June 2017 – 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 e-mail address. Submissions for July are due Thursday, June 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

Bixby retires from city’s neighborhood office
Longtime East Portland Neighborhood Office (EPNO) Executive Director Richard Bixby is retiring.

Join east Portland community members at the Rosewood Initiative, 16126 S.E. Stark St., Thursday, June 8 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. to celebrate Bixby’s career and contributions to Mid-county.

Grill, eat and party in Parkrose
The fourth-annual Taste of Parkrose, produced by Historic Parkrose, is Saturday, June 24 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Rossi Farms, 3839 N.E. 122nd Ave.

Taste of Parkrose is a fun, family-friendly celebration of the Parkrose community featuring live music, local vendors, a beer garden, kids’ activities and more.

This year, organizers are bringing a beer garden to the event, and Parkrose Hardware will be grilling up a variety of tasty treats on their showcase of 60 Big Green Egg grills. Taste tickets for Parkrose Hardware’s EggFest will go for 50 cents a ticket or $10 for an unlimited tasting wristband.

At press time, there are still spaces available for local vendors and community groups to sign up for booths at Taste of Parkrose. Register for space through at eventbrite.com/e/taste-of-parkrose-2017-registration-33066497785.

If you have skills on the grill you want to show off, sign up for the Parkrose Hardware EggFest cooking competition. The creator of the best treat on a Big Green Egg grill will receive a $500 shopping spree at Parkrose Hardware. Sign up now on at parkrosehardware.com/parkrose-eggfest-2017-home-chef-sign-form.

The Taste of Parkrose 5K/10K Run is the first of many exciting events held during the Taste of Parkrose street fair. The course will take runners on a tour of Parkrose, starting and ending at the Taste of Parkrose at Rossi Farms. The 10K route will take runners through Maywood Park and into Gateway Green on this new park’s official opening day. Field size is limited to 200 participants, so register early at active.com/portland-or/running/distance-running-races/taste-of-parkrose-5k-10k-fun-run-2017.

If you have questions about Taste of Parkrose, or if you would like to volunteer, please contact kate@historicparkrose.com.

Learn about co-op at pancake breakfast
The annual Montavilla Food Co-op Pancake Breakfast to benefit the effort to bring a cooperative grocery store to the Montavilla neighborhood is Saturday, June 3 at Montavilla United Methodist Church, 232 S.E. 80th Ave., from 8 a.m. until noon. Volunteers will offer a delicious and healthy breakfast using locally and organically sourced ingredients. The event will also feature live entertainment from local artists and a fantastic raffle with prizes from community artisans and stores. The public is invited to meet other member-owners and board and committee members and sign up to join the co-op.

Free lunch and activities at area parks
Portland Parks & Recreation vans travel from site to site to deliver free lunch and activities to kids beginning June 20 and continuing through Aug. 25. Kids can enjoy free lunch plus arts and crafts, games and sports at these area parks this summer.

• Arbor Glen Apartments, 2609 S.E. 145th Ave. Activities from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. Lunch served at 12:30 p.m.
• Gilbert Heights Park, Southeast 130th Avenue and Boise Street. Activities from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. Lunch served at 11:30 a.m. Mondays only.
• Lincoln Park, Southeast 135th Avenue and Mill Street. Activities from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. Lunch served at 12:30 p.m.
• Mill Park, Southeast 117th Avenue and Mill Court. Activities from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. Lunch served at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday only.
• Parklane Park, Southeast 155th Avenue and Main Street. Activities from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. Lunch served at 11:30 a.m. Friday only.
• Raymond Park, Southeast 118th Avenue and Raymond Street. Activities from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. Lunch served at noon.
• Ventura Park, Southeast 117th Avenue and Stark Street. Activities from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. Lunch served at noon.
• West Powellhurst Park, Southeast 115th Avenue and Division Street. Activities from 2 p.m. until 5 p.m. Lunch served at 3 p.m. Friday only.
• Argay Park, Northeast 141st Avenue and Failing Street. Activities from 2 p.m. until 5 p.m. Lunch served at 3 p.m. Wednesday only.
• Eastgate Station Apartments, 100 N.E. 120th Ave. Activities from 2 p.m. until 5 p.m. Lunch served at 3 p.m. Tuesday only.
• Montavilla Park, Northeast 82nd Avenue and Glisan Street. Activities from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. Lunch served at noon.
• Senn’s Dairy Park, Northeast 112th Avenue and Prescott Street. Activities from 2 p.m. until 5 p.m. Lunch served at 3 p.m. Monday only.
• Wilkes Park, 3655 N.E. 154th Ave. Activities from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. Lunch served at noon.

Visit portlandparks.org for more information.

Enjoy a free swim this summer
Montavilla Pool, 8219 N.E. Glisan St., offers free open-play swim sessions Tuesdays from 1 to 2:30 p.m. from June 20 through Aug. 22. No registration needed—simply drop in for a free splash.

Gateway Green gathering
Mark your calendars for the Gathering at Gateway Green, a celebration of the first completed phase of the park, on Saturday, June 24 from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. The park is located between Gateway Transit Center and the city of Maywood Park/the Parkrose neighborhood. Cyclists and pedestrians can access Gateway Green using the 1-205 Multi-use Path. The event will highlight the new off-road cycling trails and skills course.

A day filled with food, music, nature crafts, games and exhibitions is planned. Meet local organizations and businesses and connect with others from the community at the many booths and activities around the park.

Be the first to try out the new bike trails available for beginner, intermediate and advanced riders. Organizers say there will also be activities for the non-bikers. Check out the children’s free-play area and obstacle course, or give slacklining a try.

Some of the confirmed activities for the day include two clown performances, a children’s puppet show, a local folk band, a reggae drum circle, a scavenger hunt with prizes, bike demonstrations, delicious food and sweet treats. You can even take a class on making baskets from English ivy vines (pre-registration required) or attend a tree walk to learn about the diverse plant species at Gateway Green.

Organizers need volunteers to help make this event a success. Sign up to volunteer at signupgenius.com/go/5080c48a4a62aa5fb6-gathering.

Gateway Christian School closes 
Russell neighborhood’s Gateway Christian School, 13300 N.E. San Rafael St., celebrates its history Sunday, June 25 at 6 p.m. Former students and their families are invited. The school closes at the end of this school year after providing 60 years of early childhood education to thousands of children in the Gateway/Parkrose area. Staff from the past as well as the present will be there, and a short program highlighting the school over the years will be presented. Carol Van Horn will be honored as she retires after 20 years as school administrator. Cake will be served and the playground will be open for families to enjoy.

Since its beginning in 1956, the school has been a part of Gateway Church. In the early years, it provided kindergarten as well, as public schools did not have kindergartens at that time. Later, preschools for three- and four-year-olds were added, followed eventually by a first-grade class.

There have been many changes throughout the years. Enrollment climbed to over 175 students in the 1990s. In the early 1960s, tuition, including a bus delivering children to their homes, cost just $17 per month. Of course, back then the average yearly income was $5,315 and a gallon of gas 25 cents. Through the years, the children enjoyed back-to-school barbecues with their family in the school playground, dressing up as a character from a nursery rhyme for a party at the end of October, a Thanksgiving chapel and feast in November, spaghetti dinners with the students’ dads, field trips, and performing in programs at Christmastime and at the end of the school year. But the heart of the school was the daily learning through play, music and art as well as preparation for academic learning in elementary school. Spiritual development through stories from the Bible encouraged children to know and honor God, love Jesus and treat others with kindness and respect.

The school has had three administrators during this time, each serving 20 years: VaLaire Thornberry was administrator from 1956 to 1976. Later Sylvia Ketch served from 1976 to 1996. Carol Van Horn, the current administrator who has filled that position since 1996, had planned to retire this year even before it was known the school would close. She said, “For 20 years I have had the joy of being the administrator of Gateway Christian School. Little did I know that after 60 years of faithful service to the Gateway/Parkrose community we would be closing our doors at the end of the 2016–2017 school year. I do ‘count it all joy’ the 20 years that I have served GCS, the staff and families whom I have been honored to know and love. Our school’s reputation remains untarnished, and its goals were never changed nor compromised during these 60 years.”

THE ARTS

Drama and music camp for kids
Once again, Parkrose United Methodist Church, 11111 N.E. Knott St., is offering a music and drama camp to young people entering grades three through eight. The camp is under the direction of talented music instructors Molly Fazio, who retired last year from Floyd Light Middle School, and Lesley Bossert, from Parkrose High School. The camp fee is $50. Scholarships and family prices are available based on financial need. The camp will be held July 31 through Aug. 4 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. A family barbecue will be held Aug. 4 at 5 p.m., followed by a performance at 6 p.m. For more information and to receive a registration form, contact Jan Schmidt at schmidt6011@comcast.net. Space is limited to 40 campers.

End-of-year concerts at Parkrose
Enjoy student performances at the Finale Band Awards Concert Tuesday, June 6, and the Finale Choir Awards Concert Thursday, June 8, in the Parkrose High Theater, 12003 N.E. Shaver St. Both shows begin at 7 p.m.

REUNIONS 

Columbia Christian celebrates 70 years
Columbia Christian Schools, 413 N.E. 91st Ave., plans a full slate of activities Saturday, July 15, as it celebrates 70 years. Everyone who has worked at or attended Columbia since 1947 is invited.

Registration and a continental breakfast are at 8 a.m. followed by chapel service, tours of the campus, various activities throughout the afternoon and a barbecue dinner beginning at 6 p.m. The program will close with a devotional after the dinner.

Registration is $15 per person, $30 per couple and $45 per family. Go to columbiachristian.com and click on the link to the 70-Year Reunion to register. You may also register by sending payment to Columbia Christian Schools, June Andersen, 413 N.E. 91st Ave., Portland, OR 97220. Make checks payable to Columbia Christian Schools and note “70-Year Reunion” on the memo line of your check.

If you prefer, registration payments by credit card can be made over the phone. Call Carrie Rude in the school office at 503-252-8577.

Parkrose High class of 1965
The PHS class of 1965 will have a class picnic Saturday, July 22 at Blue Lake Park, 20500 N.E. Marine Dr. in Fairview. Details are still being worked out. Watch for more information on the Parkrose Class of 1965 Facebook page or get in touch with Emily Reed or Erlene Tarilton.

Parkrose High class of 1967
Celebrate 50 years at a reunion Saturday, Oct. 2 from 6 to 11 p.m. at Holiday Inn—Portland Airport, 8439 N.E. Columbia Blvd.

Parkrose High class of 1969
This summer, classmates will gather at Bistro 23, 5530 N.E. 122nd Ave., Saturday, June 10 from 5 to 9 p.m. to celebrate the 48th anniversary of its commencement. This is a casual, no-host social event. There is no registration fee. Classmates will choose food and beverages from the Bistro 23 menu.

RSVP to parkrose1969reunion@yahoo.com. Bring your friends.

Watch for postings on the Parkrose Class of 1969 Facebook page and the Parkrose High Alumni Association Facebook page.

Parkrose High class of 1997
It’s been 20 years and it’s time to party! Join the fun Saturday, June 24 from 7 to 11 p.m. at McMenamins Kennedy School, 5736 N.E. 33rd Ave. Visit parkroseclassof1997.com to purchase tickets or e-mail any questions to email@parkroseclassof1997.com.

FUNDRAISERS

Your returnable cans and bottles mean dollars for students
Remember to bag up the empties from your Memorial Day celebrations for dropoff at Parkrose Middle School, 11800 N.E. Shaver St., Saturday, June 3 between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. Every dime supports programs and activities for Parkrose students. If you miss the June collection date, save your donation for Saturday, July 8—same time, same place.

Books, games and puzzles for sale 
The Resurrection Lutheran Church book sale is Friday and Saturday, June 9 and 10 from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. at 1700 N.E. 132nd Ave. Browse through books, puzzles, games, CDs, DVDs and kids’ items. This fundraiser supports Operation Christmas Child.

Cruise-in season is here
The ninth-annual East Portland Moose Lodge Cruise-In is Saturday, July 22 at 16411 N.E. Halsey St.

Registration begins at 9 a.m. The fee is $15 per vehicle. Trophies will be awarded at 4 p.m. for each decade from the 1920s through the 1970s in several categories including truck, under construction, people’s choice and governor’s choice. Proceeds benefit the Children of Mooseheart.

East Portland Chamber event set
You are invited to support the voice of East Portland at the 10th annual East Portland Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament Friday, June 23 at Glendoveer Golf & Tennis, 14015 N.E. Glisan St., beginning at 8 a.m. Enjoy a full day on a world-class golf course with prizes for the top three teams and challenge winners.

The cost is $95 per player or $355 per foursome. Price includes 18 holes of golf, a cart and barbecue lunch.

Businesses can advertise support of the East Portland Chamber of Commerce with a hole sponsorship for $150—other levels of sponsorship are still available. You can also promote your business by donating one or more raffle prizes. Please contact Shelley Shirley at 503-788-8589 if you need more information.

Community theater changes focus, offers costumes and props for sale
The Resurrection Players’ first-ever rummage sale is Friday and Saturday, June 23 and 24 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day at Resurrection Lutheran Church, 1700 N.E. 132nd Ave. For 38 years, the Resurrection Players existed as a Christian community theater, an outreach ministry of the church. Many fine productions have come and gone, as have the people who founded and contributed to the group over the years.

Items to be offered for sale include costumes that range from animals to brides, set construction items from hardware to paint, and all manner of set pieces and props like wall hangings, stage weapons, fabrics and phones. You are welcome to come sift through a treasure trove of items with a past.

Sincere gratitude and thanks are offered by Linda Highman, artistic director, to all community and congregants who have graciously volunteered countless hours of work in all the theatrical disciplines; however, the passing of people and the waning of interest and abilities necessitate a change in focus for this theater group. No longer will it try to maintain a regular season of two or three full-length plays. Rather, it will undertake dramas that will enhance an event on the church calendar or a series of Sunday sermons. These events, as always, will be open to the public.

If you have any questions, phone Highman at 503-254-6257.

Buy books for summer reading
Montavilla United Methodist Women host a book sale Saturday, June 24, in the church parking lot at 232 S.E. 80th Ave. between Stark and Burnside streets. The hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The price is $5 per bag filled with as many books as can be packed in one brown grocery bag. There will be several hundred books to select from.

CLUBS and ORGANIZATIONS

Lunch followed by jail visit
Villa Garden Club meets Thursday, June 22 at 10:30 a.m. at Savage Memorial Presbyterian Church, 1740 S.E. 139th Ave. The business meeting will be followed by a brown bag lunch, after which members and guests will depart via carpool for Columbia River Correctional Institution for a tour of is Growing Gardens Project.

Please contact Chris McClure at 503-489-5437 to sign up for the tour, as guest lists must be provided to the facility in advance.

Central East Portland (CEP) Rotary meets at Elmer’s Restaurant, 10001 N.E. Sandy Blvd., every Thursday morning at 7 a.m. CEP Rotary funds college scholarships, mentors students and raises money to fight muscular dystrophy and polio.

Montavilla Kiwanis Club meets Tuesdays at noon at Chinese Village, 520 S.E. 82nd Ave. Montavilla Kiwanis is part of a global organization of volunteers dedicated to improving the world, one child and one community at a time.

Northeast Rotary club meets Tuesdays at noon at Kings Omelets, 10711 N.E. Halsey St.

East Portland Chamber of Commerce
East Portland Chamber of Commerce (EPCC) brings small business tools and resources together at regular meetings and seminars. Join EPCC Happy Hour for a casual night of fun with chamber members and guests Thursday, June 1 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Fire+Stone, 3707 N.E. Fremont St. You’ll get a chance to see members who are not able to make morning meetings. Please invite employees, friends, family and potential new Chamber members. 21 and over only. The Chamber provides free appetizers.

Visit eastportlandchamberofcommerce.com to register and to view the group’s full schedule.

Midway Business Association meets the second Tuesday of each month at noon at Pizza Baron, 2604 S.E. 122nd Ave.
Gateway Area Business Association meets the second Thursday of each month from noon to 1 p.m. at El Indio Mexican Restaurant, 11114 N.E. Halsey St. Network with local business owners over lunch.

Parkrose Business Association meets the third Thursday of each month at 11:30 a.m. for its monthly membership luncheon at Holiday Inn—Portland Airport, 8439 N.E. Columbia Blvd. These luncheons offer business-to-business networking and a unified voice with city officials. To learn more, visit parkrosebusiness.org.

82nd Avenue of Roses Business Association meets the fourth Tuesday of the month (except August and December) from 8 to 9 a.m. at APANO (Asian Pacific American Network of Oregon), 2788 S.E. 82nd Ave.

GIVING BACK

Parent volunteers needed for can drive
Parkrose Bronco Boosters organize a monthly collection of refundable cans and bottles at Parkrose Middle School. This longtime fundraiser provides a major portion of PTO funding in support of scholarships, graduation parties, clubs and sports.

The group is looking for a couple volunteers to assist with this monthly effort. A different student group sorts the donations on the first Saturday of each month.

Organizers are looking for one or two individuals or a couple who would like to partner with the current coordinators to learn how to help manage the can drive. This is a great way for a parent, friend or relative to get involved and make a difference for students. The time commitment is a few hours each month.

Also needed is an individual or two who will tow the group’s 24-foot trailer and offload bags of plastic and aluminum cans and bottles at the commercial recycler. The bags are not heavy; all you do is set them on the loading dock. The delivery typically is done on a Tuesday or Wednesday morning following the drive and can be set up for 9:30 or 10:30 a.m. This typically takes one and a half hours. Volunteer to do it monthly or let the PTO know you’re available a few months out of the year.

To learn more or to sign up to volunteer, please call Patty Meighen at 503-333-3969.

FAITH and VALUES

Free vacation bible school if you sign up now
Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 8705 East Burnside St., vacation bible school is July 10 through 14 from 9 a.m. until noon. Kids from age 4 to the fifth grade are invited to register at hclcpdx.org or 503-254-8705. Registration is free is you sign up before June 26. After June 26, a fee of $5 per child will be assessed.

Register now for fall preschool classes
Gethsemane Lutheran Preschool is ready to register your 3 or 4-year-old child for the coming school year. Located at 11560 S.E. Market St. in the big pyramid church, Gethsemane Lutheran Preschool offers play-based classes that meet Monday through Thursday mornings.

Call Katie Strobel, preschool director, at 503-256-1835 to set up a tour or find the school on Facebook or at glcportland.org/preschool.

NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION MEETINGS

Wilkes Community Group general meeting: Tuesday, June 6 at 6:30 p.m. at St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church, 2101 N.E. 162nd Ave.

Argay Terrace Neighborhood Association board meeting: Tuesday, June 20 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Fire Station #2, 4800 N.E. 122nd Ave. Contact Chair Doug Cook at doug.cook12@gmail.com for more information.

Parkrose Neighborhood Association meeting: Tuesday, June 20 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Russellville Grange, 12105 N.E. Prescott St. Contact parkroseneighbors@gmail.com for more information.

Mill Park Neighborhood Association meeting: Monday, June 26 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Gethsemane Lutheran Church, 11560 S.E. Market St. Contact mill.park.pdx.chair@gmail.com for more information.

Parkrose Heights Association of Neighbors meeting: Tuesday, June 27 from 7 to 9 p.m. at Parkrose United Methodist Church, 11111 N.E. Knott St.  Contact Tom Badrick at tbadrick@aol.com for more information.

LIBRARIES

Gregory Heights Library, 7921 N.E. Sandy Blvd., 503-988-5123

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 beginning June 15 from 10:15 to 10:45 a.m.

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

Preschool Storytime: Storytime for children 3 to 6 years with adult. Fridays beginning June 16 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.

Family Storytime: Storytime for children newborn to 6 years with adult. Saturdays beginning June 17 from 10:15 to 10:45 a.m.

Read and Romp: Time for tiny tots from 12 to 24 months and their caregivers to read and play together. Tuesdays from 12:15 to 1:15 p.m.

FOR KIDS AND TEENS
HOMAGO: Hang Out with other middle schoolers in a safe space. Mess Around with games, crafts, quizzes, science experiments and more. Geek Out about your favorite books, movies, anime, manga and video games. HOMAGO! Fridays from 3 to 4:15 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 503-988-5123. Wednesday, June 28 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.

Language Exchange: Practice English or Spanish and help other learners in a friendly atmosphere. 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.

Vietnamese Language Exchange: Practice Vietnamese or English and help other learners in a friendly atmosphere. Participants speak half the time in English and half the time in Vietnamese. Beginners welcome. Saturday, June 3 from 2:30 to 4 p.m.

Pageturners Book Group: Read “Dispossessing the Wilderness: Indian Removal and the Making of the National Parks” by Mark David Spence. Engage in stimulating conversation about books. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library. Monday, June 19 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. 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-mail accounts and filling out online forms and applications. Wednesdays from 4 to 5:30 p.m.

Midland Library, 805 S.E. 122nd Ave., 503-988-5123

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 beginning June 19 from 11:30 a.m. to noon.

Tiny Tots: Storytime for children 12 to 24 months with adult. Tuesdays beginning June 13 from 10:15 to 10:45 a.m.

Toddler Storytime: Storytime for children 24 to 36 months with adult. Fridays beginning June 23 from 10:15 to 10:45 a.m.

Family Storytime: Storytime for children newborn to 6 years with adult. Fridays beginning June 23 from 11:15 to 11:45 a.m.

Preschool Storytime: Storytime for children 3 to 6 years with adult. Mondays beginning June 19 from 10:15 to 11 a.m.  and Tuesdays beginning June 20 from 11:15 a.m. to noon.

Black Storytime: The African and African American experience comes alive for children newborn to 6 years with adult and other family members. Saturday, June 17 from noon to 12:30 p.m.

Black Storytime with Food—Sharing Farming and Nutrition Knowledge: Read from fun picture books and participate in a gardening activity. Mudbone Grown will join as a special guest to discuss how to start a food garden and take care of it for the summer. A nutrition educator will also be available as a representative of OSU Extension Service SNAP-Ed program. The first 20 families will receive a starter kit to take home. Registration required; register online, in the library or by calling 503-988-5123. Saturday, June 24 from noon to 1 p.m.

Chinese Storytime: Storytime presented in Cantonese for children newborn to 6 years with adult and other family members. Saturdays from 2 to 2:45 p.m.

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

Russian Storytime: Storytime presented in Russian for children 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 levels and ages welcome. 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.

 FOR FAMILIES
Experience the World of Ghana: The performance begins with a solo dance, followed by drumming. Chata Addy shares the names of the different instruments, their functions in the music and how they are played. Members of the audience are invited to join Chata to drum and dance. Together you will create rhythms of joy to share with everyone.

Thursday, June 29 from 2 to 2:45 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 5 to 11 years. Monday, June 5 from 4 to 5 p.m.

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. E-mail karens@multco.us for more info. Mondays, June 5 from 4 to 5:30 p.m. and June 19 and 26 from 3 to 5 p.m.

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

English Classes: Free ESL classes. All levels welcome. Mondays and Fridays from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

Adult Literacy Tutoring: Drop in to work one-on-one with a tutor. Get help with reading, writing, math, English and the GED test. Tuesdays from 5 to 7 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. 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.

Laughter Therapy: We all have heard of the old saying, “Laughter is the best medicine.” Laughter has been shown to be stress-reducing, calm-inducing and joy-producing for people of all ages. Join artist and facilitator Stefano Iaboni for some much-needed relaxation and rejuvenation. When we laugh, we can increase our overall sense of well-being and improve our health, creativity and productivity. So, smile, laugh and live longer. Saturday, June 10 from 1 to 3 p.m.

Seed to Supper—Basic Vegetable Gardening: Learn low-cost ways to plan your growing space, choose your crops, care for your growing garden and harvest your bounty. Receive resources and other goodies as available. Open to adult participants living on a low income ($1,945/month or less). Registration required; register online, in the library or by calling 503-988-5123. Sunday, June 11 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Refugee Dreams Revisited: Starting with the fall of Saigon in April 1975, refugees from Vietnam awaited approval to move to the United States and other countries. By 1979, there were almost 62,000 Vietnamese people in refugee camps, with more than 140,000 people displaced from Cambodia and Laos. Portland was one of the medium-sized U.S. cities that dealt with the relatively sudden influx of every major ethnic group (Vietnamese, Lao, Hmong, Mein and Cambodian) from Southeast Asia. More than 25 former refugees were interviewed for the “Refugee Dreams Revisited” project, which was created for the Peabody award-wining series “Crossing East.” Join MediaRites for a special performance of “Refugee Dreams Revisited,” true local stories of sacrifice and resiliency, presented by our local Asian/Pacific Islander youth as they honor the historical struggle and preserve the stories of their elders in this powerful reading performance. For teens and adults. This program is made possible in part by PGE Foundation, Oregon Arts Commission and Multnomah County Cultural Coalition through the Oregon Cultural Trust. Saturday, June 17 from 4 to 5:30 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 Life We Bury” by Allen Eskens. Tuesday, June 20 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Read “The Girl You Left Behind” by Jojo Moyes. Wednesday, June 21 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.

Tech Help: Meet one-on-one for 30 minutes with a friendly, knowledgeable tech helper who will help you find answers to questions about mobile devices, websites, downloading, e-readers, getting started with tech and more. If you need help with a smartphone, iPad or tablet, please bring it with you, along with your log-in username and password, or help may not be available. Registration required; register online, in the library or by calling 503-988-5123. Fridays from 3 to 4:30 p.m.

E-books and Audiobooks—Hands-On Help: Bring your device and drop in for one-on-one help. Registration required; register online, in the library or by calling 503-988-5123. Fridays from 3 to 4:30 p.m.

Internet Basics: This class is an introduction to using the internet on computers. Registration required; register online, in the library or by calling 503-988-5123. Tuesday, June 6 from 2 to 4 p.m.