Announcement

Let's Go Walking! When: Thu Jun 05, 2014 8:30AM-5PM Where: Strawberry Island Meet at: Gresham City Hall 1333 NW Eastman Pwy Gresham, OR Get Map!

This four-mile hike begins at North Bonneville City Hall. We will start on the paved Big Foot trail, looking for carved Sasquatches. After going through a tunnel, the path leads to natural trails on Strawberry Island, where we will climb 200 feet for views of the Columbia River Gorge. Then we will traverse many of the trails that Lewis and Clark once used, before following the Southwest Loop Birding Trail into the woods. At the tip of the island, Hamilton Creek spills into the Columbia River. Here we will get a view of Beacon Rock and the Pierce Wildlife Refuge to the north. From the viewpoint, we will head back through wetlands and onto the Gorge beachfront where we will stop for lunch. Following lunch we will follow perimeter trails before heading up grassy hillsides back to our cars. Wear layered clothing, as the gorge can be windy, and bring sunscreen. Hiking boots and poles are recommended, but not required. Beware of poison oak. Pack a lunch, water and snacks and bring a pad to sit on for lunch along the river. On the way back, we will stop in Cascade Locks for ice cream

• Round-trip travel: 70 miles
• •Suggested donation per rider: $7.50 (includes two-way toll for crossing the Bridge of the Gods)
• Difficulty: Easy/moderate
• Elevation gain: 200 feet

Over 90 vendors • Local Farm Fresh Produce, Fruits & Berries • Crafts • Fine Art • Artisan Foods • Unique Services • Music • Fun

Located in the NE corner of the Gresham Kmart parking lot at Eastman Parkway and NW Burnside Road with plenty of convenient parking. Open every Saturday now through Oct. 25. Accepting SNAP and WIC.

Let's Go Walking! When: Wed Apr 16, 2014 8:30AM-5PM Where: Coyote Wall - Labyrinth Hike Meet at: Gresham City Hall 1333 NW Eastman Pwy Gresham, OR Get Map!

This will be a five-mile hike in the Columbia River Gorge, east of White Salmon, Wash. We should see wildflowers and beautiful views of the river and mountains. Please bring a lunch to eat along the trail. There is a new trailhead here with ample parking and restrooms. You will need hiking boots and long pants, as there are ticks and poison oak along the trail. This area is exposed to the gorge, so be prepared for both wind and sun.

• Round-trip travel: 120 miles
• Suggested donation per rider: $12
• Difficulty: Strenuous
• Elevation gain: Approximately 1,200 feet

Let's Go Walking! When: Wed Apr 16, 2014 8:30AM-5PM Where: Lake Sacajawea Walk Meet at: Gresham City Hall 1333 NW Eastman Pwy Gresham, OR Get Map!

This 3.5-mile walk loops around Lake Sacajawea in Longview, Wash. The paved trails wind under landscaped bridges past many species of trees and flowers in bloom. We'll walk through rhododendron gardens, past two spectacular fountains, through the Frank Willis Arboretum and past the Japanese Gardens island. Watch for nine granite markers on the solar system section of this walk, and for creative squirrel crossings. Pack water and snacks for our break, and bring a lunch. We will eat our lunch in a picnic shelter along the lake. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

• Round-trip travel: 103 miles
• Suggested donation per rider: $10
• Difficulty: Easy
• Elevation gain: None

Stretch your grocery dollars at the farmer's market

Enjoy the best produce, flowers, and plants starts direct from the garden.

Healthy and fresh
Farmer’s markets are a fantastic source for fresh, seasonal, locally produced foods and artisan products. Plus, you'll find great activities and fun for the whole family. Come experience the markets. Meet the vendors. Meet local cooks. Enjoy the freshest produce and products. Make your own statement in support of local food.

Portland's east side Farmer's Markets

• Fairview Farmers' & Artists' Market
• Gresham Farmers Market
• Hollywood Farmers' Market (year-round)
• Lents International Farmers' Market
• Lloyd Farmers Market (year-round)
• Montavilla Farmers Market (closes Nov 23)
• Parkrose Farmers Market
• Portland Farmers Market (year-round)
• Troutdale Farmers' and Artists' Market (year-round)

(Complete details on these area markets below)

You'll find plenty of root vegetables, braising greens and lettuces, and of course plant starts for your own vegetable garden.

Bring your reusable shopping bags and plenty of small bills, though some of the markets will trade you a credit/debit card for wooden tokens that all vendors accept, which can be easier to handle than cash. We've indicated those markets that accept EBT or other food assistant coupons.

Water. Save a Little. Help a Lot! Regional Water Providers Consortium offers free indoor water saving kits.

Many of us have ignored the sound of a trickling stream coming from our toilet, or maybe we’ve chosen to overlook those small, slow drips from a bathroom faucet or kitchen sink.

After all, how much water do they really waste?

According to the EPA, more than 1 trillion gallons of water leak every year in homes across the U.S. That’s enough water to sustain the population of Los Angeles, Chicago and Miami combined each year. It’s also estimated that leaks in almost 10 percent of American homes drip away nearly 90 gallons of water a day. In the greater Portland metro area, that can mean about $100 in water charges literally going down the drain each year.

Many of these leaks occur in old fixtures, such as leaky toilets, faucets and showerheads. Fix these drips and you'll be amazed at how much water and money you can save.

Jupiter, spring night sky MHCC Planetarium website

Jupiter and the Spring Sky When: Tue Mar 04, 2014 Show Times: 6PM, 7:15PM, 8:30PM Where: Mt Hood Community College Planetarium Sky Theater 26000 SE Stark St Gresham, OR Get Map!

Admission $2. MHCC students are admitted free.
The Sky Theater is wheelchair accessible.

Jupiter and the Spring Sky
Join us for a tour of the night sky where you'll whiz through universe from the comfort of your seat!

There are three shows this evening, with start times at 6:00PM, 7:15PM and 8:30PM.

The Mt. Hood Community College (MHCC) Planetarium opens the year with more great public shows, a move to a new night and a state-of-the-art digital star projection system.

Each show is presented under a realistic representation of the night sky, featuring the latest galactic, stellar and planetary images.

Visitors are encouraged to ask questions during each program. Children are welcome to attend.

No Experience Required! When: Thu Mar 06, 2014 9AM-5PM Where: Multipor Ski Area Meet at: Gresham City Hall 1333 NW Eastman Pwy Gresham, OR Get Map!

This three-mile out-and-back trail starts at the Mazama Lodge Sno-Park and goes down a gentle grade to the Multipor ski area and back. We'll stop in Government Camp for those who need to rent snowshoes. Pack a lunch, and bring a snack to eat on the trail.

The group will stop in Government Camp for those who need to rent snowshoes. In addition to lunch, bring water and snacks to eat along the trail.

• Round-trip travel: 82 miles
• Suggested donation per rider: $8
• Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
• Elevation gain: 150 feet

Bring a camera because if the weather is clear there will be many views of Mt. Hood.

Construction on a new sub-acute care addition, and a new residential facility, are set to begin in March at Albertina Kerr Centers Gresham Campus, 722 NE 162nd Ave. Work on the project is expected to be completed in July.

The 6,000 square feet of new space, a new exercise area and parking lot improvements will allow the facility to serve approximately 25% more children and families.