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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 April issue are due Friday, March 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
Free weekend guided tours resume
Join Leach Botanical Garden gardener and curator Courtney Vengarick on the first Saturday of each month for a seasonal exploration of the garden. All other Saturdays join a volunteer guide for an informative guided tour of the garden with weekly themes. Tours begin at 11 a.m. and are free; no registration is required. Meet in front of the Manor House, first-come, first-served. Maximum tour size 15.

Leach Botanical Garden is located at 6704 S.E. 122nd Ave.

Meet a turkey vulture
Turkey vultures return to the Portland metropolitan area in the springtime. Meet Ruby, a turkey vulture, and some of her friends when the Portland Audubon Society visits Leach Botanical Garden, 6704 S.E. 122nd Ave., Saturday, March 6 from noon until 3p.m.

This family friendly event will keep kids of all ages engaged with fun hands-on activities focused on increasing their knowledge of these amazing creatures. This is a free event.

Explore the Columbia Slough
Take a crash course to learn about the history, water and wildlife of the Columbia Slough.
COURTESY COLUMBIA SLOUGH WATERSHED COUNCIL
Have you wondered about the slow-moving channel of water running through Parkrose on its way from Fairview to North Portland? Learn about the history, water, wildlife, and current issues of the Columbia Slough at a Slough 101 workshop Saturday, March 9 from 8:45 a.m. until 1 p.m. at Multnomah County Drainage District offices, 1880 N.E. Elrod. Dr. Slough experts will lead hands-on activities including a tour of a pump station and macroinvertebrate discovery. Pre-registration is required for this free workshop, and light refreshments will be provided. Suitable for adults and teens 14 and up. Registration is required. For more information and to register, contact Penny Beckwith, outreach director at penny.beckwith@columbiaslough.org or 503-281-1132.

Learning from students
Expand your horizons at Portland Christian Schools International Food Night, Friday, March 15 from 6 to 9 p.m. in the PCHS cafeteria, 12425 N.E. San Rafael St. Visiting students enrolled in the PCHS International Student Program will prepare and serve food from home, model traditional fashions and present cultural entertainment. Tickets are $8 for students, $10 for adults.

Create a rain garden in your yard
Sign up for the free Columbia Slough Watershed Council Rain Garden Workshop, Saturday March, 23 from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. at Whitaker Ponds Nature Park, 7040 N.E. 27th Ave.

A rain garden is a sunken garden bed that captures stormwater and allows it to soak back into the ground naturally. Part of a larger effort to improve watershed health, this workshop provides step-by-step details on how to plan, design and build your own rain garden. Join your neighbors and find out how rain gardens can benefit the fish, wildlife, and people that are connected to local streams and rivers. Pre-registration is required for this free workshop, and light refreshments will be provided. Suitable for adults and teens 14 and up. For more information and to register, contact Penny Beckwith, Columbia Slough Watershed Council outreach director at penny.beckwith@columbiaslough.org or 503-281-1132.

Spring break with insects and spiders
Meet Kristie and Jessica, the Bug Chicks, and learn about the world of insects, spiders and their relatives Thursday, March 28 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at Leach Botanical Garden, 6704 S.E. 122nd Ave. Their mission is to teach entomology to students all over the world and promote informal science education through some hands-on bug excitement. This drop off program is appropriate for children ages 6 years and older.

Check out their videos before the program for great bug information: http://thebugchicks.com/videos/. Preregistration is required. $6 for Leach Garden members, $8 for non-members. Register online at www.leachgarden.org or call 503-823-1671.

Parkrose clean up announced
The Parkrose Neighborhood Association is coordinating a community clean-up event on Saturday, May 11 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. to help neighbors recycle some of the unwanted items that have been taking up space in their homes. This event is taking place at the northeast parking lot of Parkrose High School, 12003 NE Shaver St., just north of the Parkrose Farmer's Market.

The following items will be accepted: furniture, mattresses, appliances, bath tubs and sinks, computers and electronics, metal, and items too large for your garbage can, but not on the prohibited list.

The prohibited list includes hazardous materials such as gasoline, chemicals, oil, paint, tar, batteries and animal waste; construction or landscaping materials including concrete, asphalt, dirt, sod, brick, asbestos, sand, gravel or composition roofing; yard debris or trimmings and commercial or kitchen garbage.

Visit the Reuse Table to swap out unwanted items. Your trash can be someone else's treasure, or you can find treasure in someone else's cast-offs. Grab some information from Metro at the educational table for recycling tips and other clean-up events.

The suggested donation is $5 for cars and $10 for pick-ups, vans or other large vehicles. First come, first served. When the dumpsters are full, the event is over.

For more information or to volunteer, call clean-up chair Joan Stevens at 503-254-0845 or email painter82@comcast.net.

REUNIONS
PHS class of 1969 gathers
The Parkrose High class of 1969 will gather at Colwood National Golf Course, 7313 N.E. Columbia Blvd., Saturday, March 23, from 6 to 9 p.m. Food and beverages will be available. This is a no host event.

FUNDRAISERS
You need moose antlers
You can pick up a nice set of moose antlers at the Savage Memorial Presbyterian Church annual rummage sale Friday and Saturday, March 8 and 9, from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. Moose antlers not on your must have list? Browse vintage clothing, tools, furniture, books, craft items and housewares to your heart's delight. The church is at 1740 S.E. 139th Ave.

Celebrate spring and mental health
Daffodils and warmer weather are just around the corner, so it's time to “Swing into Spring”-a benefit for the Northwest Catholic Counseling Center. This annual gala, on April 6 at 7 p.m. at Riverside Golf and Country Club, 8105 N.E. 33rd Drive, raises money to help defray the cost of mental health counseling and medication management for the most vulnerable in our community. Tickets to the event are $65.

The popular Portland-based swing and jazz trio Boy and Bean will provide entertainment for the evening. The Compassionate Heart Award will be awarded to Pat McCormick and Rev. Jack Mosbrucker, both early members of the board of directors and long-time supporters.

All proceeds go straight to delivering NCC's mission of providing professional, compassionate mental health services to all, regardless of faith or finances. The need is great: depression accounts for more than $50 billion in lost US worker productivity each year and mental health issues can lead to suicide, unemployment or premature death. NCC makes mental health treatment available to all, no matter what their resources, and it is one of the few organizations offering a sliding scale for mental health services - as little as $20 a session. Nearly 45% of clients are uninsured and the vast majority receives some subsidization of counseling fees. Without the money raised at this event, many of the nearly 1,400 clients helped each year would have no access to mental health care services.

For 27 years, nonprofit NCC has offered therapy, educational classes, and psychiatric medication management for people all over the greater Portland and Vancouver, Wash. areas. Anyone who would like to attend “Swing into Spring” or make a tax-deductible donation to further NCC's work can go to www.nwcounseling.org or call 503-253-0964.

Spaghetti the way your grandma makes it
The 77th Annual St. Rita Spaghetti Dinner is Sunday, March 24. This dedicated group of volunteer chefs from the 1960's is, from left, Joe Jacko, Jim Pitton, Joe Wagner, Marguerite Cereghino and Rose and Bert Garre.
COURTESY ST. RITA CATHOLIC CHURCH
You have been waiting all year for this. The 77th annual St. Rita Spaghetti and Meatball dinner is Sunday, March 24 from 11:30 a.m. until 6 p.m. at 10029 N.E. Prescott St.

This celebrated event features spaghetti with two big hand-rolled meatballs and sauce made from a recipe handed down from generation to generation along with salad, bread, homemade desserts and coffee or punch. Extra meatballs with dinner orders, wine and soda will be available for purchase. Take out meals are available as well. Tickets are $12 for adults, $6 for children 5 to 10 years old. Children under 5 eat free. Visa and MasterCard are accepted.

Get your sparkle on
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 diamond necklace best compliments your favorite denim jumper or whether to embellish your denim jackets with more bling, pop on over to the Foundation website, parkroseedfdn.org, to purchase your tickets now.

This year's theme is Diamonds and Denim at the 10th annual Parkrose Educational Foundation dinner and auction Saturday, April 27.
Mid-county Memo/Tim E. Curran
While it's on your mind, give some thought to what you could donate. Vacation homes, gift cards and themed baskets all generate spirited bidding. Fill out the donation form on line (https://parkroseedufdn.ejoinme.org/?tabid=420423) or send a note to predfdn@gmail.com to let the PEF know what you would like to donate and a board member will get back to you promptly.

CLUBS and ORGANIZATIONS
Kiwanis makes a move
In light of the closing of the Refectory Restaurant, the Russellville Kiwanis Club has moved to Papa's Pizza Parlor, 16321 S.E. Stark St., for its weekly meetings. You are invited to join the group on Tuesdays from11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. to learn about the many community service projects and Russellville Kiwanis supports. Among them are DayBreak Family Shelter, Ronald McDonald House, Doernbecher Kiwanis Children's Cancer Program, SnowCap Community Charities, Portland Children's Book Bank, Shepherd's Door Women's Shelter and Parkrose High School Key Club.

If you have any questions, please contact Charlie Ross at 503-252-1570 or candgross1@comcast.net.

Urban wildlife in your garden
March madness will descend upon the regular Flower Lane Garden Club meeting on Tuesday, March 19 at 10 a.m. at East Portland Community Center, 740 S.E. 106th Ave. Prepare to be amused and informed by “Bugs & Coyote” and “Rock” as presented by the Senior Readers Theater Ensemble.

Everyone is welcome to attend this free event. To learn more, contact Marie Banfe at 503-236-8631.

Celebrating garden club heritage
Villa Garden Club celebrates 66 years of gardening at its March 28 meeting beginning at 10:30 a.m. at Savage Memorial Presbyterian Church, 1740 S. E. 139th Ave. Bring a dish to share at the potluck luncheon and then sit back to listen as Michael McCloskey, an urban forester with Portland Parks & Recreation, shares his knowledge of heritage trees of Portland. Please call Velda Altig at 503-252-7423 to learn more.

GIVING BACK
Students wait to read with you
There are Start Making A Reader Today programs at Earl Boyles, Gilbert Heights, and Menlo Park in the David Douglas School District. Volunteers are needed to read one-on-one with students; help them discover the joy of reading and choose books to take home and keep. To sign up to volunteer, or to learn more about SMART, visit www.getSMARToregon.org, or call 971-634-1616. Volunteer one hour per week from now through mid-May.

THE ARTS
Music in our schools month
Once again it is the time of year when music education becomes the focus of schools across the nation. March has been officially designated by the National Association for Music Education for the observance of Music In Our Schools Month. MIOSM began as a single statewide celebration in 1973, and has grown over the decades to encompass a day, then a week, and then in 1985 to become a month long celebration of school music. The purpose of MIOSM is to raise awareness of the importance of music education for all children - and to remind citizens that school is where all children should have access to music. MIOSM is an opportunity for music teachers to bring their music programs to the attention of the school and the community and to display the benefits school music brings to students of all ages.

The David Douglas School District has unparalleled support for the arts and music from its school board, district office administrators, and building principals. Having a staff of 23 music teachers allows the district to offer general music, band, and orchestra at the elementary level; band, orchestra and choir to all middle school students; and band, percussion ensemble, orchestra, choir, and music theory at the high school. Upcoming performances to celebrate Music In Our Schools Month include:

Mt. Tabor Invitational, high school concert choir at Warner Pacific, Friday, March 1

George Fox Invitational, high school concert choir at George Fox, Friday, March 1

George Fox Invitational, high school wind ensemble at George Fox, Friday, March 8

Cadet Band Festival, high school symphonic band, site to be determined, Tuesday, March 12

Earl Boyles grade level, Grades K-1, 10822 S.E. Bush St., Tuesday, March 12

Ron Russell Middle School band, orchestra and choir, all 6th grade groups, 3955 S.E. 112th Ave., Thursday, March 14

Alice Ott Middle School choirs, 12500 S.E. Ramona St., Thursday, March 14

Clackamas Jazz, high school jazz bands at Clackamas Community College, Saturday, March 16

OMEA Dist II Large Choir, high school concert choir, Performing Arts Center, 1400 S.E. 130th Ave., Tuesday, March 19

Cherry Park grade level, 1930 S.E. 104th Ave, Tuesday, March 19

Menlo Park grade level, 12900 N.E. Glisan St., Tuesday, March 19

David Douglas School District Choral Festival, middle school and high school concert choirs, Performing Arts Center, 1400 S.E. 130th Ave., Thursday, March 21

Please contact individual schools for concert or event start times.

Elementary students feel the beat
The Parkrose School District elementary music program will celebrate Music In Our Schools Month with a free concert featuring students from Prescott, Russell, Sacramento and Shaver Elementary Schools, Wednesday, March 6 at 7 p.m. in the Parkrose High School Theater, 12003 N.E. Shaver St.

The first and second graders will present “In the Jaws of a Crocodile” and the musical “Can I Keep Him?”. Third grade students will perform the recorder portion of the concert with such notable tunes as “Hot Cross Buns” and “Old McDonald.” The 4th and 5th grades will present an African drum ensemble from Liberia.

Students have been working on this concert since September. Please come to support this celebration of music.

Performances serve as warm up
Parkrose School District musicians are preparing for league competitions and will share their planned performances with you.

The PHS concert and symphonic bands will perform Tuesday, March 5; the Parkrose Middle School Band performance is Thursday, March 7; and the PHS choirs and PMS after school choir take the stage Tuesday, March 12.

All performances begin at 7 p.m. in the Parkrose High Theatre, 12003 N.E. Shaver St. All performances are free.

Laugh at this comedy performance
The David Douglas High School theater department will present “The Foreigner,” a two-act comedy by Larry Shue.

The play is set in a fishing lodge in rural Georgia. Two English guests, Charlie Baker and Froggy LeSueur, launch the plot with a lie - Charlie can't speak English. The witty and physical comedy between the characters is filled with everything from language lessons to voodoo magic to a sinister subplot. You will fall in love with this classic of modern American Theater.

Show dates are March 8, 9, 14, 15 and 16 at 7:30 p.m., and March 10 at 2:30 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center, 1400 S.E. 130th Ave.

Tickets are $10 for adults, $7 for students and seniors. Box office hours are Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 3 to 5:30 p.m. on school days, and an hour before show time. This show is double cast, so plan to see it on consecutive dates to enjoy all of the talented students involved.

Exhibit highlights student works
You are invited to the PCHS Northern Lights Art Show, Saturday, March 9, from 6 to 9 p.m. at Portland Christian Schools, 12425 N.E. San Rafael St. Admission is $5. Refreshments are included.

Bassoonist wins (another) competition
Photo Caption (Calendar_Arts_Loh_March_2013): Debra Loh, a Parkrose High junior, will be the featured soloist at the Oregon Sinfonietta concert this month.

Photo Credit: COURTESY CHAMBER MUSIC SOCIETY of ORGEON
Parkrose High junior Debra Loh is a winner of the Chamber Music Society of Oregon Concerto Competition. The honor carries with it a $250 cash prize and a solo performance at the Sunday, March 17 performance of the Oregon Sinfonietta at Sunnyside Seventh-day Adventist Church, 10501 S.E. Market St. CMSO is devoted to promoting musical opportunities to all ages. The Oregon Sinfonietta, conducted by Donald L Appert, is a community orchestra that offers a classical repertoire. Loh will perform “Bassoon Concerto in Bb Major, K. 191” by Mozart at this free concert beginning at 3 p.m.

Attention spoken word enthusiasts
The Fir Ridge Campus, 11215 S.E. Market St., hosts the 11th annual Slam Jam poetry competition Wednesday, March 20, from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Student poets will speak their truths in a traditional slam competition in which the judges are selected randomly from the audience. If you want to perform or get involved, please contact Bobi Blue at bobi_blue@ddouglas.k12.or.us. Let the spoken word revolution continue.

Free concert east Portland
The East County Community Orchestra and the Portland Metro Concert Band come together for a combined performance Sunday, April 7 a 2 p.m. at David Douglas Horner Performing Arts Center, 1400 S.E. 130th Ave. This is a free concert made possible by a grant from the Multnomah County Cultural Coalition and Oregon Cultural Trust.

EDUCATION
Learn to paint spring flowers
Famed artist Susan Scheewe returns to Portland Fine Arts Guild this month as the guest instructor. Classes are Mondays, March 4, 11 and 18 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at Russellville Grange Hall, 12105 N.E. Prescott St. The fee is $12 per class for guild members, $15 for non-members.

Scheewe will work in watercolors as she instructs how to paint spring flowers. Students may work in any medium they choose and will work from fresh flowers and photographs.

Please bring round brushes size 5, 6 and 8; flat brushes size 1/2 and 3/4; a 1 inch background brush and one liner brush. Also bring watercolor paper at least 140 lb cold pressed and watercolor paint in the following colors: cadmium yellow pale and medium, raw sienna, orange, spring green or Thalo yellow green, Hookers green deep, indigo, burnt umber, cobalt blue, ultramarine blue, violet and magenta deep or Thalo red rose. Other supplies you will need include a watercolor palette, water containers, spray bottle, paper towels, graphite paper, a table easel if you have one and watercolor pencils if you have them.

For more information, please go to www.portlandfineaartsguild.org.

Little ones learn about the slough
These tykes are getting an early appreciation for the Columbia Slough and all the creatures it supports at a Tadpole Tales event.
COURTESY COLUMBIA SLOUGH WATERSHED COUNCIL
The Columbia Slough Watershed Council hosts Tadpole Tales on Wednesdays this month from 10 to 11 a.m. at Whitaker Ponds Nature Park, 7040 N.E. 47th Ave.

Enjoy these short story and guided nature walks with your favorite 3 to 5 year old child. Watch birds fly overhead, search for hidden animal homes, and learn about local trees and flowers. Weekly topics will include pond life, birds, dirt and worms, and mammals. Routes are accessible to strollers. Families are welcome to bring a snack. Advanced registration is required by emailing intern@columbiaslough.org or calling 503-281-1132. The fee is $3 per child, no charge for adults.

English language learners classes set
Learn English from Multnomah University teachers to speakers of other languages students Wednesday evenings from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., except March 27. New students are welcome to join at any time. Gain proficiency and confidence. No registration is required. Multnomah University is located at 8435 N.E. Glisan St. Class are free and all materials are provided.

Date set for Crossroads Christian School Open House
Tour Crossroads Christian School, 2505 N.E. 102nd Ave., Thursday, March 7, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Meet teachers, check out the curriculum, and visit with current parents and students. A Scholastic book fair will be held at the same time in the church lobby.

Exploring educational options
Portland Christian Schools open house is Sunday, April 14 from 1 to 4 p.m. Visit either or both campuses to learn more about what PCS has to offer. The Market Street campus serves pre-school and elementary programs and is located at 11845 S.E. Market St. The San Rafael campus serves middle school and high school programs and is located at 12425 N.E. San Rafael St. For more information, please call 503-256-3960 or visit www.pcschools.org.

Never too early to learn about preschools
Gethsemane Lutheran Preschool is now enrolling for the 2013 school year. If your child will be 3 or 4 years old by Sept.1 check out this program. Gethsemane Lutheran has been in the community for over 45 years. Find the school at 11560 S.E. Market St., on the web at www.glcportland.org/preschool or on Facebook. Set up your visit soon, as classes fill quickly.

Tours available at open house
Columbia Christian Schools invites all families with children who are interested in a private, pre-kindergarten through 12th grade education to its Spring Open House Thursday, March 21 from 6 to 8 p.m. Administrators, teachers and students will be available during the evening to answer questions and provide campus tours.

Columbia Christian Schools has been providing a safe and encouraging environment for students since 1947 and is fully accredited by the NAAC and ACSI. Students at CCS enjoy small class size and individual attention from teachers. Along with academic offerings, CCS provides ample opportunity for participation in the arts and athletics. CCS is located at 413 N.E. 91st Ave. Visit www.columbiachristian.com or call 503-252-8577 to RSVP for the event or to schedule an individual visit.

SENIOR RESOURCES
IRCO's SHIBA Program date set
The Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization's Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance Program meets Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to noon at East Portland Community Center, 740 SE 106th Ave.

SHIBA uses trained volunteers to help people with Medicare make health insurance decisions. Volunteers help seniors select a Medicare prescription drug plan; compare supplemental health insurance policies; evaluate long-term care insurance needs; determine if people are accessing every possible medical benefit and help with filing an appeal or insurance complaint. For appointments, call 503-988-6073.

Senior Law Project meets weekly
IRCO's Senior Law Project meets Thursday afternoons at East Portland Community Center, 740 SE 106th Ave.

The project offers seniors the opportunity to get free legal advice from volunteer attorneys in 30-minute sessions.

To qualify for this program, you must be age 60 or older, married to someone who is 60 or older, be a resident of Multnomah County, or have a legal issue in Multnomah County and be a U.S. citizen or legal resident.

Certain exceptions apply for domestic violence victims.

To make an appointment, call 503-988-6073.

Date set for writing group
IRCO'S Senior Writing Group meets March 12, 19 and 26 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at East Portland Community Center, 740 SE 106th Ave. Write your life story, journal entries, fiction or non-fiction.

This is a free workshop led by a published writer. For more information, call 503-988-6073.

HEALTH and WELLNESS
SUN School food pantry at DDHS
David Douglas High School is one of seven in-school emergency food pantries developed as a partnership between the SUN Community Schools and the Oregon Food Bank. The goal is to provide families with nutritious food to address weekend and evening hunger when other food supports are not available. The food pantry will provide emergency food boxes as well as regular food distribution to David Douglas High School students and their families. The pantry will be open every other Thursday between 5:30 and 6:30 p.m. The pantry is in the David Douglas High School south cafeteria; enter the cafeteria by the Performing Arts Center parking lot, 1400 SE 130th Ave. For more information, or to RSVP, call Emily Bertram at 503-262-4431, or CJ Mead at 503-262-4408.

Foot Care Clinic sets date at EPCC
IRCO'S clinic for foot care meets March 14 at East Portland Community Center, 740 SE 106th Ave. The clinic includes foot soak, toenail trim and file, foot massage, callous and corn sanding/smoothing, and reduction of thick fungal nails. The fee is $35. For appointments and more information, call Leslie or Rachel at 503-988-6073.

Date set for IRCO Low Vision Group
IRCO'S low-vision group meets March 21 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at East Portland Community Center, 740 SE 106th Ave. Talk with other seniors experiencing low vision; this clinic is free.

For more information, call Leslie or Rachel at 503-988-6073.

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 from 11:15 a.m. to noon.

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

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

Preschool Storytime: Storytime for children 3 to 6 years with adult. Thursdays 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 adult. Thursdays from 6:30 to 7 p.m.

Family Storytime: Storytime for children of all ages with adult. Sundays 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 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.

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.

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

Read to the Dogs SM: Improve your reading skills by reading aloud to a therapy dog from Pet Partners®. Registration is required; call 503-988-5392. Tuesday March 5 and 19 from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

Teen Council: Meet new friends, learn new skills, help the library, eat snacks and have fun. Wednesday, March 6 and 20 from 3:30 to 4:45 p.m.

Batik for Kids: Emily Purdin, of Hedgehog Hiker, will show you the traditional art of batik. Students will learn to block out areas of fabric by drawing wax over them before dying and painting their textiles. The parts covered in wax resist the dye and remain the original color. Join the fun and take home your own beautiful creation. Thursday, March 7 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 cultures, and have fun. Only English will be spoken. Saturdays from 3:30 to 5 p.m.

Grow Your Garden from Seed: Yes it's winter, and it's time to start thinking about your vegetable garden. Melissa Richmond, aka the Garden Lady, offers valuable tips, tricks and techniques for planning next season's harvest. You'll learn proper timing, conditions and practices for success - indoor and out. Bring a list of the crops you want to grow. Registration is required. Register online, in the library or by calling 503-988-5234. Sunday, March 10 from 2 to 3:30 p.m.

Pageturners Book Groups: Join Everybody Reads, Multnomah County Library's 11th annual community reading project. Engage in stimulating conversation about books and get to know your neighbors. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

Read “We Need to Talk about Kevin” by Lionel Shriver for discussion Tuesday, March 12 from 6:45 to 7:45 p.m.

Or read “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks” by Rebecca Skloot for discussion Wednesday, March 20 from 1 to 2:15 p.m.

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

Meet the Computer: Never tried a computer before? In this two-session course, you will meet the computer, the keyboard and the mouse, and you will learn what they are and how to use them. No experience is necessary for you to take this relaxed, fun class. Note: If you have never used a computer before, this is an excellent class to take before Introduction to Computers. Offered by OASIS Connections, a national organization devoted to lifelong learning for adults over 50. Registration is required. Register online, in the library or by calling 503-988-5234. Tuesdays, March 5 and 12 from 2 to 4 p.m.

Cantonese Computer Basics I: Learn basic computer terms and how to use a keyboard and mouse. Registration is required. Register online, in the library or by calling 503-988-5234. Sunday, March 17 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 from 10:15 to 10:45 a.m.

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

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

Preschool Storytime: Storytime for children 3 to 6 years with adult. Fridays from 11:15 to 11:45 a.m.

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

The Art of Kanji: Impress your friends with your ability to write in Japanese. In this workshop, artist Yuki Martin will teach you basic kanji and Japanese calligraphy. Kanji are ancient characters adopted from Chinese writing that are used to represent the Japanese language. Tuesday, March 5 from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.

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, March 12 from 4:30 to 5:45 p.m.

A Good Yarn: Whether you are a beginner or an experienced knitter, 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: 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.

Chinese Flower Painting-Purple Iris: Celebrate spring by creating fresh, lively paintings with watercolor and sumi ink on rice paper. In China, its soft, fluttering petals are reminiscent of butterfly wings, flapping gently in the breeze. The flower is known as Tze Hu-tieh or the purple butterfly. Try your hand at depicting this iconic bloom. Artist Cindy Lommasson will give you guidance. Registration is required. Register online, in the library or by calling 503-988-5234. Sunday, March 17 from 2 to 3:30 p.m.

Pageturners Book Group: Read “The Sisters Brothers” by Patrick deWitt. 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, March 20 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.
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