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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 February issue are due Saturday, Jan. 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
College information night
David Douglas High School is sponsoring a college information night for students of any age and their parents on Wednesday, Jan. 12, in the Performing Arts Center, 1400 S.E. 130th Ave., from 6:30 to 8 p.m. There will be speakers from several colleges and universities providing information on campus life and opportunities at their school. Financial aid and scholarship information will be presented as well.
Improve your English for free
Multnomah University, 8435 N.E. Glisan St., offers free community English for speakers of other languages classes every Tuesday night. Multiple levels are offered to accommodate the varying needs of English learners in the Northeast Portland community ranging from those who have recently moved to the United States and know very little English to those who have lived in America for many years but want to gain confidence in pronunciation or conversation.
The classes focus on English vocabulary and grammar, as well enabling students to use their English in practical life settings, such as job interviews or shopping.
The teachers are students from the undergraduate and graduate TESOL program at Multnomah University. The classes will be held in the lower classrooms of Multnomah University's Mitchell Library Tuesday nights from 6:30 to 8 p.m. beginning on Jan. 18 and continuing through May. New students are welcome any time. All materials are provided.
To learn more, contact Kristen Hubert, TESOL program director, at 503-251-6412 or khubert@multnomah.edu.
Helping students find money for college
Learn how to get money for college at a special Financial Aid Day at Mt. Hood Community College, 26000 S.E. Stark St. Current and prospective students will receive help filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. This step must be competed each year to receive financial aid from federal and state governments.
This event will be held Saturday, Jan. 22, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the MHCC Library, Room 3333. It is part of College Goal Oregon, a statewide initiative to simplify the FAFSA process for students.
Students should bring their 2009 IRS tax returns, 2010 end-of-year pay stubs, current value of assets, social security number and those of their parents if the student is a dependent, driver's license and alien registration card if applicable.
Experts from the MHCC financial aid office will be on hand to offer free one-on-one assistance with the FAFSA form, information about scholarships and tips for writing winning essays.
For more information, call the MHCC Financial Aid office at 503-491-7262 or visit mhcc.edu/financialaid or collegegoaloregon.org.
SENIOR RESOURCES
Town Hall to discuss senior issues
Oregon State Sen. Jackie Dingfelder and Reps. Ben Cannon and Michael Dembrow are hosting a Senior Town Hall on Monday, Jan. 24 at 2 p.m. at the Hollywood Senior Center, 1820 N.E. 40th Ave. to discuss issues affecting senior citizens such as Social Security, Medicare, and accessibility to health care, human services, housing and transportation.
HEALTH and WELLNESS
Balance body and mind
For thousands of years, healers have helped people utilizing chakras - centers of energy and awareness within each person. The Northwest Catholic Counseling Center, 8383 N.E. Sandy Blvd., is bringing this ancient healing art to Portland through a special half-day workshop on Saturday, Feb. 5 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Learn more about the seven chakras and the subtle energies at work within your body. Begin your awareness of how harmonizing your chakras can help you balance your flow of inner energy and improve your health and sense of well-being.
“Working with our chakra centers and inner energy can fairly quickly lead to positive change,” according to therapist and workshop leader Shirley Price. “Our hands-on experience will give participants concrete ideas for starting their own practice.”
There is a $10 fee. Register by calling 503-253-0964 before Jan. 28.
MEETINGS
Russellville Kiwanis invites visitors
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. The club is involved with a variety of non-profit organizations that provide help to members of the community, including DayBreak Family Shelter, Ronald McDonald House, SnowCap Community Charities, Shepherd's Door Shelter, Parkrose Little League, Mt. Hood Kiwanis Camp for Disabled Children and Youth, and the Portland Children's Book Bank.
You are invited to visit for lunch to consider joining-they will buy. Among the guest speakers this month are Ashley Wilson on Jan. 11 who will talk about unemotional investing and Peter Ogle of the USS Ranger Foundation on Jan. 18.
If you need more information, contact Charlie Ross at 503-252-1570 or candgross1@comcast.net.
Get comfortable in front of a crowd
Join Columbia Center Toastmasters on Saturday mornings at Rose City Park United Methodist Church, 5830 N.E. Alameda St. from 9 to 10:30 a.m. for weekly educational meetings to improve speaking skills and build confidence in front of an audience.
Portland police prostitution team offers answers
How have the problems associated with prostitution on 82nd Avenue and along Sandy Boulevard changed in the last few years? What is being done about underage prostitution? How big is the problem of prostitution in Portland?
Find out at the East Precinct Involved Citizens meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 26 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the East Precinct Community Center, 737 S.E. 106th Ave. The East Precinct prostitution team will be on hand to answer these and other questions. This is a team of four police officers who work full-time to address the problem of prostitution in Portland.
Drop in to learn more about this important law enforcement unit and the work they do to keep our communities safe and crime free.
Plant photos to brighten winter days
The Villa Garden Club invites you to its monthly meeting at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 27, at Savage Memorial Presbyterian Church, 1740 S.E. 139th Ave. The business meeting will be followed by a brown bag lunch and discussion and examples of plant photography-a program sure to send winter doldrums packing. Coffee and dessert will be served. Please call Lyn Farris at 503-255-5355 to learn more.
VOLUNTEER ACTIVITIES
Start the New Year as a volunteer
Metropolitan Family Services operates a number of services that help members of our community. All of them depend upon volunteers. Find the one that is the right fit for you and give them a call.
Multnomah County RSVP connects individuals age 55 and over to volunteer opportunities where they can use their life experiences and skills to make positive contributions in the community.
Project Linkage helps older adults and people with disabilities remain independent and in their own homes longer by offering transportation, friendly visiting and home repair free of charge. Drivers are needed. You may use your own vehicle or an MFS vehicle to help get folks to medical appointments, grocery shopping and other points of interest. Volunteers are free to determine the frequency of the help they provide.
Experience is the best teacher and you have a lifetime's worth. Experience Corps will give you the opportunity to share it. This is an innovative program that connects older adult mentors (55+) with students in public schools throughout the Portland Metro Area. Experience Corps volunteers provide mentoring and academic support to students to boost student academic performance, help schools become more successful, and enhance the well-being of both themselves and students in the process.
Volunteers serving 450 hours during the academic year may be eligible to receive a monthly stipend.
If you are interested in any of these opportunities, please contact Heather Pruess at 503-249-8215 ext. 22 or heatherp@metfamily.org for details.
FUNDRAISERS
Christmas tree recycling
Support the David Douglas Dads' Club. Members will recycle your Christmas tree on Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 8 and 9 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the high school's south parking lot at Southeast 130th Avenue and Market Street. The cost is $5 a tree, pick up or delivery. To arrange pickup, call 971-998-8536 or send a note to daviddouglasdadsclub@gmail.com. Proceeds will be used for student activities and scholarships.
Students will cash in on your cans and bottles
The parties are over and you find yourself with a pile of returnable cans and bottles. Not to worry. Bag them up and run down to Parkrose Middle School, 11800 N.E. Shaver St. on Saturday, Jan. 8 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Parkrose High School wrestling team will take care of the dirty work and benefit from collection proceeds.
If you prefer to wait until next month, the PHS track team will be on hand Saturday, Feb. 5, same time, same place.
THE ARTS
Winter dance recital
The David Douglas High School winter dance recital, “David Douglas Best Dance Crew 2,” is Wednesday, Jan. 12 at 7 p.m. in the south gym, 1500 S.E. 130th Ave. Tickets are $4 for adults, $3 for students and senior citizens. Children age five and under are free. Tickets may be purchased in advance from dance students or at the door one hour prior to show time.
Free concerts for families
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| The members of FourScore will bring classical training and 21st century attitudes to a free concert at the Community Music Center, 3350 S.E. Francis St. on Friday, Jan. 14 at 7:15 p.m. COURTESY FOURSCORE |
Donations in support of the program will be accepted at the door.
Artist explores Zen of jazz
The monthly art show at the Mt. Hood Community College Fireplace Gallery, 26000 SE Stark St. will feature the work of R. Samuel Santi.
The exhibit, titled “The Zen of Jazz,” will run Jan. 4 to 27, Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free.
The public is invited to a reception with the artist on Tuesday, Jan. 11 from 5 to 6:30 p.m.
Santi began creating abstract paintings, sculptures and constructions 40 years ago, from New York to Los Angeles, and now here in Oregon. His early work consisted of painted bent guitars and banjos for the staging areas of the coffeehouses of the late '50s. “I've always been attracted to wood - especially grains, textures and knot holes,” says Santi. “Of late, I have been using found wood and incorporating the as-is splits, textures and knot holes into abstract land and mountainscapes and then finding the right color palette to make each piece work.”
Santi's latest series, “The Zen of Jazz,” was inspired by the music he listened to on 89.1 KMHD, a radio station operated by Oregon Public Broadcasting in partnership with MHCC. “The music allowed me to let go and allow the ebb and flow of jazz to pass from paint through brush and onto the canvass at that moment,” he said.
Winter concert offers broad spectrum of music
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| The Portland Metro Concert Band will perform a free concert at DDHS Horner Performing Arts Center on Friday, Jan. 14. COURTESY OREGON ADULT BAND FESTIVAL |
Chalk and oil pastel featured mediums
Renowned artist and musician Gary L. Michael will be the Portland Fine Arts Guild guest teacher for January. Classes will on Mondays, Jan. 10, 17 and 24 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Russellville Grange Hall, 12100 N.E. Prescott St. There is plenty of free parking. Bring your lunch or grab some nearby fast food. Cost is $10 per class for members, $12 for non-members.
Bring oil pastels, chalk pastels or both and 8” x 10” paper with texture, such as Wallis paper, Ampersand's pastel board or canvas board.
Michael will demonstrate in both chalk and oil and offer one-on-one instruction. Gamsol is recommended for clean up. Please do not bring turpentine.
Contact Michael at garymic@gmail.com or 503-659-9116 if you have questions.
Students to perform original works
Parkrose High School Theater students will present productions of original films and one-act plays on Thursday and Friday, Jan. 27 and 28 at 7 p.m. in the PHS Theater, 12003 N.E. Shaver St. Come celebrate the creative expression of these students. Keep in mind that some content may not be appropriate for those under the age of 13.
All seats are $5. If you have questions, please contact Ms. Zena, theatre teacher, at 503-408-2621 or zena@parkrose.k12.or.us.
EVENTS and ACTIVITIES
Baseball, baseball-read all about it!
Students in grades K through 8 can sign up for David Douglas Youth Baseball this month. Sign up at your elementary school or on Saturday, Jan. 8 and 15, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Ron Russell Middle School, 3955 S.E. 112th Ave.; Tuesday, Jan, 18 or Wednesday, Jan. 26 from 5 to 8 p.m. at Pizza Baron, Southeast 122nd Avenue and Division Street.
Players may also sign up at try outs on Saturday, Feb. 5 at the David Douglas High School baseball field snack shack.
Registration forms are available at the reception desk at the district office, Southeast 130th Avenue and Market Street and online at daviddouglasbaseball.com.
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 2011 season are $50 for T-ball, rookie and majors, and $110 for juniors and seniors. A $150 registration cap is in place for families.
Coaches and umpires are needed. Learn more at the Web site.
Register for girl's softball
David Douglas Softball Association girl's softball registrations will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 12 and Tuesday, Feb. 15 from 6 to 8 p.m., and Saturday, Feb. 26 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at North Powellhurst School, 1400 S.E. 135th Ave. Registration forms are available at leaguelineup.com/ddsa.
Cut drafts, save on heating bills
A free Home Weatherization Workshop is set for Tuesday, Jan. 25 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Alice Ott Middle School, 12500 S.E. Ramona St.
LIBRARIES
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 beginning Jan. 9 from 1:15 to 2 p.m.
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. We encourage you to bring your own mat. Tuesdays beginning Jan. 11 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 beginning Jan. 11 from 7 to 7:30 p.m.
Tiny Tots: Storytime for children 12 to 24 months with adult. Wednesdays, beginning Jan. 12 and Fridays beginning Jan. 14 from 10:15 to 11 a.m.
Toddler Storytime: Storytime for children 24 to 36 months with adult. Wednesdays beginning Jan. 12 and Fridays beginning Jan. 21 from 11:15 to 11:45 a.m.
Preschool Storytime: Storytime for children 3 to 6 years with adult. Thursdays beginning Jan. 13 from 10:15 to 10:45 a.m.
Book Babies: Storytime for children newborn to 12 months with adult. Thursdays beginning Jan. 13 from 11:15 to 11:45 a.m.
Vietnamese Storytime: Storytime presented in Vietnamese for children ages newborn to 6 years with adult. Saturdays, Jan. 15 and 29 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.
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 or learn Vietnamese. Saturdays, Jan. 8 and 22 from 10:15 to 11 a.m.
Slavic New Year Celebration: Celebrate Slavic New Year with music, dancing, traditional costumes, crafts and a short performance based on Russian fairy tales. Sunday, Jan. 9 from noon to 4 p.m.
The Magic Book: Do you ever wish you could fall into a fairy tale? Which of your favorite characters would you like to have as friends? Join Robin as she discovers an old magic book in her grandmother's attic. Dragons, whales and adventure await. Presented by Penny's Puppet Productions. Friday, Jan. 21 from 4 to 4:45 p.m.
Teen Lounge: Use library laptops for homework or fun, play Wii or board games, and meet friends. For teens in grades 6-12. Mondays from 4 to 6 p.m. except Jan. 17.
Chess Club for Children and Teens: Have fun playing chess. Beginning, intermediate and advanced players are welcome. Bring your own set or use one provided by the library. Saturdays from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. except Jan. 1.
Teen Council: Meet new friends, learn new skills, help the library, eat snacks and have fun. Wednesday, Jan. 5 and 19 from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.
Read to the DogsSM: 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. Monday, Jan. 10 and 31 from 6:30 to 8 p.m.
Kids Book Club: Calling all 4th, 5th and 6th graders: Like to read? Join the Midland Library Kids Book Club. Hang out and chat about each month's book and enjoy a related activity and snacks. Pick up a copy of the book at the information desk after you register. Read “How Angel Peterson Got His Name” by Gary Paulsen. Registration is required. Call 503-988-5392. Tuesday, Jan. 25 from 4 to 5 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.
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 will be spoken. Saturdays from 3:30 to 5 p.m. except Jan. 1.
Citizenship Classes: Learn about the process of becoming a citizen in a six-session series of classes. Classes are in English, and are taught by library volunteers. Registration is required. Register online, in the library or by calling 503-988-5234. Saturdays, Jan. 8 to Feb. 12 from 1 to 3 p.m.
Pageturners Book Groups: Engage in stimulating conversation about books and get to know your neighbors. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library. Read “Provenance: How a Con Man and a Forger Rewrote the History of Modern Art” by Laney Salisbury for discussion on Tuesday, Jan. 11 from 6:45 to 8 p.m.
Read “The Space Between Us” by Thrity Umrigar for discussion on Wednesday, Jan. 19 from 1 to 2:15 p.m.
Human Rights Film and Discussion: “Made in L.A.” is an Emmy award-winning feature documentary that follows the remarkable story of three Latina immigrants working in Los Angeles garment sweatshops as they embark on a three-year odyssey to win basic labor protections from clothing retailer Forever 21. Following the film, Muna Abshir Mohamud, coordinator of the Community Education and Peace Building Program of the Office of Human Relations, will lead a discussion to encourage Portlanders to take meaningful action on local and global human rights issues. Monday, Jan. 24 from 5:30 to 8 p.m.
Borderless-Migration, Globalization, and Changing Communities: In this time of cataclysmic change in our country and our world, it is important to ask not just how to get the economy back on track, but what kind of economy we want. In 1983, Benedict Anderson wrote “Imagined Communities,” a book about the origins of the modern nation-state and the powerful identification with nations for which millions have fought and been willing to die. Elliott Young will lead a discussion about the ways in which local communities need to think in new ways about the relationship between migration and globalization, and their effects on Oregon communities. Sponsored by Oregon Humanities. Monday, Jan. 31 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Gregory Heights Library, 7921 N.E. Sandy Blvd., www.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 beginning Jan. 13 from 10:15 to 10:45 a.m.
Book Babies: Storytime for children newborn to12 months with adult. Thursdays beginning Jan. 13 from 11:15 to 11:45 a.m.
Toddler Storytime: Storytime for children 24 to 36 months with adult. Fridays beginning Jan. 14 from 10:15 to 10:45 a.m.
Preschool Storytime: Storytime for children 3 to 6 years with adult. Fridays beginning Jan. 14 from 11:15 to 11:45 a.m.
Family Storytime: Storytime for children 6 years and younger with adult. Saturdays beginning Jan. 15 from 11:15 to 11:45 a.m.
Music Time with Mr. Ben: Join Mr. Ben on this musical adventure as he creates the perfect blend of entertainment and education. Children can participate as much or as little as they choose and are free to explore new musical ideas at their own pace. Mr. Ben's program lays the foundation for a child's musical education while dispelling the myth that only some people have musical talent. Who knew you could do all that just by attending a children's music show? Saturday, Jan. 15 from noon to 1 p.m.
Lunar New Year Celebration: Celebrate the Lunar New Year customs of China and Vietnam and welcome the Year of the Rabbit at the library. Enjoy activities including a spelling bee, writing contest, traditional dress pageant, a lion dance performance, crafts and food. Saturday, Jan. 29 from 1 to 3 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 from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.
Teen Council: Meet new friends, learn new skills, help the library, eat snacks and have fun. Teen Council members work with library staff to make the library teen-friendly. Saturday, Jan. 8 from 2 to 3 p.m.
Winter Crafts for Kids: The Gregory Heights Library Teen Council will host an afternoon of crafts for kids ages 4 to 10. Teens will help kids make snow globes, dazzling pipe-cleaner snowflakes with beads, clay sculptures and paper snowflakes. Sunday, Jan. 16 from 1 to 3 p.m.
Knitting Club: Whether you are a beginner or an experienced knitter, come 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 Jan. 1.
Pageturners Book Group: Read “Breakfast of Champions” or “Goodbye Blue Monday” by Kurt Vonnegut. Engage in stimulating conversation about books, exchange perspectives about characters and plot, and get to know your neighbors. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library. Wednesday, Jan. 19 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Vietnamese Computer Lab: Lab assistants are available to help beginners practice their computer skills. Lab instruction in Vietnamese. 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.
Cyber Seniors Computer Classes: This series of three classes is designed for seniors who are interested in learning the basics of how to use a computer. Learn to use a mouse, search the Internet, and send and receive e-mail. You must register and attend all three sessions. Register online, in the library or by calling 503-988-5234. Fridays, Jan. 7, 14 and 21 from 1 to 3 p.m.
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