December 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 January issue are due Monday, Dec. 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.

EVENTS, ACTIVITIES and CELEBRATIONS

Sit down for a community feast

St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church and The Portland Kitchen host a community dinner on Thursday, Dec. 11, at 6 p.m. in the parish hall at 11229 N.E. Prescott St. The community is invited. The menu will include Lemon rosemary chicken, mashed potatoes, stewed carrots and rolls. The food will be prepared and served by high school students under the supervision of a professional chef. The Portland Kitchen is a non-profit program that teaches domestic and professional cooking skills to young people. They meet twice a week during the school year. These students are excited to share what they have learned. Your attendance will let them know they are doing well.

 

Festival of Lights returns for 28th year

The Grotto’s Christmas Festival of Lights is a Mid-county holiday tradition since 1988. Known as the World’s Largest Christmas Choral Festival, The Grotto’s Festival of Lights features five choirs each night from throughout the Pacific Northwest; more than 160 choirs, choral groups and special guests perform this year.

The festival opened Friday, Nov. 28, and continues nightly, except Christmas, through December 30. Gates open from 5 to 9:30 p.m., with grounds closing at 10 p.m. General admission is $10, seniors (65+) are $9, and children (3-12) are $4. Children two years old and under are free.

Festival visitors can enjoy hot beverages and food as they stroll through The Grotto’s million lights on display. Each night, children enjoy the petting zoo and interactive puppet show while carolers and dulcimer minstrels entertain guests of all ages. “Our intent is to blend the traditional sights and the sounds of the season with the hope, peace and love that Christmas heralds,” said The Grotto’s Father Jack Topper. “We are very fortunate to receive support from so many choirs. Many of them are among the finest in the region and have performed at the festival for many years.”

Pianist John Nilsen performs December 11, and Ten Grands founder and artistic director, Michael Allen Harrison, once again closes the Festival December 30.

More than 800 volunteers make the Festival happen. If interested in helping out, send an email to: volunteer@thegrotto.org.

The Grotto is on Northeast Sandy Boulevard at 85th Avenue.

CLASSES and WORKSHOPS

Stop drafts, save money and energy

Learn how to stop drafts in your home, especially around doors and windows, to save energy and increase comfort. Take part in one of these free weatherization workshops hosted by the Community Energy Project.

• Monday, Dec. 1 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Earl Boyles SUN School, 10822 S.E. Bush St.

• Monday, Dec. 8 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Alder Elementary School, 17200 S.E. Alder St.

Renters and homeowners are invited. Qualified participants receive a free kit of weatherization supplies. Register for the workshop at www.communityenergyproject.org or call 503-284-6827 ext. 108.

 

FUNDRAISERS

Donate your refundable bottles and cans

The Parkrose Bronco Boosters monthly can and bottle collection drive is Saturday, Dec. 6 from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. at Parkrose Middle School, 11800 N.E. Shaver St. Young Life students will unload your donation and sort it for delivery to the redemption center.

After holiday celebrations, make sure to hold onto your refundable bottles and cans until Saturday, Jan. 3 when Parkrose choir students will sing your praises with each donation.

 

Trail Blazers and Parkrose, what a team

Hey Blazers fans, the Parkrose Educational Foundation has a great deal for you. Buy tickets for the Sunday, Dec. 28 game against the New York Knicks at trailblazers.com/PEF and use the code PEF to purchase discounted seats. You will also be able to go on the floor of the Moda Center after the game to try and make a foul shot. The PEF will receive a portion of each ticket sold. Help Parkrose students and have a fun family evening of exciting basketball action. Trail Blazers tickets make great holiday gifts as well. Tickets will be available up to game day, but they are selling fast. Don’t wait.

 

Buy party tickets early

The gray days of winter will soon be upon us. The Parkrose Educational Foundation has a fix for that. “Escape to Paradise,” the annual foundation dinner and auction, is Saturday, April 11. The Portland Airport Sheraton event space will be transformed to a tropical paradise to lift your spirits. Auctions items will include vacation packages, gift baskets, gift cards and fabulous opportunities for adventure.

Talk to your friends, family and neighbors to put together a fun table for a great night out. It only takes eight people to fill a table. Appetizers, dinner and wine or beer are included. Auction tickets make great gifts. Tickets are on sale now at predfdn.org for $50 per person.

 

Choir Fest raises funds for homeless families

The 13th annual Epiphany Choir Fest, a benefit for Human Solutions’ Daybreak Shelter for homeless families, is Sunday, Jan. 11, 2015, at Gethsemane Lutheran Church, 11560 S.E. Market St. from 3 to 5 p.m. Admission is free and open to the public. A freewill offering will take place for the Daybreak Shelter and other services for homeless families at Human Solutions. Light refreshments will be served after the performance.

As in years past, local church and community choirs will sing traditional Christmas anthems and carols and combine to perform the “Hallelujah Chorus” from Handel’s Messiah to end the event. The audience will be invited to sing along. Participating churches include those who participate in a network of faith organizations that contribute time and resources to the Daybreak Shelter, a year-round, 15-bed facility located in the basement of Peace Church of the Brethren. Donations also benefit the Family Winter Shelter, a seasonal 100-bed shelter that provides overnight shelter to homeless families at 16141 E. Burnside St. The Winter Shelter opened Nov. 1.

Donations collected at the Epiphany Choir Fest will help Human Solutions purchase food and other essentials for homeless families during the rainy winter months. 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 1,000 homeless people in 370 families.

Homeless families in need of shelter can call 211 for more information.

CLUBS and ORGANIZATIONS

Decorate with what you grow

Join the Villa Garden Club meeting Thursday, Dec. 18 at Savage Memorial Presbyterian Church, 1740 S.E. 139th Ave., to learn how to create seasonal arrangements from the plants and shrubs in your yard. Evie Hausman, a master gardener, is the guest speaker. Lunch will be potluck. To learn more, contact Velda Altig at 503-252-7423.

 

BAZAARS and CRAFT FAIRS

Clackamas Community College

The annual CCC Craft Fair and Gingerbread Contest is Tuesday and Wednesday, Dec. 2 and 3, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. in the Community Center, 19600 Molalla Ave., in Oregon City. This event is open to the public and is sponsored by CCC Student Leadership. For more information, call 503-594-3041 or email mbaker@clackamas.edu.

 

Mt Hood Community College

Mt Hood Community College invites you to the 45th annual Scrooge Lives holiday sale Wednesday and Thursday, Dec. 3 and 4 from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. at the Campus Student Union, 26000 S.E. Stark St., in Gresham. Choose from a variety of handmade gifts all made by local artists. Shoppers will find one-of-a-kind jewelry, soaps, sandblasted glass and much more. Two vendors will feature jewelry and various types of bags created from recycled and repurposed materials.

 

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.

 

Historic Parkrose

The Historic Parkrose Holiday Market is Saturday, Dec. 6 from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. in a heated tent in the Parkrose Hardware parking lot, 10625 N.E. Sandy Blvd. Enjoy live entertainment, the Sugar Plum Elves and an early visit by Santa Claus at noon. Warm drinks and refreshments will be available.

 

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.

 

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

Your skills are needed

The Parkrose Educational Foundation needs you. Committees are forming now in support of the annual fundraising dinner and auction Saturday, April 11 at the Sheraton Portland Airport Hotel. Volunteers are needed to help with sponsorship solicitation, ticket sales, the dessert dash, set up and tear down on the day of the auction and more. If you live or work in Parkrose or have a child or grandchild enrolled in Parkrose schools, sign up now to be part of the single biggest fundraising event of the year.

Funds raised are distributed as grants to all Parkrose schools for things like field trips, musical instruments, art supplies, swimming classes and in support of Outdoor School, AVID, athletics and workshops for a wide variety of student groups. Visit parkroseedfdn.org to see a comprehensive list of grants awarded. Send an email to predfdn@gmail.com or call 503-408-2108 to volunteer.

 

Volunteer to help prepare tax returns

AARP Foundation will be providing free tax assistance and preparation for taxpayers with low to moderate income through the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide program. But first, the program is in need of volunteers to help prepare tax forms.

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide thrives due to the remarkable efforts of its volunteer base. With nearly 50 million low- to moderate-income taxpayers helped and growing, there are always opportunities for new volunteers. Lack of experience shouldn’t stop anyone from volunteering. Tax volunteers must complete a tax preparation workshop from the Internal Revenue Service prior to working with taxpayers. There is also a need for grass-roots leadership on-site greeters, and those who can provide language assistance in Spanish, Mandarin or Cantonese.

Last year, 1,197 AARP Foundation Tax-Aide volunteers in Oregon helped more than 80,795 people file their federal and state tax returns. The program is offered at approximately 134 sites in Oregon including senior centers, libraries and other convenient locations.

For volunteer information and an online application, visit www.aarp.org/taxaide. AARP Foundation Tax-Aide is offered in conjunction with the IRS.

 

THE ARTS

Music and cookies at free concert

The East County Community Orchestra Winter Concert is Sunday, Dec. 7, at 3 p.m. at the David Douglas Horner Performing Arts Center, 1500 S.E. 130th Ave. Chat with Director Roger G. Nickerson and orchestra members while enjoying coffee and cookies. This is a free concert.

 

Portland Christian students take the stage

The Portland Christian Junior High Arts Showcase is Thursday, Dec. 11 at 7p.m. at 12425 N.E. San Rafael St. Band, choir, visual arts and drama students will perform.

High school choir and ensemble students perform a Christmas Concert Monday, Dec. 15 at 7 p.m., also at the San Rafael campus.

Both events are free.

Watch for the PCHS choir at the Grotto, Monday, Dec. 8 at 7 p.m. as well. Grotto admission fees apply.

 

Keeping the season alive with music

Resurrection Lutheran Church, 1700 N.E. 132nd Ave., presents “Victorian Legacy” Friday and Saturday, Jan. 2 and 3 at 7:30 p.m. Celebrate two of the twelve days of Christmas with 19th century Christmas music by Bob Crews, Stephen Sauter, Casey Bozell and Jackie Miclau. The Resurrection Players perform an interactive choral reading of “The Christmas Carol. Tea and treats will be served. Tickets are $5 at the door. Contact Linda Highman at 403-254-6257 if you have questions.

EDUCATION

Introduce your child to preschool

Gethsemane Lutheran Preschool, 11560 S.E. Market St., has room for your 3- or 4-year old in its play-based program. Begin the new year by enrolling your child now. Schedule an informational tour at 503-256-1835 or learn more at glcportland.org/preschool or Facebook.com/GethsemaneLutheranPreschool.

 

FAITH AND VALUES

Trinity Lutheran Church

Celebrate the season at Trinity Lutheran Church, 5520 N.E. Killingsworth St.

Trinity Lutheran choirs perform at The Grotto Thursday, Dec. 4 at 5:15 p.m. Grotto admission applies.

The school Christmas program is Thursday, Dec. 18 at 7 p.m.

A children’s Christmas service is set for Sunday, Dec. 21 at 10 a.m.

Christmas Eve candlelight carol services are Wednesday, Dec. 24 at 7 and 11 p.m. A Spanish language service is at 5 p.m.

Christmas festival service is Thursday, Dec. 25 at 10 a.m.

Youth Christmas service is Sunday, Dec. 28 at 10 a.m. Spanish language service at 5 p.m.

 

SENIOR RESOURCES

Stroll around Glendoveer and Summerplace

It is easy to stay home when the damp winter weather envelopes us. Gresham Senior Hiking-Outdoor Group wants you to join a quick two-mile walk around Glendoveer Golf Course Thursday, Dec. 11. Another half mile will be added with a tour around Summerplace. Bring a sack lunch to enjoy in the Summerplace home of Janis Christian, who will provide dessert. On the way back to Gresham, a stop is planned at the Candy Basket.

The group departs Ambleside Center, 600 N.E. 8th Ave. in Gresham at 10 a.m. A donation of $1.50 will be accepted for carpool drivers.

To learn more, contact Rose Marie Gilbert at 503-762-2357.

 

LIBRARIES

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 newborn to 12 months with adult. Mondays through Dec. 15 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

Tiny Tots: Storytime for children 12 to 24 months with adult. Tuesdays through Dec. 16 from 10:15 to 11 a.m.

Toddler Storytime: Storytime for children 24 to 36 months with adult. Fridays through Dec. 19 from 10:15 to 11 a.m. and from 11:30 a.m. to noon.

Preschool Storytime: Storytime for children 3 to 6 years with adult. Mondays through Dec. 15 from 10:15 to 11 a.m. and Tuesdays through Dec. 16 from 11:15 a.m. to noon.

Family Storytime: Storytime for children 2 to 7 years with adult. Thursdays through Dec. 18 from 6 to 6:45 p.m.

Black Storytime: The African and African American experience comes alive for children from birth to age 6 when accompanied by a favorite adult and other family members. Saturdays through Dec. 20 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 through Dec. 21 from 1 to 1:45 p.m.

Russian Storytime: Storytime presented in Russian for children from birth to 6 years with adult. Tuesdays through Dec. 16 from 6 to 6:45 p.m.

Yarn Club: Whether your interest is knitting or crocheting, come join the fun as we learn together. All experience levels and ages welcome. Please bring your own supplies. Thursdays from 4 to 5:30 p.m. except Dec. 25.

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.

Kids’ Ceramic Painting: Come and paint your own car, truck, butterfly, princess, dragonfly and more. We supply the ceramic pieces, paint, brushes, smocks, water tubs and mats. You come with your imagination and talent. The pieces are painted with lead-free acrylic paint and ready to be taken home in just a few minutes. Tuesday, Dec. 23 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. Mondays, Dec. 1 and 15 from 3:30 to 5 p.m.

Doing Dough-Holiday Cookies: Come make holiday cookies from scratch. Students will use one basic dough to make three different kinds of cookies. You’ll leave with three cookies from each type to bake at home as well as three cookies you’ve frosted yourself from the pre-baked batch. For teens in grades 6 through12. Monday, Dec. 8 from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.

Read to the Dogs: Improve your reading skills by reading aloud to a therapy dog from Pet Partners. Registration is required; call 503-988-5392. Saturdays, Dec. 13 and 27 from noon to 2 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.

English Classes: Free ESL classes. All levels welcome. No registration required. For more information, call 503-988-6318. Wednesdays through Dec. 10 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. and Thursdays through Dec. 11 from 6 to 7:30 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.

Understanding Job Descriptions: Employers can be picky about job candidates, and they certainly won’t hesitate to throw out an application for anyone who doesn’t meet the minimum requirements. This workshop will help you learn how to decipher the required and preferred skills, as well as understand how to interpret some of the other important sections of job descriptions. Registration is required. Register online, in the library or by calling 503-988-5234. Tuesday, Dec. 9 from 3 to 4 p.m.

It’s Time for a Fresh Start-Project Clean Slate: Has your driver’s license been suspended for unpaid fines? Is there a minor criminal conviction on your record that is standing in your way? If you have a record with Multnomah County, Project Clean Slate can help. This workshop introduces the resources and services that can help you make that fresh start. Project Clean Slate is supported by the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office, Multnomah County Public Defender Office, Oregon Department of Motor Vehicles and the Independent Development Enterprise Alliance. Saturday, Dec. 13 from 11 to 11:45 a.m.

Pageturners Book Groups: Engage in stimulating conversation about books and get to know your neighbors. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

Read “Mr. Penumbra’s 24-Hour Bookstore” by Robin Sloan for discussion Tuesday, Dec. 16 from 6:45 to 7:45 p.m. Or read “The Sense of an Ending” by Julian Barnes for discussion Wednesday, Dec. 17 from 1 to 2:15 p.m.

Computer Lab: Lab assistants are available to help beginners practice their computer skills. Tuesdays from 5 to 7:30 p.m. (Assistance in Vietnamese also available; assistance in Russian from 5 to 6:30 p.m.) Fridays from 2:30 to 5 p.m. (Assistance in Chinese also available.)

E-books and Audiobooks-Hands-on Help: Got an e-reader? Like to read on your tablet? Want to read or listen to a book on your phone or iPod? Drop in for one-on-one help. Please bring your device and any other equipment you need to download and/or transfer. Made possible in part by The Library Foundation. Fridays from 3 to 4:30 p.m.

Android Tablet Essentials: Do you have a new Android tablet? This class will help you learn to use it. You will learn the basic layout of your tablet, settings, apps and more. Please bring your own tablet fully charged. You must have a Google or Gmail account before coming to class in order to participate. Bring your user name and password to class; you will need to be able to log into your account. Offered by OASIS Connections. Registration is required. Register online, in the library or by calling 503-988-5234. Sundays, Dec. 7 and 14 from noon to 2 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.

Tiny Tots: Storytime for children 12 to 24 months with adult. Thursdays through Dec. 11 from 10:15 to 10:45 a.m.

Book Babies: Storytime for children newborn to 12 months with adult. Thursdays through Dec. 11 from 11:15 to 11:45 a.m.

Toddler Storytime: Storytime for children 24 to 36 months with adult. Fridays through Dec. 12 from 10:15 to 10:45 a.m.

Preschool Storytime: Storytime for children 3 to 6 years with adult. Fridays through Dec. 12 from 11:15 to 11:45 a.m.

Family Storytime: Storytime for newborn to 6 years with adult. Saturdays through Dec. 13 from 10:15 to 10:45 a.m.

Vietnamese Storytime: Storytime presented in Vietnamese for newborn to 6 years with adult. Saturdays through Dec. 20 from 11:15 to 11:45 a.m.

Twirly Whirlys: Create this simple toy with wire, beads and found objects. Watch the beads shimmer and dance as you move them in your hands. Gain experience with needle-nose pliers, wire cutters, hammers and anvils to create your one-of-a-kind toy. Saturday, Dec. 6 from 1 to 3 p.m.

Storytime with the Ballet-Winter Wonderland: Join your librarian and Oregon Ballet Theatre’s teaching artist and read books about winter and snow. Watch your favorite stories come to life through dance and movement presented by a real ballerina. Learn about ballet and come face-to-face with real ballet costumes and shoes. Friday, Dec. 19 from 4 to 5 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. Thursdays, Dec. 4 and 18 from 4 to 5 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, Dec. 6 from 11 a.m. to noon.

A Good Yarn: Whether you are a beginner or an experienced knitter, come join the fun and learn together. All experience levels and ages welcome. Please bring your own supplies. Tuesdays from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

Language Exchange: Engage in conversation with native English speakers who want to practice their Spanish and with native Spanish speakers who want to practice their English. There will be time for conversation in both languages. Saturdays from 4 to 5:30 p.m.

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 “They Disappeared” by Rick Mofina. Engage in stimulating conversation about books. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library. Monday, Dec. 15 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 Dec. 24.