David Lord recognizes the benefits of exercise on the mind and body, and he wants to extend those benefits to students at Metzger Elementary School in Tigard, where he teaches fifth grade.

The 14-mile commute from his home in North Portland, alo

ng bike paths, over bridges and through residential areas, “is a great stress-reliever,” he says. Lord, 39, used Metro’s bike-simulation map to plot his route to the school, near Washington Square.

A member of the Bicycle Transportation Alliance, Lord coordinates the organization’s Safe Routes to School program at Metzger. During the two-week course, held in late October, students learn about bicycle safety.

The program has been a hit among students. Principal Karen Twain calls it the “fifth-grade rite of passage.”

“It’s sort of like driver’s ed” for young bicyclists, Lord says of the course, which culminates in a “Community Ride Day.”

Excitement about the course was built a few weeks before, when, on Oct. 5, the school held its fourth annual “Bike & Walk” event, also coordinated by Lord. Staff and volunteers met students at checkpoints and walked with them. Because many students live too far away to walk, Lord worked with the physical education department to hold activities on the school field.

“Every student gets some activity that day,” Lord says.

He cites health as a benefit of his own bicycle commute. Ten- and 11-hour days leave little time for gym visits.

Every few weeks, Lord takes a day off and drives to school, but he prefers to ride. “The commute is still about an hour,” he says, ” and I’m getting a workout at the same time.”

Occasionally, Kassissieh will drive 3-year-old son Charlie to preschool, after which she’ll walk across the street and take the bus to work.

The Kassissieh family moved to Cedar Hills two years ago to be near Catlin Gabel School, where Richard Kassissieh is the director of information technology and 6-year-old David is a student. When Julia Kassissieh was offered the NWRL job several months later, their proximity to the Sunset Transit Center was an unexpected bonus.

Motherhood changed the commute for Klump, who lives in Aloha. Before 2-year-old Neal came along, Klump would walk to the Quatama/NW 205th Ave. Station and begin a 40-minute MAX train ride to the laboratory’s downtown office, where she’s worked for 10 years.

Now, instead of walking, Klump, 40, drives to the Willow Creek/SW 185th Ave. Transit Center and uses the park-and-ride.

Husband Lou will have dropped off Neal at a day care just across the street, and Klump picks him up on her way home from work.

Both women cite cost as one of the reasons they use public transportation.

For Kassissieh, factoring in gas prices and the $12 to $15 a day it would cost to park anywhere close to her downtown office sealed the deal.

For Klump, location influenced the family’s choice for Neal’s day care center. “We didn’t want him to be stuck in a car for 40 minutes every day,” she says.

Klump used to enjoy walking to the Quatama Transit Center but is reluctant to do so with her toddler. “There aren’t enough sidewalks, and they’re not well-lit,” she says.

Still, public transportation is worth it. “It takes just as long to drive as it does to ride.”

Transit passes help employees commute
Julia Kassissieh and Jennifer Klump’s employer, Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory, takes advantage of TriMet’s employer transit program to provide transit passes for employees.

To find out if your company participates in the program, which provides free or reduced-price TriMet passes to employees, ask the human resources department at your work place. Employers can find out more information about the program at: www.trimet.org/employers

Unemployment is up, gas prices have been on a roller coaster in the past year and the stock market remains wobbly. Oregonians — a frugal and green bunch already — are feeling the pinch. But you can only cut so much out of the grocery budget.

So, what else can give?

For many Washington County residents, the answer is the daily commute. They’re dusting off the bicycles and unearthing the helmets, researching bus and MAX schedules and coordinating car pools, all in an effort to reduce the impact of a daily commute on their wallet and the environment.

It’s not just the commuters looking at alternative transportation options.

Parents, students, volunteers and senior citizens are moving to walking, bicycling and public transportation. TriMet reports MAX and bus lines continue to set ridership records, with more than 9 million trips taken throughout the Metro area in October alone. The biggest increase, the agency says, has been among rush-hour commuters, with nearly 11 percent more rush-hour trips compared with October 2007.

Last week, in an effort to reduce crowding, TriMet added service on 13 of its 93 bus lines, including the 12-Barbur Blvd line that runs to Tigard and Sherwood, and the MAX Blue Line.

We talked with some Washington County residents — and a North Portland resident who works here — and found a few surprises about why they avoid or are relying less on their cars for commuting. It’s not all about the environment or cost. It’s also about exercising, saving money, having fun and preserving a way of life.

These public transportation veterans offer their stories and advice for “greening” your own commute. They include New York transplants who didn’t own a car before moving to Oregon, a Tigard schoolteacher with surprising reasons for his two-hour daily commute and two co-workers who navigate the metro area’s trains and buses for work and errands.

Tips for families
How do busy families make a public transit, carpool or bicycle commute work for them?

• Preparation is key: For Jamie Repasky, public commuting with little ones means being prepared. She packs snacks and water, and she engages her children in games. Her two children love their MAX trips, she says. “Torin is always asking, ‘When are we going on my train?’”
• Carpooling: Try making your child’s day care center the meeting place for your carpool, Carpool Match NW recommends. Or meet at a central location, such as a park-and-ride lot.
• Don’t forget to have fun: David Lord’s family doesn’t mind his commute — in fact, his partner, Elise, sometimes takes their daughters to school by bus. Lord’s recreational riding includes weekend bike races, and he admits to having to “tone it down” for daughter Luciana, 7. “I have to make bike riding fun for her. She’s a little intimidated by me, so I make sure we’re having a good time,” he says. Julia Kassissieh is proud of the fact that 6-year-old son David is, she says, “an accomplished biker,” riding to school with Dad in warm weather.

Resources

Thinking about moving beyond your solo drive to work and trying MAX, the bus, a bike or car pool? These sites can help get you started:

Metro Google Maps “Bike There” overlay program: tinyurl.com/5wvkjt

TriMet: trimet.org

TriMet WES commuter rail: trimet.org/wes/index.htm. New weekday rush-hour service between Wilsonville and Beaverton is scheduled to begin in February.

Westside Transportation Alliance: wta-tma.org. Organization of businesses and public agencies promotes transportation options that help ease congestion, support economic development and conserve resources.

Bicycle Transportation Alliance: bta4bikes.org. Promotes bicycling and improving cycling conditions in Oregon and Southwest Washington.

Carpool Match NW: carpoolmatchnw.org. Car pool and ride-share matching site serving Oregon and Southwest Washington.

Drive Less/Save More: drivelesssavemore.com. Effort launched by Oregon Department of Transportation, Metro, TriMet, city of Vancouver and other partners to reduce single-person car trips. Web site includes Travel Options Guides available for download, plus a driving-cost calculator.

http://www.oregonlive.com/washingtoncounty/index.ssf/2008/12/new_commuting_to_fit_families.html

The Oregonian’s West Bureau: 503-294-5950; west@news.oregonian.com

Wouldn’t it be nice to forgo the weekly hassle of writing checks, licking envelopes, peeling off stamps and mailing bills, would you do it? Well, there is! It’s called Online Bill Paying, and several companies offer this service – including banks.

Many companies that you pay already have an online bill payment system. Check your last bill for the web address of the company, and then log on to find out more. To sign up, you’ll need your account number and either a bank account number or a credit card number. I prefer to have my bills paid via my credit card, so if there are any errors or disputes, I can track and/or dispute the charges. This adds an extra “security blanket” to the concept of bill paying online.

If the company doesn’t offer online bill payment or automatic account deduction, check with your bank or credit union and see what they offer. My credit union offers a program that allows me to pay any or all bills online for a monthly fee $5.95. The cut the check to the recipient and account number I provide them, and then either mail it or electronically transfer the funds. The advantage to this program is that they will do this for all bills, in one easy-to-use interface.

If your bank or credit union doesn’t offer online bill payment, consider a commercial service like those offered by Yahoo! or Microsoft. Yahoo!’s bill payment plan, call Yahoo! Bill Pay, offers two separate plans: the free service, which will pay bills from any vendor on a a list of billers, and the $4.95 plan, which will allow you to pay up to 12 vendors per month, with a $.40 additional charge for additional vendors. You choose the vendors under this plan, and there are no limitations.

Microsoft’s MSN Bill Pay Online offers a slightly similar program. You can sign up for the Three for Free Program, which allows you to pay up to three vendors per month free of charge, or you can upgrade to the Deluxe plan, which costs $5.95 per month for up to 15 vendors, with a $.50 charge for additional vendors. Right now, MSN Bill Pay is offering a special for three free months of the Deluxe Service, and then you will be charged from the fourth month.

Both of these sites use complicated and approved encryption tools, which keep your financial information safe. Online bill viewing allows you to check out “e-bills’ (bills sent electronically), and you can designate payments for anyone – even your brother who loaned you $50 last month!

When you fill out an enrollment form for an online bill paying service, they will typically ask you several questions, including your name, address, phone, e-mail, Social Security Number and mother’s maiden name. This is done for security purposes – your mother’s maiden name is used as a “password” to keep others from accessing your account when you call, and your Social Security Number helps to verify your identity. If you’re not sure why a question is being, be sure to call the customer service department before you fill out the enrollment form.

So say goodbye to papercuts on your tongue and long postal office lines and say Hello! to online bill paying – your writing hand will thank you for it!

Originally published at BellaOnline.om

Copyright 1999-2006 by Angella K. Foret
Reproduction with permission prohibited
Contact for reprint information

Baby Your Baby

When it comes to finding supplies for your baby, the Internet is a wealth of shopping opportunities. But before you shop, you need a list. Many sites, including Babycenter.com, offer a Layette List – a guide for everything you’ll need for baby’s first months.

You can buy almost anything you need for the nursery online, including cribs, changing tables, crib sets, mobiles and even diapers. Visit http://www.babystyle.com for a wide selection of high-quality nursery (and baby) items, including gorgeously themed crib sets. BabyCenter.com’s Nursery Section, http://store.babycenter.com/html/ey_nursery_main.shtml?c=ey100C1, features bedding, nursery accessories, furniture and extensive buying guides to help you decide what you like and need for your baby’s nursery.

Now that your baby is clothed and has a room of her own, it’s time to tend to her every day needs. From top (baby shampoo) to middle (diaper crème) to bottom (toenail clippers), everything you need is available at the click of a button. Visit Drugstore.com’s Baby Bloom Boutique (http://www.drugstore.com/cat/11669/tmpl/default.asp?catid=13678&trx=-13678) for essentials, gifts and ideas. PlanetRx.com’s Baby Care Store (http://www.planetrx.com/ecenter/baby_care.html) features articles, tips, information and of course, links to every product baby on their site. Another lifestyle site, Selfcare.com (http://www.selfcare.com) offers a wealth of advice and products ranging from the Pregnancy Survival Kit (a collection of mix and match maternity wear) to carseats and gift guides.

You’ve got the clothing, you’ve got the supplies, now you need the gear. If you’re in the latter stages of your pregnancy, shopping for gear – which isn’t fun any time of the year – can be an exhausting chore. Which carseat should you buy? What kind of stroller will work best? Fortunately, most of the major baby gear suppliers also offer guides, reviews and links to sites that will help make your decision easier. Ask your friends and family for feedback, or go to a brick and mortar store to “test-drive” a stroller. Then park yourself in front of the computer and start clicking your way to savings!

Have you seen Spiegel lately? This powerhouse department store now has an extensive online presence, which includes an Infant Needs Department (http://www.spiegel.com/shop/thumbnail.asp?nav_cat_id=850&gp_cat_id=678&category_id=727). Featuring cribs, bedding, strollers and booster seats, Spiegel.com makes online shopping fun and classy.

BabyCenter.com’s Gear Store (http://store.babycenter.com/html/ey_gear_main.shtml?c=ey100B6) , one of the leading online baby stores, offers several buying guides and gear grouped in different departments, such as Strollers (http://store.babycenter.com/html/ey_gear_stroller.shtml), Car Seats (http://store.babycenter.com/html/ey_gear_carseat.shtml) and Safety (http://store.babycenter.com/html/ey_gear_safety.shtml). In addition to their excellent shipping rates ($5 for your entire order), BabyCenter.com frequently features online coupons, deals and specials.

Still looking? Check out BabyUniverse.com (http://www.babyuniverse.com/), which features deep discounts, free shipping and 10% off your first order until March 2001. Or visit the Baby section at Mercata.com (http://www.mercata.com), a site that offers group buying discounts and great first-time customer specials.

Once you’ve finished shopping for your baby and opening the packages in gleeful anticipation, sit back with a cup of tea and ponder the joys of online shopping. No lines, no far-off parking spaces and, best of all for pregnant shoppers, no searching endlessly for an available restroom!

Originally published at BellaOnline.om

Copyright 1999-2006 by Angella K. Foret
Reproduction with permission prohibited
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The little tube has two lines in the window. The doctor’s tests confirm it. You’re both thrilled – you’re having a baby! Once you’ve figured out names and nursery themes, it’s time to get prepared!

Maternal Bliss

Although it may seem obvious shopping for baby wouldn’t begin until baby is almost born, don’t forget about shopping for Mommy! Most pregnant women will start to notice significant changes by the third month. Clothes no longer fit, bras are tight, shoes seem snug. Before you start ringing up baby purchases, consider Mom’s needs, too.

Maternity clothing manufacturers counsel shoppers to purchase the same size as their non-pregnancy selves. So if you wear a size 10 pre-pregnancy, you’ll wear a maternity size 10. If your pre-pregnancy shirt size is medium, you’ll wear a maternity medium. Maternity clothes are (usually) cut to fit normally in the “regular” areas – such as armholes and necklines – with extra fabric in the “needed” areas – such as bust, waist, hips and rear.

When you receive your maternity clothing, you may gasp in disbelief at the enormous waistline, exclaiming that you will never possibly fit into those huge pants. You will, trust me. In the meantime, roll the waist down a few turns and avoid snug tops.

Depending on your fashion style, you will typically need four outfits. It’s a good idea to choose outfits that can be worn interchangeably, such as leggings, maternity jeans and slacks or a skirt, as well as shirts that work with each outfit (white, black and other neutral colors work well). If you’re pregnant in the winter months, you may be able to supplement your wardrobe with already-large sweaters, cardigans, your husband’s dressy flannel thrown over leggings, etc. You may also want to splurge on at least one “dressy” outfit to wear to dinner, theater, church or special occasion.

There are many online maternity shops on the Internet, and ordering from them is easy. Visit http://www.gapmaternity.com/ for quality clothes from Gap Maternity, or try http://www.babycenter.com/ for everything mom needs, from maternity clothes to pillows to nursing bras and pads. Another idea is to visit http://www.ebay.com/ and do a search for “maternity wear.” You may find some amazing deals at rock-bottom prices!

Nursing bras are a particularly difficult item to find, but the Internet has opened a whole new world for those who desire comfort and durability in nursing accessories. Before you start clicking, check out The Fitting Room (http://www.birthandbaby.com/Family_Resources/categories/fittingroom.html) , an complete guide to fitting and finding the right maternity and/or nursing bra.

Bareware Nursing (http://www.bareware.net/nursing.htm), a 3-year-old Internet store specializing in baby and maternity products, offers an extensive line of nursing bras, as well as a comprehensive FAQ and sizing charts for each bra manufacturer. Becky’s Breastfeeding Site (http://breastfeeding.hypermart.net/bras.html), which offers advice and information about breastfeeding, is an excellent source of Medela bras, as well as an invaluable resource for breastfeeding.

One thing to keep in mind when shopping for maternity clothing is that these clothes will be used for a relatively short period of time and for a single purpose – to clothe the pregnant body. Invest in a quality nursing bra and comfortable shoes. By the time you reach the end of your pregnancy, your number one concern will be comfort; style should follow suit.

Next week: Baby Your Baby

Originally published at BellaOnline.om

Copyright 1999-2006 by Angella K. Foret
Reproduction with permission prohibited
Contact for reprint information

The baby’s napping, the kids are at school and you have to make dinner in an hour. You have no time to hit the mall and no desire to fight the crowds. So what is a shopper to do?

Fire up the computer & head online!

Online shopping, also known as “e-commerce,” has become the next great thing for shoppers and bargain hunters. With literally hundreds of sites and products available, price comparison becomes as simple as a few clicks of a mouse. So grab a pen, some paper, and your credit – it’s time to shop!

Step 1: Educate Yourself

Before you go on a mad cyber-spending spree, be sure to educate yourself on the how-to’s of online shopping. Read a few articles – like this one from Yahoo! http://docs.yahoo.com/docs/info/consumertips.html – write down exactly what you need and how much you are willing to spend, and familiarize yourself with your credit card company’s online shopping policy. Many cards offer special protection for online shopping, including a no-limit theft clause and account statements available online.

Step 2: Stay focused

It’s easy to get lost in cyberspace. There are so many portals, so many sites, so much to see and do. The key to successful online shopping is to stay focused on your goal. Imagine if you went to the mall but stopped at every interesting store or park on the way there – it would take you all day to finish your shopping trip! The web has a similar effect; if you see a site that interests you, bookmark it for later and keep to your task.

Step 3: Research Your Product and Stores

You can almost always find specialty stores geared at what you’re looking for. Searching for baby gear? Try www.babycenter.com, www.babystyle.com or www.babiesrus.com. You know the scoop on books – there’s www.amazon.com (which also offers a kitchen store, a tool store, a music store, a video store…), www.barnesandnoble.com, www.powells.com. If you’re not sure which store carries which product, try visiting a ratings site, such as BizRate (http://www.bizrate.com) and typing in the product category. BizRate offers a rebate on all of your purchases and lists consumer ratings for each site.

Step 4: Research the Site

Before you make your purchase, be sure to find out shipping costs, availability, return options and even customer service times. You may need th is information later.

Step 5: Make the Purchase

You’ve found your item at a great price on a well-ranked site – it’s time to make your purchase. Always use your credit card, which offers special online protection. Look for the Security symbol (usually a small, padlocked icon – see your browser’s help file for more information) to be sure your credit card information is secure. Print out a copy of your order (before confirmation) and a copy of your receipt (after confirmation). Make a note of the expected delivery date on a calender; if the product doesn’t arrive by the latest expected date, contact the company.

Now, just sit back and wait for the delivery person to ring your doorbell! No parking hassles, no lines, no toddler tantrums in the middle of the store – congratulations on your first online purchase!

Originally published at BellaOnline.om

Copyright 1999-2006 by Angella K. Foret
Reproduction with permission prohibited
Contact for reprint information

HILLSBORO — Watching the line of nearly 300 Oregonians chatting and sharing sunscreen, it’s hard to believe they all want to stab each other in the back.

Yet here they are at The Streets of Tanasbourne, waiting to audition for the hit CBS reality show “Survivor,” hoping to get the August call-back for a chance to spend nine weeks outwitting, outlasting and outplaying in an unknown remote location — and win $1 million doing so.

Overheard at the auditions, held on a hot Saturday in July:

“Hi, my name is Grady. Don’t adjust your set, I really am this ugly.”
“I don’t have any fear. None.”
“What do I want? A million dollars in my pocket!”

Who are these people? Here’s a look at three hopefuls:

Contestant No. 40: Travis “Candy Man” Ferguson

Ferguson introduces himself to the camera — then whips candy bars out of his bag. “I won’t Snicker. I don’t want 100 Grand, I want the Payday,” he says in a singsong voice.

Who is he? The Oregon City Eagle Scout attends film school in New York, and his YouTube page features several films he’s directed.

Stand-out factor: “It took me about a week to come up with the candy thing.”

What are his chances? “If you can survive a subway in New York City, you can survive ‘Survivor.’ ”

If he wins? “I’ll pay off the reality — my student loans — and leave some for the dream: filmmaking,” he says.

Contestant No. 58: Cindy Morse

“I look like the Avon lady!” says the 57-year-old grandmother before stripping off her shirt to reveal a strapless bikini top. “And I lift weights!”

Who is she? The Salem resident, a former parole officer, owns a polygraph business. “I’ve seen the worst of the worst.”

Stand-out factor: “I don’t look like a threat. I can be sweet one minute and come down on you the next.”

Does she have a chance? “She has so much energy,” says fiancee Diane Rea.

Plans for the prize money? Save for her granddaughter’s education, buy homes for her family.

Contestants No. 29 and 30: Peggy Morgan and Karie Will

Morgan and Will, who live on the east side of the metro area, have some tricks up their sleeves, but they’re not telling. Both arrived early, sporting Survivor buffs — scarf- or bandanna-like wraps worn by contestants on the show — and began forming alliances.

Who are they? During her audition taping, Morgan says she was a diplomat in the FBI’sinternational law enforcement program; she is retired now. Will, 36, is employed at a juvenile detention facility.

Stand-out factor: Morgan’s sparkly cat’s-eye sunglasses are striking, while Will’s dynamic personality shines.

Their chances? Longtime fans of the show, both have jobs that require diplomacy, tact — and discretion.

The money? Pay off college debt, says Will. Morgan’s plans: “Share with my family.”

Angella Foret Diehl, Special to The Oregonian
The Oregonian’s West bureau: 503-294-5950; west@news.oregonian.com

In February, the Lenox Booster Club introduced students to a very special artist-in-residence, Lynn Takata. Ms. Takata is known throughout the nation for her award-winning public art projects featuring children, and we were fortunate to have her remarkable talent and spirit to help create a permanently installed mosaic mural in the main hallway.

Each part of the mural was created by kids, and parent helpers assisted with the mounting, grouting and sealing of the mural. The cries of “Look, mom, my class did this part” and “Isn’t it cool” echoing through the Lenox hallways gave testament to this outstanding project that will become a permanent part of the school’s legacy.

And speaking of art, Lenox kids were very busy this year. As part of the Lenox Community Auction fundraiser, every classroom created their own project for auction. Some were amazing – mosaic tile mirrors by third- and fourth-graders; some were whimsical – custom-printed note cards featuring artwork from students in all grades; and some were just plain fun – Oregon State University vs. University of Oregon team trunks, filled with items for Beavers fans and Duck lovers and decorated in university colors. The auction raised over $10,000.

Year-end goodbyes began in May, when third-grade teacher Jean Turner and teaching assistant Judy Cuddigan were feted at a joint retirement party. Mrs. Turner has been teaching for 31 years and Judy “The Duty” Cuddigan retired after 17 years of dedicated service to the Lenox family.

“We would like to thank Mrs. Turner and Mrs. Cuddigan for their legendary years of service at Lenox,” said Principal Mike Donovan. “These two wonderful ladies will be sorely missed.”

Just a week later, we celebrated the end of the school year with the annual “Feast & Festival” carnival. With delicious food from the local Costa Vida restaurant, games and fun music, the carnival was great fun for everyone – especially those who got to dunk first-grade teacher Miss Berry.

The Lenox Pioneer Garden continues to thrive, with the addition of a tool shed and several new plantings. If you’d like to be a part of this unique program, stop by and help out Wednesday mornings at 9 a.m. throughout the summer.

Amid the flurry of year-end activities, the Lenox staff would like to remind parents of a few things important for next year.

First, when getting ready for school on Sept. 2, keep in mind that dismissal times for the next school year will be 2:10 p.m. instead of 2:20 p.m., with early Monday dismissal at 1:40 p.m. instead of 1:50 p.m. Opening time will still be 7:50 a.m. every day. (If you’d like to get an even bigger jump-start on your planning, visit the school Web site at www.hsd.k12.or.us/lenox/ and download next year’s school supply lists.)

Second, the Booster Club is moving meetings to the first Monday of each month from 7 to 8 p.m. at the school. We’d love to have you come and just be a part of this important organization, which helps raise funds for school programs. No need to RSVP; just show up. Stop by the Lenox Booster Club Web site to see previous meeting minutes and learn about what the Booster Club does at www.lenoxboosterclub.org.

Last but not least, a few words from Principal Donovan to close out the school year:

“I would like to thank all of the Lenox faculty and staff for their dedicated work with Lenox students. In addition, my gratitude goes out to all of our wonderful parents and the ever present and supportive community members. Due to the combined efforts of all, Lenox truly is a great place to learn. Please enjoy a wonderfully restful summer filled with family and friends and we’ll see you next year.”

By Angella Foret Diehl, special to the Argus