We offer the Memo Calendar to you to publicize events open to the community at large. When sending submissions, please include all details that apply and a contact name and phone number or email address. Submissions for October are due Tuesday, Sept. 15. For best results, email Darlene Vinson at editor@midcountymemo.com or mail your submissions to 3510 N.E. 134th Ave., Portland, OR 97230. To leave a phone message, call 503-287-8904.
ACTIVITIES and CELEBRATIONS
Take a bite out of summer
Enjoy foods from around the world at Blue Lake Park, 21224 N.E. Blue Lake Road, in Fairview on Saturday, Sept. 5 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the International Food Festival.
This is a fun and tasty exploration for the whole family with a beautiful backdrop of Blue Lake Park and performances by many of the cultures represented in the food festival.
There is a $5 parking fee per car. Admission for walk-ins or bicycles is free.
Learn more about Blue Lake Park at www.oregonmetro.gov/parks/blue-lake-regional-park.
GABA honors first responders, Features local businesses at fair
The 14th annual Gateway Area Business Association First Responders Tribute & Business Fair is Thursday, Sept. 10 at 5:30 p.m. at 111th Square, Northeast 111th Avenue and Halsey Street. This tribute will honor Portland Police officers, Multnomah County Sheriff deputies and Portland Fire Bureau firefighters. In addition, the event features local businesses, their products and services for fairgoers.
Events include a flag raising ceremony with a gun salute, entertainment, announcement of the GABA citizen of the year award and live drone demonstrations.
Gateway Brewing will celebrate the event with the release of Responder Red, a red wheat ale. Gateway’s other beers, Exit 7 IPA and Glendoveer Golden Kolsch, will also be on tap in the beer garden.
For more information, visit www.gabanet.com or contact Fred Sanchez, event chair, at gatewayareabusiness@gmail.com or 503-803-3707.
This is a free event.
Experience a Native American powwow
The annual Neerchokikoo Honoring Powwow is Saturday, Sept. 12 beginning at noon at the NAYA Family Center, 5135 N.E. Columbia Blvd. The Native American Youth And Family Center uses this opportunity each year to honor members of its community for their contributions to the important work that NAYA does to enhance the lives of Native youth, families and elders. Since 2010, the powwow has drawn friends and families from within the Native community, welcoming the public to gather in festivities celebrating Native culture and tradition. This time is special for many as they share and practice Native dances, music, art, food and community. NAYA celebrates the tradition of powwow with dance competitions for men and women of all ages. The Tiny Tots exhibition dancing showcases the youth of the community, and throughout the day dancers of all generations step out to display their talent and pride in Native Indian traditions.
Once called Neerchokikoo, the site on which NAYA now stands was a thriving village for the Multnomah Chinook people well into the 20th century. It had more than 126 dwellings and a year-round encampment. In June of 2006, NAYA Family Center moved to this site; NAYA staff officially asked the Chinook community for permission to make their new home on Chinook homeland.
This is a free event. The public is invited. Native crafters and artisans will offer hand made goods for sale. For more information, go to www.nayapdx.org.
Become pirate for a day
What do pirates and groundwater have in common? Buried treasure! This question is asked every year at Aquifer Adventure, a family festival that celebrates both pirates and an important drinking water resource.
Co-sponsored by the Portland Water Bureau and the Columbia Slough Watershed Council, Aquifer Adventure is Saturday, Sept. 12 from noon to 4 p.m. at the Portland Water Bureau canoe launch at Northeast 166th Avenue and Airport Way. Pirate dress, pirate lingo and pirate swagger are highly encouraged.
There will be hands-on activities for all ages, including a treasure hunt and aquifers made of ice cream. Participants can also enjoy the wooded trail along the Columbia Slough before joining a canoeing tour of the Slough. Children will receive free t-shirts while supplies last.
This annual event focuses on groundwater protection and water conservation, including tips and tools for use at home. Groundwater from the Columbia South Shore Well Field serves as a secondary drinking water supply for Portland and the metro region. Groundwater is an important resource that makes Portland’s water system resilient in the face of drought and climate uncertainty. This summer and fall, water from the Columbia South Shore Well Field is helping to keep Portland’s gardens growing and businesses bustling despite unusually hot and dry conditions across the region.
Additional information is available at www.columbiaslough.org. This is a free event.
It’s an end of summer party for everyone
Savage Memorial Presbyterian Church, 1740 S.E. 139th Ave., hosts an End of Summer Party with free games and prizes Saturday, Sept. 19 from 2 to 4 p.m. The community is invited to come for croquet, bocce ball, bingo and more. If you have questions, please call 503-256-9933 or visit www.savagememorial.org.
German sausage dinner date set
The Rivercrest Community Church Authentic German Sausage Dinner is Saturday, Oct. 3 from 4:30 to 7 p.m. For decades, the Rivercrest Community Church congregation has been opening its doors to members, friends and neighbors to serve a traditional German sausage dinner. The menu includes German sausage, fried potatoes, coleslaw, rolls, dessert and coffee or tea. Tickets are $12 for adults; $5 for youth 6-12, and those five and under eat free. They’re available the day of the dinner at the church, 3201 N.E. 148th Ave. For more information, call 503-254-4400, or visit rivercrestcommunitychurch.org.
PepperFest returns to Parkrose
The 3rd annual Jim Pepper Native Arts Festival is Saturday, Sept. 26 from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. at the Parkrose High School west athletic field, 12003 N.E. Shaver St.
This is a free concert to support music education, tax deductible donations will be gratefully accepted. Learn more at www.jimpepperfest.net or search on Facebook for Jim Pepper Native Arts Festival.
CLASSES and WORKSHOPS
Explore issues concerning Columbia River
A League of Women Voters of Portland Civic Education Program event is Tuesday, Sept. 8 at 7 p.m. in the Multnomah County Building boardroom, 501 S.E. Hawthorne Blvd.
This is a panel discussion of the complex issues impacting the Columbia River and an opportunity for members of the public to develop a better understanding of the treaties and laws that apply to the river, the important economic role of the river, the cultural importance of the river and the threats to the river from pollution and climate change.
Panel members are Michael Blumm, a Jeffrey Bain Faculty Scholar and Professor of Law at Lewis and Clark Law School; Kristin Meira, executive director, Pacific Northwest Waterways Association; and Paul Lumley, executive director, Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission.
The program is free and open to the public. Visit www.lwvpdx.org to learn more.
Art classes return after summer hiatus
Portland Fine Arts Guild member Lu Feazle-Hurt will lead students on an exploration of mixed media designed to inspire creative talents as she takes on the role of instructor at PFAG classes this month.
Classes are Mondays, Sept. 14, 21 and 28 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at Russellville Grange Hall, 12105 N.E. Prescott St. in Parkrose. Guild members pay $12 per class, non-guild members pay $15.
Registration is not required. Simply bring your supplies and drop in to be inspired to new heights of creativity.
Visit www.portlandfineartsguild.org to learn more about the guild. Contact Feazle-Hurt at luannefeazle@gmail.com if you have questions about the class or if you need a supplies list.
Discover the genetic treasures of apples
Renowned researcher and genetics scientist Phil Forsline makes a guest appearance at Leach Botanical Garden on Wednesday, Sept. 16 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. He will talk about his travels to Kazakhstan (the apple’s center of genetic diversity) and China to collect wild apple plant samples for conservation, evaluation and distribution to geneticists and breeders worldwide. Forsline’s work, which could revolutionize the apple industry, was featured in “The Botany of Desire” by Michael Pollan.
The evening begins with botanical cocktails and hors d’oeuvres.
Reservations are required for this event. Admission is $30 for garden members, $35 for non-members. The garden is located at 6704 S.E. 122nd Ave. Learn more at www.leachgarden.org.
Protect your family from lead exposure
The Community Energy Project offers a pair of free workshops this month that will help you reduce exposure to lead in your home.
Choose a lead-safe home projects workshop before you begin any demolition, sanding, scraping or remodeling in pre-1978 housing, Tuesday, Sept. 22 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Community Energy Project, 2900 S.E. Stark St. This workshop will help you safely sand down an old window frame or a reused door with potential lead paint or help you learn of risks with a small construction project in an older home.
You could alternately select a free lead poisoning prevention workshop that will teach you how to prevent lead exposure in your home Monday, Sept. 28 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Holgate Library, 7905 S.E. Holgate Blvd. 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.
Please register at www.communityenergyproject.org or call 503-284-6827 ext. 109.
New look at stormwater management
Hear Mike Faha, landscape architect, discuss water and green infrastructure on Thursday, Sept. 24 at 7 p.m. at Leach Botanical Garden, 6704 S.E. 122nd Ave.
Artful rainwater design is an innovative approach to sustainable stormwater management through green infrastructure that celebrates rain. By celebrating the infrastructure as a design element, we achieve landscapes that perform at multiple levels through improved water quality, wildlife habitat and human habitat. Often modest in design, the impact of artful rainwater design is found in its simplicity and harmonious integration with the natural and built environment.
Leach Botanical Garden’s new master plan calls for green infrastructure throughout, from green roofs and naturalistic stormwater gardens to dynamic built features.
Faha is a founding principal of GreenWorks. His primary professional interest is in creating livable, sustainable communities that balance economic, ecological and social needs.
This is a free event. Learn more about Leach Botanical Garden at www.leachgarden.org.
Get out of debt, prepare for retirement
Woodland Park Baptist Church, 11375 N.E. Halsey St., hosts Dave Ramsey of Financial Peace University. Ramsey’s class will show you how to get rid of debt, manage your money, spend and save wisely, and much more. It is a nine week course that will meet each Thursday evening at 7 p.m. beginning Sept. 17 There is no charge for the course, but the materials are $100 per family.
Drop by for the opening class to learn if this course could benefit you and your family. You can commit to the course after you have assessed its value.
For more information call Alan at 503-309-5819 or email fpuatwpbc@gmail.com.
REUNIONS
PHS class of 1969 invites all alumni
The monthly Second Wednesday gathering of Parkrose High class of 1969 classmates and friends from all other classes is Wednesday, Sept. 9 at Bridge City Taproom, 620 S.E. 122nd Ave. Happy hour is from 4 to 7 p.m. Drop in when you can, we’ll save a seat for you. No host.
In addition, there’s a PHS Alumni walk and breakfast Saturday, Sept. 19. Meet in the Glendoveer parking lot, 14015 N.E. Glisan St. at 9 p.m. to walk the Glendoveer Fitness Trial. It’s about a 2 mile walk. Meet up at Francis Xavier’s Restaurant, 1933 N.E. 181st Ave., at about 10 a.m. for breakfast. Please feel free to join the group for breakfast even if you do not walk. You must let organizers know if you plan to have breakfast so reservations can be made. Do so at www.facebook.com/events/406284626236704/
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.
FUNDRAISERS
Singers want your cans and bottles
Parkrose Bronco Boosters and choir students will be at the ready from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. when you pull into the Parkrose Middle School turnaround, 11800 N.E. Shaver St., on Saturday, Sept. 12 with a trunk load of returnable bottles and cans from your Labor Day celebrations. They will relieve you of the responsibility of taking them to a recycle center and leave you with a warm feeling for helping out with your donation.
Can and bottle collection organizer, Patty Meighen, is working to secure a trailer that will be used to haul the collections to the recycle center. The school district has offered a place to park the trailer and one person has stepped up to drive the cans and bottles to the recycle center, but cannot do it every month. If you are comfortable hauling a trailer and can spare a couple of hours a few times during the year, please let Meighen know at pmeighen@hotmail.com.
Add fall blooms to your garden
The annual Villa Garden Club Almost Fall plant sale is Saturday, Sept. 12 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Parkrose Community Church, 12505 N.E. Halsey St.
Choose an assortment of perennials, succulents, native plants and fall-blooming beauties. A carry out service will be available.
Funds raised support club activities and service projects.
Golf tourney to benefit Human Solutions
Dennis’ 7 Dees Landscaping and Garden Centers is committed to supporting Human Solutions’ efforts to provide emergency shelter and support services to hundreds of homeless families in Multnomah County. To that end, the company is sponsoring a golf tournament Thursday, Sept. 17 at Langdon Farms Golf Club, 24377 N.E. Airport Road, Aurora. Check-in, registration and continental breakfast begins at 6:30 a.m., followed by a shotgun start at 7:30 a.m.
The entry fee for a foursome is $600. Individuals may register for $150. Registration includes 18 holes of golf with cart, continental breakfast and post-tournament awards barbecue luncheon. Prizes are awarded for first, second and third place teams, longest drive and closest to the pin.
Opportunities to support Human Solutions and win spectacular prizes are also available on the course. The popular tournament raffle is back, offering several golf packages at some of Oregon’s top courses in addition to overnight stays, restaurant gift certificates and accessories for your home and yard. Last year’s golf tournament raised more than $100,000 for Human Solutions’ programs, and the goal is to raise at least that much this year.
To register and learn more about sponsorship opportunities, visit www.dennis7dees.golfreg.com. To learn more about Human Solutions, visit www.humansolutions.org.
Lucky number 13 coming up for PEF
Planning is underway for the 13th annual Parkrose Educational Foundation dinner and auction. The party that brings all of Parkrose together in support of Parkrose students is set for Saturday, April 16, 2016 at the Sheraton Portland Airport Hotel.
Join the auction committee today and bring your skills to the table to make this the most memorable foundation fundraising event so far. Send an email to predfdn@gmail.com or leave a message at 503-408-2108 to get involved.
The committee is already hard at work soliciting auction donations, event catalog advertisers and table sponsorships. Make 2016 the year your business participates in this annual event that helps provide field trips, Outdoor School adventures, art supplies, musical instruments, classroom enhancements and so much more to all students enrolled in Parkrose School District schools.
To learn more about the foundation, please visit www.parkroseedfdn.org.
CLUBS and ORGANIZATIONS
Add fall color to your garden
Villa Garden Club will start the fall season with a meeting Thursday, Sept. 24, at Savage Memorial Presbyterian Church, 1740 S. E. 139th Ave. Dave Doolittle of Petal Heads Nursery will present a program with an update on new choices for the fall garden. The business meeting starts at 10:30 a.m., followed by a brown bag lunch and the program. Coffee and dessert will be served. For more information call Chris McClure at 503-489-5437.
EDUCATION
Preschool starts soon, sign up now
Gethsemane Lutheran Preschool, 11560 S.E. Market St., has room for a few more preschoolers in its play-based program this coming school year. Classes are held Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings. Preschool Director Katie Strobel will give you a tour. Contact her at 503-256-1835. School starts Sept. 8, so sign up soon. Find Gethsemane Lutheran Preschool on Facebook or on the web at www.glcportland.org/preschool.
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 beginning Sept. 14 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
Tiny Tots: Storytime for children 12 to 24 months with adult. Tuesdays beginning Sept. 15 from 10:15 to 11 a.m.
Toddler Storytime: Storytime for children 24 to 36 months with adult. Fridays beginning Sept. 18 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 Sept. 14 from 10:15 to 11 a.m. and Tuesdays beginning Sept. 15 from 11:15 a.m. to noon.
S.T.E.A.M. Storytime: Storytime for children 2 to 6 years with a little extra S.T.E.A.M. added. S.T.E.A.M. is Science, Technology, Education, Arts and Math. These will be easy and age-appropriate art activities and science explorations after a 15-minute storytime. Thursdays beginning Sept. 10 from 6 to 7 p.m.
Black Storytime: The African and African American experience comes alive for children newborn to 6 years along with a favorite adult or other family members. Saturdays beginning Sept. 19 from 11:30 a.m. to noon.
Chinese Storytime: Storytime presented in Cantonese for children ages newborn to 6 years with adult. Saturdays from 2 to 2:45 p.m.
Vietnamese Storytime: Storytime presented in Vietnamese for children from birth to 6 years with adult. Sundays beginning Sept. 13 from 1 to 1:45 p.m.
Russian Storytime: Storytime presented in Russian for children ages newborn to 6 years with adult. Tuesdays beginning Sept. 15 from 6 to 6:30 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 3:30 to 5 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.
The Children’s Music Show: Micah and Me perform all the young children’s hit songs plus their own originals like “Dump Truck.” Parents say it’s a free-form dance party for toddlers. Tuesday, Sept. 1 from 10:15 to 11:15 a.m.
My Piñata: Under the instruction of Nelda Reyes and Gerardo Calderón, craft your own cardboard piñata and decorate it with colored papers. Wednesday, Sept. 16 from 4 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. Please contact Karen at 503-988-5734 or karens@multco.us if you are interested in this program. Mondays beginning Sept. 14 from 3:30 to 5 p.m.
Pixel Game Tour: Pixel Arts is coming to a library near you for a tour of games made by teens. Come play and hear how these games were made. For middle school and high school students only. Monday, Sept. 28 from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.
Language Exchange: Engage in conversation with native English speakers who want to practice their Spanish, as well as with native Spanish speakers who want to practice their English. Sundays 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.
International Literacy Day 2015: Get help with reading, citizenship, GED preparation and learning English. Enjoy light refreshments. Saturday, Sept. 12 from 1 to 4 p.m.
Guns and America—Exploring the Second Amendment: Reed College professor Pancho Savery will lead a discussion about why the Second Amendment exists. Registration is required. Register online, in the library or by calling 503-988-5234. Sunday, Sept. 13 from 2 to 3:30 p.m.
Pageturners Book Group: Engage in conversation about books and get to know your neighbors. Read “The Boys in the Boat: Nine Americans and Their Epic Quest for Gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics” by Daniel James Brown for discussion Tuesday, Sept. 15 from 6:30 to 7:45 p.m.
Or read “The Forgotten Garden” by Kate Morton for discussion Wednesday, Sept. 16 from 1 to 2:15 p.m.
Health Insurance Resource Fair: Learn about health insurance options and how to prepare for the upcoming open enrollment. Wednesday, Sept. 16 from 5 to 7 p.m.
Screening—Arresting Power: Join us for a screening of “Arresting Power: Resisting Police Violence in Portland, Oregon.” There will be time for Q&A with filmmaker Julie Perini and the post-film discussion is led by Emily Drew, Associate Professor of Sociology at Willamette University. Saturday, Sept. 19 from 2 to 4 p.m.
Citizenship Classes: Learn about the process of becoming a citizen in a six-session series of classes. Classes are in English and are taught by library volunteers. Registration is required. Register online, in the library or by calling 503-988-5234. Sundays, Sept. 20 through Oct. 25 from 1 to 3 p.m.
TechnoHosts: Trained volunteers can help you with basic computer issues. Sundays from 2 to 5 p.m. and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Computer Lab: Friendly assistants can help you practice your computer skills. Tuesdays from 5 to 7:30 p.m. (assistance in Vietnamese also available.) and Fridays from 2:30 to 5 p.m. (assistance in Chinese also available.)
E-books & 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 files. Fridays from 3 to 4:30 p.m.
Vietnamese Computer Basics: In this six-session course, you will learn basic computer skills. Registration is required. Register online, in the library or by calling 503-988-5234. Saturdays; Sept. 12 and 26, Oct. 10 and 24 and Nov. 7 and 21 from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m.
Introduction to Computers: Learn basic computer skills in this fun, four-session course. Registration is required. Register online, in the library or by calling 503-988-5234. Tuesdays, Sept. 15 through Oct. 6 from 2 to 4:30 p.m.
iPad Part 2: Now that you know the basics of navigating your iPad, learn how to make your iPad work for you. Registration is required. Register online, in the library or by calling 503-988-5234. Sundays, Sept. 20 and 27 from 10:15 a.m. to 12:15 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 from birth 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 from birth to 6 years with adult. Saturdays from 11:15 a.m. to noon.
Legos at the Library: Bring your mad Lego skills to the library and let your imagination flow. Bricks and supplies provided. Donations welcome. For kids ages 5 to 11. Friday, Sept. 4 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, Sept. 3 and 17 from 4 to 5 p.m.
Pixel Game Tour: Pixel Arts is coming to a library near you for a tour of games made by teens. Come play and hear how these games were made. Friday, Sept. 11 from 3:45 to 5:45 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., except Sept. 5.
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. 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.
Paint Your Own Van Gogh: You needn’t have painting experience to emulate techniques of the masters, especially the clean lines and bold colors of modern art. Vincent van Gogh’s art is notable for deep colors, clear brushstrokes and a sense of movement. In this guided workshop, learn acrylic paint skills and a little art history while creating your own version of Van Gogh’s iconic landscapes. Leave with a completed 11×14-inch canvas and introductory skills in color mixing, composition and layering. Registration is required. Register online, in the library or by calling 503-988-5234. Monday, Sept. 14 from 3 to 5 p.m.
Pageturners Book Group: Read “The Book Thief” by Markus Zusak. Engage in stimulating conversation about books. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library. Monday, Sept. 21 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.