Commissioners seek volunteers to serve on Local Alcohol & Drug Planning Committee
            Clackamas County Commissioners are seeking three volunteers interested in serving on the County’s Local Alcohol and Drug Planning Committee (LADPC). Applications are being accepted from anyone interested in identifying needs and priorities for alcohol and drug services in the county and other functions consistent with current Oregon Statutes. To achieve countywide representation, applicants representing the diversity and range of geographic areas in the county are encouraged to apply.
             The Committee meets seven to eight times a year on the fourth Tuesday of the month, from 3:30 to 5 p.m., at the Public Services Building located at 2051 Kaen Road in Oregon City.
            Application deadline is Tuesday, January 15, 2008.
            For more information, contact Karen Erwin at (503) 742-5310.

Clackamas County co-sponsors caregiving classes
            Clackamas County Social Services will co-sponsor the Powerful Tools for Caregiving series, to begin in January and February in Sandy and in Gladstone.
            Research studies show that family caregivers are at high risk for developing stress-related problems. Studies find high rates of depression among caregivers, high levels of anxiety, and increased vulnerability to health problems. Caregivers frequently cite restriction of personal activities and social life as a problem. They often feel powerless, which can have a significant negative impact on a caregiver’s physical and emotional health.
             Taking Care of You: Powerful Tools for Caregiving was developed by Legacy Health System. The classes are designed to be conducted in 2 ½ hour sessions, once a week, over a six-week period. Classes emphasize teaching the caregiver to take care of themselves by:
                        • Identifying and reducing personal stress
                        • Communicating feelings, needs, and concerns
                        • Communicating in challenging situations
                        • Learning from our emotions
                        • Community resources
                        • Mastering caregiving decisions
                        • Taking care of you
            This series will be offered in two different locations in the County:
                        • January 9, 16, 23, 30; February 6 and 13—1 -3:30 p.m., Sandy Community Center, 38348 Pioneer Blvd, Sandy.
                        • February 7, 14, 21, 28; March 6, and 13—9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Gladstone Community Center, 1050 Portland Avenue, Gladstone.
            The series is free and each recipient will receive a free copy of the book: Powerful Tools for the Caregiver. For more information or to register, please call Mary Ann Hard at (503) 650-5724.
            Classes are sponsored by the Sandy, Hoodland and Gladstone Community Centers and by Clackamas County Social Services.

Clackamas County Community Corrections offers personal protection classes for women
            Clackamas County Community Corrections and the American Council on Criminal Justice Training will be offering two free public safety education courses on January 13 for women and teenage girls. 
             The first class, titled “Personal Protection Strategies for Women,” will be offered from 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. The class will cover:
                        • Myths about sexual assault
                        • Profiles of offenders
                        • What to do if victimized
                        • Where you are most at risk
                        • Personal self-defense techniques
                        • Strategies for avoiding date rape
                        • Personal defense devices and weapons of opportunity
                        • Safety considerations when home or out and about
            The second class, “Self-defense Tactics for Women,” will be held in the afternoon, from 1-3:30 p.m. This moderately physical hands-on class is will teach:
                        • Verbal commands
                        • Defensive postures
                        • Body language
                        • Assailant target areas
                        • Kicking techniques
                        • Striking techniques
                        • Scenarios
             Pre-registration is required and registration closes January 10. The classes will be held in the Clackamas area. Participants will be notified of the location. All participants must be at least 14 years old, and minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
            To register for either of these classes or for more information, contact Rex M. Mercer at (503) 722-6017 or (503) 655-8262.

Wrestling event in St. Johns accepting donations for Vernonia
            Donations for the Vernonia residents who have lost everything will be accepted at the January 5th family-friendly Professional Wrestling event in St. Johns at 7220 N. Burlington Avenue, Portland (previously Sandy Barr’s Wrestling). The event starts at 7:30 p.m. (regular admission fees apply). The Barr family has always helped the needy whenever they could and they continue to do so, even after Sandy’s death. Join the community’s helping hand!