By Brian Hoop
Linntoncommunitycenter.org
Email: linntoncc.asp@gmail.com
Phone: 503-286-4990
10614 NW St. Helens Rd.
Dan Ryan and kids at LCC preschool
Step by step, the Linnton Community Center keeps transforming with renovations and improved programs. City of Portland Commissioner Dan Ryan recently visited the LCC as part of a tour, organized by LNA chair Sarah Taylor, to learn more about community issues.
The Commissioner was familiarized with the mill site restoration project and the greenway trail, and took a tour of the community center including visiting the preschool class. (See photo.) Ryan was reportedly very impressed with LCC.
Upper meeting room remodel
Thanks to a grant from Oregon Community Foundation, the upper meeting room is being renovated. Upgrades will include a new office space for the director, staff break room, small conference room, and storage room.
The storage room for costumes and stage props is part of a vision to create more performing arts opportunities for school kids. Kids really enjoyed recent after school improv lessons and performances, which helped inspire using the stage again.
Preschool is going strong
The LCC preschool program, with 18 students, was one of the first Preschools For All funded by a new Multnomah County tax that will significantly expand early childhood learning opportunities in the coming years. The program is focused on fostering cultural awareness and pride through an anti-bias curriculum.
Rebecca, the lead teacher, emphasizes students being self-guided to learn basic socialization skills. She followed her daughter who moved west first, leaving New York several years ago and bringing 20+ years of teaching experience.
Summer camp offers 10-week program
It’s not too late to register. LCC’s summer camp offers a safe and fun space for kids this year. Weekly themes range from learning Spanish, fun in the forest, river life, STEM, art, sports/backyard games, and more.
Food bank
LCC’s food bank continues to operate every Tuesday from 8 am to 5 pm. Volunteers are always needed. Currently, a volunteer is needed every Monday who can pick up and deliver surplus produce from the Corbet Grange.
Karate lessons
Karate lessons are available at LCC on Monday at 6:30 PM and Wednesdays at 7:00 PM. Dante Lamorttcella has taught traditional karate at LCC since 2003. He was introduced to martial arts in the mid-1970s when he attended judo classes at LCC. Dante trained under sensei John Murphy and earned his Sho Dan (black belt) in 1999 at PCC.
For more info and to sign up, contact Dante at: 360-619-8846
Skate Night – 1st Fridays each month
Everyone is welcome to join the fun for Skate Nights each 1st Friday evening on LCC’s gymnasium floor. Our thanks go to Linnton neighbors Jennie and Gary Fiendish who have been volunteering to host Skate Night the past few months. Skates are available at LCC or bring your own.
LCC Director highlight
Susy Kristin, LCC Director, was born in Peru. She graduated from a Peruvian university and later received her bachelor’s degree from Portland State University. She has Japanese ancestry, lived in Japan for three and a half years, and enjoys traveling to Japan to learn the language and culture.
Her hobbies include hiking, reading motivational and personal development books, traveling, and learning about different cultures. She is married to Tim Kristin and has three beautiful daughters. Susy has worked at LCC for 16 years and enjoys being part of the community.