March 2015 – Memo Calendar

We offer the Memo Calendar to publicize events open to the community at large. Share news about events of interest, meetings, fundraisers, celebrations, classes, reunions and the like. When you send submissions, please include all details that apply, such as the date, start and finish time, address and admission fee.

In addition, send a brief description of the event, including whom it benefits (if applicable) and a contact name and phone number or email address. Send photos of the event if you have any. Please identify individuals from left to right (large group shots can simply be identified by group name) and provide the name of the photographer for proper credit. Calendar submissions for the April issue are due Monday, March 16.

For best results, email Darlene Vinson at editor@midcountymemo.com. Alternatively, mail your submissions to 3510 N.E. 134th Ave., Portland, OR 97230. To leave a phone message, call 503-287-8904.

 

ACTIVITIES and CELEBRATIONS

Add swimming to spring break activities

Dive into spring at Portland Parks & Recreation indoor pools. Lessons and activities are offered at six locations citywide. Spring registrations are now open online and via phone. Swim sessions are available for all ages and skill levels. Group lessons, semi-private and private lessons are all offered. Online registration is fast, easy, secure and 24/7 at www.PortlandParks.org. Accommodations are provided to individuals with disabilities or special needs. If an accommodation is needed, please call Inclusion Services at 503-823-4328 V/TTY.

PP&R also offers water fitness classes, adult lap swim and open play swim sessions. Call your neighborhood pool for complete schedules.

Is there a party in your future? Pool parties are the perfect way to celebrate any special occasion, birthday party, group event or just a fun get-together. Rent a pool for that special gathering. Call your local PP&R pool for rates and reservations.
For a complete pool schedule or further information regarding our lessons and programs, call the pool nearest you or contact the Portland Parks & Recreation Swimming and Aquatics program at 503-823-5130.

Nearby indoor pools are East Portland Pool, 740 S.E. 106th Ave. 503-823-3450 and Mt. Scott Pool, 5530 S.E. 72nd Ave., 503-823-3183.

 

Get to know your slough
Join the Columbia Slough Watershed Council Saturday, March 14 from 9 a.m. until 12:45 p.m. at Multnomah County Drainage District, 1880 N.E. Elrod Dr., for Slough 101, a free workshop about the Columbia Slough watershed and its unique story. Slough 101 covers local history, water, wildlife and current issues in the watershed with eight local experts. Explore watershed health, environmental issues and recreation opportunities in North and Northeast Portland, Gresham and Fairview. The day also includes hands-on activities, levee and pump station tours and macroinvertebrate identification.

Preregistration is required. Sign up at www.columbiaslough.org; click on “Activities and Events” or call 503-281-1132. Light refreshments will be provided. This workshop is suitable for adults and teens 14 and up.

 

Mother’s Day is East Portland Parkways day
The Portland Bureau of Transportation has released the 2015 schedule of traffic-free events through Portland neighborhoods. East Portland Sunday Parkways is Sunday, May 10 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Once again, the East Portland event will be in the extreme southern portion of the city east of 82nd Avenue. It will cover a seven-mile route highlighting beautiful natural spaces, such as the newly finished Foster Floodplain Natural Area and Lents, Ed Benedict, Glenwood and Bloomington Parks.

Editor’s note: While we agree this route is a nice one, we have wondered why PBOT overlooks two thirds or more of the city east of 82nd Avenue when planning this event. If you would like to see a Parkways event through your neighborhood, we would like to hear from you. Send your comments to editor@midcountymemo.com. Please offer a suggested route.

 

CLASSES and WORKSHOPS

DIY insulation workshop upcoming
This free workshop at Hacienda Community Development Center, 5136 N.E. 42nd Ave., from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, March 7 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. Learn more and register for the workshop at www.communityenergyproject.org or call 503-284-6827, ext. 108.

 

Protect your household from lead exposure
A free lead poisoning prevention workshop is scheduled for Tuesday, March 24 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Community Energy Project, 2900 S.E. Stark St. This workshop is great for households with children or pregnant women in housing older than 1978 or those concerned about lead exposure. Qualified participants receive a free kit of safety and testing supplies. Register for the workshop at www.communityenergyproject.org or call 503-284-6827, ext. 108.

 

Kids, learn to create your own manga
Manga, or Japanese comic strips and animation, has gained international popularity and introduced young people to a new genre of graphic design. Take a four-day class over spring break to learn how to make your own. The Manga Drawing Class is Tuesday through Friday, March 24 to 27 from 9:30 a.m. until noon at Leach Botanical Garden, 6704 S.E. 122nd Ave.

 

All skill levels are welcome. Materials are provided, and you may also bring your own. This class is appropriate for kids ages 8 to 12. Preregistration is required at www.leachgarden.org or 503-823-1671. The fee is $75 per student.

 

REUNIONS

PHS class of 1969
The Parkrose High class of 1969 meets semi-regularly on the second Wednesday of each month. The plan this month is to gather at Bridge City Tap Room, 620 S.E. 122nd Ave., for happy hour between 4 and 7 p.m. Drop on by for a bite to eat, a libation or two and some great conversation. Be prepared: a rousing game of Yahtzee could break out at any time.

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

Your clanking cans will be music to the ears of Parkrose Boosters
Those refundable bottles and cans you have stacked up in your garage are worth a nickel (or so) apiece to the Parkrose Music Boosters. Bag ‘em up and run ‘em down to Parkrose Middle School, 11800 N.E. Shaver St., Saturday, March 7 between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. Your donation will bring a symphony of joy to the volunteers and help young musicians at all grade levels in Parkrose schools.

 

Plant sale on the horizon
Leach Botanical Garden kicks off the spring plant sale season with an exciting selection of unique plants from area specialty nurseries and the garden’s own collection Saturday, April 4 from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Floyd Light Middle School, 10800 S.E. Washington St.

In addition to a wide range of trees, shrubs, perennials, and northwest natives, plant enthusiasts will find diminutive bonsai, lovely carnivorous plants, and hardy succulents.

 

Auction benefits homeless
Tickets are now on sale for Human Solutions’ annual auction and gala on Saturday, April 11. The event is at the Melody Ballroom, 615 S.E. Alder St. This year’s theme is “Soar with Us.” Doors open at 6 p.m. for a festive night of silent and live auctions, dinner, and live East Coast jazz, swing and pop by Portland’s Shanghai Woolies. Guests will be able to bid for auction items via their smart phones. Tickets are $75 per person or $600 for a table of 10. Proceeds benefit Human Solutions’ programs and services for low-income and homeless individuals and families. To register or for more information, visit www.humansolutions.org or contact Sara Fisher at 503-548-0283.

 

Auction offers “Passport to the World”
Portland Lutheran, a private Christian school established in 1905, hosts its 33rd annual benefit dinner and auction Saturday, March 14 at 6 p.m. at McMenamins Edgefield in Troutdale. The theme is “A Passport to the World—First Stop Italy.” The school relies heavily on this annual fundraiser to provide financial aid scholarships to more than half of its students. Tickets are $75 per person. Only 125 tickets are available. Reserve your seats now at www.portland-lutheran.org/supporters-and-giving/auction or call the administration office at 503-667-3199. Ask for Michelle.

 

Party for Parkrose
You chance to “Escape to Paradise” at the annual Parkrose Educational Foundation dinner and auction draws near.

The party is set for Saturday, April 11 beginning at 5:30 p.m. at the Sheraton Portland Airport, 8235 N.E. Airport Way.

The hot list of auction items includes: A $1000 gift certificate from Miller International Diamond Cutters and Jewelers; Disneyland Park Hopper family passes; weekend passes to the Cape Blanco Country Music Festival in Sixes, Ore.; a wine tasting and vineyard tour and a distillery tasting and tour, each for 10 people; stays at vacation homes in Imnaha, Pendleton and Lake Havasu; lodging and golf at The Resort at the Mountain; plus much, much more.

Reserve seating now at www.parkroseedfdn.org. Eight people fill a table, so gather up a group of family members, neighbors or alumni and make a party of it. When you buy your seats, you can name and specify your own table: for instance, The Smith Family, 108th Avenue Neighbors or Class of 1969. Your $50 admission includes wine throughout the evening, appetizers, dinner and more fun than you’ve had in a long time!

 

CLUBS and ORGANIZATIONS

Madison PTSA meeting set
The Madison High School Parent Teacher Student Association meets Tuesday, March 10 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the library.

Learn about programs and initiatives that affect Madison students. Volunteer opportunities will be available. Attend the meeting to find out more!

 

Parental involvement makes for better schools
When parents, grandparents and community members are involved in local schools, everyone benefits. To get involved in Parkrose schools, check out the monthly meetings of the Parkrose Boosters. This is the combined parent teacher organization for both Parkrose High and Parkrose Middle School. Get updates from administrators, teachers and students as well as news about athletics, music, the Parkrose Educational Foundation, the senior all-night party and the monthly pop can and bottle collections.

The next meeting is Monday, March 16 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in the Parkrose High library, 12003 N.E. Shaver St. Snacks and childcare will be provided.

 

Add mason bees to your garden
Villa Garden Club celebrates its 67th anniversary with a potluck luncheon on Thursday, March 26 beginning at 10:30 a.m. at Savage Memorial Presbyterian Church, 1740 S. E. 139th Ave. The program for this event will focus on mason bees. Learn about these important pollinators from special guest and author Sherian A. Wright. Call Velda Altig at 503-252-7423 to learn more.

 

THE ARTS

Art classes on Mondays
Watercolorist Laura Hopper will teach art classes offered by the Portland Fine Arts Guild for the month of March.

PFAG classes are Mondays, March 2, 9 and 16 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at Russellville Grange Hall, 12105 N.E. Prescott St.

The fee is $12 for guild members and $15 for non-guild members. First timers are free. No registration is required; just show up ready to paint.

For a list of materials, please visit www.oregonlive.adpay.com/clicknbuy.aspx?p=2016&adid= ORE13461005.

 

Can Beast claim the beauty?
More than 100 Parkrose High Theater students present Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, March 6 and 7 in the Parkrose High Theater, 12003 N.E. Shaver St. There is also a matinee on Saturday, March 7 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $5 for students and seniors, $7 for adults or $5 per person (regardless of age) when you go as a family.

Purchase tickets in advance at www.ticketleap.com, type Parkrose into the search box. Tickets will also be available at the door.

This is the musical version of the tale of beautiful Belle and her encounter with the Beast—in reality, an enchanted young prince. In order to break the curse, the prince must learn to love Belle and earn her love in return or he will remain forever a beast and his servants will be destined to live on as mere household items.

The cast and crew are comprised of Parkrose High drama, choir and band students as well as athletes, student leaders and at least one foreign exchange student. Theatre teacher Tom Cavanaugh directs them. A Russell Academy student plays Chip, the adorable teacup, who … well, no spoilers here. You have to see the show to learn if Belle, Beast, Lumiere, Cogsworth and the others are able to overcome the spell cast upon them.

 

Audition to perform with Pops Orchestra
Auditions for the Mt. Hood Pops Orchestra student soloist competition are Tuesday, March 24 from 7 to 9:30 p.m. at St. Aidan’s Episcopal Church, Northeast 174th Avenue and Glisan Street. High school musicians throughout east Multnomah County are encouraged to apply.

Pick up an application from your music teacher, call 503-669-1937 or email mthoodpops@teleport.com to have one sent to you. Applications must be received by Saturday, March 14.

Winners in piano, strings, voice and wind will perform with the Mt. Hood Pops Orchestra Sunday, May 17 at Mt. Hood Community College.

 

Students present Simon comedy
David Douglas High School presents “Rumors,” a Neil Simon farce, March 6, 7, 12, 13 and 14 at 7:30 p.m. and March 8 at 2:30 p.m. at Horner Performing Arts Center, 1400 S.E. 130th Ave. Tickets are $5 for students and seniors, $10 for adults. The box office is open from 3 to 5:30 p.m. on school days and one hour before the show. Call 503-261-8270 to reserve seats.

This show is for mature audiences, as it includes strong language.

 

Audition to perform with Pops Orchestra
Auditions for the Mt. Hood Pops Orchestra student soloist competition are Tuesday, March 24 from 7 to 9:30 p.m. at St. Aidan’s Episcopal Church, Northeast 174th Avenue and Glisan Street. High school musicians throughout east Multnomah County are encouraged to apply.

Pick up an application from your music teacher, call 503-669-1937 or email mthoodpops@teleport.com to have one sent to you. Applications must be received by Saturday, March 14.

Winners in piano, strings, voice and wind will perform with the Mt. Hood Pops Orchestra Sunday, May 17 at Mt. Hood Community College.

 

EDUCATION

Enrollments begin for 2015-16
Gethsemane Lutheran Preschool, 11560 S.E. Market St., is accepting registrations for new families beginning March 1. Call to set up a tour with Preschool Director Katie Strobel at 503-256-1835. Preschool programs are available for 3 and 4 year olds. Classes meet Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings. Learn more on the Gethsemane Lutheran Facebook page or at www.glcportland.org/preschool.

 

Learn about education options for your children
Columbia Christian School invites interested students, parents and friends to its open house Tuesday, March 10 from 6 to 8 p.m. This event offers families the chance to tour the campus, meet staff members and learn about the opportunities Columbia provides. Enrollment is open for prekindergarten through 12th grade. New families who choose to pay the full registration fee that evening will save $50 per student. Learn more at www.columbiachristian.com or call Carrie Rude, the office manager, at 503-252-8577. Columbia Christian School is conveniently located at 413 N.E. 91st Ave.

 

SENIOR RESOURCES

Explore Burnt Bridge Creek trail
Enjoy an easy three-mile hike in the bucolic setting along Burnt Bridge Creek on the outskirts of Vancouver with the Gresham Senior Hiking-Outdoor Group Thursday, March 12. The trail is mostly level, but hikers will encounter some mild difficulties. Bring a lunch to eat along the trail.

The group will depart Ambleside Center, 600 N.E. 8th Ave., in Gresham at 9:30 a.m. via carpools. A donation of $5 is requested for drivers.

Your contact, should you have questions, is Janice Christian. She can be reached at 503-320-8554.

 

NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION MEETINGS

The Argay Neighborhood Association general membership meeting is set for Tuesday, March 17 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Portland Fire & Rescue Station 02, 4800 N.E. 122nd Ave. The guest speaker at the meeting will be Kurt Krueger, supervising engineer with the Portland Bureau of Transportation. The topic is “Why is Connectivity Good for Argay Terrace?”

The association’s website is argay.org.

 

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.

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

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

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

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

Vietnamese Storytime: Storytime presented in Vietnamese for children newborn to 6 years with adult. Saturdays from 11:15 a.m. to noon.

Pi Day: 3/14/15 is the best Pi Day of our lifetimes. Join us for to celebrate everyone’s favorite irrational number and mathematical constant. Learn what makes this number so special, create art with circles and finish up with a pie to take home. Saturday, March 14 from 1:30 to 3 p.m.

Legos at the Library: Bring your mad Lego skills to the library and let your imagination flow. Each time the group builds a new structure to put on display. Bricks and supplies provided. Donations welcome. For kids ages 5 to 11. Tuesday, March 3 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, March 5 and 19 from 4 to 5 p.m.

Tell Stories in Twine: Tell a story or design a game using Twine. Participants will learn the basics of Twine and will be able to continue working on their project from home or share on the web. For kids in grades 3 and up. Registration is required. Register online, in the library or by calling 503-988-5234. Saturday, March 7 from 1 to 3 p.m.

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.

Crock-Pot Menus Made Simple: Learn about simple dishes to make using food cooked in your Crock-Pot. Menu ideas and samples included for both savory and sweet. Registration is required. Register online, in the library or by calling 503-988-5234. Sunday, March 8 from 3 to 4:15 p.m.

Pageturners Book Group: Read “Saga,” volume one, by Brian K. Vaughan. Engage in stimulating conversation about books. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library. Monday, March 16 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.

 

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 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., except March 23.

Tiny Tots: Storytime for children 12 to 24 months with adult. Tuesdays from 10:15 to 11 a.m., except March 24.

Toddler Storytime: Storytime for children 24 to 36 months with adult. Fridays from 10:15 to 11 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. to noon, except March 27.

Preschool Storytime: Storytime for children 3 to 6 years with adult. Mondays from 10:15 to 11 a.m. and Tuesdays from 11:15 a.m. to noon, except March 23 and 24.

Family Storytime: Storytime for children 2 to 7 years with adult. Thursdays from 6 to 6:45 p.m., except March 26.

Black Storytime: The African and African American experience comes alive for children newborn to 6 years (with a favorite adult or other family member). Saturdays from 11:30 a.m. to noon, except March 28.

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 from 1 to 1:45 p.m.

Russian Storytime: Storytime presented in Russian for children ages newborn 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.

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.

African Storytelling: Join Habiba, a native of Ghana, in learning stories about African history. Habiba offers an interactive, multicultural performance in authentic West African costume, spiced with singing and movement. Saturday, March 14 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

Spring Ceramics: Celebrate spring and paint your own bug, butterfly and more. Ceramic pieces, paint, brushes, smocks, water tubs and mats provided. You come with your imagination and talent. Thursday, March 26 from 4:30 to 6 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, March 2 and 16 from 3:30 to 5 p.m.

Poetry Slam Night: You got words? Let them be heard. Come share your words, perform your poetry pieces, or be part of a lively audience and enjoy the show. Local poet and performing artist Turiya Autry will host the event, and participants of the “So You Wanna Slam?” workshop series are special guests. However, anyone is welcome to sign up to perform at the show. Performance slots of 2 to 3 minutes will be first come, first served. Wednesday, March 4 from 6 to 7 p.m.

Doing Dough—Hands-on Pizza Class: Jean Johnson will show you how to make mini veggie pizzas. Take your pizza home in a pie plate to bake. For teens in grades 6–12. Monday, March 9 from 4 to 5 p.m.

Read to the Dogs: Improve your reading skills by reading aloud to a therapy dog from Pet Partners. Registration required; call 503-988-5392. Saturdays, March 14 and 28 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 and Thursdays 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.

Seed to Supper—Beginning Gardening on a Small Budget: Learn the basics of gardening in this five-week course. This is a joint effort of Oregon Food Bank and the Oregon State University Extension Service Master Gardener program. Registration is required. Register online, in the library or by calling 503-988-5234. Sundays, March 1 to 29 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

End of Life Care in the Community: Providence Hospice presents an overview of the services and benefits that hospice can provide, followed by questions and answers. Registration is required. Register online, in the library or by calling 503-988-5234. Saturday, March 7 from 11 a.m. to noon.

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

Read “The Gift of Rain” by Tan Twan Eng for discussion Tuesday, March 17 from 6:45 to 7:45 p.m.

Read “One Thousand White Women: The Journals of May Dodd” by Jim Fergus for discussion Wednesday, March 18 from 1 to 2:15 p.m.

TechnoHosts: Friendly volunteers can help you with basic computer issues. Sundays from noon to 5 p.m. Mondays from 3:30 to 5 p.m. and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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

Job Seekers Lab: Looking for work? Update your resume, file for unemployment or apply for your dream job in this special computer lab just for job seekers. Tuesdays from 5 to 7:30 p.m.

E-books and Audiobooks Hands-on Help: 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.

Meet the Computer: In this two-session course, you will learn the very basics of using a computer, a keyboard and a mouse. No experience is necessary for you to take this relaxed, fun class. Registration is required. Register online, in the library or by calling 503-988-5234. Mondays, March 2 and 9 from 2 to 4 p.m.

Email 101: Want to set up an email account? Staff will help get you started with the free, web-based email service Gmail. This is a class for beginners, but you must be comfortable using a keyboard and a mouse. Registration is required. Register online, in the library or by calling 503-988-5234. Monday, March 16 from 2 to 4 p.m.

Introduction to Spreadsheets: This class is an introduction to Microsoft Excel 2007 and other spreadsheet products. To take this class, you must be comfortable using a keyboard and a mouse. Monday, March 30 from 2 to 4 p.m.