October through June. The schedule may be found at mhcc.edu/planetarium.

Individuals requiring accommodations because of a disability should contact the Disability Services Office at 503-491-6923 or 503-491-7670 at least two weeks in advance.

The 2012 Mt. Hood Community College Part-time Faculty Awards for Excellence in Teaching go to Zach Hudson and Andy Gurevich.

The awards recognize outstanding part-time faculty for their contributions to teaching and learning, along with community engagement and resource development.

Hudson is a developmental reading and writing instructor in Mt. Hood’s Academic Literacy program and recently began contributing to Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID), a program which features unique teaching strategies and lesson plans and is offered in several local high schools.

Hudson is an author of both scholarly work and fiction, most recently writing a children’s book, “The Banjo,” which is illustrated by his father, Jere Hudson.

The English department staff praised Hudson for the enthusiasm he has brought to the department. One nomination form read, “We want to acknowledge and honor his participation in the life of the college.”

Gurevich teaches many topics in two divisions, English and social science, and consistently gets high rankings from his students. He incorporates his scholarship in the history of world religions to his teaching of world literature.

“Andy is a true professional and fine colleague who is generously flexible when it comes to taking on new assignments,” one nominator wrote.

“He meets with students long past office hours, he volunteers for Ask Me tables at the start of each term and gives many Worldview presentations,” another nominator wrote.

Kari Fisher

April 16, 1983-Dec. 21, 2012

Gresham resident Kari Fisher died Friday, Dec. 21. She was 29.

A memorial service will be held at 4 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 13, at Good Shepherd Community Church, 28986 S.E. Haley Road, Boring.

Kari was born April 16, 1983, in Portland to DeEtte and Thomas Fisher. She grew up in Gresham and attended Sam Barlow High School. Kari worked as a cook.

She is survived by her children, Dayton and Ashlyn Fisher; father, Thomas Fisher of Gresham; mother, DeEtte Fisher of Gresham; and sister, Jodi Fisher of Gresham.

Aftercare Cremation and Burial Service is handling arrangements.

James Douglas “Doug” Horr

June 21, 1919-Jan. 1, 2013

Gresham resident James Douglas “Doug” Horr died Tuesday, Jan. 1. He was 93.

A public graveside service will be held at 2:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 11, at Willamette National Cemetery.

Doug was born June 21, 1919, in Great Falls, Mont., to James Rich Horr and Ellen Mabel Lyman. After growing up in Gresham, Doug served in the United States Army during World War II.

Doug owned Gresham TV and Radio and worked at the Hilton Hotel. He married Opal Stookey on May 28, 1949.

Doug was preceded in death by his wife in 2006. He is survived by his sons, Rolla Harding, Randal Horr and Regan Horr; four grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.

Alternative Burial and Cremation of Oregon is handling arrangements.

Marilyn Helen Nogler

March 18, 1931-Dec. 28, 2012

Gresham resident Marilyn Helen Nogler died Friday, Dec. 28. She was 81.

At her request, no service will be held. Private interment will take place at Willamette National Cemetery.

Marilyn was born March 18, 1931, in Los Angeles to Leo Herman and Helen Cleo Geier. She moved to Rogue River in 1947 and graduated from Rogue River High School in 1949. 

Marilyn married Peter Wright on Sept. 10, 1949, in Medford. They later divorced. Marilyn married Robert Nogler in 1965 in Vancouver, Wash.

Marilyn loved to laugh and enjoyed many crafts, including sewing and tole painting. 

Marilyn was preceded in death by her husband. She is survived by her sons, Craig Wright of Corbett and Scott Wright of Milwaukie; daughters, Marilyn Ashby of Gresham and Robbi Witham of Troutdale; sister, Arlene Huber of Provo, Utah; six grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

Bateman Carroll Funeral Home is handling arrangements.

Jennie B. Milnichuk

Jan. 21, 1922-Jan. 4, 2013

Jennie B. Milnichuk, a resident of Grace House in Estacada, died Friday, Jan. 4. She was 90.

No services will be held at this time.

Jennie was born Jan. 21, 1922, in Philadelphia to Frank and Mary (Petrosasky) Barachofsky, Russian and Polish immigrants.

Jennie married John Adam Milnichuk in 1942. She began working at the U. S. Navy Aviation Supply in Philadelphia during World War II and remained there until her retirement in 1988.

She moved to the Boring-Sandy area in 1995 to be near her son John. Jennie believed in helping those less fortunate and was active in community service. She volunteered at the Sandy Action Center for several years before her health began to decline.

Jennie was preceded in death by her husband in 1974. She is survived by her son, John Milnichuk of Boring; three grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

Sandy Funeral Home is handling arrangements.

Audrey M. Morris

March 22, 1923-Dec. 14, 2012

East Portland resident Audrey M. Morris died Friday, Dec. 14. She was 89.

At Audrey’s request, no services were held. Donations in her name may be made to Susan G. Komen for the Cure or the Audubon Society.

Audrey was born March 22, 1923, in Raymond, S.D., to Henry and Lyla Kluess, the second of 11 children. She graduated from Aberdeen Teacher’s College and taught for one year.

Audrey moved to Portland to be with her sister Norma and worked as a secretary at Kaiser Shipyards. There she met her husband of 66 years, Dr. Robert Morris.

Later, Audrey was office manager for her husband’s dental office in Gresham. A two-time breast cancer survivor and accomplished pie baker, Audrey enjoyed playing golf.

Audrey was preceded in death by her husband; sister, Norma Ameele; and brother, Jim Kluess. She is survived by four children, Dianne Miho, Suzanne Onchi, Robert Morris and William Morris; three grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

Bateman Carroll Funeral Home handled arrangements.

Carol A. Melton

March 2, 1942-Jan. 6, 2013

East County resident Carol A. Melton died Sunday, Jan. 6. She was 70.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Sunday, Jan 13, at Gresham Memorial Chapel. A reception at the chapel will follow.

Carol was born March 2, 1942, in Marion, Va., to Robert L. and Else (Dunford) Woods.

When Carol was 5, the family moved to North Portland. She graduated from Gresham High School in 1960.

Carol married Van “Bill” W. Melton in Stevenson, Wash., Aug. 3, 1961.

Carol lived in east county for the last 25 years and worked at various jobs, including Kmart, Coachman Inn, Dea’s In & Out and Gatto’s Produce. She retired in 2007. Carol enjoyed music and reading.

Carol is survived by her husband, Bill Melton of Fairview; children, Jeffrey Melton of Oregon City, Jack Melton of Wood Village, Mary Janson of Fairview and William Melton of Fairview; brother, Dennis Woods of Portland; and sister April McClanhan of Sandy.

Gresham Memorial Chapel is handling arrangements.

Paid obituaries

Jeanette Rae Embree

Nov. 14, 1940-Jan. 3, 2013

Jeanette, a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully in her home on January 3rd after spending several days surrounded by family and friends. Jeanette was born on November 14, 1940 in McMinnville, Oregon to Raymond and Sylvia Carlson. A graduate of Willamina High School and Oregon College of Education, she devoted her life to teaching. She began her career teaching elementary school in the David Douglas School District. After many years at home raising her children, Jeanette worked in the Steps to Success program, helping adults obtain their GEDs through MHCC. Her caring, unassuming spirit made her a wonderful teacher. Jeanette married Thomas Benton Embree on June 2nd, 1962. This June, Tom and Jeanette celebrated 50 years of devoted marriage.

Jeanette loved to garden. She enjoyed traveling, the color purple, listening to jazz, taking care of her cat, Sassie and going to her grandchildren’s activities. Grandma Nette will be remembered for her gentleness, her sweetness, and her constant kindness. She is survived by her husband Tom; their two children, Jill Massinger (Todd) and Gregg Embree (Danielle); and her four grandchildren, Kate, Ben, Grant, and Gracie Rae. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, Jan. 10, 2013 at 1 p.m. at Bateman Carroll Funeral Home in Gresham. Remembrances may be sent to Adventist Hospice. Please visit Batemancarrollfunerals.com to leave messages.

Sonya Sharlene Leeper

December 1, 1935 - December 18, 2012

Sonya Sharlene Leeper, a longtime Gresham resident, passed Tuesday, December 18th, surrounded by family and loved ones.

Sonya Sharlene Davis was born December 1, 1935 in Los Angeles, California to Frank and Erma Davis.

Her family worked their way thru many states during the depression years prior to living in Oregon. Once in Oregon, they worked and lived in the North Plains area, and Hood River before settling in Gresham around 1955.

Sonya worked as a caretaker, and also took care of her parents until their passing.

Sonya’s family was her world. She always looked forward to family events, and cherished every moment.

She loved roses , and had a garden full of them. She enjoyed sewing, country music, and treasure hunting at local second hand shops. She was always in pursuit of the ‘perfect sewing machine’.

Sonya loved a sunny day, and going to Old Historic Gresham. She was a patron of the M & M Restaurant for as long as she lived in Gresham, and enjoyed spending time with friends old and new.

To know her was to love her.

Sonya leaves behind her daughter Brenda Blumenthal of Sandy and son Rob Morfitt of Gresham, sister Ruth Davis of Gresham, daughter-in-law Kristi, and son-in-law Aaron, granddaughters Lisa and Megan, great grandchildren Payton and Alexis, and her beloved cat Pepper, aka ‘The Boss’.

She was preceded in death by her parents and brother Kenneth.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, January 12th at Forest Lawn Mausoleum in Gresham.

A Celebration of Life reception/potluck/banquet is planned for 1 p.m. at the M & M Restaurant in Historic Downtown Gresham.

Bateman Carroll Funeral Home is handling arrangements.

The family would like to convey a special Thank You to Cissy and all of Sonya’s ‘extended family’ at the M & M.

Live Music

Eastside Bluegrass Series — 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 19, at Freedom Foursquare Church, 660 S.E. 160th Ave. Rogue Bluegrass Band and Widcoll Bros. will share the stage along with another act still to be named. If you show up at 5:30 p.m., you can join in on a jam in the lobby, so bring your instrument. Eastside Bluegrass shows take place every third Saturday of the month. Suggested donation is $10 per person, with children admitted free. Plenty of parking is available.

For more information, visit eastsidebluegrass.com or email eastsidebluegrass@yahoo.com.

Edgefield Live Music Series — McMenamins Edgefield, 2126 S.W. Halsey St., Troutdale. All shows are free, for ages 21 and older and are held in the Winery, unless noted otherwise. For more information, visit mcmenamins.com/edgefield or call 503-669-8610.

• Caleb Klauder & Reeb Willms, 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 8.

• Radical Revolution Trio, 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 9.

• Red Light Romeos, 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 10.

• Brian Copeland, 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 11.

• Matt Meighan, 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 12.

• Leon Cotter, 5 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 13.

• Skip vonKuske, Matt Voth, 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 14.

Live Music at Celebrities — Celebrities Parkway Grill, 20725 N.E. Sandy Blvd., Fairview. No cover charge. Call 503-666-2027 for information.

Jimmy Thompson Jam Session, 4 p.m. to midnight Sundays.

Open Mic Jam — Gresham Inn, 117 N. Main Ave. 8 p.m. Sundays. Hosted by Back Alley Jammers. For more information, call 503-661-1403.

Open Mic Jam — M&M Lounge, 137 N. Main Ave., Gresham. 6 p.m. to midnight, Sundays. Classic rock, blues, boogie blues, country, alternative, originals, acoustic, electric with live band. Sound system, drums, amplifiers provided. For more information, call 503-665-2626.

Karoake — 9 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Midnight Roundup, 345 N.W. Burnside St. For more information, call 503-489-5860.

• Dancing, 8 p.m. Thursdays dance instructions; 9 p.m.

• Country Wide, 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Jan. 18-19.

Park Place Coffee — Live Music Saturdays. Free. All ages.

• Live Music Celebration, 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 19. For more information, call 503-808-1244 or visit parkplacecoffee.com.

Out & About

Troutdale Open-Air Market — 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays, Depot Park Rail Museum, 473 E. Historic Columbia River Highway, Troutdale. Shop for organic produce, fine arts and crafts, food and one-of-a-kind items at Troutdale’s farmers’ market, located in downtown Troutdale. Visit windancemarkets.com.

Arts & Culture

Faculty Art Exhibit — Mt. Hood Community College, 26000 S.E. Stark St. Jan. 7-24. Reception from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 11. For more information, visit mhcc.edu.

First Thursday Concerts — Mt. Hood Community College, 26000 S.E. Stark St., continues its free first Thursday of the month shows in the Student Union from noon to 1 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 7: Will West and the Friendly Strangers. This musical ensemble touches on elements of bluegrass, pop, jazz, blues, old-time folk and more to create a signature acoustic sound.

I Heart Dance Clinic — Practices take place from 6-7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 22, and Thursday, Jan. 24, Barlow High School, 5105 S.E. 302nd Ave. The Barlow High School Bruinette Dance Team invites dancers in kindergarten through eighth grade for two fun-filled nights of dance. Participants will learn a routine that will be performed at the halftime of a Barlow girls’ varsity basketball game. The performance will take place Friday, Jan. 25, at approximately 7:30 p.m. Game tickets are $5 (clinic participants and one family member will be admitted to the game for free). Registration is required, and the cost is $20 (or $25 the first day of the clinic). Participants will receive a T-shirt. Dancers should come dressed in athletic pants or shorts, and jazz shoes or sneakers, and should bring a water bottle. For more information, call 503-258-4969 or email barlowdance@yahoo.com.

Readers Theatre Gresham — A project of the Sandy Actors Theatre, Readers Theatre presents actors reading plays, with no props or costumes, on stage. “Broadway Bound” by Neil Simon, 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 21, Gresham Chapel & Evening Event Center, 257 S.E. Roberts Ave. Two brothers try to break into show business as professional comedy writers, regaling their audiences with howls of laughter as their family and neighbors wonder what’s so funny. Admission $8. Info: Tim Park at 503-869-6183.

“Wings” art exhibit — 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays through Jan. 31, Gresham City Hall, Visual Arts Gallery, 1333 N.W. Eastman Parkway. Presented by the Gresham Art Committee. Info: greshamartcommittee.com or contact Michael Anderson at mrande@teleport.com.

Slavic New Year

The internationally known Trio Voronezh will host a Slavic New Year celebration from 12:30-3:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 13, at the Gresham Library, 385 N.W. Miller Ave.

Classically trained in Voronezh, Russia, members Valerie Petrukhin, Vladimir Volokhin and Sergei Teleshev formed the trio in 1993. They play traditional Russian folk instruments.

The trio has played on the radio show “A Prairie Home Companion” with Garrison Keillor, as well in several major U.S. cities.

For more information, call 503-988-5387.

‘Bye Bye Birdie’

Corbett Children’s Theater will present the comedic musical “Bye Bye Birdie” at 7 p.m. Fridays, Jan. 18 and 25, and Thursday, Jan. 24; at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 19 and 26; and at 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 20.

Performances take place in the old Springdale School Auditorium, now the home of the Corbett Arts Program with Spanish, 32500 E. Historic Columbia River Highway.

Tickets are $11 for adults, $9 for students and seniors, with $2 off for matinees.

For more information, call 503-261-4266 or visit corbettchildrenstheater.com.

“Bye Bye Birdie” tells the story of a rock ’n’ roll singer about to be inducted into the Army. Before he’s inducted, Conrad Birdie descends on Sweet Apple, Ohio, to plant one last kiss on a lucky fan, Kim MacAfee, before a national TV audience. However, she’s pledged to a high school sweetheart, so chaos is bound to ensue.

Help local children attend summer camp

“Reflecting Camp’s Glow,” a free dinner with a silent auction and live music, will take place at 5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 23, at the YMCA Camp Collins Dining Hall, 3001 S.E. Oxbow Parkway.

The auction will feature local, original artwork in paint, glass, wood, fibers, stone, photography, and textiles; jewelry; gourmet foods, beer and wine; golf equipment; handmade soap; sports and cultural event tickets; garden plants; and gift cards for area restaurants and shops.

There also will be a raffle for a three-night beach house weekend (value $997), at a Bella Beach home, south of Lincoln City. Brad Roe of Weston Pontiac has donated the house weekend.

Proceeds from the auction will go toward YMCA Camp Collins Kids to Camp program for 2013. In 2012 Camp Collins provided assistance for 80 children from the East Multnomah County area to attend summer camp.

For more information on attending, sponsoring a table, donating an item for the silent auction or making reservations, call 503-663-5813.

New bar and eatery is rocking downtown Gresham

They’re singing in the old church on Main Avenue again, but the music isn’t exactly gospel tunes.

“This is a bar with really good food and where you can expect the unexpected,” said Michael Spinella, who along with his wife, Deanna, recently opened a new entertainment and eatery venue in downtown Gresham. “We have karaoke four nights a week, but we call it ‘Karaoke is dead. Come sing with Michael.’”

Gresham residents, Michael and Deanna are no strangers to the local karaoke crowd. The couple played “karaoke hosts” around these parts for more than six years, in high demand at private parties for their offbeat sense of humor and musical choices.

But their 12-year-old “hobby” is now a livelihood supported by home-cooked eats and the rowdy entertainment Spinella followers have come to expect.

Michael is a consummate performer whose soft-spoken manner hardly depicts a comedic frontman. But in the mid-1980s, he and his brother Mark woke up the sleepy mill town in Idaho where they were living with their idea of good music.

“It was a small tavern that had had six owners in the three years,” Michael said. “It was dirty and boring — a dump. So we bought it, and the first thing we did was put the jukebox on a hand truck and move it out the front door.”

The brothers replaced the sound system with their own audio equipment and introduced a sideshow, of sorts, where the pair entertained patrons using a little-known technique of singing along to recorded music with the vocals removed. Off the Wall, as the club was known, became a place where it seemed the owners would do anything to attract a crowd.

“We earned a reputation as the only guys in town who could get anyone who came into the bar to put on a pair of women’s stretch pants,” Michael said, laughing. “Once we sold beer for a nickel and shut down the highway. It was just madness.”

Michael broke up the act in 1992. He moved to Gresham and married Deanna in 1998. Three years ago, Michael’s day job as a manufacturer’s representative with the BASF Corp. was downsized, and he found himself at a crossroads.

“I wasn’t really sure what I wanted to do,” he said. “I only knew that I didn’t want to work for other people anymore.”

Resurrecting Off the Wall seemed fitting, Michael said, given the earlier success of the Idaho business and the couple’s local karaoke following. He and Deanna began looking at vacant areas in downtown Gresham, and in February last year, Michael found his perfect fit.

“He came home and said, ‘You’ve got to see this building. It’s got my name all over it,’” Deanna said. “And that’s what did it, because it really is all about him.”

The couple embarked on a nine-month painstaking restoration of the historic 1928 building that was once home to the Zion Evangelical Church. The minimal kitchen was gutted and rebuilt, including replacing three layers of subflooring, and a new handmade bar was installed.

Spinella’s Off the Wall opened quietly on Dec. 6. It’s a family-run affair, with contributions and staffing by the couple’s children and close friends. Renowned blues singer Megan James, a close friend of the Spinellas, has been known to breeze into the kitchen to make her homemade soups which are daily features on the menu.

The menu itself boasts “food so good you’ll think we stole your Grandma.” Head Chef Ron Cleveland makes everything from salad dressings and appetizer dipping sauces to mac and cheese and desserts from scratch.

And it’s all written with the couple’s signature humor. Burger offerings are called “Bombdiggity,” in honor of a customer who used the word to describe something good. Salads are served with house-made “Flowerpot Bread” from a section called “Lettuce Entertain You,” and the Church Potluck features “Oh My Cod!” (Alaska amber beer-battered cod) and “Allenips,” which is Spinellas spelled backwards to describe bite-size steak strips.

Gresham’s newest downtown hotspot is indeed off the wall.

“We’re all about having fun,” said Deanna. “We don’t take ourselves very seriously.”

Fast Facts

Who: Spinella’s Off the Wall

Where: 436 N. Main Ave., Gresham

What: “Entertainment, Food and Spirits,” featuring home-cooked eats until closing, craft and domestic brews and live entertainment. Karaoke runs every Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, with future plans to include acoustic entertainment and concert videos. The restaurant is family-friendly until 8 p.m. daily and offers Kids Karaoke on Sundays from 4-8 p.m.

Hours of operation: 4 p.m. to 2 a.m.

For more information, call 503-492-0800.

New Troutdale mayor promises team approach

More than 100 people were in Sam K. Cox Hall at Troutdale Thursday evening for a swearing-in ceremony for new Troutdale Mayor Doug Daoust and two councilors, Eric Anderson and Glenn White.

Daoust's first trick as mayor was to fit the ceremony in around the Fiesta Bowl (he's a fan of the University of Oregon).

To cover the former, a mobile TV screen from Frontier parked just outside the building prior to the 7 p.m. ceremony.

Daoust promised a team approach to governance in Troutdale saying he did not like to use the pronoun "I" and preferred "we."

He conveyed the good wishes of longtime Mayor Paul Thalhofer, who was in Prineville and unable to attend.

Troutdale's other new councilor, John Wilson, was unable to attend and will be sworn in at the first council meeting of the year.

Police Chief Scott Anderson was the master of ceremonies and Judge Raymond Young administered the oaths of office.

Black Swan to present 'Romeo and Juliet' Jan. 11-19

Rachel Lawrence, 15, a sophomore at Reynolds High School, says her plan to avoid the spotlight in Black Swan Youth Theatre’s “Romeo and Juliet” kind of backfired.

“I just wanted to be part of the play, and my friends were all doing it, and they’re a really fun group of kids,” she says. “I was hoping for something really small so no one would notice if I messed up.”

Instead of that happening, after performing a monologue during tryouts she was cast as Juliet in the play, which Black Swan will present at Portland Lutheran School from Jan. 11-19.

Despite her shyness, Lawrence says she’s prepared to let the spotlight find her.

“The fear is always going to be present, but I’ve learned to deal with it,” she says of being onstage.

It helps that she grew up reading the King James version of the Bible, which has flowery language similar to that employed by Shakespeare. She adds she thinks Black Swan’s production will boast a level of professionalism above and beyond that of your average high school play.

“It’s more than just a bunch of kids putting on a play to please their grandparents,” she says. “It has a modern twist, but it’s the same language. The words are beautiful, and we never speak like that anymore.”

East County cast

The cast of 20 for “Romeo and Juliet” is made up of actors from Barlow, Reynolds and Clackamas high schools as well as a handful of middle school students from the Gresham-Barlow, Reynolds and Centennial school districts, says Susan Scott, Black Swan’s artistic director.

“It’s going to be something that students have studied, and hopefully they’ll be coming into it with an understanding of it,” she says of the iconic piece studied by generations of teenagers.

“It’s just a play that you know the audiences are going to like,” Scott adds. “The language for this one is so beautiful.”

She also says the play will feature modern costumes and contemporary music from such groups as Scottish folk rockers The Proclaimers, pop artist Taylor Swift and rock band The Killers.

Lawrence adds that even though the play is centuries old, teenagers can still relate to such characters as Juliet, who is torn between her loves for Romeo, a member of the Montague family, and her own family, the Capulets, with whom the Montagues feud.

“We’ve all gone through something where we’re all trying to make everyone happy, but you just can’t do it,” Lawrence says.

Wherefore art thou?

Erik Scott, 16, a Barlow High junior, plays Romeo, and he’s been cast in 10 Black Swan plays.

“This is my first serious role I’ve taken on,” he says. “Before this I was a character actor or in a comedic role.”

Given his mother is the artistic director for Black Swan, Erik Scott says he’s been raised on Shakespeare and has already played roles in such shows as “Macbeth,” “Twelfth Night” and “The Tempest.”

“Luckily it’s not my first Shakespearean play seeing as I’m taking on the role of Romeo,” Erik Scott says, although he adds, “It’s a lot of practice learning iambic pentameter.”

Like his mother and Lawrence, Erik Scott says Shakespeare’s way with words is unparalleled among playwrights.

“I think his language is so beautiful,” he says. “At times it can be humorous and at times it can be moving, and it’s just an honor to be able to present that.”

Erik Scott says he’s attempting to put his own spin on the oft-performed role of Romeo.

“I didn’t really want to be your traditional lovey dovey Romeo,” he says. “There’s several lines where he messes up, and Juliet points out that he’s not this smooth guy.”

For example, he says, Juliet takes Romeo to task for swearing his love to her “by yonder blessed moon.”

“She says don’t swear by the moon, it changes monthly,” Erik Scott says.

He also notes the Black Swan production should appeal to modern audiences who have grown accustomed to action aplenty in movies and theater shows.

“There’s like people wearing jeans having swordfights,” Erik Scott says. “It’s definitely not like dry Shakespeare. The actors’ movements will definitely keep people on the edge of their seats.”

And working on plays like “Romeo and Juliet” is a welcome break for the primarily teenage cast, he says.

“When you have a drab teenage American life, it’s fun to slip into something more interesting after a long day at school.”

Pamplin Media Group, Oregon’s largest community news organization and a subsidiary of R.B. Pamplin Corp., has expanded its reach with the acquisition of six weekly newspapers from Eagle Newspapers Inc., a Salem-based company.

The transaction, which was effective immediately, has expanded Pamplin Media Group’s presence throughout the Portland area and in Central Oregon. The newspapers included in the acquisition are: the Canby Herald, Madras Pioneer, Molalla Pioneer, Newberg Graphic, Wilsonville Spokesman and Woodburn Independent.

“We are excited to add these outlets to the family of Pamplin community newspapers,” said Dr. Robert B. Pamplin Jr., owner of Pamplin Media Group and R.B. Pamplin Corp. “This acquisition strengthens our ability to share important community news with more residents in more places.

“Now, we’ll reach half a million print readers each week, and hundreds of thousands more online and through our radio stations. This puts us on equal footing, in terms of reach, with any other media in Oregon. With this acquisition, there’s no media larger in the state than Pamplin Media Group.”

Eagle Newspapers was founded in 1948 by former Oregon Gov. Elmo Smith. Under the leadership of his son, former U.S. Congressman Denny Smith, the company grew to 25 holdings in Oregon, Washington and Idaho, including dailies in The Dalles and Sunnyside, Wash. The company also owns four press plants, a mailing service and publishes various other specialty publications and phone books.

“This sale is between two great Oregonians, men who share many of the same ideals, including a passion for community journalism and public service,” said Eagle Newspaper President Tom Lanctot. “We look forward to watching these news outlets continue to grow under the leadership of the Pamplin Media Group.”

Pamplin Media Group also owns the Portland Tribune and 17 other newspapers throughout Portland, including newspapers in Gresham, Beaverton, Lake Oswego, Tigard and Clackamas.

Mark Garber, president of Pamplin’s newspaper division, said the purchase of the five Portland-area community newspapers greatly enlarges the company’s presence in the metro area. The acquisition of the Madras Pioneer also gives the company a presence in the growing Central Oregon market.

“This expands the number of communities we serve, meaning that we can generate even more news and produce even greater results for our advertisers,” Garber said. “These communities are great places to live and work. Our management and staff are looking forward to learning more about them and continuing to provide the best in local journalism.”

About R.B. Pamplin Corp.

Founded in 1957 and based in Portland, the R.B. Pamplin Corp. is one of the largest privately owned and family-managed businesses in the United States. Under the leadership of Dr. Robert B. Pamplin Jr., R.B. Pamplin Corp.’s subsidiaries are leading American manufacturers of commercial and household products, including textiles, concrete, asphalt, newspapers, wine, beef, berries and hazelnuts. The 55-year-old company generates more than $600 million annually, employs more than 4,000 people in eight states including Oregon, Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas and Washington and sells its product globally.

Pamplin himself has served on presidential and state commissions, and as chairman of the board of trustees for three colleges and the Portland Art Museum. Learn more at www.pamplin.org.

About Eagle Newspapers Inc.

Eagle Newspapers is a community of two dailies, six semi-weeklies, six weeklies, two weekly classified publications, six specialty publications, four printing operations and a mailing service located throughout Oregon, Washington and Idaho.

Eagle’s primary owner, Denny Smith, has had a lifelong career in printing and publishing, and also served 10 years as a member of Congress. He flew 180 U.S. Air Force combat missions in Vietnam and later was a commercial pilot for Pan American Airlines. He was inducted into the Oregon Aviation Hall of Honor in 2009.

Portland’s Habitat for Humanity has reached its $12 million fundraising goal and plans to continue building homes in Southeast Portland, Rockwood and Gresham.

Habitat for Humanity Portland/Metro East reported Tuesday that the goal included Habitat’s annual fund of $4 million. The group raised the additional $9 million to meet the growing needs of the community.

The $12 million has already been spent acquiring land and building homes for local families, according to Habitat officials. The fundraising will help the local Habitat group build nearly 30 homes a year, instead of 20 houses. It also helped the organization buy land for the next five years of homebuilding.

“The support of the community has been overwhelming,” said Steve Messinetti, president and chief executive officer at Habitat for Humanity Portland/Metro East. “So many leaders in our community saw the need to invest in and stabilize neighborhoods that have historically been neglected.

“We now have land in place to make a real impact in our hardest hit neighborhoods. But we still have a lot of funds to raise and work to do building homes on the purchased land and addressing other needs in these communities.”

Funds came from the city of Portland, the city of Gresham, local philanthropists and foundations, including gifts from John Gray, Meyer Memorial Trust, Ann and Bill Swindells Charitable Trust, Walsh Construction and Wells Fargo Bank.

Habitat doesn’t make a profit on its homes. Families moving into the Habitat houses must pay 1 percent down on a zero-interest mortgage after putting in 500 hours of “sweat equity.”

CORVALLIS — Dana Altman looked pallid, his face as white as his dress shirt as he belatedly met with the media following Oregon’s 79-66 victory over Oregon State Sunday night at Gill Coliseum.

“It was hot out there today,” the second-year Oregon coach said after a visit to the men’s room. “I got a little overheated.

“I got to get my ass in better shape.”

Altman’s Ducks (12-2) got their collective asses moving in the second half, outscoring the Beavers 51-32 over the final 20 minutes to draw first blood in the season’s Civil War series in the Pac-12 opener for both schools.

And nobody looked better doing it than freshman Damyean Dotson, who scored 15 of his season-high 21 points after intermission.

Dotson and fellow rookie guard Dominic Artis held their own with Oregon State’s veteran backcourt pair of Ahmad Starks and Roberto Nelson in their first taste of the Civil War rivalry.

If Dotson didn’t know beforehand what to make of most of the Gill throng of 8,612 pulling hard for the other guys, he does now.

“I’m from Houston,” the 6-5, 200-pound Dotson said. “I don’t know nothin’ about this. But I’m pretty sure it was a big game, because E.J. (Singler) was talking to us the whole week, ‘We got to get this. We got to get the Civil War.’

“But it’s a big game. I understand now. From now on, I’ll be ready for this.”

And once he got into it, Dotson — who made 8 of 15 shots and grabbed six rebounds in his 35 minutes — seemed to thrive.

“It was very exciting for me,” he said. “I wasn’t ready for it, but when I came out and seen that atmosphere ... I just love that kind of stuff. So I was ready.”

Dotson scored seven points in a 15-2 run to start the second half that Oregon used to turn a 34-28 halftime deficit into a 43-36 advantage.

“He’s a freshman,” Altman said. “He does some crazy things, but he made some nice plays the second half.

“He has a world of potential. He takes criticism pretty well. There’s a lot of talent there. He can be an awfully good player. He’s confident. He’s used to winning. He has a lot of characteristics you really like. He just has to learn how to play a little smarter at times and play within himself and within the team.”

Oregon shot .533 in the second half after shooting .448 in the first half, including 0 for 8 from 3-point range.

“Our ball movement in the first half was atrocious,” Altman said. “You’re not scoring baskets, you’re not able to set a press, you’re not able to get a good flow going.”

Mount Altman erupted at intermission in the Oregon locker room — “I just lost my composure a little bit,” the coach said with a wry grin — and suddenly the Ducks were a new team. Singler, who finished with 15 points, nine rebounds and three steals, was slashing to the basket. Dotson was scoring in transition and the Ducks were pounding the boards, winning the battle 25-13 after Oregon State won the first half 18-17.

“We played tough in the second half,” said Singler, the senior forward from South Medford who has been a bit of a Beaver-Killer over the years.

“Two totally different halves,” Altman said.

And part of it, OSU’s Nelson allowed, is that the Ducks “wanted it more than us in the second half.”

“If you have to coach effort and coach things you’ve gone over and over in practice, you’re not making progress,” Altman said. “In the second half, I didn’t have to coach effort, didn’t have to coach any of those things.

“I’m not sure how Oregon State felt they played the second half; I know we played very well.”

The Beavers felt they played rather lousy after intermission.

“You can’t start the second half on a (negative) 15-2 run and expect to beat a team that’s getting votes in the top 25,” said OSU’s fifth-year coach, Craig Robinson. “We haven’t played a good two-half game in a while. That’s something I need to have us work on.

“It’s disappointing, because this was a great opportunity to be playing a good team at home early. We didn’t take advantage of that. But we have 17 more games. I’m trying to keep these guys really positive. I don’t think anybody’s going to go 18-0 in the Pac-12.”

Though Robinson claims the Beavers (10-4) “are the best team I’ve had to start a Pac-12 season with,” they have a lot of deficiencies to shore up before they win many conference games.

Shot selection was bad Sunday night, for starters. Starks (22 points on 8-for-16 shooting, including 4 for 8 from 3-point range) and Nelson (18 points on 6-for-13 shooting, with 2 for 6 from downtown) had decent numbers. But Starks, in particular, heaved up some questionable-at-best shots from long distance when working it into interior guys Devon Collier and Eric Moreland would have been a better course of action.

Middle man Joe Burton threw in three roundhouse hooks a la ex-Beaver great Steve Johnson, but also missed three wild layups and had four turnovers while trying ill-advised passes or moves to the hoop.

Collier and Moreland got only 15 shots between them — not enough against an Oregon defense against which they could have done more damage inside.

Oregon State’s depth is, well, exceedingly shallow. Collier comes off the bench behind freshman Jarmal Reid but plays starter’s minutes — Reid exited 1:36 into the second half. Besides Starks, Nelson, Collier, Moreland and Burton, no Beaver scored. The other guys went 0 for 10, including 6-9 freshman Olaf Schaftenaar, who cast up seven shots — five of them from beyond the arc — with nary a make.

“We ran some stuff and got some good looks and didn’t complete it,” Robinson said. “That could be nerves, that could be the moment, the fact it’s the first conference game — it could be psychological.

“We’re at a point where we have to feel like we can win games like this, not just that we’re supposed to win games like this.”

Oregon won despite making only 3 of 16 3-point attempts, but by enjoying a 46-26 advantage in points in the paint.

“One of these days we’re going to start shooting better,” Altman promised. “We’re not a great shooting team, but we’re a heck of a lot better than what we’ve showed.”

Oregon takes some momentum into games at Matt Knight Arena against Arizona (Thursday) and Arizona State (Sunday). Oregon State has home dates with the Sun Devils Thursday and the Wildcats on Saturday, with more question marks than ought to be at this point in the season.

No doubt, the Ducks’ asses are in better shape than those of the Beavers right now.

kerryeggers@portlandtribune.com

Twitter: @kerryeggers

Defense was the name of the game Friday night, as the Centennial girls opened league play with a resounding 53-20 win over David Douglas. The Scots were held to just seven points and two baskets in the first two and a half quarters.

“Everything just worked on defense,” Centennial senior forward Chelsey Miller said. “That gave us all the momentum and we got rolling.”

The Scots did make their share of mistakes, but Centennial did everything right.

If a David Douglas shooter squared up for an outside shot, there was always an Eagle in her face to challenge the attempt. When the Scots kicked the ball down low, two or three Centennial players swarmed the area.

At the halfway point of the third quarter, Centennial had an overwhelming 37-7 lead.

Centennial relied on a balanced scoring attack as four players finished with at least nine points. Miller and sophomore point guard Melissa Dailey each had 12 points, while senior wing Angie Sharma and sophomore guard Megan Dailey each scored nine.

Look for extended game coverage in the Jan. 8 edition of The Outlook.

Jonathan Holt pleads not guilty to new counts of burglary, possession of child porn

Jonathan Daniel Holt, who allegedly murdered and kidnapped a Gresham barista in October, now faces additional charges of burglary and possession of child pornography.

Holt pleaded not guilty to 10 counts of second-degree encouraging child sex abuse and one count of first-degree burglary Thursday, Jan. 10, in Multnomah County Circuit Court.

Gresham police arrested Holt, 25, of Gresham, on Oct. 19 for allegedly kidnapping and killing his neighbor Whitney Heichel, 21.

Police discovered evidence for the new charges while investigating Holt in connection with Heichel's disappearance.

After confessing to the murder during an interview at the Gresham Police Department, Holt told authorities he broke in Heichel's apartment, which she shared with her husband, and stole an iPhone from a dresser drawer, according to a search warrant affidavit.

The court's charging documents say the incident happened between Aug. 26 and Sept. 4.

Holt said he put a new SIM card in the phone and used it as his own before discarding it at Roslin Lake, where he allegedly murdered Heichel on Tuesday, Oct. 16.

Authorities searched Holt's apartment shortly after his confession and seized an iPad, a gaming laptop and several external computer and flash drives, which Holt said contained child pornography.

The 10 new counts of encouraging child sexual abuse are for each of the pornographic videos and images found in Holt's electronics. The burglary charge is for him reportedly breaking into Heichel's apartment and stealing the phone.

Police say Holt, who was an acquaintance of Heichel and lived in the same apartment complex, waited for the woman on the morning of Oct. 16 and asked for a ride as she was leaving for work. Five minutes into the ride, Holt pulled out a handgun and forced Heichel to drive to Roslin Lake in Sandy, where he shot and killed her. Holt then drove her car to Larch Mountain and hid her body.

Authorities searched for three days before finding her body shortly before Holt's confession.

Holt is being held in Clackamas County Jail on six counts of aggravated murder with a firearm, as well as two counts of robbery, one count of kidnapping and one count of sexual assault.

A trial for the murder is scheduled to begin April 1, 2014, in Clackamas County Circuit Court before Judge Ron Herndon. The new charges are being prosecuted in Multnomah County and the trial date is set for Feb. 25.

A man who crashed a car in Damascus fled the scene, leaving behind his injured passenger.

Erik B. Sharp, 36, of Oregon City now faces allegations of driving under the influence, reckless driving and failure to perform the duties of a driver, also known as hit and run, said Lieutenant Gregg Hastings, Oregon State Police spokesman.

At about 5:50 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 8, a 2007 Honda Civic that Sharp was driving crashed into a power pole along Highway 224 near milepost 14. Oregon State Police, the Clackamas County Sheriff's Office and firefighters from the Boring Fire District responded and found a woman trapped in the car. She told them that the driver fled toward a nearby creek.

Firefighters extricated Jodie A. Clark, 38, of Arizona, from the car. She was transported via ambulance to Legacy Mount Hood Medical Center, treated and released.

Two hours after the crash, police with help from a canine officer found the driver along the near Southeast 232nd Drive.

He, too, was taken via ambulance to Legacy Hood Medical Center, where he was treated and released.

After more investigation, police cited Sharp to appear in Clackamas County Circuit Court on allegations of hit and run, driving recklessly and driving impaired.