• *\**’ » * ••• r 9 » * Page 6 Portland Observer NOVEMBER 16, 1989 News From Neil Gallery To Feature Work Of American Painter Jacob Lawrence by Governor Neil Goldschmidt Oregonians have been bombarded with information about the terrible toll drugs and alcohol are having on our society. The media report daily on escalating crime rates, babies bom drug-addicted, child abuse, gangs, and new and more potent forms of drugs being manufactured in our neighborhoods and public forests. While the news may at times seem overwhelming, Oregon isn’t giving up the fight. In the past three years, we have made great strides in our battle against drugs: By beginning the largest prison building pro­ gram in Oregon’s history, giving law en­ forcement officers new tools t fight crime, starting a Children’s Agenda for Oregon to help our children prepare to lead full lives as adults, and expanding education and treatment programs in our state. It's a battle we must continue to make at every level in order to win. The most important efforts we can make in Oregon to combat drugs are with our children. W em ust prepare them in their early years to understand the dangers of drugs, and how to keep them from becom­ ing users. This year, I proposed, and the Oregon Legislature passed, a bill requiring that all Oregon elementary schools, middle schools, high schools, and institutions of higher education develop drug and alcohol poli­ cies, plans and education programs for all children. One of the major goals o f Oregon’s Children’s Agenda is to help prepare our children to lead full and healthy, drug-free lives. As part of the Children’s Agenda, new state funds will help screen infants in O re­ gon who may have a high risk of serious problems resulting from drug use by a mother during pregnancy, and help provide family drug and alcohol abuse treatment. The state may also now revoke teenagers’ drivers license if they abuse their driving privilege or drive with alcohol or drugs in their system. • Community-based efforts to help par­ ents and children deal with drugs are the foundation of the Children’s Agenda and already they are making a difference. For example, last year the state joined in a partnership with the Fred Meyer Charitable Trust to co-sponsor the “ Preparing for the Drug (Free) Y ears" program. The program has provided training to more than 4,000 parents in community workshops across the state to help families prevent drug abuse by children as they enter adolescence. This children up to six years of age get a great start on life. Projects will include efforts to improve the supply of quality, affordable day care; prevent child abuse; improve parental education; institute health care screening; and more that may help them to avoid problems that later in life may lead to drug to drug abuse. That’s also why, in 1987, we began the Student Retention Ini­ tiative (SRI) to attack Oregon’s high drop­ out rate and keep kids in school so they don’t drop out or become dependent on drugs. Most counties in the state have re­ ceived funding through SRI for alcohol and drug abuse prevention, intervention and treatment. We must be sure that our children get all the help they need — child care, health care, education, and adult support - so they can become productive contributors to our society and avoid drug use. Oregon has made great strides in recent years to restore its power to punish those who produce and distribute drugs in our state. After neglecting our prison system for more than a decade, the state now has underway the largest prison-building pro­ gram in its history. Oregon law enforcement officials and citizens have been frustrated by the “ re­ volving door” that’s been allowed to spin in our criminal justice system. All too of­ ten, as soon as a criminals are arrested and convicted, they’ve been back on the street committing crimes. Now that w e’re build­ ing the cells, that’s going to stop. In addition, this year I signed into law sweeping new crime-fighting measures that will improve our ability to catch and con­ vict drug criminals. New laws will allow police officers to carry listening devices in drug cases without a court order, to shut down drug houses anywhere in the state as nuisances, to seize the assets of drug push­ ers and king-pins and turn them around to catch more criminals, and much more. Last month, federal officials turned over to our State Police approximately $500,000 in drug funds seized from just two cases in the past year. With our new seizure legislation, these amounts are expected to skyrocket. In addition, fines for possession of marijuana have been increased from the current $100 maximum (with many fines much less) to a mandatory $500-$ 1,000. New programs have also been started to get convicted criminals off drugs and alcohol before returning them to society, where they might commit more crimes to support is an on-going effort, and programs are their addictions. Punishment for those who break the currently underway to train another 3,000- law, better tools for those who enforce the 4,000 parents. law, and education and prevention efforts The new “ Great Start” program will for our children — that’s the Oregon way of provide $5 million in grants to counties fighting the drug battle. across Oregon for projects aimed at helping Call for a quote on your auto or homeowners insurance. Compare Allstate for value. Absolutely no obligation. Call now for an estimate. /instate Allstate Insurance Company « X Frank Swopes, Sr. Account Agent 2112 N.W. Northrup Portland, OR 97210 (503) 274-0632 I F •T ’ * * * 4, m * « • * * * * * < « SALEM--The Hallie Brown Ford G al­ lery of Willamette University will feature the work of Afro-American artist Jacob Lawrence from Nov. 6-Dcc. 1. The Gallery, located in the Art Building at the com er of State and Winter streets in Salem, is open from 12-5p.m. Monday through Friday. On Nov. 17 at 5 p.m., Ellen Wheat, author of the book Jacob Lawrence, American Painter, will speak on Lawrence and his work. A reception will follow. Both the exhibit and the reception are free. Bom in 1917 in Atlantic City, New Jersey, Lawrence has been praised as one of America’s finest artists. He studied at the Harlem A n Workshop and at the American Artists School, and has received honorary fine arts degrees from Rutgers University, Spellman College, Yale University, and Carnegie-Mellon University. Lawrence’s works appear in many private, corporate, and public collections, including the M u­ seum of Modem Art, Citibank, Howard University, and the Seattle Art Museum. Lawrence has also served as commissioner of the National Council of the Arts. Lawrence has said of his work, “ My pictures express my life and experience. I paint the things I know about and the things I have experienced. The things I have expe­ rienced extend into my national, racial, and class group. So I paint the American scene.” The Gallery exhibit will include paint­ ings, drawings, and prints, as well as a number of photographs of Lawrence. James B. Thompson, assistant professor of art and gallery director, comments, "This is a unique opportunity for people in Salem and the Willamette Valley to see the work of an exceptional artist. His work is truly Ameri­ can, and vibrates with the essence of American life.” Thompson adds that groups such as school children are especially welcome at the exhibit. 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