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MEMO BLOG | |
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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 February issue are due Tuesday, Jan. 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
Weatherization workshops in mid-county
In this free workshop offered by the Community Energy Project, participants learn how to install basic weatherization materials with simple tools like a hammer and screwdriver. This is a great option for renters and homeowners alike. Qualified participants receive a free kit of conservation supplies worth over $100.
Sign up now for workshops at Earl Boyles SUN School, 10822 S.E. Bush St., Wednesday, Jan. 9 from 6 to 8 p.m. or Saturday, Jan. 12 from 10 a.m. until noon at St. Matthew's Episcopal Church, 11229 N.E. Prescott St.
Visit www.communityenergyproject.org for more information. To register call 503-284-6827 ext. 108 or email energy@communityenergyproject.org
Sign up for baseball
David Douglas baseball sign-ups will be held on Saturday, Jan. 12 and 19, and Feb. 9 at Pizza Baron on Southeast 122nd Avenue and Division Street from 2 to 4 p.m. Skill assessment days and times will be available at a later date. Practice for all ages, days and times will also be announced at a later date for this spring activity.
Baseball fees are $50 for kids ages 5 to 8, $75 for 9 and 10 year olds and $110 for those ages 11 to 14. (Use the age your child will be as of July 31 of this year.) There is a family maximum of $175. For more information, please visit www.daviddouglasbaseball.com.
MHCC to host summer jobs and career fair
The Mt. Hood Community College Career Planning and Counseling Center is hosting its seventh annual Summer Jobs Career Fair, Tuesday, Jan. 15, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. in the Student Union at 26000 S.E. Stark St. in Gresham.
This year, the CPCC is partnering with MHCC's Project YESS program to offer a Natural Resources Career Exploration Fair concurrently from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., upstairs from the Student Union in the Jazz Café. Parking on all MHCC campuses is free, all days, all times.
The Summer Jobs Career Fair offers students, alumni and community members the opportunity to meet with employers who are hiring for great summer, seasonal positions, as well as for ongoing opportunities. Some of the employers scheduled to attend include City of Gresham Parks, MHCC Aquatic Center, Metro regional government, Princess Tours and KOIN 6 Television. The Natural Resources Career Exploration Fair will include the U.S. Forest Service, the Bureau of Land Management, Metro regional government, MHCC Natural Resources program and others.
For more information on the Summer Jobs Career Fair or Natural Resources Career Exploration Fair, please visit mhcc.edu/careercenter or call Bhaktirose Dawdy, career and academic group advising coordinator, at 503-491-7526 or email her at bhaktirose.dawdy@mhcc.edu.
People requiring accommodations due to a disability should contact the disability services office at 503-491-6923 or 503-491-7670 (TDD). Please call at least two weeks prior to the event.
Groundwater 101 workshop
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| Learn about our groundwater like these folks did at a recent Groundwater 101 workshop. COURTESY COLUMBIA SLOUGH WATERSHED COUNCIL |
The workshop will be held on Northeast Airport Way. Directions will be supplied after registration.
For more information and to register contact Penny Beckwith, outreach director at penny.beckwith@columbiaslough.org or 503-281-1132.
REUNIONS
PHS class of 1969
The Parkrose High class of 1969 meets for lunch on the second Wednesday of each month. A new location is chosen monthly. On Wednesday, Jan. 9, classmates now living on the west side of town will have an easy trek to Big Al's in Beaverton at 14950 S.W. Barrows Rd. The fun begins at 12:30 p.m. and will likely last a couple of hours. This is a no host event. No reservations are needed, simply show up and join the party. Watch for postings on the Parkrose Class of 69 Facebook page and the Parkrose High Alumni Association Facebook page.
FUNDRAISERS
Turn your celebrations into a donation
The parties are over, but the cleanup goes on. Load all those refundable bottles and cans you emptied over the holidays into your vehicle and make your way down to Parkrose Middle School, 11800 N.E. Shaver St., Saturday, Jan. 5 between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. PopCan Patty and her band of merry helpers will take them off your hands and thank you for your generous donation to the Parkrose Boosters.
Recycle your Christmas tree
The David Douglas Dads Club annual Christmas tree recycling event is Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 5 and 6 from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. in the south high school auto shop parking lot at Southeast 130th Avenue and Market St. If you live within the David Douglas School District, you can call 503-660-3076 or e-mail daviddouglasdadsclub@gmail.com to arrange for a pick up. The cost is $5 per tree, pick up or delivery. All proceeds go to student activities and scholarships.
Choir Fest supports homeless families
The 11th annual Epiphany Choir Fest, a benefit for the Human Solutions Homeless Families Program, will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 6, at Rose City Park United Methodist Church, 5830 N.E. Alameda St.
Admission is free and open to the public. A free-will offering will take place for Human Solutions' emergency Daybreak Shelter and other services for homeless families. In honor of Human Solutions' 25th anniversary, Pacific Power will match the first $1,500 in donations received at the event.
As in years past, local church choirs and community choirs will sing traditional Christmas anthems and carols and combine to perform the “Hallelujah Chorus” from Handel's “Messiah”. Participating churches include those from a network of faith organizations that contribute time and resources to the Daybreak Shelter, a year-round, 15-bed facility located in the basement of Peace Church of the Brethren, and Family Winter Shelter, a seasonal 80-bed facility that provides overnight shelter to homeless families at Parkrose Community United Church of Christ.
Donations collected at the Epiphany Choir Fest will not only provide emergency shelter, but will help Human Solutions purchase food and other essentials for homeless families during the rainy winter months. Human Solutions is seeing record demand for emergency shelter and other services, and relies on the community to help sustain critical programs that help homeless families permanently overcome their homelessness and attain self-sufficiency. On any given night, Human Solutions shelters or houses more than 770 homeless people including 240 homeless families.
Human Solutions builds pathways out of poverty by promoting self-sufficiency for homeless and low-income families and individuals in East Portland and East Multnomah County. The agency's four key program areas are homelessness prevention, affordable housing, employment and economic development, and safety net services such as rent and utility assistance. For more information, visit www.humansolutions.org.
Donate books, buy new titles
The third annual Madison Library Book Sale will be held in the school cafeteria, 2735 N.E. 82nd Ave., Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 26 and 27 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Find fantastic bargains on books from every genre-fiction, history and children's books- as well as DVDs. On Saturday, hardback books sell for $2, paperbacks, children's books and DVDs for 50 cents, and oversized books for $3. On Sunday, everything is half price, but don't expect the best titles to be around. All proceeds go to buy new books for the library.
Call the office at 503-916-5220 for more information or to donate books.
Annual fundraiser approaches
The annual 11th annual Valentine fundraiser in support of SnowCap Community Charities is Saturday, Feb. 9 at the Holiday Inn-Portland Airport, 8439 N.E. Columbia Blvd. The evening begins with a silent auction at 5 p.m., followed by dinner at 7 p.m. The popular oral auction follows the meal. Tickets can be purchased at snowcap.org and are $60 per person if purchased before Jan. 15.
Auction donations are also being accepted. Call SnowCap at 503-674-8785, ext. 17 or email dolores@snocap.org to arrange a donation or purchase tickets.
Save this date
The annual Parkrose Educational Foundation dinner and auction is Saturday, April 27 at the Holiday Inn-Portland Airport. The theme is Denim and Diamonds, so while you are contemplating which tiara goes with which denim jacket, pop on over to the Foundation website, parkroseedfdn.org, to purchase your tickets now.
If you would like to donate a vacation home, gift card or themed basket to the auction, send a note to predfdn@gmail.com and a board member will get back to you promptly.
Slough Celebration
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| These are the 2011 Columbia Slough Watershed Council award recipients. Attend the annual Slough Celebration on Feb. 8 to learn who will be recognized this year. COURTESY KENNY MACDONALD/RECORDED HISTORY |
For more information and to register contact Penny Beckwith, outreach director at penny.beckwith@columbiaslough.org or 503-281-1132.
CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS
Active service club wants you
The members of the Russellville Kiwanis Club had a busy month of December. They volunteered at SnowCap on the first Thursday of the month preparing bags of oatmeal and chocolate chips and making up food bags to be distributed to families. This is a typical activity every first Thursday and you are invited to join them. On Dec. 22 club members helped deliver SnowCap Christmas food boxes to seniors and started working on a Valentine Basket they will donate to the SnowCap auction in February.
Club members also put in a few hours at the Portland Children's Book Bank on Northeast Glisan St., where they helped refurbish used children's books to be given to Head-Start students and low-income children in the area. They do this work on the second Wednesday of each month and could use your help.
Other groups that Russellville Kiwanis supports are the Mt. Hood Kiwanis Camp for Disabled Children & Youth, Ronald McDonald House, DayBreak Family Shelter, and Shepherd's Door Women's Shelter.
The club meets every Tuesday from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. at The Refectory Restaurant, 1618 N.E. 122nd Ave. You are invited to stop by any Tuesday to learn more. Contact Charlie Ross at 503-252-1570 or candgross1@comcast.net to volunteer for any of these programs.
Planting the seeds of change
The Portland Police Bureau is involved in a pilot program, in conjunction with the Oregon National Guard, to train Bangladeshi police officers in the theory and practice of Community Policing. This program is unique in the U.S. and is being considered as a model for other law enforcement agencies throughout the country.
Captain Chris Uehara has returned from his fourth trip to Bangladesh. He will speak about the challenges and successes of this program at the next East Precinct Involved Citizen meeting Wednesday, Jan. 23 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the East Precinct Community Room, at 737 S.E. 106th Ave.
Uehara will share pictures and videos of life in Bangladesh. He will speak about the values that the Portland Police Bureau have brought to the Bangladeshi people, and the insights that the police have gained through their presence in this third-world country.
Please bring a friend or neighbor who is interested in supporting safe, livable neighborhoods. For additional information please contact Dave Smith at dave.smith@portlandoregon.gov.
Consider fast growing bamboo
Learn to differentiate between clumping and running bamboo at the Villa Garden Club meeting Thursday, Jan. 24 at Savage Memorial Presbyterian Church, 1740 S.E. 139th Ave., beginning at 10:30 a.m. Noted bamboo guru Ian Connor will demystify these useful ornamental garden grasses. Coffee and dessert will be served. Please call Velda Altig at 503-252-7423 for more information.
GIVING BACK
Become a volunteer coach
The David Douglas Community Sports Program would not be possible without adults who are willing to volunteer as coaches. Coaches are currently needed for girls basketball. Each coach must pass a criminal history background check and attend a free coaching clinic. A registration fee discount is offered to the coach's player; some conditions apply. For more information, please contact the building coordinator at your child's school, or call David at 503-261-8210.
Step up for all David Douglas students
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 fourth 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
Concerts to connect cultures
Mt. Hood Community College's First Thursday event will continue this year with some great music for students, MHCC employees and the general public.
All concerts are free, have an emphasis on cultural diversity and are held in the Student Union from noon to 1 p.m. Mary Burlingame, office assistant in the Student Union, started First Thursday in October 2011 to expose people to live music, especially those who only listen to electronic sounds emitted from ear buds or speakers.
“Communication through music is our goal, and music is the best way to connect cultures together, for it is one thing everybody has in common,” says Burlingame.
Janice Scroggins' gospel group will perform on Jan. 10. The Grammy-nominated singer brings her long-established gospel sound with a group that includes MHCC employee Arietta Ward.
MHCC is located at 26000 S.E. Stark St. in Gresham. Parking at MHCC is free, all days, all times.
Paint your pet
Kellee Beaudry is the guest instructor at Portland Fine Arts guild classes this month. The classes are Monday, Jan. 7, 14 and 21 at Russellville Grange, 12105 N.E. Prescott St., from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.
Beaudry employs vivid color and bold brush strokes when creating pet portraits. The emphasis in these classes will be on using impressionistic style and nontraditional color and composition elements to develop your own pet portrait or animal painting.
Bring supplies for your art medium-acrylic, oil, watercolor, pastel, etc. Beaudry suggests a larger support, or easel; she likes to work large. Also bring a sketchpad and the drawing tools you prefer-pen, pencil, brush, graphite, charcoal, etc.- and three to five animal images you would like to work from, preferably 8x10 in size. You may also bring a painting of any subject from your body of work.
Beaudry will be teaching in acrylic, but you are welcome to work in any medium that you chose. If you will be working in oil, please know that turpentine is not allowed.
Classes are $12 for guild members, $15 for non-members.
There is plenty of free parking at the Grange Hall. Bring your lunch or there are several fast food restaurants within walking distance. Light refreshments are available for a small donation.
Take the family to this free concert
The Portland Metro Concert Band will perform its winter concert at the Horner Performing Arts Center, 1400 S.E. 130th Ave., Friday, Jan. 18 at 7:30 p.m. Enjoy music from West Side Story, the television show Glee, and a medley of show tunes, as well as Hadrian's Wall by Robert Smith and works by Norman Leyden, Leonard Bernstein, Stephen Sondheim and Frank Cofield. The whole family will enjoy this lively presentation. The concert is free.
The music is magic
Rockwoodstock is the brainchild of Doug “Spud” Henderson. In its second year, this tribute to live, local music is set for Saturday, Jan. 19 at Park Place Coffee, 1288 S.E. 182nd Ave.
The show begins at 5:30 p.m. with a one-hour open mic session. At 6:40, local troubadour Richard Arthur takes the stage to share his original compositions.
At 7:40 Night Folk will perform contemporary folk music. While they will cover the occasional John Prine tune, Night Folk relies heavily on band mate Rich Waggoner's compositions. Waggoner's acoustic musings draw heavily on his Parkrose background. He, along with Night Folk members Doug Henderson and Jerry Towell, as well as Richard Arthur, is a Parkrose High alum.
The evening concludes with The Tummybuckles, a small creative ensemble that performs compelling original music.
Park Place Coffee offers a cozy and comfortable setting for hanging out and listening to great music. Park Place Coffee specializes in coffee drinks and crepes. Beer and wine are also available. There is no cover charge for this event.
A salute to veterans and Broadway
Join the Parkrose High choirs and an instrumental ensemble as they perform Broadway show tunes, Wednesday and Thursday, Jan. 23 and 24 at 7 p.m. in the PHS Theatre, 12003 N.E. Shaver St.
All veterans will be admitted free and all branches of the US Armed Forces receive a musical salute.
Admission for all others is $5 per person. Proceeds from the Wednesday performance will benefit the Parkrose Middle School Sparrow program. The Thursday night performance is a benefit for PHS music programs.
EDUCATION
MHCC adds courses at Maywood Park Campus
For student convenience, Mt. Hood Community College is scheduling introductory math and writing classes Monday and Wednesday afternoons at its Maywood Park Campus, 10100 N.E. Prescott St.
“This plan is ideal for many students, especially those who live in the Parkrose area and east side of Portland,” says Eric Tschuy, dean of humanities at MHCC. The Maywood Park Campus offers a library, study area, free use of computers, free parking and a place to purchase textbooks. Maywood Park is served by TriMet busses 71 and 87.
Winter term begins Jan. 7. To register for classes at the Maywood Park Campus, and for all other classes at MHCC, please visit mhcc.edu/schedule. For more information, please call 503-491-7393.
Explore area Christian schools
If you are searching for a Christian school for your preschool to high school student, attend the Christian Schooling Fair, Saturday, Jan. 12 from 10 a.m. until noon at Midland Branch Library, 805 S.E. 122nd Ave. Representatives from 10 local Christian schools will be there to share information and discuss your options with you.
Explore programs offered by Children's Valley, Columbia Christian, Gateway Christian School, Little Explorers, Portland Christian, Portland Lutheran, Shepherd's Door, Sonbeam, Trinity Lutheran and Warner Pacific to choose the one that is right for your family.
Financial Aid Day to help students find money for college
Learn how to get money for college at College Goal Oregon Financial Aid Day, an event where current and prospective students can receive help filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Current and future students must complete the FAFSA each year to receive financial aid from federal and state governments.
This event will be held Saturday, Jan. 12, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Mt. Hood Community College Library, room AC3333, located on the Gresham Campus, 26000 S.E. Stark Street. The MHCC College Goal Oregon Financial Aid Day is a statewide initiative to simplify the FAFSA process for students.
Students should bring their 2011 IRS tax returns, 2012 end-of-year pay stubs (if tax returns are not yet completed), current value of assets, social security number (and those of their parents if student is a dependent), driver's license and alien registration card, if applicable.
Experts from the MHCC financial aid office will be on hand to offer free one-on-one assistance with the FAFSA, and provide information about scholarships and tips for writing winning essays.
For more information, call the MHCC Financial Aid office at 503-491-7262 or visit mhcc.edu/financialaid or collegegoaloregon.org.
Parking is free at all MHCC campuses, all days and times. Individuals requiring accommodations due to a disability may contact the MHCC Disability Services Office at 503-491-6923 or 503-491-7670 (TDD). Please call well in advance of the event to ensure availability.
Portland Christian to hold open house
Explore both campuses of Portland Christian Schools, Sunday, Jan. 27 from 1 to 4 p.m. The elementary campus is at 11845 S.E. Market St. The Jr/Sr high school campus is at 12425 N.E. San Rafael St.
SENIOR RESOURCES
Diabetes support for seniors
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 Jan. 7 and 21 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.
Write the next great American novel
The Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization Senior Writing Group, meets Tuesdays Jan. 8, 15, 22 and 29 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.
Solve the mystery of Medicare
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.
Legal advocacy available to seniors
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
Join the water warrior club
Get fit and have fun at Portland Parks & Recreation pools. The 12th Annual Water Warrior Club begins Jan. 2. Portland Parks & Recreation's six indoor pools, including the East Portland Pool at 740 S.E. 106th Ave., will be hosting “The Pool History Tour” fitness challenge for the month of January for both lap swim and water exercise participants.
Swimmers who complete at least 16 workouts in the month of January will receive not only great health benefits but also a snazzy, stylish and envy-inducing Water Warrior t-shirt. Swimmers will chart their progress at their neighborhood pool.
Contact the pool East Portland pool staff at 503-823-3450 for details, and happy swimming.
Pamper your tootsies
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. The fee is $35. For appointments and more information please call Leslie or Rachel at 503-988-6073.
Free adult Zumba classes
The Fir Ridge Campus After-School Team will offer free adult Zumba classes again this year. Classes begin Tuesday, Jan. 15th and will continue through March 21, every Tuesday and Thursday evening from 6 to 7 p.m. Classes will be held in the Fir Ridge Campus gym, 11215 S.E. Market St., and are open to all community members.
Healing depression in new fathers
Postpartum depression is well understood for women, but what few know is men can also suffer depression after the birth of a new baby. The Northwest Catholic Counseling Center is offering a group opportunity for men who may be struggling with paternal postnatal depression. The group will run six consecutive Wednesday evenings, starting on Feb. 20, and cost $75 for the series. Sliding fees are available. NCC therapist Graham Sterling will work with the participants on understanding this depression, learning how to recognize anxiety, and dealing with the pressures of being a new parent.
Experts estimate paternal postnatal depression affects one out of every four men. “This type of depression often goes unacknowledged and unrecognized in our society,” says Sterling. “It's important for men know there's help for them, too, and not just for the new mother.” Sterling says by discussing how the new baby is affecting them, men can normalize their feelings and understand the emotions attached to bringing a new life into the world.
Those interested in the group can call 503-253-0964, or learn more about it at www.nwcounseling.org. The sessions will be at NCC offices at 8383 N.E. Sandy Blvd.
FAITH and VALUES
Ring in the Epiphany
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| Members of the Shared Joy BRingers Community Bell Choir will celebrate the Epiphany at St. Michael's Episcopal Church this month. COURTESY RAYNETTE YOSHIDA |
Discussion group to explore prejudice in the church
Steve Witte will lead a discussion of the book “The Cross in the Closet” by Timothy Kurek at St. Matthew's Episcopal Church, 11229 NE Prescott St., beginning Friday, Jan. 11 from 2 to 4 p.m. The group will meet through Friday, Feb. 1. The author Timothy Kurek is a straight Christian who lived for a year as a gay man in his hometown of Nashville, Tenn., and the book is about what he discovered during this time. He wrote, “In the end it was a book about prejudice, not a book about being gay.” Everyone is welcome to join in the discussion. Please purchase a copy of the book ahead of time.
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.
Book Babies: Storytime for children newborn to 12 months with adult. Tuesdays beginning Jan. 8 from 11:15 a.m. to noon.
Tiny Tots: Storytime for children 12 to 24 months with adult. Wednesdays beginning Jan. 9 and Fridays beginning Jan. 11 from 10:15 to 11 a.m.
Toddler Storytime: Storytime for children 24 to 36 months with adult. Wednesdays beginning Jan. 9 and Fridays beginning Jan. 11 from 11:15 to 11:45 a.m.
Preschool Storytime: Storytime for children 3 to 6 years with adult. Thursdays beginning Jan. 10 from 11:15 a.m. to noon.
Pajama Time: Put on your pajamas, grab a bedtime buddy, and join us for stories, songs and fun. For children of all ages with adult. Thursdays beginning Jan. 10 from 6:30 to 7 p.m.
Family Storytime: Storytime for children of all ages with adult. Sundays beginning Jan. 13 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 other family members). Saturdays from 11:30 a.m. to noon.
Chinese Storytime: Storytime presented in Cantonese for 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.
Papagayo: Papagayo the parrot spends his days singing, playing games and disturbing the sleeping night creatures. But when the ferocious Moon Dog wakes up and starts to eat the moon, only Papagayo knows what to do. The animales de la noche learn that Papagayo is a good friend to have, even if he is a little loud. Join Tears of Joy Theatre as they sing, hoot, croak and crow in this interactive, bilingual performance. Saturday, Jan. 12 from 3 to 3:30 p.m.
Winter Science: Mad Science fun straight from the North Pole. Watch how science helps Eggbert get down the chimney, defrost a chemical snowman and see simple powders burst into color. Analyze a mysterious substance that is said to have come straight from an iceberg. Be amazed at the science behind many of the traditions we see during the winter season. This highly interactive program is best for children 5 to 12 years. Saturday, Jan. 19 from noon to 12:45 p.m.
Teen Lounge and Homework Center: Use library computers, get homework help, or just do your homework and listen to music. Tuesdays from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m., except Jan. 1.
Chess Club for Children and Teens: Have fun playing chess. Beginning, intermediate and advanced players are welcome. Bring your own set or use one of the library sets. Saturdays from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Breakdancing Basics: Calling all future b-boys, b-girls, poppers and lockers. Are you looking to learn some basic steps to start your breakdancing career? Members of the breakdance club Salem Cypher Connection will do a short performance before showing you some basic foundation moves, such as six step and top rock. All experience levels welcome. For teens in grades 6-12. Saturday, Jan. 5 from 3 to 4 p.m.
Teen Council: Meet new friends, learn new skills, help the library, eat snacks and have fun. Wednesdays, Jan. 9 and 23 from 3:30 to 4:45 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, Jan. 22 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.
Citizenship Classes: Learn about the process of becoming a citizen in a six-session series of classes. Prepare for your citizenship interview. Study United States history and government for the examination. Classes are in English, and are taught by library volunteers. For more information, please call 503-988-6318. Registration is required. Register online, in the library or by calling 503-988-5234. Sundays, Jan. 6-Feb. 10 from 1 to 3 p.m.
Pageturners Book Groups: Engage in stimulating conversation about books and get to know your neighbors. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library. Read “Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ's Childhood Pal” by Christopher Moore for discussion Tuesday, Jan. 8 from 6:45 to 7:45 p.m.
Or read “Nothing to Envy: Ordinary Lives in North Korea” by Barbara Demick for discussion Wednesday, Jan. 16 from 1 to 2:15 p.m.
E-books and More 101: Want to know how to download free e-books and audiobooks from the library? This class will cover the basics including set-up and downloading. Attend this session to learn which devices support library e-books and audiobooks. Please bring your device and any other equipment you need to download or transfer to your device, such as a laptop and cord (for NOOK, Sony Reader, etc.). Join staff to see a demonstration of the checkout, download and transfer process through Library2Go. Made possible in part by The Library Foundation. Registration is required. Register online, in the library or by calling 503-988-5234. Thursday, Jan. 17 from 4 to 5:30 p.m. and Tuesday, Jan. 29 from 2 to 3:30 p.m.
Computer Lab: Lab assistants are available to help beginners practice their computer skills. Tuesdays from 3 to 5:30 p.m., except Jan. 1 and Fridays from 2 to 4:30 p.m.
Vietnamese Computer Basics: Learn how use the library catalog, email, surf the web, word processing, and other basic computer skills. Registration is required. Register online, in the library or by calling 503-988-5234. Saturday, Jan. 5 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. Register online, in the library or by calling 503-988-5234. Sunday, Jan. 6 from 2 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.
Tiny Tots: Storytime for children 12 to 24 months with adult. Thursdays beginning Jan. 10 from 10:15 to 10:45 a.m.
Book Babies: Storytime for children newborn to 12 months with adult. Thursdays beginning Jan. 10 from 11:15 to 11:45 a.m.
Toddler Storytime: Storytime for children 24 to 36 months with adult. Fridays beginning Jan. 11 from 10:15 to 10:45 a.m.
Preschool Storytime: Storytime for children 3 to 6 years with adult. Fridays beginning Jan. 11 from 11:15 to 11:45 a.m.
Family Storytime: Storytime for children 6 years and younger with adult. Saturdays beginning Jan. 12 from 11:15 to 11:45 a.m.
Winter Music Magic: The zany Cinda Tilgner gets everyone into the music-making groove with a variety of fruit shakers and rhythm instruments. Sing along to songs about the winter and everything magical that happens as the weather gets cold. Children and their grown-ups will enjoy Cinda's high energy and clownish performance. Registration is required. Register online, in the library or by calling 503-988-5234. Tuesday, Jan. 15 from 11:15 a.m. to noon.
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 Jan. 1.
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, Jan. 8 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 Jan. 1)
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 “The Coroner's Lunch” by Colin Cotterill. 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, Jan. 16 from 6:30 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 audiobooks but don't know how to transfer the files? Drop in for one-on-one help using Library2Go. Please bring your device and any other equipment you need to download or transfer to your device, such as a laptop and cord (for NOOK, Sony Reader, etc.). Made possible in part by The Library Foundation. Saturday, Jan. 19 from 1 to 2:30 p.m.
Rain and the Brain: Do you anticipate Oregon's winters with despair? Feeling sluggish, lazy and blue in the rainy season? Short days and overcast skies can affect your mood and energy level more than you realize and brain science has studied the difference. There is a cure, or at least ways to alleviate the symptoms. Learn more in this presentation from mental health counselor Louise Lague. Sunday, Jan. 27 from 2 to 3 p.m.
Vietnamese Computer Lab: Lab assistants are available to help beginners practice their computer skills. Wednesdays from 4 to 5:30 p.m.
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