NEHALEM NEWSPAGE

L'Arche Nehalem 8501 SE Stephens Portland, OR 97216
(503) 251-6901 Fax: 251-6952 e-mail: mail@larche-portland.org web site: www.larche-portland.org

DECEMBER 2004

Our mission is to create a place to call home
for people with developmental disabilities and those who share life with them.

CHRISTMAS TREE SALE IN FULL SWING Our tree sale--did we mention it's our biggest fundraiser?--is well underway, and we have many people to thank already. Special thanks to our major business partners Value Village, Safeway, Tuff-Shed, and of course, our "tree-meister," Jerry Weisensee. A hearty thank-you to all the folks helping us publicize the sale in shop windows, church bulletins, neighborhood newspapers, and word of mouth, the stalwarts who helped us build the enclosure and unload the trees, and all those who have volunteered to sell trees already. The extraordinary hands-on commitment of our Board must be mentioned as well. Our second year with two lots, we have something like 300 three-hour tree-selling shifts to fill. If you can take another shift, haven't had a chance to get back to us, or even if you've never sold trees before, please call the office at 503-251-6901. It’s a great way to catch the spirit of Christmas!

NEWS

• SAVE THE DATE: Saturday January 15, 2005 there will be a community gathering to approve the new community mandate for the next four years. The Mandate Discernment Committee is currently at work on drafting a new mandate and will be gathering input from the whole community. Discernment team members include Clarissa Schoenberg (Extended Community), Dan Barcia (Assistant Representative), RoseMary Lyons (Board Representative), and Amy Barcia (Leadership Team Representative).

• Thanks go to the Holy Family Youth Group, who have begun bringing dinner over to Neahkahnie House once a month. In November, we enjoyed a delicious spaghetti dinner and the good company of three Holy Family junior high students and their teacher. 
• Marilyn Petruzzelli and Susan Mitchell will attend a special Holy Names Community night together on December 8th at Marylhurst. Marilyn continues to deepen in her commitment to spread peace and love in the world as a Holy Names Associate. 
• Ben Miller and Amy attended a dinner party to celebrate Alison Hilkiah’s 30th birthday last weekend. In addition to delicious food, guests shared their experiences on turning 30.
• Nehalem House will attend the Festival of Lights at the Grotto in December as part of Joni Smith’s Birthday celebration. The tickets are a gift from Sarah’s mom, Margaret Dulaney.

• Jeff Deeks traveled with Sarah to her family home in Richland, Wash., for part of Thanksgiving weekend. 
• Denae Overman attended the Team Leader’s Circle training and formation in Vancouver B.C, November 14-19. The week included a L’Arche Spirituality Retreat Day, and sessions on Facilitating Meetings (given by Joan Mahler), Non-Violent Communication, and Supporting Core Members in Their Middle Years. 
• Dan attended the same training at Pilgrim Firs in Washington State in October. Amy is on the planning team for the training and helped facilitate the October session. Team leaders (house coordinators and workshop coordinators) from the Western US and Western Canada attended both sessions.

• Wed., December 15, 7:00 p.m., Neahkahnie House: Prayer Night
• Sat., December 18, 11:00 a.m., Nehalem House: Brunch to Celebrate Joni’s Birthday (Please call Nehalem House for more information or to RSVP--254-4558) 

• Pat McConnell for her help with publicity mailing for Christmas tree sales.
• Carol Leonard for the gift of a brand new 32 gallon garbage can for Neahkahnie House. 

• Hand Mixer for Nehalem House
• Floor Mop for Nehalem House