East Portland's most comprehensive calendar of events

East Portland News
May ~ June 2012
Community Calendar

Among these listings, you’ll find ways to get involved with your community, help the environment, participate in your government, learn valuable information – and have a lot of fun. Many activities are free. And, you’ll also find direct links to the organizations’ websites — we test ‘em all before we publish them to make sure they work, and you stay safe.

Readers will note that we’ve listed, added or updated 106 events in May and June … so far! We add, correct or change more events as they come in during the month. Be sure to check back often.

Get your event seen by millions (actually, close to 70,000 readers per week) by sending your calendar information to David@eastPDXnews.com. Deadline? There isn’t a deadline! We update information during the month!

FEATURED EVENTS
Your Daily Calendar follows …

May 26-27-28
> Multnomah County Fair – Experience all kinds of fun, food, entertainment and inexpensive thrill rides each day from 12 noon until 7 p.m. See all the details on these dates, below!

East Portland’s Community Calendar

May 22
> Morning Bird Song Walks at Leach Botanical Garden – Starting at 7:00 a.m., or earlier they say, see how many you can spot on these early morning walks sponsored by Audubon Society of Portland. Meet leader Ron Escano at 7:00 a.m. in Upper Garden at the Administrative Annex parking lot located at 6550 SE 122nd Ave (NOT at the Garden Manor House). Be prepared for the weather! You can depart from the group as needed. Note: Steady rain cancels the event. It’s FREE, no pre-registration required. For more information, e-mail btrinh@audubonportland.org or leave a message at (971) 222-6139.

> Lents Neighborhood Association – Their general meeting starts at 7:00 PM at Lents Adventist Church Auditorium, 8835 SE Woodstock St. For more information, contact their Chair, Nick Christensen at nick@ilovelents.com for more information.

> Pajama Time –Put on your pajamas, grab a bedtime buddy, and join us for stories, songs and fun. It’s for children 6 years and younger with adult. The program is from 7-7:30 p.m. at your Midland Library, 805 S.E. 122nd Ave., call (503) 988-5392 for more information.

May 23
> East Portland Chamber of Commerce – “Good Morning East Portland” networking meeting is hosted by different chamber members each Wednesday morning from 7:30 to 9:00 a.m. Meetings are free and guests are welcome. Today’s host is Kevin “Not your ordinary bean-counter” Minkoff, as they cut the ribbon on their new offices at 10616 NE Halsey (above Smitty’s DOT Golf). For more information, CLICK HERE to see their website, or call (503) 788-8589.

> Honeybee Happenings for Preschoolers at Leach Garden –From 10 am until 11 am every Wednesday morning through the winter months, preschoolers and their parents are invited to weekly nature-related storytime and craft activities with short outdoor explorations if weather permits. Strollers limit where we can explore so carriers are ideal. Pre-registration appreciated for groups of six or more; otherwise, just come on by. The cost is only $2 per child. For more information, contact (503) 823-1671 or education@leachgarden.org. Leach Botanical Garden is located at 6704 SE 122nd Avenue, a couple of long, twisty blocks south of SE Foster Road.

> Discover how the police hire and train officers – a At the East Precinct Involved Citizens meeting tonight, from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., find out what type of education is required to become a Portland Police Officer. Also learn if a military service helps land a job, if there are age requirements or of an arrest record effect an applicants eligibility for a job. Lieutenant Vince Elmore, of the Portland Police Bureau’s Personnel Division will also tell why people choose to become cops – and what kind of training is required to patrol the streets of Portland. Learn about this issue at this fascinating presentation. Best of all, it’s FREE. EPIC meets at the East Precinct Community Room at 737 SE 106th Ave. For more information, contact EPIC’s director, Dave Smith at Dave.Smith@portlandoregon.gov.

> East Portland Action Plan – Their general meeting is this evening from 6:30 until 8:30 p.m. Dinner is provided, as is childcare and Spanish/English language interpretation. If you need interpretation in another language, or have questions, please contact: lore.wintergreen@portlandoregon.gov. It’s held at David Douglas School District Office, 1500 SE 130th Ave., (at SE Market between Division and Stark).

May 26-27-28
> Multnomah County Fair – From Noon until 7 p.m. each day over the long Memorial Day weekend, come and enjoy this annual fair. You’ll find pony rides, petting zoo, barnyard fun, exotic animal show, arts, crafts, floral displays, craft and food vendors, face painting, live entertainment, and much more. And, there’s lots of FREE parking, and FREE entry at the gate. Plus, all the great carnival rides will be running – with tickets much more inexpensive than at other amusement areas this weekend! It’s all happening at Oaks Amusement Park, just north of the east end of the Sellwood Bridge, accessed from the foot of Spokane Street, at the railroad tracks. For more information, see the Fair’s website: CLICK HERE.

May 26
> Parkrose Farmers Market – They’re open today, and every Saturday through October, from 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. Check out all of the great vendors this season at this established-yet-lively market. The market accepts Oregon Trail and debit cards. They’re at Parkrose High – in the EAST parking lot – at 12003 NE Shaver Street, a half-block west of NE 122^nd Avenue. For more information, see their website: CLICK HERE, or contact Voorhees at manager@parkrosefarmersmarket.org.

May 27
> PGNA Neighborhood Can Drive – Today from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m., bring your deposit-return bottles and cans (the containers with a 5-cent deposit) and help the Powellhurst-Gilbert Neighborhood Association raise funds for their National Night Out, Sign Cap Fund, Adopt-A-Drain Program and Graffiti Cleanup efforts. This twice-a-month effort, on the second and fourth Sundays of the month, is in the Sears parking lot at 2626 SE 122nd Avenue (just south of Pizza Baron). For more information, contact Tom Barnes by email at omdy12@gmail.com, or see the PGNA Website: CLICK HERE.

May 29
> Botanical Illustration for Adults – Today, and every Tuesday from 1:00 until 3:00 p.m. through the summer, is your chance to “uncover the artist within”. During these one-afternoon classes, instructor Jane Nash helps students learn to make a detailed sketch of a favorite flower or plant and then transforming it into a finished 12” x 18” botanical illustration that is ready to frame. Students work in colored pencil; the supplies are provided. There’s a new topic each week, so register for several classes. These classes for adults are limited to 15 participants, so pre-registration is required. Each class is $20/$15 Leach Garden Friend members. CLICK HERE to open their Registration Page; call (503) 823-1671 or email jjenkins@leachgarden.org to register or for more information. It’s at Leach Botanical Garden, 6704 SE 122nd Avenue, in the Activities Tent in the Upper Garden Meadow.

May 30
> East Portland Chamber of Commerce – “Good Morning East Portland” networking meeting is hosted by different chamber members each Wednesday morning from 7:30 to 9:00 a.m. Meetings are free and guests are welcome. Today’s host is Karla Signs, with American Cancer Society. The event will be held at a mystery location; perhaps publically revealed at a later date. It pays to check our Community Calendar frequently! For more information, CLICK HERE to see their website, or call (503) 788-8589.

> Ace That Job Interview! – Having the right skills is important for landing any job, but being able to present those skills in an interview is just as imperative. Career counselor Andrea King will help you build your interviewing confidence by knowing which questions to expect and how to be prepared to answer difficult questions. Sign up for a 30-minute session and get one-on-one assistance to help you ace your next interview. Register online, in the library or by calling 503.988.5234. It’s today from 2 until 4 p.m. at your Midland Library, 805 S.E. 122nd Ave., call (503) 988-5392 for more information.

May 31
> Yarn Club – Whether your interest is knitting or crocheting, come join the fun as we learn together. All experience levels and ages welcome. Please bring your own supplies. It’s today from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. at your Midland Library, 805 S.E. 122nd Ave. – call (503) 988-5392 for more information.

> Chamber After Hours – This evening from 5:00 until 6:30 p.m. come to an East Portland Chamber of Commerce event hosted by The Bookkeeping Company, LLC at 1000 NE 122nd Avenue. “Come ‘un-wine-’” with us!” they say. Enjoy some refreshments, meet folks, and have some fun. For more Chamber information, CLICK HERE to see their website, or call (503) 788-8589.

JUNE, 2012
East Portland News
Community Calendar

June 2
> Parkrose Farmers Market – They’re open today, and every Saturday through October, from 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. Check out all of the great vendors this season at this established-yet-lively market. The market accepts Oregon Trail and debit cards. They’re at Parkrose High – in the EAST parking lot – at 12003 NE Shaver Street, a half-block west of NE 122^nd Avenue. For more information, see their website: CLICK HERE, or contact Voorhees at manager@parkrosefarmersmarket.org.

> Portland Memory Garden 10^th year anniversary – Today, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., kicks off a two-event Friends of the Portland Memory Garden are calling “Founder’s Day” featuring several events, including a panel discussion on health care for those dealing with memory issues. It’s FREE but registration is required. For more information or to register, contact: Brian Bainnson at (503) 256-8955. The Garden is located within Ed Benedict Park at SE 104th, between Powell Boulevard and Bush Street. For more information, see their website: CLICK HERE.

> Cycle the Well Field – Today, from 8:45 a.m. until 1:30 p.m., bring your bike and your friends for a tour of Portland’s drinking water wells! Experts from the Portland Water Bureau and the Columbia Slough Watershed Council will lead this 16-mile trip on easy terrain. Learn about the safety, functionality and history of Portland’s underground drinking water system, which supplements the main supply from the Bull Run. Helmets required; light refreshments provided. Meet at Aloft Portland Airport at Cascade Station. It’s FREE, but pre-registration required at their website: CLICK HERE, or call (503) 281-1132.

> Native Bees of the Pacific Northwest – Today from 10:00 until 11:30 a.m., join beekeeper Glen Andresen for an informative talk about native mason, bumble and honeybees. Learn how these hard-working insects enhance our lives. Glen will discuss the fascinating varieties of bees, their lifecycles, how you can help them survive and thrive in your yard, and how to build a mason bee block. The class will conclude with a visit to the Garden’s honeybee hives. This program is for adults and kids over 12 years. The cost is $8 each, pre-registration is required. CLICK HERE to open their Registration Page; call (503) 823-1671 or email jjenkins@leachgarden.org to register or for more information. It’s at Leach Botanical Garden, 6704 SE 122nd Avenue, down the twisty road, south of SE Foster Road.

> Family Fun with Composting – One may not associate “family fun” with the term “composting” – but from 10:00 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. this morning, organizers say to come see for yourself. Composting is easy, inexpensive and the whole family can get involved. Participants will be introduced to several composting methods including worm bins. All yield a mix that will help your garden grow healthy and strong. Get ready to have fun and get your hands dirty at this great class for adults and children 12+ — all children must be accompanied by a parent. It’s FREE; but pre-registration is required. CLICK HERE to open their Registration Page; call (503) 823-1671 or email jjenkins@leachgarden.org to register, or for more information. It’s at Leach Botanical Garden, 6704 SE 122nd Avenue, down the twisty road, south of SE Foster Road.

June 3
> Montavilla Farmers Market – Visit today, their OPENING DAY, between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. They’re featuring locally raised, grown & created foods and crafts. You’ll find tender lettuce & greens, crisp radishes, baby beets fresh baked bread & pastries, sweet ripe strawberries and lively music – rain or shine. They’re there every Sunday, now, through October 31. It’s located in the 7600 Block of SE Stark St., just west of the Academy Theater, and across the street from Mr. Plywood. For more information, see their website: CLICK HERE.

> Celebratory open house – Today at Portland Memory Garden from noon to 3:00 p.m., this event will include guided tours, free nature crafts, music, and refreshments. The Garden is located within Ed Benedict Park at SE 104th, between Powell Boulevard and Bush Street. For more information, see their website: CLICK HERE.

June 5
> Morning Bird Song Walks at Leach Botanical Garden – Starting at 7:00 a.m., or earlier they say, see how many you can spot on these early morning walks sponsored by Audubon Society of Portland. Meet leader Ron Escano at 7:00 a.m. in Upper Garden at the Administrative Annex parking lot located at 6550 SE 122nd Ave (NOT at the Garden Manor House). Be prepared for the weather! You can depart from the group as needed. Note: Steady rain cancels the event. It’s FREE, no pre-registration required. For more information, e-mail btrinh@audubonportland.org or leave a message at (971) 222-6139.

> Botanical Illustration for Adults – Today, and every Tuesday from 1:00 until 3:00 p.m. through the summer, is your chance to “uncover the artist within”. During these one-afternoon classes, instructor Jane Nash helps students learn to make a detailed sketch of a favorite flower or plant and then transforming it into a finished 12” x 18” botanical illustration that is ready to frame. Students work in colored pencil; the supplies are provided. There’s a new topic each week, so register for several classes. These classes for adults are limited to 15 participants, so pre-registration is required. Each class is $20/$15 Leach Garden Friend members. CLICK HERE to open their Registration Page; call (503) 823-1671 or email jjenkins@leachgarden.org to register or for more information. It’s at Leach Botanical Garden, 6704 SE 122nd Avenue, in the Activities Tent in the Upper Garden Meadow.

June 9
> Gardens of eatin’: The Sequel! Advanced vegetable gardening – Ready to take your veggie gardening to the next level? This morning, from 10 until 11:30 a.m., learn how to plan for year-round harvests with careful crop choices, vertical gardening and techniques to stretch the growing season. Plus, explore the principles of nontoxic weed and pest management to boost your harvests and reduce the amount of time and money needed for a healthy, productive garden. It’s led by garden expert Jen Aron and hosted by Metro and Oregon State University Extension Service. It’s FREE, but advance registration is required: CLICK HERE to open their workshop page. Or call (503) 234-3000 for more information. It’s at their Natural Techniques Demonstration Garden, 6800 SE 57th Ave.

June 12
> Midway Business Association – Come learn about this business group dedicated to helping neighbors and businesses improve the southern end of Outer East Portland. This month: Their Annual Celebration. Business people from all over southern outer East Portland are invited to attend, enjoy a FREE pizza lunch, meet Portland officials and network. Remember, visitors ARE welcome and the presentation is free (but you pay for your own lunch). Their meeting runs from 11:45 AM until 1 PM at Bill Dayton’s PIZZA BARON Restaurant on SE 122^nd Ave., just south of Division St. For more information, see their website: CLICK HERE.

June 14
> Kalmiopsis Discovery Day – Join them from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. to learn about botanist Lilla Leach, her link to Leach Botanical Garden, and her discoveries of new plant species including Kalmiopsis leachiana. Photos and displays will be present in the Manor House At 6:30 pm, volunteer guide Jane Nash will offer a brief talk and special walk in the garden. It’s FREE but pre-registration is required for the evening walk. Registration is easy online at their website: CLICK HERE. It’s at Leach Botanical Garden, 6704 SE 122nd Avenue (just south of SE Foster Road)

June 15
> East Portland Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament – Sign up now for their 7th annual fun day of golf. Whether you’d like to play yourself, register a foursome, become a sponsor, or just come for the closing banquet, they’d love to have you! It’s at Colwood National Golf Course, with a 9:00 AM Shotgun Scramble start. Sponsorship opportunities abound, raffle prizes, a BBQ Lunch, great networking, and a lot of FUN! Sign up now: CLICK HERE.

June 17
> Lents International Farmers Market – It’s their OPENING DAY today, from 11:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. today. Called “Portland’s only internationally focused market” – it offers fresh, affordable, and culturally unique produce. It also provides a unique marketing opportunity for immigrant and emerging farmers. If you want to sell at the market, for more information, contact Sarah Broderick at broderick@zengerfarm.org or see their website: CLICK HERE. It’s located at the northwest corner of SE 92nd Ave. and SE Foster Road.

June 19
> Kid’s Nature Illustration – From 8:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. every Tuesday this summer, budding young artists ages 9 to 14 years will find this one-day class a great outlet for their talent. With noted art instructor Jane Nash, they’ll study how flowers and other parts of Mother Nature are constructed. Then they’ll create a detailed botanical drawing from life using pencil, drawing pens and any other preferred media on paper. The cost per class, including all supplies is $15 or $13 for Leach Garden Friends members Pre-registration required; online is easy at their website: CLICK HERE. It’s at Leach Botanical Garden, 6704 SE 122nd Avenue (just south of SE Foster Road)

June 21
> ‘Bug Chicks’ visit Leach Garden – This afternoon, from 1:00 until 2:30 p.m., meet Kristie and Jessica, “The Bug Chicks” and discover the wonderful world of insects, spiders and their relatives. The Bug Chicks’ mission is to teach entomology to students all over the world and promote informal science education through hands-on bug excitement! Each program focuses on a different theme and all include visits from the Bug Chicks’ own live insect collection. Cost is $10.00 each or $8.00 each for Leach Garden Friends members. Space is limited so register early: CLICK HERE to learn more, or call (503) 823-1671. It’s at Leach Botanical Garden, 6704 SE 122nd Avenue (just south of SE Foster Road) in the tent in the Upper Meadow.

June 30
> Good Times Cruise-in – Today from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m., the Foster Area Business Association is celebrating with this fun event. Get an up-close look at all kinds of specialty, vintage and custom vehicles. And, take in displays featuring local businesses along Foster Road. It’s at Junior Achievement, 7830 SE Foster Road.

> Midsummer in the Garden – Tonight starting at 6:00 p.m., Leach Garden After Hours gives a nod to Shakespeare! Search the garden for many of the plants mentioned in Shakespeare’s writings. Then return to the East Terrace to enjoy some mid-summer silliness with the Original Practice Shakespeare Festival, Elizabethan music from Phil and Gayle Neuman, and delectable refreshments. The cots is $35 each for Leach Garden Friends members. It’s $45 non-members – but here’s the best part – it includes a Garden membership! Space is limited so register early: CLICK HERE to learn more, or call (503) 823-1671. It’s at Leach Botanical Garden, 6704 SE 122nd Avenue (just south of SE Foster Road).

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