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MEMO BLOG | |
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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 April issue are due Thursday, March 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.
EDUCATION
Introduce your kids to nature
Portland Parks & Recreation's environmental education program offers fun, educational and inexpensive outdoor nature classes for children ages 3 to 8.
Lead teacher Chrissy Larson created the program in 2008. Larson previously completed a four-year graduate study on the social benefits of nature play for young children. The result of her studies is a program called Nuts about Nature with numerous classes for children in different age groups.
The program is a balanced combination of structured and unstructured play in nature, where children are able to truly explore and connect to their local environments. At the same time, highly trained and experienced teachers supervise the students. The instructors are knowledgeable in both nature and in caring for young children.
When children play together in nature, they become more creative, more active, more coordinated, more empathetic, more imaginative, more connected, and more skilled. They also learn how to navigate different temperatures, different types of weather, different terrain, and different ways of seeing the world. In these programs, children are kept in small groups with enough experienced supervision so they remain safe, but are also given the opportunity to demonstrate their independence and individual personalities.
Each class has a weekly nature theme combined with age-appropriate skills. Children stay engaged through lessons taught using games, stories, music, exploration, fantasy play, free play, and science investigation.
Find the full brochure on Portland Parks & Recreation's environmental education preschool activities webpage: portlandonline.com/parks/preschool. Registration is available from that page or call customer service center at 503-823-2525. Questions about programs can be directed to Larson at 503-823-3601 or chrissy.larson@portlandoregon.gov.
The early bird gets discount
Gethsemane Lutheran Preschool, 11560 S.E. Market St., is registering students now for fall enrollment. Children must be 3 or 4 years old by Sept. 1 and potty trained. Call for a visit and check out the three-day program for 3 and 4 year olds or the new four-day program for 4 year olds. Gethsemane Lutheran is a discovery based Christian preschool focusing on learning through play. It has been a part of the community for over 45 years. Register by June 1 to qualify for an early bird tuition discount. To learn more, visit glcportland.org/preschool or call 503-256-1835.
SENIOR RESOURCES
Depression, aging do not go hand in hand
St. Matthew's Episcopal Church, 11229 N.E. Prescott St., will continue its series of conversations for seniors on Friday, March 16 from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Sandra Chisholm, a retired drug and alcohol counselor, will lead a discussion about aging and depression. She and the group will explore questions about feelings of depression as one ages, concerns about coping with life's transitions and recognizing signs of chronic disease, possible drug interactions and normal aging.
These sessions are free, however please register in advance at 503-252-5720 or marlaml@stmatthewepiscopal.org. Refreshments will be served.
HEALTH and WELLNESS
Get your pose on
Gilbert Park SUN School, 13132 S.E. Ramona St., is offering free adult drop-in yoga classes from now until the end of the school year on Tuesdays at 4:45 p.m. There is a suggested donation of $5.
Walk your way to health
A Multnomah County Healthy Active Schools grant has funded a walking trail at Parkrose High School, 12003 N.E. Shaver St.
A ribbon cutting ceremony and Parkrose Active Transportation Fair is planned for Saturday, March 10. The ribbon cutting is at 10 a.m. The fair continues until 2 p.m. There will be prizes including LED lights, bike helmets and bike locks. Bring your bike for free fixes and flat changes. Be the first to use the new Bronco Community Fitness Trail while learning about walking and biking to school.
The track is on the east side of the building.
Getting fit is getting cheaper
Portland Parks & Recreation offers punch cards that can be used for cardio and weight rooms, pools and classes. From March 18 through the end of the month, buy a 20-visit punch card and get five visits free. Stay active your way and on your schedule. Choose from dozens of drop-in group fitness and water exercise classes, or use the fitness center to restart your fitness push and get ready for summer.
Buy your 20-visit punch card at East Portland Community Center, 740 SE 106th Ave. Passes range from $46 to $88 depending upon age and whether you are a resident of the city. These passes do not expire. The visits are good until you use them. If you have questions, call 503-823-3450.
Cooking with kids at Gilbert Park
Zenger Farm will present a hands-on workshop in the Gilbert Park Elementary School cafeteria, 13132 S.E. Ramona St. on Thursday, March 22 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Parents and kids will learn to make easy, healthy snacks and meals. Admission is free and a family-style dinner is included. Pre-registration is required; please contact Mandy Hurley at 503-577-2159 to register.
CLUBS and ORGANIZATIONS
Herb Tarlek inspires generosity
The Russellville Kiwanis Club pays homage to this infamous character from “WKRP in Cincinnati” on Tuesday, March 13 with its Tie Day fundraiser. Tarlek, the unscrupulous sales manager at the fictional radio station on this sitcom that aired from 1978 to 1982, was known for his outrageous wardrobe-neck ties in particular. At this annual event, members and guests bring ties to auction to the highest bidder. Winning bidders then give the tie to another club member who must wear it to every Kiwanis function for a month or be subject to fines.
The fun begins at 11:45 a.m. at the Refectory Restaurant, 1618 N.E. 122nd Ave. The luncheon buffet is $10.50 per person. Visitors are welcome.
Russellville Kiwanis meets every Tuesday at 11:45 a.m. at the Refectory. In addition to Herb Tarlek day, a board meeting is scheduled for March 6; Taren O'Flynn of Youth Progress Association will speak on March 20; and on March 27, representatives from National College of Natural Medicine and Basic Rights Oregon will talk about access to healthcare for transgender Oregonians.
Russellville Kiwanis supports a vast array of organizations in our area, including DayBreak Family Shelter, Parkrose Little League, Shaver Elementary School, SnowCap Community Charities, Mt. Hood Kiwanis Camp for Disabled Children and Youth, Portland Children's Book Bank, and Shepherd's Door Shelter.
If you have questions or want to learn how to join, contact Charlie Ross at 503-252-1570.
Bend and stretch, reach for that rose
Flower Lane Garden Club will meet on Tuesday, March 20 at 10 a.m. at East Portland Community Center, 740 S.E. 106th Ave. Learn about getting physically ready for the garden season with a revue of bending, flexing and strengthening led by club member Maria Kontur. Light refreshments will be served. The hostess is Karin Irwin. If you have questions, please contact Kontur at 503-312-5119, or Irwin at 503-255-3245. Visitors are welcome.
Slugs to be guests of honor at party
The Villa Garden Club will celebrate 64 years at its anniversary meeting on Thursday, March 22 with a potluck luncheon. Portland garden and slug expert, Claudia Groth, will be on hand to share stories of this common Northwest gastropod. The meeting begins at 10:30 a.m. at Savage Memorial Presbyterian Church, 1740 S. E. 139th Ave. Make plans now to join the fun. Please contact Velda Altig at 503-252-7423 if you would like more information.
Explaining use of force by police
The use of force by the Portland Police Bureau personnel is a matter of critical concern both to the public and to the law enforcement community. Learn more about this policy at the East Precinct Involved Citizens meeting at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, March 28 in the community room at East Precinct, 737 S.E. 106th Ave.
Officers are involved on a daily basis in numerous and varied human encounters and, when warranted, may use force in carrying out their duties. Sworn law enforcement officers have been granted the extraordinary authority to use force when necessary to accomplish lawful ends.
Deciding whether to utilize force when authorized in the conduct of official responsibilities is among the most critical decisions made by law enforcement officers.
Using sound judgment and the appropriate exercise of discretion will always be the foundation of the Portland Police Bureau. The bureau is in the process of reviewing its use of force policy to ensure that the best practices in the country are being used.
FAITH and VALUES
Musical evening prayer service
The regularly scheduled Thursday evening prayer service at St. Matthew's Episcopal Church, 11229 N.E. Prescott St., will sound a little different this month. At 5:30 p.m. every Thursday in March, the parish will participate in the Holden Village Evening Prayer, a musical version of the evening prayer by liturgical composer Marty Haugen. Haugen wrote the prayer piece while on sabbatical at Holden Village retreat center on Lake Chelan in eastern Washington in 1986.
The service will last approximately 45 minutes and will be followed by a soup supper and discussion. All are welcome to participate. There is no charge. If you have questions, please contact Deacon Marla McGarry-Lawrence at 503-252-5720 or marlaml@stmatthewepiscopal.org.
Handbells to ring out at service
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| Shared Joy BRingers Community Handbell choir perform at St. Matthew's Episcopal Church in March 2011. A return engagement is set for Sunday, March 18. COURTESY RAYNETTE YOSHIDA |
To learn more, contact Deacon Marla McGarry-Lawrence at 503-252-5720 or marlaml@stmatthewepiscopal.org.
VOUNTEER ACTIVITIES
Hot meals needed for cold nights
Homeless families seeking refuge from the cold and rain at Human Solutions' Family Winter Shelter usually receive their evening meal and breakfast at the shelter. Without these meals, the 60 to 100 homeless parents and children who stay at the Family Winter Shelter each night would likely go without nourishment most of the day. Donations have tapered off since the holiday season while the number of families seeking shelter has increased, putting the shelter's ability to provide adequate meals in jeopardy.
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| Human Solutions' Family Winter Shelter in Eastminster Presbyterian Church, 12505 N.E. Halsey St., needs help feeding families seeking overnight shelter. They rely solely on the community's largesse for the evening meal and for the food shelter workers give to people before leaving in the morning. 13-year-old Jenny Nicol and mom Ruby are shelter regulars. If you can help, call Amie Diffenauer, Family Shelter-to-Housing Partnership Coordinator, at 503-841-1728. Mid-county Memo photo/Tim Curran |
The Family Winter Shelter generally has served about 40-50 people per night in the past three years it has been in operation. During that time, donations of food were ample enough to provide regular meals. This year, as many as 100 homeless children and parents regularly fill the designated space and an overflow room-meaning that more food is needed to feed them all. “Many more people are in need of shelter, and we are consistently utilizing our overflow space. If more food donations don't come in, families are in danger of going without food in addition to being homeless,” DeMaster said. Looking ahead, hot meals are still needed for many nights in March. The shelter plans to remain open through April provided enough funding is available, and evening meals will be needed in April as well. Food for breakfast is also in short supply.
Human Solutions is seeking donations of prepared dinners for at least 80 people. One way to provide food service for a large number is to get help from community or service groups, or groups of friends or neighbors coming together to prepare food in sizeable portions. The shelter is also in need of breakfast foods such as granola bars, cereal, and individually wrapped items that children can take to school. Dinners normally consist of one hot entrée with protein, and fruits and vegetables. Beverages are not necessary and desserts are optional.
Alternatively, those who are interested in helping but are unable to buy and cook food may donate cash that can then be used by groups or individuals that have the ability to cook food, DeMaster said. Food for a typical dinner for 80 can be purchased for about $150, she said. Dinner must be delivered to the shelter. Donors can stay and serve the food if they wish.
The Family Winter Shelter is housed at Eastminster Presbyterian Church, 12505 N.E. Halsey St. It is open seven days a week from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m.
Individuals or groups interested in providing a hot meal or breakfast items may contact Amie Diffenauer, Family Shelter-to-Housing Partnership Coordinator, at 503-841-1728 or adiffenauer@humansolutions.org.
FUNDRAISERS
Gather your refundable cans and bottles
Dave Luce, the Can Man, and a group of student helpers will be at Parkrose Middle School, 11800 N.E. Shaver St. on Saturday, March 3 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. to collect your refundable cans and bottles. Proceeds benefit Parkrose Boosters and the group that helps that day.
Support FLMS Booster Club and ODS
Floyd Light Middle School staff will serve a spaghetti dinner to all comers on Thursday, March 15 from 5 to 7:30 p.m. in the FLMS cafeteria, 10800 S.E. Washington St. Students will entertain with music and raffle tickets will be sold for prizes to Bull Winkles, Mount Hood Railroad, the Spirit of Portland, and more. Tickets are $5 per person or $20 per family. Proceeds will benefit FLMS Booster Club and David Douglas Outdoor School.
Save the date
Mark your calendars. The David Douglas Educational Foundation's upcoming fundraising event, LEARN. GROW. SUCCEED, will be held on Saturday, April 21 at Camp Angelos Conference and Retreat Center in Corbett. Proceeds will benefit DDEF and David Douglas Outdoor School. There will be food and drink, an auction and Outdoor School activities. Contact the foundation at 503-261-8204.
Calling all Parkrose alumni, parents, friends and supporters
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| Parkrose alumni Jodie Westover and Frank Egleston pose at the 2011 Parkrose Educational Foundation dinner and auction. Alumni tables seating eight are available now at parkroseedfdn.org. Plan a mini-reunion with your classmates. Mid-county Memo photo/Tim Curran |
The PEF works year round filling grant requests and distributing funds to enhance the educational experience of all students enrolled in the Parkrose School District. To continue these good works, the foundation needs your help.
Auction items are being gathered now. If you can offer a vacation home, gift certificate, gift basket or other item for the auction please contact the foundation at 503-408-2108 or predfdn@gmail.com. Tickets are on sale now at parkroseedfdn.org. Buy a table today. Alumni tables seating 8 are available for $320. Corporate sponsorship tables are $400 and include advertising. Individual tickets are $45.
THE ARTS
Youth soloist competition for piano, strings, voice and wind announced
The Mt. Hood Pops Orchestra will hold auditions for area high school soloists on Tuesday, March 13 at 7 p.m. in the Mt. Hood Community College instrumental music room. The winners will perform with the Pops Orchestra in May.
The competition is open to high school students who live or study in east Multnomah County. Piano, strings, voice and wind soloists are eligible. The music performed must be chosen from the standard literature with orchestral accompaniment.
Applications are available from the orchestra manager, Marilyn Pierik, and are due no later than March 10. Call her at 503-666-6509. Area high school music departments may have applications on hand as well.
Celebrate music in our schools
Once again it is the time of year when music education becomes the focus of schools across the nation. March has been officially designated Music in Our Schools Month by the National Association for Music Education. The purpose of MIOSM is to raise awareness of the importance of music education for all children - and to remind citizens that school is where all children should have access to music. MIOSM is an opportunity for music teachers to bring their music programs to the attention of the school and the community and to display the benefits school music brings to students of all ages.
The David Douglas School District boasts a staff of 23 music teachers which allows the district to offer general music, band, and orchestra at the elementary level; band, orchestra and choir to all middle school students; and band, percussion ensemble, orchestra, choir, and music theory at the high school. Here is a list of some of the musical events taking place as part of Music in Our Schools Month in David Douglas during the month of March:
March 2 Mt Tabor Festival and George Fox Invite, David Douglas High School choir
March 3 Mt Hood Training Choir Festival, DDHS treble and men's choirs
March 8 Grade level programs at Cherry Park Elementary and Gilbert Park Elementary
March 13 Cadet Band Fest, DDHS cadet band and symphonic band
March 13 5th grade band and orchestra; 7th and 8th grade band and orchestra at Ron Russell Middle School
March 13 Alice Ott Middle School Choir Concert at Performing Arts Center
March 15 Grade level program at Earl Boyles Elementary
March 15 Menlo Park grade level program at Performing Arts Center
March 17 Clackamas Community College Jazz Contest, all DDHS Jazz Ensembles
March 20 Oregon Music Education Association District II Choir Fest, DDHS concert choir at Performing Arts Center
March 20 Secondary Choral Fest, DDHS and middle school choirs at Performing Arts Center
March 21 Choir Concert, All DDHS choirs at Performing Arts Center
Please contact individual schools for concert or event start times.
Become a famous watercolorist
Renowned watercolor artist, Harold Walkup, will be the guest instructor at the Portland Fine Arts Guild classes this month. Walkup is a graduate of Texas Tech University and has a degree in advertising art and design. His book “How to Enter Shows, Win Awards and Become Famous” has just been published.
Join him on Mondays, March 5, 12 and 19, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Russellville Grange, 12105 N.E. Prescott St.
The fee is $15 for non-members and $12 for guild members.
Artists of all skill levels are invited. Students will learn watercolor techniques and composition, in a fun and flexible environment. The class will be geared toward the goals of the students.
Please bring a good quality rag watercolor paper. Walkup recommends Arches 140# to start. Individual sheets cut to size are preferred. You will need a flat two or three-inch wash brush (synthetic is fine); a one inch flat Aquarelle and a #3 or #5 round, and a variety of tube watercolors. Bring supplies you have on hand or add colors if you choose. Walkup uses cadmium red, raw sienna, cadmium orange, burnt sienna, manganese blue, thalo blue, alizarin crimson and French ultramarine blue. Also bring titanium white artist gouache. Other miscellaneous items include a sketch book with a 4B or 6B pencil and eraser; board for mounting watercolor paper; palette to mix paint on; two water containers that hold about a quart of water; natural sponge; 3/4 to 1 inch masking tape or blue painter's tape and a box of tissues.
There is plenty of free parking at the Russellville Grange, bring your lunch or choose from several fast food restaurants within walking distance. Light refreshments are available for a small donation. You are invited to come early or stay late to help with set up or clean up.
Comedy plus singing and dancing
David Douglas High theater arts students will present “Thieves' Carnival” by French playwright Jean Anouilh on March 8, 9 and 10 at 7:30 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center, 1400 SE 130th Ave.
A comedy that includes much dancing and singing, “Thieves' Carnival” was described by the Harvard Crimson as “an artificial fantasy woven around a master thief and his two young apprentices who get themselves invited to the summer estate of a wealthy British couple and plan to rob the latter of their valuables and their nieces.”
More than 40 DDHS students are involved in this production. Tickets are $7 for adults, $5 for students and seniors. The box office is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 3 to 5:30 when school is in session, and one hour before show time. To reserve tickets online, go to ddouglas.k12.or.us and follow the link.
A modern major general to make appearance at Madison High
What is a pirate to do upon discovering his Feb. 29 birthday commits him to decades of apprenticeship beyond 21 calendar years? Find out as students from the Madison High music department perform the Gilbert and Sullivan comic operetta, “Pirates of Penzance; or The Slave of Duty.”
Madison boasts a growing music department, with beginning and advanced bands, a drumline and four choirs. The show will feature student musicians and performers from across the department.
Jason Owens, Madison music teacher and winner of the Mr. Holland's Opus Outstanding Teacher award in 2008, says, “This is our most ambitious program in recent memory; we're excited to show off our talented students in this outrageous comic operetta. Given the expenses of this production, we need community support. Please come see us.”
Performances are Friday and Saturday, March 9, 10, 16 and 17 as well as Thursday, March 15 at 7 p.m. There will be a matinee performance on Sunday, March 11 at 2 p.m. All performances will be in Hibbard Auditorium at MHS, 2735 N.E. 82nd Ave.
Tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for students. Buy them at the door or online at madisonmusical2012.eventbrite.com/.
Organist plans Bach celebration
Celebrate the birthday of Johann Sebastian Bach at Tabor Heights United Methodist Church, 6161 S.E. Stark St., on Sunday, March 18, at 4 p.m. when organist Jonas Nordwall performs an all Bach program. A festive, family friendly event is planned, including a birthday reception following the concert. A suggested donation of $5 will be requested at the door.
To learn more, call 503-232-8500 or visit taborheightschurch.org
EVENTS and ACTIVITIES
Dig into sustainable gardening
East Multnomah Soil and Water Conservation District is offering a handful of workshops so you can create a healthy and sustainable outdoor living space this spring. Sign up to learn the how-to's of creating low-maintenance, low cost landscapes that conserve water, prevent pollution and create healthy habitat for local birds and wildlife. With a little care, your garden will thrive and it might just be the envy of the neighborhood. These workshops are free, however space is limited so pre-registration is required. Register online at emswcd.org and click on the workshops button. For more information, call 503-935-5383.
Naturescaping Basics helps participants learn how to design a low-maintenance, chemical-free landscape that conserves water and minimizes pollution, all while saving you time and energy. It introduces native plants of the Pacific Northwest and natural gardening design tips. You'll also take a field trip to a nearby naturescaped garden, receive a comprehensive workbook and a take home a native plant to help you get started. This workshop is Saturday, March 3 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Leach Botanical Garden, 6704 S.E. 122nd Ave.; or Saturday, March 10 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Pilgrim Lutheran Church, 4244 S.E. 91st Ave.
Site Planning is an extension of Naturescaping Basics, this session covers the steps involved in preparing a site plan or landscape project utilizing Naturescaping techniques. You'll learn how to map your property, assess your garden style and needs, and work on a group design scenario. Note: Participants must have attended the basic workshop first. This class is scheduled for Saturday, March 17 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Leach Botanical Garden.
Rain Gardens 101 explores the basics of a rain garden that allows rain to soak back into the ground naturally rather than running off directly into local streams and rivers. This workshop provides step-by-step details on how to build your own. You'll learn how to determine soil suitability, calculate impervious surfaces, determine the correct size for your rain garden, choose appropriate plants, and much more. Learn about rain gardens on Saturday, April 7 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Pilgrim Lutheran Church.
See Mars and Venus at their best
If you enjoy gazing at the night sky, it's a planet-a-palooza this spring at the Mt. Hood Community College Planetarium.
“Mars and Venus will be at their brightest this spring and all of the other classical planets can be easily found in the night sky,” according to Pat Hanrahan, planetarium director. He will present live shows at 7 and 8:15 p.m., on March 5 in the planetarium.
“It is a rare time that we can see so many of our planets in the same night sky,” adds Hanrahan. “Even the shy planet Mercury will be visible shortly after sunset. In late spring, we will see the rare Transit of Venus. If you miss this event, you will have to wait another 105 years before it will be visible again.”
Hanrahan says that springtime is also galaxy time. The famous Virgo Cluster of Galaxies will be visible while Orion is starting to hide in the western skies.
The MHCC Planetarium Sky Theatre is located near the library on the Gresham campus, 26000 S.E. Stark St. Visitors are encouraged to ask questions during each 45-minute program.
Children are welcome to attend. The planetarium is wheelchair accessible. Admission for the general public is $2 and free for MHCC students. Student identification is required. Parking is free during the show.
Planetarium shows are held the first Monday of each month, October through June. Visit mhcc.edu/planetarium for a listing of scheduled shows for the remainder of the school year.
Slough 101 explores water and wildlife
Have you ever wondered about that slow-moving channel of water running through Northeast Portland near Airport Way? Learn about the history, water, wildlife, and current issues of the Columbia Slough at Slough 101 on Saturday, March 10 from 8:45 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the Multnomah County Drainage District office, 1880 N.E. Elrod Dr. Slough experts will lead hands-on activities including a tour of a pump station and water bug discovery. Pre-registration is required for this free workshop, and light refreshments will be provided. It is suitable for adults and teens 14 and up. Register online at columbiaslough.org.
Help produce a video touting the virtues of Gateway and Parkrose
To introduce Gateway and Parkrose to business and economic development leaders through the Portland Development Commission, students from Parkrose High, David Douglas High and Portland State University are working with Mount Hood Community College video and production instructor Jack Schommer to create a video showcasing these areas.
The first shoot for this video is Saturday, March 10 at 12:45 p.m. at Knott Park, Northeast 117th Avenue and Knott Street. Community members are invited to participate. Who knows? Maybe it will lead to a starring role.
The Gateway EcoDistrict is guiding this project. The Portland Sustainability Initiative defines an EcoDistrict as a neighborhood or district with a broad commitment to accelerate neighborhood-scale sustainability. EcoDistricts commit to achieving ambitious sustainability performance goals, guiding district investments and community action, and tracking the results over time.
Colleen Gifford is the Gateway EcoDistrict chair. Reach her at 503-251-7610.
Spring break at Leach Botanical Garden
Activities abound at Leach Botanical Garden, 6704 S.E. 122nd Ave., during spring break.
On Tuesday, March 27, 9 to 14 year olds can try a class in nature illustration. Young artists will blossom in this class that sharpens observation skills while developing artistic talent. Students will look closely at how flowers, leaves and branches are constructed, and then create their own detailed botanical drawings using colored pencils on paper. Supplies are included. This class is both inside and outside, and runs from 10 a.m. until noon. Dress for the weather. The fee is $15 per child or $13 for Leach Garden Friends Members.
From 1 until 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 27, 8 to 12 year olds are invited on a garden treasure hunt. Using clues, riddles, a map and special orienteering, participants will make their way around the garden in search of the treasure. Kids will have to put on their thinking caps for this unique afternoon adventure. Dress for the weather.
The fee is $6 per child or $5 for members.
Thursday, March 29, from 10 to 11:30 p.m. the Bug Chicks return to the garden. All ages will enjoy exploring the amazing world of insects with Kristie and Jessica, who teach about the fascinating world of insects, spiders and their relatives. Participants will experience some hands-on bug excitements and leave with a greater appreciation of the bugs we take for granted. The fee is $8 per person or $24 for families of four or more.
Play nature bingo on Thursday, March 29, from 1 to 2:30 p.m. What plants, animals, or hidden secrets are out and about in the garden? Kids will need a sharp eye to spot some of the unexpected things on their bingo cards during this fun garden walkabout. Participants will make their own special binoculars to help on their search. Dress for the weather. This activity is for kids 6 to 10 years old. The fee is $6 per child or $5 for members.
Pre-registration is required for all of these classes and class size is limited. To register for these or other Leach Botanical Garden classes and events, go to leachgarden.org and click on Classes & Events, call 503-823-1671 or email education@leachgarden.org.
LIBRARIES
Following is a short list of free programs at your library in March. The system is being upgraded. A complete list is anticipated again in April.
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.
Rock 'N' Roll with Mo Phillips: This genre bouncing, body shakin', good time performance gives kids the chance to feel like rock stars. Mo Phillips, one of the top children's performers in the Northwest, will break down the elements of a song and build one from scratch with the help of the audience. Thursday, March 1 from 4 to 5 p.m.
Tax Time 101: Need help preparing your taxes? Join CASH Oregon and Innovative Changes for this smart savings workshop filled with information to get you ready to do taxes and ensure you are making informed choices when you are filing for and receiving your refund. Topics will include an overview of taxes and the mechanics of filing your taxes, available tax credits, what documents you will need when filing, and where to do your taxes for free or low cost. Monday, March 5 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
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.
Sweater Sleeve Puppets: Learn how to transform a thrifted sweater into a fantastic hand puppet. Artist Dawn Grunwald will show you how to create a cuddly lamb, silly serpent or crazy kitty. Embellish with bits of fabric and yarn scraps, and then take home your puppets to continue the fun at home. Hand sewing skills will be taught as well as finger crochet. All materials will be provided. Registration is required. Register online, in the library, or by calling 503-988-5234. Saturday, March 31 from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Jazz Up Your Garden: Make your garden even more beautiful this spring by creating handmade garden ornaments. Artist Kathy Karbo will show you how to use hammers, anvils and other tools to create these fun, decorative pieces. Registration is required. Register online, in the library or by calling 503-988-5234. Wednesday, March 28 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Visit Events & Classes on the library's website for complete, up-to-the-minute information.
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