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 Thursday, 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
Try family fun nights at EPCC
Your family is invited to enjoy free Friday Family Fun Nights at East Portland Community Center, 740 S.E. 106th Ave.
Drop in for crafts, indoor park toys, sports and games Fridays, Dec. 2 and 16 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
For $2 per person, grab your suit and bring the whole family for an evening swim on Friday, Dec. 9. Open swim 4 to 5:30 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m; family swim 5:30 to 7 p.m. Call 503-823-3450 or visit portlandoregon.gov/parks/60370 to learn more.
Enjoy a free concert
The annual East County Community Orchestra Winter Concert is Sunday, Dec. 4 at 3 p.m. in the David Douglas High Horner Performing Arts Center, 1400 S.E. 130th Ave. Admission is free.
The program will include the theme from “2001: A Space Odyssey,” music from the Broadway hit “South Pacific” and even the popular English-Australian folk song “Country Gardens.”
The venue is wheelchair accessible.
Celebrate the season with student concerts
Parkrose High School bands and choirs have a full schedule this holiday season. Enjoy the free Winter Band Concert Tuesday, Dec. 6 at 7 p.m. and the free Winter Choir Concert Wednesday, Dec. 14 at 7 p.m. in the PHS theater, 12003 N.E. Shaver St.
The choir is also scheduled to perform at The Grotto Christmas Festival of Lights Monday, Dec. 12 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $11 for adults. Seniors 65 and over and military pay $10; children 3 to 12, $6; children under 2 are admitted free.
The Debonaires perform Thursday, Dec. 15 at 6 p.m. at WinterVille at the Zimmerman Heritage Farm, 17111 N.E. Sandy Blvd. The event includes a beer and cider garden, tours of the Zimmerman House, food and craft vendors and free photos with Santa. Tickets at the door are $12 for adults, $8 for children. Receive a $2 discount by donating a new unwrapped toy for Toy and Joy Makers or a canned food item for SnowCap Community Charities.
Not to be outdone, Parkrose Middle School music students are set to entertain as well. Enjoy a beginning band concert Thursday, Dec. 1 at 7 p.m. in the PMS commons, 11800 N.E. Shaver St. The honor band concert is Tuesday, Dec. 6 at 7 p.m. in the PHS theater, and the seventh and eighth grade choir performs in the PHS auditorium Thursday, Dec. 8 at 7 p.m. Each of these concerts is free.
Metro parks are free one day this month
Get out and explore nature for free at Metro parks Friday, Dec. 23 from 6:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Enjoy free parking at Oxbow and Blue Lake regional parks, Broughton Beach, M. James Gleason Memorial Boat Ramp and Chinook Landing Marine Park. Parking at all other Metro parks and boat ramps is free year-round.
Learn more at oregonmetro.gov/metro-parks-and-natural-areas.
Stay dry on Parkrose walking track
Walking is a low-impact way to stay in shape. The Parkrose High walking track in the upper balcony of the gym at 12003 N.E. Shaver St. is free and open to the community Monday through Friday from 6 to 7 a.m. and 3 to 9 p.m. and Saturdays 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. from September through June. The track is closed Sundays and during PHS varsity games.
CLASSES and WORKSHOPS
Stop drafts in your home
Community Energy Project offers free weatherization workshops that teach attendees how to stop drafts in their homes, especially around doors and windows, to save energy and increase comfort. Renters and homeowners are invited.
Two workshops are scheduled in Mid-county this month:
Wednesday, Dec. 7 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Margaret Scott Elementary School, 14700 N.E. Sacramento St.
Tuesday, Dec. 13 from 6 to 8 p.m. at West Powellhurst Elementary School, 2921 S.E. 116th Ave.
Qualified participants receive a free kit of weatherization supplies. Register for a workshop and find other workshop dates and locations at communityenergyproject.org or call 503-284-6827 ext. 108.
COMMUNITY RESOURCES
East Portland grants applications open
If you have a plan that will improve the lives of east Portland residents, foster strong community connections, increase the area’s regional significance or enhance equity and prevent displacement, the time is now to apply for an East Portland Action Plan grant. Grants are available in amounts ranging from $500 to $75,000.
The goal of the EPAP General Grant program is to build East Portland livability and prevent displacement by funding projects that implement strategies and items identified in the East Portland Action Plan.
Grant proposals must be received by 5 p.m. on Dec. 21. Individual and group support sessions are available for grant writers. Visit eastportlandactionplan.org to find details and access applications or contact Lore Wintergreen, EPAP advocate, at lore.wintergreen@portlandoregon.gov or 503-823-4035.
FUNDRAISERS
Support Parkrose can and bottle drive
Deliver your refundable pop, water and beer cans and bottles to Parkrose Middle School, 18000 N.E. Shaver St., Saturday, Dec. 3 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Parkrose Bronco Boosters and student volunteers will thank you for your support of Parkrose students.
Mark your calendar for the Saturday, Jan. 7, collection date for all the empties you collect over the holidays.
Annual PHS concert helps raise money for scholarships
The annual Parkrose High Tri-M Music Honor Society fundraising concert is Sunday, Dec. 11 at 3 p.m. in the high school theater, 12003 N.E. Shaver St. “Christmas with the Big Band Sound of Jazz Express” also includes performances by the Debonaires and the PHS Jazz Band. Tickets are $5 and can be purchased from students or at the door. Funds raised fill a scholarship fund for music lessons.
Donate your tree to help students
The David Douglas Dads Club annual Christmas tree recycling program is Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 31 and Jan. 1 and Jan.7 and 8 from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. at the DDHS auto shop at Southeast 130th Avenue and Market Street. The fee is $5. Funds raised go to student groups who volunteer to collect and process trees. Tree pickup is available. Call 503-660-3076 or email daviddouglasdadsclub@gmail.com.
Trail Blazers tickets make great gifts
Buy Trail Blazers tickets for the Jan. 13 game against the Orlando Magic, and a portion of each sale will help the Parkrose Educational Foundation enhance the educational experiences of Parkrose students.
Go to parkroseedfdn.org for the special link to buy tickets, and you will also gain early access to the game to watch the team warm up from just a few rows off the court. An added bonus is that 20 kids will be selected to high-five the team as they enter the court.
Check off the Blazers fans on your Christmas gift list and support Parkrose students at the same time!
All-you-can-eat seafood is back
Tickets for the 27th annual St. Aidan’s Episcopal Church All-You-Can-Eat Crab and Shrimp Feed are on sale now. Seatings are available Jan. 18 at 4 p.m., Jan 19 at 5:30 p.m. and Jan. 20 at 6:30 p.m. Two seatings are being offered Saturday, Jan. 21 at 4 p.m. and at 6:30 p.m. St. Aidan’s is located at 17405 N.E. Glisan St.
Tickets make great gifts for the seafood lovers in your life, and sales support St. Aidan’s community partners such as SUN Community programs at H.B. Lee Middle School, Friends of Nadaka Park and SnowCap Community Charities.
You must order tickets by Dec. 30. The order form and contact information can be found at staidans-gresham.org. Click on Calendar, then Upcoming Events.
CLUBS and ORGANIZATIONS
Party with the garden club
Join Villa Garden Club members for the club’s annual potluck luncheon and a white elephant gift exchange Thursday, Dec. 15 at 10:30 a.m. at Savage Memorial Presbyterian Church, 1740 S.E. 139th Ave. The festive atmosphere creates just the right setting to learn more about Villa Garden Club and what its members do. Please call Chris McClure for more information at 503-489-5437.
BAZAARS and CRAFT FAIRS
Portland Christian Schools
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 artisanal gifts, jewelry, home decor, paper goods and more. Don’t miss out on this wonderful community event.
Wilkes Elementary
The Wilkes Elementary Holiday Bazaar is Saturday, Dec. 3 from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. at 17020 N.E. Wilkes Road. Holiday shoppers will enjoy the unique talents of many craftspeople and find gifts, baked goods, crafts, raffle prizes, ornaments and more. For more information, contact Robin Wooley at 503-255-6133 or visit reynolds.k12.or.us/wilkes.
David Douglas High School
The annual David Douglas PTSA Bazaar fundraiser for scholarships is Saturday, Dec. 3 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the DDHS north building, 1001 S.E. 135th Ave. The event includes more than 80 vendors with fabulous handcrafted items. Come find something special for someone special. To learn more about the PTSA and the holiday bazaar, visit daviddouglashighschool.my-pta.org. Direct questions to ddhsptsa@gmail.com or call 503-683-3479.
Russell Elementary School
The Russell Elementary School Pancake Breakfast & Holiday Bazaar is Saturday, Dec. 10 from 8 a.m. until noon at 2700 NE 127th Ave. The breakfast is $5 for adults and $3 for children; kids four and under eat free. Families can receive a free kid’s meal with a donation of canned food for the local food pantry. Have your photo taken with Santa and Mrs. Claus, enjoy music by the Parkrose High choir and browse crafts and gift items offered by a variety of vendors.
East Portland Holiday Bazaar
The East Portland Holiday Bazaar is Saturday, Dec. 10 from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. at 8114 S.E. Division St. It’s a fun-filled single-day holiday market where you will find local, affordable, handmade holiday gifts, such as crafts, art, greeting cards, jewelry, zines, beauty products and much more. This bazaar centers around the independent creators of East Portland, and it provides a community-focused holiday arts and crafts festival in the Jade District.
GIVING BACK
Donate household goods for the holidays
Community Warehouse is calling all Portland Metro and surrounding area residents to donate their spare dining tables, pots and pans and blankets so local families transitioning into new homes can prepare and cook food, sit down together for shared meals and keep warm this holiday season.
Each week, social services agencies bring 50 families to Community Warehouse to get the basic household items and furniture they need to turn their empty housing into homes. With this foundation, their quality of life is significantly improved, allowing them to devote their time and resources to meet other needs.
Currently, Community Warehouse does not have enough furnishings to meet the need. In the words of Program Director Erik Heise, “Just this past week, we served 65 families, and our furniture floor is nearly empty.”
Please drop off your donations today at 3969 NE MLK Jr. Blvd. The center is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. For information about home pickup service, please visit communitywarehouse.org or call 503-235-8786.
Community Warehouse is the only furniture bank serving Oregon and southwest Washington that offers essential household items to over 7,000 individuals and families in need each year. Partnering with 180 local social service agencies, Portland Public Schools, hospitals and faith communities, the Warehouse provides the comforts of home to more than 50 families each week.
THE ARTS
Sing along with symphonic choir
Portland Symphonic Choir presents “Wintersong!” Saturday, Dec. 10 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 11 at 3 p.m. at Rose City Park United Methodist Church, 5830 N.E. Alameda St. Celebrate the sounds of the season from around the world with the 140-member Portland Symphonic Choir as they present a Portland holiday tradition. “Wintersong!” brings audiences great holiday choral music from many traditions, eras and cultures performed by the region’s finest choral singers and instrumentalists. The audience is invited to sing traditional carols along with the choir.
These performances will also include the Portland premiere of Shawn Kirchner’s “Behold New Joy: Ancient Carols of Christmas.” This work is accompanied by percussion and an eight-piece brass ensemble.
The Saturday performance includes the Chamber Choir from Evergreen High School in Vancouver under the direction of Michael Day.
Sunday, the Pro Cantorum choir from Reynolds High School, under the direction of Karen Bohart, joins PSC.
General admission tickets are $25, students with student identification pay $15 and children under seven are free. Preferred seating is available for $35. Buy tickets at pschoir.org.
FAITH and VALUES
Christmas celebrations set
Gateway Church, 13300 N.E. San Rafael St., Christmas Eve, Saturday, Dec. 24 at 6 p.m.
This Christmas, Gateway Church wants to help you and your family, friends and neighbors celebrate in a new way. Join the celebration of the true gifts of Christmas: hope, love, joy and peace.
St. George Antiochian Orthodox Christian Church, 2101 N.E. 162nd Ave.
Christmas and Theophany Service Schedule
Friday, Dec. 23 at 9 a.m., Royal Hours
Saturday, Dec. 24 at 5 p.m., Festal Great Vespers with Litia & Artoklasia
Sunday, Dec. 25 at 8:30a.m., Festal Orthros; 9:30 a.m., Festal Divine Liturgy of St. Basil the Great
Begin the new year with music, prayer
Join musicians and youth of St. Aidan’s Episcopal Church, 17405 N.E. Glisan St., Saturday, Dec. 31 at 5 p.m. for a New Year’s Eve ecumenical hour of music, meditation and prayer for the good of all and peaceful intention for the coming year. Everyone from every faith tradition and culture is welcome. Visit staidans-gresham.org to learn more about this and other events.
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. 15 from 10:15 to 10:45 a.m.
Book Babies: Storytime for children newborn to 12 months with adult. Thursdays through Dec. 15 from 11:15 to 11:45 a.m.
Toddler Storytime: Storytime for children 24 to 36 months with adult. Fridays through Dec. 16 from 10:15 to 10:45 a.m.
Preschool Storytime: Storytime for children three to six years with adult. Fridays through Dec. 16 from 11:15 to 11:45 a.m.
Family Storytime: Storytime for children newborn to six years with adult. Saturdays through Dec. 17 from 10:15 to 10:45 a.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 five to 11. Fridays from 4 to 5 p.m.
Tabletop Trees: Create a beautiful tabletop tree. Explore decorative papers, wire and beads as you create a mixed-media sculpture. Artist Kathy Karbo will share techniques, tools and tips to create a one-of-a-kind festive centerpiece. Thursday, Dec. 15 from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.
FOR TEENS
Anime Origami: Come and fold paper into your favorite anime or manga character. It’s fun and easy. No folding experience necessary. For teens in grades six through 12. Thursdays from Dec. 1 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. 24 and 31.
Language Exchange: Practice English or Spanish and help other learners in a friendly atmosphere. Saturdays from 4 to 5:30 p.m., except Dec. 24.
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., except Dec. 25.
Pageturners Book Group: Read “Still Life” by Louise Penny. Engage in stimulating conversation about books. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library. Monday, Dec. 19 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
COMPUTER CLASSES
Spanish Computer Help: Friendly, patient Spanish-speaking lab assistants are available to help you practice with your computer. 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 e-mails 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. 12 from 11:30 a.m. to noon.
Tiny Tots: Storytime for children 12 to 24 months with adult. Tuesdays through Dec. 13 from 10:15 to 10:45 a.m.
Toddler Storytime: Storytime for children 24 to 36 months with adult. Fridays through Dec. 16 from 10:15 to 10:45 a.m.
Family Storytime: Storytime for children newborn to six years with adult. Fridays through Dec. 16 from 11:30 a.m. to noon.
Preschool Storytime: Storytime for children three to six years with adult. Mondays through Dec. 12 from 10:15 to 10:45 a.m. and Tuesdays through Dec. 13 from 11:15 to 11:45 a.m.
Black Storytime: The African and African American experience comes alive for children newborn to six years with adult. Saturdays through Dec. 17 from noon to 12:30 p.m.
Chinese Storytime: Storytime presented in Cantonese for children newborn to six years adult. Saturdays through Dec. 17 from 2 to 2:45 p.m.
Vietnamese Storytime: Storytime presented in Vietnamese for children newborn to six years with adult.
Sundays through Dec. 18 from 1 to 1:45 p.m.
Russian Storytime: Storytime presented in Russian for children newborn to six years with adult. Tuesdays from 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 Dec. 15 from 6 to 6:45 p.m.
Yarn Club: Whether your interest is knitting or crocheting, come join the fun as we learn together. All levels and ages welcome. Thursdays from 4 to 5:30 p.m.
Chess at the Library: Have fun playing chess or Chinese chess. We provide the chess equipment. All ages welcome. Saturdays from 3:30 to 5 p.m., except Dec. 24.
Winter and Holiday Ceramics Painting: Paint an ornament that will last for years to come. Organizers supply the ornament with the ribbon, lead-free paint, colorful mats, aprons, water buckets and paintbrushes. All you need is a child with an imagination. Saturday, Dec. 17 from 2 to 3:30 p.m.
Dash and Dot—Adventure Play with Robots: Dash is a real robot. Dot is the brains of a robot. Using free apps, you can play pre-programmed games with Dash and Dot. Use iPads to guide entertaining Dash and Dot robots through different courses and challenges. For kids in grades one through five; each child or sibling group must be accompanied by an adult. Registration required; register online, in the library or by calling 503-988-5234. Tuesday, Dec. 27 from 2 to 3:30 p.m.
Peter Pan and Tinker Bell: Their story is about Neverland, pirates, Wendy and the Lost Boys. Captain Hook is out to stop the boy who never wants to grow up, while Tinker Bell faces losing her best friend. Only their friendship can save each other. A highly interactive show for all ages. Wednesday, Dec. 28 from 2 to 3 p.m.
FOR KIDS AND TEENS
Legos at the Library: Bring your mad Lego skills to the library and let your imagination flow. For kids ages five to 11. Mondays from 4 to 5 p.m., except Dec. 26.
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. Monday, Dec. 5 from 4 to 5:30 p.m. and Dec. 12 from 3:45 to 5:15 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. Saturday, Dec. 10 from noon to 2 p.m.
Dash and Dot—Robotics Adventure: Put entertaining robots through their paces while learning how to code. The class uses iPads and Google’s Blockly language to meet challenges and achieve goals. For teens in grades six through 12. Registration required; register online, in the library or by calling 503-988-5234. Thursday, Dec. 29 from 2 to 3 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 from 3 to 4:30 p.m., except Dec. 25.
English Classes: Free ESL classes. All levels welcome. Mondays from 1 to 2:30 p.m., Wednesdays through Dec. 14 from 6 to 7:30 p.m., Thursdays through Dec. 15 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. and Fridays from 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 from 10:30 a.m. to noon.
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., except Dec. 24.
Mane Taine Your Natural Hair: Your natural hair is beautiful: curly, straight, fine, coarse, short, long or in between—what does that mean? Whether you’re a woman or a man, no matter what stage your hair is in, you can make it beautiful and chemical-free. Look at tips and products for “Mane Taineing” your hair naturally. Registration required; register online, in the library or by calling 503-988-5234. Saturday, Dec. 3 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo)—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. Hear some passages from the novels participants wrote in November and bestow literary certificates of achievement on those who hit the coveted 50,000-word mark. Saturday, Dec. 3 from 2 to 5 p.m.
The Music and Life of Prince: This program explores the impact of Prince’s music on the world through the examination of his life and musical upbringing. Made possible by The National Endowment for the Humanities Fund of The Library Foundation. Registration required; register online, in the library or by calling 503-988-5234. Sunday, Dec. 4 from 2 to 3:30 p.m.
Medicare Enrollment Assistance: Medicare open enrollment is October 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. Monday, Dec. 5 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Health Insurance Information and Enrollment Assistance: Open enrollment for health insurance is from Nov. 1 to Jan. 31. 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, Dec. 10 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Tuesday, Dec. 20 from 1 to 4:30 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 Snow Child” by Eowyn Ivey. Tuesday, Dec. 20 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Read “The Rosie Project” by Graeme Simsion. Wednesday, Dec. 21 from 1 to 2:15 p.m.
COMPUTER CLASSES
TechnoHosts: Trained volunteers can help you with basic computer issues. Sundays from 2 to 5 p.m., except Dec. 25. Fridays from 2:30 to 5 p.m., except Dec. 23. Saturdays from 3 to 5 p.m., except Dec. 24.
Computer Help: Volunteers provide assistance with basic computer functions. Tuesdays from 5 to 7:30 p.m. (assistance in Vietnamese also available; Russian assistance available 5 to 6 p.m.). Fridays from 2:30 to 5 p.m., except Dec. 23 (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. 23.
iPad Part 1: Learn the basic layout of your iPad, settings, apps and more. Please bring your own iPad, fully charged. Registration required; register online, in the library or by calling 503-988-5234. Sundays, Dec. 4 and 11 from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m.