February Fun!

There's a lot going on in Portland in February, and my list is noticeably longer than it was in January! This is a list of free and low cost events all around the greater Portland area that have some educational or cultural value. I compile this list for the homeschool group we belong to, which includes kids around age 8 and under, but most of the events have much broader appeal. Please doublecheck any event you plan to attend, as typos and mistakes happen! I am proud to note that this list marks the first anniversary of when I started publishing it on a blog, and the list has grown much, much more extensive!

“Mr. Ben”. He’s on the calendar to perform on Saturday, February 12, 10AM at The Warehouse, 3434 SE Milwaukie Ave., Pdx. He also has regular gigs around town. They are on Mondays at 10AM at Posie’s, 8208 N. Denver Avenue, Pdx, as well as Tuesdays at 10:30AM at Milagros Boutique, 5433 NE 30th Avenue, Pdx, $3 per walking human, Wednesdays at 10AM (except the 12th this month) at Eco Baby Gear, 2122 SE Division Street, Pdx, $5 suggested donation, and Fridays at 10AM at Branch and Birdie, 8021 SE Stark St., Pdx. He introduces playing the ukulele to kids as young as 3. “Though most people know me as a performer, I think of myself first and foremost as an educator. Music education is the real motivation for why I do what I do. I believe that music should be and can be more accessible to all people. My primary goal is to eradicate the myth that some people are simply “non-musical.” We are all musical, and anybody can learn to play music. Yes, even you.” http://mrbenmusic.com/

“Mo Philips”, Mo has regular gigs every Tuesday at 10AM at Posie’s Café, 8208 N. Denver Avenue, Pdx., and every Thursday (except presumably on the 20th) at Milagros Boutique, 5433 NE 30th Ave, Pdx., (10AM on February 3 and February 10, 10:30AM on February 17 and February 24) $3 per walking human, as well as 10AM on Sunday, February 9th and Sunday, February 23 at Flying Cat Coffee, 3041 SE Division St. “Mo performs interactive shows that respect the intelligence of young people with wit and irreverence, without being strictly scatological. This is music built for kids and parents alike! Mo does not dumb down lyrics or melodies for kids to "understand", and therefore sings about things whole families can appreciate. A fine, distilled blend of Americana, Soul and Blues, while not being afraid of a poppy hook or straight rockin' out.” http://www.mophillips.com/

“Lunar New Year Celebration”, Tuesday, February 1, 6PM, at Holgate Library. “Celebrate the Lunar New Year customs of China and Vietnam and welcome the Year of the Rabbit at the library. Watch a spectacular Chinese lion dance, participate in a family craft project, and enjoy traditional food and music. View the spectacular Lion Dance performed by the Lee Family Association Lion Dance Team. This traditional performance will consist of Cantonese lions accompanied by instruments including drums, gongs and cymbals.”

“Science Fun”, Tuesday, February 1, 2-4PM, Beaverton City Library Meeting Rooms A and B. “Science learning centers for beginning scientists and their families. Complete with a book corner featuring easy-reading science books. Registration is required. Please phone (503) 350-3600 to register or sign-up in person at the Children's Desk on the first floor of the library. Registration begins one month before the program.” This program is suggested for K-3. 

“Earthquake and Tsunami Threats in Oregon”, Tuesday, February 1, 7PM, Forest Grove Library. “Presented by Dr. James Roddey, Earth Sciences Information Officer, Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries.” This is an all ages presentation, but of course parents should judge whether it’s completely inappropriate for your child or whether they will be completely fascinated. This caught my eye because the speaker was the subject of a recent story in the Willamette Week: http://wweek.com/editorial/3612/13620/

“Raptor Identification Class”, Tuesday, February 1, 7PM-9PM. Gresham City Hall Springwater Trail Room, 1333 NW Eastman Parkway, Gresham, OR. Free. “Get excited about the kings and queens of the air. Join Gresham in welcoming Metro's naturalist James Davis, a local birding guru, as he uses slides and specimens to teach raptor identification. Learn to identify eagles, falcons and hawks. Then use new identification skills at Metro's annual Raptor Road Trip, Feb. 5 on Sauvie's Island. Meet in the Springwater Trail Room at Grehsam City Hall. Free. For more information, call 503-618-2604.” http://calendar.oregonmetro.gov/events/index.php?com=detail&eID=3376 Mr. Davis has done raptor identification presentations before, limiting attendance to adults and teens. This a free presentation that is listed as “family friendly”. 

“Symphony Storytime”, every Wednesday in February at 10:15, Hillsboro Main Library. “Storytimes feature musicians from the Oregon Symphony performing music that enhances and deepens the storytelling experience. Each storytime features one of the four families of musical instruments: strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion. A craft session where children make their own instruments out of common household items and an instrument petting zoo follow the storytimes. Children and their parents also receive a specially made bookmark with suggested reading and recommended CD's featuring the storytime instruments.” http://www.orsymphony.org/edu/storytimes.aspx

“Sweet Words”, Wednesday, February 2, 6-8PM, Forest Grove Library. “As part of the First Wednesday Sweet Words event, the Forest Grove City Library will be hosting Nel Rand, author of The Burning Jacket (2010) and Hannah Hurdle-Toomey, author of More than a Slave (2010). Authors will be answering questions, signing and selling their books, and reading. Wednesday, February 2nd, 6pm Nel Rand, 7pm Hannah Hurdle-Toomey.” “The Burning Jacket” is a young adult book with a strong environmental theme. “More Than A Slave” is a book about the author’s father, who was born into slavery in the American south. (Yes, really!) 

“Professor Banjo”, Thursday, February 3, 10:30AM, Capitol Hill Library (free tickets will be given out beginning at 10AM), Thursday, February 3, 3:30PM at Belmont Library, and Saturday, February 19, 10:30AM at Sellwood-Moreland Library. He also plays regular gigs every Monday at 10AM at Flying Cat Coffee, 3041 SE Division St., every Wednesday at 1PM at Milagros Boutique, 5433 NE 30th Ave., Pdx. $3 per walking human; and every Thursday at 4PM at Branch and Birdie, 8021 SE Stark, donation requested. "Paul Silveria performs for families as the banjo-slinging, old-time singing "Professor Banjo" entertaining children with sing-a-longs, dancing games, and stories, all accompanied by lively old-time music that parents can enjoy, too! Professor Banjo's shows are fun for a wide range of ages - from toddlers to tweens who still like to get up and dance around!" Professor Banjo is awesome! http://www.squaredancepaul.com/

“Chinese New Year Celebration”, February 3-17, Lan Su Chinese Garden, 239 NW Everett Street, Pdx. Garden open 10AM-5PM daily. All events are free with admission which is $8.50 for adults, $7.50 for seniors 62 and older, 6.50 for students, and free for kids 5 and under. They will have performing arts, crafts, and stories to celebrate the holiday. Both Clackamas County Libraries and Washington County Libraries have cultural passes available for families to visit free of charge. Check with them for availability. (Both systems, and the Multnomah County Library system, will give library cards to card holders of the other libraries.) http://www.lansugarden.org/events_classes/chinese_new_year 

“Hands-On Math for Homeschoolers”, Thursday, February 3, and Thursday, February 10, 1:30PM, Ledding Library of Milwaukie. “Math-based games and crafts for homeschoolers ages 5 & up.” 

“Copper Wire Hearts”, Thursday, February 3, 3:30PM, Midland Library, Saturday, February 5, 2PM, Albina Library, and Saturday, February 12, 2PM, at Northwest Library. “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!”

“Connect2science through Nature for K-5 Educators”, a series of 5 classes for adults, Friday and Saturday, Feb. 4 & Feb. 5, 8:00 am – 4:30 pm, and Thursdays, Mar. 10, Apr. 14, & May 12, 4:00 – 8:00 pm. Tryon Creek State Park. “Explore the forest through authentic nature-based investigations. Learn techniques to integrate science learning with outdoor experience based on the new 2009 Oregon Science Content Standards. Explore ways to complete engaging Inquiry and Engineering and Design work-samples beginning with observations of the natural world.” http://www.tryonfriends.org/programs/calendar-listings/icalrepeat.detail/2011/02/04/349/-/connect2science-through-nature-for-k-5-educators.html

“Timberline Nature Walk With Bruno!”, throughout the winter, Friday through Sunday at 10AM. Meet at the US Forest Service Desk inside Timberline Lodge, on Highway 26 at Mt. Hood. Free, donations appreciated. “Join a Ranger and the 150 pound mascot of Timberline Lodge — the St. Bernard Bruno for some fun on Mount Hood! Depart from Timberline Lodge and stroll through the high country with Bruno on this short 1-2 mile walk (depending on weather) while learning about the winter ecology of Mount Hood. Once the snow flies, be sure to bring your winter gear and an appetite for adventure! For additional information, please call 503-622-2033 or visit http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/mthood/.” http://www.timberlinelodge.com/tours-activities/

“Prowling For Owls”, Friday, February 4, and Friday, February 18, 7PM-9PM, Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge. “Whooooo goes there? Join us at Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge to find out about the owls who make the Refuge their home. During a night hike we will learn about the mysterious lives of our nocturnal neighbors, discover their habitat, and learn about their amazing adaptations for life at night. Please register by submitting you name, number of participants in your group, and your phone number to sarah_gray@fws.gov. Maximum group size is 6. Wear sturdy shoes, dress for the weather, and bring a flashlight.” http://www.fws.gov/tualatinriver/

“Tet 2011, Vietnamese New Year Celebration”, Saturday, February 5, 10AM-6PM, Oregon Convention Center, Exhibit Hall D, 777 NE MLK Blvd., Pdx. Admission $4. A lion dance, a beauty pageant, and performing arts, as well as a free health fair. http://www.congdongvietnamoregon.org/index_eng.jsp

“Chinese New Year Cultural Fair”, Saturday, February 5, 10AM-6PM, Oregon Convention Center, Exhibit Hall C, 777 NE MLK Blvd., Pdx. Admission $6, kids 6 and under are free. “A lion dance every hour, martial arts demonstrations, Chinese folk dance and music, a Chinese puppet show, and more than 80 booths offering food, products, and services.” http://www.pdxchinatown.org/

“Chinese New Year at the Chinatown Gate”, Saturday, February 5, 10AM-11AM, NW 4th Ave. and West Burnside St., all ages, free. “Lion dance and firecrackers, group photo shoot for anyone of Chinese heritage or anyone who wants to be Chinese for a day, rabbit costume contest for kids and adults, hot tea and hot Chinese dessert. http://www.pdxchinatown.org/

“Graffiti Style Fine Art”, Saturday, February 5, 1PM-4PM, Troutdale Library; Saturday, February 19, 1PM-4PM, St. Johns Library (registration required, call 503-988-5397); and Saturday, February 26, 2PM-5PM, Kenton Library. “During this 3-hour workshop, DeAngelo Raines, artist and founder of the nonprofit organization Art Not Crime, will give a short presentation demonstrating the positive and creative aspects of legal street art. Participants will then use these new techniques to create a small graffiti project. All ages are encouraged to participate in this hands-on introduction to graffiti style fine art.” Recommended! 

“Raptor Road Trip”, Saturday, February 5, 9AM-2PM, Beginning at Kruger’s Farm Market, 18330 NW Sauvie Island Road, Pdx., $10 per vehicle, cash only. “Explore Sauvie Island in search of magnificent bald eagles, hawks and falcons that spend the winter on the island. On this special day devoted to raptors, experienced naturalists and hawk experts host activities and answer your questions at four locations around the island. Enjoy guided bird viewing, meet live raptors up close and sharpen your hawk identification skills. Hot drinks and donuts are available in the morning to keep you warm while you breakfast with the birds. Begin at Kruger’s Farm Market and pick up your event map and raptor identification guide. The event fee is $10 per vehicle, cash only, and includes a Sauvie Island Wildlife Area parking permit. To reach Kruger’s, take Highway 30 to the Sauvie Island Bridge and continue straight 1.5 miles (past Howell Territorial Park) to the farm entrance on your right. Carpooling is encouraged. Spotting scopes help with raptor identification and are provided with naturalists on hand to point out the birds. Bring binoculars and field guides if you have them and dress for the weather. This event takes place rain or shine. The road trip is suitable for birders of all skill levels and families are welcome. While you don’t have to be an “early bird” and get up at the crack of dawn to see these birds of prey, you should allow approximately three hours to visit all four locations. What will you see? It all depends on what nature has in store. Frequently sighted raptors include bald eagles, red-tailed hawks, American kestrels and Northern harriers. With a little luck, you might spot a rough-legged hawk, Cooper’s hawk, merlin or peregrine falcon. Beautiful snow geese, sandhill cranes and great blue herons are commonly seen at this time of year.” http://calendar.oregonmetro.gov/events/index.php?com=detail&eID=1029

“Guided Nature Walks”, Saturdays, 10AM-11:30AM, Tryon Creek State Park. “Join a park ranger for a free, guided nature hike to explore the forest and stream ecosystems and natural history at Tryon Creek State Natural Area. Topics will vary from week to week but will be appropriate for all ages. Parents must accompany kids on all hikes.” February 5: Wildlife Detectives; February 12: Drummers of the Forest; February 19: Magnificent Moss and Lovely Lichen; February 26: Winter Twig Identification.  http://www.tryonfriends.org/

“Family Owl Night”, Saturday, February 5, 6:30-8:30PM, Tryon Creek State Park, $6 per child, preregistration required. “Come learn about what makes owls such successful nocturnal predators, dissect a real owl pellet and learn what it had for dinner, and join one of our nature guides on an evening hike to listen for owls.” http://www.tryonfriends.org/programs/calendar-listings/icalrepeat.detail/2011/02/05/388/-/family-owl-night.html

“Family Valentines”, Saturday, February 5, 1PM, St. Johns Library (registration required; call 503-988-5397) and Saturday, February 12, 11AM, North Portland Library. “Join artist Lisa Kagan in creating valentines for your whole family through a combination of collage, personal photographs, drawing and creative writing. Participants will be encouraged to explore what love means to them as they create their own customized valentines. This project is a great activity for the whole family. Optional: Bring family photographs to incorporate into your project.” 

“Chinese New Year Celebration”, Saturday, February 5, 1:30PM, Beaverton City Library, Meeting Rooms A and B. Recommended for grades 1-5. “Come learn about and celebrate the Chinese New Year by making a craft and hearing a story.” 

“Red Fans For Lunar New Year”, Saturday, February 5, 11AM, Sellwood-Moreland Library. “Decorate red accordion fans with origami paper, Chinese character rubber stamps, glitter and other materials. The fan is a traditional Chinese symbol and red paper is used to symbolize good luck and happiness throughout the year. Artist Cindy Lommasson brings back this popular craft for the new year.” 

“Al-Andalus”, Saturday, February 5, 2PM, Ledding Library of Milwaukie. “These sophisticated artists with extraordinary breadth and creativity soulfully merge classical, jazz and contemporary music with musical traditions from the Middle East, North Africa and Europe. Thus embodying the new vision of America as a modern society that embraces its cosmopolitan cultural heritage.” http://www.andalus.com/ 

“Superbowl Sunday”, Sunday February 6, 3PM. Many local theatres will be showing it on the big screen for free! This is a way to see it with a bunch of excited fans, in a family friendly environment. Too many to list here…your best bet is probably to check the theatres near you. 

“History of Logging Presentation”, Sunday February 6, 2PM-4PM, Beaverton City Library Meeting Room B. This is a program for adults, but might be of interest to children who can sit quietly, who are learning about the history of the Pacific Northwest. “Don Alanen, author of The Logging Encyclopedia, third generation logger, will give a program on the history of logging in Oregon and Washington. This is a FREE program, with refreshments provided.” 

“Valentine’s Day Special Studio”, Monday, February 7, 3:30PM - 4:30PM, The Warehouse, 3434 SE Milwaukie Ave. Pdx. $10, all ages. “With a huge variety of paper, fabric, tulle, felt, ribbons and much more, we’ll collage, decoupage, stamp, glitter and embellish our way to Valentine's Day. Make valentines or decorate a mailbox to house your creations.” To register for classes, please email: rinehart.becky@gmail.com. http://portlandartadventures.wordpress.com/classes/

“The Southern Hemisphere’s Sky”, Monday, February 7, 7PM and 8:15 PM, Mount Hood Community College Planetarium Sky Theatre, 26000 SE Stark St., Gresham, OR. $2. “All shows are presented under a realistic representation of the night sky, featuring the latest galactic, stellar and planetary images.” http://www.mhcc.edu/planetarium/

“Art Works!”, Tuesday, February 8, 3:30PM, Tualatin Library. Suggested for kids ages 5-11. “Have you ever wondered how picture book artists make their artwork? This program offers an introduction to art techniques using some of literature’s most beloved picture book authors. Each session will introduce kids to an art concept, a story that demonstrates it, and art supplies that will allow kids to explore their creativity. This month lean about lines: thin lines, thick lines, curved lines, and much more!” http://www.ci.tualatin.or.us/news/EventsCalendar.cfm?action=EventDetail&event_id=4936&startdate=2%2F8%2F2011

Dragon Theatre Puppets presents, “The Reluctant Dragon”, Tuesday, February 8, 6:30PM, West Linn Library. The puppeteer makes his sets and puppets by hand, and tells the kids all about how he does it after his shows. http://www.dragontheater.com/default.htm

“South Indian Classical Dance”, Tuesday, February 8, 7PM, Tigard Public Library. “Led by Subashini Ganesan, founder of Natya Leela Academy, dancers in bright, beautiful costumes will demonstrate the athletic and narrative dance form of the Tamil Nadu region of India. This interactive performance will also give you a chance to tell stories with your hand, eyes and bodies.” http://www.natyaleela.com/

“Family Sign-a-Long”, Wednesday, February 9, 6PM, Kenton Library. Recommended for grades K-5. “This hands-on workshop incorporates American Sign Language into theme-oriented learning activities. Sing songs, learn new signs, listen to stories and play signing games. This program serves as an ideal opportunity for beginning signers to sample a sign language workshop or for active signers to practice their skills. Taught by local children's author Dawn Prochovnic, MA.” 

“The Alphabeticians Play the ABCs”, Wednesday, February 9. 10:30AM, Hollywood Library. Free tickets will be given out beginning at 10AM. They also will be performing on Sunday, February 6th and 20th at 10AM at Flying Cat Coffee, 3041 SE Division St., Pdx; and on Friday, February 11th and 25th, 3:30PM, at The Warehouse Café, 3434 SE Milwaukie Ave., Pdx. Half the duo, Mr. Hoo, plays every Wednesday at 3PM at Bullseye Coffee, 1980 Willamette Falls Dr., West Linn, OR ($3 per person), every Thursday at 10AM at Flying Cat Coffee, and Friday, February 18, 3:30 at Warehouse Café. “The Alphabeticians play "Kindie Rock" music that is fun for the whole family! They combine humor, clever (mostly original) songs, and interactive elements in their shows as they sing about numbers, size, dads, metaphors, bags, monsters, extinct fish and multiple alphabet songs. Adults will have as much fun as the kids!”  http://www.thealphabeticians.com/

“Lunar New Year Celebration”, Tuesday, February 8, 5PM, Midland Library. “Celebrate the Lunar New Year traditions of China and Vietnam with a traditional dance performed by the Portland Art & Cultural Center Dance Team, music, games, food and crafts!” 

“Lunar New Year Celebration”, Tuesday, February 8, 6PM, Woodstock Library. “Celebrate the Lunar New Year customs of China and welcome the Year of the Rabbit at the library. Enjoy traditional lion dancers, crafts and treats! View the spectacular Lion Dance performed by the Lee Family Association Lion Dance Team. This traditional performance will consist of Cantonese lions accompanied by instruments including drums, gongs and cymbals. Celebrate Lunar New Year with artist Jean Choy. The rabbit is the fourth animal in the 12-year cycle of the Chinese zodiac. Decorate a festive rocking rabbit and receive an auspicious balloon rabbit to bring you good luck throughout the year! 

“Tikki Tikki Tembo”, Tuesday, February 8, 6PM, Midland Library. “Don’t go near the well, you will surely fall in,” warned the mother of two young boys. The two brothers played near the well, they walked on the well and Chang fell into the well. Oh no! Can his big brother get help in time to save him? Whew! Yes, the old man with the ladder got there in time. But what happened when Tikki tikki tembo-no sa rembo-chari bari ruchi-pip peri pembo, with his great long name, fell into the well? Don’t miss the fun as Tears of Joy Theatre puppeteer Emily Alexander performs this beloved story by Arlene Mosel. 

“The Elixir of Love”, Thursday, February 10, 7PM, Crystal Ballroom, 1332 W. Burnside, Pdx., Sunday, February 13, 2PM, Mattie’s Room at the Hotel Oregon, 310 NE Evans St., McMinnville, OR, and Monday, February 14, 12PM, Portland Center for the Performing Arts, Antionette Hatfield Hall Rotunda Lobby, 1111 SW Broadway, Pdx. “Got kids? Intimidated by the idea of opera? Here is your opportunity to introduce opera to your kids and maybe to yourself, with the Portland Opera To Go series. First up: A rollicking, 50-minute, English-language version of Donizetti's brilliantly funny coming of age tale, The Elixir of Love. Nemorino has a problem. Klutzy and shy, he is madly in love with the beautiful Adina...but she is swept away by dashing fly-boy, Belcore. Enter a charming rogue named Dulcamara, with miracles to sell-including a very potent potion he is calling an elixir of love. Will it change everything for Nemorino? Or do the true answers lie within his heart? After The Elixir of Love, join us for a concert of operas greatest hits-a great way to get familiar with the genre. We guarantee, you won't think of opera in the same way again.” http://www.portlandopera.org/company/education-and-outreach/portland-opera-go

“Oregon Renaissance Band”, Friday, February 11, doors open at 6:45PM and concert starts at 7:15PM, Community Music Center, 3350 SE Francis St., PDX. Requested donation of $5 per person or $15 per family. “A 10 - 14 member ensemble of accomplished musicians plays music of the Renaissance on reproductions of historical instruments which are introduced to the audience before they are played. Fascinating sounds - not normally heard by the average music lover - are produced! Instruments such as violins, recorders, racketts, sackbutts and more make for a very lively evening! Light refreshments for sale.” http://www.communitymusiccenter.org/index.html A must for anyone studying this period in history. 

“Juggling Through The Ages With Mag Hughes”, Saturday, February 12, 11AM, Lake Oswego Public Library. “For over 25 years, Scott “Mag” Hughes has taught and performed juggling, circus arts, footbag, Frisbee, flying disc, and clowning in over 5,000 schools throughout the U.S., Europe, and Australia. He’s a pioneer in the sport of Footbag (hackysack) and holds national and world titles in the sport. Hughes is the founder of We Care Sports, a company that specializes in alternative sports school assembly programs and is committed to helping children feel good about themselves. His motto is as follows: “Now if you play a game, not for fortune or fame, and you play it for fun, then you’ve already won!” Hughes’ juggling show is guaranteed to delight and amaze.” 

“Portland Storytellers Concert: Love’s Labors Lost”, Saturday, February 12, 6:30-9PM, McMenamin’s Kennedy School Community Room, 5736 NE 33rd Ave, Pdx. $5 for adults, $10 for families. Storytellers Anne Rutherford, Frans, and Pearl Steinberg. http://www.portlandstorytellers.org/index.html

“Spring is Coming!”, Saturday, February 12, 10AM-12PM, Leach Botanical Garden, 6704 SE 112 Ave., Pdx. $8. “Whatever the groundhog says, we know spring is coming! In this month’s workshop, we will explore the winter woods looking for signs of spring and learn about the things we find, from beautiful blooming flowers to smelly fly food. Program instructors will dissect plant parts and participants will be able to look at them under magnification. Please dress for the weather (cold, rain, etc.) because we will go outside. These drop-off workshops for children age 7-12 explore a different theme each second Saturday of the month. Participants discover some of nature’s secrets through indoor and outdoor activities and take home a related craft project. Pre-registration is appreciated, but not required. New! Pay for your class online: www.leachgarden.org. We look forward to seeing you! 

“Lone Fir Cemetery Guided Walking Tour”, Saturday, February 12, 10AM-12PM, entrance at SE 26th Street between Stark and Morrison Sts, Pdx. $10 suggested donation. “Come for an informal history lesson while enjoying the beauty and tranquility of Lone Fir Pioneer Cemetery in SE Portland. Friends of Lone Fir Cemetery conducts monthly tours, highlighting Portland’s founders, pioneers, its famous and infamous alike, as well as interesting headstones and monuments. Come visit this hidden jewel! Explore 30 acres of mature trees, a very special rose garden and fascinating architecture in this unique place, the only cemetery in Portland listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Suitable for all ages. No advance registration required. Meet in the center of the cemetery, at the soldiers’ monument.” Lone Fir was the first public cemetery in Portland, and a tour is a must for anyone learning about local history. http://www.friendsoflonefircemetery.org/events.html

“Origami Workshop”, Saturday, February 12, 1:30PM, Tigard Public Library Puett Room. Suggested for ages 5 and up. “Try your hand at Japanese paper-folding. Members of Tigard High School's Japanese Honor Society will show you how to create simple figures.” 

“Brick Builders”, Saturday, February 12, 10:30AM, Beaverton City Library Storytime Room. “Come and make a connection as we create, build and challenge with all things LEGO. Registration is required. Please phone (503) 350-3600 to register or sign-up in person at the Children's Desk on the first floor of the library.” 

“Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum”, Saturday, February 12, 11AM, Estacada Public Library, Flora Community Room. Suggested for K-4. Join us for a story time , try on a real space suit and make a rocket ship craft! Program presented by the Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum.” 

“Open Your Eyes to Wildlife--Teacher Workshop for K-8 Educators”, Saturday, February 12th, 8:30AM-2:00PM. This is a workshop for adults, but may be of particular interest to homeschooling parents. “Join this workshop to learn about the tools and resources provided for teachers who want to bring their students to the Refuge. Registration information and details to be announced soon.” http://www.fws.gov/tualatinriver/specialevents.html 

Can you think of a more appropriate way to celebrate the weekend before Valentines’ Day than with monster trucks?!? “Monster Jam” will be at the Rose Quarter on February 12 and 13, with ticket prices starting at $20 for adults and $5 for kids. All of those ridiculous things your kids do with their Matchbox trucks, except in real life. http://www.monsterjam.com/Tickets/2011/02/12/Portland,_OR/

“A Taste of Bellydance”, Sunday, February 13, 1PM, Central Library US Bank Room. “Carol Vance, Director of GypsyHeart and member of Gypsy Caravan Dance Company, will teach you our basic dance moves. The art of belly dance has been around since ancient times. From shimmies to hip bumps, you will get a fun workout while learning our unique and graceful feminine style. Tribal belly dance is for all ages and sizes. Please wear comfortable clothing. We will be dancing in our bare feet.” 

“African American Read-In”, Sunday, February 13, 2PM- 4PM, Concordia University, Hagen Campus Center, 2nd Floor, 2811 N.E. Holman St., Pdx. “Local celebrities and community leaders read from works by their favorite African American writers at the annual African American Read-In. Fiction and nonfiction for children and adults will be featured in an afternoon of good words from great works.” http://www.multcolib.org/events/readin.html

“Bookmaking and Binding”, Monday, February 14, 3:30-4:30PM, The Warehouse, 3434 SE Milwaukie Ave, Pdx. $10, recommended for ages 6 and older. “In this class we will be assembling and decorating our own handmade books. We will cover a few different types of books including an accordion fold book, an eyelet binding and a traditional Japanese binding. Students will use an awl and hammer, a grommeter, and needle and thread. Kids can focus on one project or try their hand at multiple styles. Perhaps it will be a scroll-book, comic book, photo album, or mis-matched-body flip-book.” To register for classes, please email: rinehart.becky@gmail.com. http://portlandartadventures.wordpress.com/classes/

“Stars In Your Eyes”, Monday, February 14, 7PM, North Plains Public Library. “Lecture by Pete Deal, avid astronomer and teacher, speaking on Hailey's comet, Meteor Showers and Beyond. Refreshments provided. All ages welcome!” 

“Great Backyard Bird Count”, Friday, February 18, through Monday, February 21. “The Great Backyard Bird Count is an annual four-day event that engages bird watchers of all ages in counting birds to create a real-time snapshot of where the birds are across the continent. Anyone can participate, from beginning bird watchers to experts. It takes as little as 15 minutes on one day, or you can count for as long as you like each day of the event. It’s free, fun, and easy—and it helps the birds. Participants count birds anywhere for as little or as long as they wish during the four-day period. They tally the highest number of birds of each species seen together at any one time. To report their counts, they fill out an online checklist at the website. As the count progresses, anyone with Internet access can explore what is being reported from their own towns or anywhere in the United States and Canada. They can also see how this year's numbers compare with those from previous years. Participants may also send in photographs of the birds they see. A selection of images is posted in the online photo gallery. Scientists and bird enthusiasts can learn a lot by knowing where the birds are. Bird populations are dynamic; they are constantly in flux. No single scientist or team of scientists could hope to document the complex distribution and movements of so many species in such a short time. We need your help. Make sure the birds from your community are well represented in the count. It doesn't matter whether you report the 5 species coming to your backyard feeder or the 75 species you see during a day's outing to a wildlife refuge.” Lots more and details about how to participate here: http://www.birdsource.org/gbbc/

“Bonneville Dam Great Electrifying Event”, Saturday, February 19, 10AM- 3PM, Free. “Bonneville Lock and Dam hosts this educational event designed to teach the basics of electricity and how it is generated at the dam. Geared toward students in elementary and middle school. Fun for the whole family includes hands-on activities, films and a tour inside Bonneville's Powerhouse 2. In the Washington Shore Visitor Center (take Washington State Route 14 to milepost 39, turn onto Dam Access Road about one mile west of the dam or three miles west of the Bridge of the Gods, then follow signs).” http://www.nwp.usace.army.mil/locations/bonneville.asp we have gone in previous years. The powerhouse tour is not to be missed, as well as the underwater windows to the fish ladder. It’s also fun to visit the fish hatchery and see Herman The Sturgeon. (Bring quarters for the fish food dispensers.) The best visit of all was when we got to watch a boat go through the locks, which happens randomly. The other activities offered at the Great Electrifying Event last year included watching a Magic Treehouse episode in which hydroelectric power was touched on, and completing some kid’s activity sheets that didn’t interest Jasper at all. According to their website, guided tours of the powerhouse are available three times daily at the Washington Shore Visitor’s Complex, so you can still plan a trip on a day that’s convenient for you, and take in all the highlights. 

“Cooperative Games and Activities”, Saturday, February 19, 1PM, Troutdale Library. “Children learn when they can play and interact freely without fear of judgment or consequence. When playing without competition, children can bolster their creativity, imagination, self-esteem and interpersonal relationships. Explore ways to interact with children without rewards, punishment or competition and learn specific games and activities you can try at your home or daycare center. Kristen McKee, of Insideout Schoolhouse, has assisted learners in groups for the past 25 years in both English and Spanish. Participants of all ages are welcome and will be playing cooperative games together.” 

“Mudeye Puppets and Professor Banjo”, Saturday, February 19, 4PM-6PM, Taborspace Coffee House, SE 55th Ave, Pdx. $8. “Two engaging Portland performers team up to share a wonderful interactive evening with kids and families. There will be pre-show coloring sheets, a puppet performance by the Mudeye Puppet Company, and interactive music and dance by Professor Banjo followed by a “Meet and Greet” to see the Mudeye Puppets and Professor Banjo's instruments up close and personal. http://www.squaredancepaul.com/  http://www.mudeyepuppets.org/

“Great Train Expo”, Saturday, February 19, and Sunday, February 20, 10AM- 4PM, Portland Expo Center, 2060 N. Marine Dr., Pdx. Adults $7, kids under 12 free. Parking is $8, carpools of 3 or more people are $7, and the Max yellow line stops there as well. Lots of vendors for model railroading hobbyists, and lots of cool layouts. http://www.trainexpoinc.com/

“Sadih, Discovery of Terrestrial Light Celebration”, Saturday, February 19, 7PM-10PM, Multicultural Center of Portland State University, 1825 SW Broadway, Pdx. Free, all are welcome. “Persia House is pleased to invite you to the annual Sadih Celebration for the year 2011. We dedicate this night to the Persian epic poet Firdawsi (circa 935- 1020). The program includes but is not limited to recitation and selected analysis of the interrelation of Sadih and the discovery of fire, moral values, power of knowledge in the works of Firdawsi but also will include a film about Firdawsi's masterwork Shahnamih, storytelling, naqqali, ballet of Zal and Rudabeh, dance performances of Zurkhaneh, welcome to Persia on big screen, audience participation, and more. Tea and cookies are provided. Please feel free to bring your favorite seasonal food and snacks to share.” Sadih, or Sadeh, is a very ancient Zoroastrian festival celebrating the human discovery of fire. Fire is deeply sacred to the Zoroastrian faith. http://persia.pdx.edu/SADEH-2011a.pdf

“Creek Critters in the Cold”, Sunday, February 20, 10AM-11:30AM. $10 per child, preregistration required. Suggested for ages 4-7. Spend the morning as a stream biologist – discover how all of Tryon Creek’s critters survive in the winter. We will explore the behaviors of Crayfish, Macro-invertebrates and Cutthroat Trout as we learn how these amazing creatures manage the cold. http://www.tryonfriends.org/programs/calendar-listings/icalrepeat.detail/2011/02/20/394/-/kids-in-nature-sundays-creek-critters-in-the-cold.html

“Taekwondo Demonstration”, Sunday, February 20, 1:30PM, Tigard Public Library Community Room. Recommended for ages 5 and up. “Members of the U.S. West Coast Taekwondo Association will demonstrate how this martial art develops balance, flexibility, stamina, focus and confidence. They'll also get the audience up and moving, so wear comfy clothes!” 

“PCC Lunar New Year Celebration”, Monday, February 21, 9:30PM-1:30PM, Legin Restaurant Banquet Hall, 8001 SE Division St., Pdx. Free, all ages. “A lion dance, activities for children, music, games, arts and crafts, Asian dances, demonstrations, and discounted food.” Legin is one of the premier places to get dim sum in the Portland area, so any event that they are catering should be pretty good! 

“Wooden Train Playtime”, Wednesday, February 23, 10AM, Gresham Library. “Children ages 2 and up (with a favorite adult) who enjoy trains can put together and run wooden trains in the library. This fun-filled program connects junior train fans with creative and imaginative play activities.” 

“Snailpeople!”, Thursday, February 24, 11:45AM, Garden Home Community Library. “Join music duo Snailpeople! for classic and original kids music, accompanied with guitar, ukulele, mandolin, banjo, and more! All Ages.”  http://snailpeople.com/

“komedy 4 da kids”, Friday, February 25, 4PM, Hillsboro Main Library. “Angel Ocasio's "komedy 4 da kidz" is a high energy, very funny one man variety show, perfectly suited for family audiences. This wonderfully interactive performance combines physical comedy, jokes, juggling, object balancing, comedy magic and impromptu comedy situations.” 

“Family Fun With Worm Bins”, Saturday, February 26, 2-4PM, Tyron Creek State Park, $15. “Join the Friends of Tyron Creek for an afternoon of creepy-crawly fun at the park. Discover worms in their natural habitat and see first-hand how truly invaluable these invertebrates are to the park’s ecosystem. We’ll then warm up inside as we get to work making our own worm bins for our entire household composting needs. This is a family friendly program that will focus on engaging children throughout the whole process while concurrently providing parents with all the worm-bin information they’ll ever need.” http://www.tryonfriends.org/programs/calendar-listings/icalrepeat.detail/2011/02/26/389/-/family-fun-with-worm-bins.html

“Creature Collage”, Saturday, February 26, 2PM, at the Central Library. “Children’s book author and illustrator Eric Carle creates insects and animal collages from hand-painted tissue paper. Under the supervision of artist Addie Boswell, use Eric’s technique to cut and paste your own creatures similar to those in the books "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" and "The Grouchy Ladybug." You may also make a rainbow set of painted paper to take home so that you can collage all year round!” 

“Unique Animal Expo”, Saturday, February 26, and Sunday, February 27, 10AM-5PM. Washington County Fairgrounds, Hillsboro. Adults $8, seniors $5, kids 5-12 $4, kids under 5 are free. $1 off admission coupon on their website. “See and buy live birds, reptiles, and mammals, along with animal-related merchandise.” There are exotic pets for sale. Also there are generally some exotic animals that are being fostered which can be seen. In the past, we’ve seen a lemur, a Barbary lion, and a camel. http://www.uniqueanimalexpo.com/

“Carson Ellis”, Saturday, February 26, 2PM, Green Bean Books, 1600 NE Alberta St., Pdx. Carson Ellis is a children’s book illustrator of note who lives in Portland. http://www.carsonellis.com/

“Lego Construction Zone”, Sunday, February 27, 1:30PM, Tigard Public Library Puett Room. Suggested for ages 5 and up. “Drop in to work on your creations with other LEGO® fans. We'll supply the building blocks; you bring your creativity.” 

“Animal Builders”, Monday, February 28, 3:30PM, Hillsboro Main Library. Suggested for grades 1-3. Animals build many amazing structures and are some of the most accomplished architects on the planet. Let's explore some of the things animals build and learn how and why they build the things they do. (Registration required - online or at the library.) 

“Beginning Bead Loom Weaving”, Monday, February 28th, 3:30PM-4:30PM, $10, recommended for ages 6 and up, adults welcome to participate too. “Using hand-made up-cycled bead looms, we’ll learn about warp and weft and begin on a woven seed bead bracelet. Bead Looms to take home will be available for purchase for $5. Patterns and instructions for future projects come included.” To register for classes, please email: rinehart.becky@gmail.com. http://portlandartadventures.wordpress.com/classes/

“Global Citizens Network Global Gathering”, Monday, February 28, 6PM-8:30PM, TaborSpace, 5441 SE Belmont St., Pdx. “Join your neighbors and other globally-minded folks and families at this family friendly event. You will hear from a Portland family who participated in a volunteer experience with Global Citizens Network (GCN), meet a GCN staff member, as well as a former GCN Director. People of all ages will learn about GCN and get answers to your questions. Light refreshments will be provided. Make 2011 the year for you and your family to explore what it means to be a global citizen. Independent travelers also welcome! Enter to win a $100 gift certificate for future travel with GCN by coming to this event. RSVP encouraged, but not required: info@globalcitizens.org or 800.644.9292." http://www.globalcitizens.org/