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MONTHLY COLUMNS		Memo Calendar		Memo Pad	Business Memos	Meals on Wheels	Letters	Memo Home

Vol. 30, No. 5 • September 2014

Broncos expect success

Halsey-Weidler Group applies for grants for east triangle, trashcans, benches

Fostering a child rewards grandparents too

City’s new Comprehensive Plan reduces multifamily housing in east Portland

Parkrose High School September 2014 Athletic Schedule

Oregon Lottery in Mid-county

A Portland Oregon newspaper since 1985....
Advertiser supported, the monthly Mid-county Memo newspaper circulates 17,000 copies in the Gateway and Parkrose neighborhoods in east Portland. More than 15,000 newspapers are directly mailed free of charge to homes in the area bounded on the east and west by Northeast 82nd and 162nd avenues, with Sandy Boulevard and East Burnside Street on the north and south. Remaining copies distributed at popular gathering places throughout the area.
To find the latest updates on information, go to our Memo Web log at: MEMO BLOG.

Memo Calendar...

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. When you send submissions, please include all details that apply: date, start time, finish time, address, admission fee, a brief description of the event, including who it benefits if applicable, and a contact name and phone number or email address. Send a photo if you have one. Please identify each individual from left to right (large group shots can simply be identified by the group name) and provide the name of the photographer so we can give proper credit. Calendar submissions for the October issue are due by Monday, Sept.15. For best results, email 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.

EVENTS, ACTIVITIES AND CELEBRATIONS

Culture and faith: a century honored
Rivercrest Church

From 1764 to 1766, a population of Christian German immigrants settled along the Volga River in the Russian Steppes. Non-Russian cultures were tolerated in the multi-ethnic Russian empire, not necessarily respected. Passages of time, and changes in governance, from monarchy to communism, led these Volga German people to immigrate again. Their final immigration, as well as change from a specific heritage to a multi-cultural present, will be honored this month as local congregation, Rivercrest Community Church, celebrates its 100th Anniversary, recalling the founding of its predecessor by a small group of immigrants bringing their religious tradition to the Portland area.

The anniversary celebration on Sept. 7th will feature a church service, luncheon for members and invited guests, a program including music and featuring a PowerPoint presentation, and a reception with dessert and coffee, and time for members past and present to reconnect and socialize. More significant, it will honor a people’s movement from the deep past in Russia to a multi-ethnic congregation, and how a German immigrant congregation moved to its present status as an American Bible-based community church, whose founders sought a safe home where they could live, worship and preserve their roots.

For more information about the church and its ministries, visit the church’s website at rivercrestcc.org. Rivercrest Community Church is at 3201 N.E.148th Avenue in the Wilkes neighborhood.

Blackjack expert holds free seminars

Ollie Lund, a successful East County McDonalds executive (“Ollie Lund, you deserve a celebration today” MCM May 2010) is also an expert on how to play winning blackjack. He holds three free seminars this month entitled “An Evening of blackjack with Oliver Lund” from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Thursdays Sept. 11, 18, and 25 at Izzy’s, 1304 N.E. 102nd Ave. in the Gateway Shopping Center.

Presented by the Northeast Rotary Club, of which Lund is a member, the seminar not only gives you advice from a proven blackjack winner, but also winning strategies. Since investing $20 in 1983 for a seminar with Bobby Singer—Mr. Blackjack as he’s better known—Lund said he has won more than a quarter-million dollars using his system, but who’s counting? “There is a lot of luck to gambling, but there is also some common sense,” Lund said. “When to hit, when not to hit, and money management are the most important areas of blackjack.” He added, “You don’t need to have 21 to win, you just need to beat the dealer.” For reservations or more information, call John Wade at 503-880-4920.

September Summer Nights on Sandy is swan song for season

The final Summer Nights on Sandy street fair of the season is Thursday, Sept. 11 from 5 to 8 p.m. Historic Parkrose, the Portland Development Commission’s Neighborhood Prosperity Initiative group, produces the first-year event held on Northeast 106th Avenue between Sandy Boulevard and Wygant Street. The fair has food vendors, live music, street vendors, kids crafts and games. The street fairs give Parkrose neighbors reasons to visit the commercial corridor, according to HP District Manager Bridget Bayer.
A series of three events, Bayer said the first was bigger than the second and predicts the final one of the year will be even bigger. “We had a great turnout in August,” Bayer said. “We went from 11 to 20 vendors, and had a click count of 150 people, but I know it was at least 180.” Bayer said next year is a go. “We’re definitely doing it next year. We’ve had really good response, good comments and great participation,” she said. “But we could always use more volunteers.”

Visit www.historicparkrose.com for more information, or to volunteer.

Become a pirate, seek buried treasure
What do pirates and groundwater have in common? This question is asked every year at Aquifer Adventure, a family festival that celebrates both pirates and an important drinking water resource: groundwater.

Co-sponsored by the Portland Water Bureau and the Columbia Slough Watershed Council, Aquifer Adventure is Saturday, Sept. 13, from noon to 4 p.m. at Portland Water Bureau launch, 16650 N.E. Airport Way.

Big and little pirates alike are invited to this family festival all about groundwater. Play fun games 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. Free T-shirts to the first 300 kids.

This is a free event. No registration is required. Food will be available for purchase. All activities—including 15-minute canoe rides—are free and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Native arts festival returns

The Jim Pepper Native Arts Festival returns for a second year Saturday, Sept. 13 from noon to 7 p.m. at Parkrose High, 12003 N.E. Shaver St.

Jim Pepper (Kaw/Creek) (1941-1992) grew up in Parkrose and attended Parkrose schools. His Kaw Indian name Hunga-che-ada translates to Flying Eagle. He became a tenor and soprano saxophone player, composer and bandleader of international significance, creating a unique, innovative body of work that continues to inspire and influence musicians across the United States and Europe. His tenor saxophone is in the permanent collection of the National Museum of the American Indian, Smithsonian Institution, and among his many honors are his induction into the Native American Music Awards Hall of Fame and the Oregon Music Hall of Fame.

Afternoon and early evening performances on the free outdoor Flying Eagle Main Stage will include a number of Parkrose music students. An arts and crafts show and sale featuring Native American artists is free as well. Native American food vendors will sell food and beverages near the front lawn.

The ticketed evening benefit concert supporting music education will provide college scholarships in Jim Pepper’s name to Parkrose students and Native American music students living on or off reservations anywhere in the United States.

Tickets are on sale at www.jimpepperfest.net.

Parkrose shows off new middle school
Tour the new Parkrose Middle School, 11800 N.E. Shaver St., Saturday, Sept. 27. A ribbon-cutting ceremony with guest speakers will take place from 11 a.m. until noon. Student-led tours of the building begin at noon and run until 5 p.m.

CLASSES

Convert your yard to habitat for critters
Explore the benefits of gardening with native plants Wednesday, Sept. 3 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at Whitaker Ponds Nature Park, 7040 N.E. 47th Ave.

Presenters will introduce you to common native plant communities in Portland, show examples of species that do well in similar growing conditions, share successful planting tips that will help them thrive and more. A native plant slideshow highlights characteristics and desired growing conditions of many local favorite native groundcovers, shrubs and trees; walk away with loads of information so you can decide which native plants will work well in your yard. Hosted by Columbia Slough Watershed Council and presented by East Multnomah Soil and Water Conservation District. Register at columbiaslough.org, click on Activities & Events.

Learn to make baskets
Weavers ages 12 and up will enjoy learning to make Japanese gift baskets at Leach Botanical Garden, 6704 S.E. 122nd Ave., Saturday, Sept. 6 from noon to 4 p.m. Choose from several basket styles and complete two or more baskets during the class.
Materials and tools are provided. Registration is required. The class fee is $25 plus $10 for materials payable to the instructor at the beginning of class. To register, call 503-823-1671 or go to www.leachgarden.org

Capture nature with pen and paint
Learn all about nature journaling at Leach Botanical Garden, 6704 S.E. 122nd Ave., Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 13 and 14 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Nature journaling is a blend of writing, drawing, watercolor and more. During this two-day class, students will practice first to notice, then to translate what they see to paper, in a relaxed way, finding freedom from needing to be literal. You can add details later and improve your observation as well as your skill at drawing and painting the plants, birds, and other life that populate the garden. Learn some easy techniques and approaches, working on watercolor paper in a journal. No art experience is needed. Registration is required. The fee is $80 for the two-day class.

To register, call 503-823-1671 or go to www.leachgarden.org.

Trinity Lutheran offers free computer, English classes

Trinity Lutheran Church offers free classes in English and computer to the public beginning Thursday, Sept. 18.

Classes meet Thursdays from 7 to 8:30 p.m. for the fall term. Free childcare is available. The church address is 5520 N.E. Killingsworth St. Call 503-288-1055 for more information.

CLASES INGLES DE COMPUTATION
La Iglesia Trinidad estara ofreciendo clases Ingles de computation, Gratis.

Las clases comiensan el dia 18 de Septiembre de las 7 a las 8:30 p.m. Las clases seran todos los Jueves.

Para los niños de sinco años en adelante tenemos clases.

Asta Pronto Que Dios Los Bendiga. Para preguntas 503-288-1055.

Create hand woven ornaments

Ornaments make great gifts for all occasions. Learn how at Leach Botanical Garden, 6704 S.E. 122nd Ave., Saturday, Sept. 20. Two class times are offered: 9 a.m. until noon and 1 to 4 p.m.

In this class, you will create woven ornaments in a wide range of styles. Students will complete at least two 4" ornaments in a three-hour class, choosing from a dozen colors of round reed. Styles will include bells, balls, mini-baskets, medallions and more. Special weaving materials and embellishments will make each ornament very personal. To make more than two ornaments or larger ones for special uses such as door hangings, register for both classes. Materials and tools are provided.

This class is suitable for children from age 12 to adults. Preregistration is required. The fee is $30 per class plus a $5 materials fee payable to instructor at beginning of each class.

To register, call 503-804-6958 or go to www.leachgarden.org.

REUNIONS

PHS class of 1974
The Parkrose High School class of 1974 celebrates 40 years Saturday, Sept. 13 from 6 to 10 p.m. at East Moreland Golf Club, 2425 S.E. Bybee Blvd. Organizers are Linda Olsen Rowles, Jeanine DuBay Cavagnaro, Jon Gornick, Helen Parsons Gorham, Ronda Hiatt Setser, Malia McClain-Sullivan and John Ingle.

PHS class of 1984
A casual event in the old neighborhood is planned for the 30th reunion of the Parkrose High Class of 1984 Saturday, Sept. 13 from 6 to 9 p.m. at Bistro 23, 5530 N.E. 122nd Ave. Tickets are $30 per person. Buy them here: https://squareup.com/market/parkrose-hs-1984-reunion.

FUNDRAISERS

Car guys host a real garage sale
Heavenly Hotrods

Heavenly Hot Rods, an 11-year-old mens ministry of Crossroads Church, holds an end of summer Car Guys and Garage Guys garage sale at 13240 N.E. Sacramento St. Friday and Saturday, Sept. 5 and 6, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

As one member proclaims, “We like our stuff, but we need to sell, trade, dicker, and get new stuff!”

You’ll find: car parts; power tools; compressors; a vintage drill press; tires; a vintage music system; project pieces; garage signage and furniture; NASCAR memorabilia; work lights; vintage tools; a sophisticated wireless home alarm system project and manuals; radial arm saw; electric motors; lawn mower engines; small RV gas-powered generator; tool boxes, large wooden storage boxes, scooter projects, power washer, tent, 1992 work van, cool 1948 Dodge hot rod pickup; home repair stuff; and guy toys … all priced to sell. The corner neighbor will also have tools and similar stuff for sale. Free Heavenly Hot Rods t-shirts as long as supply lasts.

Bottles and cans for scholarships
Parkrose High Parent Teacher Organization volunteers will collect your returnable bottles and cans Saturday, Sept. 6 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Parkrose High School, 12003 N.E. Shaver St. The money raised is added to the PTO scholarship fund that supports PHS graduates as they matriculate.

Outreach group plans trip

Help send the Tabor Heights United Methodist Church outreach group to Salt Lake City. A fundraising spaghetti dinner is Saturday, Sept. 6 from 5 to 6 p.m. at the church, 6161 S.E. Stark St. The group will spend five days in Utah working at the United Methodist Committee Relief Depot loading supplies into emergency relief boxes being readied for use as needed anywhere in the world.

Cost for the dinner is $8 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under.

Tailgate party celebrates home opener
Support the Parkrose Educational Foundation and Parkrose Bronco football. Buy tickets now to the annual Tailgate Party, Friday, Sept. 12 at https://parkroseedufdn.ejoinme.org/?tabid=543012.

Your $25 ticket gets you dinner prepared by Parkrose School District big wigs and staff, pregame entertainment by the Parkrose High School band and cheer squad and admission to the Bronco home opener against La Salle High.

Proceeds benefit the PEF. Your cheers bolster Bronco varsity football.

Lions flip pancakes at fundraiser
Enjoy a free pancake breakfast hosted by the Parkrose Lions, Saturday, Sept. 13 from 8:30 a.m. until noon at Rossi Farms, 3839 N.E. 122nd Ave. Donations will be accepted to raise money for eyeglasses and hearing aids.

Concert to benefit homeless families

Noted Portland pianist Michael Allen Harrison will perform a benefit concert for Human Solutions from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 25 at Montavilla United Methodist Church, 232 S.E. 80th Ave.

Donations collected at the concert will benefit Human Solutions’ Daybreak Shelter for homeless families, a 15-bed shelter that operates year round and accommodates between four and eight homeless families at one time. A network of 30 churches and synagogues located throughout Multnomah County supports the Daybreak Shelter.
Admission to the concert is free and open to the public. Light refreshments are served.
Michael Allen Harrison is a native of Portland’s Parkrose neighborhood and has been a fixture on the Portland music scene for more than 25 years. He founded The Snowman Foundation in 1999 in support of and to promote music education among young people and is renowned for his ongoing support of numerous local nonprofits.

For more information on the concert, please contact Sara Fisher at 503-548-0283 or sfisher@humansolutions.org.

Human Solutions builds pathways out of poverty by promoting self-sufficiency for homeless and low-income families and individuals in east Portland and east Multnomah County. Human Solutions shelters or houses an average of 550 homeless people in families per night year-round. The agency’s four primary program areas are emergency shelter and stabilization services, affordable housing, employment and economic development, and homelessness prevention services, such as rent and utility assistance. For more information, visit www.humansolutions.org.

Fall plants on sale
The annual Villa Garden Club fall plant sale is Saturday, Sept. 27, at Parkrose United Community Church of Christ, 12505 N. E. Halsey St., from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. Find spectacular fall bloomers and a great selection of sedums and succulents. Abundant plant care advice is available from experienced gardeners. Visit the Parkrose Farmer’s Market in the adjacent parking lot while you are out.

Serving up authentic German cuisine
The congregation at Rivercrest Community Church, 3201 N.E. 148th Ave., has been opening its doors to members, friends and the neighborhood to serve a traditional German sausage dinner for decades. The event is Saturday, Oct. 4 from 4:30 to 7 p.m. The menu includes German sausage, fried potatoes, coleslaw, rolls, dessert and coffee or tea.

Tickets will be available at the door, but those in the know will call ahead: 503-254-4400 or visit rivercrestcommunitychurch.org.

CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS

Pineapple anyone?
Villa Garden Club kicks off the fall season Thursday, Sept. 25, at 10:30 a.m. at Savage Memorial Presbyterian Church, 1740 S.E. 139th Ave. You will learn all you ever wanted to know about bromeliads—easy to grow tropical plants (including the pineapple), many with brilliant, long lasting blooms and ornamental foliage. Grown indoors in our climate these tough, little plants will add cheer to your home all winter long. Bring a brown bag lunch. Coffee and dessert is served. Please call Velda Altig at 503-252-7423 for more information.

THE ARTS

Classes to focus on basics
Susan Inloes will review the basics of drawing as this month’s guest instructor at Portland Arts Guild. Classes are Mondays Sept. 8, 15 and 22 at Russellville Grange Hall, 12105 N.E. Prescott St. The fee is $12 per class for guild members, $15 for non-members.

Learn how to realistically draw anything you see as Inloes shows you how to shade beautifully and learn the basics of perspective and portraiture. She brings 30 years of experience teaching art to both adults and children.

To learn more, visit portlandfineartsguild.org.

EDUCATION

Preschool registration happening now
It’s back-to-school time at Gethsemane Lutheran Preschool, 11560 S.E. Market St. Only a few spots remain for kids who will be 3 or 4 by Sept. 1. Schedule a tour at 503-256-1835.

Your input will guide MHCC
Mt. Hood Community College has scheduled an outreach event at Parkrose High, 12003 N.E. Shaver St. Tuesday, Sept. 9 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. to help the college plan for the future. District residents and the business community are encouraged to attend to provide input on MHCC’s strategic plan to support education, economic and workforce needs of the local community. Please join MHCC president, Debra Derr, board members and other east Portland community members in sharing your ideas for the future of your community college.

SENIOR RESOURCES

Help a child discover the joy of reading
Start Making A Reader Today (SMART) is an early literacy nonprofit that envisions an Oregon in which every child can read, and is empowered to succeed. Community volunteers are engaged to help pre-kindergarten through third grade children become confident readers by providing one-on-one literacy support, valuable adult mentorship and books to take home and keep.

As a SMART reader, you will read one-on-one with children for one hour per week from October to May. If you are not able to commit to a weekly session, apply to be a substitute reader. The SMART program has volunteer reading opportunities at Mill Park, Menlo Park, Lynch View, and Alder elementary schools in the David Douglas and Centennial school districts. Apply today at getsmartoregon.org or call 971-634-1616.

Hike will explore ponds and state park
The Gresham Senior Hiking Outdoor Group journeys south Wednesday, Sept. 17 for a 1.5-mile guided walk and lunch at St. Louis Ponds in Hubbard before traveling on to Willamette Mission State Park in Salem for an additional two-mile hike to round out the day. There will be a stop in Newberg for ice cream. Hiking boots are recommended. Bring a sack lunch. Depart Ambleside Center, 600 N.E. 8th Ave., in Gresham at 9:30 a.m. A $12 per-person donation will be accepted for car pool drivers.

FAITH AND VALUES

Sanctuary celebrates 90 years
The Grotto celebrates its 90th anniversary this month with two special events.
A fundraising dinner and auction at the Multnomah Athletic Club, 1849 S.W. Salmon St., is at 5:30 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 20. Guests will also have the opportunity to thank the Rev. Jack Topper for his 23 years of service as executive director of The Grotto as he steps into his new role as rector. All proceeds from the event will benefit The Grotto. Tickets are $90 per person.

The following day, Sunday, Sept. 21 the 90th Anniversary will be celebrated at the noon with an outdoor Mass in The Grotto Plaza. Archbishop Alexander K. Sample will preside.
The Grotto is a 62-acre Catholic shrine and sanctuary located at Northeast 85th Avenue and Sandy Boulevard. The gardens, shops and chapels are open year round to all. The Grotto, often called an oasis in the city, is a self-supporting nonprofit. Its beautiful grounds provide a place of solitude, peace and prayer for all people.

To learn more visit thegrotto.org or call 503-254-7371.

LIBRARIES

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.

Vietnamese Storytime: Storytime presented in Vietnamese for children from birth to 6 years with adult. Saturdays from 10:15 to 11 a.m.

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

Treasure Maps: Whether or not you are a pirate, it is always good to remember where you hide your treasure. Create your very own map using a variety of techniques and materials. Saturday, Sept. 20 from 1 to 3 p.m.

Read to the Dogs: Improve your reading skills and make a new friend by reading aloud to a therapy dog from Pet Partners. Registration is required; call 503-988-5386. Tuesday, Sept. 2 from 6 to 7 p.m. and Saturday, Sept. 6 from 11 a.m. to noon

Minecraft Club: Meet up to chat about all things Minecraft. Review mods; participate in building challenges or work together to complete a map. Bring your own laptop or use one belonging to the library. Tuesday, Sept. 9 from 3:30 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 to friendly. Thursdays, Sept. 11 and 25 from 4 to 5 p.m.

A Good Yarn: Whether you are a beginner or an experienced knitter, come join the fun and learn together. All experience levels and ages welcome. Please bring your own supplies. Tuesdays from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

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.

Talk Time: Talk Time is an informal conversation circle for non-native speakers to practice speaking English. Sundays from 12:30 to 2 p.m.

Gluten-Free Baking Basics: Eliminating wheat does not mean you have to stop eating your favorite foods. If you are new to gluten-free living or are thinking about going gluten free, join Dori Oliver of Nourishing Foodways in this cooking presentation and demonstration. Learn to make gluten-free French bread, check out some great gluten-free cookbooks and taste samples of delicious, gluten-free breads and baked goods. Monday, Sept. 8 from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

Pageturners Book Group: Read “Orphan Train” by Christina Baker Kline. 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. Monday, Sept. 15 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.

Try Your Hand at iPad: Do you have a new iPad? This class will help you learn to use it. You will learn the basic layout of your iPad, settings, apps and more. Please bring your own iPad, fully charged. Offered by OASIS Connections. Registration is required. Register online, in the library or by calling 503-988-5234. Mondays, Sept. 22 and 29 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

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. Mondays beginning Sept. 15 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

Tiny Tots: Storytime for children 12 to 24 months with adult. Tuesdays beginning Sept. 16 from 10:15 to 11 a.m.

Toddler Storytime: Storytime for children 24 to 36 months with adult. Fridays beginning Sept. 19 from 10:15 to 11 a.m. and from 11:30 a.m. to noon.

Preschool Storytime: Storytime for children 3 to 6 years with adult. Mondays beginning Sept. 15 from 10:15 to 11 a.m. and Tuesdays beginning Sept. 16 from 11:15 a.m. to noon.

Family Storytime: Storytime for children newborn to 6 years with adult. Thursdays beginning Sept. 18 from 6 to 6:45 p.m. and Sundays beginning Sept. 21 from 3 to 3:45 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 11:30a.m.to noon.

Chinese Storytime: Storytime presented in Cantonese for children from birth to 6 years with adult. Saturdays from 2 to 2:45 p.m.

Vietnamese Storytime: Storytime presented in Vietnamese for children newborn to 6 years with adult. Sundays from 1 to 1:45 p.m.

Russian Storytime: Storytime presented in Russian for children from birth to 6 years with adult. Tuesdays from 6 to 6:45 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 to 5:30 p.m.

Music and Movement: Join award winning children’s educator and performer Aaron Nigel Smith as he gets the whole family moving, grooving and learning in this fun and interactive musical performance. Saturday, Sept. 6 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Vietnamese Back to School Night: Join library Vietnamese-speaking staff to celebrate the new school year with games, crafts, activities, and light refreshments. Learn about resources and services to help your children be successful in school. Wednesday, Sept. 24 from 6 to 7:30 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. Wednesdays, Sept. 3 and 17 from 3:30 to 5 p.m.

Read to the Dogs: Improve your reading skills by reading aloud to a therapy dog from Pet Partners. Registration is required; call 503-988-5392. Saturdays, Sept. 13 and 27 from noon to 2 p.m.

Teen Topics Trivia: How well do you know Harry Potter, “The Hunger Games” or “The Lightning Thief”? If you're a fan of YA and MG books, don’t miss Teen Topics Trivia of your favorite stories. Test your knowledge for fabulous prizes like books, book-themed prize packs, gift certificates and more. After the game, Portland authors Robin Herrera, Chris Struyk-Bonn and Mary Elizabeth Summer will stick around to read from their books and answer a few audience questions. If you’re a reader, you're a winner. For teens in grades 6 through12. Wednesday, Sept. 17 from 3:30 to 4:30 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.

Talk Time: Talk Time is an informal conversation circle for non-native speakers to practice speaking English. Saturdays from 3:30 to 5 p.m.

Diabetes Prevention: As the diabetes rate continues to skyrocket in our country, it is important to develop an understanding of this condition as well as what can be done to prevent or lessen its effects. Attendees will discuss the science of diabetes and how to adopt a lifestyle that could help prevent diabetes. Key concepts include understanding the causes and health risks of diabetes and identifying healthy lifestyle choices that help prevent diabetes. Thursday, Sept. 4 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Citizenship Classes: Learn about the process of becoming a citizen in a six-session series of classes. Classes are in English, and are taught by library volunteers. Registration is required. Register online, in the library or by calling 503-988-5234. Sundays, Sept. 14-Oct. 19 from 1 to 3 p.m.

Pageturners Book Groups: Engage in stimulating conversation about books and get to know your neighbors. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.
Read “Nine Dragons” by Michael Connelly for discussion Tuesday, Sept. 16 from 6:45 to 7:45 p.m.
Read “A Simplified Map of the Real World: The Renata Stories” by Stevan Allred and meet the author. Wednesday, Sept. 17 from 1 to 2:15 p.m.

Interview Success: Being invited to a job interview can trigger feelings of both excitement and nervousness. However, there are many effective ways to calm those pre-interview nerves so that you can confidently interview. This workshop will cover a variety of job interview tips to help prepare you to face any tough questions head-on. Registration is required. Register online, in the library or by calling 503-988-5234. Wednesday, Sept. 17 from 6:45 to 7:45 p.m.

International Literacy Day 2014: Get help with reading, citizenship, GED preparation, learning English and personal finance. Meet over 20 community groups, including SOAR, Immigration Legal Services, Portland ESL Network, SE Works and Innovative Changes. Hosted by Library Outreach Services. Saturday, Sept. 20 from 1 to 4 p.m.

Computer Lab: Lab assistants are available to help beginners practice their computer skills. Tuesdays from 5 to 7:30 p.m. (Assistance in Russian and Vietnamese also available.) and Fridays from 2:30 to 5 p.m. Assistance in Chinese also available.

Meet the Computer: Never tried a computer before? In this two-session course, you will learn the very basics of using a computer, a keyboard and a mouse. No experience is necessary for you to take this relaxed, fun class. Offered by OASIS Connections. Registration is required. Register online, in the library or by calling 503-988-5234. Mondays, Sept. 22 and 29 from 2 to 4 p.m.