Page 3 Portland Observer JUNE 15,1989 News Around Town BUSINESS LAUNCHING DRUG WAR OFFENSIVE The war against crime and illicit drug use in Oregon is being waged on two fronts. In the public sector, the Legisla­ ture is working to enact new laws that will create more prison space, refine sentencing guidelines and pro­ vide more tools for enforcement agen­ cies. That’s the corrections approach. In the private sector, employers are turning to a prevention strategy. They are utilizing a major principle of economics -- the law of supply and demand. They are working together to reduce demand for illegal drugs, in recognition of the fact supply will diminish as a result. In the process, some other things also are diminishing—costly health and rehabilitation care, on-the-job accidents, shoddy workmanship and high insurance claims. Keying the private sector effort is a growing attitude among employers that tells current employees and would- be workers that there are no jobs in Oregon for those who insist on using illicit drugs and creating the demand that sustains that illegal marketplace. In the forefront of this campaign is Oregon’s largest statewide busi­ ness organization, Associated Ore­ gon Industries. It offers its members a discounted four-stage program by which each can cover major aspects of the issue. They include pre-employment psy­ chological testing that reveals ten­ dencies toward substance abuscytheft and violence. The tests also help match an applicant’s skills to various job tasks and reveal those for whom employers can earn tax credits if employed. Second stage is an employee wellness program that emphasizes fitness and the many benefits of maintaining good health habits. Third, a complete set of manuals, videotapes and other materials guides employers through the steps neces­ sary to comply with existing laws and regulations when establishing em­ ployment policies regarding drug and alcohol abuse. And the final stage is a direct link with Oregon Medical laboratories, a qualified licensed facility which will conduct substance abuse testing that is appropriate for business purposes. Results of the public sector effort will be measured largely by the num­ ber of drug dealers and addicts sup­ porting their habits by criminal ac­ tivity who are apprehended and locked up. Private sector results already are equally as dramatic and more pro­ ductive. Most private sector employ­ ers combine drug and alcohol abuse policies with job safety programs because the issues are so closely re­ lated. Another major element of suc­ cessful programs is providing sub­ stance abusers with the option or restored employment once they suc­ cessfully complete a company-rec­ ommended or sponsored rehabilita­ tion program. So, far most businesses with ef­ fective programs are large corpora­ tions. On 1983 only three percent of Fortune 500 companies had drug testing programs. By 1987 the num ­ ber had passed the 50 percent mark and was growing rapidly. Participat­ ing firms reported immediate im­ provements in productivity, fewer accidents and elevated morale. In Oregon, Hoffman Construction Co. reported workers’ comp losses CASCADE BUSINESS CENTER TO HOLD VENDERS DAY Cascade Business Center Corpo­ ration will present Valko Sichel, President and CEO, of Northwest Futon Inc. as the featured speaker at their regular Neighborhood Business Forum on June 22 from 12:00 noon to 2:30. Sichel will share his vision for a successful business. The gen­ eral public is welcome to attend this session held at the Cascade Center, at 4134 N. Vancouver. TELECOMMUNICATIONS VENDOR DAY IS PART OF THE ACTION As part of the Neighborhood F rum Cascade will have a telecommu­ nications vendor day. Representa­ tives from such firms as GTE, AT&T, Sprint, will be on hand to display the latest in telecommunications tech­ nology and to discuss business com­ munication programs. Lunch will be served. Fees for the seminar will be $15.00 with lunch, $ 10.00 without lunch. Cascade Busi­ ness Center Resident Businesses and Associate members will receive a $5.00 discount. For Reservations call 284-3830. MULTNOMAH COUNTY FAIR TO OPEN JULY 25-30 Where: Expo Center Fairgrounds, On Marine Drive in North Portland Tue-Sat: Noon to 11 p.m.; Sunday, Noon to 9 p.m. $4 adults; $2 seniors 60 and over and students 6-12. Under six free. Jan Johnson, Ass’t. Manager 285-7756 or Clark Schenk- enberger, Publicity, 226-2721 Exhibits o f animals and livestock, foods and crafts, pets and small animals, poultry, art and photography. Carni­ val, rodeo, continuous entertainment on three stages, Australian exhibits, Indian exhibits, food and refresh­ ments, amusements. Hours: Adm ission: Contacts: Features: Daily: of $986,000 in 1984, before its safety and drug testing programs were in place. With both programs operating in 1987, losses dropped to $118,000. Northwest Natural Gas Company’s drug and alcohol policy - emphasiz­ ing health and wellness - produced a 27 percent drop in number of days lost to industrial accidents the first year and a 14 percent reduction in illness-caused absences. A comprehensive drug and safety program in Eugene-based Bohemia, Inc., cut workers ’ comp costs of $ 1.9 million in 1983-84 to $786,000 in 1987 -88. All are members of the Oregon Business Council, an organization of 41 of the state’s largest corporations. OBC has produced a series o f six guiding principles in a program they’re calling Fightback Against Drugs and is urging implementation by its membership. The principles state that compa­ nies should write policies to prohibit illegal drug use and take disciplinary action against employees who vio­ late the policies. They call for pre­ employment drug test and testing for cause. They also require rehabilita­ tion opportunities and establish edu­ cation programs for employees and families. Businesses with fewer in -house resources than the largest corpora­ tions are finding the elements of­ fered through Associated Oregon Industries a big help in implement­ ing their own programs. And AOI continues its efforts in behalf of all businesses to impress lawmakers and regulatory agencies with the impor­ tance of sustaining employers’ rights to test job applicants and existing employees for substance abuse. Testing is referred to as the essen­ tial weapon in the private sector’s es­ calating offensive in the war on crime and illicit drugs. The Oregon Department of Vet­ erans’ Affairs began mailing offers today to loan holders with 7.2 per­ cent rates. 40,000 borrowers will be offered the opportunity to convert their variable interest rate loan to a slightly higher fixed rate. These borrowers who can afford an increase in their monthly payment may find this option appealing be­ cause they would 1) have the com­ fort of knowing their mortgage inter­ est rate could never be raised, 2) pay less overall, and 3) they would have the ability to plan for retirement more effectively. Those choosing to take the fixed rate option would agree to a Modification Agreement. This is a financial benefit to the Department as borrowers would be paying a higher rate, the loan term would be shortened by 10 percent and reamortized each year. Director Jon Mangis is pleased to see results of the 1987 ODVA legis­ lation come to fruition. He antici­ pates a 10 percent positive response to the offer. Those loans numbered with even account numbers had their offer mailed today; odd numbered accounts will be mailed on June 23, 1989. Both will have three weeks to respond. Other accounts may be offered a fixed rate option at a later date. More in­ formation is available by calling 373- 2328 in Salem, or toll free 1-800- 828-8801. PASSINART: A THEATRE COMPANY PRESENTS LONG TIME SINCE YESTERDAY VOLUNTEERS OF AMERICA RECEIVES $50,000 GRANT TO BEGIN ADULT CARE PROGRAM NEIGHBORHOOD BUSINESS FORUM TO FEATURE FUTON MAN Volunteers of American (VOA) has been awarded a $50,000 grant from the National VOA Endowment Fund to begin an Adult Day Care Program. The program is expected to open on August 1, 1989, at 537 SE Alder St. The Adult Day Care Program will provide daily living assistance to frail, functionally impaired, or mildly confused older adults who might oth- erwisc require expensive nursing home care. The program will allow frail seniors to remain independent in their own homes as they age, and provides a low cost health care alternative. In serving the elderly, the program also provides respite to caregivers from the pressures and demands of caring for a disabled relative or friend. Services at the program will in- clude hot meals and snacks, health care, counseling, transportation to the program within designated areas, social activities, physical and recrea- tional therapy, and assistance in the activities of daily living (showering, grooming, taking medications, etc.), An interdisciplinary team of staff members will work with each senior to develop a personal plan o f care, These plans will address medical, physical, psychosocial, nutritional and grooming needs. The Adult Day Care Program will serve 30 clients per day, Monday through Friday. There will be a ratio of one staff person for six clients, al- lowing for much personal attention, Title XIX Medicaid will cover pro- gram fees for those that qualify. I MANAGEMENT DIRECTOR OF STORE OPERATIONS Energetic executive with brood retoil experience to direct statewide operation of 235 retail liquor stores. JUNE IS BLACK MUSIC MONTH You'll work with our Purchasing and Distribution Directors to assure the avail­ ability of alcoholic beverages to the public and produce $50-560 million in net revenue each year for the citizens of Oregon. Specifically, through your four district managers you'll oversee daily store op­ erations; administer inventory, sales, and cash handling procedures; and en­ sure excellent customer service. Candidates must know merchandising principles, have strong human relations skills, be able to work effectively with liquor store ogents as well as Commission managers and staff, and be capable of conducting special Merchandising Pro­ gram improvement projects Candidates must likewise have vision, integrity, a proven track record of moti­ vating and energizing others, and most importantly, the ability to produce positive results Since we retail a controlled substance, the ability to balance moderation concerns with the business aspect of our work is olso essential This is on Executive Service position, solary range $33,696-543,056 plus liberal benefits If you are highly qualified, and if you are interested in pining a public agency committed to excellence, please make sure your LETTER OF APPLICATION ond your RESUME arrive in our office by JUNE 23 Other entertainment to include Dave’s Aussie Band, Moore’s Amazing Mongrels, Professor Body wise’s Trav­ eling Menagerie, Kramien’s Educated Hollywood Par­ rots, North Sanitam, Sound Tradition Barbershop Quar­ tet. Exotic animals/ D O N N A SUMMER ANOTHER TIME AND PLACE w | Personnel Services 9079 S.E. McLoughlin Blvd. P.O Box 22297 Portland, OR 97222 (503J-653-3019 « An Equal Opportunity Affirmotiwe Action Employer M U S IC M IL L E N N IU M EAST PORTLAND 32nd & E. Burnside m uas THIS TIME I KNOW IT S FOR REAL I DON T WANNA GET HURT LOVE S ABOUT TO CHANGE MY HEART $6.99 231-8926 NW PORTLAND 23rd & N.VV. Johnson 248-0163 $2.00 OFF A lb u m o r C a sse tte C o m p a c t D is c E x p ire s 6 -2 8 -8 9 OREGON LIQUOR CONTROL COMMISSION “ Go Hog Wild Down Under” . Fair will feature Austra­ lian exhibits, activities, foods and refreshments, and Aussie music. I A According to Delanie Delimont, Director of Senior Services at VOA, Adult Day Care Programs are a rela- tively new idea in serving the eld- erly. Because many people are living to a more advanced age, the need for affordable, community based alter- natives in long term care has in- creased. “ Many Seniors do not need con- slant nursing care, “ said Delimont, “ but they do need some assistance in daily living. This program assists these people during the day and provides time off for their caregivers, usually their spouse or their children.” Deli- mont says that the program is also an option for elderly adults who live on their own without regular care givers but who still need some help with, for example, showering or remem- bering to take medications, Individuals who are interested in using the Adult Day Care Program when it opens in August may call Delimont at 232-4117. VOA Oregon, Inc. is part of one of the nation’s largest social services agencies which has branches in over 200 communities. VOA operates a wide variety of programs in the Port- land area including the following: a Child Care Center, two latchkey programs, a Senior Center and low cost clinic, a Senior transportation program, a residential facility for homeless and their children, a tem- P°rary shelter facility for adolescent girls, and the Womens Residential Center, a diversion program for female felons. PassinArt: A Theatre Company is pleased to present the Oregon premiere of LONG TIME SINCE YESTERDAY by P. J. Gibson. The play opens June 23 and runs through July 16,1989 at the Interstate Firehouse Cultural Center (5340 N. Interstate in Portland) on Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 p.m., and Sundays at 3:00 p.m.LONG TIME SINCE YESTERDAY is a potent new drama set in suburban Ewing Township, N.J. at a reunion of former college mates, now in their thirties, at the funeral of ariothcr friend, who has recently killed herself. These women are prosperous, professional, middle-class Black women who have gone through the turbulence of the sixties and have come out on top in the eighties. THESE ARE WOMEN WHO YOU KNOW. At the wake for their deceased friend, the suicide which has once again brought them together. This is a literate, humerus, and sensitive look at the lives o f contemporary Black women. The play was a success at the New York City’;s Federal Theatre in October of 1985. PassinArt Theatre Company’s production of LONG TIME SINCE YESTERDAY features Jeannette C. Bhajan, Jeannette Russell Brown, Chiffon Davis, Letta LeDuff, Betty Jean Gamer, Aisha Irving, Brenda Phillips, Carmen Warren, and Denise Williams. The production will be directed by Connie Carley who is the co-founder of PassinArt Theatre Company. Assistant Director, Michael Grant, set design is by Doug Strong, costumes by Wanda Walden,lighting by Rubin Hudson, and sound by Vicke Hudson. Ticket prices are $7.00 on Fridays and Saturdays, and $5.00 on Sundays. Discount rates available to groups and seniors. For reservations or more information, please call 284-4108 or 243-7930. SPECIAL PREVIEW NIGHT - THURSDAY, JUNE 22 AT 7;3O p.m. AT THE INTERSTATE FIREHOUSE CULTURAL CENTER - ADMIS­ SION $1.00. PassinArt: A Theatre Company is a non-profit community theater group, and this production is sponsored in part by the Metropolitan Arts Commis­ sion and Oregon Arts Commission. Tue., July 25: Kids Day. Free admission for 12 and under noon to 6 p.m. Seven carnival rides for $4.25. Main Stage entertainment COOL’R, SHOCK, LINN, AND DINO, the funk musician. Wed., July 26: Senior Day. Free admission for seniors all day. Main Stage entertainment is MICKEY GILLEY. Thu.,‘July 27: Main Stage features JAN & DEAN. Spe­ cial carnival day $7.50 for unlimited rides plus 11 games. (Some games require multiple tickets.) Fri., July 28: Main Stage Entertainment is MARSHALL TUCKER BAND. Sat., July 29: JOHNNY LIMBO AND THE LUGNUTS on the Main Stage. Sun., July 30: FRANKIE AVALON, former teen idol closes Main Stage. Theme: OREGON VET­ ERANS OFFICE OFFERS 7.2% HOME LOANS Ï