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The Memo Calendar is your vehicle to publicize community events. Let your mid-Multnomah County neighbors know about events of interest, meetings, fundraisers and the like. Calendar submissions for the January edition are due Tuesday, Dec. 15. For best results, e-mail Darlene Vinson at editor@midcountymemo.com. Or mail your submissions to 3510 N.E. 134th Ave., Portland, OR 97230. To leave a phone message, call 503-287-8904. The Mid-county Memo fax number is 503-249-7672.
SCHOOL CORNER
Learning English made comfortable
Newcomers to the United States can acquire confidence and English language skills at Multnomah University Community English for Speakers of Other Language classes on Wednesday evenings. These free classes are taught in the Mitchell Library on the MU campus, 8435 N.E. Glisan St., from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. each week.
The classes focus on vocabulary and grammar and put students in practice-life settings. Students may join at any time. Materials are provided.
If you have questions or need directions, contact Kristen Hubert, TESOL Program Director, at 503-251-6412 or khubert@multnomah.edu.
MEETINGS
Join this service club - support your community every day
The Russellville Kiwanis Club meets every Tuesday at the Refectory Restaurant, on Northeast 122nd Avenue, just north of Halsey from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. You are invited to visit and enjoy a free lunch while you ponder joining a service club that supports many non-profit groups in our area.
The main project for the month is making deliveries of Christmas food boxes for SnowCap Community Charities on Tuesday, Dec. 20. If you have questions or would like to help, contact Charlie Ross at 503-252-1570.
Potluck and toy drive on the agenda
Flower Lane Garden Club will close out the year with its annual Christmas potluck and toy drive at the Club Estates Social Hall, 12275 S.E. Main St.; on Tuesday, Dec. 13 at 11:30 a.m. Members will bring dishes to share.
To learn more, contact Marjorie Stetson at 360-944-0982 or Elaine Bossert at 503-253-8270.
Garden group plans a party
The Villa Garden Club will celebrate the season with a potluck luncheon and white elephant gift exchange on Thursday, Dec. 15 at 10:30 a.m. at Savage Memorial Presbyterian Church, 1740 S.E. 139th Ave. Canned goods and other non-perishable food items will be collected for a Christmas family basket the group will donate. A review of club history books is also on the menu, so this meeting is a good one for folks who would like to know more about this group.
If you need more information, contact Velda Altig at 503-252-7423.
FAITH and VALUES
Breaking bread together
St. Joseph the Worker Church, 2310 S.E. 148th Ave., will serve a free community dinner on Saturday, Dec. 3 at 6 p.m. Enjoy a hot winter meal and broaden your circle of friends. Everyone is invited.
A tea in honor of Mary
The St. Matthew's Episcopal Church, 11229 N.E. Prescott St., invites the community to its annual Madonna Tea on Saturday, Dec. 10, from 1 to 3 p.m. Bring a favorite image of Mary, the Mother of Jesus. Stories will be shared; tea and finger foods will be served. Wear your favorite hat.
There is no charge but donations of hats, mittens, or scarves for the children served by the Portland Community Transitional School will be collected. To reserve a place at the tea or to learn more, please call Deacon Marla McGarry-Lawrence at 503-252-5720 or send an e-mail to marlaml@stmatthewepiscopal.org.
Concert in celebration of Advent
Brass, bells, and voices in the music of Bach, Gabrieli, Reger, and others at the annual Advent Concert at Tabor Heights United Methodist Church, 6161 S.E. Stark St., will join organist Helen Hollenbeck on Sunday, Dec. 11. At 4 p.m. Audience participation will be encouraged. Freewill offerings will be accepted.
Sing in the season
Join the annual Parkrose United Methodist Church Carol Sing on Sunday, Dec. 18 at 2 p.m. Sing favorite carols and enjoy selections by the chancel choir and bell choir.
The church will also offer a Christmas Eve candlelight service at 7 p.m.
Christmas Eve
Gateway Church, 13300 N.E. San Rafael St., plans a Christmas Eve service at 5:30 p.m. Nursery care will be provided.
Benefit concert in support of homeless
Human Solutions' 10th annual Epiphany Choir Fest will be held Sunday, Jan. 8, at 5 p.m. at Parkrose United Methodist Church, 11111 N.E. Knott St. The Epiphany Choir Fest is a celebration of the culmination of the holiday season, as well as a fundraising event to benefit Human Solutions' Daybreak Shelter and other services for homeless families. Local church choirs plus a bell choir will perform Christmas anthems and carols, and the combined choirs will perform the “Hallelujah Chorus” from Handel's “Messiah.” A reception with light refreshments will follow the concert.
This uplifting event is an opportunity to hear Christmas music one last time until next season, and a perfect opportunity to introduce family and friends to Human Solutions' programs and support services benefiting homeless families in Mid and East Multnomah County.
Everyone is welcome and the event is free, although the audience will be invited to make a donation.
The Daybreak Shelter, a 15 bed emergency shelter for homeless families, is open all year round, and is the foundation for Human Solutions' programs for homeless families.
In addition to the Daybreak Shelter, Human Solutions operates a Family Winter Shelter, a 60-bed homeless family shelter at Eastminster Presbyterian Church, 12505 N.E. Halsey Street. Beginning Nov. 1, and every night thru the end of March 2012 (April if funding permits), from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m., families with children will have a warm, dry, safe and welcoming place to sleep. Human Solutions also provides transitional housing, permanent supportive housing and Housing First programs for homeless families.
Human Solutions is currently providing emergency shelter or housing to more than 500 people in over 170 homeless families each night. Support from the community is requested by Human Solutions to keep all of these programs for homeless families operational this year.
For more information about Human Solutions, visit humansolutions.org.
VOLUNTEER ACTIVITIES
Volunteer as a SMART reader for one hour per week
Right now, in the David Douglas School District, the Start Making A Reader Today program needs 50 volunteers to meet its goals of reading twice per week with 100 local children. Readers are especially needed at Gilbert Heights, Menlo Park, Mill Park and Alder elementary schools.
Help children select books to read and take home to share with their families. Spend the same hour every week, from now through May to make a difference and help Start Making A Reader Today.
For more information, and to apply, go to getsmartoregon.org or call 971-634-1616.
FUNDRAISERS
Going… going… Gone
This month is your last chance to purchase Entertainment Books from the Russellville Kiwanis. They are $25 each and you can get them at the State Farm Insurance Office at 10643 N.E. Sandy Blvd., or call Jason Zwick at 503-287-6122 or Charlie Ross at 503-252-1570. The coupons and offers are valid thru Nov. 1, 2012.
Recycle your Christmas tree
The David Douglas Dad's Club will hold its annual Christmas Tree Recycling on Saturday Dec. 31 and Sunday Jan. 1 and again on Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 7 and 8 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the south parking lot of David Douglas High School, 1001 S.E. 135th Ave. The cost is $5 per tree and $2 per wreath. Drop off your tree or wreath or call 503-660-3076 to arrange for a pick up if you live within the David Douglas School District.
BAZAARS and CRAFT FAIRS
David Douglas High School PTSA
The 15th annual Holiday Bazaar in support of the DDHS PTSA college scholarship fund is Saturday, Dec. 3 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 1001 S.E. 135th Ave. Vendors will offer beautiful handcrafted decorations and gifts for the kids, parents and even your pets. The Jingle Bell Café will be open all day.
THE ARTS
Buy tickets to “Fiddler on the Roof”
The David Douglas High School Performing Arts Department will present this winner of a whopping 10 Tony Awards. You will remember the music: “Sunrise, Sunset,” “If I Were a Rich Man,” “Matchmaker.”
Rich in historical and ethnic detail, “Fiddler on the Roof” has touched audiences around the world with its humor, warmth and honesty. The universal theme of tradition cuts across barriers of race, class, nationality and religion, leaving audiences crying tears of laughter, joy and sadness.
Performances are Thursday, Friday and Saturday, Dec. 1-3 and 8-10 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 4 at 2:30 p.m. at the Howard Horner Performing Arts Center, 1400 SE 130th Ave.
Ticket prices are $10 for adults, $7 for students and seniors. Box office hours are Monday, Wednesday, Friday on school days from 3 to 5:30 p.m., and an hour before show time. To reserve your tickets online, go to hs.ddouglas.k12.or.us, or call 503-261-8270 for more information.
Students come together in music
The combined student bodies of Madison and Marshall high schools has resulted in four choirs, two concert bands and two drum line groups at Madison High, 2735 N.E. 82nd Ave.
On Saturday, Dec. 3 the Madison Singers, Top Notes, Men's Choir and Women's Ensemble will perform at the Grotto Festival of Lights at 6:30 p.m. The Grotto is at 8840 N.E. Skidmore St. Tickets are $8 for adults, $4 for children aged 3-12, kids 2 and under are free.
On Thursday, Dec. 15, the concert band, drum lines, Madison Singers, Top Notes, Men's Choir and Women's Ensemble will offer a winter concert in the high school auditorium. Admission is $5 for adults.
For more information, contact Jason Owens, music director at jowens2@pps.k12.or.us or 503-916-5220 ext. 79291.
A venue for local artists
The Gresham Art Committee is exhibiting the work of local artists from Dec. 6 thought Jan. 12 daily in the Visual Arts Building at Gresham City Hall, 1333 N.W. Eastman Parkway. The show is open Monday through Friday from 9a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free. A reception with the participating artists will be held Tuesday, Dec. 20 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. All pieces are for sale in time for holiday gifting. For additional information, or to learn how to participate in upcoming shows please visit greshamartcommittee.org.
Highbrow entertainment for the whole family at local church
Portland Chamber Music returns to St. Matthew's Episcopal Church, 11229 N.E. Prescott St., on Friday, Dec. 9 at 7 p.m. This fun, informal, and very family-friendly concerts bring a mix of classical and contemporary musical delights that will incorporate clarinet, piano, cello, and violin. Works by Copland, Bruch, Bloch, Boston, and Eric Clapton will be performed. The musicians provide information regarding the composers and pieces played and invite questions from the audience between settings. This event is free, although donations are gratefully accepted.
Browse works by local iconographers before and after the concert.
For more information, please call 503-252-5720.
Celebrate the season with free concert
The Portland Metro Concert Band holiday concert is Friday, Dec. 16, at 7:30 p.m. at David Douglas High Horner Performing Arts Center, 1400 S.E. 130th Ave.
The program will include Christmas music and other concert music from Broadway and film, some jazz and some classical. The public is invited to this free event.
EVENTS and ACTIVITIES
Girls' basketball begins
Basketball registration for girls in grades 3-6 in David Douglas School District schools will begin Monday, Dec. 5. New players learn the fundamental rules, skills and drills, while returning players fine-tune their abilities. The fee is $50 and includes a Community Sports basketball shirt. Register before winter break. Practice times vary but are after school beginning in January. Games are played on Saturdays Jan. 28 through March 17. Families provide transportation. Registration forms will be sent home in elementary weekly folders, and are also available from the building coordinator at each elementary building, or the vice principal's office at the middle schools. Call your student's school or 503-261-8206 if you would like more information.
Volunteer coaches are needed at each building and are essential to the success of the program. Experience is helpful but not necessary. The time commitment is two one-hour practices per week and a Saturday game. Two coaches per team are allowed and each is eligible for a fee discount for their own child. A coaching clinic and a handbook are available to help coaches prepare. A criminal history background check is required.
To volunteer as a coach, see the building coordinator at your child's elementary school, the vice principal's office at the middle school or call 503-261-8206.
Free support for immigrants
Catholic Charities Immigration Legal Services will host an Immigration Charla (Spanish for “talk”) at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 6 at the Clark Family Center, 2740 S.E. Powell Blvd. Charlas are for anyone with legal questions or concerns regarding immigration issues. The event is led by an experienced and knowledgeable legal representative and is a great opportunity to get quick immigration legal questions answered free. These are general talks. If you would like to schedule a personal consultation, please call 503-542-2855.
Have some family fun
Join Fir Ridge Campus students, staff and families at its second free Family Fun Festival on Thursday, Dec. 8 from 3 to 7:30 p.m. at 11215 S.E. Market St. There will be music, art, open gym, prizes, resources, childcare, a multi-cultural potluck, and holiday crafting. For more information, call Kim Anderson at 503-256-6530.
Unbelievably, it is time for baseball sign-ups
Little League Baseball is right around the corner and sign-ups for the respective leagues are scheduled to begin. Lakeside Little League serves some families within the Parkrose School District. The league will hold sign-ups Wednesday, Dec. 14, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Gregory Heights Library, 7921 N.E. Sandy Blvd.
If you are unsure which league your child should participate in, please direct your questions to lakesidelittleleague@live.com or call league president, Desiree Mihalak at 503-317-7420.
Baseball sign up dates set
David Douglas students in grades K-8 can sign up for David Douglas 2012 Youth Baseball on Wednesday, Dec. 14 from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. in the lobby at Floyd Light Middle School, 10800 S.E. Washington St. Kindergarten through grade 5 students may also register at their elementary school. Other sign-up options include picking up a registration form at the district office on Southeast 130th Avenue and Market Street.
David Douglas Youth Baseball is part of the David Douglas Community Sports Program and is open to girls and boys, ages 5-14. Fees for the 2012 season: t-ball (grades K-1), rookie (grades 2-3), and majors (grades 4-6) are $50. JBO juniors (select 6th graders) and seniors (select 7th and 8th graders) are $110. There is a family fee cap of $150.
Coaches and umpires are needed; requirements include a free coaching or umpire clinic, and a background check. Sorry, scholarships are not available for the 2012 season.
NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION MEETINGS
Parkrose Heights Association of Neighbors
PHAN board members are working on a plan to reshape the association to fit the needs of the neighborhood. All Parkrose Heights residents are encouraged to participate in this process. Visit the website, parkroseheights.org, to learn more and for the meeting schedule. Send input to parkroseheights@gmail.com or contact Jim Murphy, interim board chair at 503-254-7060.
LIBRARIES
Gregory Heights Library, 7921 N.E. Sandy Blvd., multcolib.org/agcy/grh.html, 503-988-5386
Space at programs is limited. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis, except as noted.
Tiny Tots: Storytime for children 12 to 24 months with adult, Thursdays through Dec. 15 from 10:15 to 10:45 a.m.
Book Babies: Storytime for children newborn to 12 months with adult, Thursdays through Dec. 15 from 11:15 to 11:45 a.m.
Toddler Storytime: Storytime for children 24 to 36 months with adult, Fridays through Dec. 16 from 10:15 to 10:45 a.m.
Preschool Storytime: Storytime for children 3 to 6 years with adult. Fridays through Dec. 16 from 11:15 to 11:45 a.m.
Family Storytime: Storytime for children 6 years and younger with adult, Saturdays through Dec. 17 from 11:15 to 11:45 a.m.
Festive Candle Making: Artist Kathy Karbo will show you how to create sculptural candles from colorful sheets of beeswax and embellish them with found objects. These rolled candles are colorful, aromatic, and make the perfect holiday gift. Wrap your gift in tissue and ribbon before taking it home; great for children and adults ages five and up. Registration is required. Register online, in the library or by calling 503-988-5234, Saturday, Dec. 10 from 2 to 4 p.m.
Teen Lounge and Homework Center: Use library computers, get homework help, or just do your homework and listen to music. For teens in grades 6-12, Thursdays through Dec. 15 from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.
Make Your Mark: Create your very own hand-carved rubber stamps with linoleum block tools. Leave your mark by stamping your symbol, signature or design on notes, stationery or artwork. Under the instruction of local artist Joy Leising of the 100th Monkey Studio, each artist will create and take home a signature stamp, for teens in grades 6-12, Thursday, Dec. 8 from 4 to 5:45 p.m.
Knitting Club: Whether you are a beginner or an experienced knitter, join the fun and learn together. All experience levels and ages welcome; please bring your own supplies, Tuesdays from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
Language Exchange: Engage in conversation with native English speakers who want to practice their Spanish and with native Spanish speakers who want to practice their English. There will be time for conversation in both languages. Saturdays from 4 to 5:30 p.m., except Dec. 24.
Fruit Cake Redeemed: If you have long suspected that the fruitcake jokes are bogus and the cakes are actually delicious, then this is the class for you. Cookbook author and food historian Jean Johnson will demonstrate creating one of these lovely cakes while offering samples to taste. Fruitcakes are rich in dried fruits, nuts, eggs and butter and can make great gifts. Fear no one will want your fruitcake? Attend this class to learn Jean's secret to making this delectable seasonal treat, Wednesday, Dec. 7 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Pageturners Book Group: Read “Persepolis” by Marjane Satrapi. Engage in stimulating conversation about books, exchange perspectives about characters and plot, and get to know your neighbors, Wednesday, Dec. 21 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Vietnamese Computer Lab: Lab assistants are available to help beginners practice their computer skills, Wednesdays from 4 to 5:30 p.m.
Computer Lab: Lab assistants are available to help beginners practice their computer skills, Thursdays from 1:30 to 3 p.m.
Midland Library, 805 S.E. 122nd Ave., multcolib.org/agcy/mid.htm, 503-988-5392
Space at programs is limited. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis, except as noted.
Chinese Storytime: Storytime presented in Cantonese for children ages newborn to 6 years with adult, Sundays through Dec. 11 from 1:15 to 2 p.m.
Preschool Yoga Storytime: This class introduces children to the benefits of yoga through stories, music and simple movements, for children ages 3 to 6 years and their caregivers, one child per adult. You are encouraged to bring your own mat, Tuesdays through Dec. 13 from 10:15 to 11 a.m.
Book Babies: Storytime for children newborn to 12 months with adult, Tuesdays through Dec. 13 from 11:15 a.m. to noon.
Pajama Time: Put on your pajamas, grab a bedtime buddy, and join staff for stories, songs and fun, for children 6 years and younger with adult, Tuesdays through Dec. 13 from 7 to 7:30 p.m.
Tiny Tots: Storytime for children 12 to 24 months with adult, Wednesdays through Dec. 14 from 10:15 to 11 a.m. and from 11:15 a.m. to noon, Fridays through Dec. 16 from 10:15 to 11 a.m.
Preschool Storytime: Storytime for children 3 to 6 years with adult, Thursdays through Dec. 15 from 10:15 to 11 a.m.
Toddler Storytime: Storytime for children 24 to 36 months with adult, Thursdays through Dec. 15 and Fridays through Dec. 16 from 11:15 a.m. to noon.
Vietnamese Storytime: Storytime presented in Vietnamese for children ages newborn to 6 years with adult. Saturdays, Dec. 3, 17 and 31 from 10:15 to 11 a.m.
Yarn Club: Whether your interest is knitting or crocheting, come join the fun and learn together. All experience levels and ages welcome. Please bring your own supplies, Thursdays from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.
Hanukah-The Power of Light: This performance by the Jewish Theatre Collaborative introduces children to the traditions and history of Hanukah, honoring children's diversity while uniting them in understanding, Friday, Dec. 9 from 4 to 5 p.m.
Vietnamese Family Playgroup: This playgroup is a wonderful opportunity for both children and parents from the community to meet and network with each other. It is also a gathering place for children to practice and learn Vietnamese, Saturday, Dec. 10, from 10:15 to 11 a.m.
Adventures with Bugs: Join the Bug Chicks, two female entomologists (bug scientists), in exploring the world of insects, spiders and their relatives. You can even hold, pet and look at all sorts of crazy creatures including tarantulas, cockroaches, scorpions and more, Friday, Dec. 16 from 4 to 5:30 p.m.
Teen Lounge: Use library laptops for homework or fun, play Wii or board games, and meet your friends, for teens in grades 6-12, Mondays through Dec. 12 from 4 to 6 p.m.
Chess Club for Children and Teens: Have fun playing chess. Beginning, intermediate and advanced players are welcome. Bring your own set or use one in the library. Saturdays from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m., except Dec. 24.
Read to the Dogs: Improve your reading skills and make a new friend by reading aloud to a therapy dog from the Delta Society's Pet Partners Program, sponsored by DoveLewis. Registration is required. Call 503-988-5392. Mondays, Dec. 5 and 19 from 6:30 to 8 p.m.
Teen Council: Meet new friends, learn new skills, help the library, eat snacks and have fun. Wednesdays, Dec. 7 and 21 from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.
Language Exchange: Engage in conversation with native English speakers who want to practice their Spanish, as well as with native Spanish speakers who want to practice their English, Sundays from 3 to 4:30 p.m. except Dec. 25.
Talk Time: Talk Time is an informal conversation circle for non-native speakers to practice speaking English. This is not a class, but an opportunity to meet new people, share your culture, and have fun. Only English is spoken. Mondays from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
Writers Talking-R. Gregory Nokes: Midland Library in partnership with the Portland chapter of the Asian American Journalists Association welcomes R. Gregory Nokes, author of “Massacred for Gold: The Chinese in Hells Canyon.” This is the first authoritative account of the long-forgotten 1887 massacre of as many as 34 Chinese gold miners in Oregon's Hells Canyon, the deepest canyon in North America, Saturday, Dec. 3 from 1:30 to 3 p.m.
Holiday Shopping on a Budget: With the holiday shopping season around the corner, it is time to start evaluating your holiday spending. Join shopping guru Nicolle Camarata of NicolleShops Portland along with a financial educator from Innovative Changes in learning how to stay on budget while giving some great gifts. Swag bags will be available while supplies last, Monday, Dec. 5 from 6:30 to 8 p.m.
Pageturners Book Groups: sponsored by the Friends of the Library, you can engage in stimulating conversation about books and get to know your neighbors; read “Appetite for America” by Stephen Fried for discussion on Monday, Dec. 19 from 6:45 to 8 p.m. In addition, read “Like Water for Chocolate” by Laura Esquivel for discussion on Wednesday, Dec. 21 from 1 to 2:15 p.m.
Computer Lab: Lab assistants are available to help beginners practice their computer skills, Tuesdays from 5 to 7:30 p.m. and Fridays from 2:30 to 5 p.m.
Vietnamese Computer Basics: Learn how to use the library catalog, e-mail, surf the web, word processing and other basic computer skills. Registration is required. Register online, in the library or by calling 503-988-5234, Saturday, Dec. 3 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Meet the Computer: Never tried a computer before? In this two-session course, you will get to meet the computer, the keyboard and the mouse, and learn what they are and how to use them. No experience is necessary for you to take this relaxed, fun class. If you have never used a computer before, this is an excellent class to take before Introduction to Computers. Offered by OASIS Connections, a national organization devoted to lifelong learning for adults over 50. Registration is required. Register online, in the library or by calling 503-988-5234. Mondays, Dec. 5 and 12 from 2 to 4 p.m.
Is this thing on? Get help with Library2Go: Is there an e-book reader gathering dust in your closet because you are not sure how to get started? Are you dying to try out the library's downloadable audio books but do not know how to transfer the files? Library staff is there for you. Drop in for one-on-one help using Library2Go. The library asks you to bring your device and any other equipment you need to download or transfer to your device, such as a laptop and cord. Registration is required. Register online, in the library or by calling 503-988-5234, Tuesday, Dec. 6 from 3:30 to 5 p.m.
Word Processing: This class introduces you to the basic functionality of Microsoft Word 2007 and other free word processing products. To participate, you must be comfortable using a keyboard and a mouse. Registration is required. Register online, in the library or by calling 503-988-5234, Saturday, Dec. 10 from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.
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