January 2016 – Memo Calendar

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 February are due Friday, Jan. 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

Connect with resources to save money
Learn simple ways to save money and connect with community resources at the city of Portland Fix-it Fair Saturday, Jan. 23, at Ron Russell Middle School, 3955 S.E. 112th Ave. You’ll find ongoing exhibits and hourly workshops on such topics as water and energy savings, safe and healthy home, food and nutrition, neighborhood and community resources, recycling, weatherizing, gardening and growing your own food, yard care and composting and transportation at this free event.

 

CLASSES and WORKSHOPS

Weatherize your home
Sign up for a free weatherization workshop hosted by the Community Energy Project Monday, Jan. 25, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Margaret Scott Elementary School, 14700 N.E. Sacramento St. Learn how to stop drafts in your home, especially around doors and windows, to save energy and increase comfort. This workshop is great for renters and homeowners alike. Qualified participants receive a free kit of weatherization supplies. Register for the workshop at communityenergyproject.org or call 503-284-6827 ext.108.

 

REUNIONS

PHS class of 1969 celebration set
Ring in the new year with a Second Wednesday celebration at the Wooden Chicken Pub, 12500 N.E. Sandy Blvd. Wednesday, Jan. 13. Choose to meet for lunch beginning at 11:30 a.m. or for happy hour beginning at 4:30 p.m.

All Parkrose High grads are welcome to join the fun. Find the event on the Parkrose Class of 1969 Facebook page to RSVP so a head count can be provided to the Wooden Chicken in advance. There will be separate event pages for lunch and happy hour. Feel free to hang around all day to join both groups.

 

FUNDRAISERS

Drop refundable cans and bottles at PMS
The holiday celebrations are behind you. Don’t let the joy you’re feeling from sharing time with family and friends turn to dread when you look at the stack of empties from all the parties. Bag ’em up, toss ’em in the trunk and make your way down to Parkrose Middle School, 11800 N.E. Shaver St., Saturday, Jan. 9, where a passel of Bronco Boosters and Parkrose High students will take them off your hands and thank you for your support.

Choir Fest raises funds for homeless
The 14th annual Epiphany Choir Fest, a benefit for the Emergency Shelter Services Program for homeless families at Human Solutions, is Sunday, Jan. 10, from 3 to 5 p.m. at Gethsemane Lutheran Church, 11560 S.E. Market St. Admission is free and open to the public. A freewill offering will take place to support shelter operations at Human Solutions. Light refreshments will be served after the performance.

As in years past, local church choirs and community 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. Daybreak provides overnight shelter to 15 people in homeless families each night of the year. Formerly a seasonal winter shelter open for six months at a time, the Family Shelter opened Oct. 27 as a year-round shelter for homeless families at 16141 E. Burnside St. The Family Shelter will remain at that site until early 2016, when it moves to a building Human Solutions recently purchased at Southeast 160th Avenue and Stark Street. The new location is being renovated into a multipurpose shelter with room for up to 130 homeless parents and children per night. When this shelter opens in the new year, it will become the first permanent year-round shelter for homeless families in Multnomah County.

Donations from the event will help Human Solutions purchase food and other essentials for homeless families in shelter. Human Solutions relies on the community to help sustain critical programs that help homeless families permanently overcome their homelessness and attain stability. Homeless families in need of shelter may call 211 for more information.

Human Solutions promotes self-sufficiency for homeless and low-income families and individuals in outer east Portland and east Multnomah County. The agency’s four primary program areas are direct services to homeless families, affordable housing, employment and economic development and safety net services to prevent homelessness, such as rent and utility assistance. For more information, visit humansolutions.org.

Slough gala honors 2015 award winners
As the Columbia Slough Watershed Council celebrates 21 years of engaging students in outdoor science education, working with community members to protect our valuable watershed, creating habitat for fish and wildlife and offering free outdoor paddling, walking, and biking experiences ?for residents, it also celebrates those who help make the work possible.

Attend the Slough Celebration Gala Friday, Feb. 5, from 6 to 9 p.m. at Melody Ballroom, 615 S.E. Alder St. when the Columbia Slough Watershed Council honors individuals, programs and activities that show outstanding leadership and achievement in support of the CSWC mission. Being recognized this year are Shannah Anderson, Portland Bureau of Environmental Services; Meei Lum, Leatherman Tool Group; Depave; Knife River Corporation–Northwest; Nadaka Park and Garden Project and Matthew Todd, slough property owner.

Tickets are $59 per person and include appetizers and dinner. Get there early to bid on silent auction items. Go to columbiaslough.org and click on “Slough Celebration Gala” to learn more and to buy tickets.

Foundation’s fete features theme
Dig those bell-bottoms out of the closet, shake the dust off your fringed vest and celebrate Peace, Love, and Parkrose at the 13th annual Parkrose Educational Foundation dinner and auction on Saturday, April 16. The Airport Sheraton will be a happening place as Parkrose friends gather to raise money to enhance the educational experiences of Parkrose students. Buy tickets, donate an item and volunteer at parkroseedfdn.org. Be groovy and join the fun.

 

CLUBS and ORGANIZATIONS

Gardening for the older set
The Villa Garden Club January program topic is transition gardening. Learn creative ways to continue gardening as you age and discover techniques to downsize your garden without losing the beauty and interest you so enjoy from Villa member, Lynn Drake.

The meeting is Thursday, Jan. 28, beginning 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.

If you need more information, contact Chris McClure at 503-489-5437.

 

GIVING BACK

Help fill David Douglas’ food pantry
The annual David Douglas High canned food drive runs from Wednesday, Jan. 6, through Wednesday, Jan. 20. Collections will be added to the DDHS food pantry in support of the high school SUN program. Deliver your donations to 1001 S.E. 135th Ave. between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. or call 503-261-8300 for other options.

Resolve to give blood this month
During National Blood Donor Month, the American Red Cross encourages people to roll up their sleeves to give blood to help maintain a sufficient blood supply for patients.

Since 1970, National Blood Donor Month has been observed in January to not only honor blood and platelet donors but also to help increase donations during the winter months. Maintaining a sufficient blood supply for patients is difficult at this time of year because extreme winter weather and seasonal illnesses often impact donor turnout.

The Red Cross encourages eligible donors to resolve to give blood regularly, beginning in January. Donors with all blood types are needed, especially those with types AB, O, B negative and A negative.

The Blood Mobile will be at Fred Meyer Gateway Center, 1111 NE 102nd Ave., Monday, Jan. 11, from noon to 5 p.m. and at Portland Community College–Southeast Center–Mt. Scott Hall, 2305 S.E. 82nd Ave. Wednesday, Jan. 13, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

To make an appointment to donate blood, download the free Red Cross Blood Donor App from app stores, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Help kids discover the joy of reading
Start Making A Reader Today is an early literacy nonprofit that envisions an Oregon in which every child can read and is empowered to succeed. Community volunteers are needed to help prekindergarten through third-grade children become confident readers by providing one-on-one literacy support, valuable adult mentorship and books to take home and keep.

As a SMART reader, you’ll read one-on-one with children for one hour per week from January to May. If you’re not able to commit to a weekly session, you may apply to be a substitute reader. The SMART program has volunteer reading opportunities at Menlo Park and Mill Park elementary schools in the David Douglas School District and Hartley, Wilkes and Alder elementary schools in the Reynolds district.

For more information and to apply, go to getsmartoregon.org or call 971-634-1628.

Be the voice for residents of long-term care facilities
Certified ombudsmen volunteers advocate for residents of long-term care facilities, assisted living housing and adult foster care homes. Volunteers give about five hours a week to be advocates for those who may not have a voice or feel their rights and dignity are not protected.

Training classes by Oregon Long-Term Care Ombudsman are scheduled for Jan. 26 and 27 and Feb. 2, 3 and 18.

To learn more about this training and the work ombudsmen do, sign up for a free webinar Wednesday, Jan. 13, at oregon.gov/ltco or call Gretchen Jordan, coordinator or volunteers at 503-983-3920.

 

THE ARTS

Begin the year with sweet music
The East County Community Orchestra winter concert is Sunday, Jan. 24, at 3 p.m. in the David Douglas High School Horner Performing Arts Center, 1500 S.E. 130th Ave.

The orchestra, under the direction of Roger G. Nickerson, will present highlights from “My Fair Lady,” “The Moldau” and “Procession of the Nobles.”

Refreshments will be served at intermission. The concert is free. Donations are welcome.

 

EDUCATION

College workshop date set
David Douglas High seniors and their parents receive assistance with FAFSA submissions at a free hands-on workshop from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 5, in the library. Space is limited. Advance registration is required. Sign up in the College and Career Center at the high school, 1001 S.E. 135th Ave., or online at sites.google.com/a/ddsd40.org/ddhs-college-career-center/. Call 503-261-8343 for more information.

After tackling the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, students and parents will benefit from the fourth annual College and Trades Fair Thursday, Feb. 4, in the DDHS north cafeteria. The fair runs from 2:40 to 4 p.m. and 5:30 to 7 p.m. Representatives from colleges, trades industry representatives, nonprofits and more will be on hand. There will be pizza and raffle prizes.

Class focuses on drawing

Portland Fine Arts Guild member Melody Lane Howden teaches the fine art of graphite drawing at PFAG classes this month.

Classes are held Mondays, Jan. 4, 11 and 18 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at Russellville Grange Hall, 12105 N.E. Prescott St. in Parkrose. Landscape drawing will be explored in the first class, wild animal drawing in the second. Students will finish these works in the last class that will include instruction on how to draw faces.

Guild members pay $15 per class, while non-guild members pay $20.

Registration is not required. Bring graphite pencils 2H, HB, 2B, 4B, 6B, 8B and Ebony; colored pencils; a 9×12 sketch pad, 80lb., smooth; erasers; Strathmore Bristol Paper, smooth and Stonehenge Paper in white or off white. Drop in to be inspired to new heights of creativity.

Visit portlandfineartsguild.org to learn more about the guild.

New year, new experience for preschoolers
Begin the new year by enrolling your child in the play-based preschool at Gethsemane Lutheran Preschool, 11560 S.E. Market St. Classes for three- and four-year-olds meet Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings. Call Katie Strobel, preschool director, at 503-256-1835 to set up a tour.

Find Gethsemane Luther Preschool on Facebook or on the web at glcportland.org/preschool.

 

HEALTH and WELLNESS

Get fit, become a Water Warrior
The Portland Parks & Recreation 15th annual Water Warrior Club begins Saturday, Jan. 2, at East Portland Pool, 740 S.E. 106th Ave., and other PP&R indoor pools.

Swimmers that complete at least 16 workouts in the month of January will receive great health benefits and a Water Warrior t-shirt. Participants will chart their progress at their neighborhood pool. Contact East Portland Pool at 503-823-3450 for more details.

Community Care Day offers free dental services, warm clothing and free meals
Faithful Savior Lutheran Church, 11100 N.E. Skidmore St., hosts a Community Care Day Saturday, Jan. 16, from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. Everyone in the Portland/Vancouver metro area is invited.

Committed to serving the community through social and spiritual events, the congregation will distribute handmade caps and scarves along with gently used warm clothing while supplies last.

In addition, the Medical Teams International Mobile Dental Clinic will be on site dispensing free dental care. Dental clients must be pre-screened. Contact the church office at 503-257-9409 to make an appointment for screening and to learn more about the services offered.

A light breakfast will be served in the church dining room in the morning and lunch will be served during the afternoon hours until 2 p.m.

This event compliments the annual Family Fun Day hosted by Faithful Savior at the end of summer that provides free entertainment, food, clothing and school supplies for area children.

The congregation worships Sundays at 10:30 am.

 

NEIGHBORHOODS

Enhance your urban forest
If you have a passion to do good work in your community, learn about the urban forest and meet other like-minded people while having fun, consider submitting an application for your neighborhood’s participation in the Portland Street Tree Inventory.

In partnership with Portland Parks & Recreation’s Urban Forestry Division, the inventory is a neighborhood-based effort to map, measure and capture data on street trees, which are trees that grow in the public right-of-way.

Volunteer-collected data is then compiled in a final report and map and presented to neighborhood stakeholders. Neighborhoods will then devise a tree plan and take action to address issues that present themselves through the data.

Participating neighborhoods receive access to Urban Forestry’s resources and staff to support the community’s continued involvement in the urban forest. Urban Forestry can provide workshops, classes, certified arborists and tools to help plant, prune and maintain trees.

Workshop topics and events include but are not limited to pruning, identification, pest and disease identification, planting, young tree care, species diversity, city tree regulations, urban forest benefits and mature tree care.

Applications for neighborhood street tree inventories are due by Friday, Jan. 15. Find the application and learn more about this project at portlandoregon.gov/parks/treeinventory.

You may also get in touch with Patrick Key, tree plan coordinator, at 971-334-0347 or patrick.key@portlandoregon.gov.

 

LIBRARIES

Access e-magazines, indie movies, e-comics
A Multnomah County Library card now delivers access to expanded electronic resources, including popular magazines, independent films and graphic novels.

Patrons can now access Zinio, which offers 174 magazines, including 28 Spanish-language titles. Subscriptions include The New Yorker, The Economist, Martha Stewart Living, National Geographic, Star and OK! magazines. Zinio is accessible through a phone, tablet or web browser. The Zinio for Libraries app (iOS 7.0 and later; Android 4.0.3 and later) allows for offline reading.

The new offerings also include access to IndieFlix, a collection of over 8,000 independent shorts, feature-length films and classic television shows. IndieFlix requires an Internet connection, but patrons can also view content on the Roku and Xbox platforms.

Lastly, the library has added digital comics on the Hoopla platform. Now patrons can access titles from DC, Dark Horse, Image Comics and many more (though not Marvel, presently) in addition to the approximately 285,000 streaming audio and video titles currently available through Hoopla.

See the full suite of electronic resources available on the E-books and More page and visit any Multnomah County Library for help getting started.

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 from birth to 12 months with adult. Mondays from 11:30 a.m. to noon, except Jan. 18.

Tiny Tots: Storytime for children 12 to 24 months with adult. Tuesdays from 10:15 to 10:45 a.m.

Toddler Storytime: Storytime for children 24 to 36 months with adult. Fridays from 10:15 to 10:45 a.m. and 11:15 to 11:45 a.m., except Jan. 1.

Preschool Storytime: Storytime for children 3 to 6 years with adult. Mondays from 10:15 to 11 a.m., except Jan. 18 and Tuesdays from 11:15 a.m. to noon.

STEAM Storytime: Storytime for children 2 to 6 years with STEAM added. Thursdays from 6 to 7 p.m.

Black Storytime: The African and African American experience comes alive for children from birth to 6 years when accompanied by a favorite adult and other family members. Saturdays beginning Jan. 16 from 11:30 a.m. to noon.

Chinese Storytime: Storytime presented in Cantonese for children from birth to 6 years when accompanied by a favorite adult and other family members. Saturdays from 2 to 2:45 p.m.

Vietnamese Storytime: Storytime presented in Vietnamese for children from birth 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 7 p.m.

Yarn Club: Whether your interest is knitting or crocheting, come join the fun and learn together. All experience levels and ages welcome. Please bring your own supplies. Thursdays from 4 to 5:30 p.m.

Chess at the Library: Have fun playing chess or Chinese chess. The library provides the chess equipment. All ages welcome. Saturdays from 3:30 to 5 p.m., except Jan. 2.

Igbo Masquerade: Nzuko Ndi Igbo is the premier cultural organization of the Igbo people of Nigeria living in Oregon and Southwest Washington. This masquerade showcases their drumming, flute playing and dancing abilities. Sunday, Jan. 3 from 2 to 2:45 p.m.

FOR FAMILIES
Slavic New Year: Come and celebrate the most popular holiday in Slavic culture with music, folktales and traditional treats. Sunday, Jan. 10 from 2 to 4 p.m.

The Pirate and His Pet: A heroic boy is on a quest to find his parents. On his journey, Joey meets swashbuckling pirates, a courageous mermaid and a timid sea serpent. Sunday, Jan. 24 from 2 to 2:45 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 staff. Email karens@multco.us for more information. Mondays, Jan. 11 and 25, from 3:45 to 5:15 p.m.

FOR ADULTS
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.

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.

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, Jan. 6 or 20, from 4 to 6:30 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 Razor’s Edge” by W. Somerset Maugham. Tuesday, Jan. 19, from 6:30 to 7:45 p.m.

Read “Don’t Let’s Go to the Dogs Tonight: An African Childhood” by Alexandra Fuller. Wednesday, Jan. 20, from 1 to 2:15 p.m.

English Classes: Free ESL classes. All levels welcome. Wednesdays beginning Jan. 20 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. and Thursdays beginning Jan. 21 from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

Healthier Habits for a Healthier You: At any age, there are lifestyle habits we can adopt to help maintain or even potentially improve our health. These habits may also help to keep our brains healthy as we age and possibly delay the onset of cognitive decline. This workshop covers four areas of lifestyle habits that are associated with healthy aging: cognitive activity, physical health and exercise, diet and nutrition and social engagement. Registration is required. Register online, in the library or by calling 503-988-5234. Thursday, Jan. 21, from 6 to 7 p.m.

Traditional Chinese Dough Figurines: Learn traditional Chinese dough art and make a rose. This program is conducted in Mandarin. For teens and adults. Registration is required. Register online, in the library or by calling 503-988-5234. Friday, Jan. 29, from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.

White Out? The Future of Racial Diversity in Oregon: Although census data show Oregon’s population becoming more racially diverse, the state remains one of the whitest in the nation. Many Oregonians value racial diversity and the dimension and depth it adds to our lives, yet we remain largely isolated from one another and have yet to fulfill the vision of a racially integrated society. Willamette University professor Emily Drew will lead participants in a conversation about the challenges to creating racially diverse, inclusive communities despite the accomplishments since the civil rights era. Made possible by The National Endowment for the Humanities Fund of The Library Foundation. Registration is required. Register online, in the library or by calling 503-988-5234. Saturday, Jan. 30, from 2 to 3:30 p.m.

COMPUTER CLASSES
Computer Help: Volunteers provide assistance with basic computer functions. Tuesdays from 5 to 7:30 p.m. (assistance in Vietnamese available) and Fridays from 2:30 to 5 p.m. (assistance in Chinese available), except Jan. 1.

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. Fridays from 3 to 4:30 p.m., except Jan. 1.

TechnoHosts: Trained volunteers can help you with basic computer issues. Saturdays from 3 to 5 p.m.

Introduction to Computers: In this fun, hands-on, four-session course, you will learn basic computer skills. This course is ideal for someone who has a little experience with the computer but wants to know more. Registration is required. Register online, in the library or by calling 503-988-5234. Tuesdays; Jan. 19 and 26, Feb. 2 and 16; 2 to 4:30 p.m.

Android Tablet Essentials: Learn the basic layout of your Android tablet, settings, apps and more. Please bring your own tablet, fully charged. You must have a Google or Gmail account before coming to class. Registration is required. Register online, in the library or by calling 503-988-5234. Sundays, Jan. 24 and 31, from 12:30 to 2:30 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.

FOR FAMILIES
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., except Jan. 1.

Preschool Storytime: Storytime for children 3 to 6 years with adult. Fridays from 11:15 to 11:45 a.m., except Jan. 1.

Family Storytime: Storytime for children newborn to 6 years with adult. Saturdays from 10:15 to 10:45 a.m., except Jan. 2.

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

Family Craft Time: Come and create adorable animals, shapes and flowers. Learn something new each time, be creative and have fun. Thursdays from 4 to 5 p.m.

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, Jan. 8, from 4 to 5 p.m.

Mobiles and Garlands: There are many simple but beautiful geometric shapes that you can fold out of pretty paper for your room decoration or for a special event. Origami Instructor Yuki Martin will show you how. Saturday, Jan. 23, from 1 to 2:30 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.

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.

Pageturners Book Group: Read “Ivanhoe” by Walter Scott. Engage in stimulating conversation about books. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library. Monday, Jan. 25, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

COMPUTER CLASSES
Computer Help: Friendly, patient lab assistants are available to help you practice your computer skills. Assistance in Spanish is available. Wednesdays from 4 to 5:30 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.

iPad Part 1: Do you have a new iPad? This two-session class will help you learn to use it. You will learn the basic layout of your iPad, settings, apps and more. Please bring your own iPad, fully charged. Registration is required. Register online, in the library or by calling 503-988-5234. Sundays, Jan. 24 and 31, from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.