JJnrthtnb (©bseruer Page B2 March 21, 2007 Teen Idol Coming Portland's own singing competition bv S arah B lount T he P ortland O bserver Portland Parks and Recreation will host a singing competition for teens modeled after "A m eri­ can Idol.” "Portland’s Teen Idol" comes with a grand prize o f a $500 savings bond and a head start on local fame when he or she gets to record a song written by a local band. The group has yet to be determined but the city is talking with the rock group Storm Large and the Balls. The winner will perform this song all sum m er long at different city park events, and the tune will be available on the Jam m in’ 95.5 website. Those who make the top 10 will also receive prizes o f iPods ranging from 2 to 80 GB. Jeff Milkes o f Portland Parks and Recreation said that teens w ill ch o o se th e ir ow n songs th ro u g h o u t th e p re lim in a ry rounds of the competition. “ T h e first ro u n d s w ill be acapella to show their talent," he said. In another parallel to the real show, Portland’s Teen Idol will feature local celebrity judges. As o f press time judges were still being selected, but Mayor Tom Potter and Miss Oregon are pos­ sibilities, Milkes said. Would-be volunteers are encouraged to call, he added. M oney for the com petition com es from a pilot program to increase teen participation in parks and recreation programs as part o f a budget that also extends hours in community centers and beefs up outdoor recreation pro­ gram s. Teen Idol hopefuls must be between 13 to 19 years old (7th through 12th grade students) and can audition at the following times and locations: March 23-24, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Mt. Scott Community Center; March 24 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Montavilla Community Cen­ ter’ March 30 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Community Music Cen­ ter; March 30 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at East Portland Com m u­ nity Center; March 31 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at St. Johns Community Center; April 7 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Matt Dishman Community Center; April 7 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Southwest Community Center; April 8 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Peninsula Community Center; and April 8 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at South­ west Community Center. Elimination Rounds are held April 13-14 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Community Music Center with the Final Round taking place May 19 from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. at a location to be announced. To sign up or for more infor­ mation call the PDX Teen Idol phone line at 503-823-6714, email pdxteenidol@ ci.portland.or.us or visit m yspace.com /pdxteenidol. Are you currently in an adjustable rate mortgage? Is your rate increasing? I t’s never too soon to think about refinancing. You may have more options then you think. 360-823-1441 1-888-849-0588 Local children celebrate Chinese New Year at Clark Elementary School in southeast Portland thanks to an education program provided by Panda Express. The recent event introduced kids to the traditions and heritage o f Chinese people and the Zodiac calendar. Zoo Recruits Volunteers Do you enjoy interacting with people and animals? The Oregon Zoo has opportunities for youth and adult volunteers to work at least one 3 Vi hour shift per week from mid-May to Labor Day in the Winged Wonders butterfly exhibit as Zoo Ambassadors. Entire families are encouraged to apply. Orientations begin March 3 1. For more information, call 503- 226-1561 .extension 5397. Are you behind in your m ortgage payments? Save hundreds o f $$$$$ per month and Call Multicultural Learning Charlotte Martin t=J ¿fi affi 222 N.E. Park Plaza Dr., Suite 115 Vancouver, WA 98684 ..JMELOAN SOURCE cmartin@homeloansource.com ..Äfe R A young Oregon Zoo visitor learns about a delicate butterfly from a Zoo Ambassador. Cool Nutz (left) and Luni Coleone come together to f^ CO^ Hailing from Sacr amento ant Portland, Luni C oleone and Coo Single Day. ' -Jlartlanh © bsrrlier Rap Artists Produce “Every Single Day” N utz have co m e to g e th e r to L im la s íMlaiill S e m e e Residential-Offices “Cleanliness is next to Godliness" Oregon's oldest multicultural newspaper Spring Cleaning Special call 5 0 3 -8 3 9 -6 7 9 0 Serving Portland's communities for 36 years. Linda J. Scott, O w ner C o u p O f î 1 0 /c o f f Insured — Bonded record an incredible album com ­ ing to stores in June. T he tw o rap artists have played an intricate role in the growth of W est Coast independent hip-hop and have set the bar high with the com pletion o f the new CD titled "Every Single Day". It features the hit single "That Doe" with an appearance and production work from Super Pro­ ducer B osko(E -40, Kanye West, Tupac Shakur and more). The tracks are considered a sure guar­ antee to burn radio station air­ waves this summer. "Every Single Day" also fea­ tu re s a p p e a ra n c e s from Key Loom , M aniac Lok, E-D aw g, Mr. D.O.G. and more. T! O re g o n D e p a r tm e n t o f T ra n s p o rta tio n ODOT IS KEEPING OREGON ON THE MOVE Interstate 5 is under construction! Committed to Cultural Diversity 503-288-0033 Be safe, be prepared and be patient as the Oregon Department of Transportation repairs and modernizes our highways and bridges. Drivers will pass through more than 20 active construction zones on 1-5 between Portland and Medford in 2007. In the SLOW DOWN! BETTER ROADS AHEAD Portland metro area, crews are currently replacing two highway bridges outside Wilsonville and will begin a project between Capital Highway and the Tualatin River this spring How can you prepare? Stay informed with up-to-the-minute information about traffic and construction by visiting TripCheck.com or calling 5-1-1. ena MMM MMMMKTM« IMM IM aT M l I