November 2014 – 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 December issue are due Saturday, Nov. 15. For best results, email 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.

ACTIVITIES AND CELEBRATIONS

Veteran’s Day parade rolls down Sandy Boulevard
In 1974, a gallon of gas cost 55 cents. The Dow Jones Industrial Average ended the year at 616. The Oregon Ducks football team had two uniforms: one for home and one for away games. And military veterans of the Vietnam War continued to return home.

The year that Vernon E. Ross, founder of the Ross Hollywood Chapel, decided to do something to honor all veterans was also 1974. Therefore, he started a parade. Moreover, 40 years later, it is going stronger than ever.

World War II veteran and Oregon native Brig. Gen. James B. Thayer, Lake Oswego will lead the 2014 parade on Nov. 11. Thayer, 92, enlisted in the U.S. Army following the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. During direct combat, he earned both the Bronze and Silver Star awards. In 1945, his anti-tank mine platoon helped liberate the Gunskirden Lager concentration camp in Austria, rescuing more than 15,000 Hungarian-Jewish refugees.

Other parade participants will include the USO Northwest PDX Center, The Beat Goes On and the Grant High School marching bands, women of Unit 70 Navy WAVE veterans, aged 66 to 92, and the Military Vehicle Collectors club, which will showcase a 1942 military tank. In addition, the horse-mounted Buffalo Soldiers Moses William Chapter of the 9th and 10th Calvary, JOIN, with a contingency of homeless veterans, veterans’ organizations, veterans’ motorcycle groups and Boy and Girl Scout troops will march.

The Veterans Day National Committee has selected the Portland parade as an official regional site for Veterans Day observances.

The parade begins at 9:45 a.m., Tuesday, Nov. 11 at Northeast 40 Avenue and Northeast Hancock Street and travels east on Northeast Sandy Boulevard to Northeast 48 Avenue, where a memorial flag raising ceremony will be held. Everyone is welcome to attend and can register to march in the parade at veteransdaypdx.org.

USO show for vets, food for Oregon Food Bank
Military veterans and their families are invited to a USO-style show and light lunch at the Hollywood Theatre, 4122 N.E. Sandy Blvd., following the annual Ross Hollywood Veterans Day Parade Tuesday, Nov. 11. The event is free. Attendees are asked to bring a canned food item for the Oregon Food Bank. Local entertainer Tony Starlight, of the Tony Starlight Showroom, and his musicians will play music from the World War II era and later. This is the fifth year the musicians have donated their time.

Prior to the variety show, veterans can view a short documentary film, “The Long and Lonesome Ride,” created by Portland Gulf War veteran Norwood Chapman. The film documents local soldier Mike Kight, who was killed in World War II. His remains were discovered in the Netherlands in 2011 and returned to Portland for burial in 2014.

Theatre doors will open at noon, and the show begins at 12:30 p.m.

The parade begins at 9:45 a.m. at Northeast 40th Avenue and Northeast Hancock Street and travels east on Northeast Sandy Boulevard to Northeast 48 Avenue, where a memorial flag raising ceremony will be held. Everyone is welcome to attend and can register to march in the parade at veteransdaypdx.org.

Church site of free feast
SnowCap Community Charities hosts its annual free Thanksgiving dinner at Rockwood United Methodist Church, 17805 S.E. Stark St.

The public is welcome. More than 60 volunteers worked to prepare and serve the meal to 300 guests last year. Volunteers are still needed to work on the feast this year.

Alley reports that though the agency started this dinner thinking that single and homeless people might want a place to give thanks, they have been surprised by how many young families come to celebrate the holiday together.

The food served is not taken from SnowCap’s pantry, but is all donated specifically for Thanksgiving. If you’re interested in donating food, including turkeys, sauces and other traditional items, to the dinner, you can drop off donations at 17788 S.E. Pine St. from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday.

“Please be sure to you are donating for Thanksgiving,” Alley added. “Not everyone is lucky enough to enjoy Thanksgiving at home or with a family. But it’s important that we all give thanks for what we have. It gives us a foundation to build on throughout the rest of the year.”

CLASSES AND WORKSHOPS

Communicate with compassion
What do you say to support friends and family coping with a life threatening illness? Learn what to say, and what not to say at a special presentation Friday, Nov. 7, at 11:15 a.m. at Faithful Savior Lutheran Church, 11100 N.E. Skidmore St.. by Sue Frymark and Karen Haren from Wilderness Journey Ministries. The can help those living with the related fears and anxieties of serious disease. Call 503-539-0915 to register or to learn more.

Free naturescaping workshop date set
The East Multnomah Soil & Water Conservation District hosts a free naturescaping workshop Saturday, Nov. 15 from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. at Leach Botanical Garden, 6704 S.E. 122nd Ave.

Learn how to design your landscape to reduce water use, decrease storm water runoff and improve habitat for local birds, wildlife and you. Explore the core concepts of naturescaping and pollution prevention, and learn about watershed concepts, native plant identification and site planning principals. Every participant receives a comprehensive workbook and a native plant to help them get started.

For information, call 503-935-5383. Register online at www.emswcd.org/workshops-events.

Strategies for coping with grief
Some days are especially painful after the death of a loved one. A free seminar in the social room at Portland Providence Medical Center, 4805 N.E. Glisan St. Monday, Nov. 10 from 2 to 3 p.m.; or Wednesday, Nov. 19 from 7 to 8 p.m. will help people who are grieving discover practical and meaningful ways to cope during the holidays, a time that can often intensify feelings of loneliness and isolation. Many of these coping strategies are also helpful when celebrating other personal holidays throughout the year, such as birthdays and anniversaries. In addition, those supporting someone who has experienced a loss can benefit from the information provided in this seminar.

Facilitated by trained hospice staff, the Providence Hospice Community Care seminars offer simple and effective tools that help people turn their compassion into action.

Space is limited and registration is suggested. For more information or to register for this free seminar contact Anne Kister at anne.kister@providence.org or call 503-215-4636.

What does groundwater mean to you?
Join the Portland Water Bureau and the Columbia Slough Watershed Council for Groundwater 101–a free educational workshop that teaches groundwater basics including local geology and hydrology, the role groundwater plays in our drinking water system, and what can be done to protect this important resource. This interactive workshop is presented with a mix of hands-on and classroom-style teaching and is appropriate for adults and high school students aged 14 and up Saturday, Nov. 15 from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. at NECA-IBEW Training Center, 16021 N.E. Airport Way. Light refreshments will be provided. Pre-registration is required. Register at columbiaslough.org. Click on Activities and Events.

Do it yourself insulation and weatherization workshops
A free workshop hosted by Community Energy Project Saturday, Nov. 15 from 1 to 4 p.m. at MetroEast Community Media, 829 N.E. 8th St. in Gresham, teaches participants how to weatherize a flat attic. Topics covered include safety, air sealing, baffling, blown-in insulation and incentives to help cover the cost of your project.

Free workshops that teach how to stop drafts, especially around doors and windows to save energy and increase comfort are Wednesday, Nov. 5 at Shaver Elementary, 3701 N.E. 131st Place and Thursday, Nov. 6 at Lincoln Park SUN School, 13200 S.E. Lincoln St. Homeowners and renters are invited. Qualified participants receive a free kit of weatherization supplies.

Learn more and register for these workshop at communityenergyproject.org or call 503-284-6827 ext. 106.

REUNIONS

PHS class of 1969
Because there is nothing better than happy hour with friends from high school, the Parkrose class of ‘69 gathers Wednesday, Nov. 12 for its regular Second Wednesday get together. This month they will meet at the Wooden Chicken Pub, 12500 N.E. Sandy Blvd. beginning at 4 p.m. Drop by when you get off work, classmates will hold forth until about 8 p.m. This is a no-host event. No reservations are needed, simply show up and join the fun. Watch for postings on the Parkrose Class of ‘69 Facebook page and the Parkrose High Alumni Association Facebook page.

FUNDRAISERS

Help fund Outdoor School
Saturday, Nov. 1 is can and bottle collection day at Parkrose Middle School, 18000 N.E. Shaver St. Sixth graders hoping to go to Outdoor School in the spring will benefit from your donations of refundable bottles and cans. They will be waiting for you from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. Next month, Young Life students will be on site Saturday, Dec. 6 to accept your donations.

Trail Blazers tickets make great gifts
Sunday, Dec. 28 is Parkrose Educational Foundation night at Moda Center when the Portland Trail Blazers take on the New York Knicks. Purchase tickets now at trailblazers.com/PEF (Promo Code: PEF) and you will be invited on to the court to take a foul shot. Select kids will high-five the Trail Blazers at half time. Tickets are available at discounted prices, and a portion of all sales will be donated to the PEF in support of Parkrose students.

The deadline to order is Wednesday, Nov. 26. Buy tickets now for the whole family and your Christmas shopping will be done!

Annual event supports music at PHS
Sunday, Nov. 30 is the date for the annual Michael Allen Harrison Back Home concert in the Parkrose High School Community Center Theater, 12003 N.E. Shaver St. This event features Parkrose alum Harrison along with special guest current choir students, special guest Julianne Johnson and other returning alumni. The show begins at 2 p.m. Tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for students and seniors.

Contact any choir student to buy tickets or get in touch with choir director Lesley Bossert at Lesley_bossert@parkrose.k12.or.us or 503-408-2695.

MEETINGS AND CLUBS

Our schools, our kids, your chance to get involved
The monthly Parkrose Middle School/High School Parent Teacher Organization meeting is Monday, Nov. 17 at 6:30 p.m. in the Parkrose Middle School media room, 11800 N.E. Shaver St. All schools and all parents are invited. Representatives of Athletic Boosters, Music Boosters, Pop Can Drive, Senior All Night Party and the Parkrose Educational Foundation will present updates. Listen to their reports and sign on to help out.

After the joint meeting, many groups will have meetings of their own at 7:30 p.m.

Healthy soil benefits plants
The Flower Lane Garden Club meets Wednesday, Nov. 19 at 10 a.m. at East Portland Community Center, 740 S.E. 106th Ave. Well-known gardener Claudia Groth will educate members on the value of healthy soil.

Composting your garden
The Villa Garden Club meets Thursday, Nov. 20 at 10:30 a.m. at Savage Memorial Presbyterian Church, 1740 S. E. 139th Ave. The guest speaker is author and instructor Leo D. Mock, who trumpets the value of adding compost to your garden soil. In addition, club members will offer gently used and new items for sale at this meeting. Coffee and dessert are provided. Bring a brown bag lunch if you choose. Please call Velda Altig at 503-252-723 for more information.

BAZAARS AND CRAFT FAIRS

St. Therese Parish
The 33rd annual St. Therese Holiday Bazaar is Friday, Nov. 7 from 5 to 8 p.m. and Saturday, Nov. 8 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Northeast 132nd Avenue and Halsey Street. Enjoy the talents of many craftspeople as well as traditional baked goods, a used books corner and wonderful raffle items. A café will also be open.

St. Rita Catholic Church
The annual St. Rita Fall Festival and Bazaar is Friday and Saturday, Nov. 7 and 8 from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. at 10029 N.E. Prescott St. There will be vendor booths, baked goods, fresh produce and Santa’s treasures. Food is served all day. Call 503-253-8810 for more information.

Heights at Columbia Knoll
The Homemade Holiday Craft Bazaar at Heights at Columbia Knoll, Northeast 82nd Avenue and Sandy Boulevard is Friday, Nov. 21 and Saturday, Nov. 22 from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Residents and independent vendors will offer a unique variety of items, which will include decorations, jewelry, homemade goodies and much, much more. This is a great way to get a head start on your holiday shopping and celebrating. Vendor tables are available. Please contact Maril Rueck, the activities coordinator, at 503-203-1094 to learn more.

Leach Botanical Garden
The festive holiday bazaar at 6704 S.E. 122nd Ave., Friday and Saturday, Dec. 5 and 6 from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. includes freshly made wreaths, swags, centerpieces, cut greens, baked goods and an artist market featuring work by local glass, ceramic, metal and fabric artists.

Experience the winter garden, sip hot cider in the historic Manor House and enjoy holiday music while you shop.

No admission or parking charge. This is a great way to support the garden and kick-off your holiday season.

David Douglas High
The 18th annual David Douglas Holiday Bazaar is Saturday, Dec. 6 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 1001 S.E. 135th Ave. Funds raised support the PTSA college scholarship fund. Organizers invite vendors to request an application now at ddbazaar@yahoo.com. Fee space is $35. Registrations are assigned first come, first served. The registration form and payment are due by Nov. 20.

Portland Christian
Portland Christian Royals Holiday Bazaar featuring hand-crafted artisan goods, jewelry, home décor and more is Saturday, Dec. 6 from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Portland Christian Jr/Sr High School, 12425 N.E. San Rafael St.

GIVING BACK

Donate to holiday gift drive
Ten years ago, Human Solutions started a holiday “store” to help brighten the holidays for homeless and low-income families, especially children, who might otherwise go without gifts. Your donations will fill the shelves at the holiday “store,” which provides gifts free of charge to homeless and low-income families. Donated gifts should be new and unwrapped so that parents can choose special items to wrap for their children.

Household items on list include pots, pans, plates, dishes, silverware and food storage containers with lids. Also needed are underwear, socks and winter jackets for kids ages 2 to 17; gift cards to movie theaters, coffee shops, fast food restaurants and area stores; and games, puzzles, blocks, balls, dolls and coloring and painting and craft supplies.

Questions about volunteering, donating or joining Human Solutions’ Holiday Team may be directed to Sara Fisher at sfisher@humansolutions.org or 503-548-0283.

THE party in Parkrose
The Parkrose Educational Foundation auction committee has put the wheels in motion for its annual fundraising dinner and auction in April. The theme is set. The location has been selected. Committee chairs are in place. All that’s needed now are volunteers to help fill those committees. Volunteer now to help procure auction items, sign up sponsors, manage the dessert dash or sell tables and tickets.

If you’re short on time, you can still help out by securing auction items. Talk to everyone you know who has a vacation getaway about donating a stay; you have a lovely home and like to entertain, host a special dinner for four to eight guests; on your next trip to the beach, the mountains, central Oregon or wherever ask your favorite innkeeper for a complimentary nights stay or your favorite local restaurant for a gift card. All make great auction items and will help the PEF reach its goal of $50,000 for students enrolled in Parkrose schools. Go to parkroseedfdn.org to volunteer for a committee, or to make a donation.

Give blood before the holiday season
The American Red Cross encourages eligible donors to make a point to give blood before the busy holiday season arrives.

Blood donations often decline between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day as people become busy with holiday festivities. Donors are needed in the weeks leading up to the winter holidays to help prevent these seasonal declines. Donors of all blood types, and especially those with types O negative, A negative and B negative, are needed now to help maintain a stable blood supply.

Blood donation appointments can be made through the Red Cross Blood Donor App, a faster, more convenient way to schedule and manage donation appointments, especially for donors on the go. The app also allows users to track donation histories, earn rewards and invite others to join them on a lifesaving team. The app is free and available for download in app stores.

The Portland donation center is at 3131 N. Vancouver Ave. Donors may also visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to locate a Blood Mobile event in the area, learn more about the donation process and to make an appointment.

THE ARTS

Add chalk pastels to your art
Portland Fine Arts Guild offers art classes at Russellville Grange Hall, 12105 N.E. Prescott St., Mondays Nov. 3, 10 and 17 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. The guest instructor this month is Melody Howden who will teach the art of using chalk pastels in new ways. The class is $12 per session for guild members, $15 per class for non-members. To learn more, visit portlandfineartsguild.org.

Don’t believe everything you hear
Parkrose High theater students present Neil Simon’s farce “Rumors” Thursday, Friday and Saturday, Nov. 13, 14 and 15 and Nov. 20, 21 and 22 at 7 p.m. in the PHS theater, 12003 N.E. Shaver St. Tickets are $7 for adults, $5 for seniors and students. Suitable for children age 13 and over.

Students present musical romp
David Douglas performing arts students present “Wonderful Town,” a musical with score by Leonard Bernstein at Howard F. Horner Performing Arts Center, 1400 S.E. 130th Ave. Evening performances are Nov. 14, 15, 20, 21 and 22. Curtain at 7:30 p.m. Choose a matinee Sunday Nov. 16 at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults, $7 for seniors and students. Learn more here: https://sites.google.com/a/ddouglas.k12.or.us/dd/

Free matinee for school groups
Maverick Main Stage Productions presents a free performance of “Grinched” Friday, Dec. 5 at 9:45 a.m. at the Alberta Abbey Auditorium, 126 N.E. Alberta St. for school groups.

“Grinched,” a modern twist on the Dr. Seuss classic, tells the story of Mr. Grinch, the lonely and bitter owner of Who-Mart a one stop shop in the heart of Whoville. It’s the holiday season and all the Whos in Whoville have a touch of holiday madness. In spite of a poor economy and paychecks that barely cover the basics, the Whos succumb to clever marketing manipulation and make Mr. Grinch a very rich man in their efforts to please their loved ones with just the right gifts. The looming question: will the true spirit of the holidays triumph over materialism before every Who in Whoville goes broke?

Email events@maverickdrama.com or call Jennie Brown at 503-208-0916 to reserve your seats. Spaces are reserved on a first-come, first-serve basis. The theater seats 400. Please include class size, teacher and chaperones in overall head count. All admissions are free. Donations will be accepted.

Writer helps travelers rediscover Oregon
For the first-time adventurer or traveler, Portland journalist and author Joe Bianco will offer some personalized recommendations for where to go and how to go there through Oregon’s cities and country side. His book “Oregon Rediscovered” has been lauded for its “fresh look at a much-traveled landscape and most especially its varied mix of peoples and their cultures.”

The award winning journalist and author of eight books will be at Midland Library, 805 S.E 122nd Ave., Saturday, Nov. 8 from 11 a.m. until noon.

Bianco was a staff member of “The Oregonian” for many years, serving as reporter, editor of “Northwest Magazine,” Sunday editor and director of special projects. Direct your questions to Bianco at 503-223-6747 or jrbmedia@hevanet.com.

Remembering World War I
Portland Christian High School students present “Doughboys and Doughnuts” at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 21 and 22 and 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 23 at 12425 N.E. San Rafael St. This production based on events surrounding World War I will include presentations by veterans, musical performances and the James Barrie play “The Old Lady Shows her Medals.” The $8 ticket price includes hot cider and fresh doughnuts. Veterans who would like to participate should contact Linda Highman at 503-254-6257.

EDUCATION

Scholarships available at college night
Three participants at College Night in Oregon will have a chance to win a $500 college scholarship. Clackamas Community College is one of several colleges around the state taking part in College Night in Oregon on Thursday, Nov. 13. The event offers sessions to help people find out about higher education choices and funding.

College Night in Oregon begins at 6:30 p.m. with pizza and beverages in the college’s Gregory Forum at the Oregon City campus. The session will provide information on choosing the right college, the financial aid process, completing and filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), and scholarship searches and scams.

Participants can enter to win one of three $500 scholarships, provided by the event sponsor, Educational Credit Management Corporation. The scholarships can be used at any accredited college in the United States.

For more information, please contact CCC Financial Aid director Chippi Bello at chippi@clackamas.edu or 503-594-3099 or Student Support & Enrollment coordinator Tawnya Stauffer-Dexter at tawnyas@clackamas.edu 503-594-6136.

BPA Science Bowl Registration is open
Registration is now open for the nation’s largest regional science bowl competition for middle and high school students. Registration is open through Nov. 15 for the 2015 Bonneville Power Administration Regional Science Bowl. The events take place on consecutive weekends this winter at the University of Portland. The middle school competition is set for Jan. 31, and the high school competition kicks off Feb. 7. The event is free and open to teams from public and private schools in western Washington and western and central Oregon.

The BPA Regional Science Bowl is a fast-paced, quiz-show-style competition that invites middle and high school students to demonstrate their knowledge of science and math in a round-robin, double-elimination tournament, with winners eligible to travel to the national finals in Washington, D.C. The BPA events are the largest in the nation, and include enrichment activities for all participants, including an engineering competition and student video contest.

For details and registration instructions, go to www.bpa.gov/goto/ScienceBowl.

Registration takes only a few minutes with the online form. To register, teachers need to list contact information, school name and the number of five-student teams they’d like to register.

Enrollment open at preschool
If your preschooler turned 3 or 4 by Sept. 1, visit Gethsemane Lutheran Preschool, 11560 S.E. Market St., to learn if this play based preschool is suitable for your child. Tours are available. Call to set up an appointment. Visit the website www.glcpotland.org/preschool or find the school on Facebook at facebook.com/GethsemaneLutheranPreschool to learn more.

See AVID in action
Parkrose Middle School Advancement via Individual Determination open house is Thursday, Nov. 20 from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. at 11800 N.E. Shaver St.

As an AVID national demonstration site, PMS will share how it is using the program school wide to improve instruction and increase student engagement.

As a part of the visit, there will be opportunities to see:

• A Socratic seminar in content classes
• AVID elective tutorials
• Sixth grade AVID elective class
• Algebra 1 class using W.I.C.O.R. strategies
• Interactive notebooks in content classes
• Critical reading strategies in content area classes
• The AVID site team
• Use of data to expand AVID
A light lunch will be provided.

SENIOR RESOURCES

Walk the national cemetery on Mt Scott
The Gresham Senior Hiking-Outdoor Group will pay tribute to fallen heroes at Willamette National Cemetery Thursday, Nov. 13. The two-mile walk around this solemn resting place will feature views of Portland’s east side, the West Hills, fall colors and the Oregon Korean Veterans Memorial.

Lunch at a local restaurant is planned after the walk. Dress for the weather and for wet conditions. Departure from Ambleside Center, 600 N.E. 8th Ave. in Gresham is at 10 a.m. A $2 donation will be accepted for car pool drivers.

Giving thanks times two
The Wy’East Unitarian Universalist Church is hosting a Thanksgiving dinner Sunday, Nov. 23 from noon to 2:00 p.m. at the Hollywood Senior Center, 1820 N.E. 40 Ave. The free dinner includes turkey and all the trimmings, plus tasty side dishes. Music and fellowship will follow.

If you can’t make the Sunday event, the senior center is hosting a Thanksgiving Day dinner Thursday, Nov. 27, from 3 to 6 p.m. Attendees at both events are invited to bring a dish to share or make a donation in the form of grocery gift cards. Please call the Hollywood Senior Center at 503-288-8303 to reserve a seat at the table.

HEALTH AND WELLNESS

Strategies for coping with grief
Some days are especially painful after the death of a loved one. A free seminar in the social room at Portland Providence Medical Center, 4805 N.E. Glisan St. Monday, Nov. 10 from 2 to 3 p.m.; or Wednesday, Nov. 19 from 7 to 8 p.m. will help people who are grieving discover practical and meaningful ways to cope during the holidays, a time that can often intensify feelings of loneliness and isolation. Many of these coping strategies are also helpful when celebrating other personal holidays throughout the year, such as birthdays and anniversaries. In addition, those supporting someone who has experienced a loss can benefit from the information provided in this seminar.

Facilitated by trained hospice staff, the Providence Hospice Community Care seminars offer simple and effective tools that help people turn their compassion into action.

Space is limited and registration is suggested. For more information or to register for this free seminar, contact Anne Kister at anne.kister@providence.org or call 503-215-4636.

LIBRARIES

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., except Nov. 27.

Book Babies: Storytime for children from birth to 12 months with adult. Thursdays from 11:15 to 11:45 a.m., except Nov. 27.

Toddler Storytime: Storytime for children 24 to 36 months with adult. Fridays from 10:15 to 10:45 a.m., except Nov. 28.

Preschool Storytime: Storytime for children 3 to 6 years with adult. Fridays from 11:15 to 11:45 a.m., except Nov. 28.

Vietnamese Storytime: Storytime presented in Vietnamese for children newborn to 6 years with adult. Saturdays from 11:15 to 11:45 a.m., except Nov. 29.

Family Storytime: Storytime for children 6 years and younger with adult. Saturdays from 10:15 to 10:45 a.m., except Nov. 29.

Meet Dash’Ka’Yah and Coyote: Meet Dash’Ka’Yah, the monster woman with long hair, claws for fingers, scraggly teeth, snot down to here and bad breath. Hah. Coyote—hear his stories: Coyote Made the Columbia River (Colville); Coyote Steals the Water from Frog (Kalypua); Coyote Eats His Own Rump (Klamath); Coyote Places the Stars (Warm Springs); Coyote Loses His Eyes (Nez Perce). Ed Edmo is a Shoshone-Bannock poet, playwright, performer, traditional storyteller, tour guide and lecturer on Northwest tribal culture. Made possible by The Library Foundation through support from The Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde Fund. Saturday, Nov. 8 from 1 to 2 p.m.

Read to the Dogs: Improve your reading skills and make a new friend by reading aloud to a therapy dog from Pet Partners. Registration is required; call 503-988-5386. Saturday, Nov. 1 from 11 a.m. to noon.

Bucket Drumming: Bring out the buckets and make some noise. Drumming doesn’t have to happen on fancy expensive equipment; it can be done on table tops and buckets. Learn how. Thursday, Nov. 6 from 4 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. Thursday, Nov. 20 from 4 to 5 p.m.

A Good Yarn: 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.

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.

Simplifying the Holidays: Certified Simplicity Parenting Coach Stephana Johnson brings strategies for making the holidays stress-free and tools to simplify the holiday season. Are you tired of the pressure to buy more stuff during the holidays? Find out how to simplify your holidays; find more meaning; and create more calm, ease and connection among family and friends. Registration is required. Register online, in the library or by calling 503-988-5234. Sunday, Nov. 2 from 3 to 4 p.m.

GED Success-Plan of Action: Your success on the GED can begin at Multnomah County Library. Learn about the GED Testing Service website. Review the computer skills necessary to pass the GED test. Access free GED practice tests and self-study materials. Financial scholarship information included. You will need an email account and a Multnomah County Library card to participate in the class. For more information, call 503-988-6318. Register online, in the library or by calling 503-988-5234. Saturday, Nov. 15 from 1 to 3 p.m.

Pageturners Book Group: Read “A Natural History of the Senses” by Diane Ackerman. Engage in stimulating conversation about books. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library. Monday, Nov. 17 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Hot Process Soap Making: Have fun while learning to safely make your own soap with wholesome, nourishing, all natural ingredients. Hot process soap is the oldest form of soap making, dating back over 5,000 years, and was how true soap was made until soap became industrialized in the 1950s when, in order to make soap economical to produce, they changed soap into detergents made with artificial colorants, fragrances and man-made ingredients. If our ancestors were able to make natural, healthy soap, you can too. Instructors will cover the process of saponification, natural ways to color and fragrance soap and how to do it all safely. Additional topics may include working with goat’s milk and choosing oils. You will leave with the confidence to make your own, along with written procedures, recipes and soap to take home. Class is taught by Sellwood Soap Company owner Kent Bromenschenkel. Register online, in the library or by calling 503-988-5234. Sunday, Nov. 23 from 3 to 4:30 p.m.

Vietnamese Computer Lab: Lab assistants are available to help beginners practice their computer skills. Wednesdays from 4 to 5:30 p.m.

Midland Library, 805 S.E. 122nd Ave., 503-988-5392
Book Babies: Storytime for children from birth to 12 months with adult. Mondays through Nov. 17 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

Tiny Tots: Storytime for children 12 to 24 months with adult. Tuesdays through Nov. 18 from 10:15 to 11 a.m.

Toddler Storytime: Storytime for children 24 to 36 months with adult. Fridays through Nov. 21 from 10:15 to 11 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. to noon.

Preschool Storytime: Storytime for children 3 to 6 years with adult. Mondays through Nov. 17 from 10:15 to 11 a.m. and Tuesdays through Nov. 18 from 11:15 a.m. to noon.

Family Storytime: Storytime for children 2 to 7 years with adult. Thursdays through Nov. 20 from 6 to 6:45 p.m. and Sundays through Nov. 23 from 3 to 3:45 p.m.

Black Storytime: The African and African-American experience comes alive for children from birth to age 6 with a favorite adult and other family members. Saturdays through Nov. 22 from 11:30 a.m. to noon.

Chinese Storytime: Storytime presented in Cantonese for children ages newborn to 6 years with adult. Saturdays from 2 to 2:45 p.m.

Vietnamese Storytime: Storytime presented in Vietnamese for children ages newborn to 6 years with adult. Sundays through Nov. 23 from 1 to 1:45 p.m.

Russian Storytime: Storytime presented in Russian for children from birth to 6 years with adult. Tuesdays from 6 to 6:45 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., except Nov. 27.

Chess at the Library: Have fun playing chess or Chinese chess. The library provides the chess equipment. All ages welcome. Saturdays from 3:30 to 5 p.m.

Storytime with the Ballet-Changing Seasons: Join your librarian and the Oregon Ballet Theatre and read books about fall and seasons changing. Don’t miss a chance to dance a story with an Oregon Ballet Theatre teaching artist. Come prepared to be moved. Monday, Nov. 10 from 10:15 to 11:15 a.m.

Celebrate Fall with Reading and Apples: Celebrate family reading with a special presentation by award-winning author Deborah Hopkinson in honor of the 10th anniversary of her book, “Apples to Oregon.” Followed by a question-and-answer session, book signing and family activity. Thursday, Nov. 20 from 6 to 7:15 p.m.

Music and Movement: Join award-winning children’s educator and performer Aaron Nigel Smith as he gets the whole family moving, grooving and learning. Saturday, Nov. 29 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 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. Mondays, Nov. 3 and 17 from 3:30 to 5 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, Nov. 8 and 22 from noon to 2 p.m.

Bio-Mania: It’s alive. Dissect owl pellets and investigate jumping beans. From shark teeth to camel feet, living things are full of surprises. How do fish float? Why don’t spiders get stuck in their own webs? Come on a science safari to find out … then take stuff home to show your family and friends. Monday, Nov. 17 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, 3 to 4:30 p.m.

English Classes: Free ESL classes. All levels welcome. No registration required. For more information, call 503-988-6318. Wednesdays from 6 to 7:30 p.m., except Nov. 26 and Thursdays from 6 to 7:30 p.m., except Nov. 27.

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.

Wills, Trusts and Estate Planning: Learn the basics of wills, living trusts, powers of attorney and health care directives with attorney Richard Schneider. Saturday, Nov. 1 from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

Oregon Rediscovered: For the first-time adventurer or traveler, author Joe Bianco offers personalized recommendations of where to go in Oregon, how to get there, and what you’ll find. Saturday, Nov. 8 from 11 a.m. to noon.

A Shared City-Native Americans in Early Portland History: The first written histories never mentioned that Portland’s recently arrived white residents were outnumbered by the Native Americans who lived along the Willamette River. Historian Tracy J. Prince, uncovered this neglected part of Portland’s history, and will share photos and stories. Saturday, Nov. 8 from 2 to 3:30 p.m.

Finding Wholesale Happiness in a Retail World: Author, public speaker and media personality Jeff Yeager delivers practical advice about money, happiness and our consumer culture. Sunday, Nov. 9 from 3 to 4 p.m.

Five Hundred Miles of Inspiration: Meet author Kurt Koontz. Part diary, part travelogue, “A Million Steps” is a journey within a journey all the way to the Cathedral de Santiago de Compostela and beyond. Tuesday, Nov. 11 from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

Pageturners Book Groups: Engage in conversation about books and get to know your neighbors. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library. Read “Gone Girl” by Gillian Flynn for discussion Tuesday, Nov. 18 from 6:45 to 7:45 p.m.

Or read “The Impossible Lives of Greta Wells” by Andrew Sean Greer for discussion Wednesday, Nov. 19 from 1 to 2:15 p.m.

First Impressions: This workshop helps job seekers maximize on their ability to make a lasting, positive first impression. Registration is required. Register online, in the library or by calling 503-988-5234. Wednesday, Nov. 19 from 3 to 4 p.m.

Simplifying the Holidays: Certified Simplicity Parenting Coach Stephana Johnson brings strategies for making the holidays stress-free. Registration is required. Register online, in the library or by calling 503-988-5234. Saturday, Nov. 22 from 11 a.m. to noon.

Sugar and Health: Adults eat an average of 164 pounds of sugar each year. Learn about ways to cut down on sugar consumption. Registration is required. Register online, in the library or by calling 503-988-5234. Saturday, Nov. 22 from 1 to 2 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 Vietnamese also available; assistance in Russian, 5 to 6:30 p.m.) Fridays from 2:30 to 5 p.m. (Assistance in Chinese also available.)

Try Your Hand at iPad: Learn to use your new iPad. Please bring your own iPad, fully charged. Registration is required. Register online, in the library or by calling 503-988-5234. Sundays, Nov. 2 and 9 from noon to 2 p.m.

Gain the Upper Hand with Your iPad: Now that you know the basics, learn how to make your iPad work for you. Please bring your own iPad, fully charged. Registration is required. Register online, in the library or by calling 503-988-5234. Sundays, Nov. 16 and 23 from noon to 2 p.m.