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繼央行放開貸款利率下限的管制後，迷你倉庫下一步，利率市場化的真正實現必須有待于存款利率上限的放開。有消息稱，央行在利率市場化的方案中，針對存款利率市場化，計劃率先取消5年期的定期存款基準利率，由金融機構自主確定。這意味著存貸款利率市場化後，高息攬存可能成為利率市場化常態。銀行間攬儲之戰悄然打響今年二季度以來，隨著商業銀行存款“搬家”之勢顯現。截至7月28日，工農中建四大行存款有9500億元流失。近日，除四大行之外，多家股份制銀行開始跟進上調中長期定存利率，如平安銀行于近期上調了2年期、3年期和5年期的存款利率。光大銀行9月30日在北京地區推出的一項活動中，對2年期、3年期、5年期定期存款利率上浮近10%至4.125%、4.675%及5.125%，這意味著一輪中長期攬儲之戰已經悄然打響。一直以來，在傳統的利率管制下，銀行業利潤過高，且對管制性利差依賴性較大，不僅提高了企業的融資和借貸成本，導致金融對實體經濟的擠出效應，非正規金融以及影子銀行的膨脹也蘊藏著巨大的金融泡沫風險。中國國有商業銀行等多數金融機構迄今仍延續傳統“吃利差”的盈利模式，國內銀行的淨息差普遍在250∼300個基點（2.5%∼3.0%），這構成了銀行的主要收入來源，也是銀行業“旱澇保收”的關鍵。前幾年，中國的銀行盈利能力一直依靠穩定的息差和擴張的表外業務不斷提升，包括四大行在內的16家上市銀行，今年一季度盈利超過3000億元，而國內所有2469家上市公司的淨利潤總額才達5500億元左右。然而這兩年在利率市場化不斷加快態勢下，銀行業的淨利差出現了下降的趨勢。2011年至2012年基本維持在2.7%左右，2013年一季度進一步降低到2.58%。去年人民幣存款利率實施最高上浮10%的新規，以及央行全面放開貸款利率管制之後，存款利率開始差別化定價就使得金融機構失去了過度保護，隨著利率市場化改革的縱深推進，為了“攬存爭貸”，“存款利率提高，貸款利率下降”的競爭格局不可避免，未來銀行會根據各自的資產負債結構、存貸比、資金的充裕程度、資金成本等因素來確定利率水平，銀行之間的競爭會越來越激烈，尤其是大型國有銀行和中小銀行之間的競爭會尤為激烈。因為放開利率管制後，中小銀行不僅面臨著利率市場化後產生的存貸款利率結構不匹配，金融機構運用利率手段競爭也將日益激烈。由於中小銀行信用程度遜于大型商業銀行，部分信用程度較低的中小型金融機構與大型商業銀行的差距就凸顯出來儲存中小銀行則不得不以高于金融機構平均存款利率和低於金融機構平均貸款利率來吸引客戶，導致成本上升，這種“高存款利率，低貸款利率”的利率競爭格局很可能加速中小銀行的出局。利率市場化將挑戰現有資產負債表利率市場化將進一步挑戰銀行資產負債表狀況。一方面，銀行業期限錯配問題難以消解。事實上，中國銀行資產負債表一直存在“短存長貸”的期限錯配問題，銀行存款以活期存款為主，而貸款則以中長期貸款為主。這種“短存長貸”所帶來的期限錯配風險，銀行還是有積極性大規模發展無需上繳準備金的表外業務來吸納資金，由於存貸款利率管制的放開會加劇銀行表外業務融資成本的波動，因此這種期限錯配風險會隨著存款利率上限的放開進一步加劇。另一方面，銀行資產質量仍將受到不良貸款反彈的挑戰。由於管制利率實際上大大低於市場均衡利率，真正的利率市場化基準水平會有所上升，這將大大加重政府債務利息負擔，並反過來影響到銀行業資產負債表狀況。根據銀監會發佈的監測報告顯示，截至今年6月末，商業銀行不良貸款餘額5395億元，不良貸款率為0.96%。盡管從賬面數據來看，不良貸款占總資產的比重並不高，甚至從全球範圍來看，中國不良貸款率都在可控範圍內。然而，問題在於中國很大部分的不良貸款是隱性的，許多隱性不良資產並未涵蓋在內，可能導致不良貸款率被大大低估。眼下受地方政府平台貸款質量波動、房地產貸款質量波動影響，部分銀行撥備壓力逐漸增大，資產質量波動反過來又影響銀行的利潤留存能力，在外部籌資環境不寬鬆的情況下，部分銀行短期內無法籌到必需的資本數額。由於杠杆使用過高，信用規模迅速膨脹加大通脹或資產泡沫壓力，在整體資金面偏緊的背景下，信貸緊張和融資利率上升勢必引發不良貸款攀升，並引發資產價格的劇烈波動和金融風險的快速累積，因此這是對銀行業自身抗風險能力的巨大挑戰。銀行經營管理模式面臨改變可以想見，短期而言金融風險確實不容小覷，但從長遠來看，利率市場化的加速推進和最終完成，勢必根本改變商業銀行經營管理模式，徹底重塑我國金融業的競爭格局。銀行業必須徹底改變信貸結構、資產結構、客戶結構、業務結構、收入結構和盈利結構。與此同時，必須增加金融市場及中間業務收入占比，通過創新能力、定價能力、服務能力、風險管理能力、資源配置能力以及成本控制能力方面的顯著增強推動中國金融格局的大變革、大調整。而中國利率市場化過程也必定是一個大浪淘沙的過程。 （作者系國家信息中心預測部世界經濟研究室副主任）新蒲崗迷你倉

☉記者 張苧月 ○編輯 張亦文在美元升值的強烈預期下，迷你倉沙田投資者對美元類理財萌發較高熱情。近期，美元類銀行理財產品出現了價量齊漲的現象，不過，業內專家提醒投資者，普通美元類產品的投資方向仍是境內的銀行間金融市場，若投資者望收穫較高收益，購買人民幣類理財產品仍是較佳選擇。美元理財產品價量齊漲今年4月，受全球央行紛紛降息的影響，外幣利率的低迷令外幣類銀行理財產品的定價偏低，從而進一步導致外幣產品的供需均呈現低迷態勢。不過，據上證報記者觀察，近期外幣理財產品的發行量和收益有所上調，特別是美元類理財產品增發趨勢明顯。普益財富數據統計，7月，銀行共發行港幣理財產品16款，市場占比環比上升0.03個百分點至0.48%；歐元理財產品為6款，市場占比環比上升0.06個百分點至0.18%；美元理財產品53款，市場占比環比上升0.37個百分點至1.61%，發行增幅較大。另外，從預期收益水平看，8月初，美元理財產品的平均預期收益率達1.70%。近期，雖然美元指數出現回落，但市場人士分析，鑒於美國經濟面的前景向好，美聯儲縮減購債規模直至退出QE成定局，從長期來看，美元有望保持強勢，由低息貨幣轉為高息。某中資行資產管理部人士告訴記者，由於市場對美元後市的上漲預期較大，日後美元類理財產品的發行量存在上升空間。同時，記者從工商銀行營業網點瞭解到，從6月開始，咨詢美元換匯的人數較上半年有所增多。另據某外資行理財經理向記者表示，看多美元，看跌日元及澳元的期權類外匯組合產品的銷售量也有所上漲。到底投資了什麼？經記者調查，投資者對美元類理財產品的投資熱情上升，主要歸因于其對美國經濟的複蘇持積極態度，加上市場人士不斷肯定美股和美國房地產投資價值，進一步迷你倉價錢激了投資者介入“美元理財”的動力。不過，購買美元類理財產品是否等同于真正意義上的美元資產投資呢？實際上，縱觀市場上在售的美元類理財產品，除結構性產品做到了美元投資外（投資標的為與美元掛�的一攬子貨幣、與美元掛�的黃金或美股），普通的美元類產品的投資標的仍舊是境內資產。以中國工商銀行“安享回報”個人外幣理財產品為例，雖募集幣種是美元，但收益幣種為人民幣，資金的投資方向則是銀行間債券市場、貨幣市場基金及上市公司股票收益權信托計劃等。平安銀行的“聚匯寶計劃美元（滾動型）理財產品”的投資方向為境內貨幣市場及票據等金融產品。此外，郵儲銀行的美元類理財產品也明確指出，其投資對象為境內同業拆借市場。“受外匯管制的影響，于境內募集的美元資金只能在境內做投資。而外幣的貸款利率較低，因此銀行給出的收益也較低。但是，除利率因素外，產品給出的收益還取決于銀行政策，若某銀行對美元資金有需求，則會稍稍上調產品預期收益。不過，這類固定收益類美元產品的收益仍不高。若想收穫更高收益，美元持有者可購買美元期權類外匯產品，而人民幣持有者可購買投資于美元資產的QDII產品，不過該兩類產品的風險也較大。”東方合信投資管理公司理財師陳立�指出。銀河期貨首席宏觀經濟學家付鵬表示，雖然美元複蘇預期強烈，但不一定意味著人民幣會大幅貶值。同時，即使美聯儲在未來加息，但美元利率也難超人民幣的利率水平。加上隨著國家存款利率市場化的推進，未來人民幣存款利率有望上漲。付鵬建議，現階段，普通投資者還是應考慮人配置民幣類銀行理財產品。7月銀行各幣種理財產品發行情況幣種 產品數量 市場占比環比升幅港幣 16 0.03個百分點歐元 6 0.06個百分點美元 53 0.37個百分點迷你倉庫

Source: The Oregonian, Portland, Ore.自存倉Aug. 12--AURORAGolf Tournament: The Windermere Cronin & Caplan Realty Group, Inc., will host the fourth annual benefit for low-income and homeless families at 11 a.m. Thu, Aug. 15, at the Langdon Farms Golf Club, 24377 N.E. Airport Road, Aurora.Cost is $145, which includes driving range, greens fee, golf cart, box lunch and a barbecue dinner. About $70,000 has been raised for the Windermere Foundation from the last three tournaments.For reservations and sponsorship opportunities, contact Nihad Aweidah at 503-939-6666 or nihad@windermere.com.BORINGGuide Dogs for the Blind Graduation: Puppy-raisers say goodbye to their graduating dogs and graduating class members leave with their new partners. This national nonprofit offers its services free of charge. Bus groups must pre-register. 1:30 p.m. Sat, Aug. 17; 1:30 p.m. Sat, Aug. 31; 1:30 p.m. Sat, Sept. 14. Guide Dogs for the Blind, 32901 S.E. Kelso Road, Boring; free; .guidedogs.com or 503-668-2100, 800-295-4050Blood Drive: Sponsored by the American Red Cross. Appointments required. 2-7 p.m. Thu, Aug. 22. Boring Fire District Main Station, 28655 S.E. Highway 212, Boring; free; .redcrossblood.org (sponsor code: DamascusBoring) or 800-733-2767Dog Cruise-in: People and their dogs are invited to the event designed to raise awareness about the benefits a pet can provide to families coping with Alzheimer's or other dementia. Highlights include live music, exhibitors, food booths, a hot-dog lunch, raffles and prizes. Proceeds go toward the memory-loss program at Thelma's Place. Sponsors also include Country Side Living, a memory-care facility in Canby that allows its residents to have small pets. Registration encouraged. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sat, Aug. 24. Thelma's Place, 352 N.W. Second Ave., Canby; $25 tax deductible donation; .thelmasplace.org or 503-266-5100Celebration in Boring: Features live music, games with prizes, horse rides, Classics in Progress Car Show, farmers market, booths staffed by community organizations, and ice cream and other food available for purchase. A highlight includes a water ball tournament with area fire departments, an annual event organized by the Boring-Clackamas Volunteer Firefighters. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sun, Sept. 8. Boring Middle School, 27801 S.E. Dee St., Boring; free admission, additional fee for food and some games; .celebrationinboring.com or Marlin Marsh, 503-201-3640 or marlinm@comcast.netCANBY--CLACKAMAS COUNTY FAIR: Few places do the perfect and the peculiar meet in such harmony as at a county fair.You'll see 4-Hers in snap-button shirts prodding their prize steers down barn aisles. Dueling angel-food cakes share display cases with gem-like jars of preserves. Trays of earth hold vegetables ranging from squads of uniformly straight string beans to a squash shaped like a duck.The midway offers curly fries and twirly rides. Vendors hawk the latest gadget that slices, dices and saves you time, or kitchen knives that will cut through your car's fender, should you so desire.The 107th annual Clackamas County Fair & Rodeo rolls into Canby on Tuesday offering these riches and more.Animals, vegetables and minerals. Spinning rides, games of chance, a talent show, musicians and magicians. A demolition derby's crashing cars, a rodeo's bucking broncs. It all happens at the fair.When: Aug. 13-18Hours: 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday; 10 a.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. SundayWhere: Clackamas County Event Center, 694 N.E. 4th Ave., CanbyAdmission: $9 adults; $5 ages 7-12 and 65-74; free for ages 6 and younger and 75 and older. Additional charge for demolition derby and rodeo ($3 to $12). Parking $5. Discounts and season tickets available.-- Karen PateBarbecue Fundraiser at the Fair: The Canby Lions Club will offer a beef BBQ at the Clackamas County Fair from noon to 6 p.m. Fri, Aug. 16. The menu includes treager-cooked barbecued beef with bun, corn on the cob, watermelon and a drink. Prices will be around $9 as in the past which includes the full meal deal. Each item will also be sold separately.Proceeds from the project will be used to help finance projects of the Canby Lions Club thatInclude eyeglasses, hearing aids, gym shoes for grade school kids, Project Kids andscholarships to high school seniors for advance studies.-- Dale Friedemann, Canby Lions ClubSummer Reading Program Party: Features marimba music by Chicamarimba, activities and free refreshments. More than 1,100 people of all ages signed on to the program. Every child and teen who reads 25 hours receives a free book and every participant is entered into a prize drawing. 2 p.m. Sat, Aug. 17. Wait Park, 350 N. Grant St., Canby; freeMusic On the Pond: Weekly 5-8 p.m. Sun. Lineup continues with Charlie Swift and the Backburner Band, Aug. 18; Rae Gordon Band, Aug. 25; and Joel Futch and Friends, Sept. 1. Beer, wine and food available for purchase. St. Josef's Estate Vineyard & Winery, 28836 S. Barlow Road, Canby; $5 cover charge ages 18 and older; .stjosefswinery.com or 503-651-3190 liquor bar, private bathroom access, and an open wall to the stage that is raised up over a foot above the audience for unfettered line of sight to the performance.The Garden Spot: Loosely Bound, a 14-member fiber arts group, displays 25 art quilts with an agricultural theme in the exhibit that takes its name from the city of Canby's motto. It includes a piece called "Abundance," a group effort that features 13 small panels featuring fruit, flowers and vegetables found in the Willamette Valley. Ends Aug. 25. Canby Public Library, 292 N. Holly St., Canby; free; .canbylibrary.org or 503-266-3394Quilt Display and Fundraiser: Quilts crafted by women incarcerated at Coffee Creek Correctional Facility will be on display throughout the month of August at The Place to Be Cafe, 190 N.W. Second Ave. in Canby.Quilts made by facility instructors will also be exhibited and offered for sale.Coffee Creek Quilters is a dedicated group of volunteers who teach classes at the Oregon women's prison. Each student in the program makes three quilts in weekly two-hour classes. The first two quilts are donated to a variety of organizations that serve seniors in nursing homes, hospitalized children, terminally ill adults, and foster children. Each year approximately 150 quilts are donated to these organizations. Students may keep the third quilt or give it to a loved one.The quilt exhibit is part of The Place to Be Cafe's Mission Possible initiative to support local nonprofits.The cafe is open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday to Thursday; 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday; 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday; and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday.Additional information about the program is available on the organization's web site: .coffeecreekquilters.orgFor more information about Coffee Creek Quilters, contact Karen Bell at 971-275-0841 or bellks42@gmail.com-- Molly Skeen, Coffee Creek QuiltersSupportGrief Release: Hosted by Bristol Hospice, the course encourages unhurried healing to bring life back into focus from the blur of pain, confusion and bewilderment caused by loss. Provides practical step-by-step support as a road to restoration. First class is mandatory. Weekly 1:30-3:30 p.m. Wed, Sept. 11-25; and Oct. 2-9. Country Side Living, 390 N.W. Second Ave., Canby; free; Joanne Petrie, 503-698-8911OngoingCanby Saturday Market: Vendors sell produce, flowers, plants, food, and arts and crafts. Weekly 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Sat, through Oct. 27. Canby Cinema 8 parking lot, 252 N.E. Second Ave., Canby; free admission; .canbysaturdaymarket.com or 503-680-5088 or canbysaturdaymarket@canby.comBridge Games: Card game for senior citizens. Weekly 1 p.m. Mon, except holidays. Canby Adult Center, 1250 S. Ivy St., Canby; free; .canbyadultcenter.org or 503-266-2970Line Dancing for Beginners: Wanda Matlock teaches senior citizens the basics. Partner not required. Weekly 1-2 p.m. Mon, except holidays. Canby Adult Center, 1250 S. Ivy St., Canby; free, but donations appreciated; .canbyadultcenter.org or 503-266-2970Line Dancing: Wanda Matlock teaches senior citizens some advanced steps. Partner not required. Weekly 1-2 p.m. Tue and Thu. Canby Adult Center, 1250 S. Ivy St., Canby; free, but donations appreciated; .canbyadultcenter.org or 503-266-2970Language Exchange: Practice English or Spanish and help other learners in a friendly atmosphere. Weekly 10:30 a.m. Mon (except Sept. 2 and Nov. 11). Canby Public Library, 292 N. Holly St., Canby; free; .canbylibrary.org or 503-266-3394Tuesday Evening Dinner: Senior citizens can make new friends while eating a free dinner. Weekly 5-7 p.m. Tue. Zoar Lutheran Church, 190 S.W. Second Ave., Canby; free; .zoarlutheran.org or 503-266-4061Canby First Friday: Monthly 5-8 p.m. first Friday. Join participating merchants in downtown Canby for family-friendly activities, dining, wine and shopping discounts.Handiwork Group: Senior citizens socialize while producing craft projects. Weekly 10 a.m. Tue. Canby Adult Center, 1250 S. Ivy St., Canby; free; bring your own project supplies; .canbyadultcenter.org or 503-266-2970Pinochle: Card game for senior citizens. Weekly 1 p.m. Tue and Fri. Canby Adult Center, 1250 S. Ivy St., Canby; free; .canbyadultcenter.org or 503-266-2970Yoga Fitness: Erin Hancock teaches the class for senior citizens. Weekly 1:15 p.m. Wed. Canby Adult Center, 1250 S. Ivy St., Canby; free, but donations appreciated; .canbyadultcenter.org or 503-266-2970Wednesday Afternoon at the Movies: Adults invited to snack on free popcorn and tea while watching a movie. Visit website for titles. Weekly 1 p.m. Wed. Canby Adult Center, 1250 S. Ivy St., Canby; free; .canbyadultcenter.org or 503-266-2970Knitting and Crocheting Social: Bring your own projects. Monthly 5-6 p.m. second and fourth Fri. 5-6 p.m. Fri, June 28. Canby Public Library, 292 N. Holly St., Canby; .canbylibrary.org or 503-266-3394CivicFor information, visit .ci.canby.or.us or call 503-266-4021.--Canby Planning Commission: Monthly 7 p.m. second and fourth Monday in Canby City HallDevelopment Services Office, Council Chambers, 155 N.W. Second Ave.--Canby City Council: Monthly 7:30 p.m. first and third Wednesday in Canby Development Services Office, Council Chambers, 155 N.W. Second Ave.--Urban Renewal Agency: Monthly 6 p.m. second Wednesday in Canby Development Services Office, Council Chambers, 155 N.W. Second Ave.--Canby Parks and Recreation Advisory Board: Monthly 7 p.m. third Tuesday in Canby City Hall, Conference Room, 182 N. Holly St.ClubsKiwanis Club of Canby: Kiwanis is a worldwide service organization of individuals who want to improve their communities. Weekly noon-1 p.m. Mon, except holidays. Old Town Hall, Cutsforth's Thriftway, 225 N.E. Second Ave., Canby; $7-$10 for lunch; .canbykiwanis.org or Nancy Murphy, 503-266-6048Rotary Club of Canby: Rotary is a worldwide organization of more than 1.2 million business, professional, and community leaders. Members of Rotary clubs, known as Rotarians, provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations and help build goodwill around the world. Weekly 11:45 a.m. Fri. Old Town Hall, Cutsforth's Thriftway, 225 N.E. Second Ave., Canby; no-host lunch; .canbyrotary.comCanby Chamber of Commerce: Network while eating lunch. Reservations recommended. Monthly 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. first Tue. Old Town Hall, Cutsforth's Thriftway, 225 N.E. Second Ave., Canby; $12-$15; Canby Chamber of Commerce, 503-266-4600 or by email to chamber@canby.comCARLTONCarlton Crush: The second annual festival features a grape-stomp competition, barrel-rolling race, live music, Mark the Magician and more. Sale proceeds will support the Joseph's Storehouse food bank. Sponsored by the Carlton Business Association. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sat, Sept. 14. In the parking lot at Pine and Main streets in downtown Carlton; free admission; .carltoncrush.com or 216-533-6968CLACKAMASConcert: The all-girl teen group Fifth Harmony will sing at 4 p.m. Wed, Aug. 14, at the Clackamas Town Center as part of their #HarmonizeAmerica Mall Tour.The group recently released a lyric video for their single "Miss Movin' On" after demand for original music mounted via an unprecedented Twitter call to action from their fans, "The Harmonizers."Admission is free. The mall is at 12000 S.E. 82nd Ave. in Happy Valley. For details about the group, visit .fifthharmonyoffical.comOngoingSunnyside Farmers Market: Vendors sell produce, arts and crafts, food and specialty items. Weekly 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Sat, through Oct. 5. Sunnyside Foursquare Church, 13231 S.E. Sunnyside Road, Clackamas; free admission; .sunnysidefarmersmarket.com or Jamie El-Khal, 503-504-8615, or sunnysidefarmersmarket@gmail.comKnit Night: A social gathering for all ages and skill levels. Yarn provided or bring your own projects. Monthly 6:30-8 p.m. third Wednesday. Sunnyside Library, 13973 S.E. Sieben Park Way, Clackamas; free; .clackamas.us/lib or 503-794-3883Let's Lego: Ages 5 and older can build with other Lego fans and then tear down their constructions. Monthly 1:30-3 p.m. third Saturday. Sunnyside Library, 13973 S.E. Sieben Park Way, Clackamas; free; Legos provided; .clackamas.us/lib or 503-794-3883Sunnyside Grange Farmers and Artists Market: Vendors sell fine art, crafts, fresh local produce and eggs, fruits, fine foods, baked goods, plants and specialty items. Weekly 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sun. Clackamas Sunnyside Grange, 13100 Sunnyside Road, Clackamas; free admission; .windancefarmsandart.com/sunnyside.php or Peter Tuomala, 503-704-4212, windance@pacifier.comCOLTONColton Farmers and Crafters Market: Features organic goods and homemade crafts from local vendors from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sundays, July 28; Aug. 11 and 25; and Sept. 8 and 22, in COLTONTEL's Community Greenspace at 20983 S. Highway 211 in Colton.DAMASCUSDamascus Fresh and Local Market: Local produce, nursery stock, eggs, honey, candy, baked goods, prepared foods, arts and crafts. Entertainment featured. Weekly 3-7 p.m. Thu, May 23-Sept. 26. Damascus Fresh and Local Market, 19850 S.E. Damascus Lane, Damascus; free admission; .damascusfreshandlocalmarket.org or Allan Dunn, 503-535-9866 or addunn3@comcast.netCivicFor information, visit .damascusoregon.gov or call Damascus City Hall at 503-658-8545.--Damascus City Council: Monthly 7 p.m. first and third Mon. Damascus City Hall, 19920 S.E. Highway 212, Damascus.--Coffee With the Damascus Mayor: Monthly 7:30 a.m. first Mon. Arrow Coffee Shop, 19880 S.E. Highway 212, Damascus--Damascus Planning Commission: Monthly 6:30 p.m. second and fourth Tuesday. Damascus City Hall, Council Chambers, 19920 S.E. Highway 212, Damascus.--Coffee With Damascus Councilors: Monthly 7:30 a.m. first Wednesday. Arrow Coffee Shop, 19880 S.E. Highway 212, Damascus.--Damascus Committee for Citizen Involvement: Monthly 6:30 p.m. first and third Wed. Damascus City Hall, Conference Room, 19920 S.E. Highway 212, Damascus.ClubsDamascus-Boring Kiwanis Club: Visitors are welcome to a meeting of Kiwanis International, a global organization of volunteers dedicated to changing the world one child and one community at a time. The local club supports the Mt. Hood Kiwanis Camp, Adopt-A-Road, Doernbecher Children's Hospital, Terrific Kids, Meals-On-Wheels, Kiwanis Kids, Builders Club and Oregon Impact. Weekly 7 a.m. Wed. Pub 212, 20400 S.E. Highway 212, Damascus; no-host breakfast; .kiwanisofdamascusboring.org or Dale Parsons, 503-806-3739EAGLE CREEKNational Historic Site: Experience pioneer life at the five-acre site that features the original 1860 barn and tack shop, the Philip Foster house circa 1883, re-created working general store, blacksmith shop, log cabin, authentic covered wagons and carriages, and grounds that include the oldest lilac tree in Oregon. Staff in period clothing help visitors become a pioneer for a day by building their own log cabin, shelling and grinding corn, washing clothes the old-fashioned way, playing lawn games and other activities. Weekly 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Tue-Sat, through Aug. 31, and then 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sat, Sept. 7-Oct. 26. Philip Foster Farm, 29912 S.E. Highway 211, Eagle Creek; $5, $20 per family; .philipfosterfarm.com or 503-637-6324--August 17: Learn how to harvest wheat and understand the process to get it to your kitchen table in a hands-on workshop offered throughout the day.CivicEagle Creek-Barton Community Planning Organization: Monthly 7 p.m. second Thu. Eagle Creek Fire Station, 32200 S.E. Judd Road, Eagle Creek; free; .eaglecreekbarton.com or Charlene DeBruin by email to eaglecreekcpo@gmail.comESTACADAFairy Garden: Plants used are mostly herbs so they can be grown indoors or out. 1 p.m. Sun, Aug. 18. The Wade Creek House, 664 Wade St., Estacada; $35, includes all materials; thewadecreekhouse.blogspot.com or 503-630-7556Art in the Garden at Laurel Hedge: Stroll through the country garden while enjoying local art and live entertainment. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sat, Aug. 31. Laurel Hedge, 28500 S.E. Currin Road, Estacada; free; .laurelhedge.net/LaurelHedge/Events.html or 503-473-6734Heritage Family Tree Wreath: Create a rustic heritage-style family tree wreath using canvas, burlap and black-and-white family photos. 10:30 a.m. Sat, Sept. 7. The Wade Creek House, 664 Wade St., Estacada; $28; thewadecreekhouse.blogspot.com or 503-630-7556Outdoor Vintage Market: Features vendors, food and music. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat, Sept. 21. The Wade Creek House, 664 Wade St., Estacada; free admission; thewadecreekhouse.blogspot.com or 503-630-7556OngoingKayak Tours: Park rangers are leading kayak tours based at Milo McIver State Park near Estacada on Thursday mornings through Labor Day.The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department is accepting reservations to join the low-cost, paddle tours of Estacada Lake, leaving from a new boat ramp at McIver State Park."The idea is to give beginners an introduction to kayak technique, water safety and waterway etiquette, with an opportunity to practice," said Guy Rodrigue, park manager at Milo McIver. "We provide all of the equipment and give people a basic history of the area as well as information about the regional plants and animals."Tours cost $15 per person and are limited to 11 participants ages 7 and older. Reservations are required: call Reservations Northwest at 800-452-5687.The distance paddled will be about two miles, but can be shortened or lengthened to fit the group. Three of the park's boats are tandem kayaks, allowing friends, partners or parents and children to paddle together.Milo McIver State Park is located northwest of Estacada, 45 minutes outside of Portland. A $5 state parks day-use or annual permit is required to park each vehicle. For directions and additional information, visit the McIver park website at oregonstateparks.org.-- Terry Richard, The OregonianEstacada Farmers Market: Vendors sell produce, nursery stock, plants, flowers, honey and other agricultural products, food items, pet supplies, clothing, hats, fleece products, jewelry and other arts and crafts. Live entertainment, weekly door prize drawing and free morning coffee featured. Weekly 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sat, through Sept. 28. Estacada Farmers Market, Northwest Third Avenue and Broadway Street, Estacada; free admission; .estacadafarmersmarket.org or 503-630-6100 or estacadafarmersmarket@ymail.comDinner and Dance Social: Music provided by the Heartland Classic Country Band.Monthly 5 p.m. first and third Sat. Estacada Community Center, 200 Clubhouse Drive, Estacada; $5, includes a hot meal and beverages; 503-630-7454GLADSTONEClothes Drive: The Gladstone-Oak Grove Rotary is hosting a clothes drive, an annual tradition for more than 20 years.The rotary is collecting clothing, shoes and blankets through Aug. 31 for men served by the Portland Rescue Mission and women and children served by Shepherd's Door.Drop-off locations include the Gladstone Christian Church, 305 E. Dartmouth St.; U.S. Bank, 19900 S.E. McLoughlin Blvd.; and Edward Jones Investments, 820 Portland Ave.For information or pickup, contact Walt Fitch at 503-544-9672 walt.fitch@gmail.com-- Walt Fitch, Gladstone-Oak Grove Rotary ClubAARP Driving Safety Course: Increase your skills to become a safer, more defensive driver. Ages 55 and older may be eligible for auto insurance discount. Registration required. 1-4:30 p.m. Wed-Thu, Aug. 28-29. Gladstone Senior Center, 1050 Portland Ave., Gladstone; $12-$14 series; .gladstoneseniors.org or 503-655-7701OngoingTake Off Pounds Sensibly: T.O.P.S. is a nonprofit weight-loss support group. Weekly 5:30 p.m. Mon, through Aug. 26 (including Memorial Day). St. Stephen Lutheran Church, 290 W. Glocester St., Gladstone; free; .tops.org or 503-750-7686Aerobics: Low-impact chair aerobics for senior citizens. Weekly 10:30-11:30 a.m. Tue and Thu. Gladstone Senior Center, 1050 Portland Ave., Gladstone; free; .gladstoneseniors.org or 503-655-7701Wednesday Afternoon at the Movies: Features popcorn, tea, fellowship and popular movies. Visit website for titles. Weekly 1 p.m. Wed. Gladstone Senior Center, 1050 Portland Ave., Gladstone; free; .gladstoneseniors.org or 503-655-7701Cribbage Group: Senior citizens can make new friends while participating in the card game that involves playing and grouping cards in combinations which gain points. All levels welcome. Weekly 10:30 a.m. Wed. . Gladstone Senior Center, 1050 Portland Ave., Gladstone; free; .gladstoneseniors.org or 503-655-7701Gladstone Historical Society Meeting: Visitors welcome. Monthly 6 p.m. second Wednesday. Gladstone Senior Center, 1050 Portland Ave., Gladstone; free; .gladstonehistoricalsociety.orgMommy's Morning Off: Child care provided for ages infant-5 years so parents can take a break to do whatever they please. Registration recommended. Weekly 9-11:30 a.m. Thu. Tri-City Baptist Temple, 18025 Webster Road, Gladstone; free; .tcbt.org or 503-575-0629Craft Circle: Make new friends while working on your knitting, crochet, embroidery, hand-quilting and other projects. Monthly 7 p.m. first and third Wednesday (except holidays). Gladstone Public Library, 135 E. Dartmouth St., Gladstone; free; .gladstone.lib.or.us or 503-656-1411Bridge Games: Card game for senior citizens. Weekly 12:30 p.m. Fri. Gladstone Senior Center, 1050 Portland Ave., Gladstone; free; .gladstoneseniors.org or 503-655-7701CharitySalvation Army West Women's and Children's Shelter Drive: The wish list included nonperishable food, toiletries, and new and gently-used clothing, shoes, and coats of all sizes. Visit the website for a list of acceptable items. Contact the club to have items picked up or for information about renting its facility. Gladstone Community Club, 255 E. Exeter St., Gladstone; free; .gladstonecommunityclub.com/ or gladcommclub@juno.comHAPPY VALLEYSummer Concerts in the Park: Bring a blanket or lawn chair and listen to music by the Menace Band. Food, wine and beer available for purchase. 6-8 p.m. Thu, Aug. 15. Happy Valley Park, 13700 S.E. Ridgecrest Road, Happy Valley; free; city of Happy Valley, 503-783-3800Safety and Roadway Fair: Have fun while learning about safety.The 2013 Safety and Roadway Fair will be from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aug. 24 at Clackamas Town Center, 12000 S.E. 82nd Ave. in Happy Valley.Safety booths will be inside and outside the mall near Sears. Over 20 organizations will provide education on services such as how to call 911, water and fire safety, pet adoption and school bus safety.Free helmets will be provided (while supplies last) to children 18 years and under who visit safety stations. Reduced-price helmets will be available for adults.Secure Child will provide free child identification kits and American Medical Response will demonstrate life jacket fittings.Representatives from the Clackamas County Sheriff's Office Marine and Traffic Units will demonstrate equipment, and Portland General Electric will have its "Hazard Hamlet" on hand to illustrate electrical risks at home.The Clackamas County Fire District 1 education trailer will allow children to practice safe evacuation, and Oregon Impact will bring a crash car educating individuals on the dangers of impaired driving.The Roadway Fair welcomes experts from the Oregon Department of Transportation, Team Oregon (Motorcycle Safety) and TriMet. The county road department will bring equipment such as dirt diggers for children to get close and see how the work is done.All children will win prizes and children 8 years and under can ride pedal cars on Safety Street.Fair sponsors include the Clackamas County Traffic Safety Commission, Happy Valley Traffic and Public Safety Committee, Clackamas Safe Communities and Clackamas Town Center.Information: ClackamasSafeCommunities.org or contact Patty McMillan, program coordinator, at 503-742-4661.-- Clackamas Safe CommunitiesCredit Recovery Workshop: Learn about the ins-and-outs of credit scores and credit reports, and the things you can do to have the most impact on building or rebuilding better credit. A great class for people with high credit card balances, collections or other debt -- who are rebuilding credit after a bankruptcy or foreclosure -- or who have been denied for a loan due to their credit history. Hosted by the Neighborhood Economic Development Corporation, a nonprofit geared toward helping people overcome financial hurdles and plan for a brighter financial future. Registration required. 5:30-7:30 p.m. Mon, Sept. 30. Community Room, Clackamas Fire Station #5, 9339 Causey Ave., Happy Valley; free; .nedcocdc.org or 503-655-8974OngoingOnce Upon a Story Time: The themed event features picture story books, crafts, activities and snacks. Weekly 10 a.m. Wed. Barnes & Noble Clackamas Town Center, 12000 S.E. 82nd Ave., Happy Valley; free; .barnesandnoble.com or 503-786-3464Concerts: Live music. Weekly 6-8 p.m. Fri. New Seasons Market, 15861 N.E. Happy Valley Town Center Drive, Happy Valley; free; .newseasonsmarket.com or 503-558-9214American Girl Club: Stories, books, kits and refreshments. Monthly 3 p.m. second Sun. Barnes & Noble Clackamas Town Center, 12000 S.E. 82nd Ave., Happy Valley; free; .barnesandnoble.com or 503-786-3464CivicMeetings held in Happy Valley City Hall, Council Chambers, 16000 S.E. Misty Drive, Happy Valley. Details: .ci.happy-valley.or.us/ or 503-783-3800--Happy Valley City Council: 7-9 p.m. on first and third Tuesday of each month.--Happy Valley Juvenile Diversion Panel: 5:30-7 p.m. on second Wednesday of each month.--Happy Valley Planning Commission: 7-9 p.m. on second and fourth Tuesday of each month.--Happy Valley Traffic and Public Safety Commission: 7-9 p.m. on second Thursday of each month.--Happy Valley Youth Council: 7-9 p.m. on second Monday of each month, September through May.LAKE OSWEGOCar Wash Benefit: It's a dusty time of year!Get your car sparkling clean at the Riverdale High School -- Bridges to India Car Wash and Bake Sale.The fundraiser will be 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 14, at Riverdale High School, 9727 S.W. Terwilliger Blvd. There will also be tasty bake sale treats available.Bridges to India is a Riverdale High School student-run organization raising funds to support Hope Charities Clinic in Kerala, India. Join us and help us help others.-- Kelley Styring"Greater Tuna": The comedy features Texas' third smallest town, where the Lions Club is too liberal and Patsy Cline never dies. Reservations suggested. 7:30 p.m. Thu-Sat, through Aug. 17; and 2 p.m. Sun, through Aug. 18. Lakewood Center for the Arts, 368 S. State St., Lake Oswego; $30-$32; 503-635-3901 or .lakewood-center.orgPoetry Slam: The library partners with the Lake Oswego High School Poetry Club for the open-mic. The club's goal is to share the beauty of poetry and the power of words. 4-5 p.m. Mon, Aug. 12. Lake Oswego Public Library, 706 Fourth St., Lake Oswego; free; .ci.oswego.or.us/library or 503-636-7628Teen Writing Group: Tiah Lindner, a writer, editor, teacher and practicing poet, helps ages 13-17 develop their skills during the hands-on workshop. 5:30-6:30 p.m. Mon, Aug. 12. Lake Oswego Public Library, 706 Fourth St., Lake Oswego; free; 503-697-6580 or lochild@ci.oswego.or.usComputer Class: Topic is "Best of the Web: The Coolest Stuff Online." Registration required. 9-10 a.m. Tue, Aug. 13. Lake Oswego Public Library, 706 Fourth St., Lake Oswego; free; 503-675-2540Summer Reading Celebration Party: Readers of all ages invited to drop in for free refreshments, music, face-painting, crafts and wandering puppet greeters. Those who have reached their reading goals receive coupons and select a paperback book prize, courtesy of the Friends of the Library. Contact library for details. 1-4 p.m. Wed, Aug. 14. Lake Oswego Public Library, 706 Fourth St., Lake Oswego; free; .ci.oswego.or.us/library or 503-636-7628Diabetes Support Group: Robert Tysoe from Sonus will talk about hearing loss prevention and strategies, as well as tinnitus. Participants can also test their hearing with a hand-held audiometer. 6:30-8 p.m. Wed, Aug. 14. Lake Oswego Adult Community Center, 505 G Ave., Lake Oswego; free; Janet Meirelles, 503-684-0146 or janetm365@gmail.com--Summer Outdoor Concert and Dinner: Features dinner (6-8 p.m.) and music by Storm Large and her band (8 p.m.). Proceeds benefit CASA of Clackamas County (Child Advocates, Inc., the Court Appointed Special Advocates), a nonprofit with the mission to advocate for a safe, permanent home for every child who, through no fault of his/her own, enters foster care. Reservations required. 6 p.m. Thu, Aug. 15. Oswego Lake Country Club, 20 Iron Mountain Blvd., Lake Oswego; $150, includes parking, dinner, cocktails and concert (tax deductible portion is $75); .casa-cc.org or 503-723-0521--Computer Class: Topic is "Search the Internet: Advanced Google Searching." Registration required. 9-10 a.m. Tue, Aug. 20. Lake Oswego Public Library, 706 Fourth St., Lake Oswego; free; 503-675-2540Computer Class: Topic is "Posters, Flyers and More With Publisher." Registration required. 9-10 a.m. Wed, Aug. 21. Lake Oswego Public Library, 706 Fourth St., Lake Oswego; free; 503-675-2540Kathe Mai; Mary Wong; Deborah Spencer: "Women & Metal...Forging Ahead...35 Years of Inspired Jewelry Design" features work by the studio's owners and includes gemstones, rocks and metals. Ends Aug. 17. Trios' Studio, 3 Monroe Parkway, Suite 1, Lake Oswego; .triosstudio.com or 503-496-1285"Comedie of Errors": Original Practice Shakespeare Festival is dedicated to bringing a new (old) style of Shakespearean performance to Portland, using the same performance techniques as were used in Shakespeare's own time: limited rehearsals, onstage prompter, fast-paced acting and audience interaction. 2 p.m. Sat, Aug. 17. Marylhurst University, 17600 Pacific Highway, Marylhurst; free; .opsfest.org or 503-636-8141Oswego Heritage Collector Car and Classic Boat Show: The 14th annual show offers collector cars, motorcycles and on-land classic boats at George Rogers Park; classic boats on the Lake at the Lake Oswego Corporation Docks; and classic boats, including a historic hydroplane, at the Foothills Park Docks. A free shuttle runs continuously throughout the show to all venues. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sun, Aug. 18. George Rogers Park, corner of Ladd and South State streets, Lake Oswego; free; .oswegoheritage.org or 503-635-6373Computer Class: Topic is "Research a Topic." Registration required. 9-10 a.m. Tue, Aug. 27. Lake Oswego Public Library, 706 Fourth St., Lake Oswego; free; 503-675-2540Monty Python's "Spamalot": Lakewood Theatre Company presents the wacky musical lovingly ripped off from the film "Monty Python and the Holy Grail." Sure to confuse anyone not familiar with the piece, the play features the crazy knight of Camelot, killer rabbits and a bevy of show girls. Opens 7:30 p.m. Fri, Sept. 6. Continues various times Thu-Sun, through Oct. 13. Lakewood Center for the Arts, 368 S. State St., Lake Oswego; $34-$36; .lakewood-center.org or 503-635-3901Concert by 3 Leg Torso: Portland's cinematic chamber ensemble performs original compositions and traditional favorites from around the globe. In Lajos Balogh Performance Shell. 5 p.m. Sun, Sept. 1. Marylhurst University, 17600 Pacific Highway, Marylhurst; free; .3legtorso.com or 503-740-9614Outdoor summer concertsMoonlight and Music Concerts: Weekly 6-7:30 p.m. Sun, through Aug. 25. Lineup continues with Lino, Aug. 18; and Geoffrey Castle, Aug. 25. Millennium Plaza Park, 200 First St., Lake Oswego; free; .lakeoswegoparks.orgSounds of Summer Concerts: Weekly 6:30-8:30 p.m. Wed, Aug. 7-28. Lineup includes Satin Love Orchestra, Aug. 14; Johnny Limbo and the Lugnuts, Aug. 21; and Stone in Love, Aug. 28. Westlake Park, 4800 Melrose St., Lake Oswego; free; .lakeoswegoparks.orgCooking classes--Basic Knife Skills: Hands-on class with Wes O'Neal 1 p.m. Sat, Aug. 17. In Good Taste, 6302 S.W. Meadows Road, Lake Oswego; $45; registration required; .ingoodtastePDX.com or 503-248-2015--Small Plates From Eastern Mediterranean: Hands-on cooking class with Robert Hammond. 5:30 p.m. Sat, Aug. 17. In Good Taste, 6302 S.W. Meadows Road, Lake Oswego; $90; registration required; .ingoodtastePDX.com or 503-248-2015--Provencal Picnic: Hands-on cooking class with Robert Hammond. 2 p.m. Sun, Aug. 18. In Good Taste, 6302 S.W. Meadows Road, Lake Oswego; $90; registration required; .ingoodtastePDX.com or 503-248-2015--Chinese Restaurant Favorites: Hands-on cooking class with Robert Hammond. 6:30 p.m. Fri, Aug. 23. In Good Taste, 6302 S.W. Meadows Road, Lake Oswego; $90; registration required; .ingoodtastePDX.com or 503-248-2015--Chef's Technique Series: Grilling: Hands-on cooking class with Jeremy Niehuss. 5 p.m. Sat, Aug. 24. In Good Taste, 6302 S.W. Meadows Road, Lake Oswego; $90; registration required; .ingoodtastePDX.com or 503-248-2015--Asado Argentino: Hands-on cooking class with Andre Pianucci. 2 p.m. Sun, Aug. 25. In Good Taste, 6302 S.W. Meadows Road, Lake Oswego; $95; registration required; .ingoodtastePDX.com or 503-248-2015--Paella: Hands-on cooking class with Andre Pianucci. 6 p.m. Wed, Aug. 28. In Good Taste, 6302 S.W. Meadows Road, Lake Oswego; $90; registration required; .ingoodtastePDX.com or 503-248-2015Wine Tastings--Lido Bay Paso Robles and Monterey County: Casual wine tasting of 6-8 wines; cheese and crackers included. 4:30 a.m.-8 p.m. Fri, Aug. 23. World Class Wines, 269 A. Ave., Lake Oswego; $15 for 6 wines; $5 for bonus pour of 2 premium wines; .worldclasswinesoregon.com or 503 974 9841--SakeOne's Pacific Rim Festival: Taiko drumming, Chinese lion dancing, Tahitian dancing, kung fu demonstration, live Hawaiian and reggae music and more cultural performances, plus food vendors. 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Sat, Aug. 24. SakeOne, 820 Elm St., Forest Grove; $7 admission, ages 10 and younger free; .sakeone.com or 503-357-7056, ext. 234OngoingLake Oswego Farmers Market: Vendors sell produce, nursery stock, flowers, food, arts and crafts. Also artist demonstrations, a kids corner, free doggy day care and live music. Weekly 8:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Sat, through Oct. 12. Millennium Plaza Park, 200 First St., Lake Oswego; free admission; .ci.oswego.or.us/parksrec/lake-oswego-farmers-market or Lake Oswego Parks and Recreation, 503-675-2549Kickboxing: Get a good workout led by an instructor in the drop-in program for ages 12-18. Visit .loteenscene.org for After School Activities Program membership and schedule information. Weekly 4-5 p.m. Mon, through May 20. Lake Oswego West End Building, 4101 Kruse Way, Lake Oswego; $2 per class, or free toAfter School Activities Program members; or 503-635-3758Scottish Country Dance Classes: Lessons for beginners weekly 7:30-8:45 p.m. Mon; intermediate dancers 8:45-9:30 p.m. Wear soft-soled shoes. Partner not necessary. Waluga Lodge 181, 417 Second St., Lake Oswego; $5 (first lesson free); portlandscottishdancers.org or Don Gertz, 503-692-5963 or dlgertz@frontier.comPreschool Story Time: Ages 3-5 years. Weekly 10:30 a.m. Tue-Wed. Lake Oswego Public Library, 706 Fourth St., Lake Oswego; free; .ci.oswego.or.us/library or 503-636-7628Baby Story Time: Ages newborn-18 months. Weekly 11:45 a.m. Tue. Lake Oswego Public Library, 706 Fourth St., Lake Oswego; free; .ci.oswego.or.us/library or 503-636-7628Guitar Club: Learn how to play your guitar and pick up new skills in the casual, jam-session-based club for ages 12-18. See website for the After School Activities Program membership and schedule. Weekly 4-5 p.m. Tue. West End Building, 4101 Kruse Way, Lake Oswego; $1 per session, or free to After School Activities Program members; .loteenscene.org or 503-635-3758Toddler Story Time: Ages 19 months-3 years. Weekly 11:45 a.m. Wed. Lake Oswego Public Library, 706 Fourth St., Lake Oswego; free; .ci.oswego.or.us/library or 503-636-7628Mixed-media Art Class: Learn several mediums, techniques and projects from an experienced instructor in the drop-in class for ages 12-18. Weekly 4-5 p.m. Thu. West End Building, 4101 Kruse Way, Lake Oswego; $2 per class, free to After School Activities Program members; for details, visit .loteenscene.org or 503-635-3758The 24/7 Library: Searching Online Resources: Library-card holders can learn how to access resources online anytime of the day or night. Registration required for each class. Weekly 10 a.m. first and second Thu. Lake Oswego Public Library, 706 Fourth St., Lake Oswego; free; .ci.oswego.or.us/library or 503-636-7628Musical Lap Time: Anne Clark, an early childhood music specialist, leads a combination of gentle rhymes, bounces and movements designed to create bonding between caregivers and babies (through 18 months old). Weekly 10:30 a.m. Thu. Lake Oswego Public Library, 706 Fourth St., Lake Oswego; free; .ci.oswego.or.us/library or 503-636-7628Nia: Increase your strength, flexibility and agility in the class that fuses dance, martial arts and yoga. Weekly 5:45-7 p.m. Thu. Pilates Bodies Studio, 16130 S.W. Boones Ferry Road, Lake Oswego; $10 drop-in per class, $32 for four-class punch card; Danielle Mery-Stern by email to merystern@comcast.netFirst Friday Pizza and Match Play: Youth, ages 12-18, who are on the verge of playing tennis or are currently playing are invited for pizza and a supervised competitive match play. Junior racquets provided. Registration suggested. Monthly 6-8 p.m. first Friday. Lake Oswego Indoor Tennis Center, 2900 Diane Drive, Lake Oswego; $15 per session; .lakeoswegoparks.org or Lake Oswego Parks and Recreation, 503-675-2549McMINNVILLEAuthor Robert A. Vrilakas: The Happy Valley resident will talk about and sign "Look Mom -- I Can Fly," a book about his experiences during WWII and his 51 combat missions in P-38 (Lightening) fighters. 10 a.m. Sat, Aug. 17. Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum, 500 N.E. Captain Michael King Smith Way, McMinnville; free admission; Robert A. Vrilakas, 503-658-5436 or rvrilakas@aol.comHarvest Fest: Harvest Fest celebrates farming heritage and includes a VFW flag raising (10 a.m.), exhibits of antique farm equipment, grain harvesting and threshing, a tractor parade, working old-time sawmill and blacksmith shops, children's area, music, entertainment and food. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sat-Sun, Aug. 17-18. Yamhill Valley Heritage Center, 11275 S.W. Durham Lane, McMinnville; $3, free for ages 12 and younger; .yamhillcountyhistory.org or 503-434-0490Salem Concert Band "Red White and Blues" Outdoor Concert: Blues, popular and all-American music. Rebecca Fromholz is the guest vocalist. Box dinners must be pre-purchased by Aug. 28. Bring a lawn chair or blanket. 6 p.m. Fri, Aug. 30. Youngberg Hill Vineyards & Inn, 10660 S.W. Youngberg Hill Road, McMinnville; $20 concert, $10 dinner; salemconcertband.org or 503-362-0485MILWAUKIEConcerts in Scott Park: Come and enjoy great music on the shores of the Ledding Library's beautiful duck pond.The free concerts are at noon every Wednesday, June 19-Aug. 28, at the park located behind the library at 10660 S.E. 21st Ave.For those who do not bring a lunch, the Friends of the Library will be on hand selling snacks and drinks for concert goers.The Historic Milwaukie Neighborhood Association has scheduled a variety of musicians that will get your feet tapping, soul singing and faces smiling.--August 14: Kenny Lavitz Duo -- Blues & Folk--August 21: Robbie Laws Trio -- Local Guitar Master--August 28: Marion Carboni Duo: Keyboard & Drums -- Honky TonkParking is available in the lot behind the library and in the lot across the street from City Hall. The series is hosted by the Historic Milwaukie Neighborhood Association and sponsored by Willamette View, Spring Creek Coffee House, Reliable Credit, Providence Health & Services, Friends of the Ledding Library, Comfort Care Dental, Celebrate Milwaukie, and Bernard's Garage.Patriot's Day: Ages 8-12 learn about the American flag and patriotism tIn B-17 Alliance building.hrough crafts, games and activities. Registration required. 10 a.m.-noon Mon, Aug. 12. In B-17 Alliance building across parking lot from The Bomber Restaurant, 13515 S.E. McLoughlin Blvd., Milwaukie; $7 suggested donation; .b17wingsoffreedom.org or Terry Scott, 503-654-6491 or terry@thebomber.comRussian Storytime: All ages can listen to stories read in Russian. 6:30 p.m. Mon, Aug. 12. Milwaukie Ledding Library, 10660 S.E. 21st Ave., Milwaukie; free; .ci.milwaukie.or.us/library or 503-786-7580Family Show: Ages 5 and older treated to juggling, comedy and cowboy tricks by Leapin' Louie. 2 p.m. Tue, Aug. 13. Scott Park, behind the Milwaukie Ledding Library, 10660 S.E. 21st Ave., Milwaukie; free; .ci.milwaukie.or.us/library or 503-786-758Healthy Aging Seminar: An overview of the Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance (SHIBA) plan including Medicare benefits, eligibility requirements, enrollment periods, Planfinder, and Medicare Parts A, B, C and D. Clackamas County certified SHIBA counselors answer questions. Registration required. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Tue, Aug. 13. Milwaukie Center, 5440 S.E. Kellogg Creek Drive, Milwaukie; free; .milwaukiecenter.com or 503-653-8100Zumba in the Park: Dance to the international rhythms of salsa, cha cha, merengue and other styles in the high-energy workout led by instructors Neylana Bezerra and Ana Chaud. In the Sara Hite Memorial Rose Garden. 6:30-8 p.m. Fri, Aug. 16. Milwaukie Center, 5440 S.E. Kellogg Creek Drive, Milwaukie; $5; Milwaukie Center, 503-653-8100Real Heroes of the Air War: Ages 10-16 learn about patriotism through adventurous stories from real heroes of America. Participants explore the missions of our American soldiers during the World War II Air War through stories told by veterans, the creation of a photo album, and other activities. Registration required. 10 a.m.-noon Mon, Aug. 19. In B-17 Alliance building in parking lot across of The Bomber Restaurant, 13515 S.E. McLoughlin Blvd., Milwaukie; $7 suggested donation; .b17wingsoffreedom.org or Terry Scott, 503-654-6491 or terry@thebomber.comWellness Workshop: Dr. Jesse Buttler discusses detoxification therapy, nutrition, diet, and his approach to addressing the emotional cause of disease. Registration required. 6-7 p.m. Tue, Aug. 20. Milwaukie Ledding Library Pond House, 2215 S.E. Harrison St., Milwaukie; free; .milwaukie.lib.or.us or Northwest Natural Medicine, 503-786-2181Book Group: Ages 10 and older discuss popular books while eating snacks. Call for title. 4 p.m. Tue, Aug. 27. Milwaukie Ledding Library, 10660 S.E. 21st Ave., Milwaukie; free; .ci.milwaukie.or.us/library or 503-786-7580Spring Forest Qigong: A practice of simple movements, mental focus, breathing and meditation. Followed by meditation. Monthly 7-8:30 p.m. first and third Thu, Sept. 5-Dec. 19. Franciscan Spiritual Center, 2512 S.E. Monroe St., Milwaukie; $10 per class; .francisspctr.com or 503-794-8542LifeLine Financial Program: Learn how to take control of your finances and reach your financial goals in this relaxed and supportive class. Hosted by the Neighborhood Economic Development Corporation, a nonprofit geared toward helping people overcome financial hurdles and plan for a brighter future. Registration required. Weekly 5:30 p.m. Wed, Sept. 11-25 (plus one optional one-on-one meeting with a financial counselor). Community Room, Clackamas Fire District Lake Road Station #4, 6600 S.E. Lake Road, Milwaukie; free; .nedcocdc.org or 503-655-8974OngoingMilwaukie Farmers Market:迷你倉新蒲崗Vendors sell produce, plants, cheeses, meats, seafood, bakery items, food and handcrafted garden art. Live music featured. Weekly 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Sun, through Oct. 27. Milwaukie Farmers Market, Southeast Main Street across from City Hall, Milwaukie; free admission; .milwaukiefarmersmarket.comTalk Back to Books: Ages 10 and older read and discuss the book of the month. Free snacks provided. Visit website or call for title. Monthly 4:30 p.m. third Tuesday. Milwaukie Ledding Library, 10660 S.E. 21st Ave., Milwaukie; free; .milwaukie.lib.or.us or 503-786-7580Book Club: Adults read and then discuss a different book each month. Call for titles. Monthly 7-8 p.m. Wed. Milwaukie Ledding Library Pond House, 2215 S.E. Harrison St., Milwaukie; free; .milwaukie.lib.or.us or 503-786-7580Ledding Library Book Club: Call for titles. Monthly 7-8 p.m. fourth Wed. Milwaukie Ledding Library, 10660 S.E. 21st Ave., Milwaukie; free; .milwaukie.lib.or.us or 503-786-7580Knit Nite: Valarie Matthews leads a group for people who love to knit or want to learn the skill. Weekly 6:30-8 p.m. Thu. Milwaukie Ledding Library, 10660 S.E. 21st Ave., Milwaukie; free; bring your own supplies; .milwaukie.lib.or.us or 503-786-7580CivicWillamette Falls Chapter of the Coastal Conservation Association Meeting:Visitors welcome. Monthly 7 p.m. third Wed. Round Table Pizza, 16550 S.E. McLoughlin Blvd., Milwaukie; free; Dale Ballard, 503-551-9772 or daleballard52@molalla.netThe following meetings are held in Milwaukie City Hall, 10722 S.E. Main St., Milwaukie. Details: .ci.milwaukie.or.us/ or 503-786-7555--Milwaukie City Council holds its work session at 5 p.m. and regular session at 7 p.m. on the first and third Tuesday of each month.--Milwaukie City Council holds its study session at 5 p.m. on fourth Tuesday of each month.--Milwaukie Citizens Utility Advisory Board meets at 6 p.m. on third Wednesday of each month.SupportNational Alliance on Mental Illness: Support meeting for spouses or partners of persons with mental illness. Monthly 6:30 p.m. last Wed. National Alliance for the Mentally Ill of Clackamas County, 10202 S.E. 32nd Ave., Suite 501, Milwaukie; .nami.org/sites/nami:clackamascounty or 503-344-5050 or nami.clackamas@gmail.comNational Alliance on Mental Illness: Suicide bereavement group. Monthly 2-4 p.m. second and fourth Sunday. National Alliance for the Mentally Ill of Clackamas County, 10202 S.E. 32nd Ave., Suite 501, Milwaukie; .nami.org/sites/nami:clackamascounty or 503-344-5050 or nami.clackamas@gmail.comNational Alliance on Mental Illness: Dinner, program, support sessions for families and friends who care about someone of any age or relationship who has a mental illness, and persons managing their own recovery.for family/peer groups of persons with mental illness. Monthly 6:30-9 p.m. second Tue. Homewood Heights Assisted Living, 17999 S.E. River Road, Milwaukie; .nami.org/sites/nami:clackamascounty or 503-344-5050 or nami.clackamas@gmail.comNational Alliance on Mental Illness Connection Group: A recovery support group just for persons with mental illness regardless of their diagnosis. Weekly 1:30-3 p.m. Mon. National Alliance for the Mentally Ill of Clackamas County, 10202 S.E. 32nd Ave., Suite 501, Milwaukie; .nami.org/sites/nami:clackamascounty or 503-344-5050 or nami.clackamas@gmail.comMOLALLAMolalla Toastmasters: Improve your public speaking abilities in a fun and friendly atmosphere. Weekly 7-8 p.m. Tue. Conference Room to the left of the lobby at Fountain Valley Dental, 1400 Fountain Way, Molalla; No-host food available; $20 annual dues or $7 per month prorated to May and October; 977380.toastmastersclubs.org or molallatoastmasters@molalla.netSupportNational Alliance on Mental Illness: Support meeting for families and friends who care about someone of any age or relationship who has a mental illness, and persons managing their own recovery. Monthly 6:30-8 p.m. first Mon. Molalla Christian Church, 223 E. Third St., Molalla; .nami.org/sites/nami:clackamascounty or 503-344-5050 or nami.clackamas@gmail.comMOUNT HOODMount Hood Huckleberry Festival and Barlow Trail Days: Features live music, storytellers, historical tours, activities, exhibits, food and retail vendors, fresh wild huckleberries and huckleberry-filled treats. 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Fri-Sat, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Sun, Aug. 24-26. Mt. Hood Village Resort, 65000 E. Highway 26, Welches; free admission; .cascadegeographicsociety.com or Cascade Geographic Society, 503-622-4798 or cgsmthood@onemain.comWild About Game: For the 13th annual event, Nicky USA gathers eight chefs from Portland and Seattle for a friendly cooking competition using game products from Nicky Farms. Also cooking demonstrations by Portland chefs, cookbook signings, and wine and food tastings. 11:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Sun, Sept. 8. Timberline Lodge, off U.S. 26, Mount Hood; $65 advance; $75 at the door; .nickyusa.com or 503-234-4263Looking waaaaaay aheadMount Hood Salmon, Mushroom and Bigfoot Festival: Features a Bigfoot exhibit and Sasquatch talks and presentations; Native American stories and salmon bake; salmon habitat walks and exhibits; wild mushroom exhibit; flute fest and folk music; arts and crafts; a scarecrow-making contest; and huckleberry and mushroom products plus other food also available for purchase. 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Sat, Oct. 5; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sun, Oct. 6. Mt. Hood Village Resort, 65000 E. Highway 26, Welches; free admission and parking; .cascadegeographicsociety.com or Michael P. Jones, 503-622-4798 or cgsmthood@onemain.comChristmas Along the Barlow Trail: Visit with Santa Claus, sample free holiday treats, sing Christmas carols, and listen to Native American and pioneer flute music. Historians dressed in period clothing present "Pioneer Spirits Along Mount Hood's Oregon Trail." Storytellers offer "Christmas Tales of Old Oregon" -- a journey from the days of the Lewis and Clark Expedition in 1805, to the days of the Oregon Trail and pioneer settlement, to the slopes of Mount Hood in the early 1900s. Vendors sell history and nature books, huckleberry and wildberry products, and other specialty items. 1-4 p.m. Sun, Dec. 8. Oregon Country Settlement, 73370 E. Buggy Trail Lane, Rhododendron; free admission and parking; .cascadegeographicsociety.com or Michael P. Jones, 503-622-4798 or cgsmthood@onemain.comOngoingFamily Story Time: Weekly 10 a.m. Tue. Hoodland Public Library, 68256 E. Highway 26, Welches; free; 503-622-3460Line Dancing: Geared for senior citizens of all levels. Weekly 10 a.m. Tue and Thu. Mt. Hood Village Resort, 65000 E. Highway 26, Welches; free; .mthoodvillage.com or 503-622-7665ClubsMt. Hood Lions Club: Lions Clubs International programs include sight, hearing and speech conservation; diabetes awareness; youth outreach; international relations; and environmental issues. Business meeting. Monthly 7:30 p.m. second Wed. Mt. Hood Lions Club, 24730 Woodsey Lane, Welches; free; Dan Wolf at 503-622-4664, mthoodlionsclub@aol.comOREGON CITYLiberty Mutual Invitation Golf Tournament: The Oregon Lions Sight & Hearing Foundation will host the fourth annual benefit on Monday, Aug. 19, at Stone Creek Golf Course in Oregon City. All proceeds support sight and hearing medical care and preventative screenings for people in need throughout Oregon.This year, the foundation proudly partners with the 2013 United States Blind Golf Association. Portland native Ron Plath, five-time winner of the U.S. National and 2009 World Championship, organizes and hosts this tournament. Liberty Mutual teams will play with a blind or visually-impaired golfer from the U.S. Open Championship. Included among the players from around the world are Brian MacLeod, a totally-blind golfer from Truro, Nova Scotia, Canada, who has been participating in the sport since 1997; and Israeli blind golfer Zohar Sharon, who has won titles in Israel as well as Europe. In 2003, Sharon won the World Invitational blind golf tournament in Scotland. A dinner banquet emceed by KEX 1190 AM radio host Paul Linnman will follow the tournament.Registration begins at 11:30 a.m. and tee off time is 1:30 p.m. The four-player scramble format offers two flight options: Sight Scramble and Pinehurst Flight. The winning team from Pinehurst Flight qualifies for the Liberty Mutual National Championship in Pinehurst, North Carolina. Every player receives over $200 in tee prizes, including Adidas golf shoes.Special recognition to our partners Liberty Mutual, TaylorMade Adidas Golf, Polaroid, Sports Vision Eyewear, Golf Digest and Pinehurst Resort, and to our local sponsor Grocery Outlet.For more information or to become a tee sponsor, contact Doug Thompson at (503) 413-7527 or visit our website at .olshf.org.About Oregon Lions Sight & Hearing Foundation: Our mission is to screen, treat, save and restore sight and hearing for those in need. Last year, over 52,000 people were screened statewide through our Mobile Health Screening Program, 93% of which were children at an average cost of $6.00 per person. In addition, we have distributed over 2,300 gift vouchers for free eye exams and eyeglasses in partnership with Vision Service Plan and Prevent Blindness America. We also provide the gift of sight to people in developing countries with nearly 72,000 eyeglasses shipped and distributed through mission work. Learn more at .olshf.org.-- Eliza Bone, Communications Director (eliza.bone@orlions.org)Art on the Lawn: Stroll the grounds of the farm and watch local artists at work. In William L. Holmes House. Noon Sat, Aug. 17. Rose Farm Museum, 536 Holmes Lane, Oregon City; $3-$4 museum admission; .mcloughlinhouse.org or McLoughlin Memorial Association, 503-656-5146Concerts in the Park: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Thu, through Aug. 22. Food service begins 5:30 p.m. Bring a blanket or chair. The lineup continues with Ellen Whyte, Aug. 15; and Johnny Limbo and the Lugnuts, Aug. 22. Carnegie Center, 606 John Adams St., Oregon City; freeSocial Media Mondays: Trevor Dodge, a Clackamas Community College English instructor, will discuss Twitter. If you have a laptop or other digital device which you'd like to practice on, bring it. 7 p.m. Mon, Aug. 19. Oregon City Public Library, 606 John Adams St., Oregon City; free; .orcity.org/library or 503-657-8269Lavender Girls Sale: The sale, featuring products created by the group of preteens, includes lavender sachets and bath salts, bundles of fresh-picked lavender, hand-painted votive with lavender stalks, and homemade baked goods. This year's fifth annual benefit for the Children's Cancer Association also features pony rides for $5. 9 a.m.-noon Sat, Aug. 24. Big Dog Stables, 13262 S.E. Leland Road, Oregon City; free admission; .facebook.com/LavenderGirlsOfWestLinn or Michelle Bombet Minch, 503-971-235-8608 or michelle@bombetminch.comFIDO Rabies and Microchip Clinic: Veterinarians administer the services. Dogs must be on leashes and cats in carriers. Proceeds benefit Friends Involved in Dog Outreach (FIDO), a nonprofit that supplies dog and cat food for the Meals On Wheels program and dog food through the monthly dog food bank. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sat, Aug. 24. Kmart in Berry Hill Shopping Center, 19003 Beavercreek Road, Oregon City; $10 rabies vaccine, $30 Avid Identifications System Microchip (includes lifetime registration), or $35 for both; fido-clackamas.org or Jackie Catto, 971-678-6928Open Air Antique Fair: More than 90 antique vendors in a new location at the End of the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center. Food court, live music and "for fun" appraisals ($5 each, limit of three). 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Sun, Aug. 25. End of the Oregon Trail/Oregon State and Mt. Hood Territory Visitor Information Center, 1726 Washington St., Oregon City; free admission; .oregoncity.org/antique_fair.html or 503-656-1619PLAYBILL: Clackamas Repertory Theatre continues its ninth season Saturday with "Kiss Me Kate" by Cole Porter and Bella and Sam Spewack.Directed by David Smith-English, the show features Portland favorite Leif Norby as Fred/Petruchio and exciting newcomer Merideth Kaye Clark as Lilli/Kate.The original idea for "Kiss Me Kate" came to producer Arthur Saint-Subber when he was working in a production of "Taming of the Shrew" with Alfred Lunt and Lynn Fontanne. He noticed their backstage relationship seemed to mirror the parts they were playing on stage. They would be having a heated argument, go on as Kate and Petruchio, then exit and pick up the quarrel where they left off, never missing a beat.Saint-Subber asked Bella Spewack to write the book for a play about a feuding theatrical couple acting in a musical production of "The Taming of the Shrew" as Kate and Petruchio. Bella worked on the on-stage and off-stage worlds and Sam Spewack concentrated on the low-brow humor of the two gangsters.But the real stars of the work are the songs. Cole Porter was unusual in that he wrote both the lyrics and music. Known for his suave and urbane lyrics and supple melodies, he also had an incomparable capacity for unusual rhymes. He was the master of the revelatory song that distils a character's essence to an easy-to grasp form and his songs for "Kate" were written in response to Rodgers and Hammerstein's integrated musical "Oklahoma!" It was the first of his shows in which the lyrics and the music were definitely connected to the script. The best known is the classic "Too Darn Hot;" others include "Wunderbar," "Another Op'nin', Another Show," and "Brush Up Your Shakespeare.""Kiss Me Kate" ran for 1,070 performances and won five Tony Awards in 1949: Best Musical, Best Author, Best Composer and Lyricist, Best Producers and Best Costumes."Kiss Me Kate" also features CRT favorites Doren Elias (Tevye) and Michael Mitchell (Judd) as Gangsters #1 and #2, and James Sharinghousen ("Cabaret's' Emcee) as Bill.CRT performances take place at 7:30 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays with Sunday matinees at 2:30 p.m., Aug. 3-25. All performances are in the Osterman Theatre at Clackamas Community College, 19600 Molalla Ave., Oregon City.Tickets are $30 general admission, $28 ages 65 and older, or $15 ages 6.25.CRT continues its season in late September with the farce "The 39 Steps."For reservations, call 503-594-6047 or visit .clackamasrep.org. The low-price preview is August 1. August 2 is sold out.--Cyndy Smith-English, managing director, Clackamas Repertory TheatreSmall Farm School: Workshop topics geared for beginning farmers and small acreage landowners include cattle and poultry management, berry and vegetable production, tractor safety and operation, on-farm veterinary care, hand tool maintenance, and soil conservation. Registration required; space limited. 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Sat, Sept. 7. Clairmont Hall, Clackamas Community College, 19600 S. Molalla Ave., Oregon City; $65 ages 19 and older, $40 ages 13-18 accompanied by registered adult; smallfarms.oregonstate.edu/small-farm-school or Heidi Noordijk, 503-678-1264, ext. 141 or heidi.noordijk@oregonstate.edu?Dinners in the Field: Stroll through the vineyard then relax into a six-course meal from Field & Vine featuring locally grown produce and wine. Shuttle bus available for $5 from West Linn. 5:30 p.m. Sat, Sept. 14. King's Raven Winery, 11603 S. New Era Road, Oregon City; $75; registration required; .kingsravenwine.com or 503-5397202Healing Garden Gala: Children's Center will host its second annual Healing Garden Gala on Thursday, Sept. 19, at the clinic at 1713 Penn Lane in Oregon City. This premier Clackamas County event allows community members throughout the region to unite on behalf of abused and neglected children.A reception and open house style tours will begin at 6 p.m. and will feature heavy appetizers and a hosted bar. Beginning at 7:30 p.m., guests will enjoy a live program with speaker Jessica Farmer, volunteer and community advocate, and special guest Steve Dunn of KATU Channel 2 News.Presenting sponsor is Airstream Adventures Northwest, and gold sponsors include Warn Employee Community Impact Project and NW Natural.Tickets cost $100 each and tables of 10 are available for $1,000. Receipt of RSVP and payment by Sept. 5 ensures your seat at this event. Register online at .childrenscenter.ccIf you would like to attend the gala or support the event as a sponsor, contact Shauna Lugar at 503-655-7725 or shauna@childrenscenter.cc.-- Barbara Peschiera, executive director, Children's Center ?--Vertical Garden Seminars: Lifelong gardener Philip Yates covers construction, installation, maintenance, drainage, plants and other topics. The owner of Singer Hill Cafe has installed 1,500 square feet of vertical gardens inside and outside the cafe. Monthly 3-4 p.m. the last Sun, through August. Singer Hill Cafe, 623 Seventh St., Oregon City; free; 503-656-5252--Food Preservation Classes: The Extension Service is offering a variety of food preservation classes this summer. The classes are staffed by experienced volunteers who provide instruction and hands-on opportunities for participants to practice safe food preservation techniques and build self-confidence and skills.The schedule includes:--Saturday, September 7, 9 a.m.to noon: Introduction to Fermented Pickles--Saturday, September 7, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.: Fermented Pickles, Part 2--Tuesday, October 8, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.: All About Apples--Saturday, November 9, 9 a.m.to noon: Introduction to Pressure CanningPreregistration is required. Cost is $30 per class, with the exception of the Fermented Pickles classes, which are $35 each. Fee includes instructional packet, recipes, and sample product to take home. The classes will be held at the OSU Extension annex, 200 Warner Milne Road in Oregon City. To register and for other information, call 503-655-8634 or visit extension.oregonstate.edu/clackamas/.Sky Viewings: The Rose City Astronomers is offering monthly public sky viewings at the Haggart Observatory at Clackamas Community College.The free viewings begin around sunset and continue until about 11 p.m., weather permitting, on the following Saturdays: Sept. 14, Oct. 26, Nov. 30 and Dec. 28.The Haggart Observatory, located at the Environmental Learning Center, offers views of the night skies through 24-inch and 13-inch Newtonian reflector telescopes. Viewings are free during the astronomy club's Public Nights.Space in the observatory is limited, and viewers may at times have to wait to look through the telescope. If the weather is uncertain during the day of the event, call 503-594-6044 after 3 p.m. for a recorded message announcing if the viewing will be held or canceled.For more information, contact Diana Fredlund, Rose City Astronomers media director, at media@rosecityastronomers.ROSE FARM MUSEUM OPENING: The Rose Farm Museum is now open to the public for tours from noon to 4 p.m. Saturdays through Sept. 7."The William L. Holmes House is one of the earliest and most significant American homes in Oregon," said Rolla Harding, president of the McLoughlin Memorial Association. "It was built by William and Louisa Holmes in 1847, and it was a social center for Oregon City well into the 1900s. General Joseph Lane, the first territorial governor, gave his inaugural address from the balcony in 1849. We're happy to share its story with the community."The Rose Farm Museum is owned and operated by the McLoughlin Memorial Association. Admission is $4 adults, $3 senior citizens and ages 6 to ?17, and free to ages 5 and younger. Tours take approximately 45 minutes and can accommodate groups of up to 20 people. To make group reservations or for more information, call 503-656-5146 or visit .mcloughlinhouse.org/rosefarm.html.--Tracy Hill, McLoughlin Memorial AssociationOngoingClackamas Mineral and Gem Club Meeting: Visitors welcome. Monthly 7-9 p.m. third Tue. Zion Lutheran Church basement, 720 Jefferson St., Oregon City; $12 annual dues, or $15 family, plus optional $10 newsletter subscription; .clackamettegem.org or Bea Settle, 503-631-3128Cars and Coffee on Main Street: Downtown Oregon City is host to a range of summer events that celebrate local heritage, culture and identity. One recurring event titled "Cars and Coffee on Main Street" shifted into gear on June 1st and continues every Saturday morning from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. through August.According to event organizer Don Scott, Cars and Coffee on Main Street a chance for car enthusiast to hang out in a real casual way. There's no car show, street closure, judging or awards. This is a chance for the people who love to work on and drive their cars to get together."This is a perfect start to a car weekend, for people heading out to enjoy the open road," said Don Scott, Cars and Coffee on Main Street volunteer event coordinator. "This year we hope to organize a few drives through the surrounding countryside, ending up somewhere interesting for lunch so bring your ideas!"The motto behind Cars and Coffee on Main Street is to "show up and hang out" according to event organizer Don Scott. Amateur mechanics with a question can talk to others. A family out for a weekend drive can start their day at this event. A car club planning a trip to the coast or a tour to a cruise-in can rally at 8th and Main as their starting point.-- Cars and CoffeeVictorian Handcraft Demonstrations: Visit the website for theme. Monthly noon-4 p.m. second Saturday. McLoughlin House, 713 Center St., Oregon City; free; .mcloughlinhouse.org or 503-656-5146Oregon City Saturday Farmers Market: Farmers and vendors sell local produce, flowers, plants, meat, fish, eggs, cheese, bread, pastries, nuts, honey preserves, hummus, soaps, lotions, wood crafts, and hot and cold food and drinks. Features live music, cooking demonstrations and a Kids Power of Produce Club. Debit, SNAP and WIC accepted. Weekly 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Sat, through Oct. 26. Clackamas County Public Services Building, Parking Lot, 2051 Kaen Road, Oregon City; free admission; .orcityfarmersmarket.com or Jackie Hammond-Williams, 503-734-0192, or marketmanager@orcityfarmersmarket.comMuseum Tours: The museum was built by William and Louisa Holmes in 1847 and served as a social center for Oregon City well into the 1900s. Sign up for a 45-minute tour. Hosted by the McLoughlin Memorial Association. Weekly noon-4 p.m. Sat, through Sept. 7. Rose Farm Museum, 536 Holmes Lane, Oregon City; $3-$4, free to ages 5 and younger; .mcloughlinhouse.org/rosefarm.html or 503-656-5146For teens:Teen Wii Night: Grades 6-12 invited to play a Wii game and eat free snacks. 6:30-8 p.m. Thu, Aug. 1, Sept. 5 and Nov. 7. Oregon City Public Library, 606 John Adams St., Oregon City; free; .orcity.org/library or 503-657-8269For adults:Beginning Line Dancing: Learn the basics and simple dances. No partner needed. Weekly 1-2 p.m. Mon. Pioneer Community Center, 615 Fifth St.; 50 cents per class; 503-657-8287Busy Bees: Have fun making crafts, sewing quilts and aprons, and creating other items for fundraisers. Weekly 9 a.m.-noon Mon. Pioneer Community Center, 615 Fifth St.; free; 503-657-8287Intermediate Line Dancing: Learn the latest and traditional steps. No partner needed. Weekly noon-3 p.m. Tue. Pioneer Community Center, 615 Fifth St.; 50 cents per class; 503-657-8287Dance Lessons: The Bachelors 'N' Bachelorettes Square and Round Dance Club offers lessons weekly 7-9 p.m. Tue. The club for singles and couples also hosts dances weekly 7:30-10:30 p.m. Wed. Abernethy Grange, 15745 S. Harley Ave.; $5 per lesson (first lesson free); bnbsquares.org or Gene or Patricia Neils, 503-829-8529Knitting and Crocheting: Learn basic stitches and share tips. Bring your own needles and yarn. Registration required. Weekly 10 a.m.-noon Wed. Pioneer Community Center, 615 Fifth St.; $20 for four sessions; Janice Tipton, 503-829-8031Chrysalis: Women Writers: Local author Pat Lichen guides women writers of all levels through discussions of their work. Weekly noon-2 p.m. Wed. Clackamas Community College, Literary Arts Center, Rook Hall, Room 220, 19600 S. Molalla Ave.; free; 503-594-3254SupportClackamas County Chapter of Parents, Family, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG): Visitors welcome. Monthly 7-9 p.m. fourth Tue. Atkinson Memorial Church, 710 Sixth St., Oregon City; free; 503-887-4556CASA 101 Volunteer Orientation: Child Advocates, Inc. is recruiting volunteers to serve as Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs) for foster children. Informational meetings offered monthly 6-7 p.m. first Wed. Mt. View Professional Building, Suite 203, 101 Molalla Ave., Oregon City; free; .casa-cc.org or Linda Rinnan, CASA manager, 503-723-0521 or lrinnan@casa-cc.orgAlzheimer's Caregiver Support Group: Share feelings, thoughts and experiences to better cope with and manage the shared problems of Alzheimer's and other types of dementia. Monthly 1-3 p.m. the second Thu, except Nov. 22. Pioneer Community Center, 615 Fifth St., Oregon City; free; Diana Miha, 503-317-2245 or dhm@pdxarttherapy.comGrief Support Group: The Bristol Hospice "Build a Bridge of Hope" support group, facilitated by Joanne Petrie, a chaplain, is a chance for people to share feelings and receive support from others who are experiencing grief. Contact Bristol Hospice volunteer Marilyn Fergus, fergusfamily@gmail.com, for more information. Monthly 1:30-3 p.m. the second and fourth Thu. Pioneer Community Center, 615 Fifth St., Oregon City; freeNational Alliance on Mental Illness Connection Group: A recovery support group just for persons with mental illness regardless of their diagnosis. Meetings offer a flexible and casual environment without an educational format, and no registration or enrollment obligation is required. Weekly noon-1:30 p.m. Wed. Stewart Community Center, 1002 Library Court, Room 15, Oregon City; .nami.org/sites/nami:clackamascounty or 503-344-5050 or nami.clackamas@gmail.comSANDY"Let's Talk About It": Each summer the library invites the community to read the same book and then to come together to discuss it. Bob Welch, author of 16 books, will lead the children's program featuring his book, "Keyboard Kitten: An Oregon Children's Book." Welch, who has twice won the National Society of Newspaper Columnists' best writing award, is a columnist at The Register-Guard in Eugene, an adjunct professor of journalism at the University of Oregon, and founder of the Beachside Writers Workshop. 3 p.m. Tue, Aug. 20. Sandy Public Library, 38980 Proctor Blvd., Sandy; free; .cityofsandy.com/library or 503-668-5537"Let's Talk About It": Each summer the library invites the community to read the same book and then to come together to discuss it. Bob Welch, author of 16 books, will lead the adult program featuring his book, "Cascade Summer," which chronicles his experiences hiking the Oregon portion of the Pacific Crest Trail. Welch, who has twice won the National Society of Newspaper Columnists' best writing award, is a columnist at The Register-Guard in Eugene, an adjunct professor of journalism at the University of Oregon, and founder of the Beachside Writers Workshop 7 p.m. Tue, Aug. 20. Sandy Public Library, 38980 Proctor Blvd., Sandy; free; .cityofsandy.com/library or 503-668-5537Starlight Cinema: Weekly at dusk Sat. Lineup continues with "Oz the Great and Powerful" (PG), Aug. 17; "Rise of the Guardians" (PG), Aug. 24; and "The Hunger Games" (PG13), Aug. 31. Bring a blanket or stadium chair. Meinig Memorial Park, 17670 Meinig Ave., Sandy; free; Katie Murphy, 503-784-2044Wednesday Sounds: Weekly 6:30-8 p.m. Wed. Lineup continues with roots reggae by Rhythm Culture, Aug. 14; the Asian-American drumming ensemble Portland Taiko, Aug. 21; and 1920s and 1930s jazz by Midnight Serenaders, Aug. 28. Bring a chair or stadium chair. Meinig Memorial Park, 17670 Meinig Ave., Sandy; free admission; .sandysummersounds.com or Katie Murphy, 503-784-2044"Running the Rift": Nineteen artists are featured in the mixed-media display inspired by Naomi Benaron's novel set in Rwanda during the genocide. Ends Aug. 25. Sandy Public Library, 38980 Proctor Blvd., Sandy; free; .cityofsandy.com/library or 503-668-5537OngoingFirst Saturday Market: Vendors sell produce, flowers, plants, arts and crafts, food and specialty items. Monthly 10 a.m.-3 p.m. first Sat, June 1-Oct. 5. In parking lot behind Sandy City Hall, 39250 Pioneer Blvd., Sandy; free admission; Carol Cohen, ccohen@cityofsandy.comSilvertones Music Group: Musicians and singers get together to practice and plan programs for special events. New members welcome. Weekly 10 a.m. Mon and Wed. Sandy Community Center, 38348 Pioneer Blvd., Sandy; free; .cityofsandy.com or 503-668-5569Bridge: Play the card game with other senior citizens. Weekly 6:30 p.m. Mon. Sandy Community Center, 38348 Pioneer Blvd., Sandy; free; .cityofsandy.com or 503-668-5569Pinochle: Play the card game with other senior citizens. Weekly 1 p.m. Mon. Sandy Community Center, 38348 Pioneer Blvd., Sandy; free; .cityofsandy.com or 503-668-5569Flex and Stretch: Sitting and standing exercises for senior citizens. Weekly 11 a.m. Tue and Thu. Sandy Community Center, 38348 Pioneer Blvd., Sandy; free; .cityofsandy.com or 503-668-5569Oregon Trail Democrats: Monthly 7 p.m. the fourth Tue. Clackamas County Bank, Sunset Room, 38975 Proctor Blvd., Sandy; free; Susan Gates, 503-668-9628Community Parent-Child Play Group: Parents and caregivers with kids newborn-5 years are invited to meet others with young children, make new friends, share and exchange information about parenting, learn about community resources, and engage in activities that include the kids. The drop-in interactive parent-child opportunity is set in a large indoor park setting. Light snacks provided. Weekly 10:30 a.m.-noon Wed. Sandy Community Center, 38348 Pioneer Blvd., Sandy; free; .cityofsandy.com or 503-668-5569SupportNational Alliance on Mental Illness: Support meeting for persons with a mental illness and those who love them. Monthly 9-10:30 a.m. third Sat. Immanuel Lutheran Church, 39901 Pleasant St., Sandy; free; .nami.org/sites/nami:clackamascounty or 503-344-5050 or nami.clackamas@gmail.comSOUTHWEST PORTLANDFOREST MUSIC: The series will conclude with the Sweet Thunder Jazz Quartet. 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Sat, Aug. 17. Jackson Shelter, Tryon Creek State Natural Area is at 11321 S.W. Terwilliger Blvd. Free admission. Visit .tryonfriends.org for more information.--Jessica Sweeney, Friends of Tryon CreekNature Discovery Days: Families are invited to explore the Nature Center classroom. The Friends of Tryon Creek will have bones, animal pelts, their corn snake Pockets and other live animals, and other cool stuff to share at the open-house style event. Weekly 5-7 p.m. Wed, Aug. 7-28. Tryon Creek State Natural Area, 11321 S.W. Terwilliger Blvd.; free; .tryonfriends.org or 503-636-4398OngoingPreschool Story and Stroll: Program integrates nature exploration, art, literature, music, movement and outdoor play. Geared toward families with young children (preferably ages 2-6), but all are welcome. Registration requested at website. 10:30 a.m. Sun, May 5 and 19, 1 p.m. Fri. Tryon Creek State Natural Area, 11321 S.W. Terwilliger Blvd.; free; .tryonfriends.org or 503-636-9886, ext. 225Saturday Guided Hikes: Venture out with a park guide for a nature hike to explore the park's forest, stream ecosystems and natural history. Topics vary from week to week but are appropriate for all ages. Parents must accompany kids on all hikes. Weekly 10-11:30 a.m. Sat. Tryon Creek State Natural Area, 11321 S.W. Terwilliger Blvd.; free; .tryonfriends.org or 503-636-9886, ext. 225ST. PAULLet's Go Disc Golfing!: Learn about the different sizes and types of discs, different throws and then try them out. Discs and course provided. Ages 8-14 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian. Registration required. Meet at Oak Grove day-use area. 10 a.m. Fri, Aug. 2; 10 a.m. Wed, Aug. 21. Champoeg State Heritage Area, 8239 Champoeg Road N.E., St. Paul; $10; .oregonstateparks.org/index.cfm?do=thingstodo.dsp_letsGoGolf or 888-953-7677Blacksmith and Woodcraft Day: Hear the ringing of hammers on iron and wood as blacksmiths and woodworkers showcase these specialized crafts. Volunteers wear period outfits while using tools reminiscent of those used on the farmstead in rural Champoeg in the early 19th century. 1-3:30 p.m. Sat, Aug. 17. Champoeg State Heritage Area, 8239 Champoeg Road N.E., St. Paul; free admission, day-use parking pass $5; .champoeg.org or 503-678-1649French Prairie Farm Feast: Hosted by the Friends of French Prairie, the fundraiser is a full-course buffet dinner (served with two local wines) and prepared from products grown in the French Prairie and celebrates local agriculture. The event also features a wine and cheese hour, a silent auction and a raffle. Full details, including menu, available on website. Reservations required. 6 p.m. Sun, Aug. 18. Robert Newell House Museum, 8089 Champoeg Road N.E., St. Paul; $45, includes dinner, dessert, wine and cheese; .friendsoffrenchprairies.org or Ben Williams, 503-568-5670 or ben.williams@liturgica.comBarn Dance: Kick up your heels to the lively tunes of Worn Out Shoes and caller Truman Price in the historic Manson barn behind the visitor center. 6-9 p.m. Sat, Aug. 24. Champoeg State Heritage Area, 8239 Champoeg Road N.E., St. Paul; donations accepted; .champoeg.org or 503-678-1649Farmstead Day: Learn how to hand-churn butter, thresh and winnow wheat, and see "fur trappers" and "pioneers" demonstrate their skills at this annual celebration of Oregon's rugged pioneer roots. Also music, living history demonstrations and a chance to take home some of the fresh produce from the 1860s kitchen garden. 1-4 p.m. Sat, Aug. 31. Champoeg State Heritage Area, 8239 Champoeg Road N.E., St. Paul; donations accepted; .champoeg.org or 503-678-1649WEST LINNConcert for the White Oak Savanna: Guitarists Mariano De Orbegoso and Masud Tahmassbi, who usually play in El Gaucho Restaurant in the Benson Hotel of Portland, will perform from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Sat, Aug. 17, on the Willamette Park bandstand, 1100 12th St. in West Linn.People are encouraged to bring a lawn chair and a picnic supper.Admission is $20. Proceeds support the White Oak Savanna acquisition. For details and advanced tickets, contact Robert Schwarz at 503-723-5015 or roberta.schwarz@comcast.net--ART IN THE DARK: A-WOL Dance Collective announces its annual Art in the Dark show that features aerial dance in a unique setting; suspended from the trees of Mary S. Young Park.The event will be held at 8:30 p.m. Aug. 22-25 at the park, located on Highway 43 in West Linn. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. Tickets range from $10 to $30 and are available at awol2013dark.eventbrite.com/. For details, visit .awoldance.org or call 503-351-5182.Suspended in the trees, surrounded by darkness, and soaring into another period of time...another zone... another dimension, A-WOL invites you to enjoy this summer's signature aerial event, with the original presentation of "One Shy of Ten, the Intangible Dimension."Intriguing, eerie, and mysterious, A-WOL leads audiences down a path into the absurd, the unbelievable, and the incredible. Reminiscent of a black and white science-fiction, fantasy television show of the 1960s, dancers weave through four story lines --rich with just the right amount of mystery, suspense, and quirkiness to delight audiences of all ages.Think you've got it all figured out? Watch out (and up!) for the twists on the trapeze, flips on the fabric, pivots on the poles, swings on the chandelier, and careening of the chairs that might leave you second-guessing what is real and what is not. A-WOL's Art in the Dark annual performance is a fantastical, illuminated, full-length, evening production set in a unique and rare outdoor theater style setting.Transforming a dirt plot into a performance spot, each show is packed with the flavor of the Northwest and a wonderful taste of the talent this area has to offer. Come see why A-WOL grabbed the attention of OPB's "Oregon Art Beat" during last year's record-breaking season.-- A-WOL Dance CollectiveLavender Girls Sale: The sale, featuring products created by the group of preteens, includes lavender sachets and bath salts, bundles of fresh-picked lavender, hand-painted votive with lavender stalks, and homemade baked goods. Proceeds from fifth annual sale benefit the Children's Cancer Association. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Fri, Aug. 23. At residence at corner of Vista Ridge Drive and Coeur d'Alene in West Linn; .facebook.com/LavenderGirlsOfWestLinn or Michelle Bombet Minch, 503-971-235-8608 or michelle@bombetminch.comHeroes Run for Cervical Cancer: The Katherine M. Potwin Cervical Cancer Awareness Foundation holds the inaugural event to increase cancer awareness and to honor Potwin, who died in 2012 from uterine/cervical cancer. Proceeds benefit Providence Gynecologic Oncology Program. Registration required by Sept. 7 for Sun, Sept. 22 run. Mary S. Young Park, 19900 Willamette Drive (Oregon 43), West Linn; $30-$35; .active.com/running/west-linn-or/heroes-run-for-cervical-cancer-2013OngoingSaturday Willamette Farmers Market: Vendors sell produce, plants, flowers, food and specialty items. Weekly 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat, through Oct. 19. Saturday Willamette Farmers Market, Historic Willamette General Store, 1720 Willamette Falls Drive, West Linn; free admission; .localharvest.org/west-linn-farmers-market-M13125 or Miles McCoy, 971-207-0267West Linn Farmers Market: Vendors sell produce, bread and pastries, farm fresh eggs, chocolates, oils and sauces, popcorn, handmade soap, lotions, ceramics, candles, local footwear, woodworking, garden sculptures, food, and specialty items. Food cart faire includes Mexican, Asian, soups, gourmet hot dogs, classic American, and crepes. Product demonstrations, live music and special events featured. Weekly 4-7 p.m. Wed, June 19-Aug. 28. West Linn Farmers Market, 1780 Willamette Falls Drive, West Linn; free admission; https://.facebook.com/pages/West-Linn-Farmers-Market/225280717613334 or westlinnfm@yahoo.comWoodworking: Novice to expert carvers welcome. Bring your own tools and supplies. Weekly 9 a.m.-noon Mon. West Linn Adult Community Center, 1180 Rosemont Road, West Linn; free; .westlinnoregon.gov or 503-557-4700Let's Talk Gardening: Share and pick up new tips while networking with fellow gardeners. Weekly 11 a.m.-noon Wed. West Linn Adult Community Center, 1180 Rosemont Road, West Linn; free; .westlinnoregon.gov or 503-557-4700Knitting and Crocheting Group: Bring your projects and join the group for conversation and relaxation. Beginners also welcome. Weekly 10 a.m.-noon Thu. West Linn Adult Community Center, 1180 Rosemont Road, West Linn; free; .westlinnoregon.gov or 503-557-4700Adult Recreational Co-ed Volleyball: New teams created weekly and rotate in round-robin-style play. Skills and rules taught and practiced. Weekly 8-10 p.m. Mon. Ages 18 and older. Willamette Primary School, 1403 12th St., West Linn; $2 per session; westlinnoregon.gov/parksrec/recreational-volleyball-open-gym, David Nepom, 503-657-3106 or by email to dnepom@aol.comPower Volleyball Open Gym: Designed for players with previous team experience and knowledge of the rules. Weekly 8:30-10 p.m. Tue. Gym, Athey Creek Middle School, 2900 S.W. Borland Road, West Linn; $2 per session; westlinnoregon.gov or Steve Young, 503-750-6151, or by email to sytees@hotmail.comWILSONVILLEMovies in the Park: "The Pirates!" (PG) will be shown at 8:15 p.m. Fri, Aug. 16. Bring a blanket to sit on. Snacks available for purchase. River Shelter, Memorial Park, 8100 S.W. Wilsonville Road, Wilsonville; free; .ci.wilsonville.or.us/parksandrecPortland Metro Reptile Expo: More than 120 tables filled with reptiles, amphibians, reptile art/photography, supplies, cages and more for sale and educational tables will be featured at the 16th annual event. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sat, Aug. 17. Holiday Inn Wilsonville, 25425 S.W. 95th Ave., Wilsonville; $8, $4 age 6-12, free ages 5 and younger; .pdxreptileexpo.com or 503-412-8181 or reptileexpo@ymail.comOngoingWilsonville Farmers Market: Farmers, artisans, restaurants and business owners sell their wares with a focus on community, food education and sustainability. Live music featured. Weekly 4-8 p.m. Thu, June 6-Sept. 5. Sofia Park, 28836 S.W. Costa Circle W., Wilsonville; free admission; .wilsonvillemarket.com or 503-778-0262 or thursdaymarket@yahoo.comWilsonville Genealogy Club: Learn from experienced genealogists, discover new genealogical resources and tools, and discuss personal research and goals. Open to seasoned genealogists and beginners. Monthly 1-2:30 p.m. third Mon (except holidays). Wilsonville Public Library, 8200 S.W. Wilsonville Road, Wilsonville; free; Malia Laughton, 503-682-2744 or laughton@wilsonvillelibrary.orgHistory Pub at McMenamins: The Wilsonville/Boones Ferry Historical Society, McMenamins and the Wilsonville Public Library team up to present programs focusing on Oregon's rich history. Monthly 6:30-8 p.m. the last Tue. See calendar at website for topics. McMenamins Wilsonville -- The Old Church, 30340 S.W. Boones Ferry Road, Wilsonville; free; .wilsonvillelibrary.org or Wilsonville Public Library, 503-682-2744 or reference@wilsonvillelibrary.orgFirst Friday Film: Watch the latest releases, from blockbusters to independent films, on a big screen. Snacks available for donation or bring your own. Monthly 6-8:30 p.m. first Fri. Wilsonville Public Library, 8200 S.W. Wilsonville Road, Wilsonville; free; .wilsonville.lib.or.us or 503-682-2744Hola! Hola! Drop-in Spanish Practice: Adults can have fun and gain confidence conversing in Spanish through crossword puzzles, and conjugation and conversation exercises. Weekly 10-11 a.m. Mon. Wilsonville Community Center, 7965 S.W. Wilsonville Road, Wilsonville; free; .ci.wilsonville.or.us or 503-682-3727Nia: Increase your strength, flexibility and agility in the class that fuses dance, martial arts and yoga. Weekly 11 a.m.-noon Mon and 5:45-6:45 p.m. Wed. St. Francis of Assisi Episcopal Church, 8818 S.W. Miley Road, Wilsonville; $8 drop-in per class, or $24 for four-class punch card; .stfranciswilsonville.org or by email to p.jones@stfranciswilsonville.orgOngoing activities geared for ages 55 and olderBridge Group: Ages 55 and older can make new friends while playing the game. Weekly 1-4 p.m. Mon (except holidays). Wilsonville Community Center, 7965 S.W. Wilsonville Road, Wilsonville; free; .ci.wilsonville.or.us or 503-682-3727Quilters Group: Ages 55 and older can make new friends while creating projects. Weekly 9-11:45 a.m. Tue. Wilsonville Community Center, 7965 S.W. Wilsonville Road, Wilsonville; free; .ci.wilsonville.or.us or 503-682-3727Pinochle and Cribbage: Ages 55 and older can make new friends while playing games. Weekly 1 p.m. Tue. Wilsonville Community Center, 7965 S.W. Wilsonville Road, Wilsonville; free; .ci.wilsonville.or.us or 503-682-3727Photography Club: For ages 55 and older. Weekly 10-11:30 a.m. Wed. Wilsonville Community Center, 7965 S.W. Wilsonville Road, Wilsonville; free; .ci.wilsonville.or.us or 503-682-3727Bridge Group: Ages 55 and older can make new friends while playing cards. Registration required. Weekly 1-4 p.m. Fri. Wilsonville Community Center, 7965 S.W. Wilsonville Road, Wilsonville; $1 drop-in charge; .ci.wilsonville.or.us or 503-682-3727Stretch, Strength and Stamina: Exercise class for ages 55 and older. Weekly 11-11:45 a.m. Mon and Fri, June 17-Dec. 20 (except holidays). Wilsonville Community Center, 7965 S.W. Wilsonville Road, Wilsonville; $1 drop-in fee; .ci.wilsonville.or.us or 503-682-3727SupportDiabetes Support Group: Weekly 10-11:30 Wed. Wilsonville Community Center, 7965 S.W. Wilsonville Road, Wilsonville; free; .ci.wilsonville.or.us or 503-682-3727Alzheimer's Support: Monthly 10 a.m.-noon the third Fri. Registration required. Wilsonville Community Center, 7965 S.W. Wilsonville Road, Wilsonville; free; 503-570-1526CivicWilsonville City Hall, Council Chambers, 29799 S.W. Town Center Loop E, Wilsonville.For information, visit .ci.wilsonville.or.us--Wilsonville City Council: Monthly 5 p.m. first and third Monday.--Wilsonville Planning Commission: Monthly 6 p.m. second Wednesday.-- Vickie KavanaghCopyright: ___ (c)2013 The Oregonian (Portland, Ore.) Visit The Oregonian (Portland, Ore.) at .oregonian.com Distributed by MCT Information Services迷你倉出租

　　《經濟通通訊社１３日專訊》建設銀行（００９３９）（滬：６０１９３９）行長張建國稱，迷你倉新蒲崗下半年建行將積極拓展海外業務，統籌發展國內外市場，拓展收入渠道，並大力發展私人銀行、投資銀行、電子銀行以及消費金融等戰略性業務。　　張建國接受《金融時報》專訪時指出，下半年建行還將在綜合化經營上充分利用子公司資源，造好租賃、保險、信託、投行等跨界業務，並創新和拓展融智型中間業務服務，降迷你倉出租對融資型服務收入的依賴程度。　　他稱，從當前形勢看，今後一段時期，７％左右的增速將是中國經濟運行的常態，未來建行仍將堅持走「綜合性、多功能、集約化」的發展道路，堅持穩健經營，強化風險防控。　　他並表示，面對人民幣國際化和互聯網金融的快速發展，建行將著力培育交易金融等具有巨大市場潛力的新型業務，加快全球經營網絡布局，提升海內外一體化競爭能力，並加快發展電子銀行業務。（ｅｗ）儲存倉

Business will get busier but William and Judy Lam now have their sons and daughter-in-law involved, reports FELDA CHAYTHE couple behind The Canary Diamond Company, William Lam and his wife Judy, can finally breathe a little easier, after having put the past 12 years into building Canary Diamond as the go-to jeweller for many of Asia's elite.儲存倉The couple's eldest son Steven and his wife Lum May Yee have joined the company. And youngest son Johnny returned home last month to lend a hand after a stint with a De Beers sightholder selling polished diamonds in China.Steven said: "Dad finally has time for some golf."Under the leadership of William, 66, and Judy, 64, The Canary Diamond Company built up a client base that includes some of Singapore's most influential people, high-flying executives and the region's tai-tais; many are from countries such as Indonesia, Pakistan, India and Japan, who seek out Judy for the company's latest offerings, many designed by her husband.Although Canary Diamond started up here in 2000, its story began in Hong Kong, from where William and Judy come.He was born to the second wife of a successful goldsmith and herb shop owner in Hong Kong in 1947.But the patriarch died when William was only four. The family continued to be taken care of in the following years by his father's first wife.Things changed when William was 12. His step-mother died, and, in a tussle for the family's assets, his step-siblings ousted him, his three siblings and his mother. They moved out of the family home and his mother became a seamstress to get by.After high school, at age 18, William, as the second of four children and the oldest son, felt that it was his responsibility to help his mother bring up his younger siblings.His late father was in the goldsmith business and this gave him an interest in jewellery design, so it was natural that his first full-time job would be at a jeweller's.But he lasted all of two months there; his mother, who saw him climbing the ladder to clean the air-conditioner, couldn't bear it and asked him to quit his job there.He next became an apprentice at Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Company, already a highly established name in Hong Kong then.He said: "When I first started, I didn't know a thing. Back in those days, when you asked the seniors a question, they would not give you an answer. They would say: 'You are young. Take your time to learn.' "Picking up skillsThat was what he did. Between running errands for the company, he watched his seniors at work. In between, he honed his jewellery design skills.After work, he attended design classes as well as classes in Japanese and French, which he loved.After three years, he was given a supervisory role at Chow Tai Fook.Larry Jewelry, then relatively new to the industry, wooed him. In 1969, he joined Larry as the manager of its first shop in Hong Kong."I was mainly in charge of design and, in those days, I would sit at the same table with Larry (Chan) and we would talk about how to design the jewellery and how to do the promotion and the marketing."It was there that he met Judy, who was also working there. They got married in 1974.The following year, he was sent to Singapore to set up Larry in a corner unit at Orchard Towers.In 1976, Judy, with 10-month-old Steven, relocated to Singapore, where they have remained since. By 1999, William had become general manager of Larry's four outlets here.Setting up shopBut, after 30 years at Larry, both he and Judy sought a slower pace of life. They took a one-year break from work, but their customers urged them to set up their own shop.In 2000, the couple put $300,000 into opening Canary Diamond in a 300 sq ft unit at Delfi Orchard, known in the 1980s as a luxury mall.It was, in William's mind, a "discreet" location. Being away from the busiest part of Orchard Road, it would thus offer the privacy their clients would appreciate, he thought.They named their company Canary Diamond, after William's love for the yellow stones. He said: "Yellow is my favourite colour. You can see it on my ties and a lot of my belongings. Among all coloured diamonds, I like the yellow diamond the best. Yellow is also a happy colour."Canary diamonds were not much sought after back then, but have gained popularity in recent years, with jewellers such as Tiffany & Co launching collections featuring them.But Canary Diamond deals in diamonds of other hues as well, along with rubies, emeralds and sapphires.The couple had wanted to work just a few days a week, and leave their employees in charge the rest of the week.But it remained just that - a plan, because the business took off. The first year turned out "better than expected". Revenue ha迷你倉沙田 been growing by 20 per cent each year since, said Steven, who declined to disclose actual sales figures."We've invested all our profits in the last 12 years in building our inventory. We now have one of the largest collections of ideal-cut diamonds in South-east Asia."The shop now takes up 1,800 sq ft in Delfi Orchard.A new generationSteven and May Yee came into the business in 2009 from their own flourishing careers.Steven, 38, was an investment banker before that, and had worked in the retail industry for groups and brands such as FJ Benjamin, Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessy and Ermenegildo Zegna.May Yee, 40, was a model and actress who was in marketing and public relations for Singapore Airlines.They left their jobs to join the family business because William and Judy were getting on in years.Steven said: "Dad had a long chat with me. He said, 'Look, I really want to play some golf this time'. The lease was coming up for the space, and he said that if Johnny and I were not coming back to help, then they would scale down the business."Steven now helps his father to design jewellery and buy and cut stones; May Yee is in charge of human resources and the public relations and marketing work for the brand.Canary Diamond has grown even bigger. Months after they joined, the company entered into a joint venture with Matthew Campbell Laurenza's MCL; under the deal, Canary Diamond runs MCL's South-east Asian operations. MCL now has two stores - in Takashimaya Shopping Centre and Paragon - run by Canary Diamond.The line is under the charge of May Yee, who is helping to grow its presence here.Last November, Canary Diamond took up counter space at Takashimaya, which carries designs aimed at the younger crowd. It was the Japanese department store's first foray into selling diamonds.It took Steven five years to convince his father and Takashimaya to agree to the move - one he feels is essential for the company: "It was time to reach out to the wider market. Most of our business comes from our regular clients."Canary has no expansion plans for now - in or out of Orchard Road.Steven said: "We're already working with the best. My dad has always said that it is a 45-minute drive or so around Singapore. If a client is prepared to spend $50,000, he will be prepared to drive 45 minutes around Singapore to find the right jeweller. So it's not where you need to be that matters. It is what people think of you that's most important. And how we present ourselves is something we're very careful about. We don't like to be too loud. We are more selective. This is something that's very carefully curated. My dad has always said that it's good to be just under the radar."Staying putOverseas expansion is also not on the cards for now.May Yee said: "One reason why there isn't a pressing need for Canary Diamond to venture overseas is that clients tend to prefer coming here to buy jewellery."Steven added: "They feel safe here. I remember our Indonesian clients saying that they can wear their five-carat rings to the market here - something they cannot do back home. So we want to reach out to more clients in countries such as Indonesia and Thailand, but think it is better for them to come here."Canary Diamond is building up a presence on the Internet, setting up a Facebook page and a website to reach out to overseas customers and maintain relationships with the children of their regular clients here.However, the company does not accept online purchases. The medium is meant to inform clients about the company and its offerings, and about precious stones.May Yee said: "These are luxury items. You want to see it, touch it and make sure the colour is right."Her husband added: "We think education is a better way to introduce the company. We want people to be aware and make an educated choice when they make a purchase, and we are here to help."Asked whether Canary Diamond's subtle marketing efforts will work in its favour when its competitors are aggressively putting themselves out there, the family said it believes so.This is because of a service the company offers - customisation work.Steven explained: "A lot of the time, our clients go to my dad and ask him to design something special for them. They choose the stone and go through the design process together. Some jewellery pieces take six months to make, but each is unique."He said 80 per cent of the work on the pieces is done here, and the remainder sent to Hong Kong; Canary Diamond has 29 very busy craftsmen in its three workshops here.Everything points to their getting busier. This comes from Steven's vision for Canary Diamond going forward: "When you have a special moment in your life, you think of us."迷你倉價錢

text by Amanda YuAfter a drink or two, I sat down with a group of friends talking about our three years at Oxford.儲存 The topic of discussion eventually fell upon exploring any regrets we have had during our time at Oxford. Off the top of my head, I feel I have no regrets and I would not do any part of it differently.For many of my friends, the one thing they wished they had done is to have been more involved in something beyond our colleges. At a university with around 21,000 undergraduates and postgraduates, being in a college would restrict one's friend pool to essentially 500 people.Whilst that may seem sufficient, there are many more talented, impressive, and like-minded students in other colleges, and one way to meet them is to be part of university-wide societies or teams.Fortunately, I had not missed this opportunity.As a member of the university squash team, I made friends with many people whom I would not normally have met or spoken to because of our differe新蒲崗迷你倉ces. However, squash brought us together. In addition, being part of societies and organising events have given me chances to meet many who have similar career interests-people whom I may end up working with in the future.Despite the importance of academic achievements and what we went to Oxford forstudying,my take on university was to make the most out of the opportunities here. Going to university is about enjoying social life, meeting people (or networking for some), starting something new, and balancing all of that with school work. What would be the point of going to university if you ended up with a great degree but no other memories or experiences? Ultimately, as the rest of our working lives go, work-life balance is one of the most crucial parts of any careers. It is probably good practice to start this prioritisation early at university!Writer's ProfileYu is an Oxford student who talks about her unique experiences of settling into the prestigious university.mini storage

BIRMINGHAM, Mich.自存倉, Aug. 12, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Bloomfield Capital, a specialty real estate finance firm, has announced the closing of a $1.4 million senior bridge loan to purchase and renovate a mixed-use office and retail building in Oakland County, MI.Bloomfield's loan proceeds allowed the sponsor to quickly purchase a historic multi-tenant building. The sponsor will renovate the existing second floor offices and restructure and extend leases for 1(st) floor retail tenants."The demand for solid mixed-use assets in vibrant urban areas continues to increase," stated Jason Jarjosa, a principal at Bloomfield Capital. "There are few direct lenders that can quickly react to acquisitions where the asset is in transition. Our team was able close this transaction in two weeks."Headquartered in Birmingham, Mich., Bloomfield Capital is a direct real estate lender and equity investor 迷你倉新蒲崗eeting the demands of specialized, time-sensitive transactions. The firm focuses on small to medium-balance debt opportunities ($1 million to $15 million) and select joint-venture equity participations with owners, operators and developers throughout the nation. Bloomfield Capital offers particular expertise in unconventional financings where industry acumen, local knowledge and attention to special circumstances will result in a substantial financial advantage to the sponsor. As a direct investor and lender, Bloomfield is able to create flexible, custom-tailored solutions for each unique situation. With offices in the Detroit and Chicago markets, Bloomfield Capital can be found on the Web at .bloomfieldcapital.com.For more information, please contact Jason Jarjosa at (248) 745-1700, or via email at jjarjosa@bloomfieldcapital.com.Bloomfield CapitalWeb site: .bloomfieldcapital.com/迷你倉出租

Source: Athens Banner-Herald, Ga.mini storageAug. 12--Global disease patterns are changing as the world heats up, and scientists need to build models that can predict future shifts, according to a University of Georgia ecologist and other scientists."It's not enough just to say things are changing. You want to be able to predict when and where, so you can manage (new disease problems),"said Sonia Altizer, a professor in UGA's Odum School of Ecology.Altizer was lead author calling for the new modeling research published in the journal Science, co-written with Richard Ostfeld of the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies, Susan Kutz of the University of Calgary and the Canadian Cooperative Wildlife Health Centre, Pieter Johnson of the University of Colorado and Drew Harvell of Cornell University.Longer breeding seasons for mosquitoes, for example, could mean greater transmission rates for the many diseases such as malaria, West Nile virus, dengue fever and various kinds of encephalitis.Changes in disease patterns could have important consequences not only for human health, but for agriculture, wild animals and plants, she said.Scientists for years have predicted shifts in disease patterns, and in fact already are seeing changes in some diseases of agriculture and wildlife, Altizer said.With milder temperatures, black-legged ticks that attach to white-footed mice are able to transmit Lyme disease for a longer period; in the Caribbean and other parts of the world, scientists see corals dying with temperature increases, with consequences that also affect other plants and animals that live in coral reef communities.And in the arctic, the fastest-warming region, a lungworm has become a serious problem for big muskoxen, according to the scientists.A disease or parasite may not directly affect humans, but can have big indirect effects, the scientists point out in the journal article.Diseased coral reefs can lead to a depressed tourist economy in places where tourism is a mself storagein source of income, and a high death rate for muskoxen could have dire consequences for the way of life of people who depend on them for meat, Alitzer said.A beginning point for building models should be experiments that show how different pathogens and hosts react to variations in temperature, Altizer said in a recent interview.But predicting changes in disease cycles or distribution areas will be a lot more complex than just plotting temperatures, said Altizer, who's been studying the interactions between climate, Monarch butterflies and a parasite that infects Monarch guts.Changes in rainfall patterns, such as more frequent droughts or more frequent rainy periods, come into play, for example. And as spring arrives earlier, the synchronous relationships between plants and insects can be disrupted.While climate change may boost some diseases, it could suppress other pathogens that don't thrive in warmer temperatures."Scientists still know relatively little about ... pathogen responses to climate change," the authors wrote in the article.But hard as building a model for predicting changes in disease patterns may be, it's important to get started now, especially for public health in less-wealthy countries, Altizer said."Here in the United States, we have a better public health infrastructure in place," she said.And responding to new disease challenges will cost money that relatively rich countries can better afford.But that doesn't mean the U.S. is immune."Things can break down in unexpected ways," she said.A better understanding of how warming will interact with diseases will help health officials fight the new threats, the scientists say in concluding their Science article.--Follow education reporter Lee Shearer at .facebook.com/LeeShearerABH or https://twitter.com/LeeShearer.Copyright: ___ (c)2013 Athens Banner-Herald (Athens, Ga.) Visit the Athens Banner-Herald (Athens, Ga.) at .onlineathens.com Distributed by MCT Information Services迷你倉

Source: Milwaukee Journal SentinelAug.自存倉 13--Beth Akerlund is passionate about attracting more women to technology fields.Unfortunately, she said, Milwaukee lacks a strong support system for women who want to pursue technology careers.So Akerlund, a product owner at Centare, a Brookfield software developer, and two colleagues, Kirsten Corbell and Cynthia Thomas of Translator, a Milwaukee experience design firm, formed a Milwaukee chapter of Girls in Tech, a global organization focused on the empowerment of women in technology careers.GiT-MKE, as it's known, launched June 6 and already has 115 members. The group is geared toward women in southeastern Wisconsin and will focus on networking and career development, youth outreach, mentoring and education.Akerlund says the group will embrace the entire technology sector, which includes professions in product design, computer science, information technology and engineering."What's so great about the organization is that you can be a member and have worked in technology for 15 years, or you can just be in college thinking about pursuing a computer science degree," Akerlund said.Girls in Tech, based in Denver, got its start in 2007 and today has some 30 chapters and 10,000 women and supporters worldwide. Each local chapter caters to its market based on what the group feels is necessary for the community, said Girls in Tech President Kate Brodock.GiT-MKE held its first breakfast event July 31 in Bay View and Brookfield for members to gather and network. Akerlund led the Brookfield meeting while Thomas and Corbell led the Bay View meeting."I was delighted to find an exciting array of smart, savvy women, all of whom are anxious to involve more women in the technology field," said Ann Niche, associate director of mission advancement at Wisconsin Lutheran High School. Niche attended the Brookfield breakfast.Amanda Conway, a Marquette student and business analyst intern with Robert W. Baird & Co., was looking for a community of women involved in technology because she is new to the field. Conway attended the Bay View breakfast and has been surrounded by technology her entire life. She wants to work in information technology after she graduates."I hope I can learn how to juggle the responsibilities of being in the technology field full-time with everything else I'd like to be involved with after graduation," Conway said.According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Akerlund said, even though women held 57% of professional occupations in the U.S. in 2012, they held only 26% of tech jobs and 20% of software development jobs. In addition, only 10% of women are executives at tech start-ups.Madison's Daily Page reported that only 11% of the University of Wisconsin-Madison's 2012 computer science graduates were women.Amber Dierking, a product owner and business analyst for PowerSports Network in Sussex, believes jobs in the technology industry can be appealing to women because they tap into one's interpersonal, creative and organizational skills, as well as offer flexibility and a stable income."Since I have two young daughters, I was excited to hear how children, both boys and girls, are getting exposure to technology opportunities...," said Dierking, who attended the Brookfieldbreakfast.Betsy Rowbottom, founder of a local tech start-up, The Good Jobs, wishes an organization like GiT-MKE had been around two years ago, when she was developing her business."I believe this new movement is important and timely," she said.Beth Akerlund is passionate about attracting more women t迷你倉新蒲崗 technology fields.Unfortunately, she said, Milwaukee lacks a strong support system for women who want to pursue technology careers.So Akerlund, a product owner at Centare, a Brookfield software developer, and two colleagues, Kirsten Corbell and Cynthia Thomas of Translator, a Milwaukee experience design firm, formed a Milwaukee chapter of Girls in Tech, a global organization focused on the empowerment of women in technology careers.GiT-MKE, as it's known, launched June 6 and already has 115 members. The group is geared toward women in southeastern Wisconsin and will focus on networking and career development, youth outreach, mentoring and education.Akerlund says the group will embrace the entire technology sector, which includes professions in product design, computer science, information technology and engineering."What's so great about the organization is that you can be a member and have worked in technology for 15 years, or you can just be in college thinking about pursuing a computer science degree," Akerlund said.Girls in Tech, based in Denver, got its start in 2007 and today has some 30 chapters and 10,000 women and supporters worldwide. Each local chapter caters to its market based on what the group feels is necessary for the community, said Girls in Tech President Kate Brodock.GiT-MKE held its first breakfast event July 31 in Bay View and Brookfield for members to gather and network. Akerlund led the Brookfield meeting while Thomas and Corbell led the Bay View meeting."I was delighted to find an exciting array of smart, savvy women, all of whom are anxious to involve more women in the technology field," said Ann Niche, associate director of mission advancement at Wisconsin Lutheran High School. Niche attended the Brookfield breakfast.Amanda Conway, a Marquette student and business analyst intern with Robert W. Baird & Co., was looking for a community of women involved in technology because she is new to the field. Conway attended the Bay View breakfast and has been surrounded by technology her entire life. She wants to work in information technology after she graduates."I hope I can learn how to juggle the responsibilities of being in the technology field full-time with everything else I'd like to be involved with after graduation," Conway said.According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Akerlund said, even though women held 57% of professional occupations in the U.S. in 2012, they held only 26% of tech jobs and 20% of software development jobs. In addition, only 10% of women are executives at tech start-ups.Madison's Daily Page reported that only 11% of the University of Wisconsin-Madison's 2012 computer science graduates were women.Amber Dierking, a product owner and business analyst for PowerSports Network in Sussex, believes jobs in the technology industry can be appealing to women because they tap into one's interpersonal, creative and organizational skills, as well as offer flexibility and a stable income."Since I have two young daughters, I was excited to hear how children, both boys and girls, are getting exposure to technology opportunities...," said Dierking, who attended the Brookfieldbreakfast.Betsy Rowbottom, founder of a local tech start-up, The Good Jobs, wishes an organization like GiT-MKE had been around two years ago, when she was developing her business."I believe this new movement is important and timely," she said.Copyright: ___ (c)2013 the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Visit the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel at .jsonline.com Distributed by MCT Information Services迷你倉出租

Source: Tampa Tribune, Fla.自存倉Aug. 12--Like a restaurant waiter lifting the lid from an expensive entree, the creators of the Epicurean boutique hotel on Monday night revealed the culinary side of the food-themed resort now under construction on South Howard Avenue.Executives from Bern's Steak House and Mainsail Lodging & Development broke ground on the hotel in October. After the Epicurean's completion in mid-December, it will join Marriott's Autograph Collection of luxury hotels.Details about the 137-room hotel have been closely guarded among Bern's, Mainsail and Marriott insiders, with rare tours scheduled for investors and media. The information was part of a highly managed reveal Monday of the hotel's website (epicureanhotel.com), Twitter names (@EpicureanHotel, @elevagetampa and @edgetampa) and Facebook pages.In an exclusive interview with The Tampa Tribune last week, Bern's owner David Laxer, Epicurean general manager Tom Haines, executive chef Chad Johnson and spirits director Dean Hurst revealed the hotel's elaborate culinary plans."The idea is to take well-done food and make it approachable," Laxer said.The hotel's signature restaurant on the first floor will be named Elevage, a term that relates to the stages of handcrafted wine production. Johnson, who will oversee the hotel's food operations as well those at his current restaurant up the street, SideBern's, plans to offer "old-school, classic dishes" with a modern twist in the 87-seat space."We're taking some of these dishes that have fallen out of favor or lost their cache and making them sexy again," Johnson said.Elevage will be the first Bern's restaurant to offer breakfast and lunch as well as dinner.Johnson's breakfast menu, which still is in development, will offer such dishes as soft-scrambled duck eggs with duck confit, mushrooms and puff pastry, and lobster and bacon hash made with Yukon gold potatoes, cr鋗e fraiche and a fried egg. Breakfast entrees will average about $10.Lunch entrees, which will average from $10 to $15, will be equally decadent, with foie gras bratwurst and a sandwich called "Duck, Duck, Goose" -- a ground- duck burger stuffed with foie gras and goose confit and smothered in black currant ketchup.Dinner entrees, which will average about $25, will follow Johnson's trademark use of game meat, including rabbit and dumplings with porcini mushrooms and sage. He also will incorporate fresh herbs and vegetables from a vertical growing wall being installed at the hotel by farmer Dave Smiles of Uriah's Urban Farms."The food is 'nostalgia-meets-nouveau,'" Johnson said. "I'm really excited about breakfast."In most hotels, the restaurant is designed as an afterthought, Johnson said. "This is a restaurant that just happens to have a world-class hotel attached to it," he said.Guests entering Elevage will pass through a hallway of wine, a nod to 迷你倉新蒲崗ern's world-renown private collection. Those wines also will be for sale in the Bern's Fine Wine & Spirits shop, which will move to the hotel from its current location attached to SideBern's.And although there will be a bar inside Elevage, the showpiece for beer, wine and spirits fans will be the 80-seat Edge Social Drinkery located on the hotel's rooftop.In addition to offering small savory plates and cheese boards, the open-air Edge bar is expected to become a place for Elevage customers to go for an after-dinner drink as well as a night-spot for locals."There are no rules," Hurst said. "Everything goes. It will be constantly changing. On the rooftop, you never know what you'll walk into."The hotel plans to offer an as yet undisclosed signature cocktail, but Hurst did say he would be making such ingredients as barrel-aged simple syrups. The beverage program also will extend to guests' rooms, where a minibar will be stocked along with snacks created by Johnson's staff. Guests will be able to download a smart-phone app to order room service or takeout food directly from the Elevage kitchen."This will not be your usual minibar," Haines said. "This will not be dumbed-down."In the north end of the building, Bern's pastry chef Kim Yelvington will operate the French-style patisserie Chocolate Pi, which was the name of her South Tampa bakery before she joined Bern's.Mirroring Johnson's plan to tweak classic comfort food, Yelvington's bakery will play with childhood desserts in addition to serving afternoon tea, handmade sodas and an extended line of house-made chocolates and macarons.Adjacent to Chocolate Pi will be Evangeline, a full-service spa that will use food ingredients such as chocolate facials in several of its treatments. The name comes from a character in a poem by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. A bust of the character can be seen in the atrium of Bern's Steak House as well as in its logo.An extensive number of seminars and tastings already are being scheduled for the hotel's 1,000-square-foot, 32-seat Epicurean Theater, Haines said. The goal is to create a program that will entice guests staying at the Epicurean as well as lure local customers. The theater is expected to be incorporated into Bern's annual Winefest event in the spring.The Elevage kitchen also will cater functions for the hotel's 1,800-square-foot Gran Cru Ballroom. Again, Johnson said he plans a menu that will elevate banquet dining, with all food made the day of the event, not prepped and frozen weeks in advance."We're going to cook and season the food properly, the way it should be done," he said. "This will be modern food, not your standard banquet salmon."jhouck@tampatrib.com(813) 259-7324Copyright: ___ (c)2013 the Tampa Tribune (Tampa, Fla.) Visit the Tampa Tribune (Tampa, Fla.) at .tampatrib.com Distributed by MCT Information Services迷你倉出租