April 2015 – Memo Calendar

We offer the Memo Calendar to you 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: 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 in photographs 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 May issue are due Wednesday, April 15. For best results, e-mail Darlene Vinson at editor@midcountymemo.com. You may also mail your submissions to 3510 N.E. 134th Ave., Portland, OR 97230. To leave a phone message, call 503-287-8904.

 

ACTIVITIES and CELEBRATIONS

Kids learn about critters up close
Expose your little ones to nature and the outdoors on weekly Tadpole Tales walks Wednesdays from 10 to 11 a.m. in April and May. Children aged 3 to 5 with their parents are invited to a short story and guided nature walk presented by the Columbia Slough Watershed Council. Watch birds fly overhead, search for hidden animal homes and learn about local trees and flowers. This event runs rain or shine. Families are welcome to bring a snack. There is a $3 suggested admission per child. No charge for adults.

April Tadpole Tales will be at Whitaker Ponds, 7040 N.E. 47th Ave. In May, they move to Nadaka Nature Park, 17405 N.E. Glisan St.

Candy and prizes for kids

The 8th annual Cully Neighborhood Easter Egg Hunt is Saturday, April 4 beginning at 10 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church and School, 5520 N.E. Killingsworth St.

Children will be staged by age group. Adults may assist children in the 2 to 4 year old age group only.

Easter egg hunt and bounce house
Attend the annual Easter egg hunt at Resurrection Lutheran Church, 1700 N.E. 132 Ave., Saturday, April 4 at 11 a.m. sharp. A basket will be provided to each child (no personal baskets, please). Hot dogs, a bounce house and games will also be provided.

Pony rides part of festivities
Glendoveer Golf & Tennis hosts its annual free Golden Easter Egg Hunt from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, April 5 at 14015 N.E. Glisan St. Kids ages 6 and under go at 11 a.m., kids ages 7 to 9 go at noon and kids ages 10 and older go at 1 p.m. The event also includes pony rides.

Brunch with the birds
Columbia Slough Watershed Council staff lead a walk around Whittaker Pond, 7040 N.E. 47th Ave., Thursday, April 9 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Search the trees, reeds and water for birds before enjoying a lunch provided by the council.

Please pre-register at www.columbiaslough.org or by e-mailing info@columbiaslough.org. There is a suggested donation of $5 per person. This event is suitable for adults and children age 12 and over.

Trees are worth celebrating
The Portland Parks & Recreation Urban Forestry division, stewards of nearly 1.5 million trees across the Rose City, plans a free, family-friendly festival in celebration of Arbor Day on Friday, April 10 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Saturday, April 11 from 8:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. in the South Park Blocks adjacent to the Portland Farmer’s Market and Portland State University.

Forestry crews will offer free rides in bucket equipment used to prune and manage our urban forest on Friday. Saturday will be filled with crafts, games, nature stations and activities geared to environmental education. Learn about neighborhood tree plantings, what species of trees are on your block, Green Streets, the new Tree Code, Portland’s Heritage Trees, fruit trees in the city, Hoyt Arboretum and the Outdoor School.

“The theme of Arbor Day 2015 is ‘Trees are for Everyone.’ The benefits we receive from trees are well known,” says Portland Parks Commissioner Amanda Fritz. “We have a unique city, with nature and our urban life intertwined like few other places. Arbor Day is a wonderful chance for people to connect with nature through a wide variety of fun and educational activities.”

Find a job at career fair
Clackamas Community College and WorkSource Clackamas host a Spring Career Fair Tuesday, April 14 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Gregory Forum on the CCC campus at 19600 Molalla Ave. in Oregon City.

More than 40 employers will be on-site to hire for open full-time and part-time positions as well as internship opportunities. Industries represented at the fair include health care, manufacturing, business, education, human services, retail, agriculture, automotive and more.

The career fair is free to attend and open to students, alumni and the public. Job seekers can register to attend online at www.clackamas.edu/CareerFair or in person at the event.

For more information, please contact Kara Leonard, CCC student success and career coordinator, at 503-594-3096 or email kleonard@clackamas.edu.

African American family night

An evening celebration of African American students and their families takes place Thursday, April 16 beginning at 5:30 p.m. in the North Cafeteria in David Douglas High School. The fete includes a dinner, raffle prizes, community resources, student speakers and entertainment.
More than 1,100 of the district’s students—10.1 percent—are African American.

Fit family fun fair upcoming
The Cherry Park Elementary Fit Family Fun Fair is an engaging health event connecting the school community with valuable services and information. It is designed for all ages, featuring age-appropriate activities and skits for the whole family. The fair focuses on five areas: dental health, nutrition, physical activity, personal hygiene and emotional well-being. All are welcome to this community event Friday, April 17 from 4 to 6 p.m. in the gymnasium at 1930S.E 104th Ave.

Participants can receive free haircuts, self-care demonstrations, fitness bingo, games, cooking demonstrations, entertaining skits and lots of freebies. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and parental consent is required for children interested in receiving free haircuts.

 

CLASSES and WORKSHOPS

Workshops at CEP this month
Community Energy Project, 2900 S.E. Stark St. Suite A, helps families weatherize homes and teaches about lead issues in paint in older homes and how to prevent exposure to lead to those living in the home.

Start with a free Lead Poisoning Prevention Workshop Tuesday, April 8 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Qualified participants receive a free kit of safety and testing supplies.

A DIY Insulation Workshop is set for Saturday, April 18 from 9 to 11:30 a.m. Learn how to weatherize a flat attic space. Topics covered include safety, air sealing, ventilation, installing insulation, and incentives to help cover the cost of your project.

Before you remodel or begin any scraping or sanding of painted surface in a home built prior to 1978, take a Lead-Safe Home Projects Workshop Tuesday, April 28 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. This class is great for people who want to do a small project that may involve exposure to lead paint, such as sanding down an old window frame or a reused door with potential lead paint or a small construction project in an older home.

All of these workshops take place at the CEP office on Southeast Stark. Learn more and register for workshops at www.communityenergyproject.org or call 503-284-6827.

 

REUNIONS

PHS class of 1965
Parkrose class of 1965 celebrates 50 years since graduation, Saturday, July 25 from 6 to 10 p.m. at Colwood Golf Center, 7313 N.E. Columbia Blvd. Contact Emily Reed at 503-252-2685 to reserve seating or if you have questions.

PHS class of 1969
Parkrose class of 1969 Second Wednesday happy hour get together is Wednesday, April 8 at Spinella’s Off the Wall, 436 N. Main St. in Gresham, beginning at 5 p.m. No host. Bring a friend. Other classes are invited to join the fun.

PHS class of 1975
Celebrating 40 years, the Parkrose High class of 1975 meets Saturday, Aug. 22 beginning at 6:30 p.m. at Eastmoreland Golf Course, 2425 S.E. Bybee Blvd. If your address has changed in the past 10 years, please send new contact information to Kelly Greene Runnion at krunnion12@gmail.com.

 

FUNDRAISERS

Monthly can and bottle drop-off
Players on the Parkrose tennis team are the volunteer collectors for the monthly Parkrose Booster refundable can and bottle collection Saturday, April 4. They will be on their toes at Parkrose Middle School, 11800 N.E. Shaver St., from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m.

Collectors the following month are the track and volleyball teams, so if you miss the April date, save your cans and bottles until Saturday, May 2. Same time, same place.

‘Escape to Paradise’ for a night of fun(draising)

Parkrose schools and students are celebrated at the annual Parkrose Educational Foundation dinner and auction Saturday, April 11 at the Sheraton-Portland Airport, 8235 N.E. Airport Way. The auction committee has put together packages that will have you winging your way to Las Vegas, paddling the Colorado River, rafting the Deschutes, experiencing the silence of flight in glider, riding BMX bike trails, climbing rock walls and playing golf at some of the finest courses in Oregon and beyond.

These experiences are available to you only if you by tickets now at www.parkroseedfdn.org to escape to paradise with a couple of hundred like-minded supporters of education in Parkrose. Ticket price includes wine, dinner, a silent auction and a great seat for the live auction. The appeal bid this year is in support of music education.

Hope and healing bloom at fundraiser
The Northwest Catholic Counseling Center holds its annual Swing into Spring event Saturday, April 18 at Riverside Golf and Country Club, 8105 N.E. 33rd Drive. This benefit helps to defray the costs of caring for many of our most vulnerable in the Portland and Vancouver areas.

Tickets are $45 each, reserved tables of eight are $275, and each can be purchased at www.nwcounseling.org or by calling 503-253-0964.

The Compassionate Heart Award will be presented to Barbara and Rich Katz, longtime champions of NCC’s work in the community.

All proceeds go straight to delivering NCC’s mission of providing professional, compassionate mental health services to all in need. NCC is one of the few organizations offering a sliding scale for mental health services. Nearly 45% of clients are uninsured, and the vast majority receives some subsidization of counseling fees.

The cost of untreated mental health issues goes far beyond tragic examples seen in headlines: an estimated $100 billion in the US annually in unnecessary disability, unemployment, inappropriate incarceration, suicide, substance abuse and homelessness.

Native American grad rate improves
The annual Native American Youth and Family Center Early College Academy fundraising luncheon is Wednesday, April 8 from 11:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. at its Northeast Portland campus on 5135 N.E. Columbia Blvd. Tickets are $125 per person. Buy them at www.nayapdx.org/eca-luncheon/.

ECA was established in 2007 as private school with a centralized focus on creating a positive learning environment and empowering student success. NAYA Family Center’s ECA is the only high school in Portland delivering a culturally-specific curriculum for Native youth.

Citywide, only 45 percent of Native American students graduate from high school. ECA has a graduation rate of 90 percent.

If you cannot attend the luncheon, you may make a donation from the link noted above.

Benefit concert will raise money for classified staff
The 3rd annual Parkrose Classified Staff Aid benefit concert is Saturday, May 1 beginning at 5:30 p.m. at the Russellville Grange, 12100 N.E. Prescott St. Enjoy a raffle, silent auction, and the music of three live bands. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Buy your tickets for $5 in advance at any Parkrose elementary school or pay $10 at the door.

 

CLUBS and ORGANIZATIONS

Your kids, your schools need you
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, April 20 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in the Parkrose High library, 12003 N.E. Shaver St. Snacks and childcare will be provided.

Gardening as therapy
Learn to appreciate gardening even more when you hear Patty Cassidy, a registered horticultural therapist, discuss the many benefits of gardening at the Thursday, April 23 meeting of the Villa Garden Club. The meeting begins at 10:30 a.m. at Savage Memorial Presbyterian Church, 1740 S. E. 139th Ave. Bring a brown bag lunch. Coffee and dessert will be served. Please call Velda Altig at 503-252-7423 for more information.

 

GIVING BACK

Make a difference for the 50+ crowd
If you are looking for a meaningful volunteer opportunity where you can make a difference in the community, AARP Oregon is seeking volunteers to advocate, educate and engage Oregonians of all backgrounds. There are a variety of community and committee roles, including those on the executive committee and diversity advisory council.

AARP Oregon works on issues that matter to 50+ Oregonians and their families, including financial security, family care giving, livable and age-friendly communities, hunger, fraud and more.

You can make an impact on local, state and federal levels with the group’s outreach toward protecting Social Security and Medicare, helping people find jobs, start a new business or prepare for retirement and advocate for family caregivers.

AARP Oregon supports inclusiveness in all of its activities and seeks leadership applicants who represent the state’s diversity in age, geography, beliefs, ethnicity, disability and sexual orientation.

“We encourage Oregonians of all backgrounds to apply for these positions,” said AARP state director Jerry Cohen.

If you have questions about these opportunities, please direct them to oraarp@aarp.org. To apply, go to http://svy.mk/1MLpVBd.

 

THE ARTS

Combined concert brings two area groups together to play Horner
The East County Community Orchestra and Portland Metro Concert Band come together Sunday, April 12 at 3 p.m. for a combined concert. This free event is at David Douglas High School Horner Performing Arts Center, 1500 S.E. 130th Ave.

Refreshments will be served at intermission. The musicians will mingle with guests over coffee and cookies. Donations will be accepted.

Guild draws on skills of teacher
Annette Jackson is a painter, calligrapher and crafter of Native American baskets. After a career teaching art to middle school students, she now teaches the occasional class at the Sandy Senior Center and is the Portland Fine Arts Guild guest instructor for April. Classes are Mondays, April 6, 13 and 20 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at Russellville Grange Hall, 12105 N.E. Prescott St.

No need to pre-register. Fees are $15 per class for non-guild members, $12 for members.

Bring a #2 lead pencil, small set (24 count) Prismacolor Premier Colored pencils (not Verithin pencils, they are too hard for this technique), white drawing paper, white plastic eraser, kneaded eraser, pencil sharpener, a small container for shavings and a picture of something you want to draw.

 

EDUCATION

Event prepares kids and families for kindergarten
Connect to kindergarten for the 2015-2016 school year at your neighborhood Parkrose elementary school—Russell, Shaver, Prescott or Sacramento—Thursday, April 23 from 4:30 to 6 p.m.

The Parkrose School District is committed to providing a high-quality kindergarten experience to all students and families. If your child will be five years old by Sept. 1, he or she should be registered for kindergarten by June.

This event for incoming kindergarten students and their parents or families provides the opportunity to meet school staff, learn about kindergarten, get questions answered and get students registered for kindergarten. Getting registered early helps families and schools make positive connections, and it is the beginning of the two-way communication that supports success in school. Early registration also helps schools get ready for children coming in the fall. Kindergarten can be an exciting and emotional experience. The more information families have about schools and schools have about new students, the smoother the transition.

Please call the district office at 503-408-2100 if you are not sure which Parkrose school your child will attend.

Sign up now for preschool
Gethsemane Lutheran Preschool, 11560 S.E. Market St., is accepting registrations for new families now. Call to set up a tour with preschool director Katie Strobel at 503-256-1835. Preschool programs are available for three and four year olds. Classes meet Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings. Learn more on the Gethsemane Lutheran Facebook page or at www.glcportland.org/preschool.

Connect to kindergarten
All 2015-2016 kindergarten students are invited to their neighborhood David Douglas School District school for the spring Connect to Kindergarten event from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 21. If you do not know your designated school, please call 503-256-6526.

Childcare will be available for siblings; Spanish and Russian translators will be on site available. All upcoming kindergarten students and their parents are strongly encouraged to attend this informational event. In addition to helping the district project enrollment for kindergarten classes, participation in this event helps children become excited and comfortable with going to school.

Parents and children will:
• Meet kindergarten teachers and the principal
• Tour the school
• View kindergarten classrooms
• Take a bus ride to learn about the school transportation system
• Receive kindergarten readiness activities
• Turn in completed registration forms after the activities. Parents must show the child’s birth certificate, immunization form and card and proof of residence at time of registration.

Register to teach or become a vendor
Be a part of the delicious fun during Mt. Hood Community College’s Strawberry Short Course Festival 2015.
How do I get involved, you ask?

Teach a course: Share your passion and expertise by teaching a short class.

Become a vendor: Sell your handcrafted or hand-grown goods at a vendor booth.

Signups are happening now. Everyone should mark the calendar for the Strawberry Short Course Festival 2015, Saturday, June 20 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at 26000 S.E. Stark St. in Gresham.

The entire family will enjoy short courses on fun and engaging topics, the vendor fair, activities, entertainment and free strawberry shortcake.

Sign up or learn more at www.mhcc.edu/strawberry.

 

SENIOR RESOURCES

Walk neighborhood of historic homes
Tour one of Portland’s older neighborhoods when the monthly Gresham Senior Hiking Outdoor Group takes a 2.8 mile stroll through Irvington in Northeast Portland on Thursday, April 9. You’ll see Prairie Style, Queen Anne, English Cottage, Craftsman and Colonial Revival homes and pass the home where former Portland Mayor Frank Ivancie raised his family. The walk will end with lunch at an area restaurant.

Carpools depart Ambleside Center, 600 N.E. 8th Ave., in Gresham at 10 a.m. A donation of $3 is requested for drivers.

MusicFest offers live music for seniors

The Hollywood Senior Center, 1820 N.E. 40th Ave., plans a pair of free afternoons of music performances on Tuesdays April 21 and 28 from noon until 1 p.m. The public is invited.

The performances are part of the MusicFest Performance Series in conjunction with the National Council on Aging’s National Institute of Senior Centers.

Pianist Philip Mandel will perform April 21.

 

FAITH and VALUES

Easter worship at Trinity Lutheran
Attend Easter celebrations at Trinity Lutheran Church, 5520 N.E. Killingsworth St.
Maundy Thursday service, April 2 at 7 p.m.
Good Friday service, April 3 at 7 p.m.
Easter Sunday traditional worship, April 5 at 8:30 a.m.
Easter Sunday praise worship, April 5 at 11 a.m.
Easter Sunday Spanish language worship, April 5 at 5 p.m.

 

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 from birth to 12 months with adult. Mondays from 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

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

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

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

Black Storytime: The African and African American experience comes alive for children from birth to 6 years (with a favorite adult and other family members). Saturdays from 11:30 a.m. to noon, except April 25.

Chinese Storytime: Storytime presented in Cantonese for children ages newborn to 6 years with adult. Saturdays from 2 to 2:45 p.m., except April 25.

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. Chess equipment provided. All ages welcome.
Saturdays from 3:30 to 5 p.m., except April 25.

Aladdin Storytime Show: Meet the Arabian Princess and Aladdin as they tell their tale of the wonderful lamp. This interactive show includes two characters performing the original version of their story with props, shadow puppets and audience participation. Tuesday, April 7 from 11:15 a.m. to noon.

Kokoshnik-Russian Headdress: The Kokoshnik, or headdress, is a sign of tradition and elegance in Russian festive formal wear. Learn how to make a simple version of this headdress using felt, beads and pearls. Thursday, April 23 from 5:30 to 7 p.m.

Children’s Day and Day of the Books: A celebration of childhood and bilingual literacy. Join us for music, crafts and special activities. Saturday, April 25 from 2 to 4 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, April 6 and 20 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, April 11 and 25 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, 3:30 to 5 p.m., except April 25.

Strategies for a Sustainable Income in Retirement: Learn how to establish retirement goals for a sustainable income. Registration is required; call 503-988-5392. Wednesday, April 1 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Dealing with Debt Strategies and Facts: Learn about managing debt and credit issues. Registration is required. Register online, in the library or by calling 503-988-5234. Saturday, April 4 from 1 to 2 p.m.

Estate Planning Workshop: Learn the basics of wills, living trusts, powers of attorney and health care directives with attorney Richard Schneider. Registration is required. Register online, in the library or by calling 503-988-5234. Saturday, April 11 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Seed to Supper—Beginning Gardening on a Small Budget: Learn the basics of gardening in this five-week course, which 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, April 12 through May 17 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., except May 10.

Pageturners Book Groups: Engage in conversation about books and get to know your neighbors. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.
Read “Caleb’s Crossing” by Geraldine Brooks for discussion Wednesday, April 15 from 1 to 2:15 p.m.
Read “The Secret Keeper” by Kate Morton for discussion Tuesday, April 21 from 6:45 to 7:45 p.m.

When the Saints Go Marching In: Sunset Traffic Jam plays many of the great Dixieland songs. Songs by Louis Armstrong, Firehouse Jazz Band and others. Saturday, April 18 from 2 to 3 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. with assistance in Vietnamese also available; assistance in Russian available 5 to 6 p.m. and Fridays from 2:30 to 5 p.m., when assistance in Chinese is also available.

Job Seekers Lab: 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 Audiobook: 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.

Gone Blogging: This class will help you get started with www.blogger.com. This class is for beginners, but you must be comfortable using a keyboard, a mouse and a web browser. Registration is required. Register online, in the library or by calling 503-988-5234. Mondays, April 6 and 13 from 2 to 4 p.m.

Windows 8.1: Bring your own Windows 8 or 8.1 laptop or tablet to this class to learn the basics of Windows 8.1. Registration is required. Register online, in the library or by calling 503-988-5234. Monday, April 13 from 10 a.m. to noon.

Meet the Computer: In this two-session course, learn the very basics of using a computer, a keyboard and a mouse. Registration is required. Register online, in the library or by calling 503-988-5234. Mondays, April 20 and 27 from 2 to 4 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 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 from birth 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.

Spring Ceramics: Celebrate spring and paint your own bug, butterfly and more. The ceramic pieces, paint, brushes, smocks, water tubs and mats are supplied. You come with your imagination and talent. The pieces are painted with lead-free acrylic paint and are ready to be taken home in just a few minutes. Saturday, April 11 from 1:30 to 3 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, April 2 and 16 from 4 to 5 p.m.

Legos at the Library: Bring your mad Lego skills to the library and let your imagination flow. Each time a new structure will be built to put on display. Bricks and supplies provided. Donations welcome. For kids ages 5 to 11. Tuesday, April 7 from 4 to 5 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.

Pageturners Book Group: Read “Outliers: The Story of Success” by Malcolm Gladwell. Engage in stimulating conversation about books. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library. Monday, April 20 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.

Taste of Programming: Come to this class to learn what programming is and answers questions such as: What will I be able to do if I learn to program? What is the difference between programming and coding? Where can I learn more? This class teaches programming in a casual and slow-paced setting. You will take an existing program and change it. Not sure if you’re interested in computer programming? This is the perfect class for you. Registration is required. Register online, in the library or by calling 503-988-5234. Sunday, April 19 from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.

Beginning Programming: Come to this two-session course to get started with programming: understand how to create step-by-step instructions (algorithms); understand programming features like variables, conditional statements and loops; understand the basics of the Python programming language; and learn about resources to continue learning more about computer programming. This class teaches programming in a focused and fast-paced setting. Be ready to immerse your brain in the basics of computer programming. This class uses lessons from www.codecademy.com. Sign up for a free account before class to get started right away. Registration is required. Register online, in the library or by calling 503-988-5234. Sundays, April 26 and May 3 from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.