June 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 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 July issue are due Monday, June 15. For best results, e-mail Darlene Vinson at editor@midcountymemo.com or mail your submissions to 3510 N.E. 134th Ave., Portland, OR 97230. To leave a phone message, call 503-287-8904.

Memo Reporter Patricia MacAodha contributed to this report.

 

ACTIVITIES and CELEBRATIONS

All families invited to carnival
Bring the whole family to the annual Jason Lee School Community Carnival Friday, June 5 from 5 to 8 p.m. at 2222 N.E. 92nd Ave. Enjoy a free circus play area. Learn to juggle, balance on stilts, walk the tightrope or be a clown. Fire truck tours, affordable food and treats, face painting and carnival games will also be available.

Garden design open houses
Leach Botanical Garden, 6704 S.E. 122nd Ave., is planning to develop seven new acres of garden, and since there is always more than one way to design a garden, you are invited to have a say. These open houses will present options for what various garden improvements might entail and how they might be organized on the landscape. Come take a look and share your opinion. Members of the project advisory committee will be there to answer questions during the staffed open house hours.

• Sunday, June 7 from 1 to 4 p.m., staffed all day

• Tuesday, June 9 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., staffed from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

• Wednesday, June 10 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., staffed all day.

• Thursday, June 11 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., staffed from 1 to 3 p.m.

If you cannot make it to the garden, check out the design options and comment online at www.leachgarden.org.

Kids eat free

Free summer meals are available weekdays to all kids ages 18 and younger at the following locations through the Summer Food Service Program for Children. No registration is necessary. There will be no food service Friday, July 3.

Alice Ott Middle School, 12500 S.E. Ramona St., June 22–Aug. 14, breakfast 9 to 9:30 a.m., lunch 12:30 to 1 p.m.

Parkrose High School, 12003 N.E. Shaver St., June 15–Sept. 4, lunch noon to 12:30 p.m.

Ron Russell Middle School, 3955 S.E. 112th Ave., June 22–Aug. 14, breakfast 9 to 9:30 a.m., lunch 12:30 to 1 p.m.

Russell Elementary School, 2700 N.E. 127th Ave., June 15–Aug. 21, lunch noon to 12:30 p.m.

Shaver Elementary School, Aug. 3–Aug. 27, no meals on Fridays, lunch noon to 12:30 p.m.

West Powellhurst Elementary, 2921 S.E. 116th Ave., June 29–Aug. 20, no meals on Fridays, lunch 12:30 to 1 p.m.

Programs at Portland Park & Recreation sites also include organized sports, games, and crafts Monday through Friday, June 18 through Aug. 21.

Montavilla Park, Northeast 82nd Avenue and Glisan Street, June 18–Aug. 26, lunch noon to 12:30 p.m.

Lincoln Park, Southeast 135th Avenue and Mill Street, June 18–Sept. 4, lunch 12:30 to 1 p.m.

Raymond Park, Southeast 118th Avenue and Raymond Street, June 18–Sept. 4, lunch noon to 12:30 p.m.

Ventura Park, Southeast 115th Avenue and Stark Street, June 18–Sept. 4, lunch noon to 12:30 p.m.

Additionally, Human Solutions will offer lunch at nine of its affordable housing sites in East Portland and East Multnomah County.

Human Solutions’ Arbor Glen apartment complex at 2609 S.E. 145th Ave. is the only site offering adult meals during the summer, and it is also the only location with free Portland Parks & Recreation programming weekdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. People do not need to live in a Human Solutions apartment complex to participate in the program.

In addition to a healthy meal, children who participate in the Summer Lunch Program have access to extracurricular activities such as arts and crafts and sports. To help ensure an adequate supply of materials, Human Solutions is seeking donations of new art supplies and gently used sports equipment, such as Nerf balls or soccer balls. Art supplies may include such items as sidewalk chalk, colored pencils, construction paper and paint.

Donations may be dropped off at the Human Solutions Annex, 12411 S.E. Powell Blvd., between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. To make other arrangements, or for more information, contact Fran Weick at 503-548-0281.

For a full list of summer lunch locations and dates of service, visit www.summerfoodoregon.org.

Drama and music camp for kids date set
For the ninth summer, Parkrose United Methodist Church, 11111 N.E. Knott St., is offering a music and drama camp to young people entering third through eighth grades. The camp is under the direction of talented music instructors Molly Fazio from Lloyd Light Middle School and Lesley Bossert from Parkrose High School. The camp fee is $50. Scholarships and family prices are available on the basis of financial need. The camp runs July 27 through July 31 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

A family barbeque will be held July 31 at 5 p.m., followed by a performance at 6 p.m. For more information and to receive a registration form, contact Jan Schmidt at schmidt6011@comcast.net. Space is limited to 40 campers.

 

CLASSES and WORKSHOPS

Lead poisoning prevention workshop
A free workshop for participants to learn how to prevent lead exposure is set for Tuesday, June 2 from 6 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- 827 ext. 109.

Make your own eco-dyed scarf
Learn to capture nature’s colors in fabric at Leach Botanical Garden, 6704 S.E. 122nd Ave., Saturday, June 6 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. and Sunday, June 7 from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m.

This two-day class will be an exploration of time and place on fabric, leaving you with a beautiful work of wearable art. You will begin by gathering dye plants from the garden, and then each participant will design a silk scarf using the local dye materials. Steam will be used to set the dyes in a process called eco-dyeing. The next day you will unwrap your masterpiece to see what you created. Each participant can expect a good introduction to the process of eco-dyeing, a discussion on natural dyes and the finished product of a lovely silk scarf to take home and enjoy. Registration is required. The fee is $75 for Leach Garden members, $80 for nonmembers. All materials are included.

Become a certified babysitter
Resurrection Lutheran Church, 1700 N.E. 132nd Ave., hosts a two-day Red Cross Babysitter’s Training Course Friday and Saturday, June 26 and 27 from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. for youth 11 years old and up.

Gain skills necessary to provide general care for children and infants at various developmental stages; learn how to develop a babysitting business; become trained in First Aid and CPR with certifications good for two years; and identify safety-related problems and how to respond to emergency situations.

Tiered scholarships based on need are available for everyone. It is anticipated that most students will pay about $50. Some full scholarship opportunities are available as well. Don’t miss this chance to gain independence by creating your own employment.

Contact Kari Jubb, children’s minister, at childrensministry@rlcpdx.org or 503-278-2807 to register.

 

REUNIONS

PHS class of 1963
Parkrose High class of 1963 will meet to remember graduation 52 years ago Monday, Sept. 14 from 2 to 6 p.m. at Shirley’s Tippy Canoe, 28242 E. Historic Columbia River Highway in Troutdale. No host. No reservations needed. Check in with Gary Grimes at 503-537-9431 if you have questions. The class web page is at www.pshs63.org.

JMHS class of 1965
“Man Alive That ’65!” Celebrating 50 years, the Madison High Class of 1965 will gather Friday through Sunday, Aug. 21 to 23 for a golf tournament, class picnic and more. Get in touch with Teri Almeter Shields at 503-363-4499 or 503-779-9695 to join the fun.

PHS class of 1965
Parkrose High class of 1965 celebrates 50 years since graduation on 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
Second Wednesday event for the Parkrose High class of 1969 is Friday this month (yes, Friday), June 12—the date exactly 46 years ago that they wore the cap and gown and received diplomas in Bronco Stadium on a warm late-spring evening. The group will gather for happy hour at Colwood Grill at Colwood Golf Course, 7313 N.E. Columbia Blvd., beginning at 4 p.m. No host.

DDHS class of 1975
Save the date: July 24, 2015. Plans are in the works for a 40-year reunion. Watch for news at www.reunionswithclass.com.

PCS class of 1975 and ’85
Portland Christian High classes from 1975 and 1985 will gather on campus at 12425 N.E. San Rafael St. Friday and Saturday, June 26 and 27. To learn more, call 503-256-3960.

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.

PHS class of 1985
The Parkrose High class of 1985 will celebrate 30 years since graduation Saturday, June 27, from 5 to 9 p.m. at Bistro 23, 5530 N.E. 122nd Ave. Light food will be provided. No host bar. $30 per person is due in advance. Contacts are Dave Rash at 971-563-8367 of aliandrew@comcast.net.

PHS class of 1990 (and all other classes)
The Parkrose High class of 1990 will gather in celebration of 25 years since high school Saturday, Aug. 8 from 5 p.m. until close at McMenamin’s Edgefield Powerhouse, 2126 S.W. Halsey St. in Troutdale. The class of 1990 extends this invitation to all PHS alumni to gather at Edgefield to share stories and memories on this night. To learn more, contact Jenny Gordon Mason at 503-799-3601.

 

FUNDRAISERS

Pancake breakfast supports food co-op
The 5th annual Pancake Brunch in support of the Montavilla Food Co-op is Saturday, June 6 from 9 a.m. until noon at Montavilla United Methodist Church, 232 S.E. 80th St.

The Montavilla Food Co-op is dedicated to opening a democratically run, cooperative grocery in the Montavilla neighborhood. Organizers are working hard to connect the east Portland community to healthy food by supporting local farmers and producers, building community wealth and advancing sustainability initiatives all within a centrally located, cooperative grocery.

This delicious and healthy brunch made by some of Portland’s best up-and-coming chefs using locally and organically sourced ingredients includes gluten-free and vegan options. Enjoy live entertainment by local artists and a raffle featuring prizes from community artisans and stores.

A $10 donation is requested for the meal.

Buy books, puzzles, DVDs and more
Resurrection Lutheran Church, 1700 N.E. 132nd Ave., is having a book sale Friday and Saturday, June 5 and 6 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Proceeds go to postage for Operation Christmas Child boxes. You’ll find plenty of books, games, puzzles, kids’ items, CDs DVDs, records and more.

Three cheers for Parkrose
Get in the spirit Saturday, June 6 between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. when you donate your refundable cans and bottles to the Parkrose Boosters at Parkrose Middle School, 11800 N.E. Shaver St.

The Parkrose cheer squad will be on hand to accept your donation and send you on your way singing the Bronco fight song.

Your old electronics helps Meals on Wheels People
Deliver your scrap electronics and metal to Meals on Wheels Ambleside Center, 600 N.E. 8th Ave., in Gresham Saturday, June 20 between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., and they will turn your trash into cash to help feed homebound seniors served by Meals on Wheels People.

Products will be safely recycled by EG Metals, a metals and certified electronics recycler.

No televisions, please. Items acceptable for recycling include:

• Computers—laptops, towers, keyboards, mice, DVD/CD drivers

• Cell phones and charges

• Power supplies, circuit boards, printers, copiers and fax machines

• Scanners, PDAs, flash drives, LCD monitors

• Routers and networking equipment

• Household electronics, wire, Christmas lights, cords

• VCR/DVD players, digital camera, A/V stereos, telephones

• Clean hard/rigid plastics

• Water heaters, wood stoves, scrap metal, mowers, BBQs, fencing

• Appliances, auto parts, aluminum, brass, copper

• Batteries—cell phone, laptop, auto (no alkaline)

For more information, please contact Meagan Stuart at meagan.stuart@mealsonwheelspeople.org or phone 503-953-8130.

Find fireworks stand at new location
The David Douglas Dads Club fireworks stand has moved to a vacant lot at southeast 115th Avenue and Division Street. It will operate Tuesday, June 23 through Saturday, July 4 from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m. Purchase $100 or more and receive a free pizza coupon from Pizza Baron.

Funds raised support David Douglas High student activities.

To learn more, call 503-660-3076 or email daviddouglasdadsclub@gmail.com.

 

CLUBS and ORGANIZATIONS

Field trip on tap for garden club
The Villa Garden Club meets Thursday, June 25 at 10:30 a.m. at Savage Memorial Presbyterian Church, 1740 S.E. 139th Ave. Bring a brown bag lunch. After dessert has been served, car pools will be organized for a trip to Luscher Farm in West Linn for a tour of the Rogerson Clematis Collection.

To learn more, contact Velda Altig, president, at 503-252-7423.

 

GIVING BACK

Agency needs variety of helpers
SnowCap Community Charities, 17805 S.E. Stark St., is looking for volunteers. SnowCap provides donated food, clothing and other items and services to low-income people in East County. SnowCap feeds over 8,000 people per month and uses volunteers in food drives, picking up and delivering food, sorting food donations, stocking shelves and packing bags.

Volunteering can mean driving trucks, weeding SnowCap’s garden, working on committees and interviewing clients.

There is also administrative work to do, including data entry, writing newsletter articles and thank-you letters and sending reminder postcards.

Volunteer opportunities are available in the following areas:

• Intake Workers
Volunteers work at SnowCap’s front counter. Intake workers are the face of SnowCap, and they are usually the first person clients meet. Volunteers for this position must have welcoming smiles and patient personalities. Some basic computer literacy is necessary. All the work is indoors and no lifting is required.

• Phone Receptionist/Data Entry
Are you comfortable speaking on the phone? SnowCap is looking for a few folks who can volunteer in the client services office, answering the main line and providing information to callers. The agency also seeks a handful of volunteers who can accurately enter information into database to help keep SnowCap running smoothly. Basic computer literacy is required.

• Donation Reception
Volunteers who work in the donation reception area bring in donated food and clothing to SnowCap by greeting the people who come to a drive-thru area, weigh their donations and then issuing receipts. Some lifting and carrying is necessary.

• Pantry Workers/Warehouse
Whether it’s stocking shelves, breaking down boxes or guiding clients through a pantry as a personal shopper, there’s always something needed to be done in the warehouse. Comfortable shoes are a must, and some lifting is required.

For more information on these and other openings, contact Nate Larsen, volunteer coordinator, by writing nate@snowcap.org or by calling 503-674-8785, ext. 37.

For more information on SnowCap, visit www.snowcap.org.

 

THE ARTS

Calling all artists
Portland Fine Arts Guild classes are Mondays June 1, 8 and 15 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at Russellville Grange Hall, 12105 N.E. Prescott St.

The guest instructor this month is renowned artist George Woodcock. Famous for his landscapes and still lifes, Woodcock will devote these sessions to landscape painting. This class is suitable for all skill levels. Woodcock will demonstrate using oil paints, but each student may choose their own medium.

Bring an 8×10 or 9×12 stretched canvas or canvas panel, paints in cadmium red light, cadmium yellow light, cobalt blue or ultra marine blue, yellow ochre, burnt umber or burnt sienna and titanium white, as well as various size brushes in flats and rounds and one rigger.

The fee is $15 per class for non-Guild members and $12 per class for members.

Live music on a spring evening
The annual East County Community Orchestra spring concert is Friday, June 12 at 7:30 p.m. at David Douglas High School Horner Performing Arts Center, 1500 S.E. 130th Ave.

Refreshments will be served at intermission. Director Roger G. Nickerson and orchestra members will chat with attendees over coffee and cookies.

Horner is wheelchair accessible. Admission is free. Donations will be gratefully accepted.

 

EDUCATION

David Douglas seniors graduate
Thursday June 11, the David Douglas High School Class of 2015 graduates walk down the aisles at the University of Portland’s Chiles Center Auditorium, completing four years of coursework at David Douglas High School. Eleven valedictorians and one salutatorian, recipients of other awards and scholarships, and their Rose Festival Princess, Elli Simotas, will receive diplomas, ending this phase of their lives and preparing to go into the work force, on to university studies or both.

Valedictorians are Jacob Brundidge, Oswald Huynh, Tommy Ngo, Kevin Nguyen, Minh Nguyen, Pavel Skalozub, Delayney Smith, Kathy Thach, Hunter Weigant-Davis, Shiwei Zhen and Eric Zhu. Tim Forsyth is the lone Salutatorian.

Congratulations to the Class of 2015.

Free preschool for infants and children up to age 5

Mt. Hood Community College Head Start and Early Head Start programs have openings for children newborn to five years of age. These programs are free to families that qualify and offer comprehensive child development and family support services for infants through preschool. Included are home visits, parent and child activities, health screenings, meals, some transportation, opportunities to volunteer and parent involvement activities. Some programs operate year-round.

To be eligible for the program, the parent must be pregnant or have a child who was born on or after Sept. 2, 2010. The family must live in Mid- or East Multnomah County outside of Portland Public Schools. The family must meet one of the following criteria:

• receive TANF, SSI

• be homeless

• have income below federal poverty guidelines

• child is in foster care

To apply, contact the MHCC Maywood Park office at 503-491-6111 or Blanca Johnson, MHCC Head Start family services manager, at 503-491-6111 or blanca.johnson@mhcc.edu.

Enroll preschoolers now
Gethsemane Lutheran Preschool, 11560 S.E. Market St, is accepting registrations for new families for the 2015–2016 school year. Call and set up a tour with Katie Strobel, preschool director, at 503-256-1835. The school offers play-based preschool programs for 3 and 4 year olds. Classes meet Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings. Find out more on Facebook or on the web at www.glcportland.org/preschool.

 

SENIOR RESOURCES

Explore the lower Columbia Slough
View birds and wildlife on a three-mile walk in the Columbia Slough Natural Area Thursday, June 11 with Gresham Senior Outdoor-Hiking Group. Watching river traffic, exploration of a new trail and a visit to the Smith and Bybee Lakes area are also part of this easy walk. Bring a lunch to eat along the way.

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

If you have questions, contact Rose Marie Gilbert at 503-762-2357.

 

FAITH and VALUES

MOPS coming to Resurrection Lutheran
A Mothers of Preschoolers group is being formed at Resurrection Lutheran Church, 1700 N.E. 132nd Ave. MOPS is an international faith-based organization designed to support mothers of young children. MOPS participants believe that better moms make a better world.

Each MOPS group strives to be welcoming to all women, offers mentoring between members who have been there and done that, encourages leadership development, supports honest conversation, provides relevant teaching and guest speakers, time for creative outlet and childcare during MOPS meetings.

Meetings are the first and third Tuesdays of each month from 9 to 11 a.m. in the church Fellowship Hall beginning June 2.

Learn more at www.mops.org or contact Kari Jubb, RLC children’s minister, for more information and to register at childrensministry@rlcpdx.org or 503-278-2807.

Put vacation bible school on calendar
Sign up now for SonRise National Park Vacation Bible School at Gethsemane Lutheran Church, 11560 S.E. Market St., Aug. 3 through 7. The program will run from 9 to 11:45 a.m. for kids 4 years old through sixth grade. Activities include skits, crafts, games and lessons. A suggested donation of $10 per student or $25 maximum for a family is requested.

More information is available at www.glcportland.org, or you can contact Jennilee Porch, coordinator of children, youth and family ministries, at 503-256-1835. Registration forms are available in the church office.

Busy hands work in support of world relief
A few women of Faithful Savior Lutheran Church, Northeast 112th Avenue and Skidmore Street in Parkrose, have been busy the last several months quilting blankets for the poor and needy. They completed 20 quilts that they are passing on to Lutheran World Relief, an international service organization engaged in a multifaceted effort to alleviate homelessness, poverty and disease around the world.

The quilters meet Tuesday mornings from 9 a.m. to noon from September through June, taking a summer break during July and August. They would welcome help from beginners who would like to learn as well as from experienced quilters and seamstresses.

Another group at Faithful Savior helped put together health kits for Lutheran World Relief consisting of two bars of soap, nail clippers, towels, a toothbrush and toothpaste. These are also sent to people in areas of the world hit by disaster or to other areas of desperate need.

Please call the church at 503-257-9409 for more information regarding the quilting group or other relief projects.

 

LIBRARIES

Summer Reading
Read for fun and prizes this summer. Babies, kids and teens are all welcome to play the Summer Reading game. Summer Reading is supported by gifts to The Library Foundation. Beginning June 12 through Aug. 31. For more information, please visit www.multcolib.org/summer-reading.

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 to12 months with adult. Mondays beginning June 15 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

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

Toddler Storytime: Storytime for children 24 to 36 months with adult. Fridays beginning June 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 beginning June 15 from 10:15 to 11 a.m. and Tuesdays beginning June 16 from 11:15 a.m. to noon.

Family Storytime: Storytime for children 2 to 7 years with adult. Thursdays through June 11 from 6 to 6:45 p.m.

Black Storytime: The African and African American experience comes alive for children newborn to 6 years (with a favorite adult and other family members). Saturdays 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 newborn to 6 years with adult. Sundays 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.

Chess Club for Children and Teens: Have fun playing chess. Beginning, intermediate and advanced players are welcome. Bring your own set or use one provided by the library. Saturdays from 3:30 to 5 p.m.

Jory’s Teddy Bear Concert: Jory invites young children to bounce, hide, tickle and dance with their teddy bears (and much more). Jory brings her big bag of loaner bears, so nobody is bearless. Tuesday, June 2 from 11:15 am to noon.

All-You-Can-Make Art Bar: Art ala Carte turned restaurant salad bars into art bars for an all-you-can-make art experience. Kids of all ages and skill levels fill up trays of assorted supplies and create at their own pace as imaginative ideas are transformed into masterpieces. Tuesday, June 23 from 1:30 to 3 p.m.

Free at Last, Now Let Me Fly: Chetter Galloway highlights the heroes and sheroes of freedom from the Civil War era to Civil Rights and beyond. Through stories, folklore and songs, experience the trials and triumphs of African Americans once held in bondage. Saturday, June 27 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

Musical Petting Zoo: Have you always wanted to try out new instruments and don’t know where to start? Come play with Vibe of Portland. You may even learn a note or two. Tuesday, June 30 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. Monday, June 1 from 3:30 to 5 p.m. and Sunday, June 28 from 2:30 to 4 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. Saturday, June 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 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.

Backyard Chicken Keeping: Learn how to keep chickens on an urban homestead—otherwise known as a backyard in the city. You’ll learn how easy it is to keep chickens in our backyard and whether they’re right for you. Chickens are funny creatures that give the best-tasting eggs around. They’re pets with benefits. Sunday, June 14 from 1 to 2 p.m.

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

Read “Tender Is the Night” by F. Scott Fitzgerald for discussion Tuesday, June 16 from 6:45 to 7:45 p.m.

Read “The Beekeeper’s Apprentice, or, On the Segregation of the Queen” by Laurie R. King for discussion Wednesday, June 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 available from 5 to 6 p.m. Fridays from 2:30 to 5 p.m. Assistance in Chinese 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. and Fridays from 2:30 to 5 p.m.

Is This Thing On?: Need extra help with your mobile device and its applications, e-books or audiobooks? Library staff can help you find the answers. Drop in for one-on-one help. Fridays from 3 to 4:30 p.m.

Android Tablet Essentials: 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. Registration is required. Register online, in the library or by calling 503-988-5234. Sundays, June 7 and 14 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Gregory Heights Library, 7921 N.E. Sandy Blvd., 503-988-5386
Tiny Tots: Storytime for children 12 to 24 months with adult. Thursdays beginning June 25 from 10:15 to 10:45 a.m.

Book Babies: Storytime for children from birth to 12 months with adult. Thursdays beginning June 25 from 11:15 to 11:45 a.m.

Family Storytime: Storytime for children newborn to 6 years with adult. Saturdays beginning June 27 from 10:15 to 10:45 a.m.

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

Steve’s Creature Feature: Explore the amazing world of reptiles with Steve Lattanzi. Safely see, hear and touch some of the most amazing creatures on earth. Nature doesn’t get any more real and fun than this. Steve is a well-traveled wildlife expert who specializes in studying exotic animals from around the world. Wednesday, June 24 from 4 to 5 p.m.

Parachute Playtime: Let’s sing and dance with the big parachute. For children ages 2 to 6. Fridays beginning June 26 from 11 to 11:30 a.m.

Teen Craft Time: Origami, crochet, weaving, decoupage and more. If there’s a craft you’d like to try or share with others, drop into this weekly time to make and do. Thursdays from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.

Legos at the Library: Bring your mad Lego skills to the library and let your imagination flow. Each time, we’ll build a new structure to put on display. Bricks and supplies provided. Donations welcome. For kids ages 5 to 11. Tuesday, June 2 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, June 4 and 18 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.

Vietnamese Language Exchange: Practice Vietnamese or English and help other learners in a friendly atmosphere. Participants speak half the time in English and half in Vietnamese. Beginners welcome. Saturdays from 3 to 4 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.

Belt-Making Workshop: Beginning with a blank strip of leather, you’ll learn the basic leathercraft skills such as skiving, punching and edging. Tooling designs into the belt is optional, as well as customizing your belt with a name, phrase or date. You will add a buckle and secure with rivets. Belt-making is a great starting point for leather projects. Beginners are welcome. Registration is required. Register online, in the library or by calling 503-988-5234. Monday, June 8 from 2 to 5 p.m.

Pageturners Book Group: Read “The Aviator’s Wife” by Melanie Benjamin. Engage in stimulating conversation about books. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library. Monday, June 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.

Android Tablet Essentials: Do you have a new Android tablet? This two-session course 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. Registration is required. Register online, in the library or by calling 503-988-5234.