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Cascade Campus’ National Night Out returns Aug. 11

Story by Abe Proctor

Once again, the Humboldt Neighborhood Association and ����TV – Cascade Campus are joining forces to throw a party for the people of North Portland. The two organizations are teaming up to put on the 2011 Cascade Campus Open House and National Night Out celebration, set for 4-8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 11, in the Campus’ Borthwick Mall, 705 N. Killingsworth St.

“This year, our event is shaping up to be fun and educational for everyone,” said PCC’s Suzette Pump, chair of the event’s planning committee. “This event allows us to provide a safe environment for local residents to learn about community resources, neighborhood safety, and have fun while doing it.”

The featured performer for this year’s festivities will be a longtime Portland favorite – Ghanaian master drummer Obo Addy and his ensemble, Okropong. The group will play two sets, at 5:15p.m. and 7:15p.m. The evening’s entertainment also will include performances from the Usual Suspects – a jazz band headed by Cascade Professional Music department chair Allen Jones – as well as an interactive dance session with the campus’ Zumba class and an appearance from the dragon dancers of the Northwest Chinese Cultural Association.

The celebration has something to offer for visitors of all ages. Good stuff to eat and drink will be available, and for the kids, there will be fun, games, face painting, hands-on art activities and a drawing for two children’s bicycles. Representatives from a range of campus academic programs will be on hand with demonstrations, and information also will be available for those visitors who are interested in attending classes at the campus.

In keeping with National Night Out’s theme, “a going-away party for crime and drugs,” a host of community organizations and government agencies will provide demonstrations and information on how to be safe at home and in the neighborhood. The Portland Police Bureau will be on hand to echo this message.

Staff and students from the Campus’ Emergency Services programs – Paramedic, Emergency Medical Technician and Fire Protection Technology – will showcase their skills as they perform a live simulated rescue of victims from a staged auto accident. This activity will encompass the different stages of an accident rescue, from the initial call to 9-1-1 through patient transport on an ambulance.

“When people come together in a spirit of unity, it’s always a good thing for a community,” said Cascade Campus President Algie Gatewood. “I’m excited to partner with our neighbors to show our appreciation for the richness and diversity of our neighborhood.”

Participating organizations include Target, THA Architecture, Zipcar, Popeye’s Chicken & Biscuits, the Florida Room, Leonard Adams Insurance Co., Eddie’s Flatiron Pizza, Pacific NW Federal Credit Union, Hillsboro Auto Wrecking and many more.