Community Features The "Events and Activities" for the month are beneath these featured stories! This is the Oregon Worsted “Twisting and Drawing Operation”. The “Dandy Twister” was the first addition to the main building of the company. The Drawing Machines would fashion a strand of wool into the desired size and shape to later be sold to garment factories. Notice, in the background, how the wool is spun smaller and smaller. This photo also dates to the early 1920s. (Photo courtesy Oregon Worsted archives) SOUTHEAST HISTORY Sellwood’s woolen mills an early local industry By DANA BECK Special to THE BEE On May 2nd, 1902, a major celebration was held in the firemen’s hall of Sellwood – for the official opening of the community’s first wool factory, the Portland Woolen Mills. While there wasn’t a parade of people lining the street, or any of the cheering and waving of hankies associated with civic pageantry, the local business association (or the Sellwood Board of Trade, as it was called) certainly was anxious for a manufacturing plant to settle in the area. Sellwood was still considered a small community by Portland city leaders, and the Sellwood merchants saw the start of a big industry as a unique opportunity to attract new homebuilders, and believed that it would be crucial to local economic growth. William P. Olds accepted the challenge presented to him by the Sellwood Board, and carpenters were called in to begin the process of building the warehouses and other structures needed for the new Portland Woolen Mills. The factory was located east of Sellwood, near the present day intersection of S.E. Umatilla Street and McLoughlin Boulevard. Joseph M. Nickum had donated a large structure near the banks of Johnson Creek for use as a foundry, and the heirs of George Wills – the original donation landowner, and founder of the early town of Willsburg – offered two acres of land near the tracks of the Southern Pacific Lines for manufactured goods to be shipped out of the country. While fifty men were hired to handle the loading, lifting and transporting the bales of wool and maintaining the equipment, female workers were especially sought after.  Mr. Olds placed an ad in the local newspapers enthusiastically announcing that the company was looking to “hire over 150 hands from Sellwood, where intelligent and self-respecting girls will seek employment near home.” However the initial success of the Portland Woolen Mills was short-lived; a devastating fire five years later on the property caused such destruction that a discouraged William P. Olds decided it would be more profitable and sensible to rebuild elsewhere.  Enticed by land made available to him by the citizens of St. Johns, Olds relocated the Portland Woolen Mills near the St Johns Ferry Landing, where easier access to the river and railways appeared to provide a greater opportunity for his business ventures. The vacated land and structures left behind at Sellwood after the exodus of the Portland Woolen Mills were purchased by Thomas Ross, who operated the Ross Wool & Scouring Company. At that time, Oregon only had two small scouring plants – in Pendleton and the The Dalles. Untreated wool was shipped back east by train where it was scoured and washed, then shipped back to the west Coast ready to be manufactured into finished items. Ross hoped to capitalize on this local scouring shortage by building his own Scouring Plant. But the scouring plant and processing center closed only a couple of years later, unable to compete with the low cost of the wool coming from factories In Germany, which sold at a cheaper price to American garment makers. John Young, an experienced millworker from back east, believed that he could succeed where Ross had failed. Young once worked alongside railroad and transportation magnate Henry Villard, and in 1910 he started up his own woolen mills company – the Multnomah Mohair Mills – and what better place to build his factories, than the abandoned Thomas Ross Scouring Plant on Johnson Creek? His confidence, like that of his predecessors in enterprise there, was misplaced. His business met the same fate; the high tariff imposed on wool exports left his company unprofitable, and the Multnomah Mohair Mills soon fizzled ou and closed down by 1916. The business leaders of Sellwood again found themselves needing a competent business owner. But, it wasn’t until the start of the First World War that they found the right man – Roy T. Bishop. The Federal government of the time was in dire need of uniforms for the armed forces, and Roy had the necessary experience working in his family’s business, Pendleton Woolen Mills.  Born in Crawsford, Oregon, in 1881, Roy had amassed an impressive background and considerable knowledge about the textile industry.  His grandfather, Thomas Kay, operated the first Woolen Mill in Salem, and Roy worked alongside his father, Charles Bishop, at both of his retail clothing shops in Crawsford and Salem.  Roy attended the Philadelphia Textile School, and gained experience in the large manufacturing mill centers on the East Coast for eight years. Returning to Oregon, he partnered with his parents and two brothers – Chauncey and Clarence Bishop – to purchase a struggling fabric mill in Pendleton which manufactured Indian robes and blankets. In 1909, this small-town industry, known locally as the Pendleton Woolen Mills, began its journey to grow into the textile giant now famous for producing the world-renowned Pendleton blankets and sporting outerwear. (In the 1960’s, the renowned surf band The Beach Boys were so enamored of Pendleton products that they initially named their group “The Pendle Tones”.) Leaving family and friends back in Pendleton, Roy Bishop purchased the existing buildings, and the water rights near the once-vibrant little town of Willsburg, and replaced the mohair machinery with his new worsted woolen machinery. The marked the beginnings of the Oregon Worsted Company.  Demand was great for worsted wool yarn and fabrics, following the shortages due to WWI,  and Roy had his spinning and weaving machines up and running, with over 300 people working three shifts around the clock. From the history of Oregon Worsted posted on its Internet website, we learn that the company was the first mill on this side of the Rockies using a fine long-staple wool taken from sheep raised locally, and manufactured using innovations pioneered by Roy Bishop.  Many of Carl Jantzen’s early knitted bathing suits were made from worsted yarn, and when the Second World War came, Oregon Worsted was again called upon to supply wool blankets to the troops. A few years later, the company was specializing in producing a fabric whipcord found in durable outdoor clothing that was sought out by auto mechanics, lumberjacks, and firemen, while also being one of the largest manufacturers of necktie lining in the country. The “Mill End Store” was opened in 1940 as a surplus shop, and today is one of the nation’s leading retailers in selling quality fabrics, notions, and yarns to the public. Roy’s sons, William and Thomas, continued the Bishop family tradition of becoming an integral part of Oregon Worsted Company. “I was only fourteen years old when I first worked at the mill,” remarked Bill Bishop. “I took the streetcar down to 17th, and walked down Umatilla and across the Johnson Creek Bridge to get there.” Bill worked for over 22 years at the plant, taking a furlough only when he went to college, and then later when he fought in the Second World War. In 1950, when Roy Bishop passed away, the reins of the company were passed to his son Thomas B. Bishop.  By 1970, Oregon Worsted found itself struggling to compete with other woolen mills, even while cheap wool imitations were being allowed into the country, as the U.S. government removed expensive tariffs and restrictions on imports. The Oregon Worsted equipment and machinery were becoming worn down and outdated, and given the decline of the domestic industry, the Board members made the tough decision to shut down the factories and lay off their production line workers. However, with the factory gone, the Oregon Worsted Company nonetheless today continues the Bishop tradition of selling quality wool – now, through its Mill End Store, located beside the bustling lanes of traffic on McLoughlin Boulevard at Milport Street, where once factories and mills graced the eastern side of Sellwood, and where a town called Willsburg once stood.                                    ______________________________________________ Volunteer leaf-raking is part of the Friends of the Woodstock Community Center yard maintenance that helps keep the center open on a reduced budget. Helping, from left, in near-freezing weather, were Girl Scouts Violet Johnson, Natalie Alper, Cassandra Nicholson (Troop Leader), Leah Alper, and Elise Nettle. (Photo by Elizabeth Ussher Groff) Woodstock Girl Scouts earn patch with leaf-raking project By ELIZABETH USSHER GROFF for THE BEE It was a mere one degree above freezing, on a recent foggy Saturday morning, when five Girl Scouts and several adults assembled in front of the Woodstock Community Center to rake leaves. “Basically, raking isn’t fun, but raking with friends makes it more enjoyable. And it is really, really cold,” blurted 12 year-old Violet Johnson, as she pulled off one of her gloves to reveal her reddened fingers. Most were Sellwood Middle School students, and all were enrolled in Cadette Girl Scout Troop 40175, now in its seventh year under the guidance of Brentwood-Darlington resident Cassandra Nicholson. The girls are working on their “tree patch”, a patch added when the new Girl Scout book came out in late 2011. “This book and patch are brand-spanking-new,” smiled Nicholson, who several weeks earlier had her troop raking leaves at the Hoyt Arboretum in Southwest Portland, where her husband is curator. “Raking leaves fits beautifully with the tree patch.” The tree patch is a merit badge just added, in celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Girl Scouts organization, and also the anniversary of the gift of 3,020 flowering cherry blossom trees from the Mayor of Tokyo, Japan, to Washington, D.C., in 1912.  The Gift of Trees Patch Program commemorates the Centennial, and includes activities focusing on three key themes: International friendship, arts and culture, and the environment. The organizer for the Woodstock leaf-raking effort was Terry Griffiths, a member of the Friends of the Woodstock Community Center, who has been faithfully raking for the past two months with the help of various community volunteers. Those familiar with sweetgum trees know that in temperate climates they can sometimes continue to shed their beautiful leaves right on into early spring. “Oh no, they’re falling again! It’s annoying, but fun,” commented eleven-year-old Girl Scout Natalie Alper, as she looked up with exasperation at scattered leaves blowing down from the bunches still clinging to the branches. Some might suggest a leaf blower as a way to clear away persistent layers of leaves.  Griffiths, however, doesn’t like the noise, and she knows that, however difficult it can be to muster volunteers, raking together with other volunteers can build relationships and community. After an hour and a half of frozen fingers and raking fun, these Girl Scouts headed inside the community center for hot chocolate, muffins made by their troop leader, and cookies baked by Ms. Griffiths. As they later left the center, a few more leaves had already fallen onto the entry path, but the Girl Scouts didn’t seem to mind. They were trying to catch them as they fluttered to the ground – making a game of it. Retired but still active woodworker Walter Stange Jr. created this “Old Man Winter” figure from a section of fir tree. (Photo by Rita A. Leonard) WOODCARVING “Old Man Winter” emerges, in person, in Woodstock By RITA A. LEONARD for THE BEE We can't predict what kind of weather winter will bring, but it’s good to be prepared. While storm windows, snow shovels, and mittens may characterize the season, it’s also wise to have books, crafts, and board games handy, to while away the hours when cooped up indoors. A large detailed wood carving at 5407 S.E. 62nd Avenue in Woodstock personifies “Old Man Winter”. This carving in-the-round was created by Walter Stange Jr., from a fir tree section rescued from a few blocks away. “I’ve been working on it for four years now,” he says. “Actually, it started out to be Jerry Garcia or a wizard, but people around here are now calling it ‘The Neighborhood Watcher’.” To this reporter, it presents an image of Old Man Winter, with his windblown hair and beard. Stange is retired now, but used to be a journeyman woodworker. He’s been wood-carving ever since he was ten years old, and has done a lot of custom work. He does all his carving by hand, or with mallet and chisel – no power tools are used. He makes intricately-carved walking sticks, figurines, plaques, table tops, and other such items. “One Christmas I sold several carved walking sticks and coat racks, as well as other custom jobs,” recalls Stange. “My favorite carving wood is birch, or free wood that friends bring over. Many bring me fallen branches they think I can make something out of. I’ll be continuing work on this ‘Old Man Winter’ until I think it’s finished. I still have to figure out what to carve on the back…” You can contact the talented woodcarver by e-mail at: SEClowningU@hotmail.com – if you have any suggestions for him. And in the meantime, heed what Old Man Winter seems to say: “Be prepared! You can enjoy yourself indoors on miserable winter days, if you just plan ahead.” In the Woodstock Library’s meeting room, workshop presenter Kenya Spiegel watches as “Birt”, her favorite Nigerian dwarf goat, eats sunflower seeds from the hands of Woodstock resident Gabriel Durben and his three-year-old son, River. (Photo by Elizabeth Ussher Groff) GOATS IN THE CITY Goat walks in – on Woodstock Library goat-keeping talk By ELIZABETH USSHER GROFF for THE BEE If someone “gets your goat”, that old saying means that you’ve become annoyed. As the Urban Dictionary explains the expression, “The goat is a metaphor for your state of peacefulness. When your goat is with you, you are calm and collected.” You may have heard the phrase before, but this rationale for it may come as a surprise. On a recent Saturday, a presentation on “Urban Goat Keeping 101” in the meeting room of the Woodstock Library provided comprehensive information about raising goats, including tips about how to keep these fun and funny animals content – so they can keep you “calm and collected”. In fact, a goat peacefully interacted with those attending the session – but not till near the end. More about that later. “Goats are incredibly friendly, and make great pets,” began Kenya Spiegel, workshop presenter and goat aficionado. In fact it was the charming character of a baby goat which, several years ago, roped Spiegel into adding two goats to the aggregation of ducks, bees and the large garden that are a part of her urban residence in Northeast Portland. Spiegel explained that goats can become well-socialized and affectionate if they are held and brushed on a daily basis at an early age.  However, she pointed out that goats require conscientious care if they are to become good companions and good neighborhood “citizens”. A shelter is necessary – three-sided, with an awning can be adequate – because goats don’t like being wet; their underfur insulates them against cold. Sturdy fencing is mandatory because goats are “escape artists”, as Spiegel described them.  They also require a feeder, a climbing structure, and a milking stand. (However, if milk products are not desired, Spiegel reports that a castrated male makes a good goat companion and requires less care.)  She says goats are very social animals and recommends having two to avoid “goat loneliness”. Learning to milk a goat correctly results in more milk, Spiegel observed. Even after making cheese, yogurt, and butter from the milk of their miniature milking goats (called Nigerian dwarfs), she and housemates end up with surplus milk. Since goats have to be pregnant or lactating to produce milk, female goats need to be taken to, or visited by, stud goats for about a $50 fee. Not a cheap way to have milk! Gestation period is 5½ months.  Goat delivery is evidently easy, as goats are extremely self-sufficient in birthing. Goats will eat blackberry bushes and fruit tree prunings; but ivy, laurel, and holly are toxic to goats.  Alfalfa, kitchen scraps, herbs and proper minerals are good diet supplements. Spiegel said that taking goats for a walk helps them get exercise, and is good for their hooves.  She and friends have been known to take a goat or two on walks in Forest Park and the Columbia Gorge. No permit is required to keep up to three goats in the city, as is the case with chickens. However, more than three do require a permit, because the city wants to make sure the space is safe and not a health hazard. “Vector Control” inspects, to ensure that grain fed to goats does not attract vermin.  After an hour of informative discussion and questions at the Woodstock Branch Library, Spiegel’s partner, Seth Brown, arrived with Spiegel’s favorite goat, “Birt”, who delighted workshop participants by eating sunflower seeds from their hands. As a further indication that perhaps there is growing interest in having goats in Portland neighborhoods, an ample double-lot yard of a house in the Woodstock neighborhood recently became a favorite “tourist” destination for young children walking through the neighborhood with their parents: Delighted youngsters would stop to watch two goats grazing…a  little bit of countryside  in the neighborhood. However, the goats are no longer grazing at S.E. 46th and Reedway. They disappeared in early September, when the tenants – their owners – moved away. Ben Dye’s “Eaglet” metal sculpture, now on display in Sellwood, is intended to honor President’s Day and the environment. (Photo by Rita A. Leonard) “Eaglet” sculpture in Sellwood intended to honor Presidents Day By RITA A. LEONARD for THE BEE As our national symbol, the bald eagle suggests strength, courage, and nobility. An artistic portrayal of the bird – “Eaglet”, a striking outdoor metal sculpture now displayed at Love Art Gallery in Sellwood – was created by local artist Ben Dye from recycled metals. Dye reports that he has always worked with reused materials – because of their embedded history and the stories they tell. “Eaglet” is made from stainless steel pieces harvested from old barbeque grills, with eyes made from champagne bottle glass. Given the nation’s proclivity for recreation on national holidays, he believes it to be a fitting pairing to honor Presidents Day, coming up this month. Heather Love, one of the owners of Love Art (www.loveartgallery.net) comments, “We’re the only gallery that represents Ben, although we also carry the work of 76 other local artists. Ben’s created art for just six years, but already his work appears year-round at various area Arts Festivals, and he’s won commissions in several local cities. “He’s also started to create fine-tuned drums from recycled five-gallon propane tanks! Much of his sculpture and garden art here features sea creatures, such as fish, sea turtles, prawns, seahorses, and a killer whale.” Dye worked for 25 years in the commercial diving industry before dedicating his skills to creating art (www.bendyesculpture.com) . His sculptures invite people to touch and explore, and look for the stories being told. Last summer he exhibited in Lake Oswego, and moderated a discussion of inspiration at the “Language of Sculpture” Festival. The metal drums that he creates speak in their own language, each with eight notes made by cutting and shaping parabolas around a hollow opening. “They’re all tuned in E minor with different complementary tones,” says Heather Love. “We invite customers to try them out in our gallery.” Dye tells THE BEE he views his work as a way to honor the environment by re-using natural resources in new ways. He finds his material in junk shops, and uses parts of old cars, pressurized tanks, and logging cable. Although he imagines his own sculpture stories during the creation process, he invites people to touch his sculpture, experiencing the many textures and surfaces. And to reflect upon Earth’s environment, which provided the raw materials. A good fruitcake, made with moist batter and delicious fruits, is no laughing matter, but does make people smile when they smell and eat it, author Jean Johnson says. (Photo by David F. Ashton) Fruitcake’s no joke, local author contends By DAVID F. ASHTON for THE BEE Fruitcake has become a punch-line for jokes, in the United States – and that’s a bum rap, says local cookbook author and cook Jean Johnson. “That’s why I’m presenting ‘Fruit Cake Redeemed’, here at the Woodstock Library today,” Johnson commented, as she unpacked her impressive array of ingredients at the start of her December 4th class. “I enjoy making fruitcake so much, I thought that a class of tasting what goes into good fruitcakes – and also highlighting a book that has meant a lot to me, in my fruitcake journey – would be good,” explained Johnson. “We’re going to taste everything that goes into the cakes, and sample all the bits of candied peel – both commercially-prepared and my homemade.” Through this process, said the woman who goes by the moniker “Measure-free Hippie Cook”, the Woodstock attendees would be able to identify any ingredients that are off-putting to them. “Then, people become able to identify what makes a fruitcake delicious for them, too.” Johnson affirmed that with a good recipe, and top quality ingredients, almost everyone will admit they do like fruitcake. The real secret to great fruitcake, Johnson confided, is “a moist rich cake batter, filled with lovely fruits. These are fruits that you love to eat, even if they were not in the fruitcake. For me, that means that commercially-glazed fruits need not apply!” With that, Johnson set off giving her students a taste of her homemade candied and glazed fruits – and eventually, samples of her fruitcakes. While her class won’t put an end to Holiday fruitcake jokes – many of her students at this Woodstock Library session agreed that a well-made fruitcake can actually be a culinary delight. Find out more about Johnson – see how she makes glazed fruits, learn about her two books – at her Internet website: www.measurefreehippiecook.com BOOKMARK Once again in 2012: “Everybody Reads” By SHARON BART Administrator, Sellwood Branch Library for THE BEE This year, Multnomah County Library’s “Everybody Reads” title is “The Girl Who Fell From the Sky”, written by Heidi W. Durrow – who attended Jefferson High School, right here in Portland. It’s a coming-of-age story about a bi-racial girl struggling with her heritage. Like the author, the girl in this novel has a Danish mother and an African American father. However, Rachel – the girl in the novel – is also dealing with tragedy and loss. The information from the library’s “Everybody Reads” handout describes the story of Rachel, “…who becomes the sole survivor of a family tragedy. With her strict African American grandmother as her new guardian, Rachel moves to a mostly black community in Portland, where her light brown skin, blue eyes, and beauty bring mixed attention her way. Growing up in the 1980s, she learns to swallow her overwhelming grief and confronts her identity as a bi-racial young woman in a world that wants to see her as either black or white.” “The Girl Who Fell From The Sky” was named one of the “best novels of 2010” by the Washington Post, and one of 2010’s “Top 10 Northwest Books”  by The Oregonian. And, in a message to her Portland readers, the author stated that “This book is, in part, a valentine to my hometown.” Please our area librarians by discovering what Heidi Durrow has to say – by getting involved: First, read the book! Borrow a copy from any Multnomah County Library branch. When you are finished, please return it – or pass it on to a friend, co-worker, or neighbor, so that others may participate. Next, discuss the book. Share your thoughts at a book discussion at your neighborhood branch library, bookstore, or someplace else in the community. Consider hearing the author speak! Heidi Durrow will appear at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall on Tuesday, March 6, at 7:30 pm. And don’t stop with just one book. Consult the “Everybody Reads” website – www.multcolib.org/reads – for a list of related programs, resources and community organizations. The Woodstock Branch Library “Pageturners” book group will discuss the book on Wednesday, February 15, 6:30-7:45 pm. The library is on S.E. 49th at Woodstock Boulevard. A week later, The Sellwood Branch Library “Pageturners” book group will discuss it on Tuesday, February 21, 6:30-7:30 pm. The library is on S.E. 13th at Bidwell Street. “Everybody Reads” is made possible in part by The Library Foundation, with author appearances made possible by Literary Arts.                  EVENTS & ACTIVITIES JANUARY 28 “Red Fans, for Lunar New Year” at Woodstock Library. Today, 4:30-5:30 pm at the Woodstock Branch Library, decorate red accordion fans with origami paper, Chinese character rubber stamps, glitter and other materials. The fan is a traditional Chinese symbol and red paper is used to symbolize good luck and happiness throughout the year. Artist Cindy Lommasson brings back this popular craft for the new year. For families; free. Registration required in the library, or by calling 503/988-5234. The Woodstock Library is on S.E. Woodstock Boulevard at 49th. FEBRUARY 1 “Baby Bear shops…” at Ladybug Theater. Famous Ladybug Theater for children presents “Baby Bear goes Grocery Shopping” as the first of two stage performances in February – showing today and tomorrow, and also on the 8th and 9th. Showtime each day at 10:30 am at SMILE Station, S.E. 13th and Tenino, a block south of Tacoma Street, in Sellwood. $4 admission for all, except for babes in arms. Please call for reservations – 503/232-2346 – and then pay at the door with cash or check. Doors open at 10:15 am. Bilingual Knitting and Crocheting class at Woodstock Library. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced knitter or crocheter, come to the Woodstock Branch Library at 3 pm today and join the fun! Learn basic knitting and crocheting skills, get help with an existing project, or learn fancy new patterns and techniques. Under the instruction of professional knitter Xiaoying Ruan, gain new skills while communicating and sharing experiences with Chinese-speakers and other individuals who share your hobby. All experience levels and ages welcome – English or Chinese speaking. Please bring your own supplies. The class lasts till 5:30 pm today, and is also offered 3-5:30 pm on February 15 and February 29. Free. The library is at S.E. 49th and Woodstock Boulevard. WNA meeting includes fundraising opportunity. This month’s meeting of the Woodstock Neighborhood Association will include explanation and discussion of a Bureau of Planning and Sustainability invitation for fundraising, by mobilizeing volunteers to go door-to-door to answer questions about changes to the new curbside collection system. This fundraising project for organizations would be from Feb. 28-May 19, and includes training of volunteers. Also on the agenda will be discussion of the possible formation of a WNA Sustainability Committee. To learn more attend the meeting at the Woodstock Community Center, 5905 S.E. 43rd Avenue from 7:00-8:30 pm. FEBRUARY 4 Annual Lewis Elementary School Rummage Sale. The annual Lewis fundraising sale is today from 9 to 3. This is a school-wide multiple-family sale with a variety of items like books, clothes, shoes, tools, furniture, household items, and much more. “Come out to find that treasure and support Lewis Elementary.” The sale is being held in the school cafeteria, at 4401 S.E. Evergreen – look for the marked door. “FIRST Tech Challenge” at OMSI. High school robotics teams converge on the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry today for a day of mechanical madness at the FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) regional competition. Each team is given a kit and a LEGO NXT brain to design and build robots in this challenge. Winners of this competition go to the state championships, where they may qualify for national competition. Open to the public after normal OMSI admission. OMSI is situation on S.E. Water Street, on the east bank of the Willamette River, just north of the Ross Island Bridge. Look for the big red tower and the OMNIMAX Theater dome. FEBRUARY 10 “Agate and Mineral Show” at OMSI. Today through Sunday, explore the wonders of geology at the 61st annual Agate and Mineral Show. Enjoy a wide array of beautiful cabochons (cut, shaped, and polished rocks) – including agate, jasper, and obsidian from the Pacific Northwest. 30 or more exhibits on display. Open to the public after normal OMSI admission. OMSI is situation on S.E. Water Street, on the east bank of the Willamette River, just north of the Ross Island Bridge. Look for the big red tower and the OMNIMAX Theater dome. Duniway Elementary’s Kindergarten Round-Up. The annual “Kindergarten Round-Up” at Duniway Elementary School in Eastmoreland will be held this afternoon, 1:30-2:45 pm, in the school auditorium at 7700 S.E. Reed College Place. Incoming kindergarteners and their parents are invited to learn more about Duniway and its curriculum, meet the kindergarten teachers, and tour the school. Enrollment forms for the 2011-2012 school year and transfer information will be available. IMPORTANT NOTICE: If you would like to pre-register your child at Round-Up, please bring an original copy of state-issued birth certificate or passport, current immunization records, proof of address, and emergency contacts and phone numbers. Additional tours of the school will be available Tuesdays at 2 pm – 2/14, 2/21, 2/28, and 3/6. For more information, call the school at 503/916-6343. Reed College celebrated in concert. Chamber Music Northwest continues its fall-winter-spring “Encore Series” this evening with a musical salute to Reed College, in celebration of the institution’s centennial this year, as well as its 40 year partnership with CMNW. Appropriately, the 7:30 pm concert is at Reed College’s Kaul Auditorium. The program is entitled,“Music from 1912: Celebrating the Reed College Centennial”. In the spotlight is Schoenberg’s melodrama Pierrot Lunaire, one of history’s most progressive musical works, composed in 1912. Reed College professor and Portland composer David Schiff is contributing his own commemorative piece, “Class of 1915,” based on the popular music contemporaneous with Schoenberg’s masterpiece. Single tickets are on sale now, and cost $25, $35, and $45, with $15 student tickets available. Call 503-294-6400, or go online to: www.cmnw.org . FEBRUARY 11 Sellwood-Moreland Library historical walking tour and lecture. Eileen Fitzsimons, neighborhood historian and occasional BEE writer, will lead a tour, “Five Libraries and 100+ Years of Library History”, from 10 am until 10:45 am this morning. The Sellwood Branch Library is celebrating its 10th anniversary in its current site this month, but did you know the Sellwood Library has been in existence for 108 years, in five different locations? The walking tour includes all five sites. Tour starts at Sellwood Middle School, 8300 S.E. 15th Ave. Registration required; call 503/988-5398. After the tour ends at the current library, Eileen will present the history of the library in the context of the neighborhood, 11 am till noon. No charge for either event. Anniversary party at Sellwood Branch Library. The Sellwood-Moreland Library’s 10th Anniversary Celebration is this noon at S.E. Bidwell and 13th. Cake and refreshments served noon till 12:30 pm in celebration. Free. Brooklyn Cooperative Preschool open house. Today, 9:30-11:30 am, the Brooklyn Cooperative Open House invites families to view their “stimulating classrooms, large playground, and younger sibling nursery, and meet the teachers and current participating Brooklyn parents to learn about this play-based coop preschool. Eco-friendly school, offering organic and nutritionally balanced snacks, as well as use environmentally sound cleaning methods. Kids are invited to see the play structure, sandpit, and garden, too.” Brooklyn Cooperative Preschool is located in the Reed neighborhood at 2901 S.E. Steele. For more information, go online to: www.brooklyncooppreschool.org/index.htm – or call 503/234-7103. FEBRUARY 12 Lasagna dinner and silent auction in Woodstock. Young Ladies Institute, Queen of Roses #164, is sponsoring their annual Lasagna Dinner and Silent Auction this afternoon at Our Lady of Sorrows gymnasium at S.E. 52nd and Woodstock Boulevard. Doors open at 12:30 pm for bidding on the silent auction items, and the dinner is served at 1:30 pm. Dinner is $10 for adults and $5 for kids under age 11. Proceeds are for the education of Archdiocesan priests. Takeout is available. Flute and recorder concert at Reed College. The Portland Baroque Orchestra presents a concert of flute and recorder music at 3 pm this afternoon at Reed College’s Kaul Auditorium. Pieces by J.S. Bach, W.F. Bach, J.J. Quantz, and G. Ph. Telemann will be presented. For tickets, call 503/205-0715. FEBRUARY 15 “Silly Goats Gruff” onstage at Ladybug Theater. Famous Ladybug Theater for children offers “The Three Silly Goats Gruff, and the Troll is Enough”; performances today and tomorrow, and also February 22-23 and Feb. 29-March 1. Each show lasts about 45 minutes, and is suitable for children. Showtime each day at 10:30 am at SMILE Station, S.E. 13th and Tenino, a block south of Tacoma Street, in Sellwood. $4 admission for all, except for babes in arms. Please call for reservations – 503/232-2346 – and then pay at the door with cash or check. Doors open at 10:15 am. FEBRUARY 16 Stuffed Rigatoni Luncheon today. From 11 am till 2 pm today, it’s the 50th annual St. Philip Neri Altar Society’s delicious Valentine fundraiser – the Mariani Family recipe “Stuffed Rigatoni” Luncheon – together with salad, green beans, dessert, and coffee. $10 for adults; $3 for children. Reservations for parties of 8 or more can be made in advance, or you can pre-order for takeout: For either, call 503/231-4955. The luncheon itself is in the church’s Carvlin Hall, S.E. 18th and S.E. Division Streets. FEBRUARY 18 “FUNdamentals” at the Sellwood Library. Join award-winning children’s educator and performer Aaron Nigel Smith, as he gets the whole family moving, grooving, and learning. This class introduces children to the exciting world of music – through creative movement, note reading, and fun instrument play. Free. 11 till 11:30 am this morning at the Sellwood Branch Library, S.E. 13th at Bidwell Street. FEBRUARY 19 Inspirational Drawing for kids and teens, in Woodstock. In this two-hour workshop at the Woodstock Branch Library, artist Joanne Kollman will guide students of all levels in the exploration of the basics of drawing, and interpreting what they see. Students can choose to copy a master drawing or to interpret their own subject matter into the style of a master drawing. This process allows for artistic interpretation along with the study of light and shadow to define the form. A selection of dry media, charcoal, pencils, and paper textures and tones will be available to choose from. Feel free to bring your own inspiration. Free; for teens in grades 6-12, from 2 pm till 4 pm this afternoon. Pre-registration required; register by calling 503/988-5234. The library is situated at S.E. 49th at Woodstock Boulevard. Barbara Roberts reads from her book. Today at 6:30 pm, Sellwood resident and former Governor Barbara Roberts reads from her latest book, “Up the Capitol Steps” [Oregon State University Press], at Moonstruck Chocolate Café, 45 S. State Street in downtown Lake Oswego. Free and open to the public. FEBRUARY 20 Meditation for Beginners: A class in the Buddhist tradition. This free six-week course, which starts tonight, introduces the participants to the practice of mindfulness meditation. Each class consists of one or two periods of guided meditation and a discussion of a variety of topics that help to understand what meditation is and how to practice it. Participants are encouraged to establish a regular meditation practice at home. There is no advance registration. Classes are on consecutive Mondays 7-9 pm at Portland Friends of the Dhamma, 1422 S.E. Tacoma Street, next to Sellwood Methodist Church. Because each class builds on the previous one, the course is closed after the second Monday. For information, go online to: www.pdxdhamma.org – or call 360-828-5268. FEBRUARY 22 Ash Wednesday service today. At noon and 7 pm today, Immanuel Lutheran Church offers Ash Wednesday Services with Holy Communion and imposition of ashes. The church address is 7810 S.E. 15th Avenue. Everyone is welcome. Call 503/236-7823 for more information. Rescheduled Personal Safety Workshop this evening. A free Personal Safety Workshop, originally scheduled for late last year, has been rescheduled to tonight, 7-9 pm at SMILE Station, on the southeast corner of S.E. 13th and Tenino, a block south of Tacoma Street. This “WomenStrength personal safety workshop” is designed to introduce both men and women to a variety of self-protection options in a short, non-physical, discussion format. The overall discussion is designed to help people identify their risks, evaluate their strengths and explore their options for dealing with the threat of violence. Emphasis is placed on options, not rigid safety rules. No physical skills will be taught, but information on classes for women will be provided to those who want to learn physical self-defense. Sponsored by the Portland Police Bureau & WomenStrength. FEBRUARY 24 “Family Night” at Immanuel Lutheran. Tonight all are welcome to join in Immanuel Lutheran Church’s “Family Night” from 6-8 pm. Supper included; family games and crafts. The church address is 7810 S.E. 15th Avenue. Call 503/236-7823 for information. Got an activity or event you want to report? Click HERE to e-mail us the information! SCROLL DOWN FOR THE LIST OF COMMUNITY HOTLINKS -- AND USEFUL, AND JUST PLAIN FUN HOTLINKS -- IMMEDIATELY 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 Fear someone will steal your identity? Already a victim? Click here for info! Metro Latest Portland region radar weather map Portland Public Schools Multnomah County's official SELLWOOD BRIDGE website Click here for the 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 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 Local source for high-quality Shaklee nutritionals 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, and posted them here for your reference.   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 8) KPTV, Channel 12 (Digital/HDTV broadcast channel 12) KPDX, Channel 49 (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!