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FAITH and VALUES
Events at The Grotto
The monthly St. Peregrine Mass and blessing with the relic of Saint Peregrine will be offered in the Chapel of Mary on Saturday, Sept. 4 at noon. St. Peregrine is the patron saint of victims of cancer and other life-threatening diseases.
“Saying Our Goodbyes, a Labyrinth Retreat” will take place on Saturday, Sept, 11 from 9 a.m. until noon. Use the labyrinth as a tool on your journey with grief. Walk out with comfort and renewal. Join Father Ignatius Kissel, and Patricia Flynn, spiritual director, for this opportunity to examine your losses and life changes. Meet in The Grotto Conference Center at 9 a.m.
The Grotto is located at Northeast 85th Avenue and Sandy Boulevard. Visit thegrotto.org to learn more.
33rd annual St. George Middle Eastern Festival shares cultural heritage
The Parish of St. George will hold its 33rd annual Middle East Festival on Sunday, Sept. 12, from noon to 7 p.m., at 2101 N.E. 162nd Ave. (just north of Halsey Street).
St. George members started the event in 1972 to celebrate their community's unique heritage and to share fun, food, and excitement with their neighbors while raising money for church projects.
This year, booths will offer a la carte dishes such as succulent barbecued shish kebabs, delicious gyros, spicy falafel, spinach and meat pies, and other finger foods along with salad, Arabic sweets, and coffee. Seating will be available both outside and inside.
Entertainment will include Middle East folk dancing, music, and a children's tent with games and activities for the young ones, including a bouncy house. Icons, jewelry, books and CDs, as well as wonderful baked goods will be offered for sale inside the parish hall. A silent auction will offer many donated items at unbelievably low prices.
For those interested, church tours will be offered periodically throughout the afternoon. Visitors can view beautiful icons, painted by Russian iconographer Dmitry Shkolnik, and learn about the Orthodox teaching on icons, as well as the history and faith of the Orthodox Church.
There is no charge for admission. Purchase tokens for food items-cash or check only-at the door. For more information, visit stgeorgeportland.org or call 503-255-6055.
VOLUNTEER ACTIVITIES
Loaves & Fishes Centers need drivers to deliver meals to seniors on Labor Day
Loaves & Fishes Centers, the Meals-On-Wheels people, are seeking volunteer drivers to ensure homebound seniors receive nutritious meals and a bit of companionship this Labor Day weekend.
“These volunteers are invaluable because they not only help us feed our frail elderly, but they make sure these seniors see a friendly face every day,” said Caroline Henry, who manages Loaves & Fishes Centers' Weekend and Holiday meal program. “Sometimes the Meals-On-Wheels driver is the only persons these homebound seniors see in a given day. Holiday volunteers help fill routes left by our regular drivers who vacation for the Labor Day weekend.”
Volunteer drivers are needed on Saturday, Sunday and Monday, Sept. 4, 5 and 6. For more information about how you can help, call Caroline Henry at 503-953-8123 weekdays or 503-953-8202 weekends.
David Douglas students need you
“People who volunteer for OASIS have a better experience. This is such fun! Thanks for keeping the spark alive.” Sandie K., 3-year Gresham tutor.
That's how OASIS tutors feel when they help elementary students become successful learners. The tutor program is welcoming people in the David Douglas school district who want to make a difference in a child's life. The program provides training, materials, and on-going support. Volunteers provide the one-on-one attention to students. Educators continually praise the dynamic impact one hour a week with a tutor can have on a child.
Training sessions are scheduled at various locations in September and October. Please contact Vivian Foster at 503-241-3059 or vifoster@lhs.org to volunteer.
FUNDRAISERS
Your cans and bottles mean big bucks for Boosters
If it's the first Saturday of the month, the Parkrose Bronco Boosters will be at Parkrose Middle School, 11800 N.E. Shaver St. to take possession of your refundable cans and bottles. Funds raised support a host of activities at Parkrose High.
Toss those clattering bags in your trunk and drop them off between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. on your way to the Parkrose Farmer's Market.
THE ARTS
A little coffee, some dessert and loads of student talent showcased
The Thespian Coffee House in the Parkrose High School theatre classroom will be open from 7 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 15. Admission is free, and students of all ages are invited.
Drop in to sing, play an instrument, perform a scene, read a poem, or showcase your talents in some other special, family-friendly way. Not a performer? Drop by and enjoy the talents of others. Coffee and desserts will be available for purchase. Funds raised will support the PHS theatre program.
Organist, soprano to perform
The free concert series at Tabor Heights United Methodist Church, 6161 S.E. Stark St., continues this month on Sunday, Sept. 19 at 4 p.m.
Walter Krueger will perform an organ concert featuring the music of Bach, Buxtehude, and others. Also featured will be selections from V. Williams' Mystical Songs sung by soprano Ruth Register.
The community is invited and welcome to attend this series of concerts highlighting Portland area musicians. A free-will offering will be accepted.
For more information call 503-232-8500 or visit taborheightschurch.org.
Art classes are back
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| Local artist and teacher, Pat Averill, demonstrates her craft. She is the guest instructor at the September Portland Fine Arts Guild classes. COURTESY PORTLAND FINE ARTS GUILD |
Pat Averill, a nationally known artist, will be the guest instructor for the month. She will focus on colored pencil skills using wax pencils and old fashioned wax crayons along with Stonehenge paper.
Averill has been published in American Artist, received merits awards, and is an author in popular instructional materials including Walter Foster.
First-time students receive a free lesson. Members pay $10 per session, non-members pay $12. To learn more, please visit portlandfineartsguild.org or contact Dee Baker at dbaker.artist@gmail.com or 503-251-4955.
EVENTS & ACTIVITIES
Mt. Hood Festival of the Forest
Experience a celebration of the great outdoors suitable for the whole family on Sept. 11 and 12 at the Wildwood Recreation Area on Mt. Hood. Forest activities, nature crafts, live music and food and vendor booths will be offered from noon to 6 p.m. each day.
Wildwood Recreation Area is located 39 miles east of Portland at 65670 E Highway 26 near Welches. Admission is $5 per vehicle, per day. This event supports Special Olympics Oregon.
Learn about voter-owned elections
The League of Women Voters will host a panel discussion on campaign finance reform and voter-owned elections
at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 14, in the board room of the Multnomah County Building, 501 S.E. Hawthorne Blvd. The event is free, and the public is invited to attend.
Voter-owned elections are a comprehensive system that provides candidates a voluntary option when running for mayor, city commissioner, and auditor without special interest contributions.
The following panel will address several aspects of campaign finance reform during the first hour, followed by audience questions:
• Leslie Hildula, former chair, Portland's Citizen Campaign Commission,
• Willie Smith, district director, Representative Earl Blumenauer,
• Janice Thompson, executive director, Common Cause, Oregon, and
• Barbara Dudley, adjunct professor, Hatfield School of Government, Portland State University
Panelists will discuss the current voter-owned election system in Portland, other similar programs in other locations around the United States, the status of federal campaign finance reform, and some of the attempts and implications of regulatory reform.
The voter-owned elections system has been referred to the November 2010 ballot by the Portland City Council. The LWV believes it to be a cost effective reform that makes the system more accessible to all. Candidates qualify for public funds by proving broad community support. They no longer need to raise private dollars and instead focus on meeting with voters to discuss the issues facing the community.
The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization that encourages informed and active participation in government.
Interpretive programs on the Mount Hood National Forest
Rangers from the Zigzag Ranger District will offer the following tours and hikes this month. All of these events are free. Donations are appreciated to ensure programs such as this can be continued in to the future.
Timberline Lodge Tours: Join a U.S. Forest Service Ranger for a 25 minute tour of historic Timberline Lodge. Explore the rich history of the lodge and all it has to offer. Meet at the U.S. Forest Service Desk inside Timberline Lodge daily at 11 a.m., 1, 2, and 3 p.m. excluding Saturday, Sept. 11. Timberline
Mountaineer Trail Guided Hike: Accompany a U.S. Forest Service Ranger on a two mile round trip hike on the Timberline Mountaineer Trail to Silcox Hut, the upper terminus of the original Magic Mile Chairlift. Explore the rich outdoor history of Timberline along with the natural history of the Mount Hood Area. Meet at the USFS Desk inside the Timberline Lodge lobby Wednesday through Sunday at 1:30 p.m. excluding Saturday and Sunday Sept. 11 and 12. This hike is strenuous with an approximately 1000 foot elevation gain (climb from 6,000 to 7,000 feet in 1 mile). Due to snow levels in the early season participants will hike as far as possible up the trail.
Mirror Lake Guided Hike: Mirror Lake provides stunning views of Mount Hood and the surrounding area all contained within a 3 mile round trip hike. Forest visitors participating in the hike will be escorted by a U.S. Forest Service Ranger who will provide insight into various topics relating to Mount Hood and its history. Meet at the Mirror Lake Trailhead on Highway 26 just West of Government Camp and Ski Bowl on Friday Sept. 17 or 24 at 11 a.m.
SkiBowl Oregon Trail Guided Hike: Join a U.S. Forest Service Ranger on a 1.5 to 2 hour exploration into the largest voluntary migration in human history, the Oregon Trail. From SkiBowl east parking area visitors will travel east along the route of the old Barlow Toll Road where your guide will provide information and insight into the trail, the Barlow Road, and its effects on the settlement of Oregon. Meet in the SkiBowl east parking area on Friday, Sept. 17 or 24 or on Wednesday, Sept. 22 or 29 at 2 p.m.
Government Camp History Hike: Accompany a U.S. Forest Service Ranger on a tour of Government Camp and the surrounding area. This hike will take participants though beautiful downtown Government Camp and into the forest above. Explore the rich history of Government Camp from the first settlers to the ski and snowboard industry boom.
Meet at the Mount Hood Cultural Center and Museum in Government Camp, 88900 Government Camp Loop. This hike is offered Sept. 1, 15, 16, 18, 19, 22, 23, 29 and 30 at noon.
If you need more information about any of these tours or hikes, please call 503-622-3191 or visit http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/mthood/.
Aquifer Adventure
In celebration of Talk Like a Pirate Day, a free pirate adventure is planned along the Columbia Slough trail on Saturday, Sept. 18 from noon to 4 p.m. Big and little pirates alike are welcome to join the Portland Water Bureau and the Columbia Slough Watershed Council for a family festival all about groundwater. Play fun games, enjoy live music, and go on a scavenger hunt in search of hidden treasure - not gold, but groundwater, a precious resource that flows beneath your feet. Come dressed in yer finest pirate togs, or else the Cap'n might make ye walk the plank.
The adventure begins at the trailhead located at Northeast 166th Avenue and Airport Way. To find out more, contact Melissa Sandoz, Columbia Slough Watershed Council outreach director, at 503-281-1132 or visit columbiaslough.org.
NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION MEETINGS
Residents of Parkrose Heights are encouraged to attend the Parkrose Heights Association of Neighbors general membership meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 28 at 7 p.m. at Parkrose Methodist Church, 11111 N. E. Knott St. Board members will be elected and Dr. Karen Fischer Gray, superintendent of the Parkrose School District, will be on hand to discuss the district budget.
The PHAN board will meet on Tuesday, Sept. 21. Same time, same place.
LIBRARIES
Multnomah County Library circulation breaks records nationwide
With the highest circulation in its category for the eighth year, MCL remains one of the busiest libraries in the U.S.
Multnomah County Library patrons have checked out and renewed more items than patrons of any other U.S. library serving fewer than one million residents, according to the 2010 Public Library Data Service Statistical Report recently issued by the Public Library Association.
Circulation of library materials is one of the primary indicators used by libraries to evaluate their success in serving the public. Multnomah County Library's circulation of 22.7 million items last year is a new record for any library in the nation serving fewer than one million residents. With a population of about 700,000, that's an average of 31 items checked out or renewed for every man, woman and child in Multnomah County.
The Public Library Data Service report also found that among large libraries in the U.S. (libraries that serve a population of 500,000 or more), Multnomah County Library has the highest collection turnover rate per capita. That means that the library has the hardest working collection of books, CDs, DVDs and more - each item is checked out at twice the rate of the national average.
Also among large libraries, Multnomah County Library has the highest in-library materials use per capita - the number of books, journals, newspapers and other materials that patrons use in the library but do not check out.
“These statistics underscore the value of Multnomah County Library in our community and affirm what our patrons tell us every day,” said Director of Libraries Vailey Oehlke. “Your library remains one of the most well-used, well-loved libraries in the nation.”
Multnomah County Library is the oldest public library west of the Mississippi, with a history that reaches back to 1864. Today, Central Library and the other 18 neighborhood libraries that make up the library system house about 700 computers for the public and a collection of two million books and other library materials. As Oregon's largest public library, Multnomah County Library serves nearly one-fifth of the state's population with a wide variety of programs and services. To read more about Multnomah County Library, please visit multcolib.org.
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-served basis, except as noted.
Tiny Tots: Storytime for children 12 to 24 months with adult. Wednesdays and Fridays from 10:15 to 11 a.m. except Sept. 8 and 10.
Toddler Storytime: Storytime for children 24 to 36 months with adult. Wednesdays and Fridays from 11:15 a.m. to noon except Sept. 8 and 10.
Preschool Storytime: Storytime for children 3 to 6 years with adult. Thursdays from 10:15 to 10:45 a.m. except Sept. 9.
Book Babies: Storytime for children newborn to 12 months with adult. Thursdays from 11:15 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. except Sept. 9.
Vietnamese Storytime: Storytime presented in Vietnamese for children ages newborn to 6 with adult. Saturdays, Sept. 11 and 25 from 10:15 to 11 a.m.
Yoga Storytime: This class introduces children to the benefits of yoga through stories, music and simple movements. For ages 3 to 6 years and their caregivers; one child per adult. You are encouraged to bring your own mat. Tuesdays beginning Sept. 14 from 11:15 a.m. to noon.
Pajama Time: Put on your pajamas, grab a bedtime buddy, and join in for stories, songs and fun. For children 6 years and younger with adult. Tuesdays beginning Sept. 14 from 7 to 7:30 p.m.
Chinese Storytime: Storytime presented in Cantonese for children ages newborn to 6 years with adult. Sundays beginning Sept. 19 from 1:15 to 2 p.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, Sept. 4 and 18 from 10:15 to 11 a.m.
Cool Tunes for Kids: Join popular family entertainer Eric Herman as he presents a concert show that bursts with comedy, creativity, audience participation and outrageous fun. Eric performs his smash hits “The Elephant Song” and “Dance like an Animal,” and many other interactive and award-winning songs. Thursday, Sept. 9 from 4 to 5 p.m.
Zampoñas (Pan Pipes) with Gerardo Calderón: Each student will learn to sand, cork, and then strap the five PVC pipes together to create a zampoñas or pan pipe. Geraldo teaches students to play a simple musical piece. Registration is required. Register online, in the library or by calling 503-988-5234. Wednesday, Sept. 15 from 4 to 6 p.m.
Family Clothing Swap: Join us for a free adult and children's clothing swap. Round up unwanted clean clothing, accessories and other wearables you or your kids don't use or love anymore and bring them to the swap. Bring clean clothes in reasonable condition, no rips, tears, visible stains, etc. There are no minimum requirements for how many items you have to bring or how many you can take, but please be courteous and generous. Don't forget to bring a bag to carry your treasures home in. Items that do not get swapped will be donated to low income and high needs families in our community. Saturday, Sept. 18 from 2 to 5 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 of the library's. 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, Sept. 1 and 15 from 4:30 to 5:30 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 beginning Sept. 13 from 4 to 6 p.m.
Read to the Dogs SM: 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, Sept. 13 and 27 from 6:30 to 8 p.m.
Kids Book Club: Calling all 4th, 5th and 6th graders: Like to read? Join the Midland Library Kids Book Club. Hang out and chat about each month's book and enjoy a related activity and snacks. Pick up a copy of the book at the information desk after you register. Read “Flush” by Carl Hiaasen. Registration is required; call 503-988-5392. Tuesday, Sept. 28 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.
Pageturners Book Groups: Engage in stimulating conversation about books and get to know your neighbors. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library. Read “Cutting for Stone” by Abraham Verghese. Tuesday, Sept. 14 from 6:45 to 8 p.m.
Read “Lean on Pete” by Willy Vlautin. Wednesday, Sept. 15 from 1 to 2:15 p.m.
Know Your Rights: Police have the vital and difficult job of protecting public safety. Performing this job effectively does not require sacrificing civil liberties or civil rights. All Oregon police agencies, from the state patrol to city police forces, need to respect the rights of individuals while enforcing the law. Monday, Sept. 20 from 6:30 to 8 p.m.
Bilingual Book Discussion Group: Have fun reading and discussing the Spanish short stories from the book “The Cow is to Blame.” These stories tell anecdotes and fables with reflections on life and leadership. The discussion will be bilingual. Sunday, Sept. 26 from 2 to 3 p.m.
Wills, Trusts and Estate Planning: Learn the basics of wills, living trusts, powers of attorney and health care directives with attorney and author Richard Schneider. Monday, Sept. 27 from 6:30 to 7:45 p.m.
No calendar is available this month from Gregory Heights.
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