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 March are due Monday, Feb. 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

Honeybee hikes are back
Explore Leach Botanical Garden, 6704 S.E. 122nd Ave., on a weekly Honeybee Hike especially designed for two-to–five-year olds Wednesdays from 10 to 11 a.m. Dress for the weather because kids will be outside discovering fun plants and looking for wildlife before going indoors to listen to a story or make a craft to take home.

All children must be accompanied by an adult. The fee is $3 per child; non-walkers are free. Groups with 10 or more children and adults must register in advance at 503-823-1671.

 

Join garden curator for guided tour
It may be winter, but there are always wonders to view at Leach Botanical Garden, 6705 S.E 122nd Ave. Courtney Vengarick, garden curator, will lead a guided walk through the garden Saturday, Feb. 20, from 10 to 11 a.m. to seek out blooming plants such as witch hazel, honeysuckle, hellebores, paper bush and ‘Arthur Menzies’ Mahonia. Dress for the weather. The walk will finish back at the Manor House terrace to warm up with hot cider and cookies.

The fee is $5 per person. Registration is required. Register online at leachgarden.org or call 503-823-1671.

 

This month, Portland Community Equality Movement signature gatherers work the Argay Terrace neighborhood. They are attempting to get a measure on November’s ballot that would change Portland’s current form of city government from a seven-mem-ber council elected citywide to a nine-mem-ber council elected by district. They need 30,000 signatures by July 8. STAFF/2015

This month, Portland Community Equality Movement signature gatherers work the Argay Terrace neighborhood. They are attempting to get a measure on November’s ballot that would change Portland’s current form of city government from a seven-mem-ber council elected citywide to a nine-mem-ber council elected by district. They need 30,000 signatures by July 8.
STAFF/2015

Signature collection event in support of a more responsive city government
Community activist members of Portland Community Equality Movement believe Portland neighborhoods east of 82nd Avenue are underrepresented at city hall. They have proposed a ballot measure to change the current form of Portland city government from a seven-member council elected citywide to a nine-member council elected geographically. To qualify for the November 2016 general election ballot, more than 30,000 valid petition signatures must be submitted to the city by July 8. To that end, organizers will be on the corner of Northeast Fremont Street and Rose Parkway Saturday, Feb. 6 from 10 a.m. until noon. Find them under the banner proclaiming “Direct Representation for You.”

If you miss them, call organizer Collene Swenson at 503-284-4424 or e-mail her at girlhowdy1@me.com to sign the petition.

CLASSES and WORKSHOPS

Weave a Cherokee wheel basket
Using both round and flat reed, students will make a full-sized basket based on a Native American style that uses a traditional circle motif on the sides. This class is suitable for all experience levels. More advanced students will also learn arrow weaving as part of the project. Materials, handouts, samples and tools provided. Many baskets will be on display for inspiration. All classes will use rattan reed, hand-dyed in 14 beautiful colors.

Classes are Saturdays, Feb. 6, 13 and 20 from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. at Leach Botanical Garden, 6704 S.E. 122nd Ave. The fee is $35 per class. There is also a $10 materials fee per class payable to the instructors.

Preregister at leachgarden.org or call 503-823-1671.

 

Stops drafts with weatherization workshop 
These free workshops teach participants how to stop drafts in their home, especially around doors and windows, to save energy and increase comfort. Renters and homeowners are welcome. Sessions are scheduled Wednesdays, Feb. 10 and 17, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Community Energy Project, 2900 S.E. Stark St., and Saturday, Feb. 14, from 2 to 4 p.m. at Northeast Portland Tool Library, Redeemer Lutheran Church, 5431 N.E. 20th Ave.

Qualified participants receive a free kit of weatherization supplies. Register for the workshop at communityenergyproject.org or call 503-284-6827 ext. 108.

 

Make your home lead safe
Before you begin any demolition, scraping, sanding or remodeling in pre-1978 housing, check out this class Thursday, Feb. 25, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Community Energy Project, 2900 S.E. Stark St. This workshop is great for people who want to do a small project that may involve exposure to lead paint, such as sanding down an old window frame or a reused door with potential lead paint, or a small construction project in an older home. Register for the workshop at communityenergyproject.org or call 503-284-6827 ext. 108.

COMMUNITY RESOURCES

Group sets meeting between police, residents
Historic Parkrose is collaborating with members of the Portland Police Bureau, the Parkrose Business Association, the Parkrose Neighborhood Association and St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church to plan a series of community meetings to address issues of crime and homelessness in Parkrose.

These listening sessions give community members a forum to share their concerns, with the goal of creating programs to address these concerns. A session held last month at St. Matthew’s invited members of our homeless population to voice concerns and share issues.

The other listening sessions will take place at the Parkrose Neighborhood Association meeting Tuesday, March 15, the Parkrose Business Association luncheon meeting Thursday, April 21, and as yet to be scheduled Coffee with A Cop meeting.

For more information on these listening sessions, contact Historic Parkrose District Manager Mingus Mapps at mingus@historicparkrose.com.

 

Help control feral cat population
February is Spay/Neuter Awareness Month and to celebrate, the Feral Cat Coalition of Oregon (FCCO) is offering free spay/neuter services for feral and stray cats all month long. Services will be provided at its new Southwest Portland clinic. Now is the perfect time to spay/neuter all cats to prevent litters of kittens in the spring and curb unwanted tomcat behaviors like spraying and fighting.

People who are feeding feral or stray cats qualify for this special offer, regardless of income or where they live. Services include spay/neuter surgery, vaccines, flea treatment, antibiotics, pain relief medication and an ear-tip for identification. Surgeries are performed by licensed veterinarians and supported through generous donations from the community.

FCCO also has humane live traps available to catch cats that are too wild to be handled. Many caregivers who bring cats to FCCO’s clinics have never trapped a cat before, but with training from FCCO staff members, a vast majority of people catch every cat they’re feeding.

The nonprofit’s goal is to spay/neuter at least 450 stray and feral cats in February. Since its founding in 1995, the clinic has spayed/neutered more than 78,000 cats. Free clinics will be offered Wednesday through Friday this month, plus Sunday, Feb. 14.

Contact Olivia Hinton, FCCO event coordinator, at 503-797-2606 or visit feralcats.com.

REUNIONS

PHS class of 1969 meets Second Wednesday
Join the Parkrose class of ’69 for its monthly lunch gathering at Bridge City Tap Room, 620 S.E. 122nd Ave., Wednesday, Feb. 10, beginning at 11:30 a.m. All classes are invited to drop in. No host. Watch for postings on the Parkrose Class of ’69 Facebook page and the Parkrose High Alumni Association Facebook page.

 

PCS annual alumni appreciation week
Portland Christian Schools hosts its 11th annual Alumni Appreciation Week Feb. 8 through 13 on the Sr./Jr. High campus at 12425 N.E. San Rafael St. Different activities are planned each day to honor PCS grads.

Brynn Ottness Krauss (class of 2003) will address alumni in a special alumni chapel service Thursday, Feb. 11. She will be joined by Aaron Ankrom and alumni musicians. A luncheon will follow.

The week will conclude with a special basketball tournament in memory of Steven D. Beaumont (class of 2004) Saturday, Feb. 13. Beaumont, a cherished member of the PCS family and a key player on the PCS Royals basketball team, passed on Aug. 11, 2015. Doors open at 8 a.m., the tournament is at 9 a.m., followed by a soup and salad luncheon for all PCS family and friends.

For details regarding Alumni Appreciation Week or to take part in the Steven Beaumont Memorial Alumni Basketball Tournament, contact Jeanne Lampi via the PCS business office at 503-256-3960 or jeanne.lampi@pcschools.org.

FUNDRAISERS

Bronco Boosters and their student helpers are at Parkrose Middle School, 11800 N.E. Shaver St. Saturday, Feb. 6, to collect donated returnable bottles and cans from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. STAFF/2014

Bronco Boosters and their student helpers are at Parkrose Middle School, 11800 N.E. Shaver St. Saturday, Feb. 6, to collect donated returnable bottles and cans from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
STAFF/2014

Drop returnable cans and bottles at PMS
Saturday, Feb. 6, is can and bottle day at Parkrose Middle School, 11800 N.E. Shaver St. Student volunteers will be on hand from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. to accept your donation of returnable cans and bottles. Funds raised help Parkrose Bronco Boosters provide support to students and student groups in the Parkrose School District.

 

Nancy Hendrickson (left), Bureau of Environmental Services and CWSC board member, Jane Vandyke, CSWC executive director, and award winners celebrate at the event last year. COURTESY CSWC

Nancy Hendrickson (left), Bureau of Environmental Services and CWSC board member, Jane Vandyke, CSWC executive director, and award winners celebrate at the event last year.
COURTESY CSWC

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.

 

SnowCap Board Secretary Pastor Pat Berger bids on an item at the charity’s annual dinner and auction last year. COURTESY LEEANN GAUTHIER

SnowCap Board Secretary Pastor Pat Berger bids on an item at the charity’s annual dinner and auction last year.
COURTESY LEEANN GAUTHIER

Auction benefits low-income residents
SnowCap Community Charities will hold its annual dinner-auction at 5 p.m. Saturday, March 12, in the Portland Airport Holiday Inn, 8439 N.E. Columbia Blvd.

The silent auction begins at 5 p.m., and the dinner and live auction commence at 7 p.m.

Admission is available by reservation only. Seats are $60 per person until Feb. 20 and $65 if purchased after that date. To reserve your seats, visit snowcap.org and click on “Auction.”

If you would like to donate an auction item, contact Kirsten Wageman at kirsten@snowcap.org or 503-405-4925.

Last year’s auction raised $119,000 and the annual event is SnowCap’s major fundraiser.

Judy Alley, SnowCap’s executive director, urged people to consider attending the dinner. “Faced with stagnant wages and rapidly rising rents, more and more working people are turning to food pantries like SnowCap to put food on their tables,” she said. “This auction helps us meet this growing need.”

Items to be auctioned include a Breitling watch donated by Boeing. Other sponsors this year include PacifiCorp, Les Schwab Tire Centers, PGE, Parkrose Community United Church of Christ, Covenant Presbyterian Church, Annie and Ken Edwards, Alyson Huntting and Sally Guadina, an agent with RE/MAX Equity Group.

Since 1967, SnowCap volunteers have been feeding and clothing their neighbors in need in east Portland, Parkrose, Gateway, Gresham, Fairview, Troutdale and Wood Village.

More than 8,000 residents depend on SnowCap for food or clothing each month, and a multigenerational crew of 1,000 volunteers help run the nonprofit organization.

 

Donations being gathered
Keep your calendars open for the Portland Christian Schools Royal Gala and Auction set for Saturday, March 12.

Organizers are collecting auction items and selling tickets now. Visit pcschools.org or contact Laurie Fowlkes in the PCS business office at 503-256-3960 to donate or to purchase tickets.

The theme for the 2016 Parkrose Educational Foundation dinner and auction is “Peace, Love, Parkrose”; the event is set for Saturday, April 16. Partygoers from the 2015 event pose between courses. STAFF/2015

The theme for the 2016 Parkrose Educational Foundation dinner and auction is “Peace, Love, Parkrose”; the event is set for Saturday, April 16. Partygoers from the 2015 event pose between courses.
STAFF/2015

 

Donate, volunteer, buy tickets to support PEF
The party will be outta sight Saturday, April 16, as the community gathers for some “Peace, Love, Parkrose” at the 13th annual Parkrose Educational Foundation dinner and auction. Held at the Portland Airport Sheraton from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., your $55 ticket gives you the chance to bid on an autographed Trail Blazer basketball, beer for a year from Widmer Brothers Brewery and lots of other groovy items.

Want to donate or volunteer? Send an email to predfdn@gmail.com. Buy tickets now at parkroseedfdn.org. Rates increase April 1. Funds provide grants to enhance the educational experience of students enrolled in Parkrose School District schools.

Don’t be square, be there!

 

Students hoping for new gym

City Christian students benefitting from new science lab funded by annual fundraising auction. COURTESY CITY CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS

City Christian students benefitting from new science lab funded by annual fundraising auction.
COURTESY CITY CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS

City Christian Schools, 9200 N.E. Fremont St., is gearing up for its seventh annual fundraising auction, Saturday, April 23. You can help by donating an auction item or certificate for a gift or a service, buying an ad in the program or becoming a sponsor. Contact Laurie Furlong, assistant development coordinator, at 503-889-5561 or lfurlong@citychristianschools.com to arrange your participation.

Funds raised from this event are earmarked for gymnasium upgrades. The target is $50,000.

In years past, the auction has funded computer lab upgrades, a new soccer field, science lab and playground. It includes both silent and traditional auctions, food, games and door prizes.

Tickets are $35 per couple or $20 per person. Contact Furlong to buy them early so you don’t miss out.

CLUBS and ORGANIZATIONS

Plan your vegetable garden now
While it may not seem like it, spring is just around the corner, and it’s time to begin thinking about your vegetable garden. Villa Garden Club can help. Attend its meeting Thursday, Feb. 25, at Savage Memorial Presbyterian Church, 1740 S. E. 139th Ave., to hear an expert from Dennis’ 7 Dees Nursery talk about beginning vegetable gardening.

Bring a brown bag lunch. Coffee and dessert will be served. The meeting begins at 10:30 a.m.

Contact Chris McClure at 503-489-5437 to learn more.

THE ARTS

Create landscape masterpieces
Paul Clendenin, self-taught artist and winner of numerous awards in a variety of media, is the Portland Fine Arts Guild guest instructor this month. Classes are Mondays, Feb. 1, 8 and 15, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at Russellville Grange Hall, 12105 N.E. Prescott St.

Under Clendenin’s guidance, students will use watercolor to create landscapes and seascapes in sizes smaller than one-quarter sheet. Students are free to choose another medium.

Class fees are $15 per class for guild members, $20 for non-guild members. You need not pre-register, just show up, relax and have fun.

EDUCATION

Opportunities for students at open house
Students, parents and friends are invited to the Columbia Christian Schools open house from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 23, at 413 N.E. 91st Ave. This event offers families the chance to tour the campus, meet staff members and learn about the opportunities Columbia provides. Enrollment is open for preschool through 12th grade, and new families who choose to pay the full registration fee that evening will save $50 per student. More information can be found at columbiachristian.com or by calling Carrie Rude, office manager, at 503-252-8577.

Play-based learning for preschoolers
Year-round enrollment at Gethsemane Lutheran Preschool, 11560 S.E. Market St., means your 3- or 4-year-old can begin school now. Whether you are new to the area or have been unsure if your child is ready for preschool, check out this play-based program with a tour guided by Preschool Director Katie Strobel. Classes meet Monday through Thursday mornings.

Contact Strobel at 503-246-1835. Learn more at glcportland.org/preschool or find the school on Facebook.

FAITH and VALUES

Shrove Tuesday dinner at St. Matthew’s set
Enjoy an evening of frivolity and indulgence Tuesday, Feb. 9, from 6 to 8 p.m. at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church, 11229 N.E. Prescott St.

Shrove Tuesday is the last day for celebration and feasting before the period of required restrictions during the Lenten season. It has evolved into a day of pleasure and self-gratification. Because food items like meats, fats, eggs, milk and fish were restricted during Lent, many families would have big feasts to consume foods that would inevitably spoil in 40 days. The English tradition of eating pancakes on Shrove Tuesday came about as a way to use as much milk, fats and eggs as possible before Ash Wednesday.

St. Matthew’s invites you to join your neighbors for a free, fun celebration including a pancake-and-sausage dinner and music.

LIBRARIES

Everybody Reads 2016 kicks off at Multnomah County Library
Multnomah County Library kicked off Everybody Reads 2016 last month. This is the library’s 14th annual community reading project. The featured book is “The Book of Unknown Americans” by Cristina Henríquez.

The novel explores the experiences of characters who have immigrated to the United States from a number of Latin American nations through differing first-person perspectives. Set against the backdrop of a cinderblock apartment complex in Delaware, “The Book of Unknown Americans” highlights the barriers and challenges its residents face as they pursue different versions of the American Dream.

See listings below for related activities.

Extra copies of the books are available at all neighborhood libraries, and e-books are available from the library catalog, thanks to the generous support of The Library Foundation. Readers are encouraged to share extra copies with friends, coworkers and neighbors.

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 EVERYONE
Lunar New Year: The Lunar New Year is one of the most important holidays in many Asian cultures, celebrating life, good health and prosperity. Join the fun to bring in the New Year with cultural performances, educational activities and light refreshments. Happy New Year! Saturday, Feb. 13, from 1 to 3 p.m.

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.

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

Family Storytime: Storytime for children from birth to 6 years with adult. Saturdays from 10:15 to 10:45 a.m.

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

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, Feb. 5, from 4 to 5 p.m.

Follow the Reader: Practice your new reading skills with a teen buddy. Discover new books, learn new words and make a new friend. Sign up for a 30-minute session to read with a specially trained teen volunteer. This program is made possible from a donation by Robbie and Tina Shank. Registration is required; call 503-988-5386. Saturdays from 2 to 3:30 p.m., except Feb. 13.

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 Feb. 13.

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., except Feb. 13.

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.

Fire Cider for Cold and Flu Season: Fire cider is an age-old way to preserve herbs for the fall and winter months when herbs cannot be picked fresh. Fire cider is made by infusing apple cider vinegar with a number of fresh and spicy herbs. Think spicy and warming. They are used traditionally to help boost the immune system, increase circulation and support the liver. Great for cold and flu season, seasonal changes and for stress colds. This is also sometimes called “cyclone cider” because it cyclones through the body, cleaning it up and clearing it out. In class, you will make a traditional fire cider recipe and taste a few variations that will excite your taste buds. Everyone will go home with a fire cider of their own. Registration is required. Register online, in the library or by calling 503-988-5234. Sunday, Feb. 21, from 3 to 4:30 p.m.

Pageturners Book Group: Join this discussion for Everybody Reads, Multnomah County Library’s annual community reading project. Read “The Book of Unknown Americans” by Cristina Henríquez. Engage in stimulating conversation about books. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library. Monday, Feb. 22, from 6:30-7:30 p.m.

COMPUTER CLASSES
Computer Help in Spanish: Friendly, patient lab assistants are available to help you practice your computer skills. 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.

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 from 11:30 a.m. to noon, except Feb. 15.

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.

Preschool Storytime: Storytime for children 3 to 6 years with adult. Mondays from 10:15 to 11 a.m., except Feb. 15.

Symphony Storytime: The Oregon Symphony is on the road for interactive, musical storytimes. Free tickets for seating will be available 30 minutes before the program.

STEAM Storytime: Storytime for children 2 to 6 years with a little extra STEAM added. Participants will be doing an easy and age-appropriate art activity and science exploration after a 15-minute storytime. Thursdays from 6 to 7 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 along for the fun. Saturdays from noon to 12:30 p.m.

Chinese Storytime: Storytime presented in Cantonese for children ages newborn to 6 years, with a favorite adult and other family members along for the fun. Saturdays, Feb. 13 and 27, 2 to 2:45 p.m.

Vietnamese Storytime: Storytime presented in Vietnamese for children ages newborn to 6 years with adult. Sundays from 1 to 1:45 p.m.

Russian Storytime: Storytime presented in Russian for children ages newborn to 6 years with adult. Tuesdays from 6 to 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.

Chess at the Library: Have fun playing chess or Chinese chess. Chess equipment provided. All ages welcome.  Saturdays from 3:30 to 5 p.m., except Feb. 20.

African American Read-In: Celebrate Black History Month with Black literature. Join in as community leaders, teachers, students and local celebrities read from their favorite books by African American writers. Fiction and nonfiction for children will be featured in a special gathering of good words from great writings. Community members are also encouraged to come and share words from their favorite works. Saturday, Feb. 6, from noon to 12:30 p.m.

Drawing Winter: Learn to draw winter scenery with professional Russian artist Liya Kott. Children and adults are welcome. This class is taught in Russian. Tuesday, Feb. 9, from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

Lunar New Year: The Lunar New Year is one of the most important holidays in many Asian cultures, celebrating life, good health and prosperity. Join in to bring in the New Year with cultural performances, educational activities and light refreshments. Happy New Year! Saturday, Feb. 20, from 2 to 4 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.

English Classes: Free ESL classes. All levels welcome. 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.

Chicago-Style Steppin’: If you can walk, if you can count to eight and if you enjoy listening to smooth R&B, jazz and neo-soul music, then this beginner’s Chicago Steppin’ class is for you. Chicago Steppin’ is quickly becoming one of the most popular swing dance forms in the United States. It originated in Chicago’s African American communities during the 1950s and 1960s, and it gained national fame and recognition through the R. Kelly video “Steppin’ in the Name of Love.” Groovin’ High Steppers is offering a six-session dance series. You’ll be introduced to the basics of the dance, its structure, rhythm and the culture in this fun and lively class. This is great entertainment for couples and singles. Come with or without a dance partner. Registration is required. Register online, in the library or by calling 503-988-5234.Wednesdays, Feb. 3 through March 9, from 6 to 7:45 p.m.

Dyslexia 101: Dyslexia is invisible and frequently misunderstood, yet it affects up to 20 percent of the population. Dyslexia 101 informs attendees about this neurobiological learning difference by exploring the early warning signs, causes, treatment, consequences of not providing teacher training or evidence-based instruction for dyslexia in America’s public schools and discussion of recent Oregon legislation regarding dyslexia. Registration is required. Register online, in the library or by calling 503-988-5234.

Citizenship Classes: Learn about the process of becoming a citizen in a six-session series of classes. Prepare for your citizenship interview. Study United States history and government for the examination. Classes are in English and are taught by library volunteers. For more information, please call 503-988-6318. Registration is required. Register online, in the library or by calling 503-988-5234. Sundays, Feb. 14 through March 20, from 1 to 3 p.m.

Pageturners Book Groups: Join Everybody Reads, Multnomah County Library’s annual community reading project. Read “The Book of Unknown Americans” by Cristina Henríquez. Engage in conversation about books and get to know your neighbors. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library. Tuesday, Feb. 16, from 6:30 to 7:45 p.m. and Wednesday, Feb. 17, from 1 to 2:15 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. 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. Fridays from 3 to 4:30 p.m.

TechnoHosts: Trained volunteers can help you with basic computer issues. Saturdays from 3 to 5 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, Feb. 21 and 28, from noon to 2 p.m.