The world's greatest entertainer, Michael Jackson, made one final jaw dropping and tear drawing appearance when Andrae Crouch's gospel group brought him into the Staples Center to the melody of "Soon and Very Soon," in an emotional memorial televised to billions on July 7. For the estimated 20,000 on hand at the same arena where Jackson rehearsed for the final time just days before his death, his celebration of life brought home the harsh reality that the most generous entertainer the world has ever known is gone. . . .

When Doris Jones isn't gardening, she's driving seniors to their medical appointments.  Ms. Jones has a busy life; she spends time with her family, takes her granddaughter to ballet and, of course, tends her flower beds. Plus, twice a week she drives seniors in Beacon Hill and the Central District to medical appointments through Senior Services' Volunteer Transportation Program. . . .

Louis Boston, president of The Boston Group, and influential business leader, passed away July 5, 2009 at his home in Tigard after a long battle with cancer. Funeral Services will be held Saturday, July 18, 9:30 A.M. at St. Andrew Catholic Church, Northeast 9th Avenue and Alberta Street, followed by a community reception.. . . .

Like so many throughout the world, I am deeply saddened by the passing of Michael Joseph Jackson the "King of Pop."  I cry not only because I will miss his music, his dancing, his giving and generous sprit, I cry because his death represents a very real and everyday tragedy among us--untreated mental illness. For the last few decades Michael appeared to be losing his mind right before our eyes. His odd behavior was dismissed as mere "eccentricity" due in part to his enormous fame and fortune. . . .

Attorney General Rob McKenna Thursday praised the Federal Trade Commission for tackling a Tacoma company that preyed on financially strapped consumers. He urged consumers to take advantage of low-cost credit counseling services. "When you're drowning in debt, you're desperate," McKenna said. "But if you're not careful, your chosen rescuer may toss you an anvil instead of a life preserver." . . .

A reminder program aimed at screening for breast cancer when it is most treatable boosted mammography rates by more than 17 percentage points, according to a new study by Kaiser Permanente's Center for Health Research in the August issue of the American Journal of Preventive Medicine. The program used electronic health records to identify women who would soon be due for a mammogram and reached out to them via postcards, automated voice messages and personal phone calls. . . .

TriMet will be holding open houses and hearings on proposed changes to Fareless Square and service frequency for 24 bus lines. The first meeting is Monday, July 13, at the Liberty Northwest Center, Auditorium, Lower Level, 650 NE Holladay St., Portland, Open house: 11 a.m-2 p.m.; public hearing: noon-2 p.m. A public comment period will be through July 17. TriMet has proposed limiting Fareless Square to rail only and changing the frequency during non-rush hours on about two dozen bus lines. The agency will take public comment on these proposals at two open houses and public hearings on Monday, July 13. You can e-mail comments to . . . .

• WSDOT holds Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Goals Webinar and public meeting
• Poetry Slam
• Make a Difference ... Travel with a Purpose
  

• Learn to Preserve Your Family Heirlooms
• OMSI After Dark Announces Summer, Fall Nights
• Tour Portland's Community Gardens, July 18
• Neighbors Invited to Master Gardener Hotline Open House
• Learn to Write Grants
• Self Defense Organization Holds Fundraiser

The recently opened King Farmers Market is now giving Oregon Food Stamp recipients an extra boost. With the help of the Northeast Coalition of Neighborhoods, the Portland Farmers Market and the Alberta Food Co-Op, the Foodshare Fund Northeast will give users of Food Stamps an extra $5 at the King Farmers Market. The market is open 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sundays until Sept. 27 near the intersection of  NE 7th Avenueand . . . .