SEE THE HELPFUL LIST OF COMMUNITY HOTLINKS--YOUR PERSONAL INTERNET TOOLKIT--AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE! The "Events and Activities" for the month are beneath these feature stories! On the cover of the newly-produced Sellwood-Westmoreland calendar, featuring historic photos of the neighborhood, is the way people crossed the Willamette River before there was a Sellwood Bridge: The Sellwood Ferry! This calendar was for sale at Sundae in the Park, August 3rd in Sellwood Park, and afterwards at several local merchants and at Sellwood Community Center on S.E. Spokane Street. Old photo, new calendar featured at 28th annual “Sundae in the Park”   By EILEEN G. FITZSIMONS for THE BEE   An unusual old photo in precarious condition has been digitally restored, and was available for viewing at the Sellwood-Westmoreland History Committee’s booth at the SMILE-sponsored Sundae In The Park, Sunday, August 3rd, in Sellwood Park.   The original picture, printed on photographic paper twelve inches wide and seven feet long, had languished in the History Committee’s collection for many years. It was damaged and its surface was beginning to crack and flake. Fortunately, the SMILE Board authorized the expenditure of many hundreds of dollars to have the photo digitally scanned and restored, and a new print made.    A custom frame was created at Moreland FrameWorks & Gallery, and the new image, along with the original, was on display at the widely-attended Sundae In the Park.   The photograph shows a complete view of the East Side Lumber Mill complex, from the foot of S.E. Harney Street, across S.E. Spokane and the Willamette River towards Oaks Amusement Park. It was taken, looking west, by someone from Acme Commercial Photography, prior to construction of the Sellwood Bridge in 1925. In addition to the mill buildings and the waiting shed for the ferry, the photo shows a line of houseboats moored on the west side of the river, in what was known as Fulton Park neighborhood.   The technology of this photo was a marvel of its time. According to the staff at Citizens Photo, it was taken with a circuit camera, which pivoted while the operator triggered the shutter – as a single twelve-inch wide piece of film passed through the camera. (Another similar model advanced the film automatically via a system of springs.)   Unlike a modern wide-angle lens, this technique produced a distortion-free image, similar to what the human eye would see if you turn 180 degrees while viewing a scene.   The single long piece of film was then developed, and a contact print made. Information on the back of the photo states that it was donated to SMILE by Mary (Weigel) Logal, whose father, John Weigel, began work at the East Side Mill in about 1924.                        Dennis Gilson, digital wizard at Citizens Photo, labored for many hours to restore the photo, treating the damaged areas like a carpenter repairing a house. For example, the surface of the photo had peeled off, creating a hole in the roof of a building; Dennis was able to digitally “move” shingles from another part of the roof to “repair” it.  Another section was missing its wood siding and window, which he similarly replaced.   After several weeks of meticulous restoration, he blended the eight separate scans into a single image. While the reproduction could be have been printed the same size as the original, it was decided to reduce the initial print to 8” x 50” so it could be mounted in a single frame.   Both the original damaged photo and the restored version was on view at the History Committee’s table in Sellwood Park on Sunday, August 3rd, between noon and 5 pm, along with Evangeline Nyden’s 1971 book “Old Sellwood”, and a newly-released 2009 calendar featuring historic photos of  Sellwood and Westmoreland.   The calendar was a labor of love, created by SMILE Board member and History Committee member Dana Beck, a familiar face behind the counter of the Sellwood Post Office, and costs were underwritten by SMILE. Most of the photos are historic views of Sellwood and Westmoreland, with a final one (for December) showing the historic Oaks Pioneer church in the snow.    Each month on the calendar is further enhanced with clippings and quotes from THE BEE newspaper, and dates on the calendar include SMILE meetings and events, as well as universally-observed holidays.  This calendar is intended to make a great gift, and its $10 price makes it very affordable. If you didn’t make it to Sundae in the Park, the calendar is on sale at Wallace Books and Branches card shop on S.E. Milwaukie Avenue in Westmoreland, as well as at the Sellwood Community Center, S.E. 15th & Spokane Streets, and the Twin Paradox Coffee House on S.E. 17th Avenue in Sellwood.   The Audubon Society’s Mike Houck, hefting his spotting scope, leads a free bird-watching tour group along the old cliff trail in Oaks Bottom. (Photo by Sean Patrick Hill) TAKE YOUR OWN TOUR Going bird watching in Oaks Bottom   By SEAN PATRICK HILL Special to THE BEE   The first bird identified this late-July afternoon is the Pandion haliaetus, the large fish-hunting raptor known as the Osprey. Circling in flight above the water, it earns its colloquial name “fish hawk.” In the distance, juvenile ospreys cry out in the nest, waiting for their meal.   “Look at that crooked wing,” tour leader Mike Houck says, pointing out the white and brown body and black-striped eyes. “There’s nothing else it could be.”   Houck has been an Urban Naturalist with the Portland Audubon Society since the early 1980’s, and has led tours of the Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge for over 30 years.   The two-mile loop, with abundant opportunity to take photos, ask questions, and get close-ups of great blue herons using the high-powered scope, is free.   The people on the birding tour of the Bottoms, some from Sellwood, some from Tillamook, and one from as far away as Florida, are learning about just one of the many species of birds that make this Wildlife Refuge home – some, like the migratory osprey, for only part of the year.   “Portland is wonderfully located on the Pacific Flyway,” says Karen Munday, an Urban Wildlife Specialist with Portland Audubon. “Because of that, we have 209 species coming through. Some of them live here full-time, and some are summer or winter residents.” Ospreys, for example, spend winters in Costa Rica and summers in Oregon, sometimes nesting within easy view of the Springwater Corridor.   Houck hands out a couple of field guides to eager kids, and lifts his spotting scope onto his shoulder. He takes the group down Sellwood Boulevard along the bluff overlooking the 170-acres of wetland, meadow, and woods. When he stops, he asks the group, “Does anyone see anything?” If they don’t spot anything they recognize now, by the end of the three-hour tour they will.   “Oaks Bottom is the flagship of natural-area parks in the city,” he says, just as a pair of red-tail hawks soar by. Mike tries to call them closer with his own uncanny hawk cry. In fact, he knows so many bird calls that he can draw out hidden birds to answer.   The History Knowing the history of Oaks Bottom, it’s hard to believe that this boggy little area would become Portland’s first urban wildlife refuge, and a haven for such a diversity of birds. Originally a floodplain for the Willamette River, during the construction of the Interstate 405 downtown, massive amounts of rubble and fill from that project were dumped here.   The city of Portland bought the property in 1969 with plans that included a landfill. Within a few years a joint venture between the Sellwood-Moreland Improvement League (SMILE – the local neighborhood association) and Portland Audubon led to a management plan to allow the land to be used for wildlife and recreation. By 1988 Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge was born.   Houck points out how the land has recovered. Native plants like Oregon ash, western maple, snowberry, spirea, and thimbleberry now thrive on areas that were formerly gravel, and also on hillsides where invasive weeds like Himalaya blackberry were removed.   There’s still much to do for Multnomah County Vector Control – part of the Health Department – to control mosquito and purple loosestrife populations.   Birding the Bottoms Our group descends the trail to the South Meadow, and right away a 7-year old boy spots a “sharpie.”   “How do you know?” asks Houck. He then points out differences between two common accipiters found here – the Sharp-shinned hawk, or “sharpie,” and the Cooper’s hawk. To the amateur birder, they may look alike. Field guide in hand, he points out subtle differences: The curve of the wings, the length of the tail. Is it male or female? He shows how “accipiters,” the small hawks, differ from “buteos,” the big hawks.   Along the Springwater Corridor Trail we spot enormous osprey nests on the power line towers, and in bare trees on Toe Island. Three kinds of swallows sweep over the water: The violet green, barn, and cliff. He notes the difference between the black-capped chickadee we hear, with its “chick-a-dee-dee-dee-dee”, and the chestnut-backed chickadee. One likes deciduous trees, the other, conifers.   Questions come rapidly: Can you still spot a chestnut-backed chickadee at Oaks Bottom? Yes, but rarely.   Why will an osprey attack a bald eagle? Eagles sometimes steal their fish.   What bird is commonly found in Oregon white oaks? The white-breasted nuthatch.   Why do they call it “a murder of crows?” Well, it sounds good, doesn’t it?   Some birds can be hard to identify from a distance. Were those cedar waxwings? Which ones are Vaux’s swifts? Is that the call of a black-headed grosbeak?   “The good thing about birds,” says Houck, laughing, “is that when they fly away, you can call them anything you want.”   Still, we get close looks at a lesser goldfinch guarding its ground nest, also a Bewick’s wren and a brown creeper – named for the fact that it creeps up trees from the bottom to the top, then flies to another tree and creeps from the bottom to the top, over and over. Behaviors like this, says Houck, make it a little easier to spot elusive and quick birds. When you know what they are, you know where they’ll be.   Once you get to know Oaks Bottom, you can easily spot bald eagles resting in the trees, or herons hiding among the tall grasses. You can know what to look for to find osprey nests, which can weigh hundreds of pounds. You’ll know the best times for viewing migratory birds. You can see the stump where screech owls once nested, and learn about their recent nesting in the Oaks Park carousel!   Mike Houck, who also serves as the Executive Director of the Urban Greenspaces Institute, gives guided tours throughout the year, and he says the best place to learn more is through the Portland Audubon Society Internet website (www.audubonportland.org). He will offer two hikes of Oaks Bottom in August: a full-moon hike on the evening of the 16th, and a morning stroll on the 20th.  And you’re invited to come along.   Remember to bring binoculars. Who knows? You may even learn a few bird calls yourself.   The trips are free, but pre-registration is required. Contact Karen Munday at 503/292-6855, extension 116, or e-mail her at: kmunday@audubonportland.org. Trips are limited, so register early.    At the “Sprig and Sprout” tent at the weekly Moreland Farmers Market, owner Christina Perron offers gardening advice while holding her favorite mini-herb, Pistou basil. (Photo by Rita A. Leonard) SUSTAINABLE LIVING Having a small garden doesn’t rule out growing some of your own food   By RITA A. LEONARD for THE BEE   Experts insist that even a very little garden in Inner Southeast Portland can produce edible crops – and that even a window box or even a five-gallon bucket can make a valuable addition to your food supply. Miniature blueberry bushes, dwarf fruit trees, a single cherry tomato plant, or a small herb garden can add freshness and homegrown vitamins to your diet. And, we are lucky a to have three suppliers of miniature crop plants nearby.   “Small World Plants in Brooklyn now has dwarf huckleberry and semi-dwarf blueberry bushes that grow to about three feet tall, producing berries within two years. Owner Lee Kamrass says that next year she’ll again stock the popular “Top Hat” variety, a true dwarf blueberry that is self-fertile. Unless blueberries are self-fertile, you need to purchase two different varieties to ensure cross-pollination. Kamrass also carries variegated oregano and Tuscan blue rosemary, herbs that remain small as container crops. Call 503/504-6235 for information.   Kasch’s Garden Center at 2500 S.E. Tacoma Street offers a variety of dwarf apple and pear trees that top out at about 8 to 10-feet tall. These can even be grown in five-gallon buckets on a small porch or patio, and can begin to produce good-sized fruit within three years. Dwarf trees are much more convenient to harvest than commercial trees, and they fare well as container plants.   Many businesses such as groceries, hardware stores, and the Woodstock Bi-Mart sell types of tomato-plant starts. If you choose a cherry tomato plant, it will grow nicely in a bucket alongside a basil plant. The paired plants complement each other, enhancing each other’s growth and creating a flavorful blend. Some folks like to pick a single ripe cherry tomato, wrap it in an adjacent basil leaf, and pop it in their mouth for a fresh seasoned tomato snack.   At Westmoreland’s Wednesday afternoon Moreland Farmers Market, “Sprig and Sprout” offers a variety of miniature herbs. Owner Christina Perron has a degree in horticulture from UC-Davis, and has worked in a couple of botanical gardens back east. “I always wanted my own little business, and decided that herbs were the most useful plants for small gardens,” she says. “You can eat them, they’re attractive, and they smell nice.”   Perron’s favorite mini herb is Pistou basil, a dwarf compact that only grows about 8" tall. Her hardy biennial moss-curled parsley is high in vitamins and minerals, and grows from 6" to 10" tall. The mildly-onion-flavored garden chives grow in dense clusters 8-12" tall, while Mother of Thyme is a 3 to 6"-tall creeping ground cover that perfumes the air when    stepped on.   “A good book for mini gardeners to explore is ‘Square Foot Gardening’ by Mel Bartholomew,” she says. “Any container-grown plant has a fairly equal ‘root-to-shoot’ balance, and won’t get very big – except mint.”   Perron also has on hand a somewhat smaller and denser variety of sweet marjoram that grows 12 to 24" high, and a spicy, early-producing Greek oregano that reaches 12 to 18"-tall. “Sprig and Sprout” also offers free herb recipes, and Perron is happy to answer questions about these plants in person, or by e-mail: sprig.sprout@gmail.com.   Fresh, home-grown herbs can make sense to grow, to add piquant flavors along with gardener’s pride. All of these vendors insist that anyone can raise a few pots of herbs on a windowsill and enjoy the fresh scents and colors of their own miniature culinary garden.   Danny, Leila, and Mary (left to right) brought their laptop computers to the Woodstock Branch Library on a recent Saturday afternoon, to take advantage of the new wireless Internet access (Wi-Fi) available there. (Photo by Elizabeth Ussher Groff) Woodstock and Sellwood Branch Libraries go wireless   By ELIZABETH USSHER GROFF for THE BEE   Just as the Metro-Fi company of California announced that, effective July 1, it was ending its attempt to provide the entire City of Portland free wireless Internet access – and was shutting down its whole network here, and in fact in every city in which it was constructing such a network – a few local library branches have stepped up to provide such Wi-Fi Internet access to their patrons, at least while they’re inside the library.   The Woodstock Branch has joined eleven others members of the Multnomah County Library System, including the Sellwood-Westmoreland and Holgate Branches, in becoming a Wi-Fi “hotspot”.   “Hot and new” is how Woodstock Branch Library’s supervisor Carol Uhte enthusiastically described the library’s new wireless Internet access (Wi-Fi). Excited about this new addition, Uhte said, “I have tested it all through the library, and we have excellent coverage. Two of our library tables are already wired for electricity, and I have requested that they wire up three more soon.”   On a recent Saturday afternoon, three library patrons with laptops were taking advantage of the Woodstock Library’s new Wi-Fi.   “I am seriously impressed with how fast it is,” smiled Danny Summerlyn, a new Woodstock resident, referring to the ease of logging on and the speed with which he was browsing the Internet. Mary, who was visiting the Woodstock branch from Northeast Portland, commented, “It is my first time here. I love it. I also like the light coming in from the windows, and it’s a very quiet atmosphere.”   Brianne Williams, the Sellwood Library’s youth librarian, said that although their branch is also wireless, electrical outlets (for those whose computers don’t run on batteries) are somewhat limited, except in the meeting room, where there are ten outlets. However, Williams pointed out, “You can sit anywhere [and be connected] if you don’t need to plug in your computer.” She added, “We are delighted. We have been waiting and waiting for this, and we know that our patrons will be happy.”   Laptops using the service must have either built-in wireless, or a purchased Wi-Fi-compatible network card. In addition to laptops, PDA’s (wireless “Personal Digital Assistants”) can also be used in the wireless environment at the libraries.   Describing how the Woodstock Branch Wi-Fi cloud is set up, Uhte explained, “It is still evolving. There will be things added in the future, but right now, people can bring in their laptop and either use their own batteries, or plug into one of our outlets.”   Uhte points out that at this time use of a printer is not available to patrons using the Wi-Fi service, but computer files can be saved by e-mailing them to yourself from the laptop, or by saving them to a disk or USB drive. Then you can sign up for time at a library blue-signed catalog computer station, and print word documents for ten cents per page.   The addition of Wi-Fi will not affect the availability of the desktop computers, where library patrons can still sign up for an hour at a time to check their e-mail or surf the web.   The Woodstock Library is located at S.E. 49th and Woodstock Boulevard, and the Sellwood Library is on S.E. 13th Avenue at Bidwell Street.   Thomas demonstrates gravity’s equal pull on objects of differing masses, using three balls: bowling, juggling, and ping-pong. (Photo by David F. Ashton) OMSI juggling show teaches physics principles   By DAVID F. ASHTON for THE BEE   Perhaps the funniest physics instructor on the planet, Rhys Thomas, demonstrated the fascinating science behind the ancient art of juggling, during his “Science of Juggling” show at OMSI on the weekend of May 17th.   “It’s part of my ‘Science Circus’ show,” Thomas said, as he set up his props for an afternoon show – er, class.   We asked Thomas – considered by many to be the best variety arts entertainer on the west coast, and a former Smithsonian artist-in-residence – how he came up with the concept of blending entertainment and education.   “When I was first started out as a juggler, back in 1987, I was doing great as a street performer,” Thomas recalled.   “Then winter showed up, and I had to figure out how I can get off the streets and get into a building. I researched the science behind juggling, and created a show that teaches physics, using juggling tricks. I started performing in schools and museums – and I’ve been doing it ever since.”   The Portland-based entertainer/educator’s show teaches concepts such as gyroscopic stability – using a spinning a ball; and inertia – by pulling the tablecloth out from under the dishes; and, gravity – by juggling all kinds of items.    “By juggling a bowling ball, a juggling ball, and a ping-pong ball, I demonstrate how gravity pulls objects down at the same rate of speed regardless of their mass.”   “But how do you demonstrate centripetal force?” we ask.   “What could be better than with a cowboy’s lariat?” Thomas said as he grabbed a rope and started it spinning.   As the show got underway, none of Thomas’ students had problems paying attention, as he demonstrated scientific principles using flower sticks, balancing tools, spinning ribbons, and hula hoops.   “I hope my performances spark a youngster’s interest in learning more about science,” Thomas said with a sly smile. “Or, juggling!”     Totem poles lurk in Inner Southeast   By RITA A. LEONARD for THE BEE   Traditionally, Northwest Coast cedar-carved totem poles have been created by Native Americans to record stories and important events in their world.   Today, however, totem poles of various styles and materials have become surprisingly common in the neighborhoods of Inner Southeast Portland. Whether for decorative or symbolic purposes, these structures are made of glass, metal, wood and – most recently – “cob”.   Unique glass totem poles serve as garden art at a home near Llewellyn Elementary School in Westmoreland. To create them, glass vases, goblets, dishes, and other bric-a-brac are stacked and fastened together with marine grade adhesive to withstand the elements. The colorfully translucent results are mounted in a garden for focal interest, acting as totemic suncatchers.   Two tall metal sculptures in a garden on S.E. Nehalem Street near St. Agatha’s in Sellowood resemble free-form giant saguaro cacti. This unusual pair of totem poles give a nod to modern artistry, and add a striking focus to the front yard landscaping.   As reported earlier in an article by Eileen Fitzsimons, Oaks Amusement Park has a tall wooden totem pole that can be viewed from the entrance archway. Now well-weathered, the structure has been painted in the traditional Native American colors of red, white, black and bluegreen. Figures of creatures from the Pacific northwest sit atop one another, representing an eagle, fish, bear and other creatures.   A smaller carved and painted totem pole with outstretched wings stands in front of “The Raven Antiques and Military”, at 7927 S.E. 13th Avenue on “Antique Row”. The raven is a clever and storied “trickster” character in Native American legends, and is often represented on totem poles.   Residents of a home on S.E. 9th Avenue near Sherrett Street recently finished painting four “cob” mud-construction totem poles that hold up the front porch addition. Figures of vines and flowers, snakes, a jaguar, sun, moon, and a raptor with a captured steelhead trout are included among the designs.   “We wanted to create something playful for our son Santiago and the neighborhood kids,” says homeowner Pedro Ferbel-Azcarate. “We finished off the paint with mica and glitter dust to help the details stand out. It’s amazing how they were transformed with ‘cob’ and earth from simple pressure-treated 4 x 4’s into these fun shapes.”   Traditional Northwest Coast totem poles have served as ceremonial or story poles, carved house posts, monument or mortuary poles – and ridicule or shame poles! But examples in Inner Southeast appear mostly just to be decorative.   Naturopathic Physician Adriana Azcarate-Ferbel helped paint these “cob” totem poles depicting snake and amaryllis, and moon and jaguar, on her S.E. 9th Avenue front These metal totem poles are along S.E. Nehalem Street near St. Agatha’s church and school in Sellwood. (Photo by Rita A. Leonard) Parade participants observe Independence Day by singing the national anthem, before marching down Reed College Place. (Photo by Rebecca Brandt) Eastmorelanders march for Independence Day   By REBECCA BRANDT Special to THE BEE   Nearly 1,000 participants strutted their red, white, and blue on Reed College Place in the Eastmoreland Neighborhood Association’s annual Fourth of July Parade.   Independence Day revelers sang the national anthem, paraded behind Westmoreland’s Station 20 fire engine, received candy from the “e.moreland Market & Kitchen”, and were treated to Otto’s hot dogs at the end of the parade.   Free pop and popsicles were presented to paraders and spectators by the Woodstock Safeway store and by Westmoreland’s QFC Market.   The band “Captain Bogg and Salty”, shown in action at last August’s concert in Sellwood Park. The pirate band will be up to no good once again on August 27th at 2 pm in Sellwood Park, on S.E. 7th Avenue. (Photo by David F. Ashton) BOOKMARK Aye, thar be good readin’ here   By ANN KNUTSON Assistant, Sellwood Branch Library For THE BEE   It’s the time of year for neighborhood swashbucklers to polish up the peg legs, strap on their eye patches, and start practicing their “YARs,” because the pirates are coming to Sellwood! Weigh anchor with Captain Bogg & Salty in our end-of-summer blowout at Sellwood Park, Wednesday, August 27th, at 2 pm.  There will be pirate crafts and fun prior to the concert.   Meantime, the library has what it takes to get in the mood for a pirate party – starting with the “Bedtime Stories for Pirates” and “Pegleg Tango” CDs by Captain Bogg & Salty! The two CDs will have you all fired up and ready to jig with classic pirate tunes, such as “Scurvy,” “I’m a Singing Pirate,” “Pirate Party,” and “Pieces of 8ight.”   For the wee buccaneer, check out “Pirate Pete’s ‘Talk Like a Pirate’” by Kim Kennedy, with illustrations by Doug Kennedy.  Pirate Pete is ready to set sail the high seas, but he needs a pirate crew. To sail with Pirate Pete “ye’ve gots to prove ye gots what it takes”, and “most of all, ye gots to talk like a pirate!”  Do you have what it takes to sail with Pete?  Test your piratical vocabulary with this rhythmic rhyming tale. Also for the wee set, bestselling author Cornelia Funke gives us three adventure stories in one book: “A Princess, a Pirate, and One Wild Brother”, illustrated by Kerstin Meyer.  Things are not always as they seem in this trio of short stories, which are sure to surprise and delight.   For school-age scallywags in search of the facts, Jane Yolen’s “Sea Queens: Women Pirates Around the World” gives us a fascinating view into the real-life exploits of women pirates on the Seven Seas.  The Kingfisher Knowledge series also gives us the lowdown with great illustrations in “Pirates & Smugglers” by Moira Butterfield, which also includes websites and book lists to explore.   For the sea-lovin’ teen, Justin Somper offers a great series with “Vampirates”. Vampires and pirates – it just can’t get any better.  In the first book, “Demons of the Ocean”, twins Connor and Grace are separated and shipwrecked by a storm at sea. Connor is rescued by a pirate ship, but Grace ends up somewhere else.  Will Connor be able reunite with his sister before something unspeakable happens?    Will Eisner’s “Hawks of the Seas” is a classic adventure story.  The Hawk leads a rowdy but good-hearted band of buccaneers in pursuit of justice.  Set in 18th century Caribbean, this story centers around opposition to the slave trade.  Written and drawn by Eisner, an acknowledged master of graphic storytelling, this graphic novel appeals to many.   “Silver: My Own Tale, as Written by Me with a Goodly Amount of Murder” by Edward Chupack gives us a new perspective on a familiar tale.  The main character is Long John Silver of Robert Louis Stevenson’s “Treasure Island”. In “Silver”, we learn Long John’s history, for which he makes no apologies or excuses. Grown-up fans of Stevenson’s classic will enjoy this new perspective on the tale of treasure and treachery on the high seas.   Visit your neighborhood branch of the Multnomah County Library today for great tales of adventure on the high seas. Be sure to join the Sellwood Library on Wednesday, August 27th, in Sellwood Park, for a pirate party to celebrate summer reading!                    EVENTS & ACTIVITIES AUGUST 1 Preschool registration anytime in August. Sellwood Community Center Preschool Programs will be accepting registrations for children ages 3-5 for the entire month of August. For the 3-4 year old classes, children must be age 3 by September 1, and for Pre-Kindergarten classes, children must be age 4 by September 1. Also accepting registrations for the center’s Gentle Start program. Call Kim at the Sellwood Community Center, 503/823-3195, for more information.   AUGUST 2 “Obonfest 2008” on S.E. Powell. Once again this year, it’s Obonfest – an annual festival to honor ancestors – at the Oregon Buddhist Temple at S.E. 34th and Powell, from 4 till 9:30 pm this afternoon and evening. The beer garden opens at 4; there will be Asian food fooths, Hawaiian style shaved ice, artisans’ booths, and children’s booths; Portland Taiko and Tanuki Taiko performances begin at 6:10 pm; folk dancing starts at 6:30. The entire event is cordially open to the whole community. For more information, visit online: www.oregonbuddhisttemple.com.   Two events today at Bodhi Tree Center. Today, and again August 16, there is an Open House of the Mandarin Chinese Immersion Program for Preschoolers, for families interested in immersing their children in Mandarin Chinese starting in the fall. The Open House, both days, is 10:30 - 11:30am. Also, starting today at the Bodhi Tree Language Center, is a Tibetan Language Class for Adults – August 2 - September 20, Saturdays, 3:30 - 5pm. This is an “absolute beginners” class for adults, ages 13 and older. This class – which meets once a week for 8 weeks – puts heavy emphasis on speaking and listening skills. Students will learn correct pronunciation, the Tibetan alphabet, basic greetings, and simple vocabulary. Classes are kept small. Seats filled on a first-to-register basis. The Bodhi Tree Center is located at 5403 S.E. Center Street; the Internet website for more information is: www.bodhiTreeLanguageCenter.org, and the telephone number is 503/788-0336.   AUGUST 3 28th annual “Sundae In The Park”. Once again, Sellwood Park, on the bluff overlooking Oaks Park, is the place to spend this Sunday afternoon – with free music and performances, enhanced by inexpensive food and 50-cent ice cream cones and sundaes, with the event sponsored by SMILE, supported by local businesses, and with food sales benefiting “Loaves and Fishes”. Bring a few bucks and feed everyone! Starts at noon – and, for the first time, it doesn’t all end at 5 pm! Additional performances eventually lead to a free family movie screened in the park at dusk by the Portland Parks Department. Make it a day and evening at Sellwood Park!   AUGUST 5 “Preparing Your Television for the Digital Television Transition.” This free class at the Sellwood Branch Library, S.E. 13th at Bidwell, 6:30-7:30 pm, is hosted by the National Association of Broadcasters. Learn, and get your questions answered, about the upcoming switch by broadcast television stations to digital television next February, and the federally-funded voucher program tied to the transition. Made possible by The Library Foundation.   AUGUST 6 Baby Bear headlines kids’ play today. Famous Ladybug Theater for kids presents “Baby Bear and the Beanstalk” on stage for kids at 10:30 this morning, and again tomorrow morning, at SMILE Station, S.E. 13th at Tenino, a block south of Tacoma Street. Show lasts about 45 minutes; suggested beginning age to attend 2-1/2, but parents are advised to consider if their child is yet old enough to be part of an audience. $4 admission for everyone. Please phone in your reservation – 503/232-2346 – and then pay at the door, which opens at 10:15 am.   Llewellyn “incoming-kindergarten-playdate” this afternoon. If your child is entering kindergarten at Llewellyn Elementary School this fall, consider attending these “playdates in Sellwood Park” on S.E. 7th Avenue. Get to know some of the children and parents before school begins. This afternoon, and again on August 20th, the playdate is 1 till 2:30 pm. Look for the Llewellyn banner to find the group, and contact Kathy Diamond for information: 503/963-8182.   “Homework Helpers” at Woodstock Library. Helping students get a head-start on the new school year, Homework Helpers return every Wednesday afternoon to the Woodstock Library, S.E. 49th and Woodstock Boulevard, 3 till 5 pm. Helpers are trained volunteers who give students one-on-one help finding the books and information they need to complete homework assignments. It’s free.   Moreland Farmers Market highlights peaches. The nonprofit Moreland Farmers Market offers a peach tasting – at 4 pm, Rachel Goebert, pastry chef at Caprial’s Bistro, will demonstrate how to make and form the perfect peach galette. The market is open every Wednesday afternoon during the summer season at S.E. Bybee Boulevard and 14th, on the Portland Memorial parking lot.   Woodstock church offers “Kids’ Club”. Woodstock Bible Church offers a one-hour evening “Kids’ Club” tonight from 7 till 8 pm, and each Wednesday night this month. The church is located at 5101 S.E. Mitchell Street, a block north of Woodstock Park. For information or to register, call 503/771-2025.   AUGUST 7 “Portland YouthBuilders” info meeting. This afternoon at 12:45 pm is an information meeting for those interested in considering enrolling in this alternate high school program. The meeting will be at 4816 S.E. 92nd, between Holgate and Foster, and will also be offered at the same time and place on August 14. Portland YouthBuilders (PYB) is currently enrolling for the August 18th Pre-Program Challenge. In order to enroll, applicants must attend one of these two Thursday information sessions ASAP. PYB is a non-profit organization and accredited high school where low-income men and women who have dropped out of school and are aged 17-24 can complete their high school education while being trained in construction or computer technology. All students earn a stipend during this year-long program and there is no charge for tuition. While attending class at PYB, students also earn college credits and a scholarship. Students are required to be drug-free, and are held to high performance and attendance standards.   Ardenwald Family Concert, NNO, at 6 pm tonight. For “National Night Out” the Ardenwald Family Concert tonight is precented by a public luau at 6 pm at Ardenwald Park, followed by the first of four Thursday night concerts this month at 7 pm, tonight featuring Dr. Jazz and the Interns with Nurse Ethel. Food and beverages will be sold as a fund-raiser by the Milwaukie High School Graduates. There will be an abundance of raffle prizes. For more information, visit the Internet website: www.ardenwald.org.   AUGUST 8 Benefit rummage sale. “Blooming Garden Preschool” is hosting a sale of children’s items today, 9 am till 3 pm at the school. Furniture, toys, books, games, puzzles, clothing, and more. All proceeds will go toward a new play structure for the children at the preschool. The sale will be held in the lower level of Trinity United Methodist Church, S.E. 39th at Steele. Bring your children and stay for a while to play in the playground and huge sandbox. For questions or donations, call Christy Burch at 503/775-4883.   Deadline is today to register for Aug. 22nd ’63 CHS Reunion. The Cleveland High School Class of 1963 Reunion will be Friday, August 22, at the Eastmoreland Grill at the Eastmoreland Golf Course, 2425 SE Bybee Boulevard. No-host cocktails will begin at 6:30pm, followed by buffet dinner at 7:30pm. Registration for the event should be completed by today, August 8th. For further information and registration form, contact Karen Genzer at 503/775-3246. The class of 1963 is also sponsoring a golf tournament on Saturday, August 23rd at Eastmoreland Golf Course, with an evening post-function to follow at the Eastmoreland Grill.  For further information, contact Terry Wiesner at 503/232-8268, or by e-mail at: terryw@storechek.com.    AUGUST 13 “Silly Goats Gruff” featured in kids’ play. Famous Ladybug Theater for kids presents “The Silly Goats Gruff and the Troll is Enough” on stage for kids at 10:30 this morning, and again tomorrow morning, at SMILE Station, S.E. 13th at Tenino, a block south of Tacoma Street. Show lasts about 45 minutes; suggested beginning age to attend 2-1/2, but parents are advised to consider if their child is yet old enough to be part of an audience. $4 admission for everyone. Please phone in your reservation – 503/232-2346 – and then pay at the door, which opens at 10:15 am.   AUGUST 14 “Big Screen on the Green” in Brooklyn Park. The Portland Parks Department presents a free family movie this evening in Brooklyn Park, on S.E. Milwaukie Avenue just south of Powell Boulevard. “Spiderman 3” will begin at dusk (weather permitting; a rainout would be called by 5 pm and posted at the park). Prior to the movie, attendees will be greeted with varied entertainment that begins at 6:30 pm.   Ardenwald Family Concerts continue at 7 tonight. The “2 Wet 2 Plow” blues band entertains from 7 pm till dusk tonight at Ardenwald Park. Snacks and drinks available. For more information, visit the Internet website: www.ardenwald.org.   AUGUST 16 Woodstock Family Picnic today. Today, Saturday, from 11 am till 4 pm, it’s the annual “Woodstock Picnic” in Woodstock Park, 47th Avenue at Steele Street. Live music, games, and artists at this free event. Food vendors will be there too, if you want to add to what you bring in your picnic basket! Bring your family and friends.   Southeast Babe Ruth Fall Baseball Signups start today. The S.E. Babe Ruth signups will be held today and tomorrow, as well as next weekend on the 23rd and 24th, at Glenwood Park, S.E. 89th at Cooper-Kelly School, between 12 noon and 2:00 pm each day. All youths from age 11 to 15 years old are eligible. Games are played on Saturdays and Sundays, with no practices after the start of the season. Fee is $55, which includes a hat and T-shirt. For information visit online: www.seportlandbaberuth.com, or call 503/236-9442, and ask for Ron.    Llewellyn School Class of ’58 reunion. This afternoon, 1-4 pm, members of the Class of 1958 at Llewellyn Elementary School are invited to a “very casual reunion” at the home of Jim and Linda Rhoton Schwartz, 1505 S.E. Rex Street. Snacks, music, memories. For information call Jim and Linda at 503/236-7502, or Barbara Keeling Liniger at 503/238-1963.   Classical recital tonight at All Saints’ in Woodstock. Following the annual day-long Northwest Oboe Seminar by the Oregon Chamber Players, there will be a public recital at 7:30 this evening by the seminar participants at All Saints’ Episcopal Church at S.E. 40th and Woodstock Boulevard. The Los Angeles Philharmonic’s English Horn soloist, Carolyn Hove, will be featured in a solo selection. Tickets are $10 per person, and may be purchased at the door. For information, visit the Internet website: www.oregonchamberplayers.org.   AUGUST 17 “Recycled Necktie Crafts” class for adults at Woodstock Library. Artist Lee Meredith of Leethal Designs will appear at Woodstock Library 1:30-3:30 pm today to show how to use a thrift-store necktie to make up to three different projects: An eyeglass case, a flower pin, and a cuff bracelet. A little cutting and hand-sewing, and voila! Neckties will be supplied. Made possible by The Library Foundation. The class is free, but registration is required; register online, in the library, or by calling 503/988-5234. The Woodstock Branch Library is located at S.E. 49th at Woodstock Boulevard. “Picnic on the Parking Lot” on 39th. One Sunday a year, Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 7220 S.E. 39th Avenue, turns its parking lot into a patio, for a Community Potluck Picnic. This year it’s today, beginning at noon. The church provides grilled hamburgers and hot dogs and basic drinks, and those who come are asked to bring a dish to share. Worship that Sunday moves to 10:30 am, so the picnic can be held shortly afterward. Restrooms available. The public is welcome! For information, call 503/774-6781.   AUGUST 20 Moreland Farmers Market spotlights melons today. The nonprofit Moreland Farmers Market offers a special melon tasting to patrons this afternoon. The market operates every Wednesday afternoon through the summer season at S.E. Bybee Boulevard at 14th, on the Portland Memorial parking lot.   AUGUST 21 Woodstock School PTA fund-raising movie today. The Woodstock Elementary School PTA is fundraising for a new playground this afternoon with a 1 pm showing of the movie “Space Jam” at the Bagdad Theater (37th and S.E. Hawthorne), at which 100% of  admission will go to the new school playground. The Woodstock School PTA is also  putting on a Golf Tournament on September 20th at Eastmoreland Golf Course.  Registration forms can be found on the Internet website: www.woodstockplayground.com.   “Dive In Movie” at Creston Pool. Portland Parks and Recreation presents “The Bee Movie” on a large screen visible from the warm pool water. Creston Pool is at S.E. 44th and Powell Boulevard. Viewers can watch the film from either in the pool or up on the deck. Doors open at 8; show starts at dusk. Floating filmgoers are encouraged to bring their own innertubes or air mattresses. $5 for adults, $3 for children; popcorn and hot chocolate available for sale.   Ardenwald Family Concert at 7 tonight. In Ardenwald Park at 7 this evening, the August Thursday-night concert series continues with the Sonny Hess Breast Cancer Awareness Concert. Free to attend; food and drink available. The music continues till dusk. For more information, visit the Internet website: www.ardenwald.org.   AUGUST 22 “Dive In Movie” at Sellwood Pool. “The Bee Movie” is presented at dusk this evening to swimmers and loungers at Sellwood Pool, 7951 S.E. 7th Avenue, at the south end of Sellwood Park. See above item for the details, all of which are the same.   AUGUST 23 “Springwater Corridor Hike”, Holgate to OMSI and back. Having hiked all the way from S.E. 17th and Ochoco to the end of the paved path in East Gresham over a period of 15 months, a hardy band of local hikers has now started on the Eastbank Esplanade. Sponsored by Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 7220 S.E. 39th Avenue, the hiking group today will start at the Milwaukie Avenue parking lot, just south of McLoughlin, at the head of the access trail, hike down to the Springwater Corridor Trail and hike about a mile or so further north, before returning to the parking area. Hike begins at 9 am, and each hiker is responsible for their own safety and equipment. The public is welcome; for more details call 503/774-6781. Oregon Symphony in Mt. Scott Park this evening. The Oregon Symphony and community arts organizations present a full day of events at Mt. Scott Park, S.E. 72nd and Harold Street today – starting with a free afternoon festival of family activities, instrument petting zoos, arts displays, local service booths, and food vendors, as well as a variety of local entertainment. That’s 2-6:30 pm. Then, 7-9 pm in the same park the Oregon Symphony Orchestra presents a free concert, featuring the whole orchestra led by Resident Conductor Gregory Vajda.   AUGUST 27 Pirate concert in Sellwood Park! The Sellwood Branch Library invites you to weigh anchor with Captain Bogg & Salty, as they perform pirate jigs, galloping rock, and mermaid lullabies, 2-3 pm in Sellwood Park, at S.E. 7th and Miller Street. Discover the tradition of pirate music as the band sings tales and tunes for buccaneers of all ages accompanied by guitar, drums, toy piano, melodica and xylophone. It’s free.   AUGUST 28 Moreland Farmers Market highlights cooking demonstration. The nonprofit Moreland Farmers Market will present Chef Jorge Martinez from Sellwood’s Portofino restaurant at 3:45 this afternoon, demonstrating cooking with market fresh products. The market is open to the public every Wednesday afternoon through the summer season at S.E. Bybee Boulevard at 14th, on the Portland Memorial parking lot.   The Ardenwald Family Concert series ends tonight. The final concert of the annual August series in Ardenwald Park starts at 7 tonight, continuing till dusk, featuring Dawn Fitzgerald and the Dents – featuring rock, blues, and country music. Free to attend; food and drink available. For more information, visit the Internet website: www.ardenwald.org.   AUGUST 30 Shakespeare, free, at Reed College. The Portland Actors Ensemble, in cooperation with Portland Parks, presents Shakespeare’s “Two Gentlemen of Verona” today, tomorrow, and Monday, starting at 3 pm each day, on the lawn in front of Eliot Hall at Reed College, just west of the traffic circle at the end of the south main entrance to the college off Woodstock Boulevard. For more information, go online at: www.portlandactors.com. No charge to attend.   AUGUST 31 Sellwood poet in benefit reading. The “Moonstruck Sunday Poetry Series” tonight at 6:30 pm at 45 S. State Street in Lake Oswego is a benefit for Caribbean orphans; admission is free, but donations are invited. The program features readings by local authors: Paulann Petersen of Sellwood, as well as Kay Reid and Scot Siegel. For information, call 503/697-7097.   Got an activity or event you want to report? Click here to e-mail us the information! SCROLL DOWN FOR THE USEFUL LIST OF COMMUNITY HOTLINKS JUST BELOW!      Useful HotLinks:      Your Personal "Internet Toolkit"! THE BEE brings you Charles Schulz's "PEANUTS" comic strip daily (NOT the version in the Oregonian)! Portland area freeway and highway traffic cameras Portland Police Graffiti removal resource page [PDF format] Fear someone will steal your identity? Already a victim? Click here for info! Portland Fire and Rescue Concerned about WEST NILE VIRUS? Here's info from the State of Oregon Portland City INDEX Metro Latest Portland region radar weather map Portland Public Schools Multnomah County's official SELLWOOD BRIDGE website How to obtain a passport Click here for the exact official correct time! Click here to draw a map of anywhere in the United States! Oaks Amusement Park Association of Home Business (meets in Sellwood) Local, established, unaffiliated leads and referrals group for businesspeople; some categories open Weekly updates on area road and bridge construction Translate text into another language Search for anything on the Internet, using Google, the leading "search engine" Look up a ZIP code to any U.S. address anywhere Free on-line PC virus checkup Free antivirus program for PC's; download (and regularly update it!!) by clicking here Computer virus and worm information, and removal tools PC acting odd, redirecting your home page, calling up pages you didn't want--but you can't find a virus? You may have SPYWARE on your computer; especially if you go to game or music sites. Click here to download the FREE LavaSoft AdAware program, and run it regularly! What AdAware doesn't catch, Spybot may! PC's--particularly those used for music downloads and online game playing--MUST download these free programs and run them often, to avoid major spyware problems with your computer! Check for Internet hoaxes, scams, etc. Here's more on the latest scams! ADOBE ACROBAT is one of the most useful Internet document reading tools. Download it here, free; save to your computer, click to open, and forget about it! Encyclopedia Britannica online Newspapers around the world Stain removal directions Convert almost any unit of measure to almost any other Research properties in the City of Portland Free marketing ideas for businesspeople from a Southeast Portland expert Need an excuse...? Click here! Free pickup & delivery of your dry cleaning to your door! Local source for high-quality Shaklee nutritionals You thought it was only a legend: Click here for the last page on the Internet!! Note: Since THE BEE is not the operator of any of the websites presented here, we can assume no responsibility for content or consequences of any visit to them; however we, personally, have found all of them helpful.   Local News websites: The news TODAY Local News Daily.com KATU, Channel 2 (Digital/HDTV broadcast channel 43) KOIN, Channel 6 (Digital/HDTV broadcast channel 40) KGW, Channel 8 (Digital/HDTV broadcast channel 46) [Note: KGW requires you register, for advertsing-related purposes, in order to access this website] KPTV, Channel 12 (Digital/HDTV broadcast channel 30) KPAM 860 News Radio Your neighborhood online! SMILE -- The Sellwood-Moreland Improvement League "THE NEIGHBOR", the official monthly newsletter of SMILE, The Sellwood Moreland Improvement League, appears on page 3 of THE BEE each month. For the very latest version of this newsletter, click here! Woodstock Neighborhood Association website Woodstock Business Assn. business directory Southeast Portland Rotary Club website Sellwood-Westmoreland Business Alliance website Eastmoreland neighborhood website Brooklyn Action Corps Neighborhood Association Reed Neighbors From SMILE and Portland Parks: Historic Oaks Pioneer Church--available for weddings and events in Sellwood READY TO MOVE ON TO THE CLASSIFIEDS, AND "BUSINESS BRIEFS"? Click here!