Family Martial Arts Night: Watch “Kung-Fu Panda” at 4:00 pm, followed by demonstrations from local martial arts groups. Fulton Park Community Center (68 SW Miles St, Portland), 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm.
Portland Children’s Museum: It’s the first Friday of the month, which means admission is free from 4:00 to 8:00 pm.
Camas First Friday: Businesses will be serving and selling chocolate delights and other romantic gifts. Downtown Camas, 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
The River Project will perform at Music Millennium (3158 E Burnside St, Portland) at 6:00 pm.
“Portlandia”: Watch the latest episode at Mission Theater (1624 NW Glisan, Portland). 5:30 pm doors; 7:00 pm show. Minors admitted with parent or guardian. Encore showing at 10:00 pm for ages 21+.
Rainy Day Idea Cards: Join artist Sarah Fagan in making an activity game to stay busy during the wet Oregon winter. Sellwood-Moreland Library (7860 SE 13th Ave, Portland), 11:00 am to 12:00 pm.
Hand-Made Valentines: Make a one-of-a-kind valentine using copper wire, pipe cleaners, decorative papers and colorful beads and ornaments. Gresham Library (385 NW Miller Ave, Gresham), 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm.
Can You Hear Me Now? Explore the science of sound with.hands-on science activities. For ages 4 and up. Capitol Hill Library (10723 SW Capitol Hwy, Portland), 2:30 pm to 4:30 pm.
Tax Help: Get help from trained tax preparers. Bring your photo ID, Social Security card, last year’s return, and this year’s paperwork. Signup for same-day appointments starts at 10:00 am. Woodstock Library (6008 SE 49th Ave, Portland), 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm.
Author Kevin Renner presents his book “In Search of Fatherhood: A Mother Lode of Wisdom from the World of Daughterhood.” Central Library (801 SW 10th Ave, Portland), 1:00 pm.
Year-Round Gardening: Learn how to expand your vegetable and herb gardening throughout the year by using row covers, cloches, and cold frames. Seed saving, composting, and cover crops will also be discussed. Northwest Library (2300 NW Thurman St, Portland), 2:00 pm.
Gadget Petting Zoo: Curious about e-readers, iPads and other tech devices? Staff will demonstrate how some popular devices function and how they work with library services. Tigard Library (13500 SW Hall Blvd, Tigard), 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm.
A Literary Look at Parenting a Child with Autism: Two Portland writers, both mothers of children on the autism spectrum, share their experiences through fiction and poetry. Belmont Library (1038 SE 39th Ave, Portland), 3:00 pm.
Sip and Savor Oregon: Celebrate the Lake Oswego Reads 2012 novel, “Mink River,” with an afternoon of wine tasting and local cuisine. West End Building (4101 Kruse Way, Lake Oswego), 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm.
Kid/Teen Book Swap in Camas (PDF): Trade your used books (or CDs or movies) with others. Take home as many as you bring. Camas Public Library (625 NE 4th Ave, Camas), 2:30 pm to 4:30 pm.
Museums on Us: Bank of America and Merrill Lynch cardholders can enjoy free admission to the Lan Su Chinese Garden, Pittock Mansion, and Portland Art Museum.
Sunday, February 5
Black Composers of Oregon Past and Present: Join Aszemar Glenn, noted composer, pianist and conductor, for a lecture and performance that celebrates black musicians. Central Library (801 SW 10th Ave, Portland), 2:00 pm.
Be Happy: Learn exercises to change your thought habits and become fearless, appreciative, busy, and outgoing. Hollywood Library (4040 NE Tillamook St, Portland), 2:00 pm.
Museums on Us: Bank of America and Merrill Lynch cardholders can enjoy free admission to the Lan Su Chinese Garden, Pittock Mansion, and Portland Art Museum.
“We are going to McMinnville, Lincoln City, and possibly Salem in mid-February. Where can I find coupons or discounts for restaurants, wineries, and attractions other than the Entertainment book?”
Do you have any advice for Cindy? If so, please leave a comment.
Movie Viewing: “The Jackie Robinson Story”: Jackie Robinson, the first black major league baseball player in the 20th century, stars as himself in this biographical film. Troutdale Library (2451 SW Cherry Park Rd, Troutdale), 3:30 pm.
Portland Art Museum Free Day: It’s the fourth Friday of the month, which means admission is free from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
“Portlandia”: See the latest episode at the Mission Theater (1624 NW Glisan, Portland). 5:30 pm doors; 7:00 pm show. Minors admitted with parent or guardian. Encore showing at 10:00 pm for ages 21+.
Author Ben Marcus presents his latest book, “The Flame Alphabet,” at Powell’s City of Books on Burnside, 7:30 pm.
Saturday, January 28
Burnt Bridge Creek Bird Walk (Registration Required): Follow the Burnt Bridge Creek Trail through field and forest on a free expert-guided bird walk with naturalist Elaine Murphy. Registration required. 8:00 am.
Puppet Show: Walk, sing, and dance along with Mr. Moose in a playful puppet show performed by Penny’s Puppet Productions. St. Johns Library (7510 N. Charleston Ave, Portland), 11:00 am.
Lunar New Year: Experience Lunar New Year traditions of China and Vietnam. Music, games, food, and crafts. Gregory Heights Library (7921 NE Sandy Blvd, Portland), 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm.
Crystal Hotel & Ballroom History Presentations and Tour: Presentation by Joe Bianco, Oregonian crime reporter, at 1:00 pm. Tour starts at 2:30 pm. Presentation by Patrick Rosenkranz, photojournalist and former employee, at 4:00 pm. 1332 W. Burnside, Portland.
From Print to Pixels: Reading in the Digital Age: Oregon author Mark Cunningham will lead a conversation about how technology might impact our reading habits. Tigard Public Library (13500 SW Hall Blvd, Tigard), 2:00 pm.
Sunday, January 29
Portland Opera to Go: “Hansel & Gretel”: This colorful, accessible production is just right to introduce the kids in your life (or yourself?) to the world of opera. Edgefield, Blackberry Hall (2126 SW Halsey St, Troutdale), 12:00 pm.
National Unpublished Writers’ Day Workshop: The event features a series of “creative stations” and workshops, which offer information, theory, and practice for visitors. Clark County Historical Society and Museum (1511 Main St, Vancouver), noon to 5:00 pm.
Library2Go: Did you know that Multnomah County Library offers free downloadable audiobooks for e-book readers? Find out more or get help during this session. Kenton Library (8226 N. Denver Ave, Portland), 12:00 pm to 1:30 pm.
William Stafford Birthday Celebration: Readings and presentations commemorating Oregon’s late poet laureate. Central Library (801 SW 10th Ave, Portland), 2:00 pm.
Puzzle Celebration: Kids and their families will learn how to make a one-of-a-kind puzzle. Holgate Library (7905 SE Holgate Blvd, Portland), 2:30 pm to 4:00 pm.
The Black Swans will perform at Music Millennium (3158 E. Burnside, Portland) at 4:00 pm.
The Video Game Quiz Show: Ground Kontrol’s version of trivia night, complete with lightning rounds, buzzers, and fabulous prizes. 511 NW Couch St, Portland, 7:00 pm.
Sunday Concerts at Rontoms: On Sundays, Rontoms hosts free concerts by local bands. 600 E. Burnside, Portland.
Portland International Auto Show Facebook page: Discount codes for online ticket purchases will be posted to this page starting on Tuesday. You don’t need a Facebook account to access this page.
Portland General Electric website: PGE is offering a $2 off coupon to customers. The coupon is valid only on January 26 from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm and January 27 from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm.
Where else have you found coupons? Inside printed copies of Pamplin newspapers?
King City resident Jen Fair uses extreme couponing to help support her organization, Mission Mahalo, a nonprofit that provides personalized care packages to troops overseas.
On Saturday, January 28, Jen will share her extreme couponing techniques in a two-hour class. If you’re interested in learning how to save hundreds of dollars per month, this is for you.
Class information
Date: Saturday, January 28, 2012 Time: 9:00 am to 11:00 am Location: 7929 SW Cirrus Drive, Bldg #23, Beaverton, OR 97008 Cost: $15 at the door (cash or credit). Receive a $5 OFF coupon for the class when you register in advance. (You must present the coupon at time of payment.)
FREE childcare will be available.
Proceeds from the class will be split 50/50 between Mission Mahalo and Good Samaritan Ministries to provide care packages for troops and community services.
For more information and to register for the class, click here.
To hear more of Jen’s story, watch this video:
(If you can’t see the video below, you can watch it on YouTube.)
Note: Admission is free for the following events, but you might be charged for activities or food and drink.
Events are sorted by start time. If I missed anything, please leave a comment.
Friday, January 20
Flight 19 will perform at Burgerville (1122 SE Hawthorne Blvd, Portland), 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. 10% of all food & beverage sales benefit Oregon Music Hall of Fame Education Programs.
Art Reception: The Architectural Heritage Center invites you to “A Glaze of Glory—the Artistry of Art Tile,” a new exhibit showcasing the center’s collection of historic art tile. 701 SE Grand Ave, 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
“Portlandia”: See the latest episode at the Mission Theater (1624 NW Glisan, Portland), 5:30 pm doors; 7:00 pm show. Minors admitted with parent or guardian.
“Pity the Billionaire”: Author Thomas Frank talks about his latest book, which examines how dire economic circumstances have delivered unexpected political results. Powell’s City of Books on Burnside, 7:30 pm.
Saturday, January 21
Fix-It Fair: Free lunch, free on-site childcare, free bike tuneups, and workshops on home improvement, money management, healthy living, and more. Rosa Parks Elementary School (8960 N. Woolsey Ave, Portland), 8:30 am to 2:00 pm.
Puppet Show: Walk, sing, and dance along with Mr. Moose in a playful puppet show performed by Penny’s Puppet Productions. Central Library (801 SW 10th Ave, Portland), 10:30 am.
Can You Hear Me Now? Learn about the science of sound through hands-on activities. For ages 4 and up. Gregory Heights Library (7921 NE Sandy Blvd, Portland), 1:30 pm.
Hand-Made Valentines: Create a valentine using copper wire, pipe cleaners, decorative papers and colorful beads and ornaments. Kenton Library (8226 N. Denver Ave, Portland), 3:00 pm.
Oregon Maritime Museum Family Saturday: Free to families with children under 18. Discover Portland’s maritime history with a craft project to take home. 11:00 am to 4:00 pm.
Author Richard Meltzer: Hear him talk about his career as a rock writer. Central Library (801 SW 10th Ave, Portland), 1:00 pm.
Chinese New Year: Learn about and celebrate Chinese New Year by making a craft and hearing a story. Grades 1-5 with their families. Beaverton City Library, 1:30 pm to 2:30 pm.
Pirate Reading Party: Join Rick Huddle for singing and storytelling to answer the question, “What Would You Do with a Grumpy Sailor?” Tualatin Library, 2:00 pm.
Milwaukie Ledding Library, Pond House (2215 SE Harrison, Milwaukie), 2:00 pm.
Holy Names Heritage Center (17425 Holy Names Drive, Lake Oswego), 3:00 pm.
Cover to Cover Books (6300 NE St. James Road, Suite 104B, Vancouver), 4:00 pm.
No-Sew Recycled T-Shirts: Turn an old T-shirt into a useful shopping bag, necklaces, bracelets, headbands, wrist cuffs or hats. For teens and adults. Capitol Hill Library (10723 SW Capitol Hwy, Portland), 2:30 pm to 4:30 pm.
Art Opening: Pioneer Place Mall has a gallery on the third floor called Place, where resident artists workshop new ideas. Take a look at the exhibits opening tonight. 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
Historic Preservation 101: Learn about the basic principles of historic preservation to honor, preserve and revitalize communities. Central Library (801 SW 10th Ave, Portland), 1:00 pm.
Why Aren’t There More Black People in Oregon? Portland State University adjunct professor Walidah Imarisha will lead participants through an interactive timeline of Black history in Oregon. Hollywood Library (4040 NE Tillamook St, Portland), 2:00 pm.
Note: Admission is free for the following events, but you might be charged for activities or food and drink.
Events are sorted by start time. If I missed anything, please leave a comment.
All Weekend
Martin Luther King Jr. Weekend of Service: Make a difference in your community by volunteering. Search for volunteer opportunities under “Find a Project”: click here. Or plant trees with Friends of Trees on Saturday. Or contact your favorite local charity to see if they have a project planned.
Kids Can Make Bread: Learn to bake bread and take home your own mini round of bread to bake. Suitable for all ages, with children under 10 accompanied by an adult. Midland Library (805 SE 122nd Ave, Portland), 4:00 pm.
“Portlandia“: See the latest episode at the Mission Theater (1624 NW Glisan, Portland), 5:30 pm doors, 7:00 pm show. Minors admitted with a parent or guardian.
Architecture Art Show and Artist Reception: Concordia University presents a new art show called “Avoir un Don Architecture.” Meet the artists and see their work at F.W.J. Sylwester Library (2800 NE Liberty, Portland), 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
Big Ass Boombox, A Loud Pop Festival: 20 local up-and-coming pop bands spread across four venues: Backspace, Someday Lounge, SoHiTek Records, and Floating World Comics. Someday Lounge is for those 21+; the other venues welcome all ages.
Bird Walk With Backyard Birdshop (registration required): Join wildlife expert Elaine Murphy for a morning jaunt along one of Vancouver’s Greenway trails to look for wintering waterfowl and songbirds. 8:00 am. Registration required.
Family Day at the Washington County Museum: Admission is free today from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. 17677 NW Springville Road on the Portland Community College Rock Creek Campus.
Do You See What I See? An AKA Science instructor will engage kids in hands-on science activities to show how mirrors can be used to bounce light all over the place. For ages 4 and up. Sellwood-Moreland Library (7860 SE 13th Ave, Portland), 10:00 am to noon.
Get Up and Dance: Families are invited to learn about West African culture through dance and music. Albina Library (3605 NE 15th Ave, Portland), 10:30 am.
Kids Can Make Bread: Learn to bake bread and take home your own mini round of bread to bake. Suitable for all ages, with children under 10 accompanied by an adult. North Portland Library (512 N. Killingsworth St, Portland), 11:00 am to 1:00 pm.
Kids Puppet Show: Come walk, sing, and dance along with Mr. Moose in a playful puppet show performed by Penny’s Puppet Productions. Troutdale Library (2451 SW Cherry Park Rd, Troutdale) at 11:00 am and Gresham Library (385 NW Miller Ave, Gresham), 2:00 pm.
J.R.R. Tolkien Birthday Bash: Enjoy live music, the entire “Lord of the Rings” trilogy in the Theater, kids fun, and more. Kennedy School (5736 NE 33rd Ave, Portland), 11:00 am ’til late. Free admission; please bring a canned good for OR Food Bank.
Portland Old-Time Music Gathering: Take a clogging lesson, try out the archaic Sacred Harp singing style, enjoy wonderful concerts, have fun with your kids in the family dance. Scottish Rite Center (1512 SW Morrison, Portland), noon to 5:00 pm.
Year-Round Gardening: Learn tricks and techniques to extend your harvest. Woodstock Library (6008 SE 49th Ave, Portland), 2:00 pm.
William Stafford Birthday Event: Tim Applegate, Margaret Chula, Liz Nakazawa, Lars Nordstrom and others will read Stafford’s work at Hillsboro Main Library (2850 NE Brookwood Parkway, Hillsboro), 2:00 pm.
Palm Tree Bike Ride: Join Urban Adventure League on a guided bike tour of the multitude of palm trees and other tropical vegetation growing in Portland. Meet at Coffee Division (3551 SE Division St, Portland), 11:00 am.
Portland Art Museum Free Family Day: Make woodblock prints, create mini-ikebana flower arrangements and transform into fantastical Kabuki characters. 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm.
Raise Chickens in Your Backyard: Learn the basics of raising happy, healthy chickens. Central Library (801 SW 10th Ave, Portland), 1:00 pm.
The Crescendo Show will perform at Music Millennium (3158 E. Burnside St, Portland) at 5:00 pm.
William Stafford Birthday Event: Readings by Geranna Fleming, James Fleming, Jon Seaman, and others at 6:30 pm, Moonstruck Chocolate Café (45 S. State Street, Lake Oswego).
The weather report looks good for Tuesday, January 10, 2012, so I thought I’d take a moment to remind you that it’s $4 admission day at the Oregon Zoo. If you can’t make it, please note that the zoo offers this discount on the second Tuesday of every month.
Visitors who ride the MAX or bus to the zoo receive an additional $1.50 off general admission and are not required to pay the $2 per vehicle parking fee. This discount requires proof of ridership and is available every day.
As always, children 2 and younger are admitted free.
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