PAM Winner Announced & Spotlight on PCC Community Education

- It’s Portland on the Cheap’s one-year anniversary! We have randomly drawn from all entries emailed and we are happy to announce that L. Harvey is the winner of our PAM giveaway. L. Harvey will receive two general admission tickets for the Portland Art Museum. Congratulations and thanks to all who entered.

– A week ago we mentioned TGIF’s burger giveaway if you were one of the first 500,000 fans of Woody on Facebook. Well, the response has been so overwhelming that TGIF has decided to extend the offer to the first million registered fans. That’s right: 1,000,000 peeps. So if you haven’t done so already, go to Woody’s Facebook page and register to get your free burger. As of Thursday morning, about 750,000 have registered as a Fan so you still have time!

– This Saturday try some chili at the Fairview 4th Annual Chili on the Green Festival, go vegetarian at the Northwest VegFest 2009 ($5) at the Oregon Convention Center, get inspired for entrepreneurship at the 16th annual Oregon Small Business Fair (free!), or catch the 52nd Annual Beaverton Celebration Parade and Beaverton Old Town Festival; on Sunday get a free sneak peak at the Portland Opera Preview: La Bohème at the Multnomah County Library’s downtown location at 2:00pm. For even more cool and free events, be sure to check out Aroundthesunblog!

– Willamette Week’s new Cheapskate Deal Box features discounted cognac, a Pearl Ace Hardware grilling demonstration, Biketobeerfest, free baking demos and more.

POTC Spotlight: Community Education at Portland Community College

Ever wanted to learn to speak a new language? Learn more about Naturopathic medicine? Maybe try your hand at Hula Hooping for Fitness? Or discover the art of wine appreciation? Perhaps write your life story?

These and hundreds more classes are offered every quarter during the year through Portland Community College’s Community Education classes. The nice thing is that the classes are not just concentrated at PCC’s campuses; you’ll find the classes taught in local elementary, middle and high schools; at community centers; at local businesses; Senior Centers; even online. And the class could be a one-time evening, an all-day weekend, or a series of classes spread over several weeks. Just check the non-credit schedule and see what you might be able to find, either by category or just by using the search box.

In years past, we have tried out and enjoyed such classes such as: Beginning Spanish, Beginning Ballroom Dance, Landlording 101, Introduction to Standup Comedy, Rock Climbing, Basic Motorcycle Rider Training, and How to Take a Year Off. All the classes we took were fun, informative and taught by competent and knowledgeable instructors. Taking classes for fun is also a great way to meet new people and learn about or develop interests and talents that you’ve always wanted to try.

This weekend, PCC’s Central Portland Workforce Training Center is the site for the 2009 Discover Community Education Day. Running on Saturday from 9:00am – 12:00pm, this is your chance to sample from the range of classes, as they will have free demos and activities from each of their primary program areas: Creative Arts, Home and Garden, Language and Culture, Work and Life Balance and Recreation and Wellness. The 3rd floor of the building will also be hosting the Travel Fair, where you can meet “PCC travel operators and trip leaders for a morning of information sessions detailing the travel opportunities we will present in the coming year. If you want to learn about a specific culture, study a language while living with a local host family, or use your skills to participate in community service projects, PCC/CED Travel offers the perfect opportunity. Come travel the world with us!”

As an extra incentive for going to the Discover Community Education Day, you can take $10 off a community education class of your choice! However, you must first preregister here; you’ll receive a discount code via email. Then, on Saturday, use this code when registering at the event to receive the $10 off one class discount.

Inevitably, some limited interest classes may only be offered when you have a scheduling conflict or you live too far away. If that’s the case, don’t limit yourself to just PCC’s offerings. Try:

– Mt. Hood Community College Community Education
– Clackamas Community College Community Education
– Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District Activities & Classes
– Portland Parks and Recreation

As educators, we strongly believe in the power of learning and it never ends once you obtain your diploma, certification, degree or license. Learning happens every single day and all through life; this weekend is your chance to try something new with ten dollars off—what a deal! So go check it out. Thanks for reading and have a great weekend!