November 2016 – Memo Calendar

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 e-mail address. Submissions for December are due Tuesday, Nov. 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

WWII Women Marines to lead Veterans Day parade
Golda Fabian, from Portland, and Hattie Kelley, from Beaverton, served their country as women marines during WWII. Friday, Nov. 11, these two 93-year-olds will serve as grand marshals of the Portland Veterans Day Parade in the Hollywood District. The parade begins at 9:30 a.m. on Northeast 40th Avenue and Hancock Street and travels east on Northeast Sandy Boulevard to Northeast 48th Avenue, where a memorial flag raising ceremony will be held. Everyone is welcome to attend and can register to march in the parade to honor a veteran at veteransdaypdx.org.

“Back then, everyone wanted to do anything we could to end the war so our men could come home,” said Fabian.

“Because of the number of women marines—about 20,000—the Marine Corps was able to free enough men from noncombat jobs to create another fighting division,” added Kelley.

Kelley left her job as deputy city clerk of Taft, California, to enlist, while Fabian left the Boeing Company’s payroll department in Seattle. Both completed basic training at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. As marines, Kelley was a recruiter in Pittsburgh, and Fabian worked in the post office at the Marine Corps Air Station in Miramar, California.

Fabian remembered, “We handled all mail going to and from the Pacific. We sometimes had to delay forwarding mail until the military told the families their loved one would not be coming home. It was so sad to see that mail stack up, day after day.”

“We are honored to have these two women lead our parade,” said Scott Thompson, chair of the Portland Veterans Day Parade Committee. “They are a great example of the contributions made by women servicemembers throughout our history—one that continues today.”

Following the parade at noon, veterans are invited to a free USO-style live show at the Hollywood Theatre, featuring Tony Starlight and other musicians who have volunteered their time to perform. Light refreshments will be served.

Maywood Park adds chili cook-off to annual 5K fun run
The City of Maywood Park repeats its annual 5K run and walk, adding a post-race opportunity to sample entries in the community’s inaugural Chili & Cornbread Cook-Off. Both events are scheduled for Nov. 5. The 5K is billed as “the only race we know of where participants get to walk or run every single street in an entire city.” The race is on a flat course that starts at the base of Rocky Butte at Northeast 92nd Avenue and Skidmore Street. It crosses over I-205 on Prescott Street, winding through every street in Maywood Park.

Registration is $20 for adults and $10 for students ages 5–18. To register, visit imathlete.com/events/eventoververview and enter “Maywood Park” in the search box. Entrants get an automatic admission into the Chili & Cornbread Cook-Off.

While 5K entrants are running and walking, contestants in the Chili & Cornbread Cook-Off will be cooking and baking away. Tasting and judging commences at Maywood Commons. Anyone wishing to sample the wares and cast a vote for your favorites are welcome at Maywood Commons when the goodies are available. Non-5K entrants are asked to remit $1. For this fee, you get to taste everything and vote for your favorites. The City of Maywood Park awards $50 to the top winner in each category. To enter cook-off items, email Katy Moyes at mpchilicookoff@gmail.com. There is no fee to compete in the cook-off, and proceeds go to Friends of Outdoor School.

Free Metro parks days
Get out and explore nature at Oxbow and Blue Lake regional parks Friday, Nov. 11 from 6:30 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. and Friday, Nov. 25 from 6:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. when parking is free. There will be free parking on these dates and times at Broughton Beach, M. James Gleason Memorial Boat Ramp and Chinook Landing Marine Park as well.

Visit http://www.oregonmetro.gov/metro-parks-and-natural-areas to learn more.

The secret lives of birds
The birds are talking. Are you listening? Learn to unravel the mysterious communications of birds and how their various calls and alarms move across the landscape Friday, Nov. 11 from 10 a.m. until noon. Join a naturalist on a slow, quiet walk through the reclaimed wetlands of Blue Lake Regional Park, 21224 N.E. Blue Lake Road, where coyotes, weasels and raptors share space with waterfowl and songbirds.

This event is appropriate for all ages. The cost is $6 per person or $11 per family. Class size is limited to 20. Advanced registration is required. Registration is handled through the Oregon Zoo, a service of Metro. Go to oregonzoo.doubleknot.com/what-do-you-want-to-register-for/58779 to register.

Take a mushroom discovery hike
Discover the fascinating and weird world of mushrooms. Join mushroom enthusiast Leah Bendlin on this woodland hike at Oxbow Regional Park, 3010 S.E. Oxbow Parkway, Gresham, to learn about the ecological roles of fungi and how they eat and reproduce. You will have hands-on exercises and learn how to identify mushrooms. Field guides will be provided.

Choose a morning or afternoon hike Sunday, Nov. 13 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. or 1 to 3 p.m. All ages are welcome, but this hike is geared toward adults. The cost is $6 per person or $11 per family. Class size is limited to 15. Advanced registration is required. Registration is handled through the Oregon Zoo, a service of Metro. Go to oregonzoo.doubleknot.com/what-do-you-want-to-register-for/58779 to register.

Developers plan focus group, offer preview of Gateway project

A focus group for area residents to discuss the proposed Human Solutions affordable housing project at Gateway’s Discovery Park is set for Thursday, Nov. 10 from 6 to 7 p.m. at IRCO, 10301 N.E. Glisan St. Organizers seek to garner input on initial concept designs and alternatives for the site. Please RSVP Mary-Rain M. O’Meara, Human Solutions housing development coordinator, at momeara@humansolutions.org or 503-548-0284.

The following week, the Gateway Park development team of Human Solutions, Gerding Edlen and Holst Architecture plans a project open house Wednesday, Nov. 16 from 6 to 7:30 p. m. also at IRCO, 10301 N.E. Glisan St. View design concepts and hear about programming options for the site. Dinner will be provided.

Visit humansolutions.org/gateway-park/ for updates and announcements of events.

Thanksgiving walk at Oxbow
Enjoy and celebrate the gifts of nature at Oxbow Regional Park, 3010 S.E. Oxbow Parkway, Gresham, Sunday, Nov. 20 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. with Metro naturalist Dan Daly, Deerdance School’s Terry Kem and others. Walk along the Sandy River as you focus on opening your senses and noticing how wildlife responds to the changing season. Afterwards, gather around the campfire to hear the “Thanksgiving Address” passed down by the Iroquois Nation. Hot drinks provided.

All ages are welcome. The cost is $5 per car or $7 per bus. Advanced registration is required. Registration is handled through the Oregon Zoo, a service of Metro. Go to oregonzoo.doubleknot.com/what-do-you-want-to-register-for/58779 to register.

A night with the Scots
Meet the David Douglas boys and girls varsity basketball teams from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 22, in the DDHS north gym, 1001 S.E. 135th Ave. The free evening will include a dunk contest, cheerleaders, shooting contests, scrimmages, prizes, t-shirts, autographs, little dribblers and much more. Fun for all ages. Go Scots! Doors open at 6:30pm.

 

COMMUNITY RESOURCES

Street improvements schedule on Northeast 122nd Avenue
The Portland Bureau of Transportation advises the traveling public that street improvements will require lane closures on Northeast 122nd Avenue from Stanton to Halsey streets through Thursday, Nov. 10 from 7 a.m. through 4 p.m. each workday.

The road closure will allow crews to grind and pave 3.04 lane miles of pavement.

Streets with ground-down surfaces are open for travel. Lane closures are only in effect during project hours. Access will be maintained for businesses and residents during the project.

The traveling public is advised to expect delays while repairs are being made. Please travel cautiously, observe all lane closures and directions by reader boards and flaggers and use alternate routes if possible.

This work is weather-dependent, and the schedule may change.

Looking at how we vote
The League of Women Voters of Portland presents “Election Methods … Is There a Better Way to Vote?” Monday, Nov. 14 at 7 p.m. in the Multnomah County Board Room, 501 S.E. Hawthorne Blvd.

This public civic education meeting is being held after the November 2016 election to discuss a better way to vote.

The panel will include speakers who will bring forth a variety of election methods, including the Benton County, Oregon, ranked-choice voting initiative, as well as speak to how election methods affect minority representation and youth engagement.

Free lunch at Fix-It Fair
Now in its 30th year, Fix-It Fairs are free events where neighbors come together to learn simple and effective ways to save money and stay healthy at home. Ron Russell Middle School,

3955 S.E. 112th Ave., hosts one on Saturday, Nov. 19 from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Each fair features exhibits and workshops from dozens of the city’s community partners. Experts talk about water and energy savings, home and personal health, food and nutrition, community resources, recycling, yard care and more. In addition, the fairs provide free professional childcare and lunch to attendees.

New this season, all fairs offer workshops in Spanish. Repair PDX will again offer Repair Cafés, with volunteer “fixers” on hand to repair small countertop appliances and clothing, or other items to sew, like a backpack or stuffed animal.

The city’s Bureau of Planning and Sustainability presents the Fix-It Fairs with support from their sponsors Energy Trust of Oregon, Pacific Power, Portland Water Bureau and KUNP Univision.

The Bureau of Planning and Sustainability is committed to providing equal access. If you need special accommodation, interpretation or translation, please call 503-823-4309, the TTY at 503-823-6868 or the Oregon Relay Service at 1-800-735-2900.

Make our neighborhoods greener
Friends of Trees makes low-cost trees available to property owners and helps with planting. Trees help cool the environment, offer habitat for wildlife and add beauty and value to homes.

Friends of Trees relies on volunteers to lead planting crews and to plant trees in neighborhoods and greenspaces throughout the Portland Metro area. Plantings are scheduled in the Centennial, Glenfair, Hazelwood, Mill Park, Lents and Powellhurst-Gilbert neighborhoods in January; Argay Terrace, Parkrose, Parkrose Heights, Russell and Wilkes neighborhoods in February; and Madison South and Sumner neighborhoods in March.

Go to friendsoftrees.org to sign up for crew leader training, volunteer to help with plantings or to select trees for your property.

 

FUNDRAISERS

Monthly pop can drive upcoming
The monthly Parkrose Bronco Boosters monthly drive to collect returnable cans and bottles is Saturday, Nov. 5 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Parkrose Middle School, 11800 N.E. Shaver St. Volunteers will gladly accept pop, water and beer cans and bottles.

Circle Saturday, Dec. 3, on your calendar for the collection date next month.

Dinner to raise funds for memorial
Bob Pfeifer (Parkrose High class of ’68) plans a fundraising spaghetti dinner in support of the Parents of Murdered Children Memorial Wall in Mountain View Cemetery in Oregon City.

Pfeifer lost his son Robbie Pfeifer (PHS class of ’96) to homicidal violence. Robbie’s name appears on the Memorial Wall, along with 499 others, but the wall is now full.

POMC wants to expand the wall to make room for 1,000 more names.

The spaghetti dinner will be served Saturday, Nov. 5 from 4 to 7 p.m. at American Legion Post #1, 1830 S.E. 122nd Ave. Admission is $10 for adults, $6 for kids 12 and under.

If you are unable attend, there is a GoFundMe fundraising effort underway at gofundme.com/pomcpdx.

 

CLUBS and ORGANIZATIONS

Use evergreens in your holiday decor
Learn about decorating with winter greenery at the Nov. 17 Villa Garden Club meeting. Club members Jeanette Dimick and Gretchen Krueger will present ideas on how to decorate with evergreens. The meeting begins 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. Please call Chris McClure at 503-489-5437 to learn more.

 

BAZAARS and CRAFT FAIRS

St. Rita Catholic Church
The 37th-annual St. Rita Fall Festival and Bazaar is Friday and Saturday, Nov. 4 and 5 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 10029 N.E. Prescott St.

There will be vendor booths, baked products, fresh produce, a boutique and Santa’s treasures. Food for purchase is served all day. Call 503-665-1315 or 503-253-8810 for more information.

St. Therese Parish
The 35th-annual St. Therese Christmas Bazaar is Saturday, Nov. 12 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Children will be delighted to find Santa at this event. Bring a camera to snap a family photo with him.

Vendors are craftspeople, artists and artisans who make jewelry, soap, Christmas ornaments, aprons, potholders, candy, jams and more. Homemade cookies will be sold for $4 per dozen. There are raffles, a café and a used book sale as well.

To learn more, e-mail sttheresechristmasbazaar@gmail.com.

Portland Christian
The annual Portland Christian Royals Holiday Bazaar is Saturday, Dec. 3 from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. at 12425 N.E. San Rafael. The bazaar features handmade artisan gifts, jewelry, home decor, paper goods and more. Don’t miss out on this wonderful community event.

 

THE ARTS

Create a masterpiece using mixed media
Portland Fine Arts Guild classes with guest instructor Lu Feazle-Hurt this month will explore and create in mixed media. Mixed media uses combinations of various techniques and material to create exciting and inventive art. Students will use collage, acrylic, gesso, pastels and ink.

Classes are Mondays, Nov. 7, 14 and 21 at Rivercrest Community Church, 3201 N.E. 148th Ave., from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.

Fees are $15 per class for guild members and $20 per class for non-guild members. If it is your first class, the cost is $10.

You do not need to preregister; simply show up ready to create.

Bring materials for collage as well as acrylic, gesso, pastels and ink. A canvas board makes a sturdy surface to work on.

“Hello, Dolly!” returns to PHS
Parkrose High theater and music students present “Hello, Dolly!” Thursdays, Nov. 10 and 17, Friday, Nov. 18 and Saturdays, Nov. 12 and 19 at 7 p.m. as well as Saturday, Nov. 19 at 2 p.m. in the Parkrose High Theater, 12003 N.E. Shaver St.

Alumni who appeared in or remember past productions of this fun musical are planning to be on hand in support of the current student body. Check the Parkrose High Alumni Association Facebook page to see who is going and plan to join them at facebook.com/parkrosealumni.

Tickets can be purchased online at ticketleap.com (type Parkrose in the search box) and at the door. They are $7 for adults and $5 for students and seniors.

A spoonful of sugar for your enjoyment
Everyone’s favorite practically perfect nanny, “Mary Poppins,” takes the stage at David Douglas Horner Performing Arts Center, 1400 S.E. 130th Ave., this month. Almost 100 David Douglas student actors, musicians and technicians take part in this supercalifragilisticexpialidocious musical adventure showing Nov. 11, 12, 17, 18 and 19 at 7:30 p.m. and Nov. 13 and 20 at 2:30 p.m.

Tickets are $8 for students and seniors and $10 for adults. The Horner box office is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 3 to 5:30 p.m. on school days. Visit sites.google.com/a/ddouglas.k12.or.us/dd/ to purchase tickets online or call the box office at 503-261-8270.

 

EDUCATION

Preparing for college
College Application Week at David Douglas High, 1001 S.E. 135th Ave., is Nov. 7 through 10. Students can attend a variety of workshops and receive help submitting college applications. There will be drawings, prizes, scholarships and more.

College Night is from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 10, in the DDHS north cafeteria. This new presentation is an opportunity for students and parents to learn about the college application and financial aid processes. Translators will be available. The evening includes pizza, drawings, scholarships and more.

Visit the College and Career Center website (sites.google.com/a/ddsd40.org/ddhs-college-career-center/home) or call 503-261-8323 for more information.

 

SENIOR RESOURCES

It’s open enrollment time
With media dominated by political ads and commentary about the candidates, it’s hard not to focus on the upcoming presidential election. But it’s important for the more than 386,000 seniors and other Medicare beneficiaries in the Portland area to remember that their opportunity to vote isn’t over after they head to the polls on Nov. 8.

That’s because they have not one but two elections to participate in this fall. And fortunately for them, the outcome of the second election is entirely in their hands.

From Oct. 15 to Dec. 7, seniors and other beneficiaries have the chance to “elect” their Medicare coverage for 2017 during the Medicare open enrollment period. Participating is not a civic duty, but it’s still incredibly important. The decisions people make during Medicare open enrollment can have a significant impact on both their health and their wallet in 2017.

Many beneficiaries have more than two dozen Medicare plans available in their area. All those options—while generally a good thing for consumers—also mean that it’s important to do some homework.

To make comparing the Medicare “candidates” easier, beneficiaries should focus on three key areas:

Choice: When it comes to Medicare, one size does not fit all. You need to take the time to explore your options and understand the benefits and costs of each plan so you can choose the coverage that works best for you.

Care: The Medicare plan you select can have a major impact on your health and well-being. In addition to providing access to doctors and hospitals, your Medicare coverage can also help you live a healthier life and achieve your health goals.

Experience: Medicare can be complex and confusing. It’s important to find a plan that offers benefits that are important to you as well as support and services to help you make the most of those benefits.

Medicare beneficiaries can make their “vote” count this fall by comparing the “candidates” using Medicare’s Plan Finder tool on medicare.gov.

 

FAITH and VALUES

Celebrating Lutheran education
Advance the Potential of Our Students is Trinity Lutheran School’s annual fundraiser in celebration of many years of Christian education, its students and all the teachers who have been a part of that history. This year the event will also recognize Portland Lutheran School’s educational ministry and shared history of students, leaders and teachers.

Meet up with TLS and PLS classmates Friday, Nov. 4, at 5520 N.E. Killingsworth St., from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. to enjoy hors d’oeuvres, adult beverages and soft drinks. Adults only, please.

Your gift will help provide continued assistance to those families who desire a Christian education for their students at Trinity Lutheran School.

For more information or to RSVP, contact 503-288-6403 or office2@trinityportland.org.

 

COMMUNITY RESOURCES

Track your ballot
In a year of record-breaking voter registration, Multnomah County has topped more than a half million registered voters. Ballots went out last month. Multnomah County voters who have not received a ballot should call the county elections office at 503-988-3720.

Sign up to track your ballot at multco.us/elections/track-your-ballot. Text, e-mail or voice alerts remind voters to return their ballot and state whether the ballot has been accepted or whether it requires further action from the voter.

Completed ballots must be received by 8 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 8. A completed ballot can be mailed to the elections office with one first-class stamp or dropped off at any official ballot drop site in Oregon. Official ballot drop sites include all Multnomah County Library locations and eight 24-hour official drop sites. To find the nearest official ballot drop site, go online to multco.us/elections/multnomah-county-official-ballot-drop-sites.

For more information about the Nov. 8 election, please visit mcelections.org.

 

NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION MEETINGS

The Powellhurst-Gilbert quarterly meeting will be held Monday, Nov. 14 from 7 to 9 p.m. in the Ron Russell Middle School Library, 3955 S.E. 112th Ave. The agenda includes discussion of earthquake preparedness and board elections.

 

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.

FOR FAMILIES
Book Babies: Storytime for children newborn to 12 months with adult. Mondays, 11:30 a.m. to noon.

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

Toddler Storytime: Storytime for children 24 to 36 months with adult. Fridays, 10:15 to 10:45 a.m.

Preschool Storytime: Storytime for children three to six years with adult. Mondays, 10:15 to 10:45 a.m. and Tuesdays, 11:15 to 11:45 a.m.

Black Storytime: The African and African American experience comes alive for children from birth to six years with adult. Saturdays, noon to 12:30 p.m.

Chinese Storytime: Storytime presented in Cantonese for children ages newborn to six years with adult. Saturdays, 2 to 2:45 p.m.

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

Russian Storytime: Storytime presented in Russian for children ages newborn to six years with adult. Tuesdays, 6 to 7 p.m.

STEAM Storytime: Come enjoy a 15-minute Storytime followed by age-appropriate science, math or art exploration. For children ages two to six. Thursdays through Nov. 10, 6 to 6:45 p.m.

Yarn Club: Whether your interest is knitting or crocheting, come join the fun and learn together. All levels and ages welcome. Thursdays through Nov. 10, 4 to 5:30 p.m.

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

Easy Fall Placemats for Kids: Come make a collage placemat with fall shapes and fauna. For all ages; caregivers are welcome to participate. Presented by the Midland Library Teen Council. Monday, Nov. 14, 4:15 to 5:15 p.m.

Native Music and Dance—Yesterday, Today and Forever: Painted Sky is an organization that honors Native American culture by building awareness of traditional and contemporary musical expressions through performance and education. Come join Painted Sky for a lively and educational experience. Made possible by The Library Foundation through support from The Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde Fund. Saturday, Nov. 19, 3 to 3:45 p.m.

FOR KIDS AND TEENS
Teen Council: Build leadership skills, work on creative projects, plan events, earn service hours and have fun with other teens and library staff. Snacks provided. Email karens@multco.us for more information. Mondays, 4 to 5:30 p.m.

Legos at the Library: Bring your mad Lego skills to the library and let your imagination flow. For kids ages five to 11. Mondays, Nov. 7 and 21, 4 to 5 p.m.

Read to the Dogs: Improve your reading skills and make a new friend by reading aloud to a therapy dog from Pet Partners®. Registration required; call 503-988-5392. Saturdays, Nov. 12 and 26, noon to 2 p.m.

FOR ADULTS
Language Exchange: Engage in conversation with English speakers who want to practice Spanish, as well as with Spanish speakers who want to practice English. Sundays, 3 to 4:30 p.m.

English Classes: Free ESL classes. All levels welcome. Mondays, 1 to 2:30 p.m. Wednesdays, 6 to 7:30 p.m., except Nov. 23. Thursdays, 6 to 7:30 p.m., except Nov. 17 and 24. Fridays, 1 to 2:30 p.m.

Citizenship Class: Learn about the process of becoming a citizen. Prepare for your citizenship interview. Study United States history and government for the examination. Classes are in English and are taught by Goodwill instructors. For more information, please call 503-577-9984. Fridays, 10:30 am to noon.

Talk Time: Talk Time is an informal conversation circle for non-native speakers to practice speaking English. Saturdays, 3:30 to 5 p.m.

Medicare Enrollment Assistance: Medicare open enrollment is Oct. 15 through Dec. 7. Meet with a SHIBA volunteer to get advice on enrollment and paperwork. Registration required; call Multnomah County Aging and Disability Services at 503-988-3646. Wednesday, Nov. 2, noon to 5 p.m. and Mondays, Nov. 21 and 28, 10 am to 2 p.m.

Health Insurance Information and Enrollment Assistance: Open enrollment for health insurance is from Nov. 1, 2016, to Jan. 31, 2017. Get your questions about the application and enrollment process answered. Interpreters are available upon request. Please give 48-hour notice to allow for better service. In partnership with the Multnomah County Health Department and Health Plans in Oregon. Registration required; call 503-988-5392. Saturday, Nov. 5, 10 am to 2 p.m. and Tuesday, Nov. 15, 1 to 4:30 p.m.

Native American Art of Oregon: Many people use the collective term Native Art of the Pacific Northwest. However, there were many differences between tribes in Oregon and tribes in Washington, British Columbia and Alaska. Portland State University scholar-in-residence Tracy J. Prince uses historical photos to demonstrate how Oregon’s tribes showed artistic expression via basketry, canoes, longhouses, beadwork (on clothing, necklaces, headdresses and cradleboards), burial platforms and rock art (petroglyphs and pictographs). Made possible by The Library Foundation through support from The Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde Fund. Saturday, Nov. 5, 3 to 4:30 p.m.

Earthquake Preparedness: In this workshop, you will learn what to do before, during and after an earthquake. Discussions will include how to make a family plan and build an emergency kit. Registration required; register online, in the library or by calling 503-988-5234. Sunday, Nov. 6, 2 to 3:30 p.m.

National Novel Writing Month: Every November, hundreds of thousands of budding authors promise to write 50,000 words in 30 days. Multnomah County Library supports these writers with a series of Come Write In events at various library locations. Saturday, Nov. 12, 1 to 5 p.m.

Introduction to Seed Saving: Come learn how to save your favorite fall crop seeds. Each participant will receive a printed seed saving guide. Provided by Grow Portland. Registration required; register online, in the library or by calling 503-988-5234. Sunday, Nov. 13, 1 to 4 p.m.

Pageturners Book Groups: Engage in conversation about books and get to know your neighbors. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library. Read “Dead Wake: The Last Crossing of the Lusitania” by Erik Larson. Tuesday, Nov. 15, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Read “The Invention of Wings” by Sue Monk Kidd. Wednesday, Nov. 16, 1 to 2:15 p.m.

COMPUTER CLASSES
TechnoHosts: Trained volunteers can help you with basic computer issues. Sundays, 2 to 5 p.m. and Saturdays, 3 to 5 p.m.

Computer Help: Volunteers aid with basic computer functions. Tuesdays, 5 to 7:30 p.m. (Assistance in Vietnamese also available. Russian assistance available 5 to 6 p.m.) Fridays, 2:30 to 5 p.m., except Nov. 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, 3 to 4:30 p.m., except Nov. 25.

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 to participate.

Registration required; register online, in the library or by calling 503-988-5234. Sundays, Nov. 6 and 13, 12:30 to 2:30 p.m.

Computer Basics: Never used a computer before? In this class, you will learn the very basics of using a Windows-based computer, a keyboard and a mouse. No experience is necessary for you to take this relaxed, fun class. Registration required; register online, in the library or by calling 503-988-5234. Tuesday, Nov. 15, 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.

Internet Basics: This class is an introduction to using computers and the Internet. Registration required; register online, in the library or by calling 503-988-5234. Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2:30 to 4:30 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, 10:15 to 10:45 a.m., except Nov. 17 and 24.

Book Babies: Storytime for children newborn to 12 months with adult. Thursdays, 11:15 to 11:45 a.m., except Nov. 17 and 24.

Toddler Storytime: Storytime for children 24 to 36 months with adult. Fridays, 10:15 to 10:45 a.m., except Nov. 25.

Preschool Storytime: Storytime for children three to six years with adult. Fridays, 11:15 to 11:45 a.m., except Nov. 25.

Family Storytime: Storytime for children newborn to six years with adult. Saturdays, 10:15 to 10:45 a.m., except Nov. 26.

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 five to 11. Fridays, 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. Registration required; call 503-988-5386. Saturday, Nov. 19, 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, 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, 3 to 4 p.m.

Spanish Language Exchange: Practice English or Spanish and help other learners in a friendly atmosphere. Saturdays, 4 to 5:30 p.m.

Talk Time: Talk Time is an informal conversation circle for non-native speakers to practice speaking English.

Sundays, 12:30 to 2 p.m.

How to Plant Extraordinary Terrariums: The whole point of a terrarium is to keep extraordinary plants healthy and happy in a modern home by planting them in a closed glass container. Whether it be a large Wardian case full of tropical blooming plants and poison dart frogs or a tiny little bottle with just a sprig of spike moss, terrariums make a fun and educational hobby. Come learn about the history, science and art of high-humidity, totally enclosed terrariums and leave with a beautiful terrarium of your own. Registration required; register online, in the library or by calling 503-988-5234. Monday, Nov. 7, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Pageturners Book Group: Read “The Other Side of Paradise: Life in the New Cuba” by Julia Cooke. Engage in stimulating conversation about books. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library. Monday, Nov. 21, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Caring for Another—Demystifying the Foster Care System: Come and learn about what it would be like to be a child coming into foster care, how fostering impacts the community and how can you help. Monday, Nov. 28, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

COMPUTER CLASSES
Computer Help: Friendly, patient lab assistants are available to help you practice your computer skills. Wednesdays, 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, 4 to 5:30 p.m.

Pat MacAodha contributed to this report.