We offer the Memo Calendar to you to publicize events open to the community at large. When sending submissions, please include details that apply and a contact name and phone number or email address. Submissions for January are due Tuesday, Dec. 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.

ACTIVITIES and CELEBRATIONS

Free professional career event

HireLive plans a free event Wednesday, Dec. 9, from 9 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn–Portland Airport, 12048 N.E. Airport Way. Connect with industry-leading companies that are currently hiring. This is your opportunity to interview face-to-face with more than 15 Fortune 500 and other industry-leading hiring managers seeking talented, experienced and enthusiastic sales, retail and management candidates.

Email your resume to 10379-36-mh2006@apply.maxhire.net.

 

Free Christmas Day dinner

SnowCap Community Charities invites community members to its Christmas Supper from noon to 2 p.m. Friday, Dec. 25. The agency will be serving a traditional meal of turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, cranberries, vegetables, rolls, coffee, juice and more. The supper is free and open to the public.

The supper drew more than 260 people last year, 75 percent of them came with their families. Nate Larsen, SnowCap volunteer coordinator, says the Christmas supper is meaningful on several levels.

“This Christmas supper is so important, because not only does it bring people from the community together to share a meal but also allows folks to take time away from their everyday worries and simply relax and enjoy the spirit of the season,” Larsen says.

 

HEARINGS

December 2015 Comprehensive Plan hearings set

The public’s third hearing on the recommended 2035 Comprehensive Plan is scheduled for three hours on Thursday, Dec. 10, from 6 to 9 p.m. at Parkrose High School Community Center, 12003 N.E. Shaver St.

To confirm this date and time, please check the City Council calendar one week before the scheduled hearing.

You must sign up to testify. Testimony is limited to two minutes per person. Testimony sign-up sheets are available one hour before the start of each hearing; you must be present during the hearing, or you will lose your turn when your name is called.

 

REUNIONS

PHS 1969 and all classes

The monthly Second Wednesday gathering of Parkrose High class of 1969 classmates and friends from all other classes is Wednesday, Dec. 9, at Bridge City Taproom, 620 S.E. 122nd Ave. Happy hour begins at 4 p.m. and lasts until 7 p.m., so swing by when you can. There will be a chair waiting for you.

 

FUNDRAISERS

The first Saturday is can and bottle day

Parkrose Bronco Boosters and an assortment of volunteers 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, Dec. 5, with a trunkload of returnable bottles and cans. They will relieve you of the responsibility of taking them to a recycling center, leaving you with plenty of time for fun weekend activities.

If you have a vehicle with a trailer hitch and one hour a month to donate to this cause, the Boosters could use your help as a volunteer driver. Cans and bottles are loaded onto a trailer Saturday. The following Tuesday, the volunteer driver merely hooks up at the Parkrose School District bus yard, hauls the load to the recycler in Northwest Portland and returns the trailer to the bus yard.

To help out, get in touch with organizer Patty Meighen at 503-333-3969 or pmeighen@hotmail.com. She will be happy to hear from you and will provide all the details.

Luke Skywalker, Darth Vader and Princess Leia visit Parkrose

Watch “A New Hope,” the original Star Wars movie, and help Parkrose Outdoor School fundraising efforts Friday, Dec. 4, at Parkrose Middle School, 11800 N.E. Shaver St. Doors open at 5 p.m. Admission is $1 per person. Food will be available for purchase. Get your picture taken with members of the 501st Legion for only $5. The curtain goes up on the movie at 6:30 p.m.

Alumni support music at PHS

Sunday, Dec. 6, is the date for the annual Michael Allen Harrison Back Home concert in the Parkrose High School Community Center Theater, 12003 N.E. Shaver St. This event features Parkrose alum Harrison along with current choir students and returning alumni. The show begins at 2 p.m. Tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for students and seniors.

Contact any choir student to buy tickets or get in touch with choir director Lesley Bossert at lesley_bossert@parkrose.k12.or.us or 503-408-2695.

All the crab and shrimp you can eat

If you dream of feasting on limitless crab and shrimp, now is your chance to buy tickets to the 26th annual St. Aidan’s Episcopal Church All-You-Can-Eat Crab and Shrimp Feed. Seatings are scheduled Wednesday, Jan. 20, through Saturday, Jan. 23. Tickets are $38 for adults, $34 for seniors 60 and over and must be ordered by mail no later than Dec. 31.

St. Aidan’s is located at 17405 N.E. Glisan St. Download the order form at staidans-gresham.org. Consider buying tickets as gifts—your friends and family will love you for it.

This major fundraiser supports St. Aidan’s outreach to local community partners such as H.B. Lee SUN Program, Friends of Nadaka and SnowCap Community Charities.

 

CLUBS and ORGANIZATIONS

Check out this garden club

This month is a good time to check out the Villa Garden Club. The group plans its annual potluck luncheon and white elephant gift exchange this month, and you are invited.

The meeting is Thursday, Dec. 17, beginning at 10:30 a.m. at Savage Memorial Presbyterian Church, 1740 S. E. 139th Ave. If you need more information, get in touch with Chris McClure at 503-489-5437.

 

BAZAARS and CRAFT FAIRS

Leach Botanical Garden

The festive holiday bazaar at 6704 S.E. 122nd Ave., Friday and Saturday, Dec. 4 and 5, from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. includes freshly made wreaths, swags, centerpieces, cut greens, baked goods and a market featuring work by local glass, ceramic, metal and fabric artists.

Experience the winter garden, sip hot cider in the historic Manor House and enjoy holiday music while you shop.

No admission or parking charge. This is a great way to support the garden and kick off your holiday season.

David Douglas High School

The 19th annual David Douglas Holiday Bazaar is Saturday, Dec. 5, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 1001 S.E. 135th Ave. Funds raised support the PTSA college scholarship fund for graduating seniors. More than 80 vendors will offer items like homemade holiday crafts, blown glass, pottery, art, clothing, jewelry, food items and treats for your pets.

Portland Christian Royals

The annual Portland Christian Royals Holiday Bazaar features handcrafted artisan goods, jewelry, home décor and more Saturday, Dec. 5, from 9 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Portland Christian Jr./Sr. High School, 12425 N.E. San Rafael St.

Wilkes Elementary

The annual Wilkes Elementary Holiday Bazaar is Saturday, Dec. 5, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 17020 N.E. Wilkes Road. There will be vendor booths, baked goods, a kids craft table and more. Buy tickets for the holiday raffle and celebrate the season and the handmade items of many talented vendors.

Portland Fine Arts Guild

Artful Giving, Holiday Fine Art and Craft Sale, is Monday, Dec. 7, from 1 to 7 p.m. at Russellville Grange, 12100 N.E. Prescott St. Help PFAG continue to offer art classes and support to our local arts community.

Parkrose Middle School

Help raise funds for Outdoor School at the Parkrose Middle School Crafters Bazaar, Saturday, Dec. 12, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at 11800 N.E. Shaver St. Crafters can reserve a vendor table by contacting Kari Gothro at 971-227-4182 or bigheart816@yahoo.com.

 

GIVING BACK

Help plan Parkrose schools’ budget

Position #5 on the Parkrose School District Budget Committee is open. Interested applicants should apply no later than 5 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 5. Interviews will be conducted Monday, Jan. 11, beginning at 6:30 p.m.

Applicants must have lived within Parkrose School District boundaries for at least a year, be a registered voter and not be an employee or agent of the district.

Members of the committee receive and review the proposed budget from the budget officer, participate in meetings about the budget and approve a budget that best meets the needs of the district. The time commitment will consist of three or four meetings of about two hours each. Scheduled meeting dates are Wednesdays, April 20, May 4 and May 18, 2016, at 6:30 p.m. at the Parkrose School District office, 10636 N.E. Prescott. Committee members serve three-year terms. This term ends June 30, 2018.

Download the complete job description and application at https://v3.boardbook.org/Public/PublicItemDownload.aspx?ik=37787762.

 

THE ARTS

Start the season with music

Begin the holiday season with an afternoon of concert band music when the Portland Metro Concert Band presents its annual Holiday Concert Sunday, Dec. 6, at 3 p.m. at the David Douglas Horner Performing Arts Center, 1400 S.E. 130th Ave. There will be familiar holiday tunes, modern music for concert band and, as always, a march or two. The 45-piece band, under the direction of Jay Burchak and Roger Nickerson, offers this free concert to the community and invites everyone to enjoy the music in this accessible venue.

An orchestral celebration of the season

Join Mt. Hood Pops Orchestra for its 33rd season. Its annual Christmas Celebration is Sunday, Dec. 13, beginning at 3:30 p.m. in the theater at Mt. Hood Community College, 26000 S.E. Stark St., in Gresham. Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for seniors and students and $45 maximum for family admission. Tickets will be available at the door.

Conductor and Music Director Ken Selden has selected a range of music to get you in the spirit of the season. The evening will conclude with a sing-along medley.

PHS music performances this month

The Parkrose High choir performs at the Grotto on Monday, Dec. 14, at 6 p.m. during the Festival of Lights; admissions apply.

Music students then return to the PHS Theater, 12003 N.E. Shaver, for a pair of free concerts. PHS bands perform holiday favorites Tuesday, Dec. 15. The choir holiday concert follows Wednesday, Dec. 16. Both concerts begin at 7 p.m.

Choir Fest seeks groups to participate

The 14th annual Epiphany Choir Fest, a benefit for Human Solutions’ emergency shelter programs for homeless families, welcomes participation from area choirs. Affiliation with a religious organization is not required, and participation is free.

The performance is Sunday, Jan. 10, from 3 to 5 p.m. at Gethsemane Lutheran Church, 11560 S.E. Market St.

Participating choirs will sing traditional Christmas anthems and carols and combine to perform the “Hallelujah Chorus” from Handel’s “Messiah” to end the event.

Donations collected at the concert will benefit the Daybreak Shelter Network and the Human Solutions Family Shelter.

To add your choir to the program, contact Sara Fisher at 503-548-0283 or sfisher@humansolutions.org.

 

EDUCATION

Play-based preschool has slots open

Gethsemane Lutheran Preschool, 11560 S.E. Market St., can accommodate a few more students for its 2015–2016 school year. It is not too late for your preschooler to enroll in this play-based program for three- and four-year-olds. Classes meet Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings.

Call Katie Strobel, preschool director, at 503-256-1835 to arrange for a tour. Find the school on Facebook or on the web at glcportland.org/preschool.

 

FAITH and VALUES

Inspirational celebration returns

The annual “After Christmas Party” returns to Resurrection Lutheran Church, 1132 N.E. 132nd Ave., Saturday, Dec. 26, for two performances.

This production by the Resurrection Players, meant to celebrate the joys of the twelve days of Christmas, will include a choral reading of “Raphael, the Herald Angel” and songs of the season as well as audience participation activities.

A matinee is set for 3 p.m., and the evening performance begins at 7 p.m. Purchase tickets at the door for $5 per person.

 

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.

For Families

Tiny Tots: Storytime for children 12 to 24 months with adult. Thursdays through Dec. 17 from 10:15 to 10:45 a.m.

Book Babies: Storytime for children newborn to 12 months with adult. Thursdays through Dec. 17 from 11:15 to 11:45 a.m.

Toddler Storytime: Storytime for children 24 to 36 months with adult. Fridays through Dec. 18 from 10:15 to 10:45 a.m.

Preschool Storytime: Storytime for children 3 to 6 years with adult. Fridays through Dec. 18 from 11:15 to 11:45 a.m.

Family Storytime: Storytime for children newborn to 6 years with adult. Saturdays through Dec. 19 from 10:15 to 10:45 a.m.

Vietnamese Storytime: Storytime presented in Vietnamese for children newborn to 6 years with adult. Saturdays through Dec. 19 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, Dec. 4, from 4 to 5 p.m.

Build It—Bridge Building Activity for Kids: Sharon Wood Wortman leads a bridge-building activity for children using the patterns and step-by-step directions found in her latest book, “The Big & Awesome Bridges of Portland & Vancouver: A Book for Young Readers and Their Teachers.” Using low-temp glue guns, hot glue and wooden craft sticks, participants take home a model truss fashioned after a Portland-Vancouver span. Especially suitable for primary-grade engineers. Registration is required. Register online, in the library or by calling 503-988-5234. Saturday, Dec. 5, from 1 to 3 p.m.

Learn and Play During the Hour of Code: The Hour of Code is here; join millions to learn computer science for one hour during Computer Science Education Week. Come to the library and learn how to create and play games on your own with activities designed to demystify code and show that anyone can learn the basics to be a maker, a creator and an innovator. Discover resources you can use at home. You will be provided with a variety of self-guided tutorials that anybody can do on a browser, tablet or smartphone. No experience needed. Best for participants ages six and older. Parents, come join your kids and learn together. Thursday, Dec. 10, from 4 to 5 p.m.

Bilbo’s Journey: A grand story of peril, wonder and daring. Children are sure to enjoy the cherished tale of a home-loving little hobbit who finds himself on an adventure he could never have imagined. On the way, he meets elves, trolls, a wizard and a dragon … and ssssomething ssstrange called Gollum. This play is suitable for children of all ages.

Saturday, Dec. 19, from 1 to 1:45 p.m.

For Teens

Teen Council: Work to reimagine library services. Teen Council empowers teens to improve the library and the community through opportunities to build leadership skills, earn service hours and have fun with other teens and library staff. Snacks provided. Thursdays, Dec. 3 and 17, from 4 to 5 p.m.

For Adults

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 Dec. 26.

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.

Memory Wire Holiday Bracelets: Join Valerie Bluemel in making beautiful, colorful, holiday memory wire bracelets. Choose from a variety of beads and create a special gift for your loved one or a treat for yourself to wear. You will work with wire and pliers to finish off your bracelet. Registration is required. Register online, in the library or by calling 503-988-5234. Sunday, Dec. 6, from 3 to 4:30 p.m.

Pageturners Book Group: Read “Caleb’s Crossing” by Geraldine Brooks. Engage in stimulating conversation about books. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library. Monday, Dec. 21, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Vietnamese Computer Help: Library volunteers provide one-on-one assistance with basic computer functions like setting up emails and filling out online forms and applications. 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.

For Families

Book Babies: Storytime for children newborn to 12 months with adult. Mondays through Dec. 14 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

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

Toddler Storytime: Storytime for children 24 to 36 months with adult. Fridays through Dec. 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 through Dec. 14 from 10:15 to 11 a.m. and Tuesdays through Dec. 15 from 11:15 a.m. to noon.

STEAM Storytime: Storytime for children 2 to 6 years with a little extra STEAM added. STEAM is Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math. Participants will be doing an easy and age-appropriate art activity and science exploration after 15 minutes of story time. Thursdays through Dec. 17 from 6 to 7 p.m.

Black Storytime: The African and African American experience comes alive for children newborn to 6 years when accompanied by a favorite adult and other family member. Saturdays through Dec. 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 ages newborn to 6 years with adult. Sundays through Dec. 20 from 1 to 1:45 p.m.

Russian Storytime: Storytime presented in Russian for children ages newborn to 6 years with adult. Tuesdays through Dec. 22 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 through Dec. 17 from 4 to 5:30 p.m.

Chess at the Library: Have fun playing chess or Chinese chess. The chess equipment is provided by the library. All ages welcome. Saturdays from 4 to 5:30 p.m.

African Storytelling: Join Habiba, a native of Ghana, in learning stories about African history. Habiba offers an interactive, multicultural performance with authentic West African costume. Saturday, Dec. 5, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

Learn and Play During the Hour of Code: Learn how to create and play games on your own with activities designed to demystify code. No experience needed. Best for participants ages 6 and older. Parents, join your kids and learn together. Sunday, Dec. 13, from 2 to 3 p.m.

Paint Your Own Holiday Ceramic: An ornament with ribbon, lead-free paint, colorful mats, aprons, water buckets and paintbrushes are supplied. All you need is a child with an imagination. Sunday, Dec. 20, from 2 to 3:30 p.m.

Imagineering—Down with Gravity: How slow can you go? In this gravity-defying workshop, students are challenged to reduce a falling ball to the slowest speed possible through a maze of obstacles. Wednesday, Dec. 30, from 1 to 2 p.m.

For Teens

Teen Council: Teen Council empowers teens to improve the library and the community through opportunities to build leadership skills, earn service hours and have fun with other teens and library staff. Snacks provided. Please contact Karen at 503-988-5734 or karens@multco.us if you are interested in this program. Mondays from 3:30 to 5 p.m.

For Adults

English Classes: Free ESL classes. All levels welcome. No registration required. For more information, call 503-988-6318. Wednesdays through Dec. 9 and Thursdays through Dec. 10 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.

Language Exchange: Practice English or Spanish and help other learners in a friendly atmosphere. Sundays from 3 to 4:30 p.m.

It’s Time for a Fresh Start—Project Clean Slate: If you have a record with Multnomah County, Project Clean Slate can help. The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office, Metropolitan Public Defender, Oregon Department of Motor Vehicles and the Independent Development Enterprise Alliance support Project Clean Slate. Registration is required. Register online, in the library or by calling 503-988-5234. Thursday, Dec. 3, from 6 to 7 p.m.

National Novel Writing Month—Thank Goodness It’s Over Party: Whether you made it to the finish line or not, come and celebrate that you made it through NaNoWriMo. Sunday, Dec. 6, from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.

Health Insurance Information and Enrollment Assistance: Get your questions about the application and enrollment process answered. Interpreters are available upon request. In partnership with the Multnomah County Health Department, FamilyCare Health Plans, Health Plans in Oregon, Lutheran Community Services Northwest and Project Access NOW. Registration is required; call 503-988-5392. Wednesdays, Dec. 9 and 16, from 4 to 6:30 p.m.

Uke Can Do It: Designed to teach the simplicity of playing the ukulele, this is a wonderful workshop for non-musicians. Registration is required. Register online, in the library or by calling 503-988-5234. Saturday, Dec. 12, 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 “The Afterlife of Billy Fingers: How My Bad-Boy Brother Proved to Me There’s Life After Death” by Annie Kagan. Tuesday, Dec. 15, from 6:30 to 7:45 p.m.

Read “Mr. Penumbra’s 24-Hour Bookstore” by Robin Sloan. Wednesday, Dec. 16, from 1 to 2:15 p.m.

Conscientização: This interactive event uses popular culture and popular education to explore social change and liberation. For teens and adults. Funded in part by the Regional Arts & Culture Council. Saturday, Dec. 19, from 2 to 4 p.m.

Computer classes

Computer Help: Volunteers provide assistance with basic computer functions. Tuesdays from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Assistance in Vietnamese also available; assistance in Russian, 5 to 6 p.m. Fridays from 2:30 to 5 p.m., except Dec. 25. Assistance in Chinese also available.

E-books and Audiobooks—Hands-On Help: Bring your device and drop in for one-on-one help. Fridays from 3 to 4:30 p.m., except Dec. 25.

TechnoHosts: Trained volunteers can help you with basic computer issues. Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Facebook 1: Get started with Facebook. Registration is required. Register online, in the library or by calling 503-988-5234. Tuesday, Dec. 1, from 2 to 4 p.m.

iPad Part 1: This two-session class will help you learn to use your iPad. Registration is required. Register online, in the library or by calling 503-988-5234. Sundays, Dec. 6 and 13, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Computer Users Group: Learn from others and share your own experiences and tips. Registration is required. Register online, in the library or by calling 503-988-5234. Tuesday, Dec. 8, from 5:30 to 7 p.m.

Meet the Computer: Learn the very basics of using a computer. Registration is required. Register online, in the library or by calling 503-988-5234. Fridays, Dec. 11 and 18, from 10:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.