Learning & Tech❯Tech & Coding

Prompt to Profit is a 3-day online bootcamp focused on helping founders, builders, and creators set up the systems they need to move from idea to execution. Across three focused sessions, we’ll work through the foundations of product development, workflow systems, and practical next steps for building something people can actually use, test, and grow. This bootcamp is designed for early-stage founders, hackathon builders, vibe coders, solo entrepreneurs, and anyone with an idea they want to turn into a real product or business. You’ll learn how to organize your idea, define your product, build simple systems, and create a clear path from concept to launch. Schedule Friday: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM Saturday: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM Sunday: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM Location Online Bring your idea, your laptop, and your willingness to build. By the end of the weekend, you’ll have more clarity, more structure, and a stronger foundation for turning your prompt into profit.

Join Adult Services Librarian April Younglove from the Lake Oswego Public Library for a hands-on, four-part series designed to demystify artificial intelligence. Learn how to navigate the digital world, protect your privacy, and use AI tools with confidence and skepticism. Sessions include clear, live demonstrations, interactive discussions, and personalized tech support. Free for all participants.

• Location: Lake Oswego Adult Community Center
• Cost: Free for both residents and non-residents
• Requirements: Please bring a smartphone, laptop, or tablet with internet access for the hands-on practice portions.

Foundations for Everyday Use

Kick off the series by stripping away the tech jargon and discovering how artificial intelligence can simplify your day-to-day life. This foundational session introduces core AI concepts and terminology—including AI summarizers, generative chatbots, and natural prompting—in clear, approachable language. Through live demonstrations of Claude AI, Microsoft Copilot, and ChatGPT, you will learn how to safely use these tools to brainstorm recipes, plan custom travel itineraries, and organize daily tasks. We will introduce the essential "Ask–Tweak–Verify" (ATV) framework alongside critical privacy guidelines to ensure you protect your personal data right from the start.

One-on-one lab assistance is proudly provided by student volunteers from the Lake Youth Leadership Council to help you configure settings on your personal devices.

Date / Time: Tuesday, September 15 | 2:00–3:30 p.m.
Class Number: 34825

Hands-On Skills and Sandbox Practice

Build directly upon your foundational knowledge with a supportive, highly interactive sandbox session dedicated to mastering digital assistants. In Part 2, participants shift from watching demonstrations to writing and refining their own prompts. Under patient guidance, you will practice conversational techniques, discover how subtle shifts in word choices yield dramatically improved answers, and learn how to implement standard internet safety boundaries. A major focus of this workshop will be learning how to cross-reference and fact-check chatbot output to ensure your digital interactions remain secure, accurate, and productive.

Personalized, one-on-one tech support will be provided throughout the hands-on practice intervals by members of the Lake Youth Leadership Council.

Date / Time: Tuesday, October 20 | 2:00–3:30 p.m.
Class Number: 34826

Helping Seniors Navigate Daily Life With Confidence

Discover how contemporary AI applications can serve as powerful tools for independent living, lifelong learning, and daily problem-solving. This interactive workshop demonstrates practical accessibility functions hidden inside everyday tech, such as instant text-to-speech audio conversion, natural voice-command interactions, and real-time smartphone image recognition (perfect for reading small labels or identifying objects). Moving into deeper research skills, we will outline advanced prompting methods while unpacking the distinct structural limits of large language models. Learn exactly why AI should never replace professional advisory services, and discover specific strategies for spotting online medical misinformation.

Personalized, one-on-one tech support will be provided throughout the hands-on practice intervals by members of the Lake Youth Leadership Council.

Date / Time: Tuesday, November 17 | 2:00–3:30 p.m.
Class Number: 34827

Becoming a Confident, Critical AI User

The final installation equips you with an essential digital defense toolkit to evaluate whether online content is authentic, accurate, and trustworthy. We will break down common system errors, reveal how "hallucinations" occur, and introduce quick, library-approved methods for verifying data across independent sources. Crucially, this session helps participants recognize how malicious actors deploy technology for modern fraudulent schemes—including cloning voices for identity scams, fabricating hyper-realistic deepfakes, and pushing complex cryptocurrency traps. Leave with the confidence and critical awareness needed to enjoy modern digital conveniences safely and securely.

Personalized, one-on-one tech support will be provided throughout the hands-on practice intervals by members of the Lake Youth Leadership Council.

Date / Time: Tuesday, December 15 | 2:00–3:30 p.m.
Class Number: 34828

Missed a previous session? Access archived video recordings, interactive presentation slides, and educational handouts from our past technology literacy classes below:

Explore the sophisticated tools and methodologies professional librarians utilize to identify computer-generated texts, altered documents, and artificial imagery. This session provides actionable, real-world clues to help you differentiate between genuine human creations and artificial content in your daily newsfeeds and correspondence.

This class was originally presented at the Lake Oswego Public Library.

• Watch the Presentation Video on YouTube
• View Interactive Presentation Slides
• Download Class Instructional Handout

Navigate the rapidly-evolving digital landscape with clarity and balance. This session pulls back the curtain on automated "content farms," breaking down how social media algorithms, financial pay-per-click incentives, and strategic influence campaigns purposefully accelerate the distribution of false narratives. Learn to evaluate source motivations and protect your digital footprint from predatory content design.

This class was originally presented at the Lake Oswego Adult Community Center.

• Watch the Presentation Video on YouTube
• View Interactive Presentation Slides
• Download Class Instructional Handout

For questions or more information regarding our technology programs, please contact Adult Services Librarian April Younglove at [email protected].

PDX Women Coders Join PDX Women Coders for a back-end study session, where we read and discuss *[Designing Data-Intensive Applications (2nd edition)](https://www.oreilly.com/library/view/designing-data-intensive-applications/9781098119058/)* by Martin Kleppmann. We plan to go over one chapter (or so) each session, and we will be meeting every two weeks for 7-8 months to finish the book. Each session, we'll go over that we learned in that chapter, and explore key concepts in distributed systems,

Learn essential computer skills in this beginner-friendly class, from logging in to personalizing settings. In the second hour, focus on how to protect yourself from email scams, malicious software, and identity theft. Perfect for first-time users.

Set your business up for success! Learn how financial planning, banking, and funding can help you reach your goals in this workshop presented by InRoads Credit Union.

In rating Small Things Like These 41st on its list of the 100 Best Books of the 21st Century, the New York Times said: “Not a word is wasted in Keegan’s small, burnished gem of a novel, a sort of Dickensian miniature….”

This is an important novella in the vein of Dickens’s A Christmas Carol, but with an ending that packs a different punch. At its center is a man torn between family, community, church, and one young woman in a terrible predicament. He must make a choice, and Keegan’s exquisite, concise writing reveals that agonizing choice. It’s a perfect story to ponder and discuss: What would you choose in his situation?

Keegan’s other work, “Foster,” is a long short story with a big impact. No word is wasted as Keegan tells the story of a young girl sent to live with another family when her own mother is fraught with problems of her own. Again, in the New York Times’s glowing review they say: “Keegan makes us complicit in what her characters want, setting us up for utter heartbreak when they don’t get it.”

Foster’s is already considered canonical and is taught as a required text for Comparative Literature in the curriculum for Ireland’s secondary schools.

Join us in this two-week exploration of these incredible short works by an Irish writer of spare prose and mmense talent.

Access Program
We want our writing classes and seminars to be accessible to everyone, regardless of income and background. We understand that our tuition structure can present obstacles for some people. Our Access Program offers writing class and seminar tuitions at a reduced rate. Most writing classes have at least one access spot available.

Please apply here for access rate tuition. Contact Susan Moore at [email protected] if you have questions.

Liaison position
Every in-person class and seminar at Literary Arts has one liaison position. Liaisons perform specific duties for each class meeting. If you are a liaison for a class or seminar, the full amount of your tuition is covered by Literary Arts.

Apply here for the liaison position.

Gateway to Adventure is a premium D&D learning experience. Been interested in trying out Dungeons & Dragons but didn't know where to find a group or how to get started? Let us take care of that for you!

You (and your friends) can embark on a curated adventure, played out over 3 weekly sessions. You will learn all the basics from character generation to combat and roleplaying in a safe space with pro Dungeon Master Jordan (aka @gendergolemdm ).

Sessions require a minimum of 4 players to run and can accommodate up to 6 players.

If you have any questions at all about the experience or how to book please give us a call or shoot us an email at [email protected]

Vanessa Grace of Soul Amplified will lead a workshop about the spiritual aspects of autumn from 6:30-8 p.m. Nov. 4 at Self Balance Massage, 8301 N.E. Hazel Dell Ave., Vancouver. Autumn is the transition between the outward-focused, fast pace of summer and inward-focused, slow pace of winter. Students will learn how to “live the autumn life” in preparation for winter, the art of releasing and the significance of endings. Grace will lead participants in a guided mediation, leaf release ritual and journaling. The cost is $30, including a digital workbook. For details, email [email protected].

Do you know how to remove apps? What to do if your phone memory is full? How to improve battery life? Learn these skills and more for your Apple, Android, or Microsoft devices in a focused, 1:1 session with volunteers from SeniorTechPals, and bring your phone or tablet.

Registration strongly encouraged, but drop-ins can wait to receive help.

LFDT Oregon A learning group for zero knowledge and SNARK application development.

During the year we will systematically explore different aspects of zero knowledge and SNARK programming in application development.

Coordination of the learning group is in the discord channel of Linux Foundation Decentralized Trust: [https://discord.com/channels/905194001349627914/1329201532628898036](https://discord.com/channels/905194001349627914/1329201532628898036)

Github repo for the lab: [https://github

Master Gardener and Master Melittologist Anne Bulger on native mason bees: why they’re such good pollinators, what’s hiding inside their nesting tubes, and how to harvest and clean cocoons so your bees make it through winter healthy. Good for total beginners and people already hosting bees. Part of the Community Workshop Series. Sign up ahead.

WSU Vancouver MIS club and the Oregon Data Community host a free one-day training event for data professionals and students using the Microsoft Data Platform.

Session topics include SQL Server, Microsoft Fabric, Power BI, Azure Synapse, data analytics, visualization and more!

Coffee and Beverages will be provided, and lunch will be available for a small fee.

Conference attendance is free, but registration is required. Use the QR code below.

Prompt is an 8-week writing group full of freewriting, listening, and strengths-based feedback, hosted behind-the-scenes at Powell’s City of Books. With accountability and community built in — as well as a huge selection of books for inspiration — you’ll be sure to come away with tons of new ideas.

Learn about your tenant and survivor rights as renters with YWCA Clark County and Clark County Volunteer Lawyers Program’s Housing Justice Project during a workshop from 6-7:30 p.m. Nov. 4 at YWCA Clark County, 3609 Main St., Vancouver. Participants will learn about their rights and responsibilities as tenants, common housing issues and available legal resources. The workshop will also provide information specifically for survivors of domestic violence, including housing protections and considerations and resources to support housing stability. Register at eventbrite.com/e/tenant-rights-workshop-tickets-2002166313340.

Learn about the process of becoming a citizen. Prepare for your citizenship interview. Study United States history and government for the examination. Classes are taught in English.

Registration information call 503.379.1598, ext 105, or email [email protected]

Spanish Language & Culture in Northern Spain

What can Asturias teach us about Spain’s history, culture, and identity?

Join us for an immersive summer program in Oviedo, Spain, exploring the rich history, art, literature, and contemporary culture of Asturias. Through cultural experiences, course discussions, and exploration of northern Spain, you’ll examine how Spanish identity has evolved from pre-Roman times to today.

Along the way, you’ll strengthen your Spanish language skills, building fluency, vocabulary, writing, and confidence while engaging with authentic Spanish-language materials and everyday life in Spain.

Designed for students ready to go beyond the typical study abroad experience, this program is ideal for students interested in Spanish language, literature, history, art, culture, and international studies.

Program Dates: June 27–July 30, 2027
Course: SPAN 301, 302, 303 (12 credits)
Prerequisite: SPAN 203 or equivalent proficiency

View Program Details

The Teen Table is a relaxed, hands-on cooking experience for teens who want to feel more comfortable in the kitchen, learn to cook for themselves, and spend time with other teens who enjoy good food.

Whether they’re brand new to cooking or already have some experience, we’ll focus on building practical skills and confidence. Rather than following strict recipes, teens will learn how to think like a home cook—how to make decisions, work with what they have, adjust as they go, and turn simple ingredients into food they’re excited to eat.

We’ll also cover meal planning, kitchen organization, time management, using ingredients thoughtfully, making adjustments, and cleaning up. Most importantly, teens will gain the confidence to cook without needing a recipe to tell them exactly what to do.

Every class ends with everyone sitting down together to enjoy what we’ve made—because cooking is more fun when it’s shared, and learning how to feed yourself well is a pretty great skill to have.

The goal is simple: to help teens feel at home in the kitchen, make food they enjoy, and learn how to take care of themselves through cooking.

November Menu:

• Herb Roasted Chicken

• Seasonal Vegetable Sides

December Menu:

• Veggie Chili

• Cornbread

What to expect:

• Price is per person and includes the class, all ingredients, and dinner.

• Each class is hands-on and centered around preparing a meal together. We’ll cook, talk, experiment, ask questions, make mistakes, and figure things out along the way. There’s no pressure to already know what you’re doing or to be a “chef”— just a welcoming space to learn at your own pace.

• Some food allergies and intolerances can be accommodated, but please note that we may cook with eggs, dairy, nuts, poultry, beef, pork, and fish. If you’re unsure whether the class will be a good fit for your dietary needs, please inquire before registering.

• This series is for kids aged 13-18

About our Instructor:

Chef Leta Merrill is the founder and Pasta Maia, a seasoned culinary instructor, and also a mom of teens. She loves cooking with families and teaching young cooks in a fun, hands-on environment. Inspired by the Cucina Povera philosophy of simple, resourceful cooking made with love, Leta brings old-world Italian warmth and a love of gathering around the table to every class.

Metropolitan Performing Arts will offer K-Pop Dance Workshops on Nov. 8, Dec. 6 and Jan. 17, taught by Caitlin Bui. From 1:30-3 p.m. Nov. 8, kids 12-18 will learn “Iconic by Mistake” by Katseye, Illit and Le Serrafim. From 1:30-3 p.m. Dec. 6, kids 12-18 will learn “The Feels.” The Jan. 17 class from 3:30-5 p.m. is for kids ages 8-12. Each class is $25.

Mondays, November 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd, 30th, and Dec 7th from 6-8 pm (with exception on Nov 9th— start time will be 7 pm due to a private event prior.) 15 spots available. Select dates have a limited number of drop-in seats! $200 for six 2 hour sessions across six weeks on Mondays. All materials included. Rotating craft each week— giftable and practical items, perfect for bringing cheer to your home in winter, or knocking out some christmas gifts and stocking stuffers early. We will start with some icebreaker activites to build friendship and connection, but no stereotypical, topical, awkward stuff. I’d love it if some of you remained friends after you left me, and I will facilitate building lasting connections. :) Photo Samples coming soon. Monday, November 2nd, 6-8 pm, Session 1: 1” and 2” Buttons and magnets (make 6+ each using collage, watercolor, or personal photos) GUEST COHOST: AFISHFORTHEO Monday, November 9th, 7-9 pm, Session 2: on Nov 9th— start time will be 7 pm due to a private event prior.) Mini block printing (make five 1” x 2” stamps and one 2×3” stamp, then stamp tradeable and giftable mini prints, cards, bookmarks, and more) Monday, November 16th, 6-8 pm, Session 3: USB “Magic Charm” Lantern Monday, November 23rd, 6-8 pm, Session 4: Beaded crystal suncatcher dangles (make as many as you want in session) Monday, November 30th, 6-8 pm, Session 5: Poetry writing session, draft a few poems with guided inspiration prompts, then take turns typing on the typewriter and framing them Monday, December 7th, 6-8 pm, Session 6: Framed multimedia trinket bricolage— arrange colorful and nostalgic trinkets in a frame, adding accents of sparkle, paint, etc to taste. GUEST COHOST: ISPYJUNK

Portland Fabric User Group It's that magical time of year again where we have our all day FREE technical conference at a local site. This year, we are once again holding our conference at Washington State University Vancouver, up in the Salmon Creek area. As many of you know, the active leadership lives in the Vancouver area, so we've naturally migrated the event to Vancouver due to the availability of high-quality sites with excellent parking. We're in partnership with WSU Vancouver and the WSU

DevonWood will once again host the USDF/FEI Youth Clinic Series in Sherwood, Oregon, with clinician Sabine Schut-Kery. Applications will be available online. The series receives funding support from The Dressage Foundation and the United States Equestrian Federation, and The Dressage Foundation provides grant opportunities for these clinics.

Journalism isn’t only for journalists. The practice involves skills that are useful to any and all writers across genres and levels of experience. At its core, reporting is the process of asking questions and seeking answers, which is something all writers do in one form or another. In addition to interviews, research is a valuable tool for any writer to deepen and expand their understanding of a chosen subject and fact-checking can heighten the rigor and truth of any work, even the most fantastical fiction.

As part of their training, journalists learn how to distill a story down to its core components, make it legible to a wide audience, and structure information to maximize impact. These are skills and practices that all writers can benefit from. Whether there’s a journalist character in your novel, a historical component to your memoir, a narrative aspect to your academic work, or a poem that provides a glimpse into an unknown world, this class will provide a basic understanding of journalism that any writer can apply to any project.

Course outcomes:
● Writers are introduced to the fundamentals of reporting, research, writing, editing and fact-checking
● Writers explore how to incorporate these skills into their writing practice
● Writers gain confidence applying these skills in their own projects, outside of the classroom

Class schedule:
Week 1: The Journalist Mindset—Week 1 provides an overarching introduction to the key concepts of journalism and how it can be applied to any writing project. Concepts include the “5 Ws + H” and newsworthiness.

Week 2: Reporting and Research—Students will learn interview techniques; discuss other ways to access information, like court documents, public records and archives; and review best practices for research, like relying on primary source documents and vetting journal articles.

Week 3: Writing & Structure—How to write and structure a basic news story, with a discussion of how those core principles (like the inverted pyramid) can apply to any writing project. It will also address how to approach writing a feature story, which requires using information to build scenes and character development.

Week 4: Ethics & Accuracy—How to fact-check and why it matters. Students will learn what goes into fact-checking and how to ensure that the information they have gathered is accurate. They will also learn core ethical principles of journalism, such as objectivity, independence, as well as how to handle attribution (on vs off the record) and how to handle sources requesting anonymity or who are not telling the truth.

Week 5: Organization and Pitching. In this session, students will get tips on how to keep all their reporting notes and material organized to help streamline the writing, editing and fact-checking process. The class will also cover the basics and best practices of pitching so students feel empowered to send their ideas out into the world.

Week 6: Workshop. The final class will be dedicated to discussing each student’s ideas and providing collective guidance and feedback. Whether it’s a question about a story’s angle or a full-fledged pitch, this session will be a forum for everyone to take their journalistic aspirations to the next level, incorporating what they’ve learned over the past five weeks.

Access Program
We want our writing classes and seminars to be accessible to everyone, regardless of income and background. We understand that our tuition structure can present obstacles for some people. Our Access Program offers writing class and seminar tuitions at a reduced rate. Most writing classes have at least one access spot available.

Please apply here for access rate tuition. Contact Susan Moore at [email protected] if you have questions.

Liaison position
Every in-person class and seminar at Literary Arts has one liaison position. Liaisons perform specific duties for each class meeting. If you are a liaison for a class or seminar, the full amount of your tuition is covered by Literary Arts.

Apply here for the liaison position.

Growing older isn’t just about adding years; it’s about discovering new ways to find meaning, connection, and joy. Join a welcoming community of adults 60+ for a six-week journey of reflection, conversation, and personal growth. Together, we’ll explore this stage of life with resilience, purpose, and wisdom.

​Through guided conversations, mindfulness practices, journaling, and shared experiences, you’ll gain practical tools and fresh perspectives for navigating life’s transitions. Together, we’ll explore topics such as embracing change, cultivating meaningful relationships, enhancing well-being, and creating a lasting legacy.

​Based on the book Wise Aging: Living with Joy, Resilience, and Spirit by Rabbi Rachel Cowan and Dr. Linda Thal, this series uses the book as a guide for discussion and reflection.

Because each session builds on the last, participants are asked to commit to attending all six weeks, allowing the group to develop trust, meaningful connections, and rich conversations together.

​The series is facilitated by Laura Ziegler, an experienced trainer and group facilitator who is passionate about helping older adults embrace the opportunities and transitions of the Third Act.

​This series is free to attend, but registration is required. Snacks and drinks will be provided. Participants are asked to purchase a copy of the Wise Aging book prior to the first session. If the cost of the book is a barrier, please let us know — we’re happy to provide a copy.

Strengthen your household readiness through the "Be 2 Weeks Ready" program, presented by PrepLO. Learn how to prepare for disasters like earthquakes, storms, and wildfires. This essential training includes hands-on CPR/AED instruction provided directly by the Lake Oswego Fire Department (LOFD).

Fee: FREE (Pre-registration is required)

Thursday, September 10 • 5:30–8:30 p.m.
Course ID: 33840 • Register Online

Thursday, December 10 • 5:30–8:30 p.m.
Course ID: 33841 • Register Online

Saturday, September 5 • 9 a.m.–12 p.m.
Course ID: 33842 • Register Online

Saturday, December 5 • 9 a.m.–12 p.m.
Course ID: 33844 • Register Online

Tuesday, October 20 • 10 a.m.–12 p.m.
Course ID: 35016
Fee: FREE

Join clinical experts from Providence Health & Services to learn how age-related changes in balance, physical strength, and general medical health affect daily mobility. Discover concrete ways to minimize risks by modifying everyday medications, assessing footwear choice, and addressing common home environment hazards. Includes a short, participatory tai chi balance demonstration.

Presented by: Providence Health Leaders
Register Online

Thursdays, October 22 – November 12 • 12–1:30 p.m.
Course ID: 34887
Fee: Resident $36 / Non-Resident $54 (4-week course)

This structural, evidence-based series features weekly presentations by Providence clinical directors focused on optimizing physiological health as you age. Learn actionable, science-backed lifestyle habits designed to promote everyday brain fitness, strengthen emotional resilience, and maximize lifetime physical vitality rooted in the latest senior medical research.

Presented by: Providence Clinical Directors
Register Online

Tuesday, November 3 • 10–11:30 a.m.
Course ID: 34823
Fee: FREE

Join representatives from the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) for an invaluable QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) suicide prevention training session. Participants will learn how to recognize early situational warning signs, ask supportive, compassionate direct questions, and safely guide neighbors, friends, and family toward life-saving community crisis resources.

Presented by: NAMI NW Advisors
Register Online

Tuesdays • 9:30–11:30 a.m.
Fee: Resident $20 / Non-Resident $25 per multi-week section

Elevate your card game in a supportive, structured environment! Curated for enthusiasts who possess standard background play experience, this community class weaves short, technical lessons with real-time coached table play. Refine card play execution, clarify bidding options on the fly, and share the friendly table camaraderie of fellow players.

Section A (Sept 8 – Oct 27): Course ID: 35364 • Register Online
Section B (Nov 3 – Dec 15): Course ID: 35365 • Register Online

Thursday, October 29 • 2–4 p.m.
Course ID: 35370
Fee: FREE

Learn how to optimize your living space to be safer, energy-efficient, and structurally accessible using public county support systems. Experienced case managers from Clackamas County will detail application criteria for free residential weatherization upgrades, low-cost deferred maintenance home improvement loans, and localized senior accessibility renovation grants.

Presented by: Clackamas County Program Coordinators
Register Online

• Life’s Final Chapter Series (May/June): A thoughtful practical exploration covering end-of-life logistics, medical directives, and grief support, facilitated alongside Death Doulas NW and End of Life Choices Oregon.
• Estrangement & Reunion Workshops (May/June): Multi-session mental health family guidance led by the licensed marriage and family therapists of Family Ties Counseling Center.
• Caregiver Support & Resilience Intensives (May/June): Specialized, four-hour professional workshops covering dementia communication habits and chronic caregiver burnout prevention, led by Dr. Andrea Holzner.
• Healthy Legs as You Age (May 6): A cardiovascular educational forum addressing vein health, modern treatment options, and leg circulation, led by Dr. Toshio Nagamoto of Inovia Vein.
• Estate Planning Basics (May 20): A legal resource class reviewing wills, asset protection vehicles, and common probate filing pitfalls, presented by Michael Rose, Attorney at Rose Elder Law.
• Paying for Long-Term Care (June 10): A community seminar providing legal guidance on qualifying for public Medicaid benefits and managing long-term institutional residential costs, presented by Rose Elder Law.

NODES 2026 is Neo4j's free, 24-hour global online conference, running across every time zone on November 12. The program is aimed at developers, data professionals, architects and AI engineers, with sessions on modern application development, multi-agent workflows, graph-backed retrieval and building context-rich systems that hold up in production. Talks are grouped by experience level, so there are introductory sessions for people new to graph databases alongside deeper technical material on knowledge graphs, agent orchestration and graph analytics at scale. Because the event streams continuously for a full day, Pacific-time attendees can join sessions in the morning, over lunch or in the evening, and recordings are typically published afterward. Registration is free through the Neo4j eve https://neo4j.com/event/nodes-2026-engineering-better-intelligence/

When the nation and culture you grew up in and love have been taken over by a war-waging fascist dictatorship, how do you come to understand the nature and causes of what has happened? Perhaps you can do this only after you fled for your life. How then would you look at the ruins left inside yourself? This was the situation faced by one of the most sophisticated and profound thinkers of the twentieth century, Theodor Adorno (1903–1969), when he found himself living in Los Angeles during World War II after escaping from Nazi Germany.

In this Delve we will study Adorno’s Minima Moralia: Reflections from Damaged Life—the amazing book he wrote between 1944 and 1949 to explore his feelings about the calamitous situation of a world facing despotism. We will read the entire book and focus on selected essays. The book is made up of 153 very short essays, ranging from 1-3 pages. The essays focus his philosophical genius on deeply observed and subtle aspects of ourselves that contribute to or resist the ways in which we are socialized that result in alienation, loss of will and agency, and unfulfillment. He explores consumer culture, the arts, and politics along with his recollections of the rise of fascism. Each essay is a deep and intricate knot of feelings and ideas, presented by a contemplative, perseverant, unblinking thinker of the highest order Although written in grief, Adorno always seeks hope by confronting, with maximum honesty and penetration, the deep roots of the problems human society faces. Minima Moralia is a monument to the sensitive study of culture and our psyches amidst disaster trauma. Adorno’s brilliant and strong style make this book a pleasure to think with. In this Delve we will read the entire book and focus on selected entries.

Text:
Minima Moralia: Reflections from Damaged Life<, Theodor Adorno, translator E. F. N. Jephcott (Verso)

Access Program
We want our writing classes and seminars to be accessible to everyone, regardless of income and background. We understand that our tuition structure can present obstacles for some people. Our Access Program offers writing class and seminar tuitions at a reduced rate. Most writing classes have at least one access spot available.

Please apply here for access rate tuition. Contact Susan Moore at [email protected] if you have questions.

Liaison position
Every in-person class and seminar at Literary Arts has one liaison position. Liaisons perform specific duties for each class meeting. If you are a liaison for a class or seminar, the full amount of your tuition is covered by Literary Arts.

Apply here for the liaison position.

Make an augmented reality environment in an hour? Yes, it can be done.

Come to the workshop led by Brenda Grell and see.

Vampire Unicorns, 3510 N.E. Third Ave., Camas, will offer a Rose Salves Workshop from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Nov. 5. Students will explore folklore surrounding roses and their gentle herbal properties, then create a rose petal salve to soothe the skin and spirit. The cost is $45. Register at vampireunicorns.xyz.

Learn about the process of becoming a citizen. Prepare for your citizenship interview. Study United States history and government for the examination. Classes are taught in English.

Registration information call 503.379.1598, ext 105, or email [email protected]

PARTS -- the Portland Area Robotics Society -- is an Oregon non-profit formed to help people interested in robots. Monthly meetings are open to the public and everyone is welcome, from complete beginners to experienced builders. Meetings typically include show-and-tell of members robots and projects, short technical talks, build discussions, and plenty of time to ask questions about motors, sensors, microcontrollers, power and control software. The group gathers at PDX Hackerspace (CTRL-H) in Section 2, the main space you enter through the front door, at 7608 N Interstate Ave in Portland. Bring a project you are working on, or just come to see what other people in the Portland robotics community are building. Free to attend, and a friendly landing spot for students and hobbyists getting st https://events.pdxhackerspace.org/occurrences/parts-portland-area-robotics-society-2026-11-01

This two-session class explores the foundations of intentional ritual, sacred space, and spell design. Participants will consider how to create rituals and spells that are personally meaningful, clear, aligned, and ethically grounded, while building confidence in their magical practice. Attendees must be at least 13, and anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Andrea’s Spanish School will offer Online Spanish Conversation Classes, Levels I and II, from 6 to 7 p.m. Wednesdays Oct. 21, 28, Nov. 4 and Nov. 11 via Zoom. Practice speaking Spanish with a native speaker in a small group of four to seven students. Sessions are built around real talk, not grammar drills. There is no homework and no tests. The cost is $25 per session. Sign up at learnspanishvancouver.com.

Backbeat Music Academy is a year-round music school in West Portland.

Topic: "The Most Human Documentation", talk by Christian Miles at WTD PDX 2026. Video followed by discussion.

Pizza will be served at 5:15pm.

Zoom Registration: https://pdx.zoom.us/meeting/register/0vPArxYIRa-VkJX47Ryn0g

Join us in the Community Room on Wednesdays at 10:15 for stories, songs, and movement activities followed by a short playtime. Due to limited capacity, registration is encouraged for the 5-week session, and drop-ins will be admitted as space allows.18 seats available for children age 0-5.

<p style=\"white-space:pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"><strong>Dates</strong>: Wednesdays: 11/4, 11/11, 11/18</p><p style=\"white-space:pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"><strong>Time</strong>: 5:30 - 8:30 PM</p><p style=\"white-space:pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"><strong>Location</strong>: Bittersweet Studios, 1515 N Rosa Parks Way, Portland, OR 97217</p><p style=\"white-space:pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\">This is an abbreviated version of our six week Intro series that concentrates on giving students the basics of ceramics wheel throwing and hand-building without the time commitment of a 6 week course.</p><ul data-rte-list=\"default\"><li><p style=\"white-space:pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"><strong>Week 1: Wheel Throwing Basics</strong><br />Learn the fundamentals of working on the pottery wheel, including centering clay, pulling walls, and forming simple vessels. Keep up to two wheel thrown pieces that we will trim for you.</p></li><li><p style=\"white-space:pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"><strong>Week 2: Hand-building Techniques</strong><br />Explore coil, slab, and pinch methods to build forms by hand—great for sculptural or functional pieces.</p></li><li><p style=\"white-space:pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"><strong>Week 3: Glazing & Finishing</strong><br />Apply underglaze and glaze to your bisqued pieces, experiment with surface decoration, and prepare your work for final firing. Students can fire up to 4 glazed pieces to keep.</p></li></ul><p style=\"white-space:pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\">Due to the sequential nature of this series, we cannot offer make-up classes. Please plan on attending every class session. For the duration of the class series, students have access to the studio during Open Studio Hours to work on their pieces.</p><p style=\"white-space:pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\">Our Open Studio Hours are:</p><ul data-rte-list=\"default\"><li><p style=\"white-space:pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\">Thursdays 3-6 PM</p></li><li><p style=\"white-space:pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\">Fridays 5-8 PM</p></li><li><p style=\"white-space:pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\">Saturdays 2-5PM</p></li></ul><p style=\"white-space:pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"><strong>Ages: </strong>18+ only.</p><p style=\"white-space:pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"><strong>Cancellation/refund policy: </strong>Refunds are available with 10 days’ notice before the first class date. You can choose between store credit for the full amount, or a refund to your card, minus a $30 processing fee per student. 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Discover West Coast Swing, a modern partner dance set to a range of music styles, with smooth movement and room for varied expression. New dancers are welcome to begin on the first Monday of the month, and the beginner series covers foundational steps, connection, and technique through three self-contained modules. Classes are also offered for intermediate and advanced dancers, with sessions focused on technique and more challenging patterns. The evening includes a social dance and practica where participants can dance, socialize, practice, and ask instructors questions.

While it’s relatively straightforward to create a gratitude list of positive aspects of our lives, how do we cultivate gratitude for the less pleasant ones? Is it truly important, beneficial, or even feasible. Join us for a SoulCollage workshop where we’ll create cards and delve into the theme of the month.

Learn how to create brick stitch & fringe style beaded earrings using seed beads, thread and a beading needle. Natalie Mitchell will briefly discuss the history of seed beads in the Native American community and their uses in regalia, jewelry and art. Registration required and opens October 18. Both sessions are required, please be able to attend 11/8 and 11/15.

LFDT Oregon Join us for a webinar with Cosmos Labs, an LFDT general member, on Designing Tokenized Deposits for a Multi-Ledger Future. Most tokenized deposit initiatives start within a single institution or consortium, but the architecture choices banks make today will determine how effectively deposits can reach new markets and power new use cases. This session examines how an interoperability protocol fits into a tokenized deposit stack, covering how deposits and data can be exchanged across l

Slöyd is a historical Scandinavian method of education that used woodworking to develop character in children. Still utilized today in some of the highest performing schools around the globe, key elements of the original Theory of Educational Sloyd by Otto Salomon were replicated for these classes.

Traditional Okinawan Kenpo and Kobudo classes are taught in a small dojo with personalized instruction by Eric Sensei, a 9th dan Shihan. Classes are adult-oriented, and children are welcome when accompanied by a parent for each class, offering families a chance to participate. Remote classes are also available for those who are not local. Monthly rates are offered with no contracts, and the first month is free.

For proficient learners interested in advanced grammar and vocabulary in practical exercises.

The Vancouver Bridge Club, 6503 E. Mill Plain Blvd., Vancouver, will offer a six-week class for beginning and intermediate bridge players from 10 a.m. to noon March 5, 12, 19, 26, April 2 and 9, instructed by Michael Walker, a Ruby Life Master and an accredited ACBL and Better Bridge Instructor. Topics include opening bidding, slam bidding, takeout doubles, doubler’s rebid, balancing and other doubles. Each lesson will also include handouts and practice boards for hands-on experience. The cost is $10 per lesson or $50 for all six.

FREE group series designed for anyone interested in strengthening their recovery and learning new ways of relating to their nervous system

Introducing “30 for 30” - A Somatic Series for Recovery

A FREE community workshop series, led by a certified peer specialist and coach, that combines 30-minutes of guided grounding techniques and 30-minutes of collaborative processing.

Using body-oriented tools and cues, we'll build coping skills that help keep us grounded and connected--to our physical bodies and one another--as we navigate short- and long-term recovery.

At A Glance: Our 6-Week Group Agenda

● Week 1 Focus: Calming the Storm (Autonomic Regulation & 4-7-8 Oxygen Regulator)

● Week 2 Focus: Navigating the Void (Dopamine Baseline Reset & Thought Labeling)

● Week 3 Focus: Holding the Boundary (Protecting Internal Peace & Somatic Body Scan)

● Week 4 Focus: The Taper (The Art of Stillness & 4-4-4-4 Box Breathing)

● Week 5 Focus: Processing the Weight (Somatic Grief Work & Heart/Shoulder Grounding)

● Week 6 Focus: The Sovereign Anchor (Stepping Into Your Expert Chapter & Open Awareness)

Workshop agenda is subject to change at the facilitator's discretion.

Everyone is welcome. This offering is 100% cost-free. We hope you'll join us at TRG-Hillsboro.

Attendance at all six workshops is encouraged to get the most from this offering.

For questions about this group, please contact Josh C. at [email protected]

Do you know a young strategist, who's itching to learn the arcane arts? Look no further than Magic Academy - a series of supervised, sealed Magic: The Gathering leagues for kids ages 10-17.

One of our counselors will guide Planeswalkers as they collect cards and build decks that can summon creatures and create mystical effects, all while learning what it means to be a good sport.

Players with all levels of experience are welcome.

Clark County Green Neighbors will host “Low Waste Holiday: Save Money, Make Memories,” a kid-friendly workshop from 6-7:30 p.m. Nov. 18 at Waste Connections of Washington 9411 NE 94th Ave, Vancouver. This workshop shares simple ways to cut holiday waste while shifting the focus from buying “stuff” to creating experiences, family traditions, and lasting memories. Get low‑waste decorating ideas, experience‑based gift alternatives and tips for planning holiday meals and managing seasonal leftovers. Then families can make upcycled ornaments, bookmarks and gift tags from repurposed vinyl records and other reclaimed supplies.

Saving Throw Studio presents G.A.T.H.E.R., previously called Beginner Friendly App Building for Innovators: a three-hour, innovation-focused workshop for people building software without a technical background. No experience is required and the session is structured to be judgment-free -- guided, founder-friendly building rather than a lecture. This edition digs into prompting accuracy, breaking complex features down into plans a non-engineer can actually execute, and the architectural decisions behind front-end design. Bring a laptop and whatever refreshments you want; there is no dress code. Hosted by Ryan Green at North Bank Innovations inside the Vancouver Innovation Center, 18110 SE 34th St, Vancouver, Washington. Park in Lot 1, the red lot. Weekend doors are locked, so latecomers sho https://luma.com/j9rh2whz

Designed for adults with little to no prior knowledge of English. This class focuses on the English alphabet, basic phonics, numbers and survival vocabulary. Preparing students for Beginner ESL Class.
No class on September 16 or November 11.

Dive into France’s best vineyards, learn about the country’s historic grapes, and discover how these wines intertwine with the history, cuisine, and culture of France.

French Wine Essentials includes 2 interactive and engaging learning days guided by an expert wine educator.

In addition to in-person class sessions and tastings, your tuition includes your French Wine Essentials textbook; interactive, online learning resources; and an optional certification exam offered at the end of the course.