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Memo Calendar... 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. When you send submissions, please include all details that apply: date, start time, finish time, address, admission fee, a brief description of the event including who it benefits if applicable, and a contact name and phone number or email address. Send a photo if you have one. Please identify each individual from left to right (large group shots can simply be identified by the group name) and provide the name of the photographer so we can give proper credit. Calendar submissions for the February issue are due Wednesday, 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. EVENTS, ACTIVITIES and CELEBRATIONS Choral groups sought for choir fest
The event is a holiday tradition, bringing together local church choirs and community choirs to sing traditional Christmas anthems and carols and culminating in a group rendition of the Hallelujah Chorus from Handel's Messiah. The audience is invited to sing along, and the event is billed as one last chance for people who love Christmas carols. Epiphany Choir Fest Director Charlie Ross, retired pastor of Parkrose Community United Church of Christ, invites all interested groups to participate this year. Pastor Ross may be contacted at 503-816-8660 or candgross1@comcast.net. Each choir is invited to sing two Advent or Christmas anthems or songs and then to join in the combined choirs' presentation of the Hallelujah Chorus. The rehearsal for the combined choir anthem will be held at 2 p.m. on Jan. 12 at Gethsemane Lutheran Church. Interested groups are asked to contact Pastor Ross as soon as possible and provide the titles of the pieces to be performed. A limited number of groups will be allowed to participate due to the two-hour duration of the event. Choirs participating each year include those involved in a network of faith organizations that contribute time and resources to the Daybreak Shelter, a year-round, 15-bed program for homeless families operated by Human Solutions. A freewill offering will take place at the event. Donations will help Human Solutions operate the Daybreak Shelter and other programs for homeless families. Human Solutions is experiencing record demand for emergency shelter and other services and relies on the community to help sustain critical programs that help homeless families permanently overcome their homelessness and attain self-sufficiency. On any given night, Human Solutions shelters or houses more than 700 homeless people in more than 200 families. Conversations on disparate battlefields Life after war and the state of marriage are two topics for Lunch & Learn Conversations during January at Mt. Hood Community College's Gresham Campus, 26000 S.E. Stark St. The community is welcome to attend these free events from noon to 1:30 p.m. in the Student Union Lounge. The conversations series engages community members in thoughtful, challenging discussions about ideas that are critical to our daily lives and our state's future. Life After War: Photography and Oral Histories of Coming Home, will be led by freelance photographer Jim Lommasson on Thursday, Jan. 16. This conversation will address questions such as: When does war end. Does it ever end? Many returning soldiers tend to bring wars back with them, and these wars can reach beyond the battlefield or firefight, infiltrating the very thing that defines comfort and safety-home. Lommasson received the Dorothea Lang-Paul Taylor Prize for his first book, Shadow Boxers: Sweat, Sacrifice & the Will to Survive in American Boxing Gyms. He is currently working on a book and traveling exhibition, Exit Wounds: Soldiers' Stories-Life after Iraq and Afghanistan. Something Old, Something New: Exploring the State of Marriage, will be led by Leslie Dunlap, assistant professor of history at Willamette University. This Jan. 30 conversation will focus on the institution of marriage and how it has undergone significant change, especially in the last decade. In Oregon, citizens remain in a contentious debate about how to define marriage, generally. The conversation will focus on the following questions: What do the debates about marriage reveal about the institution as a whole? Why is a private relationship so publicly significant and contested? With so many people avoiding or dissolving marriages, why do others wish to marry? Dunlap teaches the history of women, families, sexuality and social movement. She is currently working on a book about women's efforts to reform men, marriage and the state in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Chief to address precinct boundaries, community policing Portland Police Chief Mike Reese will speak about the development of our precincts and how they are designed to provide both safe neighborhoods and actively involved community-policing programs at the East Portland Involved Citizens meeting Wednesday, Jan. 22, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the East Precinct Community Room, 737 S.E. 106th Ave. Portland is divided into police precincts. There have been as many as five and as few as three in the past. The precincts are designed to provide the best and most efficient coverage for keeping our city safe. Each precinct has its own distinct characteristics, such as dense commercial activities, established inner-city housing, urban renewal potential, and growth and expansion due to mass transportation. There are many factors that go into establishing the boundaries for each precinct. The ability to respond quickly to emergencies and the potential for community-policing involvement are two examples. For more information please contact Dave Smith at DaveSmith@portlandoregon.gov. Get to know your watershed
After the workshop, interested participants are invited to take an exclusive behind the scenes groundwater facility tour (approximate tour time - 30 minutes). Register by emailing info@columbiaslough.org or calling 503-281-1132. FUNDRAISERS Can and bottle collection day is coming The holidays have come and gone, but you still have a pile of returnable cans and bottles in your garage. Gather them up and deliver them to the Parkrose Boosters at Parkrose Middle School, 11800 N.E. Shaver St., Saturday, Jan. 11 from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. Parkrose High choir students will be on hand to help off load your donation, and you can drive away happy knowing you have completed a chore and supported Parkrose students in the bargain. Your gently used items make for a safe grad night party The David Douglas High Senior All Night Party committee is accepting donations of gently used items every Saturday from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., Jan 18 through March 8, at the south high school parking lot. Its annual rummage sale is Friday and Saturday, March 14 and 15. All proceeds benefit the drug and alcohol free Senior All Night Party. For additional information, special drop-offs, or to volunteer, please contact the PTSA at ddhsptsa@gmail.com or visit www.daviddouglashighschool.my-pta.org. SnowCap gears up for annual auction SnowCap volunteers are busily preparing for the 12th annual Valentine's Auction set for Feb. 8. According to SnowCap Executive Director, Judy Alley, the annual gala is the agency's only major fundraising event. It is amazing to have over 300 of SnowCap's supporters having a great time together and raising money for low-income families. The agency hopes to raise $65,000 this year and increase attendance to 350 people. Auction Chairperson, Diane Liefeld says that there is something for everyone this year. We will have custom-made furniture, landscaping services, Southwest Airline tickets, beach retreats and lots of baskets and gift cards to local businesses. There will be a raffle for Alaska Airlines tickets as well. The event, which includes dinner and both silent and live auctions, is at the Airport Holiday Inn. The live auction will be led by professional auctioneer, JillMarie Wiles. Seats are $60 per person before Jan. 15 and $65 after. Reservations are required. Purchase online at www.snowcap.org or by calling Alicia at 503-674-8785 ext. 17. Donations of timeshare stays, gift certificates and new household items are still needed. Contact kirsten@snowcap.org for donation information. SnowCap Community Charities is a philanthropic agency founded 46 years ago to serve the poor in much of east Multnomah County, including the communities of Gresham, Fairview, Wood Village, Troutdale, Parkrose and other areas in east Portland. It's your density! Get ready to go Back to the Future as the Parkrose Educational Foundation celebrates Parkrose students past, present and future at its annual dinner and auction Saturday, April 12 at the Sheraton Airport Hotel, 8235 N.E. Airport Way. Plan your costume now. Choose a favorite character from history and come prepared to celebrate with hundreds of your friends and neighbors as money is raised to refill foundation coffers. Auction items are being accepted now and tickets will be on sale soon at parkroseedfdn.org. Contact the PEF board at predfdn@gmail.com or 504-408-2108. CLUBS and ORGANIZATIONS Rotary celebrates new home, new members
Become a green street steward The Villa Garden Club Jan. 23 meeting will educate you on the invasive plants in our area. A representative from the East Multnomah Water and Soil Conservation District will speak. Learn about the Green Street Steward program as well. The business meeting will start at 10:30 a.m., followed by a brown bag lunch and the program at Savage Memorial Presbyterian Church, 1740 S. E. 139th Ave. Coffee and dessert will be served. Please call Velda Altig at 503-252-7423 for more information. GIVING BACK Join the committee, have some fun
Committee meetings are fun and bring diverse community members together to work toward a single goal. If you live or work in Parkrose, if you are retired, if you are an alumni and you have time to give back, the Parkrose Educational Foundation wants you. You may choose to procure get away vacations, fun-filled family activity packages and gift baskets brimming with useful items or you may choose to solicit table and ticket sales. Volunteers are also needed to help marketing, sponsorship, decorating and the dessert dash. Contact the Foundation at predfdn@gmail.com or call 503-408-2108. THE ARTS Catch a concert The East County Community Orchestra winter concert is Friday, Jan. 17 at the David Douglas Horner Performing Arts Center, 1400 S.E. 130th Ave. Downbeat is at 7:30 p.m., doors open at 6:30 p.m. Coffee and cookies served at intermission. Admission is free. Donations are welcomed. Anthology seeks student contributions Honoring Our Rivers: A Student Anthology, announced it will be accepting color submissions this year. The anthology also announced the final call for submissions for the 2014 publication of the anthology and thanked Select Impressions for generously donating the color printing this year. A project of the Willamette Partnership, Honoring Our Rivers is intended to stimulate awareness of Oregon's vital watersheds - including the waters, land, plants, animals, and habitats - as well as celebrate and inspire student works. The anthology includes original student art, poems, essays, photographs, and drawings focusing on the relationship between people and watersheds. Interested participants are invited to visit www.honoringourrivers.org to download an application for submission. We were overwhelmed by the number and quality of submissions we received in 2013, and are looking forward to increasing the geographic and ethnic diversity of the voices represented in 2014, says Bobby Cochran, executive director of the Willamette Partnership. With its combination of art and literature, diverse range of voices, and central focus on environmental connections, the Honoring Our Rivers anthology represents a uniquely Oregon publication. The anthology was first published in 1999 as collaboration between Salem educators and Willamette River enthusiasts. Each year, a panel of judges selects the most whimsical, charming and thought-provoking submissions to publish in the anthology. All students from kindergarten through college are eligible to submit their original works (literary or artwork) until Jan. 31. Literary works can include fiction, poetry, or essays. Artwork, including photography, sketches or paintings, is encouraged either as a separate submission or as an aid in clarifying and supporting written work. Applications can be found at www.honoringourrivers.org or call Sarah Schra at 503-585-8789. EDUCATION Instructor will share secrets of working in watercolor Paul Clendenin, a versatile artist in many types of media and an award winner in oils, watercolors and colored pencils returns to the Portland Fine Arts Guild as guest instructor this month. He has been a Guild member for 25 years and also teaches for the Portland Parks & Recreation Senior Recreation program. Classes are Mondays, Jan. 6, 13 and 20 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at Russellville Grange Hall, 12105 N.E. Prescott St. Clendenin will be teaching in watercolor on paper, but students are fee to choose any medium. Supplies you should bring include artist quality water colors and good quality watercolor paper along with pictures of snow scenes, rocks, trees or water. Guild members pay $12 per class. Non-members are charged $15 per class. Practical grammar for English learners
New students may join at any time. Classes are free and all materials are provided. For questions or directions, please contact John Runcie, TESOL program director, at 503-349-1671 or jruncie@multnomah.edu. Learn how to pay for college Mt. Hood Community College will host its eighth annual Financial Aid Day, Saturday, Jan. 25 from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. in the Gresham campus library, 26000 S.E. Stark St. This event is part of the College Goal Oregon program, a statewide initiative to simplify the financial aid process for students. Current and prospective students can receive help filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Students must submit the application each year to receive financial aid from federal and state governments. Students should bring their 2012 IRS Tax returns, 2013 end-of-year pay stubs (if 2013 tax returns are not yet completed), current value of assets, Social Security card (and those of their parents, if student is dependent), driver's license or state ID and alien registration card (if needed). Parents of young students are also encouraged to attend this event. Experts will be on hand to offer free one-on-one assistance with the FAFSA, provide information about scholarships and tips for writing winning essays. Attending MHCC has always been a great value, says Christi Hart, manager of financial aid. We know that filling out the financial aid application can be daunting, so we are inviting the public to this special event that will help parents and students navigate the process. Hart adds, Some students take classes that lead to a degree or certificate and some choose to take classes and then transfer elsewhere for a bachelor's degree. Many of the more than one million students MHCC has served since opening its doors in 1966 need a little-or at lot-of help to pay for college, and that's where financial aid comes in. For information, please contact the MHCC Financial Aid office at 503-491-7262, finaid.mail@mhcc.edu.or visit http://mhcc.edu/financial aid. SENIOR RESOURCES Choose strolling or snowshoeing Gresham Senior Hiking-Outdoor Group is a senior group that provides friendly, safe and interesting programs that encourage seniors to be more active while enjoying the beauty of nature. All outings begin at the Ambleside Gresham Senior Center, 405 N.E. 5th St., in Gresham. There are no dues. Participants are asked to reimburse drivers. Contact Rose Marie Gilbert to sign up for free email notifications at gilbertrosemarie@centurylink.net or call her at 503-761-2357 to request a notification by mail. There is a $5 annual subscription fee. The first event of the new year is a Powell's Bookstore guided tour and a stroll through Northwest Portland to Portland Union Station Friday, Jan. 3. This tour departs Ambleside at 9:15 a.m. There is a $2 round trip fee. Wednesday, Jan. 29 meet at Ambleside at 8:30 a.m. to depart for Sandy and the connection to bus service to Government Camp and a 3.5 mile snowshoe tour of Edid Lake. A $9 driver reimbursement is recommended. The bus is $2 each way. Snowshoes can be rented in Government Camp. Direct your questions to tour leader, Mary Ann Buck at 503-667-9468. Play bingo, win prize
Volunteer trainings upcoming If you are looking to learn skills, navigate systems, and solve problems for older adults, Elders in Action may have a program for you. Trainings in personal advocate and civic engagement programs begin in January. Personal advocates are trained to provide free personalized assistance to older adults who are facing serious or complicated issues. Civic engagement empowers and educates individuals before a crisis occurs. If you are interested in discussing either of these opportunities, then call or email Mark Noonan at mark@eldersinaction.org or 503-235-5474. LIBRARIES Everybody Reads The Everybody Reads 2014 selection is My Beloved World by United States Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor. Everybody Reads, a community reading project of Multnomah County Library running from now through March 11, is made possible in part by The Library Foundation with author appearance made possible by Literary Arts. Programming support also made possible in part by Portland State University and Oregon Public Broadcasting. Midland Library, 805 S.E. 122nd Ave., 503-988-5392 Space at programs is limited. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis, except as noted. Book Babies: Storytime for children from birth to 12 months with adult. Mondays from 11:15 a.m. to noon except Jan. 20. Tiny Tots: Storytime for children 12 to 24 months with adult. Tuesdays from 10:15 to 11 a.m. Tots and Toddlers Storytime: Storytime for children 18 to 30 months with adult. Fridays beginning Jan. 10 from 11:15 a.m. to noon. Toddler Storytime: Storytime for children 24 to 36 months with adult. Fridays beginning Jan. 10 from 10:15 to 11 a.m. Preschool Storytime: Storytime for children 3 to 6 years with adult. Mondays from 10:15 to 11 a.m. except Jan. 20 and Tuesdays from 11:15 a.m. to noon. Family Storytime: Storytime for children 2 to 7 years with adult. Sundays from 3 to 3:45 p.m. except Jan. 12 and Thursdays beginning Jan. 9 from 6:30 to 7:15 p.m. Black Storytime: The African and African American experience comes alive for children from birth to age 6 and a favorite adult and other family members. Saturdays beginning Jan. 11 from 11:30 a.m. to noon. Chinese Storytime: Storytime presented in Cantonese for children from birth to 6 years with adult. Saturdays from 2 to 2:45 p.m. Vietnamese Storytime: Storytime presented in Vietnamese for children from birth to 6 years with adult. Sundays from 1 to 1:45 p.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 to 5:30 p.m. Tinker Bell Storytime: Tinker Bell tells stories about Captain Hook, Peter Pan, the Lost Boys and their adventures in Never Land in this Dragon Theater puppet show. Saturday, Jan. 4 from 2 to 2:45 p.m. Slavic New Year: Come and celebrate the most popular holiday in Slavic culture with music, folk tales and traditional treats. Sunday, Jan. 12 from 1 to 4 p.m. Stories, Song and Dance of Puerto Rico: Join local children's book writer Carmen T. Bernier-Grand as she shares folktales and stories from her native land, Puerto Rico. Guests will be immersed in dance and games from Shake It, Morena, stories and mystery from Juan Bobo: Four Folktales from Puerto Rico and songs of Pollito Chicken. Carmen will end with a short talk about Justice Sonia Sotomayor, our Everybody Reads 2014 author and speaker. Presented in conjunction with Everybody Reads 2014. Made possible by The Library Foundation. Sunday, Jan. 26 from 3 to 3:45 p.m. Read to the Dogs: Improve your reading skills by reading aloud to a therapy dog from Pet Partners. Registration is required; call 503-988-5392. Saturdays, Jan. 11 and 25 from noon to 2 p.m. Asian Soups: Learn how to make Lao chicken noodle soup using homemade noodles topped with fresh fried garlic, green onions and cilantro. While waiting for the soup to cook, enjoy rolling up your own salad rolls for appetizers. Great healthy comfort food for the cold weather. For teens in grades 6-12. Wednesday, Jan. 15 from 3:30 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. Saturdays from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Pageturners Book Groups: Engage in stimulating conversation about books and get to know your neighbors. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library. Meet the author. Read Egg Cups and Oil Wells: My Oklahoma Life by Euna Hiersche Martin and Marla Martin Hanley. Wednesday, Jan. 15 from 1 to 2:15 p.m. Or read An American Childhood by Annie Dillard. Tuesday, Jan. 21 from 6:45 to 7:45 p.m. Computer Lab: Lab assistants are available to help beginners practice their computer skills. Tuesdays from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Assistance in Russian and Vietnamese is also available. Fridays from 2:30 to 5 p.m. when assistance in Chinese is also available. TechnoHosts: Free one-on-one computer help for the whole family. Saturday, Jan. 4 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Assistance in Vietnamese is also available. And Saturday, Jan. 4 from 2 to 4 p.m. Meet the Computer: Never tried using a computer before? In this two-session course, you will get to meet the computer, the keyboard and the mouse, and you will learn what they are and how to use them. No experience is necessary for you to take this relaxed, fun class. Note: If you have never used a computer before, this is an excellent class to take before taking 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, Jan. 6 and 13 from 2 to 4 p.m. Introduction to Computers: In this fun, hands-on, four-session course, you will learn all the basic computer skills including using the mouse and keyboard, working in Microsoft Windows, using Microsoft Word, surfing the Internet and using email. This course is ideal for someone who has a little experience with the computer but wants to know more. Note: If you have never touched a computer or keyboard before, you may benefit from attending our Meet the Computer course prior to this one. 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, Jan. 27-Feb. 24 from 2 to 4:30 p.m. except Feb. 17. Gregory Heights Library, 7921 N.E. Sandy Blvd., 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 from 10:15 to 10:45 a.m. Book Babies: Storytime for children from birth to 12 months with adult. Thursdays from 11:15 to 11:45 a.m. Vietnamese Storytime: Storytime presented in Vietnamese for children new born to 6 years with adult. Thursdays from 4:15 to 5 p.m. Toddler Storytime: Storytime for children 24 to 36 months with adult. Fridays from 10:15 to 10:45 a.m. Preschool Storytime: Storytime for children 3 to 6 years with adult. Fridays from 11:15 to 11:45 a.m. Family Storytime: Storytime for children 6 years and younger with adult. Saturdays from 11:15 to 11:45 a.m. Teen Lounge and Homework Center: Use library computers, get homework help, or just do your homework and listen to music. Tuesdays from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Read to the Dogs: Improve your reading skills by reading aloud to a therapy dog from Pet Partners. Registration is required; call 503-988-5386. Saturday, Jan. 4 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Minecraft Club: Meet up to chat about all things Minecraft. Review mods, participate in building challenges, or work together to complete a map. Bring your own laptop or use one provided by the library. Tuesday, Jan. 7 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. Tuesdays, Jan. 14 and 28 from 4 to 5 p.m. Asian Soups: Learn how to make Lao chicken noodle soup using homemade noodles topped with fresh fried garlic, green onions and cilantro. While waiting for the soup to cook, enjoy rolling up your own salad rolls for appetizers. Great healthy comfort food for the cold weather. For teens in grades 6-12. Tuesday, Jan. 21 from 4 to 5:30 p.m. A Good Yarn: Whether you are a beginner or an experienced knitter, come join the fun as we 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. Talk Time: Talk Time is an informal conversation circle for non-native speakers to practice speaking English. Sundays from 12:30 to 2 p.m. Pageturners Book Group: Read The Big Burn: Teddy Roosevelt and the Fire That Saved America by Timothy Egan. 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. Monday, Jan. 27 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. except Jan. 1. |
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