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Nature friendly landscaping workshops
East Multnomah Soil and Water Conservation District offers free workshops so you can landscape your yard to create wildlife habitat that doesn't stop at property lines. Attend these Naturescaping and Rain Garden workshops and get a head-start planning for the upcoming gardening season.
Take Rain Gardens 101 to learn about the critical role rain gardens can play in urban stream restoration, and how to construct your own. This workshop is Saturday, Feb. 26 from 9 a.m. until noon at the Portland Expo Center, 2060 N. Marine Dr.
Or sign up for Naturescaping Basics and learn to design your landscape to reduce water use, decrease stormwater runoff and save you time, money, and energy-all while providing a beautiful habitat for birds, wildlife, and you. This workshop is Saturday, March 5 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Whitaker Ponds Natural Area, 7040 N.E. 47th Ave.
Space is limited and registration is required. Please visit emswcd.org/workshops-events to register online and to view the full workshop schedule.
Bringing trees to our neighborhoods
Residents in six east Portland neighborhoods can still buy trees from Friends of Trees to plant at their homes this winter and spring. The sign-up deadline for the Argay, Parkrose, Parkrose Heights, Russell, Sumner and Wilkes neighborhoods is Monday, Feb. 7. The $35 cost per tree includes assistance in filing a city-required street tree permit, the wholesale price of the tree, delivery, hole digging, planting assistance, stakes, and follow-up maintenance checks. Friends of Trees offers a wide selection of trees specifically approved for your home's planting strip. You'll also be invited to join a neighborhood potluck after the planting.
Even if you don't buy a tree, you can help plant on March 12 in any of these neighborhoods.
While you are deciding if you want to add a tree to your yard, consider these facts:
• Tree shade can cut your energy costs by 35% during the summer.
• Trees clean our air, water, and soil. A new U.S. Forest Service study in Portland even links tree-lined neighborhoods with healthy newborns.
• Tree-lined streets calm and slow traffic. This creates safer neighborhoods and happier people.
• Planting trees on your property can add $7,000 to the value of your home.
Find out how easy it is to sign up at friendsoftrees.org/buytrees.
LIBRARIES
Everybody Reads 2011 is underway
What if everybody read the same book? We'd talk to each other about issues that matter, and we'd celebrate the power of books in creating a stronger community. For the ninth annual installment of the Multnomah County Library Everybody Reads project, the book selected to prompt meaningful questions and discussions is “The Other Wes Moore” by Wes Moore. The project will culminate with the March 7 visit to Portland by the author.
“The Other Wes Moore” is the story of two boys with similar backgrounds but very different destinies. It is an especially powerful story about hope, the influence of family and community, opportunity, and the cultural and societal barriers to success. It is a story that transcends race and will resonate with anyone who is, or has ever been, at a crossroads.
To participate, readers can borrow or download the book or audio book from the library. While supplies last, all library locations will offer free extra copies of the book that don't need to be checked out and won't accrue late charges. Readers are encouraged to share these special copies with friends, coworkers and neighbors. Items checked out from the library must be returned or renewed as usual.
Readers can then share their thoughts and learn more at book groups, lectures and panel discussions held at libraries, local bookstores and elsewhere in the community throughout February.
All library locations will have a supply of books, display items, informational bookmarks and project guides. Complete resources are available in the project guide and on the Everybody Reads website at multcolib.org/reads.
Gregory Heights Library, 7921 N.E. Sandy Blvd., www.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.
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. For teens in grades 6-12. Thursdays from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.
Youth Service Crew: Need community service hours and volunteer credit? Check out the Youth Service Crew at your library. Come for a two-hour block of fun, music, snacks and enough work to keep you busy. For kids in grades 5-12. Saturday, Feb. 5 from 2 to 4 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. Saturday, Feb. 12 from 2 to 3 p.m.
Magazine Page Jewelry: What can you do with all of your old magazines? Recycle them into handmade jewelry, of course. Pull the most colorful pages from your old magazines and turn them into gorgeous woven pendants and bracelets. Join Sister Diane, a self-described big craft geek, as you explore your creativity sustainably. For teens in grades 6-12. Registration is required. Register online, in the library or by calling 503-988-5234. Wednesday, Feb. 23 from 4 to 6 p.m.
Vietnamese Book and Movie Club for Teens: Join a monthly forum where teens can come together and discuss popular Vietnamese language books and movies. This program will be conducted in Vietnamese and will allow Vietnamese teens the opportunity to strengthen their cultural identities while making connections with each other and the library. Saturday, Feb. 26 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.
Kanzashi-The Art of Japanese Fabric Flowers: Learn the beautiful Japanese art of kanzashi, folded fabric-petal flowers, with author and artist Diane Gilleland. Fold squares of fabric into petals and then assemble the petals into beautiful flowers. Turn your finished creations into brooches, embellishments for handbags, refrigerator magnets or gift toppers. Registration is required. Register online, in the library or by calling 503-988-5234. Sunday, Feb. 13 from 2 to 4 p.m.
Pageturners Book Group: Join Everybody Reads, Multnomah County Library's annual community-wide book discussion. Read “The Other Wes Moore: One Name, Two Fates” by Wes Moore. 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, Feb. 16 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Vietnamese Computer Lab: Lab assistants are available to help beginners practice their computer skills. Lab instruction in Vietnamese. 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-served 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 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 6 years and younger with adult. Tuesdays from 7 to 7:30 p.m. except Feb. 8.
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 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.
Vietnamese Storytime: Storytime presented in Vietnamese for children ages newborn to 6 years with adult. Saturdays, Feb. 12 and 26 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. except Feb. 17.
Copper Wire Hearts: Artist Kathleen Karbo will show you how to create a one-of-a-kind valentine using copper wire, pipe cleaners, and colorful beads and ornaments. Gain experience with hammers, anvils and needle-nose pliers. Fun for all ages. Thursday, Feb. 3 from 3:30 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, Feb. 5 and 19 from 10:15 to 11 a.m.
Lunar New Year: Celebrate the Lunar New Year traditions of China and Vietnam with a traditional dance performed by the Portland Art and Cultural Center Dance Team. Enjoy music, games, food and crafts. Tuesday, Feb. 8 from 5 to 7 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. except Feb. 21.
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.
Hand Print Your Valentines: Using simple printing tools and ink, you can make a series of prints to be used for Valentine's Day cards. Join calligrapher, paper artist and Fulbright Scholar Colleen Cavin in creating the perfect card for your valentine. For teens in grades 6-12. Wednesday, Feb. 2 from 4 to 6 p.m.
Teen Council: Meet new friends, learn new skills, help the library, eat snacks and have fun. Wednesdays, Feb. 2 and 16 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, Feb. 14 and 28 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 “The Year of the Dog” by Grace Lin. Registration is required; call 503-988-5392. Tuesday, Feb. 22 from 4 to 5 p.m.
Language Exchange: Engage in conversation with native English speakers who want to practice their Spanish, as well as with native Spanish speakers who want to practice their English. Sundays from 3 to 4:30 p.m.
Talk Time: Talk Time is an informal conversation circle for non-native speakers to practice speaking English. This is not a class, but an opportunity to meet new people, share your culture, and have fun. Only English will be spoken. Saturdays from 3:30 to 5 p.m.
You Don't Have to Be Gourmet to Eat Well: Food historian and author Jean Johnson will offer samples of recipes from her cookbooks “Hippie Kitchen” and “Cooking Beyond Measure.” She will provide samples that appeal to people of all ages. During the tasting, Jean will break down the costs of the sustainable ingredients she uses and will demonstrate how we can make great tasting, simple, everyday meals on a budget. Monday, Feb. 7 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Pageturners Book Groups: Join Everybody Reads, Multnomah County Library's annual community-wide book discussion. Read “The Other Wes Moore: One Name, Two Fates” by Wes Moore. Engage in stimulating conversation about books and get to know your neighbors. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library. Tuesday, Feb. 8 from 6:45 to 8 p.m. and Wednesday, Feb. 16, 1 to 2:15 p.m.
Books-to-Action: Read and discuss “Life Is So Good” by George Dawson and Richard Glaubman. Limited copies of the book are available. Pick up a copy of the book at Midland Library after you register. Registration is required. Register online, in the library or by calling 503-988-5234. Engage in a service project at Multnomah County Library's Title Wave Used Bookstore, 216 N.E. Knott St., on Monday, March 7 from 4:30 to 7 p.m. Register for the service project at libvols@multcolib.org. Monday, Feb. 28 from 6:30 to 8 p.m.
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