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Reflections and fresh starts at DMA
By Lori Boisen
More than six months ago, on Aug. 6, I suffered cardiac arrest, an event that deeply affects me personally and also DMA. I want to share an update with you. First, I thank my husband, Lyle, and the fire department for saving my life. Doctors at Adventist Medical Center stabilized me via therapeutic hypothermia and installed a pacemaker and defibrillator to regulate my genetically weakened heart, which I did not know I had.
I spent the rest of 2016 recovering and working when able.
As I recovered, I learned the importance of taking care of myself. I am eating better and moving more. I'm spending more time with friends and family -- and with my love for reading. I now listen to my body and slow down when it says I'm tired or stressed. I finally understand that in order to be good for others, I must be good to myself. I am happy to report that the changes are working: my most recent echocardiogram shows that my heart is at optimum output!
While I recuperated, DMA’s community of volunteers worked to assure DMA’s mission moved forward, and I am ever grateful for all your work and support. Last year, 250 community members donated over 2,500 service hours toward DMA’s success, and I can’t even begin to thank everyone for all the time and effort. Neither DMA nor I could have done it without you.
Recent accomplishments include:
- 16 tons of trash removed from the district in February 2017 through a partnership with Powellhurst Gilbert Neighborhood Association, METRO, BPS, and EPNO;
- Eight business mixers in 2016 sponsored by Mt. Hood Community College in partnership with Midway Business Association;
- Bhutanese citizenship classes at DMA's office since 2016 have resulted in 12 of 14 students receiving citizenship;
- Myanmar community office hours and civic fluency classes began in March 2016 and have served over 200 Myanmar Community members;
- 2016 Festival of Nations and beginning plans for 2017 Festival of Nations;
- Pilot Art on the box Mural Installation at 122nd & Division;
- Two Storefront Improvement Grants – Casa Del Sol & Pdx Mailroom Plus
As we move through 2017, I appeal to everyone in Midway’s community to contribute time, talent and/or treasure toward improving and connecting to our neighborhood. Who knows what we might accomplish if we all work together to build the neighborhood we want to see? I look forward to hearing from you all soon!
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Everything but the kitchen sink: When you gather 30 volunteers to assist 110 households get rid of their unwanted stuff, what you end up with is 16 tons of gadgets, furniture and you name it.
DMA joined with the Powellhurst Gilbert Neighborhood on Feb. 25 at West Powellhurst Elementary for the snow-delayed annual event. Thank you to everyone who contributed to the event's success. See you next year!
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