October Magic

This is my list of free and low cost events around the greater Portland area for the month of October 2012.  I compile this list for the homeschool group that we belong to, which includes kids 9 and under, but most have broader appeal.  I look for events with some educational or cultural value.  This month, I'm afraid I asked superstar Legomaniac Akiyuky to proofread this list for me, since he clearly knows a thing or two about precision and persistance, and seems to have a lot of spare time!  But apparently he had better things to do!  Therefore I had to ask my loyal team of sock monkeys to do it, and you know what that means...  Please be sure to doublecheck anything you might want to attend, as mistakes, typos, and cancellations can happen!

Please note- at posting time, The Friends of Tryon Creek's website is infected with malware.  To contact them about any of their programs, their number is 503-636-4398.

The fall is glorious here in the Portland area!  There are plenty of reasons to get outside and make the most of the fall sunshine.  Pick your own farms are reaching the peak of apple and pumpkin season!  Corn mazes and pumpkin patches are in full swing!  Look for a farm near you at http://www.tricountyfarm.org/  and http://www.pickyourown.org/OR.htm.  As the tree colors start to change, check this blog for tips on finding vivid colors: http://oregonfallfoliage.wordpress.com/  Speaking of trees, as the rains begin, tree planting season returns to the Pacific Northwest!  SOLVE has many volunteer opportunities planting trees that are family friendly, and give even little ones a chance to help out while running around outside.  And for the tree plantings on public land, they can return for years to come and watch the results of their efforts grow and prosper! You may need to bring gardening gloves in kid's sizes, as they generally only have adult sizes to borrow.  Check it out: http://www.solv.org/

This month, mark your calendars for the Presidential Debates!  They will all take place at 6PM various days of the week.  October 3^rd's debate will be on domestic policy, October 11 will be the Vice Presidential debate, October 16 will be a town meeting format including both foreign and domestic policy, and October 22 will be on foreign policy.  "Each debate will be broadcast live on C-SPAN, ABC, CBS, FOX and NBC, as well as all cable news channels including CNN, Fox News and MSNBC among others." More details here: http://www.2012presidentialelectionnews.com/2012-debate-schedule/2012-presidential-debate-schedule/ Movie theaters across the metro area will be opening their doors to let the public see the debates for free on the big screen.   So if you'd like to watch them with your community, check the theaters in your neighborhood.

"Harvest Festival at French Prairie Gardens", now through October 31,  17673 French Prairie Rd., St. Paul, OR.  On the weekends they have racing pigs!  Lots more info here: http://www.fpgardens.com/french-prairie-farm-fall-festival.htm

"Wooden Shoe Pumpkin Fest", now through October 31, Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm, 33814 S. Meridian Rd., Woodburn, OR. Lots more info here: http://www.woodenshoe.com/pumpkin-fest/

Author Talk, "William L. Sullivan presents 'D.B. Cooper and the Exploding Whale: Folk Heroes of the Northwest' slideshow", Monday, October 1, 7PM, Powell's Books, 3415 SW Cedar Hills Blvd., Beaverton (book release party), and Wednesday, October 10, 7PM, Annie Bloom's Books, 7834 SW Capitol Hwy., Pdx. "Author William L. Sullivan takes us on a slide show tour of legendary Northwest folk heroes from Sacajawea and D.B. Cooper to Opal Whitely and Bigfoot. Expect entertaining and educational tales about the historical figures that helped define the spirit of the Pacific Northwest -- as told by the author of the thriller, 'The Case of D.B. Cooper's Parachute'." http://www.oregonhiking.com/

"Sacred Nepali Dance- Dance Mandal", Monday, October 1, 7PM, Tigard Library Burgess Community Room.  "A sacred practice as well as a dance form, Charya Nritya is a Buddhist meditative movement that has been performed by a select group of Nepali priests for over 1,000 years.  Dance Mandal brings this traditional dance form, its music and its costumes to life.  A brief workshop on the hand gestures known as mudras follows the performance." http://www.dancemandal.com/

"Exploring the Autumn Sky", Monday, October 1, 7PM and 8:15PM, Mt. Hood Community College Planetarium, 26000 SE Stark St., Gresham. $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/

Author Talk, "The Rocks Don't Lie", Monday, October 1, 7:30PM, Powell's Books, 3723 SE Hawthorne Blvd., Pdx.  "In Tibet, geologist David R. Montgomery heard a local story about a great flood that bore a striking similarity to Noah's flood. Intrigued, Montgomery began investigating the world's flood stories and discovered the counterintuitive role Noah's flood played in the development of both geology and creationism. In 'The Rocks Don't Lie", Montgomery takes the reader on a journey across the landscapes and cultures, discovering, in the process, the illusive nature of truth."

"Sukkah Pdx", Tuesday, October 2, through Sunday, October 7, Oregon Jewish Museum, 1953 NW Kearney St., Pdx. Special events all week, see website for details: http://www.ojm.org/SukkahPDX.html  "During the week of Sukkot, the parking lot at the Oregon Jewish Museum will be transformed to accommodate a curated collection of unique sukkahs, created by artists from around the country. The sukkah is a temporary dwelling, traditionally erected each fall in observance of the Jewish holiday of Sukkot. Explicitly fragile and permeable, these shelters pose ancient questions of protection and enclosure, of transience, displacement and domestic space that remain highly relevant in the 21st  century. Our sukkahs provide contemporary responses to the traditional challenges of sukkah design. The sukkahs serve as a focal point for a week-long series of events that seek to place this ancient holiday within a modern context by encouraging new awareness of contemporary questions that relate to homelessness, food access, and resource sustainability.

"Homeschooling in Oregon", Tuesday, October 2, 5:30PM, Hood River Library; Saturday, October 6, 3PM, Belmont Library; Monday, October 8, 6:30PM, Molalla Library conference room; and Tuesday, October 23, 7PM, Tigard Library Puett Room.  "Do you want to know more about homeschooling?  Join us for a presentation by Oregon Home Education Network, featuring a panel of Oregon homeschoolers.  Panelists will provide an overview of homeschooling in Oregon and answer questions.  Participants will receive a handout with a list of homeschooling resources."  http://www.ohen.org/events

"Genealogy", Tuesday, October 2, 7PM, Forest Grove City Library.  A program for adults that could  help homeschoolers enhance history lessons. "Rosie Fulle Hays will present  Resources and methods of genealogical research."

Author Reading, "Walter Stahr presents 'Seward: Lincoln's Indispensable Man'", Tuesday, October 2, 7PM, Annie  Bloom's Books, 7834 SW Capitol Hwy., Pdx. "From one of our most acclaimed new biographers– the first full life of the leader of Lincoln's 'team of rivals' to appear in more than forty years. William Henry Seward was one of the most important Americans of the nineteenth century. Progressive governor of New York and outspoken U.S. senator, he was the odds-on favorite to win the 1860 Republican nomination for president. As secretary of state and Lincoln's closest adviser during the Civil War, Seward not only managed foreign affairs but had a substantial role in military, political, and personnel matters. Some of Lincoln's critics even saw Seward, erroneously, as the power behind the throne; this is why John Wilkes Booth and his colleagues attempted to kill Seward as well as Lincoln. Seward survived the assassin's attack, continued as secretary of state, and emerged as a staunch supporter of President Andrew Johnson, Lincoln's controversial successor. Through his purchase of Alaska ('Seward's Folly'), and his groundwork for the purchase of the Canal Zone and other territory, Seward set America on course to become a world empire. Seward was not only important, he was fascinating. Most nights this well-known raconteur with unruly hair and untidy clothes would gather diplomats, soldiers, politicians, or actors around his table to enjoy a cigar, a drink, and a good story. Drawing on hundreds of sources not available to or neglected by previous biographers, Walter Stahr sheds new light on this complex and central figure, as well as on pivotal events of the Civil War and its aftermath." http://walterstahr.com/

Concert, "Steve Hale", Tuesday, October 2, 7PM, Lake Oswego Library. "An Oregon native, Steve Hale has been a singer, songwriter and producer in the Northwest for over 30 years. He's played and toured in many different bands with varying styles; from power pop (Kashmir), to glam funk (RIA), to 'just sittin' down with an acoustic guitar and playing his own brand of ear catching audio candy.'" http://www.stevehale.com/

"Legos and More", Tuesdays in October, 2PM, Vancouver Community Library, Vancouver, WA.  Suggested for ages 6-11. "Drop in for creative construction with Legos, Clics, K'nex and other fun building toys."

"Sukkah on the Square", Wednesday, October 3, through Sunday, October 7, 10AM-5PM, Pioneer Courthouse Square, downtown Portland.  "Come to the Square and learn about the Sukkot holiday tradition."

"State of the Watershed Event", Wednesday, October 3, 6:30PM, Tryon Creek State Park.  "Come to the Tryon Creek Nature Center to learn more about your watershed. The evening will be a gathering to share information and progress reports on the status of fish, water quality, habitat, and restoration projects in Tryon Creek.  Presenters will include US Fish and Wildlife, the Tryon Creek Watershed Council, and local landowners participating in the TCWC mentoring program." http://www.tryonfriends.org/programs/calendar-listings/icalrepeat.detail/2012/10/03/1055/-/state-of-the-watershed-event.html

"Banned Books Storytime", Wednesday, October 3, 11:45AM, Garden Home Community Library Room 9.  A free program for all ages.  "To celebrate Banned Books Week there will be a multimedia story time event in Room 9 featuring picture books too dangerous to read."

"After School at Your Library:  Science", Wednesday, October 3, 3PM, Vancouver Community Library.  "Self-guided family science exploration for children ages 6-11 years; no younger children, please."

"Read, Write, Create", Wednesdays October 3, 10, 17, and 24, 4PM, Sunnyside Library, Clackamas, OR. Preregistration required; call 503-794-3893. Suggested for grades 1-3.  "Explore the art of picture books through this four week series.   Each week will feature the work of a different author/illustrator, with a hands-on opportunity to create something in the author's style. Featured picture book authors include Eric Carle, Lois Ehlert, Mo Willems, and Kevin Henkes."

"Gluten-Free Baking Basics", Wednesday, October 3, 6PM, North Portland Library; Wednesday, October 10, 6PM, Gregory Heights Library; Sunday, October 14, 2:30PM, Gresham Library; and Saturday, October 27, 3PM, Belmont Library.  "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. Participants will 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." http://nourishingfoodways.com/

"Symphony Storytime", Wednesdays in October, Oct. 3, 10, 17 and 24, 1:30PM, Cedar Mill Library upstairs community room.  "Join us for a special time of music and storytelling as an Oregon Symphony musician teams up with a librarian to present a storytime experience that brings music and literature together. Includes short musical selections, a talk about the instrument, read alouds, and hands on fun!"  Each week features a different instrument family.  These are excellent! http://www.orsymphony.org/edu/storytimes.aspx

"Beverly Cleary Children's Choice Award Book Club", Wednesday, October 3, 4PM, Beaverton Library.  Suggested for grades 1-4.  Preregistration required; call 503-350 3600.  "Read and talk about the nominees for the BCCCA and help pick this year's winner! Pick up a copy of this months' book when you register."

"Twilight Canoe", Wednesday, October 3, 6PM- 8:30PM, Whitaker Ponds Nature Park, 7040 NE 47^th Ave., Pdx.  $5 suggested donation per person, adults and kids 8 and older with some canoeing experience.  Preregistration provided; register online: http://www.columbiaslough.org/calendar_detail.aspx?calendar_id=224    Bring a headlamp or flashlight.  Glowsticks provided. "Join the Council for a guided twilight paddle on the Slough, one of the best times to see wildlife! Birds and deer will be bedding down for the night as owls, beavers, and raccoons wake up for evening antics. Bring your own boat and lifejacket or borrow one of the Council's. Canoes will not be strapped together, so this trip is recommended for people with some canoeing experience."

"Little Shop of Horrors", Thursday, October 4 through Sunday, October 21,  Broadway Rose New Stage, 12850 SW Grant Ave., Tigard.  Tickets can be purchased online:  "A doo-wop spoof of 1950s sci-fi disaster movies, Little Shop of Horrors follows the misadventures of Seymour, a down-and-out floral assistant who longs to get the girl of his dreams and escape life on skid row. He becomes an overnight sensation when he discovers an exotic plant with a mysterious craving for fresh blood. Soon "Audrey II" grows into an ill-tempered, R and B-singing carnivore who offers him fame and fortune in exchange for feeding its growing appetite, finally revealing itself to be an alien creature poised for global domination! Laced with dark humor and irresistible music, Little Shop of Horrors is one of the longest-running off-Broadway shows of all time."  http://www.broadwayrose.org/shows/little-shop

"Bob Rabbit on Mr. Man's Farm", Thursday, October 4, 4PM, Midland Library Large Meeting Room; and Saturday, October 20, 2PM, Gresham Library Large Meeting Room.   "Follow trickster Bob Rabbit on this musical puppet adventure with Red Yarn (aka Andy Furgeson). Each night, Bob must sneak on to Mr. Man's farm to scrounge his vegetable dinner. But tonight he has company: a sly fox who is looking for another kind of dinner! What will Bob do? Find out during this interactive performance that mixes classic folksongs and stories with original music and puppetry." Andy also has weekly puppetry gigs Tuesdays (except October 9) from 10:30-11AM at Cafe au Play ($3 suggested donation); every 2nd and 4th Wednesday from 10-10:45AM at Woodlawn Swap'n'Play/Village Ballroom ($5 suggested donation); and Fridays (except October 5) from 3:30-4:15pm at Milagros Boutique ($3 suggested donation).  http://www.redyarnprojects.blogspot.com/

"Pittock Mansion Fall Migration Walks", Thursday October 4 and 11, 7:30AM-9AM, meeting at the Pittock Mansion parking lot, 3229 NW Pittock Drive, Pdx. "Everybody loves spring migration, but actually the most interesting birding of the year at Pittock Mansion is in September and October.  What with all the confused immature birds migrating through, you never know what might show up!  Wink Gross will lead morning bird walks at the Pittock Mansion.  The walks will go to 9AM or whenever you need to leave." http://audubonportland.org/trips-classes-camps/adult/fieldtrips/fall12pittock

"Homeschool Program:  Explorers", Thursday, October 4, and Thursday, October 18, 1:30PM, Ledding Library of Milwaukie. Suggested or ages 5 and up.  "Homeschoolers will learn about famous explorers through arts, crafts and games."

"Personal Preparedness Information Night", Thursday, October 4, 6:30PM, Vancouver Community Library, Columbia Room.  "October is Disaster Preparedness Month. In a large scale emergency, firefighters, law enforcement and other first responders cannot be everywhere that help is needed. For the most part, citizens will be on their own for the first 72 hours of a disaster. Staff from Clark Regional Emergency Services Agency will discuss the essentials of personal preparedness including putting together emergency kits."

"Legos at the Library", Thursday, October 4, 6:30PM, Canby Library.  "John Masek, of Bricks and Minifigs, will bring the supplies; you supply the imagination for a fun evening of building with Legos!"

The Shakespeare Liberation Army presents, "Over the Cliff Notes on Macbeth", Friday, October 5, 7PM, Multnomah Arts Center, 7688 SW Capitol Hwy., Pdx.  Free, all ages welcome.  "An educational summary and discussion of the thought and action with a concise interpretation of the work's artistic merits and its significance... sort of.  If you don't get Shakespeare, you will now, whether you want to or not!" http://www.multnomahartscenter.org/

"61^st Annual Greek Festival", Friday, October 5^th and Saturday, October 6, 10AM-10PM, and Sunday, October 7, 12PM-8PM, Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 3131 NE Glisan St., Pdx.  Greek folk dance, tours of the church and presentations on the Greek Orthodox faith and history, cooking demonstrations, a Children's Corner with face painting, gold 'medals', ivy wreaths, coloring, games, puppet shows, etc., and of course lots of delicious Greek food and pastries! http://www.goholytrinity.org/cGreekFest.html

 "Family Clay Nights", Fridays from October 5 through December 7, 6PM- 8:30PM, Multnomah Arts Center, 7688 SW Capitol Hwy., Pdx. $20 a session per adult and child pair. $10 a session for each additional family member. Pay at MAC office. Come as a family and play with clay! Includes glazes, firings and 5 lbs of clay. Not for solo participants. This is an adult and child activity. Use of the potter's wheel by instructor approval only." http://www.multnomahartscenter.org/

"Homeschool Day", Friday,  October 5, 10AM-3PM, Philip Foster Farm, 29912 SE Hwy 211, Eagle Creek, OR.  $5 per person or $20 per family.  "Bring your picnic lunch and enjoy a day of hands-on history! No reservations required." http://philipfosterfarm.com/pffwp/homeschool-day/

"Tikki Tikki Tembo", Friday, October 5, 7PM, and Saturday, October 6, 11AM, Ping Pong's Pint Size Puppet Museum,  906 SE Umatilla St., Pdx.  Tickets $6 each, with an additional .50 if purchased in advance. "This charming Chinese folktale is brought to life! Laugh along as Tikki Tikki Tembo-no Sa Rembo-chari Bari Ruchi-pip Peri Pembo ("The Most Wonderful Thing in the Whole Wide World") and his little brother Chang ("Little or Nothing") engage in boyish tomfoolery, getting each other in and out of precarious predicaments, and explaining why the Chinese now think it wise to give all their children little short names. Rod Puppets by Emily Alexander." http://www.puppetmuseum.com/SummerShows.html

"Fort Stevens Wild Mushroom Hikes", Friday October 5. 12, and 19, 1PM, Fort Stevens State Park. "Meet at Battery Russell for a ranger-guided hike to look for and identify wild mushrooms." http://www.oregonstateparks.org/events.php

"Capturing Nordic Netherworld Folk Creatures in Music", Friday, October 5, 7:30PM, Cramer Hall, SW Mill and SW Park Ave., Room 171, Portland State University.  "Lectures are free, open to the public and refreshments are served in the Finnish Room afterwards. The presentation will include live music, storytelling and a historical lecture. David Elliker-Vågsberg, who studied with Boris Sirpo, at Lewis and Clark College, has a degree in Music Education, and as a graduate student at the University of Oregon discovered the joys of Scandinavian fiddle music. After playing many solo performances he formed the band Fossegrimen with his wife Claire in 1999. David has studied with Vidas Lande, Leif Inge Schølberg, Per Anders Buen-Garnås, Knut Hamre, olov Johansson, Peter Hedlund, Håkon Høggemo and others. Claire Elliker-Vågsberg has been playing fiddle and nyckelharpa for many years. She is a founding member of Fossegrimen dans orkester. Claire is Norwegian and dedicated to keeping Norwegian cultural traditions alive." http://www.scanheritage.org/c-15-friday-night-lecture-series.aspx

"The Body Beautiful in Ancient Greece", opening Saturday, October 6 and running through January 6, 2013, Portland Art Museum, 1219 SW Park Ave., Pdx. Timed tickets must be purchased and are $20 for adults, $17 for students and seniors, and free for children 17 and under.   "Don't miss this rare opportunity to experience the thrill of The Body Beautiful in Ancient Greece. The exhibition features more than 120 priceless objects from the British Museum's famed collection of Greek and Roman art. Iconic marble and bronze sculptures, vessels, funerary objects, and jewelry are among the treasures that explore the human form, some dating back to the second millennium BC. Make your plans now to see The Body Beautiful." http://www.portlandartmuseum.org/index.cfm A rare chance to see ancient Greek art in the Pacific Northwest!

"Cascade Geographic Society's 21^st Annual Mt. Hood Salmon, Mushroom, and Bigfoot Festival", Saturday, October 6, and Sunday, October 7, 10AM-5PM, Mt. Hood Village, 65000 E. Hwy. 26, near Brightwood, OR.  Free admission and parking. "Two of the Northwest's greatest bounties are the Salmon and Wild Mushrooms, which are the honored celebrities at this festival, is featured at this  annual event.  This two-day, family-oriented event is held during the month of October to welcome home the return of the Salmon to the streams of Oregon's Mount Hood and the Wild Mushrooms to its forested landscapes.  Featured: Native American storytelling, original Folk music, arts and crafts, exhibits on Salmon and Wild Mushrooms (including Mushroom identification), and great food.  There is a Native American Salmon bake and Salmon Habitat Walks, and Wild Mushrooms on sale.  A scarecrow-making contest will take place on both days.  There will even be a Sasquatch Talk with speakers discussing the rich oral traditions of Northwest Native American tribes about these Wild People of the mountains and forests." http://cgsstore.tripod.com/salmon_mushroom.html

"Old Apple Tree Festival", Saturday, October 6, 11AM-4PM, Old Apple Tree Park, 114 Columbia Way, Vancouver, WA.  "In 1830 Clark County's first apple harvest occurred – one apple. Planted near Fort Vancouver in 1826, the Old Apple Tree is considered the oldest in the Northwest and the matriarch of Washington State's apple industry. Providing family fun, food and history of Vancouver's Old Apple Tree, the festival celebrates our community's legacy. Throughout the day Urban Forestry Commissioners give away cuttings from the Old Apple Tree (cuttings are limited and will be given out until they are gone) This is a free, family friendly event with activities for children, fruit tree pruning workshops, food, live music, apple cider pressing, tours of Fort Vancouver, and a scarecrow contest." http://www.clarkcountylive.com/clark-county/old-apple-tree-festival-and-scarecrow-contest

"Apple Harvest Festival", Saturday, October 6, 1PM-4PM, Champoeg State Park.  Free with $5 per vehicle day use fee.  "Enjoy one of the most popular harvest rituals of the season. Watch apple pressing and Dutch oven baking demonstrations while tasting fresh-pressed cider, desserts and apple butter. Apple ornaments and music, too." http://www.champoeg.org/events/living-history.html

"Lelooska Foundation Evening Programs", Saturday, October 6, and Saturday, October 20, 7PM- 9PM, Lelooska Foundation, Ariel, WA.  $12 for adults, $8 for children 12 and under. Tickets must be reserved in advance; call 360-225-9522. "The Lelooska Family brings to life the masks, stories, songs and dances of the Sewide lineage of the Kwakwaka'wakw (Kwakiutl) in the glimmering firelight of their cedar ceremonial house." http://www.lelooska.org/

"Wahclella Falls Kids Hike", Saturday, October 6.  Free, but a NW Forest Pass http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/r6/passes-permits/recreation/?cid=fsbdev2_027010  is required.  Preregistration required; register online: http://gorgefriends.org/display.php?modin=52&uid=5208   1.8 miles, 300 feet elevation gain.  "Join hike leader Mary Ann Schmidt and Conservation Organizer Samantha Lockhart on this educational hike up Tanner Creek to thundering Wahclella Falls. We'll learn about the life cycle of salmon and see their spawning grounds. Great family outing!" 

"Portland Youth Spelling Bee", Saturday, October 6, sign-ups at 12:45PM, Mississippi Pizza, 3552 N. Mississippi Ave., Pdx. "Are you a W-H-I-Z at spelling? Kids ages 5-18 are welcome to come strut their spelling stuff on the Mississippi Pizza stage. Three difficulty levels give everyone a chance to play. Winners take home fun prizes, and every speller gets a treat." 

"Weekend Guided Tour", Saturdays in October, 11AM-12PM, Leach Botanical Garden 6704 SE 122^nd Ave., Pdx.  Free.  "Join Gardener/Curator Courtney Vengarick on the 1^st Saturday of each month for her seasonal exploration of the garden.  All other Saturdays join one of our volunteer guides for an informative guided tour of the garden. Weekly themes vary." http://www.leachgarden.org/event/weekend-guided-tours/?eID=2854

"First Annual National Star Wars Reads Day", Saturday, October 6, 2PM, Tigard Library Puett Room.  Suggested for grades 1 and up.  "Help make history as we celebrate the future during the first ever National Star Wars Reads Day!  Make galactic crafts, taste cosmic treats and answer trivia questions about those characters from a galaxy far, far away.  Come dressed as your favorite Star Wars character! May the Force be with you."

"Library Lego Lovers", Saturday, October 6, 10AM, Ridgefield Library, Ridgefield, WA; Thursday, October 25, 4PM, Three Creeks Community Library, Vancouver, WA; and Thursday, October 25, 6PM, Battle Ground Library, Battle Ground, WA.   Suggested for ages 5-11. "Join us the 1st Saturday of each month for a new Lego challenge."

"Third Annual Oregon Archives Crawl", Saturday, October 6, 10AM-3PM, various locations, free. "Join the Portland Area Archivists in crawling through downtown Portland, where you can participate with over 25 archives and heritage organizations in getting in touch with history and having fun doing it! Start your journey through Oregon's past by visiting the four host locations: Portland Archives and Records Center, Portland State University Millar Library, Central Library's John Wilson Special Collections and the Oregon Historical Society. At each site you'll encounter archivists, historians and other representatives from organizations that devote their time to preserving the past so that it will be available for you and future generations to use.  Not only will you get to visit the archives of the four host locations, but the other organizations will be bringing some of their "stuff" for you to see! Celebrate women; celebrate archives! This year we are paying tribute to the 100th anniversary of Oregon women winning the right to vote by highlighting women in history. Through the crawl, you will learn about the contributions and impact of women on Oregon politics, health, education, culture and more. Attend a presentation; learn some tricks for preserving and researching your family's history; peruse old photos, maps and documents; or take a behind-the-scenes tour to see where all this history is stored." http://pdxarchivists.wordpress.com/2012-crawl-details/

"Star Wars Reads Day Welcomes Dark Horse Comics and More!", Saturday, October 6, 2PM, Barnes and Noble, Clackamas Town Center Mall, 12000 SE 82^nd Ave., Pdx. "Join us to welcome Dark Horse Comics for a discussion and signing featuring Jeremy Barlow, Mike Richardson, Randy Stradley and Paul Gulacy in celebration of Star Wars Reads Day. We'll also feature characters from the 501st Legion and activities. This event is hosted in celebration of Star Wars Reads Day. Please join us! Star Wars fans of all ages are invited. Costumes are welcome, however, we request that you please leave masks at home."

"Spooky Science", Saturday, October 6, 1:30PM, Capitol Hill Library (free tickets will be given out at 1PM); Saturday, October 13, 3PM, Kenton Library; Saturday, October 20, 12PM, Midland Library; Thursday, October 25, 3:30PM, Belmont Library (free tickets will be given out at 3PM); Friday, October 26, 3:30PM, Holgate Library Meeting Room; and Saturday, October 27, 1:30PM, Troutdale Library Meeting Room (preregistration required; register online: http://events.multcolib.org/eventinstance/spooky-science-5);  Suggested for ages 5-12. "Mad Science has spooky fun down to a science! Count Eggbert sets the stage for a show chock full of exciting and engaging scientific Halloween surprises. Melting goo and floating objects included!"

"Jungle Journey", Saturday, October 6, 2PM, Battle Ground Library, Battle Ground, WA.  "Join us as our friends from the Oregon Zoo take us on a jungle journey. We will be meeting and learning about some of the animals who live in this amazing habitat!"

"Diary of a Wimpy Kid Party", Saturday, October 6, 2PM, Three Creeks Community Library, Vancouver, WA.  "It's nearly time for the release of 'Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Third Wheel'. Join us as we celebrate all things wimpy with trivia contests, games, crafts, and a drawing for copies of the newest Wimpy Kid title (winners will receive books on the book's release date.)"

"Let's Lego", Saturday, October 6, 1:30PM, Oak Lodge Library, Oak Grove, OR.  "We'll supply the LEGOs; you bring your creativity! Build with other LEGO fans and then tear down your constructions."

Concert, "Bettman and Halpin", Saturday, October 6, 2PM, Ledding Library of Milwaukie.  "Their music creates a fully acoustic, delightfully eclectic sound far greater than the sum of it's parts: taking the listener from up-tempo down home fiddlin', to soulful sorrowful ballads, to super hooky folk/pop with catchy melodies and lyrics that will stick with you long after the concert is over." http://www.stephaniebettman.com/

"Lego My Library!", Saturday, October 6, 2:30PM- 4PM, Hillsboro Main Library.  "Drop-in on the first Saturday of each month and use your creativity to build whatever your imagination dreams up! There are Duplo blocks for kids ages 3-5 and Legos for kids ages 6+."

"Guided Nature Walks", Saturdays  in October, 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." October 6:  Ethnobotany; October 13: Stories about Stumps- History of Tryon Creek; October 20:  Forest Fungi; October 27:  Creepy Crawly Creatures.   http://www.tryonfriends.org/

"Portland Pet Expo", Saturday, October 6, 10AM-6PM, Portland Expo Center, 2060 N. Marine Dr., Pdx.  Parking is $8 (carpools of 3 or more are $7) and admission is free.  Pets are welcome but must have proof of vaccinations and be leashed and well mannered.  The Reptile Man will be there!  "Discount vaccinations and microchipping, pet costume and talent contest, agility demonstrations, mega adoption event, great pet products, free nail trims, tons of family entertainment and so much more!  Meet Shorty and Hercules from Animal Planet's show 'Pit Boss'." http://www.portlandpetexpo.com/images/stories/2012_portland_flyer_web.pdf

"The Shark Riddle", Saturday, October 6, 2PM, Gresham Library; and Sunday, October 21, 1PM, Sellwood-Moreland Library. "Are you fascinated by sharks? Join Portland-based wildlife filmmakers Laura Sams and Robert Sams for a screening of their children's film 'The Shark Riddle'. Then join the filmmakers for some shark-filled, music-filled, riddle-filled, fun-filled activities, including the chance to see one of the stars of the film, a life-sized (23 foot long inflatable) basking shark!" http://www.sisbro.com/sharks

"Apple Cider Pressing Party and Harvest Potluck", Sunday, October 7, 1PM-6PM, private home in Hillsboro, $10 per person or $20 per family.  RSVPs requested; register online and read all the details: http://www.portlandrevels.org/revels.php?page=calendar   "Every autumn, Portland Revels looks forward to hosting its annual Apple Cider Press and Potluck Party. Based on the country truism that, 'many hands make light work' Revels rounds up bushels of apples, sets up presses, and invites friends, neighbors and curious passers-by to come chop a few apples to feed the presses. The fruits of this labor are gallons galore of sweet, fresh apple juice. We'll enjoy live music, with members of Bridgetown Morris and Renegade Rose Morris teams entertaining with song and dance. Once the apples are all squeezed, a potluck feast will be laid out and everyone will be invited to fill up their plate. By the end of the party, we anticipate guests will have a gallon of apple juice and a story or two to take home. To join in, bring a labeled jug to collect your share of cider, and your potluck specialty dish to contribute. We'll ask an entry fee of $10 per person, or $20 per family to raise funds for the Christmas Revels show."

"Modern Science and the Legacy of Scientific Racism", Monday, October 8, 7PM, Bagdad Theater, 3702 SE Hawthorne Blvd., Pdx.  $5 suggested donation, all ages welcome.  "Science, like other institutions, is susceptible to being imbued with the values of its practitioners and the social context in which it emerges. What questions scientists ask and how their findings are used have implications for society, particularly regarding some of the most pressing issues of our time. Through this Science Pub, we examine a brief history of how the "racial worldview" has permeated scientific endeavor in the United States. We then consider the legacies of this history on today's science and its relationship to what we have come to call "race." We conclude by asking what the role of science could be in intervening in racial inequality." http://www.omsi.edu/node/3666

"BJ the Clown", Tuesday, October 9, 7PM, Tigard Library, Burgess Community Room.  "BJ the Clown will dazzle us with an exciting evening of comedy, magic, juggling, music, storytelling and puppetry."  http://www.bjtheclown.com/

"The Art of Home Cheesemaking", Tuesday, October 9, 6:30PM, Hillsboro Main Library.  "David Bleckmann, co-author of The Cheesemaker's Apprentice, will take you into the world of home cheesemaking. David will discuss how to get started making cheese at home and what you will need to create your own artisanal wonders. Try samples of different homemade cheeses, and take home recipes to help you get started." http://joyofcheesemaking.com/

"Restoring Life to a Tidal Marsh", Tuesday, October 9, 7PM, Audubon Society of Portland, 5151 NW Cornell Rd., Pdx.  "Join coastal refuge manager Roy Lowe for an insider account of the successful restoration of tidal marsh in the Bandon Marsh National Wildlife Refuge, the largest restoration project of its kind ever constructed in Oregon. This marsh habitat is now an oasis for wildlife like migrating shorebirds as well as threatened Coho and Chinook salmon. The restored habitat at Bandon demonstrates how a thriving tidal marsh is more than just a pretty place. This valuable component of the coastal ecosystem is enormously productive – tidal marshes offer shelter and food for a rich array of invertebrates, fish, birds and mammals, including young salmon and the songbirds that migrate along Oregon's coast." http://audubonportland.org/about/events/marsh-nn12

"Art Right Off the Page", Wednesday, October 10, 4PM, Beaverton Library. Suggested for grades 2-5.  Preregistration required; call 503-350-3600.  "Featuring the Food Art of Saxton Freymann. Design a food creature. Bring your phone or digital camera to photograph your work of art!" http://www.arthuralevinebooks.com/author.asp?authorid=3

"Renegade Rose Morris Dancers", Wednesday, October 10, 7PM, Tigard Library Burgess Community Room.  "Morris Dance is an English folk dance that may date back to the late 15th century.  The colorful Portland dance team Renegade Rose Morris performs both traditional and modern Morris and is the only coed group in Oregon.  With bright costumes and flourishing handkerchiefs and sticks, they will transport you to another time and space." http://www.renegaderose.net/

Concert, "Heartstrings", Wednesday, October 10, 1PM, Lake Oswego Library" The local duo Heartstrings is a husband-and-wife team consisting of Nancy and Rob Downie. They will perform their program "Wait for the Wagon", Music of the Oregon Trail and Civil War. Playing hammered dulcimer, string bass, banjo, and Native American flutes, Nancy and Rob will present a sampling of the rich musical heritage of our country's westward migration on the Oregon Trail. Memorable tunes of the War Between the States will also be played in honor of the sesquicentennial of this great conflict." http://www.heartstringsduo.com/   

"Back to Homeschool Party", Thursday, October 11, 1:30PM, Ledding Librarty of Milwaukie. "Welcoming homeschool and interested families to join us for a library tour; a fact-finding scavenger hunt; an introduction to library resources; and an informal opportunity to swap ideas with other homeschool families."

"Lego Builders", Thursday, October 11, 4PM, Beaverton Library.  Suggested for ages 3-8.  "Come and play with Legos and Duplo blocks."

"On Mount Hood:  A Biography of Oregon's Perilous Peak", Thursday, October 11, 7PM, Beaverton Library Meeting Room B.  " 'On Mount Hood: A Biography of Oregon's Perilous Peak' tells the story of Oregon's greatest mountain, a mountain that has shaped the very land of the Northwest. The mountain itself helps create the notorious Oregon rains and deep alpine snows, it draws millions to its textbook beauty every year; it paved the way for snowboarding in the mid 1980s, its forests provide some of the purest drinking water in the world, and its snowy peak captures the attention of the nation almost every time it wreaks fatal havoc upon climbers seeking the summit. Through an engaging mix of first-person narrative, including an epic trip around the mountain on the storied Timberline Trail, and the stories of countless climbers, scientists, historians, and overall characters who have helped make Mount Hood the lively feature that it is, 'On Mount Hood' builds a compelling story of a legendary mountain and its impacts on the people who live in its shadow every day". http://onmounthood.com/

"Whistlin' Rufus", Friday, October 12, 7:15PM, Community Music Center, 3350 SE Francis St., Pdx. Suggested donation $5 or $15 per family.  "The Whistlin' Rufus musicians bring a lot of experience to the stage and have roots in Classical, Irish,  Folk, Bluegrass, Rock and Roll and Jazz music. When you stir it all together combining their exciting knack for arrangements, their three and four part vocal harmonies, original ballads and toe tapping fiddle tunes, well, you end up with Whistlin' Rufus." http://whistlinrufus.com/Home_Page.php

"The Big Blow - The 1962 Columbus Day Storm", Friday, October 12, 7PM, Tigard Library Burgess Community Room.  "Fifty years ago, a "perfect storm" raged through Oregon and Washington.  Nicknamed "The Big Blow," the storm became the standard by which all northwest disasters are measured.  According to official reports, wind gusts in Portland reached hurricane force - and the storm was just beginning to roar!  Kathie Dello, deputy director of Oregon Climate Service at Oregon State University, and George Taylor from Applied Climate Services in Corvallis capture the science and lore behind this legendary weather phenomenon on its 50th anniversary.  If you weathered the storm, come share your stories."

"Columbia Gorge Paranormal", Friday, October 12, 7PM, White Salmon Valley Community Library, White Salmon, WA.  "Spend an evening with the Columbia Gorge Paranormal Team! Find out who they are, what they do, what equipment they use, and view footage of paranormal activity they've captured." http://www.columbiagorgeparanormal.com/

"Ping Pong's Cabaret for Kids", Friday, October 12, 7PM, Saturday, October 13, 3PM and 7PM, and Sunday, October 14, 3PM, Ping Pong's Pint Size Puppet Museum,  906 SE Umatilla St., Pdx.  Tickets $6 each, with an additional .50 if purchased in advance.  "Come join us in an interactive, musical journey for the entire family. Our host Ping Pong the Panda has gathered his puppet friends of stage and screen for a very hands-on cabaret. Rock out with the birds of Rocking Robin, Rock around the clock with Brodie the Squirrel as audience members join us onstage working all kinds of kid-friendly puppets. Relive those golden oldies and share some of the magic of puppetry for young and old alike." http://www.puppetmuseum.com/SummerShows.html

"32^nd Annual Portland Regional Gem and Mineral Show", Friday, October 12, 10AM-6PM; Saturday, October 13,  10AM-6PM; and Sunday, October 14, 10AM-5PM; Washington County Fairgrounds, Hillsboro, OR. $5 per adult, free for kids 12 and under.  Dealers, exhibits, demonstrations, educational programs, kids' games, door prizes, and more!

"Apple Tasting", Friday, October 12, Saturday, October 13, Sunday, October 14, Friday, October 19, Saturday, October 20, and Sunday, October 21, Portland Nursery, 5050 SE Stark, Pdx.  "we will have over fifty varieties of apples and pears to taste (some of them heirloom varieties you are only likely to find at this event), many of them available to buy by the pound at exceptionally low prices. (If you are just interested in apples and want to avoid the crowds, our Division St. location will have some of the varieties for sale by the pound, too)  Once again we are going to pack these two weekends with lots of great local music and activities for the whole family – we hope to see you at this fabulous annual free event."  Schedule of events and all details here: http://www.portlandnursery.com/events/appletasting.shtml

"Alexander, Master of Marvels", Saturday, October 13, 11AM, Lake Oswego Library.  "Kids will gasp in surprise and laugh out loud as award-winning magician, Tim Alexander, makes the impossible take place.  Alexander's show, filled with humor, mystery, and reading motivation, is an unforgettable magical experience." http://www.parlorofwonders.com/Portland_Magic/Portland_Magix.html

"Urban Wildlife", Saturday, October 13, 1PM, Water Resources Education Center, 4600 SE Columbia Way, Vancouver, WA.  "Is there wildlife in your neighborhood? Have you ever seen a raccoon, deer or coyote in your backyard? Kids and families are invited to the Water Center for fun, hands-on activities during this engaging Second Saturday event." http://www.cityofvancouver.us/watercenter.asp?waterID=24981&waterSubID=27419

"Fall Kite Festival", Saturday, October 13, 10AM -8:30PM, and Sunday, October 14,  10AM-4PM, D River Wayside, Lincoln City, OR. "The weekend includes featured flyers, family-friendly activities such as kite-making, a kid's kite parade, and a mass ascension. This year's theme is "Stars and Stripes." The festival will include kite flying demonstrations by experts, and some of the most colorful "big" kites in the world! Join us as we display a dizzying array of red, white and blue kites!" http://www.oregoncoast.org/fall-kite-festival/

"13^th Annual Birdfest", Saturday, October 13, and Sunday, October 14, Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge, Ridgefield, WA.  "Come to the Ridgefield National Wildlife refuge, just 25 minutes north of Portland. Walk on Audubon led bird and plant tours. Learn about wildlife and natural and cultural history from experts. Reserve a spot on a tour to view Sandhill Cranes flying. Kayak on a guided paddle tour. Shop at a birders marketplace. Visit an authentic replica of a plankhouse and see demonstrations on how Native Americans lived. Sample salmon at a traditional salmon bake. Watch your children have fun for free while learning about nature at the craft stations, storytelling tent, and Audubon children's bird walks."  All the details here: http://www.ridgefieldfriends.org/birdfestandbluegrass.php

"Portland Open Studios", Saturday, October 13, Sunday, October 14, Saturday, October 20, and Sunday, October 21, 10AM-5PM.  A guide to the tour locations is available in three formats, all of which are good for two adults and their kids under 18:  $15 for a full-color tour guide with a 2013 datebook, $5 for a map-only guide, and $9.99 for an iPhone app (from the App Store).  The first two formats can be purchased online or at New Seasons stores and at local  art supply stores Muse Art and Design, Collage, I've Been Framed, and Columbia Art Supplies. More than 100 local artists will open their doors, and the public is invited to see many of them at work in some pretty interesting mediums.  Highly recommended! http://www.portlandopenstudios.com/

"Brick Builders", Saturday, October 13, 10:30AM, Beaverton Library.  "A drop-in program where kids ages 3-5 can play with Dulp blocks and kids ages 6-11 can play with LEGOs."

"Coral and Pearl Brooch Making", Saturday, October 13, 12PM-4PM, McLoughlin House, 713 Center St., Oregon City.  Free. Victorian handcraft demonstration. "Learn to craft a period-style brooch using imitation coral and pearls."  http://www.mcloughlinhouse.org/

Rose City Astronomers have had all their public star parties for the year, but they will have a members-only "Dark Sky Star Party" the evening of Saturday, October 13, at Stub Stewart State Park.  Why should you be a member?  For a very modest annual fee, you can hear speakers, get invited to private star parties, and borrow telescopes and books on astronomy from the club library.  How cool is that? http://www.rosecityastronomers.org/index.htm

"Fort Stevens Mysterious Mushrooms", Saturday, October 13, and Saturday, October 20, 1PM, Fort Stevens State Park.  "Meet at Picnic Shelter A at Coffenbury Lake for a program on wild mushrooms followed by a hike to hunt for fungi." http://www.oregonstateparks.org/events.php

"Birding at Whitaker Ponds Nature Park", Saturday, October 13, 8AM- 11AM, 7040 NE 47^th Ave., Pdx.  "Meet Audubon Society field trip leaders Dena Turner and John Nikkel at the park entrance. If you drive, park outside the entrance as the vehicle gate may close without warning. We will walk the one-half mile nature trail and observe the ponds, hoping to see both resident and fall migrant songbirds, shorebirds and waterfowl.  Dress for the weather. Beginners welcome!" http://audubonportland.org/trips-classes-camps/adult/fieldtrips/whitponds

"Back to School:  15^th Birthday Celebration", Saturday, October 13, 2PM-10PM, McMenamins Kennedy School, 5736 NE 33^rd Ave., Pdx. Free.  All ages welcome. Come out to help us party down with live music, food and drink specials, kids' silliness and more.  2 p.m. :  Uncle B and Auntie E and J Dog; 4 p.m.:  Red Light Romeos;  7 p.m. The Marvins; 8:30 p.m.  World's Finest. http://www.mcmenamins.com/events/107057-Back-to-School-15th-Birthday-Celebration

"Fanno Creek Trail Walking Tour", Saturday, October 13, 9AM-11AM, meeting at the Tigard Library at 8:45 AM.  Free. Preregistration required; register online: http://calendar.oregonmetro.gov/events/index.php?com=detail&eID=7114  "Explore the Fanno Creek Trail in Tigard, combining fitness and nature in a fun-filled morning with great views of the creek as it meanders through three city parks and other natural areas. Enjoy the area's beauty and see the habitat that is home to birds, fish and other critters – and learn how Metro and its partners have worked together to bring this vision to life. Local author Laura O. Foster gets you up to speed on the creek's past, as well as efforts to protect it for decades to come."

"Quizissippi Jr.- for kids!", Saturday, October 13, sign up starts at 12:45, Mississippi Pizza, 3552 N. Mississippi Ave., Pdx. "Why should grown-ups have all the fun? Portland's only kid-friendly trivia event invites your whole family to "the best trivia on Saturday afternoons on Mississippi Avenue." Questions for both adults and kids, multimedia clips, physical challenges, and plenty of great music mean a fun challenge and a good time for all. Teams of up to five players play FREE for fun prizes." 

"Mask Exploration", Saturday, October 13, 11AM, North Portland Library.  "Join artist Sarah Ferguson in creating bright, colorful masks using recycled and found objects. All materials provided."

"Lone Fir Cemetery Guided Walking Tour", Saturday, October 13, 10AM-12:30PM, Lone Fir Cemetery, entrance at SE 26th Street between Stark and Morrison Sts, Pdx. $10 suggested donation, which goes towards headstone restoration and educational programs. "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

"Salmon Homecoming at Oxbow", Saturday, October 13, Sunday, October 14, Saturday, October 20, and Sunday, October 21, 11AM- 3:30PM,  Oxbow Regional Park,  3010 SE Oxbow Pkwy., Gresham, OR.  Free with $5 per vehicle day use fee. "Naturalists are on hand at the river's edge to help spot spawning salmon and interpret their behavior and life cycle. Special salmon-viewing glasses are available on loan. Salmon viewing proceeds rain or shine. The trail is unpaved and fairly level; wear good walking shoes. Inquire at the entry booth for starting location of the salmon viewing then follow the signs to the salmon! Suitable for all ages."  At 2 and 4PM on Sunday, October 14 there will be a Happy Creek Salmon Restoration Walk meeting at the Alder Shelter (group picnic area A). Suggested for ages 8 and up. "How do endangered young salmon find food and refuge from floods and predators? Join Russ Plaeger from the Sandy River Basin Watershed Council to learn the science behind a side channel restoration project at Oxbow's Happy Creek that will create deep pools, bubbling riffles and plenty of places to hide for juvenile Chinook, Coho and Steelhead. Learn about the characteristics of good habitat and get some tips on native plants and salmon-friendly practices that can be implemented where you live." http://www.oregonmetro.gov/

"Recycled Race Track Rally!", Saturday, October 13, 2:30PM, Hillsboro Main Library.  Suggested for ages 5-12.  "Use your imagination and creativity to design and build your own race track out of recycled materials. We will provide the materials and race cars, and you provide your creativity and imagination."

"Rick Meyer's Old-Time Music Show", Saturday, October 13, 2PM, Wilsonville Library.  "The show features a delightful mix of historical information, playful dialogue, audience participation, and pioneer music played on the banjo, guitar, autoharp, spoons, musical saw, jewsharp, noseflute, limberjack, harmonica, ukulele, washboard, and washtub bass." http://www.rickmeyersmusic.com/  Highly recommended!

"Character Invention!", Saturday, October 13, 2PM, Albina Library.  Suggested for ages 5-10.  "If you could make up your own characters what would they look like? Are they from a different planet? Do they speak a secret language? Join author and illustrator Addie Boswell in discovering how to design a character and then invent your own simple characters out of basic shapes, taking ideas from the Pigeon, Mickey Mouse, SpongeBob SquarePants and more!" http://www.addieboswell.com/

"One Trick for One Treat:  Sign Language for Numbers",  Saturday, October 13, 2PM, Central Library US Bank room (free tickets will be given out at 1:30PM).  "Join local children's author Dawn Prochovnic as she leads a lively, interactive storytime program filled with songs, stories and signing activities. In this hands-on workshop we will learn the American Sign Language signs for numbers. This program provides an excellent introduction to sign language and is best suited for preschool aged children and up." http://www.smalltalklearning.com/

"Wordstock", Saturday, October 13, and Sunday, October 14, 10AM-6PM, Oregon Convention Center, 777 NE MLK Jr. Blvd., Pdx.  Adult admission is $7 for one day, $10 for both, and kids ages 0-13 receive free tickets.  For kids, there is Little Word, with author Charlotte Rodenberg ('Bronto and the Pterodactyl Eggs') giving puppet shows both days at 10:30, artist Addie Boswell showing kids how to make collages inspired by Eric Carle both days at 12PM, a Klutz activity table with crazy paper crafts, and a special Read To the Dogs event on Sunday. Additionally, 195 authors will be on hand, making appearances and giving presentations, among them children's authors.  http://www.wordstockfestival.com/

"Old Town and Chinatown Tour", Saturday, October 13, 10AM-12PM, Meeting outside Voodoo Donuts.  Tickets $15; purchase tickets online: http://dillpickleclub.org/2012/10/13/chinatown-old-town-tour-2/   "While today Portland is known as one of the whitest cities in the U.S., its multicultural and immigrant history is rich and storied. Old Town/ Chinatown shows the challenges faced by Portland's ethnic communities, as well as their many contributions to the city's economy, industry and culture. Topics covered by this tour include Portland's first African American community, Japan Town, Chinatown and more. Focusing on the late 19th and early 20th Centuries, this tour charts Portland's urban development, and how these transformations created the city we know today."

"Tales of the Engagé", Saturday, October 13, and Saturday, October 27, 7PM-8PM, Fort Vancouver National Historical Site.  "Tales of the Engagés is a free, evening storytelling event. Costumed interpreters share stories by the fire about the adventures, toils, and triumphs of working class employees from the Hudson's Bay Company's past." http://www.nps.gov/fova/planyourvisit/events.htm

"Fault Lines:  A Poetry Reading", Sunday, October 14, 2PM, Central Library Collins Gallery.  "Fault Lines is a new Portland-based journal of West Coast poetry, edited by Tony Pfannenstiel, presenting the voices and visions of the finest contemporary American poets.  Fault Lines poets live from San Francisco to Seattle, and include writers from every region of Oregon.  Among the Portland-area poets who are scheduled to read their work from Fault Lines: Robert Davies, Barbara Drake, Jane Glazer, Barbara La Morticella, Penelope Schott, and Mark Thalman." http://events.multcolib.org/event/fault-lines-poetry-reading

"Portland Origami Paper Shapers", Sunday, October 14, 1:30PM, Belmont Library. "Enjoy origami-paper folding for fun, relaxation and stretching your brain. Learn a new origami project each month with various local origami instructors." 

"Guided Birding Walk at Steigerwald", Sunday, October 14,  and Sunday, October 28, 8AM-11AM, Steigerwald Lake National Wildlife Refuge, Stevenson, WA.  Free.  Preregistration required, contact Eric Anderson at (360) 887-4106 or eric_anderson@fws.gov.   "Birdwatchers, both novice and experienced, are invited to come out and get a closer look at the refuges and the nature show created by the changing of the seasons.  Experienced guides will identify birds, explain why habitat areas on the refuges provide vital resting stops for migrating birds, and discuss how the refuges are managed.  Unusual sightings can surprise and excite birders on any of the hikes."

"American Girl Club, featuring 'Chrissa Stands Strong' and 'Stand Up for Yourself and Your Friends'", Sunday, October 14, 3PM, Barnes and Noble, Clackamas Town Center Mall, 12000 SE 82^nd Ave., Pdx.  "Join us on the second Sunday for activities featuring books from American Girl. October is National Bullying Prevention Month, so we'll look to American Girl Chrissa to teach how each of us can take a stand to help stop bullying in our communities." http://store-locator.barnesandnoble.com/event/3532324-3

"6^th Annual Cedar Mill Cider Festival", Sunday, October 14, 1PM- 4PM, 12050 NW Cornell Rd., Cedar Mill, OR.  Free.  "See how the pioneers made cider with antique, hand-cranked presses, and sample some FREE fresh cider. Boy Scouts from Troop 208 look forward every year to running the presses to turn 1000 pounds of apples into delicious sweet fresh cider. The apples come courtesy of Dinihanian Farm Market, which will sell cider, locally-grown pumpkins and other produce. Enjoy traditional music with the Lauren Sheehan String Band, a local trio that combines bluegrass, old-timey blues, country and folk songs, waltzes and polkas." http://www.thprd.org/events/event.cfm?id=661

"Birding at Dawson Creek Park", Sunday, October 14, 9AM-11AM, meeting at the north end of the parking lot of the Hillsboro Main Library, 2850 NE Brookwood Pkwy. Hillsboro.  "Join Max Smith and Sarah Swanson of the Audubon Society for a walk through the brilliant fall foliage of Dawson Creek Park. We will watch Acorn Woodpeckers store their winter's crop, look for migrating waterfowl, and practice our songbird identification skills. Bring binoculars and dress for the weather. Beginners are welcome." http://audubonportland.org/trips-classes-camps/adult/fieldtrips/dawsoncrk

"Fall Walk and Exploration", Monday, October 15, 3:30PM, Hillsboro Main Library.  Suggested for grades 1-3.  Preregistration required; register online.   "The seasons are changing and now it is fall! It's time for another walk outside to look at the differences and details in the plants and animals that live around our library. Wear warm clothes and comfortable walking shoes for our adventure."  Presented by Jackson Bottom Wetlands Preserve.

"Marvel Comics:  The Untold Story", Monday, October 15, 7:30PM, Powell's Books, 3723 SE Hawthorne Blvd., Pdx.  "An unvarnished, unauthorized, behind-the-scenes account of one of the most dominant pop cultural forces in contemporary America. Operating out of a tiny office on Madison Avenue in the early 1960s, a struggling company called Marvel Comics presented a cast of brightly costumed characters distinguished by smart banter and compellingly human flaws. Spider-Man, the Fantastic Four, Captain America, the Incredible Hulk, the Avengers, Iron Man, Thor, the X-Men, Daredevil—these superheroes quickly won children's hearts and sparked the imaginations of pop artists, public intellectuals, and campus radicals. Over the course of a half century, Marvel's epic universe would become the most elaborate fictional narrative in history and serve as a modern American mythology for millions of readers." http://www.facebook.com/MarvelComicsUntoldStory

"Pizza Program", Monday, October 15, 4:30PM, Beaverton Library.  Suggested for grades 2-5.  Preregistration required; call 503-350-3600.  "Come learn about the history of pizza and see a pizza dough tossing demonstration from Pizzacato. Then enjoy some pizza."

"Homeschool Book Party", Tuesday, October 16, 1PM, Fairview-Columbia Library.  "Calling all homeschoolers age 6-10! Make new friends, talk about great books, and make book-related crafts. Bring your favorite book to share."

"The Physics of Ballet", Tuesday, October 16, 7PM, Bagdad Theater, 3702 SE Hawthorne Blvd., Pdx.  $5 suggested donation; all ages welcome.  "Ballet dancers' grace and beauty of movement is awe inspiring. They seem to float across the stage as if gravity doesn't exist for them, but the laws of physics govern ballet dancers' movements just as much as they determine how the rest of us move throughout our day. Dancers have learned how to use physics concepts such as force, impulse, inertia, and conservation of angular momentum to harness the energy created by their bodies and channel it into artful jumps and turns that wow audiences. But how do these concepts work? How do the countless hours of practice help dancers use physics to their advantage? How do these forces differ in their effect on regular audience members? At this Science Pub we will have live performances by dancers from Oregon Ballet Theatre, help from physicists from PSU, and audience participation, all of which will help define and demonstrate how the laws of physics can be used to create the art of dance." http://www.omsi.edu/node/3665

Author Talk, "Jasper Fforde", Tuesday, October 16, 7PM, Powell's Books, 3415 SW Cedar Hills Blvd., Beaverton. The first book in a new children's series that was published a few years ago in the UK and has just been published in the US. "In the good old days, magic was powerful, unregulated by government, and even the largest spell could be woven without filling in magic release form B1-7g. Then the magic started fading away. Fifteen-year-old Jennifer Strange runs Kazam, an employment agency for soothsayers and sorcerers. But work is drying up. Drain cleaner is cheaper than a spell, and even magic carpets are reduced to pizza delivery. So it's a surprise when the visions start. Not only do they predict the death of the Last Dragon at the hands of a dragonslayer, they also point to Jennifer, and say something is coming. Big Magic ..." http://www.jasperfforde.com/dragon/dragon.html

"Building a 'Court for Kids' in Guatemala", Tuesday, October 16, 6:30PM, Battle Ground Community Library, Battle Ground, WA. "Jean Gingras and her 17-year-old son Alex joined Courts for Kids for a spring break volunteer trip to Irbina, Guatemala to build a sports court for a school in need. Their group of 17 high school students and 6 leaders spent a week pouring cement, practicing Spanish, and becoming part of a world family. One of the students later recalled 'the last day, when the locals held the ceremony and we played on the court. It was incredible to see how grateful they were for what we'd done and how much they enjoyed it.' Jean and Alex will share slides of Guatemala and their experiences getting to know the people of Irbina and building a 'court for kids'."

Author Talk:  "Weird Oregon with Jeff Davis", Tuesday, October 16, 7PM, Walters Cultural Arts Center, 527 E. Main St., Hillsboro. "Did you know there are weird and WEIRDER places all over Oregon? There are whimsical places for children, like the Enchanted Garden or the Dinosaur Park on the Oregon Coast. There are also places with a darker past, and roadside attractions, natural wonders, and haunted hotels and caves. Join Cultural Arts Center favorite Jeff Davis, co-author of Weird Oregon, as he describes some of the wonders of our weird state!" http://www.ci.hillsboro.or.us/Arts/WCAC/Events.aspx

Author Talk:  "Timothy Egan", Tuesday, October 16, 7:30PM, Powell's Books, 1005 W. Burnside, Pdx.  "How a lone man's epic obsession led to one of America's greatest cultural treasures:  in 'Short Nights of the Shadow Catcher' prizewinning writer Timothy Egan tells the riveting, cinematic story behind the most famous photographs in Native American history — and the driven, brilliant man who made them. Edward Curtis was charismatic, handsome, a passionate mountaineer, and a famous photographer, the Annie Leibovitz of his time. He moved in rarefied circles, a friend to presidents, vaudeville stars, leading thinkers. And he was thirty-two years old in 1900 when he gave it all up to pursue his Great Idea: to capture on film the continent's original inhabitants before the old ways disappeared. An Indiana Jones with a camera, Curtis spent the next three decades traveling from the Havasupai at the bottom of the Grand Canyon to the Acoma on a high mesa in New Mexico to the Salish in the rugged Northwest rain forest, documenting the stories and rituals of more than eighty tribes. It took tremendous perseverance — ten years alone to persuade the Hopi to allow him into their Snake Dance ceremony. And the undertaking changed him profoundly, from detached observer to outraged advocate. Eventually Curtis took more than 40,000 photographs, preserved 10,000 audio recordings, and is credited with making the first narrative documentary film. In the process, the charming rogue with the grade school education created the most definitive archive of the American Indian."

"Legos at the Library", Wednesday, October 17, 3PM, Northwest Library.  Suggested for ages 5-11. "Bring your mad Lego skills to the library and let your imagination flow. Each month we'll build a new structure to put on display. Bricks and supplies provided. Donations welcome."

"Birding on Sauvie Island", Wednesday, October 17, 8:30AM- 12PM. Preregistration is required; please contact Dudley Thomas by email at dbthomas70@gmail.com or at 503-317-1663 before 6 p.m. We will meet at the General Store (Cracker Barrel next to Bridge on the island). Wildlife Management Area parking permits are required on the island. If we can meet by 8:30 a.m. we can arrange car-pooling, as the roads are very narrow." http://audubonportland.org/trips-classes-camps/adult/magpies/sioct12  You can buy permits at stores on the island, or online here: http://www.dfw.state.or.us/online_license_sales/index.asp

"Lego Challenge", Wednesday, October 17, 2PM, Washougal Community Library, Washougal, WA.  "Monthly themed challenge; participants demonstrate and talk about their creations afterward while they enjoy a snack. Informal Lego building on other Wednesdays at 2 p.m."

"Bird and Nature Walk", Wednesday, October 17, 9AM, Tualatin Heritage Center, 8700 SW Sweek Dr., Tualatin. Free. "Join us for bird walk at Hedges Creek Marsh. This 1 ½ hour walk around Sweek Pond is led by the Wetlands Conservancy." http://www.tualatinhistoricalsociety.org/calendar.html

Concert, "Inspirational Beets", Wednesday, October 17, 6:30PM, West Linn Library.  "The band performs songs that echoed through the streets and shadows of America in the 1920s and 30s, during one of the most pivotal moments in the nation's history: Prohibition and The Great Depression. Influenced by musicians the likes of Louis Armstrong, King Oliver, Bessie Smith, and Fats Waller, Inspirational Beets hope to bring a welcomed sound for all generations to enjoy within the vibrant Pacific Northwest scene." http://www.facebook.com/inspirationalbeets

Miracle Theatre Group presents "RAÍZ, An original, bilingual celebration of Day of the Dead",  October 18 through November 11, 425 SE 6^th Ave., Pdx.  Ticket prices vary, see website: http://www.milagro.org/1-Performance-Presentacion/MiracleMainstage/raiz.html   (You should check out this link for its marvelous article on the Day of the Dead holiday!) "Every year, the dead have been commemorated in Portland's longest-running Día de los Muertos celebration. This season, a cabal of Aztec gods, having fallen out of favor in the modern world, seek to revive their relevance by reuniting a young clown with his departed partner, Augustina. Time turns backward as we unearth the interwoven roots of pre-Hispanic customs and traditions found at the juncture of life and death. Are we but dreaming and awake only when we die? Through music, dance and legend, we explore that thin veil that separates our world from the realm of our indigenous ancestors."

Author Reading, "Dinosaur vs. Santa", Thursday, October 18, 5PM, Barnes and Noble Lloyd Center, 1317 Lloyd Center, Pdx.  "Dinosaur is getting ready for Santa! He tackles many challenges--decorating, making presents for Mom and Dad, trying not to be naughty--and defeats each one with his trademark ROAR! But on Christmas Eve, when he hears some rustling downstairs, he can't resist a peek. Will our feisty red friend meet his match in the man in the red suit? Complete with sparkly silver foil on the front cover and a removable letter to Santa for little ones to personalize, this funny and sweet book is a must-have for the holiday season." http://bobshea.com/

"Geologist Looks at Northern Path of Ice Age Floods", Thursday, October 18, 7PM, Tualatin Heritage Center, 8700 SW Sweek Dr., Tualatin.  $3 donations requested. "Bruce Bjornstad will provide an armchair guide to the 'northern reaches' of the Ice Age Floods. Bruce is a licensed geologist and hydrogeologist and senior research scientist at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory in Richland, Washington. He has studied the Ice Age floods for over 30 years and is the author of several technical papers and two books on the subject.  Bruce along with Gene Kiver, emeritus professor at Eastern Washington University, just released a second book in the On the Trail of the Ice Age Floods series titled "The Northern Reaches". The program is jointly sponsored by Tualatin Historical Society and the Lower Columbia Chapter, Ice Age Floods Institute."

"Through the Eyes of a Zebrafish: Cell Behaviors and Clues to Cancer", Thursday, October 18, 7PM, Hotel Oregon, 310 NE Evans St., McMinnville.  $5 suggested donation; all ages welcome. "After more than 40 years of declaring "war on cancer", researchers around the world are still trying to understand how tumors form and grow. New insights into how cells become cancerous are coming from an unusual place: studies of zebrafish eyes. There are some commonalities in tumor growth across species. The longer a tissue continues to grow, the more likely its cells will acquire cancer-like properties. The eyes of a zebrafish grow continuously, and to prevent cancer, zebrafish employ exquisite growth-control mechanisms. Recent evidence from studies of growing zebrafish eyes suggests that the environment surrounding a cell may be just as important as its genetic make-up. Join us for a visually-arresting presentation on zebrafish eye development, followed by a thought-provoking discussion about how basic insights from studies of eye growth shed light on the early stages of cancer." http://www.omsi.edu/node/3656

"Night Walk", Friday, October 19, 7PM-9PM, Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge, Sherwood, OR.  Preregistration required; contact Jenna Mendenhall: jenna_mendenhall@fws.gov; 503-625-5944 x222.  "One of the best times to experience nature is when the sun goes down. Come learn about the adaptations animals have which allow them to be most active at night and discover the sights and sounds for yourself on a guided walk through one of the few urban refuges in the country. This event is family friendly." http://www.fws.gov/tualatinriver/specialevents.html

"Home School Days:  Marine Tech Society (MTS) Day", Friday, October 19, 8:30AM- 2PM, Evergreen Air and Space Museum, McMinnville, OR. $20 per person.  Preregistration required; email Education@sprucegoose.org or call (503) 434-4185.  "Spend the day at the Waterpark learning about underwater exploration. Dive down into the depths of the oceans, seeing places that you have only imagined. Learn about the robotics that are used to explore deep under water, and meet some of the people who build these robots, as well as study the research that is uncovered."

'Night Hike at Steigerwald", Friday, October 19, 7PM-10PM, Steigerwald Lake National Wildlife Refuge, Stevenson, WA.  Free.  Preregistration required; Please contact Refuge Manager Jim Clapp (360) 835-8767 Jim_Clapp@fws.gov.  "A unique opportunity to discover the beauty of the Refuge after hours - use your ears not your eyes as we use a bat detector to locate bats and listen for other night time residents!" http://www.refugestewards.org/calendar.html

"Owl Prowl", Friday, October 19, 7PM-9PM, Whitaker Ponds Nature Park, 7040 NE 47^th Ave., Pdx.  $5 per person suggested donation. Preregistration required; register online: http://www.columbiaslough.org/calendar_detail.aspx?calendar_id=227    "Have some little owlets aged 5-11 that love to hoot at home? Bring them to our Owl Prowl to learn more about these amazing nighttime predators. An indoor presentation covers local owls and their adaptations. Then the outdoor night hike is our opportunity to look and listen for the Great Horned Owls (and bats, deer, and beavers) at Whitaker Ponds."

Filmusik presents, "Turkish Star Wars:  The Ottoman Empire Strikes Back", Friday, October 19, Thursday, October 25, and Saturday, October 27 (with a special performance in Spanish on October 26), 7PM, Hollywood Theatre, 4122 NE Sandy Blvd., Pdx. "In 1982, while the coup d'etat kept western movies out of Turkey, filmmakers set out to the deserts with a truck full of fuzzy costumes to recreate the most ambitious sci-fi ever made. In 2012, musicians voice-over artists and sound designers pay homage to their film with the first ever release in English.  In Portland, the Filmusik ensemble is presenting a new soundtrack and dubbing (true to the original shooting script) for the most insane remake of all time: Dunyayi Kurtaran Adam. Filmusik is all about creating sound for films, we find artists and musicians working with film, voice actors, composers, sound designers etc. and bring them together for concerts and recordings.  Our release of Turkish Star Wars is no exception.  The artists who put together the English DVD release are performing the entire soundscape with every punch, musical note and line of dialog recreated live on stage." http://filmusik.com/turkishstarwars/

"19^th Annual Heirloom Apple Festival", Saturday, October 20, and Sunday, October 21, 12PM-4PM, Smith Berry Barn, 24500 SW Scholls Ferry Rd., Hillsboro.  "Crisp, farm-fresh apples and crisp fall air, what better way to spend your day! We'll be offering  an array of heirloom  and modern varieties of apples and pears, picked fresh from our orchard and ripe for the tasting!  Varieties include classics such as Macintosh, Jonagold  and Gala  as well as some lesser known varieties including Spitzenberg, Newtown Pippin, Cox Orange Pippin and many, many more!  Kids and adults alike love to taste the amazing difference in flavors of all of our fresh-picked apples. Enjoy freshly dipped caramel apples, hot apple cider and  home-made apple pie, made from an assortment of different varieties! Hosted by local  Boy Scout Troop #3, The scouts will be grilling delicious bratwurst sausages with carmelized sweet onions.  Yummm! The kids will love jumping in our straw pile for a treasure hunt, climbing on our straw pyramid  or wandering through our tiny-tots  hay maze!  Friendly alpacas from Easy Go Farms  will be visiting with us this weekend.   We'll have hayrides and face painting, too!" http://www.smithberrybarn.com/scripts/openExtra.asp?extra=6

"Hidden Portland: City Treasures! Walking Tour", Friday, October 19, 10AM, meeting at Director Park.  Tickets $15; buy tickets online: http://dillpickleclub.org/2012/10/19/hidden-portland-tour-2/  "What if the City was a Museum? Hidden Portland: City Treasures! attempts to answer this question by allowing tour goers to discover and appreciate the often unnoticed parts of the city. With an eye towards the small, quirky and curious, this tour lets you in on some of the little-known but best-kept secrets of the city. This is a visual and interactive tour of Portland and encourages participation, play and active learning. Focusing on the Cultural District, sites include a wide-ranging selection of public art, museums, buildings and architectural features…all bound to get you to see the Rose City with new eyes and experiences."

"Kouyou Hike", Saturday, October 20, 11AM, meeting at Multnomah Falls outside of the Lodge.  RSVPs requested, email treasurer@jetaaportland.com by October 19.  "Celebrate the fall season with JETAA by joining us for a kouyou (autumn leaf viewing) hike at Multnomah Falls in the Columbia River Gorge. Kouyou, often considered the autumn version of hanami, has been a popular activity in Japan for centuries. Famous kouyou destinations, such as Oirase Stream in Aomori and Tofukuji in Kyoto, draw large numbers of Japanese travelers every year. Luckily for us, we have an area famous for its colorful leaves right here in Oregon; the Columbia River Gorge is considered one of the best places in the nation to view fall foliage. We hope you'll join us! We will start our hike at the Multnomah Falls Lodge and end at the Multnomah Falls Upper Viewpoint. The hiking path is paved and is about 2.5 miles round-trip."  More info here: http://www.jetaaportland.com/jetaa-events/kouyou-hike-october-20th-2012/

"North Portland Gentrification Tour", Saturday, October 20, and Saturday, October 27, 10AM-4PM, a bus tour departing from Union Station. Tickets $15; buy tickets online: http://dillpickleclub.org/events/   "The Black community in North Portland has a rich and diverse culture built on friendships, business and social connections – all of which have been adversely affected by urban development and gentrification. This bus tour educates participants as to the rise, fall and efforts to reunite Portland's Black neighborhoods. Sites include the Hughes Memorial United Methodist Church for storytelling and song by community elders, and a soul food lunch (not included in ticket price) with local legendary jazz musicians at a local Masonic Lodge. Afterwards, board the bus and learn about many sites of historical importance, including homes and businesses of prominent African Americans, hotels and shipyards, and the former site of Vanport City."

"Birding on Rentenaar Road, Sauvie Island", Saturday, October 20, 8AM-12PM, meeting at 8AM at the East Side Check Station Parking Lot, corner of Reeder and Rentenaar Roads. "Join Audubon Society leader Ron Escano for a waterfowl and fall sparrow adventure on Sauvie Island. We will walk Rentenaar Road and back (1.6 miles round trip).  All vehicles will need a Sauvie Island parking permit.  Dress for the weather." http://audubonportland.org/trips-classes-camps/adult/fieldtrips/rrdsi You can buy permits at stores on the island, or online here: http://www.dfw.state.or.us/online_license_sales/index.asp

"Barely Boo", Saturday, October 20, 1PM, Rockwood Library Meeting Room; Tuesday, October 23, 4PM, Hillsdale Library (free tickets will be given out at 3:30PM); Thursday, October 25, 6PM, Hollywood Library (free tickets will be given out at 5:30PM); Saturday, October 27, 1:30PM, Capitol Hill Library (free tickets will be given out at 1PM); and Saturday, October 27, 4PM, Woodstock Library Meeting Room (free tickets will be given out at 3:30PM).  "Hear a collection of ghostly stories and songs that will keep the kids laughing, but won't keep them up at night! In this performance, storyteller and musician Rick Huddle will take you on an adventure that will make both children and adults laugh and sing as you learn all about those things that go bump in the night!" http://www.rickhuddle.com/welcome.html

"Family Resource Fair", Saturday, October 20, 10AM-2PM, Beaverton Library.  Suggested for ages 0-11 with family.  "Community organizations offer fun for the kids and information for their parents and caregivers. Raffle prizes, too!"

"Halloween Night Flight", Saturday, October 20, 5PM, Audubon Society of Portland, 5151 NW Cornell Rd., Pdx. Preregistration required, register online: http://audubonportland.org/about/events/halloween/halloween  "$12.50 per person covers registration and participation for the first member of your group, $10.00 for each additional member. (Recommended for kids 5 – 12.) Come celebrate Halloween and learn all about the creatures of the night. Come face-to-face with Portland Audubon's Great Horned Owl, Northern Spotted Owl, Turkey Vulture and Raven. Trick or treat with naturalists and enjoy a night walk to investigate what creatures haunt the sanctuary at night. Event will be held rain or shine."

"Creatures of the Night:  Night Hunters", Saturday, October 20, 6:30PM, Tryon Creek State Park.  $6 per child.  Preregistration required; register online: http://www.tryonfriends.org/programs/calendar-listings/icalrepeat.detail/2012/10/20/1061/-/creatures-of-the-night-night-hunters-.html  "Discover how creatures of the night use their hearing to hunt during this exciting evening of night hikes (hike times will be assigned during check-in) and nocturnal activities.  Learn how bats use echolocation and explore how owls hunt for prey using their excellent sense of hearing.  Find out how everyone can increase awareness of the night world by experimenting with sound exercises and learning the tricks of bobcats and other nocturnal creatures."

"Steve's Creature Feature", Saturday, October 20, 3PM, Vancouver Mall Community Library, Vancouver, WA.  "Safely see, hear and touch some of the most amazing creatures on earth. Nature does not get any more real and fun than this! (All venomous snakes are de-venomed.) Steve is a well-traveled wildlife expert who specializes in studying exotic animals from around the world." http://stevescreaturefeature.com/Creature_Feature_Reptile_Zoo/Welcome.html

"Make Earrings, Bracelets and Necklaces", Saturday, October 20, 2PM, St. Johns Library.  Preregistration required; call 503-988-5397.  "Join artist Maria Alvarado in learning how to make earrings, bracelets and necklaces. Participants will be able to create their own unique designs using a variety of beads and wires."

"Let's Lego", Saturday, October 20, 1:30PM, Sunnyside Library, Clackamas, OR.  Suggested for ages 5 and up.  "We'll supply the LEGOs; you bring your creativity! Build with other LEGO fans and then tear down your constructions."

"Sugar Skulls", Sunday, October 21, 3PM, Fairview-Columbia Library Meeting Room  (preregistration required; register online: http://events.multcolib.org/eventinstance/sugar-skullscalaveritas-de-az%C3%BAcar).  "In this hands-on workshop, students will learn about the Day of the Dead celebration and its traditions. Participants will paint their own edible sugar skull and dedicate it to an ancestor or loved one. Why sugar? Throughout Mexico, Day of the Dead is a celebration of joyful remembrance, and the sweetness of sugar reminds us of joy. Nuestro Canto will also explain the special place that sugar skulls have in honoring our ancestors." http://www.grupo-condor.com/id73.html

"Fall Color Tour", Sunday, October 21, 2PM, Hoyt Arboretum, 4000 SW Fairview Blvd., Pdx.  Free.  "Stroll through the Arboretum for prime fall color viewing!" http://www.hoytarboretum.org/index.php/events/upcoming-events1/

Author Event, "Jan Brett", Sunday, October 21, 10AM, Barnes and Noble, Vancouver Plaza, 7700 NE 4^th Plain Blvd., Vancouver, WA.  "We're thrilled to host Jan Brett, who will sign copies of her new book, 'Mossy'. Her tour bus will be painted with Mossy designs, Hedgie will be here for pictures and Jan will put on a drawing demonstration. Her only appearance in the Portland area! Scoot has never seen a turtle as beautiful as Mossy.   But as Mossy walks toward him, her amazing garden swaying back and forth on her shell, someone picks her up and puts her in a basket.  Dr. Carolina has found the perfect exhibit for her museum.  She and her niece, Tory, take Mossy there, and a large glass-enclosed case becomes Mossy's new home.  How she misses sitting on her rock by the waterfall.  But most of all, she misses Scoot.  As more and more visitors come to admire Mossy, Tory realizes that Mossy is sad.  She is sure that Mossy wants to go home.  How Mossy goes back to Scoot and how Dr. Carolina finds a way to keep the spirit of Mossy alive in the museum makes for a most satisfying and surprising ending.  Jan Brett fans will pore over the colorful paintings, the lush borders displaying flowers, ferns, butterflies and bird, and the museum scenes filled with visitors in stylish Edwardian dress.  Mossy and Scott are sure to become favorite characters for all ages in this unique story of love, loyalty and home." http://janbrett.com/bookstores/mossy_book.htm  

"People of the Drum", Sunday, October 21, 3:30PM, University Park Community Center, 9009 N. Foss Ave., Pdx.  "Portland Taiko would like to cordially invite you to join us to celebrate the history, power and people of the drum! A Collaboration with the Obo Addy Legacy Project (Ghanaian drum and dance ensemble), Medicine Bear (Native American Drum and Dance Ensemble), Mehixa Tiahui (Aztec Drum and Dance Ensemble), Portland Taiko (Asian-American Drum Ensemble) and  Muralist Rodolfo Serna. It's time to celebrate the universal voice of the drum! The drum beats throughout the history and traditions of many cultures, this special event invites you to join in the celebration of that rhythm. Four local drum and performance ensembles will share their individual traditions and songs, and come together as an extraordinary ensemble." http://portlandtaiko.dreamhosters.com/calendar/

"Professor Banjo", Sunday, October 21, 3PM, Taborspace, 5441 SE Belmont, Pdx.  "Coloring sheets, sing-a-longs, dancing games, and stories. Plus, stick around after the show to play some fun instruments along with Professor Banjo!" http://www.squaredancepaul.com/

"Oregon Mycological Society Fall Mushroom Show", Sunday, October 21, 12PM-5PM, World Forestry Center, Cheatham Hall, 4033 Southwest Canyon Rd., Pdx. Adults $5, seniors and students $3, kids under 12 free.  "In a good season, the OMS Fall Mushroom Show features specimens of over 200 species of mushrooms. These mushrooms are carefully picked, identified and beautifully arranged for an amazed public at the World Forestry Center.  This colorful event also showcases mushroom cookery and preservation, toxic mushroom information, books for sale, demonstrations of mushroom dyeing, a 'Kids' Corner' and much more. OMS members start putting the show together at 5:30 a.m., and open the doors to the public at noon." http://www.wildmushrooms.org/node/274

"9^th Annual West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta", Saturday, October 20, 10AM-4PM, Tualatin Commons Lake, 8325 SW Nyberg St., Tualatin.  "If you've never been to the West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta odds are you've never seen anyone sit inside a giant pumpkin let alone race one across a lake dressed as a superhero or the tooth fairy. Over the last 8 years the award-winning West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta has become Oregon's best October event. Race heats will begin at 2pm." http://www.tualatinoregon.gov/recreation/pumpkin-regatta

"The Journey from Sudan to Lake Oswego to the Olympic Games", Monday, October 22, 7-9PM, Marylhurst University Commons, 17600 Pacific Highway (Hwy 43), Marylhurst, OR. Free.  "Our Lake Oswego neighbor Lopez Lomong will share his compelling personal story of being one of the Lost Boys of Sudan who became an American citizen and Olympic athlete." http://lopezlomong.com/   http://www.ci.oswego.or.us/library/storytelling-festival-2012-neighbors

"Pass the Word:  Storytelling Workshop for Ages 8-12", Wednesday, October 24, 3:30-5PM, Lake Oswego Library.  Preregistration required; call 503-675-2540 or email loref@ci.oswego.or.us. Workshop with local storyteller  Will Hornyak.  "Learn to tell stories through participatory storytelling games and exercises.  No experience necessary!" http://www.ci.oswego.or.us/library/storytelling-festival-2012-neighbors   http://willhornyak.com/ 

"Class Acts Tour", Wednesday, October 24, 6:30PM, Barnes and Noble, Clackamas Town Center, 12000 SE 82^nd Ave., Pdx.  "Join us for the Class Acts Author Tour featuring four young readers' authors: Adam Jay Epstein and Andrew Jacobson ('The Familiars' series), Nils Johnson-Shelton ('Otherworld Chronicles' series) and Chris Krovatin ('Gravediggers' series). This is a reading, discussion and book signing event for children, and the authors have planned a really fun presentation called the Class Acts Tour." http://www.classactsbooks.com/

"Haunting Autumn Tales", Thursday, October 25, 6:45PM, Vancouver Community Library, 5^th Level- Vancouver Room.  "Hear readings of classic ghost stories and chilling tales to match the chill in the air. Our storyteller will present short stories of suspense and horror, as well as an encore reading of 'The Monkey's Paw.'"

Author Talk, "Dylan Tomine", Thursday, October 25, 7:30PM, Powell's Books, 1005 W. Burnside, Pdx.  "'Closer to the Ground' is the deeply personal story of a father learning to share his love of nature with his children, not through the indoor lens of words or pictures, but directly, palpably, by exploring the natural world together as they forage, cook and eat from the woods and sea.  This compelling, masterfully written tale follows Dylan Tomine and his family through four seasons as they hunt chanterelles, fish for salmon, dig clams and gather at the kitchen table, mouths watering, to enjoy the fruits of their labor. Closer to the Ground captures the beauty and surprise of the natural world—and the ways it teaches us how to live—with humor, gratitude and a nose for adventure as keen as a child's. It is a book filled with weather, natural history and many delicious meals." http://www.dylantomine.com/index.html

Dragon Theater Puppets presents, "Dracula Re-Vamped", Thursday, October 25, Friday, October 26, and Saturday, October 27, 7PM, Ping Pong's Pint Size Puppet Museum,  906 SE Umatilla St., Pdx.  Tickets $6 each, with an additional .50 if purchased in advance.  "Dracula's wife gets eaten by King Kong and her head gets donated to Dr. Frankenstein. But the new bride created does not want to marry Frankenstein's Monster, instead she runs off. Dracula, The Mummy, The Creature, Frankenstein's Monster, The Wolf Man and others chase after her to try and win her heart." http://www.puppetmuseum.com/PingPongsPSPM.html  We give it two thumbs up!!!

"Genetic Treasures from the Apple's Ancestral Home", Thursday, October 25, 6:30PM, Leach Botanical Garden, 6704 SE 122^nd Ave., Pdx.  $8.  Preregistration required; register online: http://www.leachgarden.org/event/genetic-treasures-of-apples/  "Phil Forsline is the recently retired curator of the United States Department of Agriculture's Plant Genetics Resources Unit, which is located on the Geneva, NY campus of Cornell University. Phil will discuss his expeditions to Kazakhstan (the apple's center of genetic diversity), Russia and China, to collect wild apple material for conservation, evaluation, and distribution to geneticists and breeders throughout the world. Results of Forsline's work promises many benefits, most importantly disease and insect resistance which could revolutionize the apple industry. If you have read 'The Botany of Desire' by Michael Pollan or viewed the documentary about the book on PBS (http://watch.opb.org/video/1283872815/), then you are already familiar with Forsline's work."

"OMSI's Motion Commotion", Saturday, October 27, 2PM, Cascade Park Community Library, Vancouver, WA.  "Kids participate in Sir Isaac Newton's 300-year-old experiments by using ordinary objects to demonstrate the physics at work around us each day. These exciting demonstrations make physics incredibly easy to understand. Topics include energy conversions, forces, inertia and laws of motion."

"Nighttime Hoots and Howls", Saturday, October 27, 6:30-8:30PM, at two locations: Hoyt Arboretum (meet at the shelter across the street from the Visitor’s Center at 4000 SW Fairview, course # 390511); and Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge (meet at Sellwood Park – SE 7th and Malden, course #390878).  $3 per person. Preregistration required; register online: https://www.portlandparks.org/register/Start/Start.asp "Take a walk in the dark with a park naturalist and listen to the sounds of bats, owls, and coyotes, feel the swish of the grasses and leaves along the trails, and see shadows as the fall moon rises.  Rain or shine - PLEASE be dressed for the weather and leave your pets at home. These twilight strolls are suitable for families, however an adult must accompany all children. Please carry little ones in slings or packs."

"Wapato Bird Walk", Saturday, October 27, 8AM- 11AM, Wapato Access Greenway, 19101 NW Sauvie Island Road, Pdx.  Free. Preregistration required; register online here: http://www.tryonfriends.org/programs/calendar-listings/icalrepeat.detail/2012/10/27/1042/-/morning-bird-walks-at-wapato-access-greenway.html  "Join us for a ranger-led bird walk at Wapato State Greenway, part of the 12,000 acre Sauvie Island Important Bird Area (IBA). This easy 2.25 mile loop traverses mixed forest and open oak savannah around Virginia Lakes just east of the Multnomah Channel. With this local habitat diversity it is not surprising that nearly half of the bird species found in Oregon have been recorded on Sauvie Island.  We will meet at the main Wapato Greenway parking lot off of Sauvie Island Road at 8am. Bring binoculars and a water bottle.  While we welcome all ages, the walk is geared toward adults. All birding levels are welcome. Dress for the weather; we will head out rain or shine."

"Day of the Dead", Saturday, October 27, 1:30PM, Tigard Library Burgess Community Room.  "El Dia de los Muertos is the Mexican holiday commemorating the spirit and memory of the dead and the joy of living. Honor the lives of your loved ones at the library! Join us for face painting and marigold and skeleton crafts.  Snacks, too! Bring photos and mementos of loved ones for the library's Day of the Dead altar to the Children's Desk throughout October."

"Kids Knit!", Saturday, October 27, 11AM, North Portland Library Meeting Room.  Preregistration required; register online: http://events.multcolib.org/eventinstance/kids-knit-4  "Discover a fun new hobby by learning to knit or improving your current skills! Needles and yarn provided or bring your own supplies. For grade school-age children and up."

"Day of the Dead Indigenous Stories and Songs of Mexico", Saturday, October 27, 3PM, Gregory Heights Library.  "Indigenous groups of Mexico have been creating their own stories and rhythms for many centuries. Nuestro Canto has gathered music from Nahuas, Purepechas, Serus, Mayas and Zapotecos to perform in its original form and language using ancient and native instruments. This program will combine stories and indigenous songs about Day of the Dead and will teach the audience about the history of this celebration." http://www.grupo-condor.com/index.html

"Paper Mache Creatures", a 2-part class, Saturday, October 27, and Saturday, November 3, 10AM, Ridgefield Community Library, Ridgefield, WA.  "Create a paper mache creature! On this first day use wire, paper, and tape to create a body. Then cover it with sheets dipped in glue. Next Saturday you'll paint your creations."

"Haunted Farm", Saturday, October 27, 6PM-9PM, Philip Foster Farm, 29912 SE Hwy 211, Eagle Creek, OR. $5 per person, $20 per family.  "There are no ghosts at the Farm, and the pioneers didn't celebrate Halloween, but we do have some stories to share about death and dying in pioneer times.  Your family will enjoy close encounters with characters from Eagle Creek's past." http://philipfosterfarm.com/pffwp/haunted-farm

"Lifting Up the Sky", Saturday, October 27, 1PM, Lake Oswego Library.  A storytelling performance for all ages with Will Hornyak. "An engaging and entertaining performance featuring Native American legends, Mexican folktales, Irish fables, Russian fairytales and lively participation stories the whole family will enjoy.  Will shares stories celebrating all peoples' common roots and the age-old theme of cooperation."  http://willhornyak.com/  http://www.ci.oswego.or.us/library/storytelling-festival-2012-neighbors

"The Silly Ghost Cafe: Boo-berry Pie and Screams to Go", Saturday, October 27, 2:30PM, Hillsboro Main Library, and Monday, October 29, 7PM, Tualatin Library.  "Join storyteller Alton Takiyama-Chung for an evening of mysterious and slightly spooky ghost stories at the Silly Ghost Cafe, where the puns are punishing and the jokes are worse. Family friendly, spine-tingling tales from around the world make for a perfectly frightful evening for boys and ghouls of all ages.  Ghosts, witches, and monsters all come and dine at the Cafe, where the staff is rotting and the food is to die for.  There is always room for one more at the Silly Ghost Cafe." http://www.altonchung.com/

"Hood River Fruit Loop Heirloom Apple Celebration", Saturday, October 27, and Sunday, October 28. Heirloom apple varieties can trace their heritage back 100 years or more. Farms celebrate these older varieties with special activities for the entire family including BBQs, tours, apple cider, tastings, apple art, fresh apple desserts and more."  Lots of details here: http://www.hoodriverfruitloop.com/documents/HeirloomApplePoster2012.pdf

"48^th Annual Gem and Mineral Show", Saturday, October 27, 9AM-6PM, and Sunday, October 28, 10AM-5PM, Clackamas County Fairgrounds, 694 NE 4^th Ave., Canby, OR. While there will definitely be enthusiastic rock hounds of all ages and from all walks of life, there will be lots of good fun to be had by everyone. There will be activities for kids, demonstrations for adults, silent actions, bargain rock sale and of course various dealer booths." http://www.clackamettegem.org/rock-show The free fluorescent rock show has to be seen to be believed!

"Latorell Falls Loop Hike", Sunday, October 28.  Free.  Preregistration required; register online http://gorgefriends.org/display.php?modin=52&uid=5225 2.4 mile loop, 530 feet elevation gain.  "This family-friendly loop hike with leader Ross Edginton will visit the lower and upper falls, and along the way, we'll learn little-known history of the town of Latourell and the Historic Columbia River Highway bridge."

"Lego Construction Zone", Sunday, October 28, 1:30PM, Tigard 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."

"Extend Your Growing Season", Sunday, October 28, 2PM, Woodstock Library Meeting Room.  "In the Pacific Northwest, all it takes is a little extra planning and care and you could be harvesting crops every season of the year. This interactive workshop will cover the basics of cloches, row covers, cold frames, continual cropping, seasonal crop varieties and more. Led by horticulturalist Melissa Richmond, aka the Garden Lady, participants will learn extending methods for every season." http://www.rootscultivation.com/

"Portland Opera Preview:  Don Giovanni", Sunday, October 28, 2PM, Central Library Collins Gallery.  "Lecture/concert covers historical background, composer information and musical selections from Mozart's Don Giovanni.  From its spine-tingling first chord to its final bars, Mozart's take on Don Juan, the charismatic anti-hero, is considered by many to be the greatest opera of all time. Charles Gounod, the composer of Faust, called it "a work without blemish, of uninterrupted perfection."  Presented by Portland Opera.

"Nature vs. Nurture: A Story of Adoption, Reunion, Neuroscience and Shock Therapy", Monday, October 29, 7PM, Venetian Theatre, 253 E. Main St., Hillsboro. $5 suggested donation. Minors permitted with an adult. How do we become the people we are? Is it in the way we were raised, or in our genes? Or both? In this unique presentation, Dr. Larry Sherman weaves stories about his recently discovered biological family - including five siblings who all grew up in very different circumstances - with discussions about how our genes and environment influence our brains and, ultimately, who we are." http://www.omsi.edu/node/2896

"Home School Family Program", Monday, October 29, 10AM-4PM, Hatfield Marine Science Center, Newport, OR.  $20 per participant (children and adults).  Preregistration required; see details online: http://hmsc.oregonstate.edu/visitor/education-programs/homeschool   "For this event families will participate in educational programs together (each group of children must be accompanied by at least one adult).  "Come explore marine habitats and their inhabitants, conduct experiments in our wet labs and learn about scientific techniques and current research."

"Singer/Songwriter Luzelena Mendoza", Tuesday, October 30, 7PM, Tigard Library Burgess Community Room.  "Songwriter and front-woman for the band Y La Bamba, Luzelena Mendoza blends the folk songs she learned as a child in Mexico with a distinctive Pacific Northwest sound.  Latin-inspired rhythms meet indie-folk.  Great songcraft and a haunting voice make this a compelling performance you won't want to miss." http://www.ylabamba.com/

"Scary Stories", Tuesday, October 30, 6:30PM, La Center Community Library, La Center, WA.  "Scary Stories to Make You Shiver- Come and listen if you dare; scary stories we will share! Your favorite costume you should wear."

"Spiders!", Tuesday, October 30, 6:30PM, Stevenson Community Library, Stevenson, WA.  "Todd Murray, with the Stevenson WSU Extension, will bring us an evening full of spiders!"

"Lake Oswego Harvest Festival", Wednesday, October 31, 3:30-5:30PM, Millennium Plaza Park, 1^st and Evergreen, Lake Oswego.  Dragon Theater Puppets will be there showing "Rocket Hamster" at 3:30PM! "Bring your youngsters to an old-fashioned Harvest Festival full of magnificent games and marvelous crafts.  Dress up in your favorite costume and participate in a day filled with fun!  Stroll down Trick or Treat Street and enjoy sweet treats, toys and trinkets."  http://www.dragontheater.com/My_Homepage_Files/Page39.html http://www.ci.oswego.or.us/parksrec/harvest-festival-0