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MEMO BLOG | |
Memo Calendar | Memo Pad | Business Memos | Loaves & Fishes | Letters | Home |
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 November issue are due Saturday, Oct. 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.
SCHOOL CORNER
Planning a strategy to improve education
Our community has embarked on a bold journey to improve outcomes for children and youth in Portland and Multnomah County. Cradle to Career Steering Committee Co-chairs, Susheela Jayapal and Consuelo Saragozaare extend an invitation to you to take part in a significant next step to move this work forward.
Are you involved in linking community supports to student success?
Do you recognize the crucial importance of supporting high-quality early learning experiences for all children?
Are you committed to eliminating disparities that impact young people at all stages of the educational continuum from birth through K-12 and postsecondary education, particularly those disparities impacting students of color and students in poverty?
Would you simply like to learn more about the Cradle to Career partnership in Portland and Multnomah County and explore ways to get involved?
If you answered yes to any of the above you are encouraged to participate in a community workshop on the Cradle to Career Collaboratives on Friday, Oct. 14 from 10 a.m. until noon at Midland Library, 805 S.E. 122nd Ave.
Collaboratives, which play a crucial role in this work, are cross-sector groups that will partner to develop and implement shared action plans to create change and better results for local children and youth. The workshops will provide information on how establishment of collaboratives is planned, how a process of continuous improvement will drive the work, and ways to get involved as a member of a collaborative. There will be opportunities for you to ask questions and make suggestions.
To register for this free workshop, go to midlandcollaboratives.eventbrite.com/ and complete the online registration.
Wellness committee needs your help
Parents, students, and community members are encouraged to join the David Douglas Wellness Committee. The committee helps to make recommendations, share resources and provide oversight of the district's wellness programs related to student health, ensuring that all students have access to healthy food choices and resources for physical activity. A meeting will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 4 from 3:45 to 4:45 p.m. in the district office board room, 1500 S.E. 130th Ave. For more information, please contact Stephanie Manfre, Healthy Active Schools Program coordinator, at 503-261-8263 or stephanie_manfre@ddouglas.k12.or.us
Parent power builds better schools
Parkrose High School will host the 11th annual Community & Parents for Public Schools of Portland Parent Leadership Conference on Saturday, Oct. 22 from 8:30 a.m. until 3 p.m. This is a free event.
Workshops will address how to navigate your school system; preparing your kids for college; the adolescent brain; helping your child succeed; and advocating for your child. You will hear stories of success and acquire tools and inspiration to engage in your children's education.
Parents, business leaders and community members citywide are invited to take a role in decision making, school improvement and accountability.
Breakfast and lunch will be served. Childcare and translation services will be available. PHS is located at 12003 N.E. Shaver St.
Register at ccpsportland.org or pick up a registration form at your local school.
Learning English for free
If you are looking for English for Speakers of Other Languages classes, look no more. Multnomah University, 8435 N.E. Glisan St., offers free classes on Wednesday evenings from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
With the help of MU students, Northeast Portland residents can study English vocabulary and grammar while learning to use English in real life settings like job interviews and grocery shopping. Students may join classes at any time.
Contact Kristen Hubert, TESOL program director at 503-251-6412 or khubert@multnomah.edu to learn more.
SENIOR RESOURCES
A must for 55-plus
Registration for fall Portland Parks & Recreation senior programs and classes is now open.
PP&R Senior Recreation is a series of inexpensive, accessible and environmentally sensitive programs and classes. They are dedicated to ensuring access to recreational, educational, and wellness opportunities for adults ages 55-plus throughout Portland and the surrounding areas.
“Portland Parks & Recreation Senior Programs are a wonderful opportunity to stay active. Seniors are traditionally some of our most consistent and energetic users of parks and recreation centers,” according to Parks Commissioner Nick Fish. “From golf, hiking and regional trips to watercolor, yoga and pottery, Parks is proud to offer activities for all ages.”
Inexpensive classes and programs are available at PP&R sites all across the city and include a huge variety of topics. They include exercise for health, cardio, bones, balance, arthritis care and more; golf; bicycling; nutrition; Pilates and yoga; Tai Chi; cooking; arts and crafts including painting, drawing, clay pottery, Chinese art and much more. Home and garden; holiday card making; piano lessons; voice lessons; line dancing; writing memoirs; genealogy; foreign language skills; computer and internet skills; hiking and strolling including parks and wilderness hikes, lighthouse trips and more; and local and regional excursions.
For a one-time fee, golfers age 65 and up can obtain a card for reduced green fees at PP&R courses. To obtain this card, bring $10 and proof of age to the Rose City Golf Course, 2200 N.E. 71st Ave., cross street is Tillamook. The phone number is 503-253-4744.
The senior recreation team works with PP&R's Adapted and Inclusion Services to ensure that anyone and everyone can participate in all activities. Mobility ratings for activities, including stairs to climb and time spent on foot are indicated as needed in the PP&R catalog. Find the PP&R Senior Recreation Fall 2011 catalog at portlandonline.com/parks/index.cfm?c=39833&a=359230.
City of Portland residents (regardless of age) who require financial assistance can receive partial to full scholarships for PP&R activities. Scholarship requests are viewed on a case-by-case basis. For more information, call Kristine Canham at 503-823-4328 or visit portlandparks.org.
55 Alive driver safety program
The Gateway Elks Lodge, 711 N.E. 100th Ave., holds these classroom refresher courses for motorists 50 years and older at regular intervals. Fees are typically $12 to $14. Call the lodge at 503-255-6535 to inquire about the schedule and to register for the next session.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Volunteer at your neighborhood school
Whether in the classroom, the office, or the cafeteria, schools need your help now more than ever. Choose the volunteer job you want at the David Douglas School District by going to the volunteer help wanted page at http://www.ddouglas.k12.or.us/ Find the volunteer job that fits your skills and schedule and sign up now.
Share your music
The Mt. Hood Pops Orchestra is looking to fill some vacancies. French horns, trumpets and percussion are needed as well as strings in all sections. Rehearsals are Tuesday evenings from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Mt. Hood Community College in Gresham. To learn more, contact the conductor, Ken Selden at 503-669-1937.
Keep memories beautiful
Saturday, Oct. 15, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. help prepare the Portland Memory Garden, Southeast 104th Avenue and Powell Boulevard, for another season of meaningful outdoor experience for individuals and caregivers coping with memory loss disorders, and make your own memories, too. This is a great family friendly project. Garden tasks include weeding, grooming, sweeping and general cleanup. Most tools provided. Optional: bring your own pruners or other sharps. Rain or shine, please dress for the weather. Light refreshments will be served. Portland Memory Garden, started in 2001, is a free, secure community resource for respite, recreation and inspiration, maintained predominately with assistance from about 30 volunteers. The Portland Memory Garden is one of only two public gardens in the U.S. designed specifically for people with memory-affecting diseases and for their loved ones. Registration is required. Contact Melia Tichenor at melia@handsonportland.org.
Glean for seniors
Saturday, Oct. 15 from noon to 3 p.m. the partnership between the Hollywood Farmers Market, Northeast 44th Avenue and Hancock Street, and the Hollywood Senior Center aims to increase awareness of the nutrition assistance programs available to older adults. Lend a hand with the Hollywood Farmers Market's gleaning program, where volunteers will gather excess produce from market vendors and pack it into boxes for distribution to low-income homebound seniors in the area. Participants will also be helping can and preserve some of the produce for distribution later in the season. For some of these seniors, this will be their first experience with fresh, local produce. The gleaning program is made possible thanks to the partnership between the Northeast Community Center, the Hollywood Farmers Market and the Hollywood Senior Center. Registration is required. Contact Melia Tichenor at melia@handsonportland.org.
MEETINGS
Public meeting will disclose planned improvements to Sandy Boulevard
The Oregon Department of Transportation will host an open house on Thursday, Oct. 13 at Fire Station 2, 4800 N.E. 122nd Ave., to share information about the upcoming Sandy Boulevard safety project. Neighbors and community members are invited to drop in any time between 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
The Sandy Boulevard project aims to improve safety by widening and rebuilding the highway from Northeast 122nd Avenue to just past Northeast 141st Avenue. Key project elements being designed include adding a left turn median lane to provide safer vehicle turns; striping two 12 foot travel lanes, two 6?foot bike shoulders and one 6 foot sidewalk on the south side only; installing a 4 foot planter strip along portions of the south side; upgrading traffic signals at the intersections of Northeast Sandy Boulevard and 122nd and 138th avenues; and making pedestrian crossing improvements at Sandy Boulevard and 131st Place.
This stretch of Sandy Boulevard has a high incidence of crashes. Currently, there is one lane in each direction with vehicles headed west stopping traffic to make left turns to businesses and residences on the south side of the highway. Congestion caused by vehicles trying to make left turns also leads to rear end collisions. Sidewalks are missing in most of the project area. By adding a median turn lane through the project area, vehicles will be able to make left turns more safely. Sidewalks will make it safer and easier for pedestrians to get to their destination. The shoulder and bike lanes will give cyclists a buffer from motorized traffic.
Lane closures will be required to complete portions of the highway reconstruction. There likely will be temporary delays on Sandy due to construction activities. ODOT will stage construction so that access to businesses will be maintained during construction. Access from Sandy to 138th and 122nd avenues will be closed during nighttime work.
Motorists will be detoured during these closures.
Visit the project website at oregon.gov/ODOT/hwy/Region1/Sandy_122nd_141st/index/shtml.
Get involved
Russellville Kiwanis meets on Tuesdays at 11:45 a.m. at the Refectory Restaurant, 1618 N.E. 122nd Ave. This dedicated group of community leaders works together in support of DayBreak Family Shelter, SnowCap Community Charities, Shaver Elementary School, Parkrose Little League, Ronald McDonald House, Mt. Hood Kiwanis Camp for Disabled Individuals, and others. Join them for lunch to learn how you can get involved and purchase an Entertainment Book while you're there. They'll buy your lunch.
Support your local farmer
The Flower Lane Garden Club will meet at the East Portland Community Center, 740 S.E. 106th Ave., on Tuesday, Oct. 18 at 10 a.m. Member Donna Gamble will be sharing her experiences with Community Supported Agriculture. With the fall harvest season upon us and all the news about buying local, this is a timely topic and should be fun and informative. Gamble has been buying farm shares for about five years and is a big supporter. In addition to a regular supply of fresh, seasonal, local produce, she loves supporting local, family farms. Light refreshments will be served. If you have questions, please contact Gamble at donnagamble@live.com.
Caring for house plants
It's time to bring house plants inside for the winter. Learn the ins and outs of house plants at the Villa Garden Club monthly meeting on Thursday, Oct. 27, at Savage Memorial Presbyterian Church, 1740 S.E. 139th St. The program will be presented by club member Geri Grieve. The meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. Bring a brown bag lunch. Coffee and dessert will be served. Please call Velda Altig at 503-252-7423 for more information.
FAITH and VALUES
St. Aidan's is going to the dogs
Sunday, October 2, at 10 a.m., St. Aidan's Episcopal Church, 17405 N.E. Glisan St., will open its doors to dogs, cats, birds, fish and all other kinds of beasts for its annual blessing of the animals service. This is in commemoration of St Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals.
Volunteers and representatives from Guide Dogs for the Blind, DoveLewis Emergency Animal Hospital, and Canine Companions for Independent Living will be on hand with some of their furry creatures to be blessed during the service, as well as to talk about their programs.
The public is encouraged to attend with their pets be they furry, feathered, or scaly. For more information, please contact the program coordinator, Mark Jones, at 503-252-6128.
FUNDRAISERS
Women helping women
There is good news for women weighed down with the dual burdens of poverty and mental health issues. The Northwest Catholic Counseling Center is holding the 10th annual Circle of Strength Fundraising Brunch in October to help defray the cost of counseling care for the most vulnerable in our community. Noted author and spiritual teacher Joyce Rupp will serve as the keynote speaker.
Nearly 250 women will come together at 10 a.m. on Oct. 16 at Riverside Golf & Country Club, 8105 N.E. 33rd Drive, and enjoy brunch while raising money to provide professional mental health counseling and medication management to low-income women and children. For 25 years, the nonprofit NCC has provided therapy and educational classes to everyone, regardless of faith or finances.
The need is great: depression is the leading cause of disability in women, and nearly 40 percent of families headed by single mothers live in poverty. NCC is one of the few organizations offering a sliding scale for vital mental health services - as little as $20 a session. Nearly 40 percent of clients are uninsured and close to 97 percent of everyone at the center receives some subsidization of counseling fees. Without the money raised at the Circle of Strength event, many of the nearly 1,000 clients helped each year would have no access to mental health care services.
An added treat at this year's brunch is a talk by Joyce Rupp. She is the author of more than 20 books including her most recent, “Fragments of Your Ancient Name.” She travels the world speaking and giving seminars. Rupp was the speaker at the first Circle of Strength 10 years ago, and NCC is delighted to welcome her back to Portland.
Anyone who would like to attend Circle of Strength Fundraising Luncheon or make a tax-deductible donation to further NCC's work can e-mail circleofstrength@nwcounseling.org or call 503-253-0964.
PTSA offering organic apple cider and fruit
The David Douglas High PTSA sells fresh organic apple cider, fresh organic peaches and apples and a selection of canned and pickled organic fruits and vegetables at two area farmers markets. Look for the ProFarms Produce Certified Organic banner at the Gresham Farmer's Market, Northwest 3rd Street and Miller Avenue in Gresham, on Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. and at the Lents International Farmer's Market, Southeast 92nd Avenue and Foster Road, on Sundays from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. DDHS PTSA members will be sporting red aprons. Ask them about a new Consumer Supported Agriculture program coming next year. Funds raised support the DDHS reader board project.
Finding wellness through art
A Touch of Well Arts is the inaugural fundraiser for Well Arts Institute, an arts-in-healthcare nonprofit that provides writing workshops for people facing life altering health issues. The event is set for Thursday, Oct 6, at 7 p.m. at the Hollywood Senior Center, 1820 N.E. 40th Ave.
It will feature gourmet food, presentations by workshop participants and actors, a silent auction and raffles, and music.
Tickets are $20. Buy them at brownpapertickets.com/event/193960 or contact Well Arts at 503-459-4500, katy@wellarts.org or wellarts.org.
Well Arts maintains programs working with elders, veterans with PTSD, the mentally ill, and nurses and caregivers, helping them find healing by sharing their stories and creating art from their experiences.
Pink flamingos flocking to Parkrose
The Parkrose High School choir is planning a trip to New York later this school year. They have come up with a bird-brained idea to raise funds, and you can be a part of it. For a donation of $15 you can designate a lucky friend or neighbor to be flocked. A flock of pink flamingoes will then appear in the designated yard. For a $10 donation, the flock will be removed. If you would like to avoid flocking altogether, simply donate $20.
Contact Deanne Paltridge at dpaltridge@gmail.com to make a donation and refer someone for flocking. Together we can turn Parkrose pink and send the choir to the Big Apple.
Other choir fundraisers include holiday wreaths, candy and Tillamook beef jerky stick sales. Contact any member of the choir, choir director Lesley Bossert at lesley_bossert@parkrose.k12.or.us or parent volunteer Norma Johnson at njohnsn0929@gmail.com to make purchases of these items.
Human Solutions reaches out for support
Human Solutions cannot meet the critical need of struggling families without community support. You are invited to its On the House breakfast Wednesday, Oct. 19 at 7:30 a.m. at Persimmon Country Club in Gresham or the On the House luncheon at noon on Thursday, Oct. 20, in the Mayfair Room of the Benson Hotel in downtown Portland. Both events are free, so please consider this your opportunity to introduce friends and colleagues to Human Solutions. There will be a brief program explaining how Human Solutions helps families build pathways out of poverty after which guests will be invited to open their hearts and checkbooks to make a generous tax deductible donation.
For more information, visit humansolutions.org. To reserve your place at the table call Sara Fisher at 503-548-0253. Human Solutions is the largest provider of services to homeless families in mid and east Multnomah County. From its main office at 12350 S.E. Powell Blvd., Human Solutions coordinates emergency shelter services, energy assistance, rent assistance, domestic violence support services, and individualized family support services. On Oct. 4 a new Rockwood Building will open. It is at 124 N.E. 181st St. Both locations are actively serving homeless and low-income families in our community.
Rummage sale will benefit causes
A rummage sale in support of Eastminster Presbyterian Church's community mission projects is set for Friday and Saturday, Oct. 21 and 22 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The deacons' regular monthly mission includes financial support to a local chaplain, SnowCap Community Charities and Shepherd's Door. The church is located at 12505 N.E. Halsey St.
You get discounts, worthy causes get support
The Russellville Kiwanis Club is selling 2012 Entertainment Books for $25 each. Buy now and begin using them immediately. The offers are good until Nov. 1, 2012. Books are available at the Jason Zwick State Farm Insurance office at 10643 N.E. Sandy Blvd. or from Charlie Ross at 503-252-1570.
Enjoy some great discounts at hundreds of businesses and help Russellville Kiwanis continue to support DayBreak Family Shelter, SnowCap Community Charities, Shaver Elementary School, Parkrose Little League, Ronald McDonald House, Mt. Hood Kiwanis Camp for Disabled Individuals, and others.
BAZAARS and CRAFT FAIRS
Vendors wanted
The David Douglas Holiday Bazaar is accepting applications for its 15th annual bazaar on Saturday, Dec. 3, at David Douglas High School. The fee is $35 per space. No jury. Electricity is available. Spaces sold out last year, so do not delay. Send a request for application, your contact information and a brief description of your product line to ddbazaar@yahoo.com.
Parkview Christian Retirement Community
Craft Fair, Friday Oct. 28 and Saturday Oct. 29, from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. at Parkview Christian Retirement Community, 1825 N.E. 108th Ave. Many handcrafted items. Residents will be showing everything from books to toys, harvest decorations to Christmas gifts, and lots of baby items. The PCRC Garden Club will be selling plants at great prices. While you browse the vendor offerings, treat yourself to some of the homemade goodies that will be for sale as well.
St. Rita
The St. Rita Catholic Church annual Fall Festival and Bazaar is Friday and Saturday, Nov. 4 and 5 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will be dozens of crafters, a boutique, fresh baked goods and more. Food will be served all day. The church is located at 10029 N.E. Prescott St. For more information, call 503-252-8810.
St. Therese
The St. Therese Parish 30th annual Holiday Bazaar is Friday, Nov. 4 and Saturday, Nov. 5. The event begins with the traditional sparkling punch evening and a light dinner on Friday from 5 to 8 p.m. On Saturday, the bazaar hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Enjoy the talents of many craftspeople as well as traditional baked goods, used books, a movies and music corner, and wonderful raffle items along with snacks and luncheon delights. St. Therese Multi-Purpose Center is located at Northeast 132nd Avenue and Halsey Street.
Portland Christian
The Portland Christian Royals Holiday Gift Show featuring handcrafted artisan goods, jewelry, home décor and more is Saturday, Nov. 5 from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Portland Christian Elementary School, 11845 S.E. Market St. Free admission.
Crossroads Church
Christmas Bazaar at Crossroads Church, 2505 N.E. 102nd Ave., on Friday and Saturday, Nov. 11 and 12 from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. Handmade gifts, decorations, food, rugs, wood products, knitted items, weaving looms, tank chimes, dolls, greeting cards, crafts and more.
THE ARTS
Overtures, opera and Broadway numbers are on the program
The Mt. Hood Pops Orchestra begins the 2011-12 season with a performance on Sunday, Oct. 9 at 3:30 p.m. in the theater at Mt. Hood Community College, 22600 S.E. Stark St., in Gresham. The fall concert will feature the “Egmont Overture” by Beethoven, Webber's “Phantom of the Opera”, Henry Mancini's theme from “The Pink Panther”, “Guys and Dolls” by Loesser and Carmen, and Suite No. 2 by Bizet. Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for students and seniors, $45 for families. Season tickets are also available. Visit mthoodpops.org or call 503-229-1937 to learn more.
Portland Chamber Music returns to Parkrose
Portland Chamber Music returns to St. Matthew's Episcopal Church, 11229 N.E. Prescott St., on Friday, Oct. 21. These fun, informal and very family-friendly concerts bring a mix of classical and contemporary musical delights that will incorporate clarinet, piano, cello, and violin. Works by Copland, Bruch, Bloch, Boston and Eric Clapton will be performed. The musicians provide information regarding the composers and pieces played and invite questions from the audience between settings. The music begins at 7 p.m.
For more information, please call 503-252-5720.
Free and fun concerts for parents and kids to attend together
The Community Music Center free family Friday concert series returns for its fourth season on Oct. 21 at 7:15 p.m. with Whistlin' Rufus. This high-energy group performs classical, Irish, folk, bluegrass, rock and roll, and jazz. They perform original works as well as interpret those by a variety of artists including the Beatles, Bill Monroe and others. The audience is sure to be dancing in the aisles. The concerts are free. If you can make a donation of $5 per person or $15 for a family of any size you may do so at the door. Fresh popcorn, snacks and refreshments will be sold.
Dracula to visit Mt. Tabor
“Nosferatu,” the first Dracula film, will be presented Sunday, Oct 23, at 4 p.m. at Tabor Heights United Methodist Church, 6161 S.E. Stark St. Christopher Nordwall will provide live pipe organ accompaniment.
“Nosferatu” was filmed in Germany in 1921 and stars Max Schreck. Admission is by a free will offering.
Think pink
The first Parkrose High choir concert of the school year is Monday, Oct. 24 at 7 p.m. in the high school theater, 12003 N.E. Shaver St.
Admission is free. They're calling this performance “Think Pink”. Could flamingoes be involved? There's only one way to find out…go to the concert.
EVENTS and ACTIVITIES
Explore outdoor early childhood classes
Registration for Portland Parks & Recreation Environmental Education is now open. Programs offer opportunities this fall for even young children to learn about nature.
These programs awaken a youngster's curiosity, help to increase vocabulary, and help families to find ways to enjoy the outdoors, rain or shine. A sense of caring for the Earth begins at the earliest ages. PP&R programs that connect children and nature use first-hand experiences to instill a sense of belonging and stewardship toward the planet . PP&R's Environmental Education programs make it easy and fun for young children to start to make sense of their world.
Examples include Ladybug Nature Walks for children ages 2 to 5 that offer the opportunity to discover a variety of natural resources in local Portland parks with an enthusiastic environmental educator. Walks are child-directed and allow time for exploring the wonders of trees, plants, soil and insects. They take place every Friday from 10 to 11a.m. through Nov. 4.
Or try Nuts About Nature which welcomes children ages 3 to 7 to explore the world in developmentally appropriate ways. For younger children, classes are play-based, exploratory and imaginative. Classes for ages 4 and 5 contain weekly ecological themes that are taught using songs, stories, games, exploration and play. Nuts About Nature also offers after-school and home school classes for children ages 6 and7 where exploration, imagination and play continue the connection to the natural world.
Parents can complement classroom or home-school learning by enrolling in Portland Parks & Recreation programs that take place in outdoor, real-life environments. Children not only learn about plants, animal behavior and habitat from highly trained educators, they are also stimulated physically, mentally and socially through sensory activities, motor skills, exploration and decision making. Volunteer parent helper opportunities are also available.
For more information, go to PP&R's Environmental Education website portlandonline.com/parks/index.cfm?c=38295.
To register for classes, call the reservations center at 503-823-2525.
Try weekend guided garden walks
Meet in front of the Manor House every Saturday through the end of October from 11 a.m. until noon for fun and informative tours of Leach Botanical Garden, 9604 S.E. 122nd Ave. Check out what's blooming and explore different sections of the garden with your volunteer guide. These seasonal walks are free and appropriate for all ages. Weekly themes vary. Please pre-register for groups over eight at 503-823-1671.
Explore the wonderful world of bugs
Entomologists Kristie Reddick and Jessica Honakert-the Bug Chicks-teach about the world of insects and spiders with fun videos and workshops at Leach Botanical Garden, 6704 S.E. 122nd Ave., Saturday, Oct. 8, at 2 p.m. In this hour and a half workshop you'll meet their live animals, go on a bug hunt in Leach Garden's meadows, pond and stream, and get an up-close look at insects through the microscope. Parents, if your children are afraid of bugs, Kristie and Jessica can turn fear into fascination.
Please pre-register at leachgarden.org, 503-823-1671 or info@leachgarden.org. The fee is $5 per person or $20 for families of four or more.
To learn more about the Bug Chicks, visit thebugchicks.com.
Experience garden at twilight
Twinkling lanterns will light the way as you explore Leach Botanical Garden in the autumn twilight on Wednesday, Oct. 19 at 6 p.m. This special evening tour will provide a preview of upcoming fall color highlights and insights into some of the garden's winter attractions. Return to the Manor House for live music and refreshments. Space is limited so pre-registration is advised. The fee is $10 for Leach Garden Friends members, $15 for non-members. To register, visit leachgarden.org, e-mail info@leachgarden.org or call 503-823-1671.
Leach Botanical Garden is located at 6704 S.E. 122nd Ave.
Celebrate harvest time
Resurrection Lutheran Church, 1700 N.E. 132nd Ave, is hosting a free Harvest Party on Friday, Oct. 28th from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Activities include games, indoor trick-or-treating, a cake walk, a movie, bring-your-own pumpkin carving, treats and a haunted lodge. For more information, call 503-255-8772.
Create catnip treats from homegrown herbs
Learn everything you will ever need to know about catnip at a free class at the Gregory Heights Branch Library, 7921 N.E. Sandy Blvd., on Sunday, Oct. 30 from 1 to 2 p.m.
Volunteers from the nonprofit Catink.org will teach you how to grow catnip from seed using natural gardening techniques. Discover why some cats never react to catnip and others devour it and learn how it benefits humans. For information visit catinkorg.blogspot.com or e-mail catink.org@gmail.com.
Enjoy a fun, safe Halloween
Rose City Nazarene Church presents its fifth annual Community Halloween Carnival on Monday, Oct. 31 from 6 to 8 p.m. Families with children through middle school will enjoy dinner, games, prizes and visits from Portland police and fire bureau personnel.
This is a free event. Rose City Nazarene Church is located at 7016 N.E. Sandy Blvd. To find out more, contact RCN community liaison Sarah Waits at 503-287-0145 or sarah@rcnaz.com.
Discover gardener's guided walks
Join Leach Botanical Garden gardener and curator Courtney Vengarick for a seasonal tour of the garden on the first Saturday of each month from 11 a.m. until noon. Discover the secrets of the garden and watch as it prepares for winter. Walks are free. Pre-registration is not required. The garden is located at 9604 SE 122nd Ave. Call 503-823-1671 to learn more, or visit leachgarden.org.
Find your voice
There is power in words, and the Northwest Catholic Counseling Center can help you tap into that power. NCCC will offer a writing workshop on Saturday, Nov. 5 from 9 a.m. until noon at 8383 N.E. Sandy Blvd, Suite 205. The cost is $10
Gain confidence in writing, both in exploring yourself and as a critical thinker. Maybe you want to go back to school, advocate for your child in the school system or for an elderly parent in the health system. Perhaps you want to write about your life in a memoir, journal or blog. Possibly you've thought of journaling to compose yourself. This workshop is all about taking a new look at writing as a tool in your life.
The deadline for registering is Nov. 2. There are some scholarships available.
Contact NCCC at 503-253-0964 or info@nwcounseling.org to learn more.
For 25 years, NCCC has offered behavioral health care to all regardless of faith or finances. The thousand people served annually are drawn from throughout the metro area and beyond. Forty percent of NCCC clients are uninsured and 97 percent of counseling sessions are subsidized by fees, donations and grants. The center is particularly devoted to caring for low-income women and children, who often shoulder the greatest emotional and financial burdens of poverty.
LIBRARIES
Multnomah County Library expands nonfiction e-book collection
Multnomah County Library has expanded its e-book collection with 8,500 new nonfiction e-books on economics, science and technology topics. The e-books complement the library's current general nonfiction e-book offerings with more in-depth nonfiction that will be especially helpful for academic and other research.
This new service is made available through patron-driven acquisition. This means that the library pays for books only as patrons use them. The patron-driven acquisition model is becoming widespread in large libraries across the country because it provides a cost-efficient way for libraries to offer deeper coverage on subjects that are not primarily driven by popular use, and respond to patron interests without making permanent purchases or taking shelf space. It also provides a way to offer materials that have shorter periods of relevance and are common targets for theft.
Each title can be viewed online and downloaded for up to seven days. To view a title, a library cardholder simply clicks on the title in the library catalog and enters his or her library card number. There is no limit on the number of people who can access an e-book simultaneously, or to how many times an e-book can be viewed.
Downloading the e-books requires Adobe Digital Editions, the same software patrons are using to read e-books from Library2Go, the popular service that provides a large selection of fiction e-books. The new e-books are searchable, printable, and offer tools such as note taking and citation assistance.
Gregory Heights Library, 7921 N.E. Sandy Blvd., multcolib.org/agcy/grh.html, 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., except Oct. 13.
Book Babies: Storytime for children newborn to 12 months with adult. Thursdays from 11:15 to 11:45 a.m., except Oct. 13.
Toddler Storytime: Storytime for children 24 to 36 months with adult. Fridays from 10:15 to 10:45 a.m., except Oct. 14.
Preschool Storytime: Storytime for children 3 to 6 years with adult. Fridays from 11:15 to 11:45 a.m., except Oct. 14.
Family Storytime: Storytime for children 6 years and younger with adult. Saturdays from 11:15 to 11:45 a.m., except Oct. 15.
Nuestros Cuentos: This dynamic performance by Viva la Cultura! presents folktales, folkloric dances and songs of Spain, Mexico, Brazil and Cuba. Come experience the cultural and historical backgrounds of the dances, music and stories, and learn about the authentic costumes from the different regions. Sunday, Oct. 9 from 3 to 4 p.m.
Mz. Pearl's Variety Show: Heather Pearl's solo clown show is a feat to be marveled at. Her inventiveness and abilities astound and surprise all ages. The show has a variety of physical comedy, juggling, magic, dance and word play. Saturday, Oct. 29 from 3 to 3:45 p.m.
Teen Lounge and Homework Center: Use library computers, get homework help, or just do your homework and listen to music. For teens in grades 6-12. Thursdays from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.
Vietnamese Book and Movie Club for Teens: Discuss popular Vietnamese language books and movies. This program will be conducted in Vietnamese and allows Vietnamese teens the opportunity to strengthen their cultural identities while making connections with each other and the library. Saturday, Oct. 22 from 1 to 3 p.m.
Knitting Club: Whether you are a beginner or an experienced knitter, come join the fun and learn together. All experience levels and ages welcome. Please bring your own supplies. Tuesdays from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
Language Exchange: 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 4 to 5:30 p.m.
Pageturners Book Group: Read “Hellhound on His Trail: The Stalking of Martin Luther King, Jr., and the International Hunt for His Assassin” by Hampton Sides. Engage in stimulating conversation about books, explore history and current events or exchange perspectives about characters and plots, and get to know your neighbors; sponsored by the Friends of the Library. Wednesday, Oct. 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.
Computer Lab: Lab assistants are available to help beginners practice their computer skills. Thursdays from 1:30 to 3 p.m.
Midland Library, 805 S.E. 122nd Ave., multcolib.org/agcy/mid.htm, 503-988-5392
Space at programs is limited. Seating is available on a first-come, first-serve basis, except as noted.
Chinese Storytime: Storytime presented in Cantonese for children ages newborn to 6 years with adult. Sundays from 1:15 to 2 p.m.
Yoga Storytime: This class introduces children to the benefits of yoga through stories, music and simple movements. For children ages 3 to 6 years and their caregivers; one child per adult. You are encouraged to bring your own mat. Tuesdays from 10:15 to 11 a.m.
Book Babies: Storytime for children newborn to 12 months with adult. Tuesdays 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 6 years and younger with adult. Tuesdays from 7 to 7:30 p.m.
Tiny Tots: Storytime for children 12 to 24 months with adult. Wednesdays and Fridays from 10:15 to 11 a.m. and Wednesdays from 11:15 a.m. to noon.
Preschool Storytime: Storytime for children 3 to 6 years with adult. Thursdays from 10:15 to 10:45 a.m.
Toddler Storytime: Storytime for children 24 to 36 months with adult. Thursdays from 11:15 to 11:45 a.m. and Fridays from 11:15 a.m. to noon.
Vietnamese Storytime: Storytime presented in Vietnamese for children ages newborn to 6 years with adult. Saturdays, Oct. 8 and 22 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 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.
Vietnamese Family Playgroup: This playgroup is a wonderful opportunity for both children and parents from the community to meet and network with each other. It is also a gathering place for children to practice and learn Vietnamese. Saturdays, Oct. 1, 15 and 29 from 10:15 to 11 a.m.
Nuestros Cuentos: This dynamic performance by Viva la Cultura! presents folktales, folkloric dances and songs of Spain, Mexico, Brazil and Cuba. Come experience the cultural and historical backgrounds of the dances, music and stories, and learn about the authentic costumes from the different regions. The audience is invited to participate in the performance, becoming storytellers themselves through sound, Spanish vocabulary words and song, costumes, percussive rhythms and movement. Sunday, Oct. 2 from 2 to 3 p.m.
Van Oodles Live!: Van Oodles is a family music artist whose children's music is secretly designed to entertain adults. A recent transplant from California, he encourages and creates audience participation from the very first note. Playing both acoustic and electric versions of his songs, Van Oodles engages the audience through games, question and answer, anecdotal musings and dancing. Friday, Oct. 14 from 4 to 4:45 p.m.
Teen Lounge: Use library laptops for homework or fun, play Wii or board games, and meet friends. For teens in grades 6-12. Mondays from 4 to 6 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 in 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, Oct. 5 and 19 from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.
Read to the Dogs: Improve your reading skills and make a new friend by reading aloud to a therapy dog from the Delta Society's Pet Partners Program, sponsored by DoveLewis. Registration is required. Call 503-988-5392. Mondays, Oct. 10 and 24 from 6:30 to 8 p.m.
Journaling for Teens: Like many practices that have been replaced by advances in technology, journaling is quickly becoming a lost art. Under the instruction of artist Kathy Karbo, explore your artistic side by making your own journal. Using various tools, decorative papers and new techniques, you can learn to stitch your own journal for keeping notes, poems or secrets. Wednesday, Oct. 19 from 4:30 to 5:30 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., except Oct. 9.
Talk Time: Talk Time is an informal conversation circle for non-native speakers to practice speaking English. This is not a class from 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.
Books-to-Action: Read and discuss “Somewhere Towards the End” by Diana Athill. Noted British editor and writer Athill decided at 91 to have a go at writing about the process of getting old. Limited copies of the book are available. Pick up a copy of the book at Midland Library after you register. Engage in a community service project, organized by Hands On Greater Portland. Registration is required. Register online, in the library or by calling 503-988-5234. Monday, Oct. 3 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. See Volunteer Opportunities in this Calendar to learn about Hands on Greater Portland service projects.
Parents' Rights and Responsibilities: The Russian-speaking community is invited to learn about parental rights and legal responsibilities in the United States. Parents have many responsibilities when it comes to their children, but they have important rights as well. The law is not intended to prohibit or restrict the use of reasonable parental guidance, or to prescribe a particular method; however, understanding it is essential to ensure positive results. Drop in to learn and engage in a discussion about this important topic. Russian storytelling and crafts will be provided for the children of families in attendance at the parenting program. Refreshments will be served. Monday, Oct. 10 from 5:30 to 7:30 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 “Louisa May Alcott: The Woman Behind Little Women” by Harriet Reisen. Discussion will be led by Maude Hines, professor of English at Portland State University on Monday, Oct. 17 from 6:45 to 8 p.m.
Read “My Life in France” by Julia Child for discussion on Wednesday, Oct. 19 from 1 to 2:15 p.m.
Credit Score Got You Down: What is a good credit score? We know our numbers: age, shoe size, birth date, how much we weigh; but what about our credit score? This number can have a big impact on how much we pay for a car, a home, or even what kind of job we can get. ClearPoint Financial Solutions will show you how to manage credit well to secure your financial future. Monday, Oct. 24 from 6:15 to 7:45 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 2:30 to 5 p.m.
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