NEHALEM NEWSPAGE

L’Arche Nehalem, 8501 SE Stephens, Portland, OR 97216

Office: 503-251-6901 Fax: 503-251-6952 E-mail: mail@larche-portland.org Web site: www.larche-portland.org

FEBRUARY 2007

Our mission is to create a place to call home

for people with developmental disabilities and those who share life with them.

NEWS

Ì Welcome to new assistant Tamara Yates. Tamara originally hails from Virginia and came to us most recently by way of the Los Angeles Catholic Worker community. Tamara will join the team at Nehalem House.

Ì Nehalem House assistant Ben Luginbuhl, who celebrates his 2 year anniversary with Nehalem on February 1st, will also make a transition in his role on that date. Ben will be moving out of Nehalem House and filling Anne Hunt’s former role as a live-out support person, primarily at Nehalem House. We are grateful for his experience and spirit continuing to be present to the community in this new way.

Ì L’Arche Tahoma Hope core member Dick Sutherland passed away peacefully on Jan 16, at home in the community surrounded by family and friends. He was 63 years old. Dick grew up on a farm in the Tacoma area, and came to L’Arche Tahoma Hope 22 years ago, where he continued to work the soil of the community’s Farm and Garden Program, as well as the spiritual soil of all who came to know him. Dick was a teacher and leader. Said Community Leader Stacey Cates-Carney, “For a succession of Tahoma Hope community leaders and for this former Regional Coordinator, Dick was our co-leader. As he liked to say, ‘You and me, director!’ I know that he will continue to accompany all of us in spirit and through his example of a life lived fully and well.”

Ì January 1st Joan Mahler began her new role as L’Arche USA Zone Coordinator and Clarissa Schoenberg became Assistant L’Arche USA Zone Coordinator. Both Joan and Clarissa are long-term members of our L’Arche Nehalem community. We’re grateful for their willingness to put their gifts at the service of L’Arche USA!

Mark Your Calendars

The Shamrock Run is coming! Mark your calendars for Sunday, March 11, 6-10 a.m. We are committed to bringing at least 17 volunteers. L’Arche Nehalem receives $18 for each volunteer we bring. If you don’t get a call by March 1, please call the office (503-251-6901) to sign up! See you there!

JOURNEYS

Q Marilyn Petruzzelli, Elizabeth Morrissey, Joni Smith, and Susan Mitchell will attend the Core Member Retreat Feb. 6-8 at Pilgrim Firs, Port Orchard, Washington. This year’s theme is Friends at the Banquet.

THANKS!

Y Thank you to Frank Storm and Don LeBlanc for fixing water heaters at the two houses.

Y Thank you to Noah’s Bagels for donating the delicious bagels served at our Volunteer Appreciation Coffee Morning Jan. 27.

JOB BOARD

SUBSTITUTE CAREGIVER

Paid position. Provide respite care during the afternoons, some evenings, weekends, approx. 10 hours a week. Flexible schedule. Must be 21 years old and have a driver's license. For further info, call Susan Mitchell at 503-251-6901, or email susan@larche-portland.org

FULL TIME LIVE-IN ASSISTANT

As a L’Arche assistant, the journey begins with an invitation to make your home in a L’Arche home. There you will accompany core members (folks with developmental disability) in their activities of daily life. You don’t need any previous experience, but must have a willingness and openness to learn from and be changed by the core members. An assistant’s practical responsibilities vary widely according to the needs of core members. What remains constant are two main goals: to create home with the core members and to support them in dignified, meaningful activities that enable them to reach their full potential and to use their gifts in the local neighborhood and community.

Assistants are paid a monthly stipend and health insurance, they are given formation and training, days away each week and month, annual vacation, and time for a retreat. For more information, visit our web site www.larche-portland.org or call Susan in the office.

BIRTHDAYS	ANNIVERSARIES
Feb. 11: Jerry Deas Feb. 19: Amy Barcia	Feb. 1: Amy Barcia (8 years) Feb. 1: Ben Luginbuhl (2 years) Feb. 17: Rodney Gabriel (14 years) Matt Weisensee joined the Board, Feb., 1986

CELEBRATIONS

^{Please join us if you can!}

U Sat. Feb. 3, 7:00 p.m., Nehalem House: Blessing and Missioning for Anne Hunt (rescheduled)

U Wed., Feb. 14, 7:00 p.m., Neahkahnie House: Anniversary Celebration for Ben Luginbuhl (2 yrs.) and Amy Barcia (8 yrs.)

U Wed., Feb. 21, 7:00 p.m., Neahkahnie House: Prayer Night

U Wed., Feb., 28, 7:00 p.m., Neahkahnie House: Anniversary Celebration for Rodney Gabriel (14 yrs.)

MEETINGS

¤ Thurs., Feb 15, 7:00 p.m.: Fund Development Committee

¤ Sat., Feb. 24, 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m., Ascension Catholic Parish: Visioning Day

WISH LIST

ü Use of vacation home or cabin

ü Cookie sheets

ü Cupboard organizers

ü Sofa

ü Digital camcorder

In a world that fosters individualism, our communities reveal the importance of belonging, of celebrating life together and of celebrating each person. In a world where individual people, countries and religious groups want a God of power to exercise power and domination, our people reveal the God of love, of gentleness and of forgiveness.

Jean Vanier, Letter, December 2006. (Read the full text here)

Did you check out the new interactive Jean Vanier quote library on our home page?

Or sign up for an inspirational daily thought or weekly story from Jean Vanier's writings via email at www.larche.ca/en/home/eletters/

Getting a paper copy? Would you like to save us a stamp and receive the Nehalem Newspage electronically? Please drop us an email at doug@larche-portland.org or call us at 503-251-6901.

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