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FEATURE ARTICLES
Festival of Lights marks 25 years of Christmas joy
Hazelwood Plaza review continues
Work starts on Glisan Commons
Fall school activities round up
Laotians seek community center
Church finds home, takes in homeless

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The Memo Calendar is your vehicle to publicize community events. Let your mid-Multnomah County neighbors know about events of interest, meetings, fundraisers and the like. Calendar submissions for the January issue are due Saturday, 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. The Mid-county Memo fax number is 503-249-7672.

EVENTS, ACTIVITIES and CELEBRATIONS
Family Fun Festival
Fir Ridge Campus, 11215 S.E. Market St. hosts its 3rd annual Family Fun Festival Tuesday, Dec. 11 from 3 to 7:30 p.m. There will be music, art, a multicultural potluck, and numerous workshops including a low income tax clinic, healthy eating on a budget and more. This free event will also include holiday crafting, prizes and childcare. For more information, please call Christi Rivera at 503-256-6530.

Student projects will be on display
The ACE Academy Holiday Open House is Friday, Dec. 14 from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. ACE Academy is housed within the Pacific Northwest Carpenters Institute, located at 4222 N.E. 158th Ave.
COURTESY ACE ACADEMY
Plan to attend the ACE Academy Holiday Open House Friday, Dec. 14 from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. ACE Academy is at 4222 N.E. 158th Ave., within the Pacific Northwest Carpenters Institute.

This event highlights students' fine work. On display will be custom-designed gingerbread houses (take one home through the silent auction fundraiser), hand-finished mantles ready for stockings, and a robot challenge.

The OBC Academy for Architecture, Construction, and Engineering (ACE) is a tuition-free charter high school sponsored by the Oregon Building Congress in partnership with Centennial, Gresham-Barlow, Parkrose, and Reynolds School Districts. ACE opened in the fall of 2008. ACE is a shared-time program for eleventh and twelfth grade students. Its student body is comprised of learners from the sponsoring school districts, neighboring high schools, and home schools. ACE offers a math, science, English, and technical skills curriculum in the design-build industry delivered in an integrated, hands-on setting. Industry partnerships are integral to students' experiences at ACE. For more information on ACE Academy, including a photo gallery, please visit www.acecharterschool.org.

FUNDRAISERS
Choir grads support music in schools
Michael Allen Harrison, Parkrose alum and patron, performs Saturday, Dec. 8 at 2 p.m. in the PHS Theater at his annual Back Home concert. Harrison donates proceeds to the Parkrose High choir.
COURTESY MICHAEL ALLEN HARRISON
The annual Back Home concert featuring Michael Allen Harrison in support of Parkrose High choirs is Saturday, Dec. 8 at 2 p.m. in the PHS Theater. Parkrose choir alumni are encouraged to join Harrison, himself a PHS graduate, to keep music alive in Parkrose schools. Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for all students and seniors age 60 and over.

CLUBS and ORGANIZATIONS
Russellville Kiwanis
Join this service club at regular weekly meetings at The Refectory, 1618 N.E. 122nd Ave., on Tuesdays from 11:45 a.m. until 1 p.m. New members are always welcome.

Russellville Kiwanis will not meet on Christmas or New Years Day, but will resume its schedule Jan. 8.

Gardeners share meal and gifts
The annual Villa Garden Club Christmas potluck luncheon is Thursday, Dec. 13, beginning at 10:30 a.m. at Savage Memorial Presbyterian Church, 1740 S.E. 139th Ave, and you are invited. There will be a bow making demonstration after lunch and a white elephant gift exchange. Canned goods will also be collected for the club's Christmas family. Join the fun and learn more about Villa Garden Club. Please call Velda Altig at 503-252-7423 for more information.

BAZAARS and CRAFT FAIRS
Mt. Hood Community College
Among the items to be discovered at the MHCC Scrooge Lives Holiday Craft Sale are these fused glass plates.
COURTESY MHCC
It's time to go shopping for those special folks on your holiday list-or maybe even for you!

MHCC will hold the 43rd annual Scrooge Lives Holiday Craft Sale Dec. 4 (10 a.m. to 6 p.m.) and Dec. 5 (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.) in the Gresham campus Student Union, 26000 S.E. Stark St. Shawn Schlogel, an MHCC graduate, will play holiday tunes in a solo piano performance from noon to 1 p.m., both days.

Nearly 50 vendors will be on hand this year-up from the usual 35-38 vendors. They include a couple of octogenarians-one creates exquisite hand-turned bowls and the other creates charming birdhouses and squirrel feeders. Numerous vendors will offer green products, such as bamboo clothing and jewelry from recycled materials. Personalized children's books, musical instruments, original artwork and many other items will also be available.

Leach Botanical Garden
Holiday Bazaar and Artist Market, 6704 SE 122nd Ave., is Friday and Saturday, Dec. 7 and 8 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Fresh-made wreaths, swags, centerpieces and cut greens along with handcrafted gifts by local artists.

Midway Christian Church
The 11th annual Holiday Bazaar is at 2546 S.E. 131st Ave., Friday and Saturday, Dec. 7 and 8 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Handcrafted candles, quilts, jewelry, baby items. A country kitchen will serve lunch.

Margaret Scott Elementary
The Margaret Scott Elementary Holiday Bazaar is Saturday, Dec. 8, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 14700 N.E. Sacramento St. This event is full of great gift ideas just in time for the holiday season.

Wilkes Elementary
The Wilkes Elementary Holiday Bazaar is Saturday, Dec. 8, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 17020 N.E. Wilkes Road. Get your holiday shopping done early.

Madison High Athletics Boosters and PTSA
The Madison High Winter Bazaar is Saturday, Dec. 15 from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. at 2735 N.E. 82nd Ave., browse handcrafted gifts by local vendors. Bring non-perishable food items for the Madison High Food Pantry.

GIVING BACK
Kiwanis presents opportunities for service
Members of the Russellville Kiwanis Club have a full slate of volunteer activities lined up this month. New volunteers are needed, so contact Charlie Ross at 503-252-1570 or candgross1@comcast.net to get on the schedule. This will help organizers manage the work force.

Sign up to pack food boxes at SnowCap Community Charities Thursday, Dec. 6 from 5 to 7 p.m. or help deliver food boxes to elderly clients on Saturday, Dec. 22 beginning at 10 a.m. On Wednesday, Dec. 12 you can help refurbish children's books at the Portland Children's Book Bank from 1 to 3 p.m.

Gather new hats, mittens, socks and scarves
St. Matthew's Episcopal Church, 11229 N.E. Prescott St., will accept your donations of hats, mittens, and scarves for children who attend the Community Transitional School through Dec. 9. The church is also accepting donations of small stuffed animals through Christmas Day for the children assisted by the Trauma Intervention Program.

Canned food drive at DDHS
David Douglas High School Student Council is collecting canned foods now through Friday, Dec. 14 to fill the on- campus Celtic Heart pantry, and in support of the SUN Program and SnowCap Community Charities. Please deliver cans to the DDHS North Office, 1001 N.E. 135th Ave., or Room 117 from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

'Tis the season
The Parkrose High School Season of Sharing campaign is underway. Visit the Giving Tree in the main office during school hours for gift ideas or simply drop by with your donation of non-perishable foods or grocery store gift cards by Friday, Dec. 14. Collected items will be distributed to PHS students and their families this holiday season.

If you know of a family that needs assistance, contact Assistant Principal Melissa Baran at 503-408-2656 or melissa_baran@parkrose.k12.or.us.

Parkrose High is located at 12003 N.E. Shaver St.

Neighbors helping neighbors
The 8th annual Shaver Elementary SUN School Helping Hands Food & Gift Drive is underway. Food and toys, books, and clothes are provided to any Parkrose family that could use the added support during the holidays. The project began as a way to support Shaver families whose children normally receive their meals at school, so they would have an adequate food supply for the two-week winter break. Since then, the program has expanded to include any referred Parkrose School District family. The drive would not exist without the generous donations from this community. Please drop donations in bins at any of these locations:

• Shaver Elementary, 3701 N.E. 131st Place
• Wooden Chicken Pub, 12500 N.E. Sandy Blvd.
• Uncle Vinnie's, 12424 N.E. Sandy Blvd.
• The Refectory Restaurant, 1618 N.E. 122nd Ave.
• Les Schwab Tires, 12110 N.E. Erin Way

Among the items needed are peanut butter, canned tuna or chicken, cereal, shelf stable juice, canned fruit, gift wrap and gift bags, unopened and unwrapped toys and cash donations to purchase perishable food.

If you have any questions, please contact Helen Vank or Amanda Hart at 503-705-1870 or helenv@metfamily.org or amandah@metfamily.org.

For busy people only
If you care about kids and are already busy, this is a perfect opportunity for you. Studies show busy people are more organized and always get the job done. Join the David Douglas Educational Foundation, a non-profit volunteer organization supporting the needs of David Douglas students through the Kids Fund, teacher grants and scholarships. The group meets the 4th Tuesday of the month (except December and July) at 7 p.m. in the district office, 1500 S.E. 130th Ave. For more information, please contact Beverly Fischer, DDEF president at 503-255-1149.

THE ARTS
Music is in the air this month
Parkrose High School music students are busy this season. The winter band concert is Thursday, Dec. 6 at 7 p.m. The winter choral concert follows a week later Thursday, Dec. 13, also at 7 p.m. Both concerts will be in the PHS Theater. Admission is free.

Parkrose choirs will perform at The Grotto Festival of Lights, Monday, Dec. 17. General admission tickets are $9, seniors 65 and older are $8, and children 3 to 12 years of age are $4. Children 2 and under are free. Festival visitors are asked to bring canned or dry food to benefit SnowCap Community Charities, east county's Church Community Action Program, an affiliate of the Oregon Food Bank. Visitors wishing to hear a specific concert should arrive 45 to 60 minutes prior to the scheduled concert time. The Grotto is located at Northeast 85th Avenue and Sandy Boulevard.

Christmas concert
The East County Community Orchestra Christmas concert is Friday, Dec. 7 at 7:30 p.m. at David Douglas High School Horner Performing Arts Center, 1400 S.E. 130th Ave. This concert is free. Cookies, juice and coffee will be served at intermission. Learn more at portlandmetroband.org.

Portland Chamber Music holiday concert
The Portland Chamber Music ensemble returns to St. Matthew's Episcopal Church, 11229 N.E. Prescott St., for its annual holiday concert Friday, Dec. 14 at 7 p.m. This hour long, family-friendly concert will include contemporary and classical holiday music with piano, clarinet, and cello as well as community singing. This concert is free but donations will be gratefully accepted. Refreshments will be served.

SENIOR RESOURCES
Organize your thoughts and memories
The Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization Senior Writing Group, meets Tuesdays Dec. 11 and 18 from 10:15 to 11:45 a.m. at East Portland Community Center, 740 S.E. 106th Ave. Use this time to write your life story, catch up on journal writing, or complete the book, fiction or non-fiction, that is inside you waiting to be released. Workshops are led by a published writer. For more information, call IRCO Senior Services at 503-988-6073.

Get help with legal issues
The Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization Senior Law Project is Friday afternoons at East Portland Community Center, 740 S.E. 106th Ave. The Senior Law Project offers seniors the opportunity to get free legal advice from volunteer attorneys in 30-minute sessions. Seniors aged 60 or over or those married to a senior aged 60 or over, who are residents of Multnomah County or have legal issues in Multnomah County, and who are U.S. citizens or legal residents, are eligible for this program.

Certain exceptions for domestic violence victims apply. To make an appointment contact Leslie or Rachel at 503-988-6073.

HEALTH and WELLNESS
Regular screening for peace of mind
The Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization provides free blood pressure screenings the first and third Mondays of each month from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at East Portland Community Center, 740 S.E. 106th Ave. In December, the dates are the 3rd and 17th. No appointment necessary.

Free help with diabetes
The Immigrant and Refugee Community Association Diabetes Support Group for seniors age 60 and over meets the first and third Mondays of each month. The group next meets Dec. 3 and 17 from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at East Portland Community Center, 740 S.E. 106th Ave. These free meetings are led by a registered nurse. To learn more, call IRCO Senior Services at 503-988-6073.

Get free assistance with health insurance and Medicare questions
The Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance Program has trained volunteers on hand every Wednesday from 9 a.m. until noon at East Portland Community Center, 740 S.E. 106th Ave., to help people with Medicare make health insurance decisions.

SHIBA volunteers can help you select a Medicare prescription drug plan, find out if you're receiving all possible benefits, compare supplemental health insurance policies, evaluate your need for long-term care insurance and help you file an appeal or insurance complaint.

For appointments contact Leslie or Rachel at 503-988-6073.

Pedicures…ooooh, la, la
The Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization Foot Care Clinic is the second and fourth Thursdays of each month at East Portland Community Center, 740 S.E. 106th Ave. Clinic services include a foot soak, toenail trim and file, foot massage, sanding and smoothing of calluses and corns, and reduction of thick fungal nails. For appointments and more information please call Leslie or Rachel at 503-988-6073.

FAITH and VALUES
Sing in the season
Organist Paul Quarino leads the Rivercrest Community Church annual Christmas Sing-Along Sunday, Dec. 9 at 2 p.m.
Mid-county Memo photo/Tim Curran
Join members of Rivercrest Community Church, 3201 N.E. 148th Ave., for its annual Christmas Sing-Along with organist Paul Quarino Sunday, Dec. 9 at 2 p.m. Admission is free and refreshments will be served.

Advent carol service
Celebrate the Season of Advent at Tabor Heights United Methodist Church, 6161 S.E. Stark St., Sunday, Dec. 9, at 4 p.m. Enjoy Advent and Christmas carols with readings, brass ensemble, hand bells, choir, harp, organ, and singing by the audience. The service includes the music of Bach, Brahms, Manz, and more. A free-will offering will be accepted.

For more information, call 503-232-8500 or visit www.taborheightschurch.org.

Candlelight Christmas Eve service
Tabor Heights United Methodist, 6161 S.E. Stark St., offers a traditional Christmas Eve service to the community at 11 p.m. on Dec. 24. The service will feature hand bells, choral works, congregational participation and pipe organ.

For more information call 503-232-8500 or visit www.taborheightschurch.org.

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.

Tiny Tots: Storytime for children 12 to 24 months with adult. Thursday, Dec. 6 from 10:15 to 10:45 a.m.

Book Babies: Storytime for children newborn to 12 months with adult. Thursday, Dec. 6 from 11:15 to 11:45 a.m.

Toddler Storytime: Storytime for children 24 to 36 months with adult. Friday, Dec. 7 from 10:15 to 10:45 a.m.

Preschool Storytime: Storytime for children 3 to 6 years with adult. Friday, Dec. 7 from 11:15 to 11:45 a.m.

Family Storytime: Storytime for children 6 years and younger with adult. Saturdays through Dec. 8 from 11:15 to 11:45 a.m.

The Snowflake Man: Do you know what a snowflake looks like? This puppet performance is inspired by Wilson “Snowflake” Bentley, a farmer and scientist who in 1885 was the first person to capture the image of a single snow crystal. Sarah Frechette, of Puppetkabob, performs Bentley's fascinating story using a unique trunk show of marionettes and props. Saturday, Dec. 1 from 3 to 4 p.m.

Teen Lounge and Homework Center: Use library computers, get homework help, or just do your homework and listen to music. Tuesdays from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m., except Dec. 25.

Teen Council: Meet new friends, learn new skills, help the library, eat snacks and have fun. Teen Council members work with library staff to make the library teen-friendly. Tuesday, Dec. 11 from 4:30 to 5:45 p.m.

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., except Dec. 25.

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. There will be time for conversation in both languages. Saturdays from 3 to 4:30 p.m.

Pageturners Book Group: Read “Kim” by Rudyard Kipling. Engage in stimulating conversation about books, exchange perspectives about characters and plot, and get to know your neighbors. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library. Wednesday, Dec. 19 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Vietnamese Computer Lab: Lab assistants are available to help beginners practice their computer skills. 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.

Book Babies: Storytime for children newborn to 12 months with adult. Tuesdays through Dec. 18 from 11:15 a.m. to noon.

Tiny Tots: Storytime for children 12 to 24 months with adult. Wednesdays through Dec. 19 from 10:15 to 11 a.m. and Fridays through Dec. 21 from 10:15 to 11 a.m.

Toddler Storytime: Storytime for children 24 to 36 months with adult. Wednesdays through Dec. 19 from 11:15 to 11:45 a.m. and Fridays through Dec. 21 from 11:15 to 11:45 a.m.

Preschool Storytime: Storytime for children 3 to 6 years with adult. Thursdays through Dec. 20 from 11:15 a.m. to noon.

Pajama Time: Put on your pajamas, grab a bedtime buddy, and join staff for stories, songs and fun. For children of all ages with an adult. Thursdays through Dec. 20 from 7 to 7:30 p.m.

Family Storytime: Storytime for children newborn to 6 years with adult. Sundays through Dec. 23 from 1 to 1:30 p.m.

Black Storytime: The African and African American experience comes alive for children from birth to age 6 with a favorite adult and family members. Saturdays through Dec. 22 from 11:30 a.m. to noon.

Chinese Storytime: Storytime presented in Cantonese for children ages newborn to 6 years with adult. Saturdays from 10:15 to 11 a.m.

Yarn Club: Whether your interest is knitting or crocheting, come join the fun and learn together. All experience levels and ages welcome. Please bring your own supplies. Thursdays from 4 to 6 p.m.

The Reluctant Dragon: The cowardly knight, Sir Cans-O-Lot, must prove his knighthood to the village, while the fearsome dragon needs to show everyone that he is actually nice. Together they come up with a plan to have a fake battle in order to trick the village into thinking that the knight has heroically tamed the dragon. Join Dragon Theater to see what happens in this entertaining puppet show. Thursday, Dec. 27 from 2 to 2:45 p.m.

Teen Lounge and Homework Center: Use library computers, get homework help, or just do your homework and listen to music. Tuesdays from 3 to 5 p.m., except Dec. 25.

Chess Club for Children and Teens: Have fun playing chess. Beginning, intermediate and advanced players are welcome. Bring your own set or use one belonging to the library. Saturdays from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.

Teen Council: Meet new friends, learn new skills, help the library, eat snacks and have fun. Wednesdays, Dec. 5 and 19 from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.

Tween Book Club: The Tween Book Club is a book group for 5th-8th graders. Discuss a different book each month and participate in fun activities. Call for titles. Free food. Tuesday, Dec. 18 from 4 to 5 p.m.

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

Talk Time: Talk Time is an informal conversation circle for non-native speakers to practice speaking English. This is not a class, but an opportunity to meet new people, share your culture, and have fun. Only English will be spoken. Saturdays from 3:30 to 5 p.m.

Choosing an E-reader: Electronic books are the 'it' gadget of the year. But how do you know which e-book reader is right for you? Let staff help you learn about the many devices that are available. Made possible in part by The Library Foundation. Registration is required. Register online, in the library or by calling 503-988-5234. Wednesdays Dec. 5 and 12 from 2 to 3:30 p.m.

Think About the Future-Long-term Care: Everyone enjoys planning a summer vacation or a shopping trip around the holidays, but most of us don't like to think about an expensive nursing home stay. At this seminar, provided by COUNTRY® Financial, you will gain an increased awareness of how long-term care will affect your life and retirement plans. You'll learn various aspects of long-term care, including a definition, what your personal odds of needing care are, and how LTC may affect you and your family. Attendees will discover what options for care are available and ways to fund LTC, including insurance. The presenters will also discuss the common benefits provided and riders on LTC insurance policies and the tax benefits of having LTC. Saturday, Dec. 8 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.

Pageturners Book Groups: Engage in stimulating conversation about books and get to know your neighbors. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library. Read “The Complete Maus” by Art Spiegelman for discussion on Tuesday, Dec. 11 from 6:45 to 7:45 p.m. Or read “Cutting for Stone” by Abraham Verghese for discussion on Wednesday, Dec. 19 from 1 to 2:15 p.m.

The Magic of Children's Literature: Learn how to choose the right books for your kids, and how to share those books in fun and interesting ways. For childcare providers who work or live in Multnomah County. Please find other arrangements for children; this is an adults-only workshop. Registration is required. Register online, in the library or by calling 503-988-5234. Thursday, Dec. 13 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Is this thing on? Get help with Library2Go: Is there an e-book reader gathering dust in your closet because you're not sure how to get started? Are you dying to try out the library's downloadable audio books but don't know how to transfer the files? Library staff is here for you. Drop in for one-on-one help using Library2Go. Please bring your device and any other equipment you need to download and/or transfer to your device, such as a laptop and cord (for NOOK, Sony Reader, etc.). Made possible in part by The Library Foundation. Friday, Dec. 28 from 2 to 4:30 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 29 from 10:30 a.m. to noon

Computer Lab: Lab assistants are available to help beginners practice their computer skills. Tuesdays from 5 to 7:30 p.m., except Dec. 25, and Fridays from 2 to 4:30 p.m.

Vietnamese Computer Basics: Learn how to use the library catalog, email, surf the web, word processing, and other basic computer skills. Registration is required; call 503-988-5392 for more information. Saturday, Dec. 1 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Mandarin Computer Basics: Learn basic computer terms, how to use a keyboard and mouse, and surf the web. Registration is required; call 503-988-5392 for more information. Sunday, Dec. 2 from 2 to 4:30 p.m.
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