Around the Sun: A Blog About Saving Money in Portland, Oregon, and beyond

1/20–1/24: Free Dance Classes at BodyVox

From January 20–24, BodyVox will offer free dance classes for children, teens and adults.

All levels and abilities are welcome.

Schedule of free classes:

Stackrobats
Teacher: Ramman Turner
Tuesday, 1/20/09, 4:00 pm–5:00 pm
Recommended for children 8–11 years of age. Stackrobats combines basic gymnastics and tumbling with dance movement and balance.

Grounded Levitation: Freestyle-acrobatic break dance
Teacher: Ramman Turner
Tuesday, 1/20/09, 5:00 pm–6:00 pm
Recommended for teens. Grounded Levitation is a powerful fusion class that includes elements of break dance, acrobatics, free-style, and martial arts.

Dance Foundations Through Fantasy
Teacher: Sarah Carl
Wednesday, 1/21/09, 4:00 pm–5:00 pm
Recommended for children 5–7 years of age. Dance Foundations teaches dance basics and includes improvisational activities, controlled movement, stories, games, explosive traveling, music, rhythm, and verbal reflection.

Discovering My Rising Star
Teacher: Renee Adams
Thursday, 1/22/09, 1:15 pm–2:00 pm
Recommended for children 3–4 years of age. My Rising Star helps students discover their personal movement power and potential. Stories, songs, games, and concept-focused lessons will help strengthen their bodies, stretch their minds and teach them to interact with music, movement and each other.

Move Together
Teacher: Renee Adams
Saturday, 1/24/09, 9:00 am–9:40 am
Recommended for children 14 months to 2 years of age with a parent. Move Together is a fun and creative way for kids and a parent or caregiver to bond in an exploration of movement and imagination. Children develop brain-body skills, strengthen coordination, and learn social skills and cooperation through moving and playing together.

BodyVox Technique
Teacher: Ashley Roland
Saturday, 1/24/09, 12:00 pm–1:30 pm
Recommended for adults who are at an intermediate dance level. BodyVox Technique stresses the importance of core strength and inner origin of peripheral events. Some yoga is included for centering, flexibility, focus and strength.

Contact information:
BodyVox
1300 NW Northrup
Portland, Oregon 97209
503.229.0627
www.bodyvox.com

Photo by Polara Studios

Add comment January 16th, 2009

Free Events This Weekend in Portland: Jan 16–18

Admission is free for all events below.

Also, January 17 is the third Saturday of the month and the Oregon Historical Society’s discount day. However, admission is no longer totally free. Instead, two children will be admitted free per one paying adult. Click here for more information.

Have a great weekend!

Friday, January 16

• Kidical Mass is a chance for kids to ride bikes with their families and other kids in a big, safe, fun group. Rides are easy-going, legal, and governed by the slowest riders. In celebration of MLK weekend, families are encouraged to dress and decorate in the spirit of peace and diversity. It will be dark so do not forget to bring FRONT and REAR lights. For more information, contact Carl Larson at Bicycle Transportation Alliance. Rides:

  • Downtown Kidical Mass: Meet at 5:30 pm at North Park Blocks playground (NW 8th and Couch), ride at 6:00 pm.
  • Northeast Kidical Mass: Meet at 5:30 pm at Alberta Park (NE Killingsworth and 19th), ride at 6:00 pm.

  • Southeast Kidical Mass: Meet at 5:30 pm at Sunnyside Park (SE 35th and Taylor), ride at 6:00 pm.

• “Battlestar Galactica” Final Season: Join KUFO’s Cort and Fatboy each Friday night from January 16 through March 10 to watch the final 10 episodes of “Battlestar Galactica.” Bagdad Theater (3702 SE Hawthorne Blvd). Doors open at 9:30 pm; show at 10:00 pm. Ages 21+. For more information, contact the Bagdad Theater or KUFO.

• Reed Wallsmith (website) will perform at Three Degrees Lounge at the RiverPlace Hotel, 8:00 pm. For more information, visit the PDX Jazz website.

• Floating Glass Balls (website) will perform at LaurelThirst Public House (NE Glisan and 30th) from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Palatine Hill (website) will perform at Kay’s Bar (6903 SE Milwaukie) at 9:30 pm. Ages 21+. For more information, visit the event website.

• Loque Le Monde will perform at Press Club at 8:30 pm. Press Club is located at 2621 SE Clinton St, 503.233.5656.

• Destroy Nate Allen, Butterfly Bones and Purple Heart will perform at Red Room (2530 NE 82nd Ave) at 9:00 pm. Ages 21+. For more information, visit the event website.

• Mark Alan (website) will perform at Edgefield (2126 SW Halsey St, Troutdale) at 7:00 pm. Ages 21+. For more information, visit the Edgefield website.

• Lewi Longmire Band (website) will perform at Rock Creek Tavern (10000 NW Old Cornelius Pass Rd, Hillsboro) at 9:00 pm. All ages until 10:00 pm. For more information, visit the Rock Creek Tavern website.

• Contributors Karen Karbo and Melanie Thernstrom present “The Secret Currency of Love,” an anthology of original essays that explores the fraught and powerful connection between two of the most driving forces in women’s lives: love and money. Powell’s City of Books on Burnside (1005 W. Burnside), 7:30 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

Saturday, January 17

• J.R.R. Tolkien Birthday Celebration: This is an event for all ages featuring jugglers, live music, the entire “Lord of the Rings” trilogy, costume contest and more. Admission is free, except for the trilogy. To watch the movies, you must bring two canned goods for the Oregon Food Bank. Kennedy School (5736 NE 33rd Ave), 11:00 am ’til close. For a detailed schedule, visit the event website.

• Free Events at Portland Old-Time Music Gathering: On Saturday from noon to 5:00 pm, come to Norse Hall (111 NE 11th Ave) for kids’ activities, singing and dancing workshops, concerts, and more. On Sunday, the Mission Theater (1624 NW Glisan) will host a cabaret show at 1:30 pm (doors open at 1:00 pm). All ages are welcome to attend; minors with parent. The show will feature short performances. Some slots will be available for signup at Norse Hall on Saturday on a first come, first served basis. For more information, visit the event website.

• Bilingual (Spanish/English) Environmental Fair: The Miracle Theatre Group will host a bilingual (Spanish/English) environmental fair from 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm at El Centro Milagro (525 SE Stark St). Visitors will have the opportunity to learn more about local environmental organizations, including Verde, SOLV, Friends of Trees and Equal Exchange. For more information, contact the Miracle Theatre Group.

• Kidical Mass is a chance for kids to ride bikes with their families and other kids in a big, safe, fun group. Rides are easy-going, legal, and governed by the slowest riders. In celebration of MLK weekend, families are encouraged to dress and decorate in the spirit of peace and diversity. Today, there’s an Outer Northeast ride. Meet at 3:00 pm at Knott Park (NE 112th and Russell), ride at 3:15 pm. For more information, contact Carl Larson at Bicycle Transportation Alliance.

• Oregon Symphony Storytime: This series focuses on books, music, instruments, sound and fun musical crafts. Each week features a visit from an Oregon Symphony musician who will play and provide an introduction to his or her instrument and orchestral music. Free tickets for seating will be available 30 minutes prior to the program. Hillsdale Library (1525 SW Sunset Blvd), 11:00 am–noon. Most appropriate for preschool-age children. For more information, visit the event website.

• Mz. Pearl’s Variety Show is a solo clown show filled with physical comedy, juggling, magic, dance and word play. The audience is really involved in Mz. Pearl’s show—in their seats, as volunteers, and in a mini-workshop at the end. Most suitable for grades K–5. Sellwood-Moreland Library (7860 SE 13th Ave), 10:30 am–11:15 am, and noon–12:45 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• ”Raven Steals the Sun” Children’s Puppet Show: Created and performed by Emily Alexander of Tears of Joy Theatre, this show tells how Raven the trickster brought light and warmth to the world. Gresham Library (385 NW Miller Ave), 2:30 pm to 3:30 pm. Most appropriate for grades K–5. For more information, visit the event website.

• ”8-Bit Resolution” Benefit Concert: 8-Bit Resolution is a chiptune (old-school video game-style music) fest featuring The 486 Kid, Waxin’ Wary, Mos-8, and the easterislandhead. Visuals by VJ Cupcakes. Donations will be accepted at the door for Child’s Play, but are not required to get in. All ages. Chaos Cafe (2620 SE Powell Blvd), 8:00 pm, 503.546.8112.

• Michelle Medler Trio will perform at Three Degrees Lounge at the RiverPlace Hotel, 8:00 pm. For more information, visit the PDX Jazz website.

• Lucky Tiger, Honus Huffhines, and The Welfare State will perform at Red Room (2530 NE 82nd Ave) at 9:00 pm. Ages 21+. For more information, visit the event website.

• Jim Page (website) will perform at Edgefield (2126 SW Halsey St, Troutdale) at 7:00 pm. Ages 21+. For more information, visit the Edgefield website.

• Vivid Curve with James Faretheewell (website) will perform at Rock Creek Tavern (10000 NW Old Cornelius Pass Rd, Hillsboro) at 9:00 pm. All ages until 10:00 pm. For more information, visit the Rock Creek Tavern website.

• William Stafford Birthday Events: Two events today. More information can be found here.

  • Ritz Kyoko Mori, Dorothy Stafford, and Pat Carver will read at 3:00 pm at Holy Names Heritage Center (17425 Holy Names Drive, Lake Oswego).

  • Emily Frey, Jane Glazer, Melanie Green, Diane Holland, Mike Langtry, Stephen Pearce, Suzanne Sigafoos, and Sulima Malzin will read at 7:00 pm at Eliot Chapel, First Unitarian Church (1011 SW 12th Ave).

• Author Kurt Nelson will discuss his book “Fighting for Paradise: A Military History of the Pacific Northwest” at Hillsboro Main Library (2850 Brookwood Pkwy, Hillsboro) at 2:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Author Lisa Schroeder will talk about “Far from You,” her new young adult novel-in-verse, at 2:00 pm at Powell’s Books at Cedar Hills Crossing (3415 SW Cedar Hills Blvd). For more information, visit the event website.

• Author Bob Gaulke will talk about his new book, “Embrace Your Insignificance: Lessons Learned Teaching English in Japan” at Press Club at 8:00 pm. Bob will be joined by Chuck Thompson, another popular local travel writer. Press Club is located at 2621 SE Clinton St, 503.233.5656.

Sunday, January 18

• Washington County Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration: Featuring the New Thought Choir, Beaverton Human Rights Essay Contest winner, presentation of the Everyday Hero Awards, Fusion Dancers, and keynote address by Alfonso Lopez-Vasquez, Assistant to the Provost on Diversity, and Assistant Professor of Education at Pacific University. The Kingstad Center (15450 SW Millikan Way, Beaverton), 4:00 pm. Hosted by the New Thought Center for Spiritual Living. Please bring warm coats and new socks (only) to donate to the 2009 Washington County Project Homeless Connect event happening on Wednesday, January 28th. For more information, visit the event website.

• Free Events at Portland Old-Time Music Gathering: On Saturday from noon to 5:00 pm, come to Norse Hall (111 NE 11th Ave) for kids’ activities, singing and dancing workshops, concerts, and more. On Sunday, the Mission Theater (1624 NW Glisan) will host a cabaret show at 1:30 pm (doors open at 1:00 pm). All ages are welcome to attend; minors with parent. The show will feature short performances. Some slots will be available for signup at Norse Hall on Saturday on a first come, first served basis. For more information, visit the event website.

• The Catillacs (website) will perform at Music Millennium (3158 E. Burnside) at 5:00 pm. All ages. For more information, visit the event website.

• Progression: Progression is what every other jam session isn’t. Original compositions, odd time signatures, free form improvisation, and no rules. Hosted by Ben Darwish. Someday Lounge (125 NW 5th Ave), 8:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Jazz Stories 2009: Jazz Stories is a series of spoken word/live jazz narratives. In original stories accompanied by live jazz, writer Lynn Darroch, guitarist John Stowell and saxophonist Rob Davis celebrate musicians such as Ray Charles, Phil Woods, Charles Lloyd, Betty Carter and Red Rodney. Sellwood-Moreland Library (7860 SE 13th Ave), 2:00 pm–4:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Sonny Hess and Lisa Mann will perform at Edgefield (2126 SW Halsey St, Troutdale) at 5:00 pm. Ages 21+. For more information, visit the Edgefield website.

• “Like Water for Chocolate” will be showing at Press Club at 9:00 pm. Press Club is located at 2621 SE Clinton St, 503.233.5656.

• Screening of Benjamin Bagby’s “Beowulf”: See a special screening of Benjamin Bagby’s legendary performance of the Anglo-Saxon epic “Beowulf” recorded live in Helsingborg, Sweden. Central Library (801 SW 10th Ave), 2:00 pm. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, visit the event website.

• “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington” will be showing at Tigard Library (13500 SW Hall Blvd, Tigard) at 1:30 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Poets John Witte and Ana Callan will talk about their respective books at 4:00 pm at Powell’s Books on Hawthorne (3723 SE Hawthorne Blvd). For more information, visit the event website.

• Cristy Road, Rhiannon Argo and Nicole Georges will talk about their respective books at 7:30 pm at Powell’s City of Books on Burnside (1005 W. Burnside). For more information, visit the event website.

• Native American artist Lillian Pitt will give a slideshow presentation and talk about the historical background related to her art. She has chosen to work in clay using Asian techniques like raku and anagama, to work in bronze or precious metals, to incorporate wood, copper, glass, shell, leather, feathers, and a wide variety of materials, and to mix media and technologies from around the globe. Hillsboro Main Library (2850 Brookwood Pkwy, Hillsboro), 2:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Winter Palm Tree Bike Ride: Come along for a bicycle ride passing by the multitude of palm trees and other tropical and evergreen vegetation growing in the city. This ride will be a bit different than the ones we have done in the past, we’re going to explore some different areas. Ride should last about four hours or so, with plenty of stops and maybe a refreshment break. Meet at 11:00 am at Seven Virtues Coffeehouse (5936 NE Glisan St). THE IMPORTANT DETAILS: Ride not a loop. Rain or shine! (We haven’t canceled one yet, and don’t intend to!) And wear shorts! For more information, visit the event website.

If you know of any other free events happening this weekend, please write a comment about it. If you’d like me to include an event in a future round-up, please contact me.

Add comment January 15th, 2009

1/19: Free Admission to Oregon Zoo

Admission to the Oregon Zoo will be free on Monday, January 19, aka Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

The zoo will be open from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Parking is $2 per car, or you can take the MAX or bus #63. Visit the TriMet website for fare and schedule information.

For more information on the zoo, visit the Oregon Zoo website. 

Thanks to Portland on the Cheap for the heads up!

Add comment January 14th, 2009

Free Workshops on Lowering Energy and Food Bills

ROSE Community Development is sponsoring two money-saving workshops. Both workshops are free and open to all.

Weatherization Workshop
When: Wednesday, January 21, 2009, 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Where: Lent Elementary School, 5105 SE 97th Ave, Portland
Description: Find out how to save money on your energy bills, keep your home warmer and conserve energy. Free childcare and snacks will be provided. Income-qualified Portland residents can receive a free kit of weatherization materials ($150 value).
Please RSVP to 503.916.6322.

“How to Buy Food on a Budget” Workshop
When: Wednesday, January 28, 2009, 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Where: Lent Elementary School, 5105 SE 97th Ave, Portland
Description: Find out how to save money, feed your family, and eat healthy while shopping at the grocery store. The workshop includes a cooking demonstration, grocery shopping tips, resources, a raffle and more. Free childcare and a light dinner will be provided.
Please RSVP by Monday, January 26, to 503.916.6322. (Class limit: 25 adults + children)

For more information, visit the ROSE Community Development Events page.

Photo by Andreas Kollegger

Add comment January 12th, 2009

Willamette Week’s Deal Box Needs You

The folks behind Willamette Week’s Deal Box are looking for tips on freebies and cheap deals in Portland. If you’ve got tips, send them to deals @ wweek.com. You might get free stuff in return.

For details, visit the Willamette Week website.

Thanks to Our PDX Network for the heads up!

Add comment January 12th, 2009

Free Drinks: Starbucks, Seattle’s Best, Peet’s

To keep you well-caffeinated:

Starbucks: From The Freebie Blogger: “Participating Starbucks will be having a TeaTime event on January 13th at 2 PM. This event will feature free tea and food samples. Call first to make sure your Starbucks is participating. Starbucks also has Tea Lattes for just $2 after 2 PM with your registered Starbucks card through January 18th.” Pioneer Courthouse Square is one of the participating stores.

Seattle’s Best Coffee: Get a free drink or pastry when you purchase a medium or large drink with this coupon. Offer is good at Seattle’s Best Coffee cafes in Borders bookstores and Western Washington company stores only. Expires March 3, 2009. Thanks to Frugal Living Online for the heads up.

Peet’s Coffee & Tea: Peet’s has new lower-sugar drinks called Lighter Options. When you purchase a Lighter Options drink, you can get a second drink free with this coupon. Offer ends on January 18, 2009. Thanks to Coupon Cravings for the heads up.

1 comment January 11th, 2009

Get Free Advice From a Personal Financial Planner on 1/13 and 1/30

Looking for advice on retirement? On January 13 and 30, Kiplinger’s Personal Finance and the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA) will give you the opportunity to talk to a professional advisor for free. 

From Kiplinger.com:

For the eighth time, we are joining with the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA) in sponsoring Kiplinger’s Jump-Start Your Retirement Plan Days. From 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. eastern time on Tuesday, January 13, and Friday, January 30, NAPFA members across the U.S. will be standing by to answer your questions.

Normally, these fee-only planners, who are well versed in investments, taxes, insurance, estate planning, and saving for college and retirement, charge clients $100 to $250 an hour. But on Jump-Start Days, you don’t pay a cent — not even for the phone call. Just dial 888-919-2345 and a NAPFA adviser will respond to your question. Or, if you prefer, you can participate in an online discussion with a NAPFA adviser anytime from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. eastern time on January 13 or January 30 by visiting our Jump-Start Your Retirement Center.

To make the most of your advice session, make sure you have on hand documents relevant to your question, such as your 401(k) statement with your menu of investment options. If your question is too complex to be answered on the spot, you may be directed to NAPFA’s Web site, http://www.napfa.org/, where you can look for a planner in your area.

For more information, visit Kiplinger’s Jump-Start Your Retirement Plan website.

Thanks to Get Rich Slowly for the heads up!

Add comment January 10th, 2009

Download Suze Orman’s Latest Book Free (Expires 1/15)

Personal finance expert Suze Orman has a new book, “Suze Orman’s 2009 Action Plan: Keeping Your Money Safe & Sound,” and you can download it for free from Oprah.com. English and Spanish versions are available. The offer ends on January 15.

Amazon.com describes the book as follows:

The credit crunch, the stock market freefall, the staggering toll of home foreclosures and job losses: The economic crisis that struck in 2008 has left no one untouched and everybody reeling. Seemingly overnight, the financial landscape has undergone seismic changes that suddenly have you asking all kinds of questions: Are your savings safe? Should you continue to invest in your retirement account? Should you keep your home if it’s worth less than what you owe or should you sell it? How do you pay your bills if you’ve just been laid off?

The nation’s go-to expert on financial matters, Suze Orman, believes that 2009 is a critical year for your money. There are safeguards to put in place, actions to take, costly mistakes to avoid, and even opportunities to be had, so that you are protected during the bad times and prepared to prosper when things take a turn for the better. No matter what situation you’re in, you will find a plan of action and the answers to your questions about:

* Credit
* Retirement
* Savings and Spending
* Real Estate
* Paying for College
* Protecting Your Family

SUZE ORMAN’S 2009 ACTION PLAN delivers honest, straightforward guidance—what to do, when to do it, and how to do it—as only Suze Orman can.

Download your free copy here.

If you’re like me and missed Suze’s appearance on Oprah yesterday, you can read about it here.

Add comment January 9th, 2009

Free Events This Weekend in Portland: Jan 9–11

Admission is free for all events below. Have a great weekend!

Friday, January 9

• Art Opening at Launch Pad Gallery: The gallery presents “Apples,” a multimedia group show about collaboration, interconnectedness and friendship. The show features 2-D work, film and music by thirteen artists and two bands. Live music by Kaitlyn ni Donovan (9:00 pm) and Point Juncture, WA  (10:00 pm). All ages. 534 SE Oak St, 6:00 pm to 12:00 am. For more information, visit the event website.

• Art Opening at The 100th Monkey Studio: This month’s show is called “Consumerism” featuring artwork by 10 artists. Live music by Kotogoto. All ages. 110 SE 16th Ave, 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Learn How to Start a Blog: On Friday and Saturday, a group of local bloggers called Beer & Blog  will host workshops on how to start a blog. Much of the time will be devoted to helping people one on one, so bring your laptop if you’ve got one. Friday’s session will focus on how to get a hosting account and domain name. The session will take place at Green Dragon Bistro & Brewpub (928 SE 9th Ave) from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm. For more information, click here. On Saturday, a series of workshops will be held at CubeSpace from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm and will focus on installing your blog, customizing it, etc. For more information, click here.

• Gordon Lee will perform at Three Degrees Lounge at the RiverPlace Hotel, 8:00 pm. For more information, visit the PDX Jazz website.

• Joe McMurrian Quartet (website) will perform at LaurelThirst Public House from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. NE Glisan and 30th. For more information, visit the event website.

• Kirk Duncan & the Localized Juice Embargo (website) will perform at Kay’s Bar (6903 SE Milwaukie) at 9:30 pm. Ages 21+. For more information, visit the event website.

• The Dust Bowl Refugees will perform at Press Club at 8:30 pm. Press Club is located at 2621 SE Clinton St, 503.233.5656.

• Steve Cheseborough, Mackintosh Braun, Brian Rozendal, and The Goodwill River will perform at Red Room (2530 NE 82nd Ave) at 9:00 pm. Ages 21+. For more information, visit the event website.

• Ritchie G. and Tutu Kane will perform at Edgefield (2126 SW Halsey St, Troutdale) at 7:00 pm. Ages 21+. For more information, visit the Edgefield website.

• Jim the Bad Goat (website) will perform at Rock Creek Tavern (10000 NW Old Cornelius Pass Rd, Hillsboro) at 9:00 pm. All ages until 10:00 pm. For more information, visit the Rock Creek Tavern website.

• Author Philip Niles will talk about his book “Beauty of the City,” a biography of Albert E. Doyle, at Powell’s City of Books on Burnside (1005 W. Burnside), 7:30 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

Saturday, January 10

• Fix-It Fair: The fair includes workshops on a variety of topics including money-saving tips, home care, health and safety. Free professional child care will be available, and giveaways will be going on all day. Parkrose High School (12003 NE Shaver St), 8:30 am to 2:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website (be sure to click the links on the right side of the page).

• Slavic New Year Celebration: Celebrate the new year with Russian music, dancing, crafts and treats. Midland Library (805 SE 122nd Ave), noon–5:00 pm. For a schedule of activities, visit the event website.

• Learn How to Start a Blog: On Friday and Saturday, a group of local bloggers called Beer & Blog  will host workshops on how to start a blog. Much of the time will be devoted to helping people one on one, so bring your laptop if you’ve got one. Friday’s session will focus on how to get a hosting account and domain name. The session will take place at Green Dragon Bistro & Brewpub (928 SE 9th Ave) from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm. For more information, click here. On Saturday, a series of workshops will be held at CubeSpace from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm and will focus on installing your blog, customizing it, etc. For more information, click here.

• Oregon Symphony Storytime: This series focuses on books, music, instruments, sound and fun musical crafts. Each week features a visit from an Oregon Symphony musician who will play and provide an introduction to his or her instrument and orchestral music. Free tickets for seating will be available 30 minutes prior to the program. Hillsdale Library (1525 SW Sunset Blvd), 11:00 am–noon. Most appropriate for preschool-age children. For more information, visit the event website.

• Mz. Pearl’s Variety Show is a solo clown show filled with physical comedy, juggling, magic, dance and word play. The audience is really involved in Mz. Pearl’s show—in their seats, as volunteers, and in a mini-workshop at the end. Most suitable for grades K–5. Rockwood Library (17917 SE Stark St), 2:00 pm–2:45 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Second Saturday at Vancouver Water Center: Each second Saturday of the month, kids and their families are invited to explore a different topic through hands-on activities, games and stories. This month: Discover how a snowshoe hare, Canada goose and western toad adjust to winter. Make a winter animal paper weight. Weave a hot pad from fur-like yarn to experience the heavy coat some animals have to survive cold winter weather. 4600 SE Columbia Way, Vancouver, 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Belinda Underwood will perform at Three Degrees Lounge at the RiverPlace Hotel, 8:00 pm. For more information, visit the PDX Jazz website.

• Tim Connell’s Brazillian Mandolin Duo will perform at Press Club at 8:30 pm. Press Club is located at 2621 SE Clinton St, 503.233.5656.

• Little Sue Band (website) will perform at LaurelThirst Public House from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. NE Glisan and 30th. For more information, visit the event website.

• Hit Me Baby, Attack Ships On Fire, Muddy River Nightmare Band, and Keel Over will perform at Red Room (2530 NE 82nd Ave) at 9:00 pm. Ages 21+. For more information, visit the event website.

• Walsh Shuttle Pipes Performance: Cedar Mill resident Matt Rucker will play Scottish and Irish tunes on the Walsh Shuttle Pipes. These bellows blown pipes are similar in style and shape to pipes dating back to 1695 and are ideal for intimate performances where the Highland pipes would prove too overpowering. Cedar Mill Community Library (12505 NW Cornell Rd), 2:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Ritchie G. and Tutu Kane will perform at Edgefield (2126 SW Halsey St, Troutdale) at 7:00 pm. Ages 21+. For more information, visit the Edgefield website.

• Garcia Birthday Band (website) will perform at Rock Creek Tavern (10000 NW Old Cornelius Pass Rd, Hillsboro) at 9:00 pm. All ages until 10:00 pm. For more information, visit the Rock Creek Tavern website.

• Saturday Guided Nature Walks at 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. Today’s theme is “Cones, Cones, Cones.” Appropriate for all ages. Parents must accompany kids on all hikes. 10:00 am to 11:30 am. For more information, visit the event website.

• Author Michele Ulrickson will read from her memoir “Reform at Victory” at In Other Words Women’s Books and Resources (8 B NE Killingsworth St) at 3:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• William Stafford Birthday Event: This event features readings by Judith Barrington, Marlene Hill, Susanna Lundgren, Helen McNaughton, Heidi Pullen, Ron Rasch, Susan McKee Reese, and Paulann Petersen. Milwaukie Ledding Library, Pond House (2215 SE Harrison, Milwaukie), 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm. More information can be found here.

• Sketchcrawl: To celebrate the 21st Worldwide Sketchcrawl, Portlanders will gather at 10:00 am to sketch what they see and enjoy the challenge of drawing new things. The group will meet at Pioneer Place mall downtown by the ground-floor Starbucks. Look for folks with sketchbooks, sketching! For more information, contact the Portland Sketchcrawl group. 

Sunday, January 11

• Jazz Stories 2009: Jazz Stories is a series of spoken word/live jazz narratives. In original stories accompanied by live jazz, writer Lynn Darroch, guitarist John Stowell and saxophonist Rob Davis celebrate musicians such as Ray Charles, Phil Woods, Charles Lloyd, Betty Carter and Red Rodney. Woodstock Library (6008 SE 49th Ave), 2:00 pm–3:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Epiphany Choir Fest: Several local church choirs will perform holiday carols at Gethsemane Lutheran Church (11560 SE Market) at 3:00 pm. The concert is free to the public, and refreshments and child care will be available. A goodwill offering for Daybreak Shelter Network will be accepted at intermission. Daybreak Shelter Network is a shelter and housing placement program for homeless families. For more information, visit the event website.

• Classical Music Performance—Violin and Flute: Violinist George Shiolas and flutist Abby Mages will present a program of classical selections from Bach, Vivaldi, Bartok and others. Hillsboro Main Library (2850 Brookwood Pkwy, Hillsboro), 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• “The Flight and The Fall”: “The Flight and the Fall” is a podcast by Abraham Ingle in which he records locals talking about their neighborhoods. This debut of the second episode of the series will include live voice-overs, as well as guitar and keyboard accompaniment. Prior to that, Root Beer and French Fry and The Wedding Singers will perform. Valentine’s (232 SW Ankeny St), 9:00 pm. Ages 21+. For more information, visit the event website.

• Music at LaurelThirst Public House: Freak Mountain Ramblers will perform at 6:00 pm. Billy Kennedy and Tim Acott will perform at 9:00 pm. NE Glisan and 30th. For more information, visit the event website.

• Vinny D. (website) will perform at Edgefield (2126 SW Halsey St, Troutdale) at 5:00 pm. Ages 21+. For more information, visit the Edgefield website.

• “Big Night ” will be showing at Press Club at 9:00 pm. Press Club is located at 2621 SE Clinton St, 503.233.5656.

• Oregon Poets, Oregon History: Oregon Poet Laureate Lawson Inada and William Stafford archivist Paul Merchant will read at this free literary event. The event will commemorate William Stafford’s life as a conscientious objector as well as the WWII internment experiences of the Yasui family relayed in “Stubborn Twig,” by Lauren Kessler, the book chosen for Oregon Reads 2009. Beaverton Library (12375 SW 5th Street, Beaverton), 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Author Arlene Sachitano will talk about her book “Quilter’s Knot” at Murder by the Book (3210 SE Hawthorne Blvd) at 5:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Author and filmmaker Faythe Levine will talk about her book “Handmade Nation: The Rise of DIY, Art, Craft, and Design” at Powell’s City of Books on Burnside (1005 W. Burnside), 7:30 pm. Joining Levine will be contributing writer, Susan Beal; featured artist, Jill Bliss; and the illustrator for the book, Kate Bingaman-Burt. For more information, visit the event website.

• Wills, Trusts and Estate Planning Workshop: Learn the basics of wills, living trusts, powers of attorney and healthcare directives with attorney and author Richard Schneider. Gresham Library (385 NW Miller Ave), 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

If you know of any other free events happening this weekend, please write a comment about it. If you’d like me to include an event in a future round-up, please contact me.

4 comments January 8th, 2009

1/12: Women’s Clothing Swap, Sizes 6–12

Here’s an incentive to clean out your closets this weekend. PDXSwap will be hosting a swap for women’s medium-size clothing on Monday, January 12, in Tigard.

Details provided by PDXSwap:

WHAT: Women’s clothing swap for sizes 6–12.

WHEN: Monday, January 12, at 7:00 pm. Please plan to arrive about 10–15 minutes early.

WHERE: Tigard Senior Center, 8815 SW O’Mara Street, Tigard, OR 97223 (map). This is located on the #76 bus line, 1/2 block off SW Hall, on O’Mara. Handicap accessible. Please note that the building is under construction, so you will need to park in the upper lot. The swap will be held on the lower level; there is an elevator as well as stairs.

TIPS TO MAKE SWAPS RUN SMOOTHLY a.k.a. if this is your first swap, here’s how it works…

• Scour your closets, drawers, and storage for clean clothes in good condition that you no longer wear, accessories, shoes, belts—basically any wearables (also jr. equivalents). Wash them up and bring them along to add to the swap.
• Wear spandex/yoga/bike clothes or a swimsuit under your regular clothes so you don’t have to get naked to try things on (children may be present, and occasionally a janitor has come through near the end of a swap).
• There will be two mirrors. If you can bring a mirror, please do.
• Bring a bag(s) to carry your treasures home in.
• Plan to arrive about 10–15 minutes before 7:00 pm.
• At 7:00 pm, we dump all our bags of clothes into rows on the floor (we have an accessories pile in a separate place so no one is hit by an errant shoe or purse). You take what interests you and put it in a pile behind you (or on your chair—that’s your “base” at the swap). When your pile gets rather large, you try on the clothes in your pile, throw back what you don’t want, and put what you do want in the bag(s) that you brought.
• There is no limit to the amount you bring or the amount you take home with you. We ask that you be courteous and generous with each other. If you can use it—take it! In fact, if you’re a quilter, felter, or other fabric artist and see something (especially something that is damaged or outdated) that you could incorporate into a cloth project, feel free to take it at the end of the swap when we’re bagging things up.
• Depending on how many people show up, the exchange can last from 30–50 minutes.
• Leftover clothes will be donated to organization(s) that will pass the clothes along for free. 

Last  year, KOIN News did a story on a PDXSwap event. Although the venue is different, it will give you an idea of what to expect:

For more information, contact PDXSwap.

2 comments January 7th, 2009