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

APRIL 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 With evidence of a January snowstorm still covering Portland, Robyn Dowell and Dan and Amy Barcia hopped a flight to Hawaii for a long awaited vacation for Robyn. It was a week full of fun activities – seeing the dolphin show at Sea Life Park, visiting the Honolulu Zoo (Robyn was entranced by the komodo dragon), Waikiki Aquarium, strolling on Waikiki Beach, Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial, hiking to the Makapu’u Lighthouse overlook, and completing a 1 mile Fun Walk in Lanikai (Robyn even broke the tape and got a ribbon!).

Some highlights for Robyn were jumping on the trampoline in the Barcias’ backyard, wading in the warm waters of Kailua Bay, enjoying fresh bananas and papaya, and having Julie’s blueberry muffins for breakfast every morning! Ask Robyn if you can see her Hawaii photo album next time you are at Neahkahnie House.

Ì Nehalem House assistant Elizabeth Morrissey transitioned out of the community in mid-March. She returned to her other home in Mt. Angel. Blessings on the journey, Elizabeth!

Ì Cindy Leonard, Dan, and Amy joined several members of the L’Arche Tahoma Hope community for their annual Lenten Retreat at Our Lady of Guadalupe Trappist Abbey from March 5-8. Cindy especially enjoyed the peaceful sound of the frogs in the pond at night and the times of prayer with the monks and Tacoma friends.

Ì Welcome to new Board Members! Catherine “Cat” Willett, niece of former core member Dean Willett, joined the Board in January. Bill Leidy, who was attracted to L’Arche through his association with Pat Dillon, joined the board in March. We’re grateful for the gifts and commitment each of them brings to service on the Board.

JOURNEYS

k Meredith Zubel and Tamara Yates will travel to Pilgrim Firs for Assistants Enrichment April 24-26. They will join assistants from our region in reflecting on Membership In L’Arche.

k Jerry Deas, Susan Mitchell, and Amy Barcia will represent L’Arche Nehalem at the L’Arche USA General Assembly in Federal Way, Washington, April 12-15. Amy will also be meeting with the Spiritual Animators for other L’Arche communities in the Zone, and Susan will be staying on for the Community Leaders’ meeting April 15-18.

Are you called to live in a L’Arche community?

We believe in the transforming power of making home with people with developmental disabilities. Consider becoming an assistant in one of our homes. We are looking for people with initiative, who are open to a diverse and stimulating life, people who want to work cooperatively in a faith community setting. Assistants receive room and board, monthly stipend, health insurance, training/formation, and time for vacation and retreat. If you are interested, contact Susan Mitchell at 503-251-6901 or susan@larche-portland.org

Mark Your Calendars

May 17, Thurs., 6-8 p.m., place TBA: SPRING SOCIAL (watch your mailbox, the Newspage, or www.larche-portland.org for more details)

June 30, Sat., 5:30-9:30 p.m., University of Portland: 20TH ANNIVERSARY DINNER DANCE with the communities of the L’Arche Western U.S. Region

August 11, Sat, 6:00 p.m., place TBA: JAZZ FOR PEACE BENEFIT CONCERT Advance discount tickets available for $50/pair (save $20) while 100 tickets last—first come, first served! Every ticket benefits L’Arche! To purchase your tickets for this world-class event, call Doug at 503-251-6901, or click

THANKS!

Y To our faithful Shamrock Run volunteers! Jerry Deas, Dave Heard, Linda Cella, Donna Hortsch, Anne Hunt, et al.!

Y To Marilyn Petruzzelli, who is sharing her lovely new sofa with everyone at Nehalem House.

Y Colleen Casey, for continued support in keeping our assistants trained for their nurse delegation tasks at both homes.

Y Tickets West for two tickets to a Blazer game enjoyed by Adam Richards and Denae Overman

BIRTHDAYS	ANNIVERSARIES
Apr. 2: Jacque Werling Apr. 26: Ben Luginbuhl Apr. 29: Cindy Leonard (1957)	Apr. 29: Robyn Dowell (2001) RoseMary Lyons joined the Board, 2002

CELEBRATIONS

^{Please join us if you can!}

U Sun., April 15, 12:30 p.m., Nehalem House back yard: Ben Luginbuhl and Jacque Werling’s Birthday BBQ. Please RSVP to Nehalem House at 503-254-4558.

U Wed., April 18, 7 p.m., Neahkahnie House: Robyn Dowell’s 6th Anniversary

U Wed., April 25, 7 p.m., Neahkahnie House: Cindy Leonard’s 50th Birthday Party

WISH LIST

ü Use of vacation home or cabin

MEETINGS

¤ Thurs., April 19, 7:00 a.m., Marsee Bakery: Board Executive Committee

¤ Wed., April 25, 7:00 a.m., Marsee Bakery: Board Finance Committee

¤ Thurs., April 19, 7:00 p.m., Home of Monica Ranaghan: Fund Development Committee

I did not realize the full meaning of L’Arche when, inspired by Fr. Thomas, I started living with Raphaël and Philippe. I discovered what L’Arche was called to be as I lived each day, trying to be faithful to the needs of those who had come to create community with me. We still discover L’Arche’s meaning each day, in each community and each new culture.

Jean Vanier, An Ark For The Poor

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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