Category Archive for "Classes and Workshops" | Enjoying Life Beyond the Burbs

New Summer Recreation Program

Posted on May 24, 2018 at 5:43 pm.

Written by mhruska

St. Helens, OR – The citizens of St Helens have a whole new program for all ages filled with activities and classes galore for Summer 2018 thanks to a new St. Helens Recreation Program. This program is a partnership between the City of St. Helens and the St. Helens School District to fill a need for a centralized program for recreation creating a sense of community. Working in partnership the two organizations had a good start on the inventory of facilities. Project coordinators asked for citizen input on upcoming classes they would like to see and where a need should be filled such as a monthly family movie night. This input created a diverse Summer Recreation Program for St. Helen’s citizens.

Anyone can register for the new program on the website. Over 14 programs from Yoga in the Park, Community Game Night, Co-Ed Volleyball, Painting, Movie Night, Terrarum Making Classes, Walking Groups and so much available throughout the summer months for all ages. You’ll also get information for what’s going on at St. Helens Public Library, Eisenschmidt Pool, Summer Meals, and other community events such as 13 Nights on the River.

Shanna Duggan volunteer with the project also runs a Facebook group called Columbia County Sole Sisters for women to promote health. They provide online support and events to create a culture of a community. Columbia County Sole Sisters is for women only. She also works as the Utility Billing, Court, and Bank Specialist for the City of St. Helens. Working with this project is a perfect fit for Shanna. When you meet her she’ll tell you that she loves to create events to help pull her community together. As soon as she was asked Shanna wanted to help with the project. She shared, “I am passionate about community. It’s something I take pride in, volunteer for, and helps me to find connections for myself and others. I have seen a need for a recreation program since I moved here 16 years ago. When I was asked to help work on this project, it was an immediate yes. To me, a recreation program helps people connect with others, find a purpose, and provides opportunities to explore what is right here in front of us. So many times we leave Columbia County to do things that are already offered locally or could easily be offered here. It’s a win for everyone. I think that in today’s times, with cellphones and other distractions, bringing it back to the basics is such an important thing AND it’s fun. I mean, who doesn’t smile when they are playing freeze tag, painting, or doing a scavenger hunt?”

She said she is excited about the future of the program. ” I would love to see it be offered year-round with inclusive and diverse programs that partner with community members, local businesses, and sports programs. I hope we continue to find ways to offer programs at a lower rate for community members or at a price that’s affordable for low-income populations. I believe a recreation program can be a backbone of a community.”

For the full program, click here. To give more input for the future, please fill out the short online survey. Want a list of events, interested in teaching a class or have questions, please email recreation@ci.st-helens.or.us. or contact Shanna Duggan, City Of St. Helens, Utility Billing, Court and Bank Specialist, 503-397-6272 ext. 160

#sthelensor #community #familyfriendlyfun #recreationprogram #pool #library #painting #communitygames #yoga #volleyball #coed #diy #fun

Farm to Table Cooking Class

Posted on April 3, 2018 at 3:45 pm.

Written by mhruska

Photo Lindsey Jones, RD – Photo Credit Facebook Page

“In the Middle” – Thriving Art Community

Posted on January 9, 2017 at 11:25 pm.

Written by mhruska

Columbia County, OR – Columbia County art scene has grown stronger over the past few years. One could say, we are in the middle of a thriving art community here in Columbia County. Currently, Columbia County has several groups that are working to put local artists in front of new customers, expose families to community art projects and create a sense of community pride for our local artists and projects.

Local art club, Columbia Arts Guild (CAG) looks forward to a great upcoming new year. In 2016, CAG created August Art Fair in conjunction with the Scappoose Farmers Market conducting local art demos, author readings and presenting their art. CAG will hold the 2nd Annual August Art Fair on August 5th, 2017 from 9:00 am – 2 pm. CAG hosts quarterly show at local businesses or community organizations. The Columbia County Courthouse in St Helens and Brown Butter Bakery in Scappoose are proudly displaying local groups’ art. For $15.00 a year, you can join CAG. Joining is a great way to support the artists. It’s easy to become a member just fill out the CAG Application online. They are an active group of Artists that meet on Thursdays at 10:00 AM for Plein Air Art at the Columbia Learning Center, St Helens. Bring your own art (BYOA) meet in the hallway, work on your project, get advice, share information, listen or join the Urban Sketchers and go out to Paint the Town! Check out, the CAG Facebook Page for more information.

Photo Courtsey of CAG — GAC members with their work at Brown Butter Bakery, Scappoose.

In Summer 2016, another group the St Helens Arts and Cultural Coalition finished their first round of funding for its second Gateway Structure called the Salmon Tree Cycle. This group of volunteers raised over $16,000 for public art with a Kickstarter campaign called the Salmon Tree Cycle Project for more information on the committee visit the City of St Helens Arts and Cultural Coalition website. The St Helens Library also has a variety of art classes such as Collage and Paints for Adults on Jan 31st, 2017 as well as a Writers Guild.

New to Columbia County is the first Art Hive Network at Deer Island Manor, Deer Island, OR. An Art Hive Network is a community art studio that welcomes everyone. The workshops for Art Hive Network will start on Feb 4th, 2017 from 12-4:00 PM. Workshops will continue the first Saturday of the month go to The Art Hive at Deer Island Manor for more information.

Something new in Clatskanie, Clatskanie Farmers Market is hosting it’s first Clatskanie in Bloom Art Show March 17th- March 31st, 2017 at Hazen Building Registration is now open for artists.

It’s a great time to create. It’s a great time to admire our talented local artists. It’s the right time to be in the middle of a thriving art scene with the upcoming economic development in Columbia County. #SupportALocalArtist #shopsmall

Columbia County Holiday Fun!

Posted on December 21, 2016 at 6:37 pm.

Written by mhruska

St. Helens, OR – As the holiday season approaches, many of you may have children on school break or are anticipating company visiting. It’s always a good idea to be proactive with a few ideas in your back pocket should the question come up “What is there to do around here?”

Just a few ideas to help jog your memory keeping everyone full of holiday cheer.

Both St. Helens and Scappoose have great libraries. They offer programs for adults and kids such as the Dash & Dot Team Challenge on Dec 29th from 1:00 PM -2:00 PM. Find more information at Scappoose Public Library Events and Details. Go to St. Helens Library Calander to find interesting classes such as Beginning Ukulele maybe for the teenage kids or just quality time with your mom or dad.

Eisenschmidt Pool offers a variety of options for kids of all ages or exercise if you need some me time! St Helens Pool Schedule

Around sunset is the perfect time to check out all the beautiful lights at the Courthouse Plaza Square in St. Helens. Thanks to local nonprofit SHEDCO (St Helens Economic Development Corporation), you should leave feeling that Holiday Spirit. Plus, it’s a great spot to take family photos. Open Anytime & FREE.

It’s not always the specific activity with family that we remember. It is how we felt when we spend time with our family. How hard we laughed and the memories we shared. It’s the moments we spend together that matter. Keep it simple and wonderful all rolled into one. Happy Holidays Columbia County!

Artists Row in St Helens

Posted on April 19, 2016 at 12:35 am.

Written by mhruska

Within the past few months, two new artists have appeared to ignite the Art Scene in Saint Helens on 1st South Street.

Located at 289 S 1st street, right across the Courthouse plaza, you’ll find the Phil Fake Studio. Phil Fake is one of the new artists in St.Helens. His current show, On the Voyage to become Captain Joe Studley, Fake Pirate, A Life/Art Project by Unknown Artist/Owner, Phil Fake. You can view his work at Captain Jim Studley Gallary. Phil is offering a series of art classes starting May 1st. Be sure to stop by his studio and introduce yourself. Phil works in character as Captain Joe Studley, a real pirate dressed just as you would imagine. He often paints outdoors so you may even meet him while he is painting.

The second artist to arrive on 1st South Street is Steam #33 at 295 S. 1st Street, St Helens. Owner, Johnnie Grinder explained that he and Orange,another featured artist at Steam #33. spent the last 9 years traveling around Taiwan. He mentioned that they painted last summer in Florence Italy. When they found St Helens, they felt they had found something special. To view their work, go to Steam 33 Art Gallary or stop by and say hello . You can find them also at the Portland Saturday Market. We want to welcome both these artists to Columbia County. #artistsincc #hereincc #keepitlcoalcc #welovecc

FullSizeRender (2) — Steam 33 Gallary, 295 S. 1st Street, St Helens, OR

FullSizeRender (2) (1) — Phil Fake Gallary, 291 S. 1st St, St. Helens, OR

FullSizeRender (4) — An example of one of the many Art classes offered at Phil Fake Studio.

Do you know Mo’s?

Posted on March 5, 2015 at 2:52 pm.

Written by mhruska

St. Helens, OR– If you haven’t been, then you must go to Mo’s Art, Hook & Needle, Inc. right here in Columbia County. If you are not a crafty person, that’s ok. You must go anyway to meet Melonie, who will answer all your questions and give you a brief tour. All you have to do is ask. Mo’s is located at 161 St. St. Helens, OR . Mo’s is a not to miss store when shopping in St. Helens. Open Monday-Saturday 10-6 and Thursday 10-8:30ish. 503-366-YARN (9276)

If your a crafty type of person then bring your own fiber projects or join a group for the Spinning Wheel on Thursday evenings for time to work & talk. Mo’s also can help you weave a rug, scarf, belts and many other projects. All you have to do is ask. It’s affordable as rugs start out around $40.00. Classes offer a variety of new crafts for beginners to advanced for:

Kool-Aid Dyeing

Beginning Weaving-Cardboard Loom

Woven Memories- Picture

Kumihimo-Japanese Braiding

Spinning Wheel Spinning

Weaving on a Floor Loom.

Just another example of one of the many fun local businesses to visit while here in Columbia County and things to do. Follow Mo’s on Facebook

Yarn selection from Mo's Art, Hook & Needle, Inc. (Photo courtsey of Mo's) — Example of the Yarn Selection at Mo’s. Photo Courtsey of Mo’s.

Summer horse camps for youth beginning in June

Posted on April 7, 2014 at 2:47 pm.

Written by mhruska

Sande School of Horsemanship in Warren is offering summer riding camps for ages 14 and younger beginning in June. — Sande School of Horsemanship in Warren is offering summer riding camps
for ages 14 and younger beginning in June.

WARREN – Sande School of Horsemanship, a non-profit horseback-riding program in Warren, is now accepting registrations for their 2014 summer horse camps.

Summer horse camps focus on riding and care-taking of horses, as well as safe handling skills. Groups are kept small to ensure a high instructor-to-student ratio, which allows for a learning-rich and safe environment.

Participants are divided into two age groups. Children ages 4-7 will meet Wednesdays from June 18 through Aug. 27. Morning and afternoon sessions are available (same lesson plan for each). The cost is $280 for eight sessions, and $35 for each additional session. Single sessions also available for $40.

Children ages 8-14 will meet Thursdays from June 19 through Aug. 28. Morning sessions offered only. The cost is $450 for eight sessions. Single sessions are $65.

Barn staff and volunteers at Sande School of Horsemanship are trained to work with students of all abilities, including those with physical or intellectual disabilities.

To register, visit their website www.sandeschoolofhorsemanship.org, and click on the “Summer Camps” tab. Forms can be downloaded, filled out, and re-submitted by e-mail or U.S. postal mail. A non-refundable deposit is required for all participants to secure a spot.

In addition to summer camps, Sande School of Horsemanship also regularly offers other programs, such as Little Wranglers, Barn Buddy Youth Enrichment, and HorseShare, as well as therapeutic grooming, private riding lessons, and group horsemanship lessons.

Sande School of Horsemanship is located at 33836 Bennett Road in Warren. For more information, visit their website, www.sandeschoolofhorsemanship.org, e-mail info@sandeschoolofhorsemanship.org, or call 503-369-3008.

For real-time updates, like Sande School of Horsemanship on Facebook!

Fondue class, wine pairing Aug. 8 in Scappoose

Posted on August 6, 2013 at 12:40 pm.

Written by mhruska

SCAPPOOSE — There are still a few spots open for the “Sweet and Savory Fondue” class offered at Avenue 30 Thu, Aug. 8.

The class, from 6 to 7 p.m., will feature instructor Gainor Riker, former owner of Houlton Bakery in St. Helens, who will demonstrate how to make two different types of fondue. A wine pairing also is offered.

The cost is $30 a person and includes a take-home baguette. Avenue 30 is located at 33480 S.W. Chinook Plaza, Scappoose. To register, call 503-978-1830.

Avenue 30 can be found on the Web by clicking here.

Events round-up: free veterans services, driver safety for older adults, bridal expo and more

Posted on February 22, 2013 at 4:27 pm.

Written by mhruska

Events and activities for all ages in Columbia County, beginning tomorrow and through mid-March.

Stand Down for Veterans: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sat, Feb. 23; The Olde School, 251 St. Helens St., St. Helens; free event for veterans (including active duty and National Guard) offering hot meals, clothing, shoes/boots, sleeping bags, personal care items, haircuts, health care, eye care, mental health services, flu shots, legal aid services, employment opportunities, vocational rehabilitation, and Veterans Administration homeless services and benefits experts; sponsored by Community Action Team and Worksource Oregon Northwest; Pam Daniel, 503-366-6591, or pdaniel@cat-team.org.

“CROP for FUN”draiser: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sat, Feb. 23; Best Western Oak Meadows Inn, 585 S. Columbia River Hwy., St. Helens; a scrapbooking event benefiting the American Cancer Society Relay for Life of Columbia County; $25 a person; includes table space, lunch and dinner; hosted by Jilly’s Team Twilight; advance registration required; details: Noelle, 503-369-5191, or nslinden@lindens-or.com.

AARP Driver Safety: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Mon-Tue, Feb. 25-26; Columbia County OSU Extension Office, 505 N. Columbia River Hwy., St. Helens; refresher driving course for those ages 50 and older; possible auto insurance discounts for those who complete the course (check with your agent); $12 to AARP members, $14 to others; registration required; details: Kay, 503-543-7561.

Columbia County Bridal Expo: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sun, March 3; St. Frederic Catholic Church, Buccini Hall, 165 S. 14th St., St. Helens; vendors featuring flowers, catering, photographers, music, wedding cakes, travel, formal wear; free samples, door prizes, information on the Portland Bridal Show; bridal fashion show at 2 p.m.; presented by Dianna’s Forma Affair; details: 503-543-0291 or visit event Facebook page by clicking here.

Low-cost pet vaccinations: Noon to 3 p.m. Sun, March 3; Columbia Humane Society, 2084 Oregon St., St. Helens; vaccinations $10-$25; microchips $25; service numbers assigned at 11:45 a.m. (no early arrivals); patients seen first-come, first-serve; dogs must be on leashes, and cats in carriers; all animals will be given basic exams to determine if they are healthy enough for services; people with two or more animals must pre-register; county licensing services also available; details: 503-397-4353.

Financial literacy story time: 11:15 a.m. Thu, March 7; St. Helens Public Library, 375 S. 18th St., St. Helens; first of three financial literacy story times presented by Lillie Anderson, an Oregon State University/AmeriCorps Financial Literacy Coordinator, who will discuss shopping, money, saving and spending with preschool-aged children with the use of picture books, crafts and other activities; free; 503-397-4544.

2nd annual rodeo benefit: 5 to 11 p.m. Sat, March 16; Columbia County Fairgrounds, 58892 Saulser Road, St. Helens; social hour, dinner, live auction and music and dancing with Much More Country; $25 a person; corporate tables are $250 for eight people; proceeds benefit the Columbia County Rodeo Committee; ticket sales limited; details: 503-397-1800.

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