spouses tours and workshops

Spouses Tour Day - Tuesday, September 22

Tour 1 - Oregon Zoo and Rose Gardens

All aboard the Max Light Rail System for a ride to the Oregon Zoo in Portland's Washington Park! The 64-acre Oregon Zoo promotes conservation by educating visitors about animals and their habitats. This zoo trip includes "Behind the Scenes Encounters" with opportunities to visit staff only areas around the zoo and see exhibits from the other side of the rail. After visiting with the animals take the Zoo Train Excursion through Washington Park to the nearby International Rose Test Gardens to tour and learn about how different varieties of roses are developed and tested for use world wide. The International Rose Test Garden includes The Gold Medal Rose Garden, The Royal Rosarian Garden, Miniature Rose Test Garden, and the Shakespearean Garden. The Rose Garden Store is an all-rose gift shop! You can also visit the neighboring Portland Japanese Garden on your own. (Depart Portland Convention Center at 8:00 am - Return at 5:00 pm)(Expect to walk a lot!)

Tour 2 - World Forests and Rose Gardens

All aboard the Max Light Rail System for a ride to the World Forestry Center in Portland's Washington Park! The activities start with the exploration of the World Forestry Center's Discovery Museum where you will learn about growing, protecting, harvesting trees, plus information on wood products. After, take a leisurely stroll through the Hoyt Arboretum with a guide who will share information on the importance of trees in the Pacific Northwest and how our lives are affected by them. Lunch along the trail is included. End up at the International Rose Test Garden for a tour and learn about how different varieties of roses are developed and tested for use world wide. The International Rose Test Garden includes The Gold Medal Rose Garden, The Royal Rosarian Garden, Miniature Rose Test Garden, and the Shakespearean Garden. The Rose Garden Store is an all-rose gift shop! You can also visit the neighboring Portland Japanese Garden on your own. (Depart Portland Convention Center at 8:00 am - Return at 5:00 pm). Trail conditions will have you doing lots of leisurely walking.

Tour 3 - Destination Relaxation: Bonneville Hot Springs

From Portland, travel by bus along the scenic Columbia River Gorge to the Bonneville Hot Springs Resort and Spa. Two stops along the way are planned. The first is a short photo-op stop at Crown Point. The second is a visit to Multnomah Falls, where you can take in the awesome views by hiking to the falls or just looking up from below. A visitor center and shop are on site for you to peruse, and a sack lunch will be provided for you to enjoy in the outdoors. Back on the bus, you will then cross over the Columbia River via the Bridge of the Gods to the North Bonneville Area for your final destination of the trip to relax at the spa. Bring your bathing suit and enjoy soaking in the mineral hot springs indoor and outdoor pool and hot tubs (lockers and towels provided). Tour is limited to 25 participants. Optional discounted spa packages (manicures, pedicures, body wraps, facials, and massages) available at an additional cost. (Depart Portland Convention Center at 10:00 am - Return at 4:00 pm)(Expect to relax a lot...)

Tour 4 - Water, Fish, and Hydro Power

From Portland, travel by bus along the scenic Columbia River Gorge to the Bonneville Dam. Two stops along the way are planned. The first is a short photo-op stop at Crown Point. The second is a visit to Multnomah Falls, where you can take in the awesome views by hiking to the falls or just looking up from below. A visitor center and shop are on site for you to peruse, and a sack lunch will be provided for you to enjoy in the outdoors. Back on the bus, you will then cross over the Columbia River via the Bridge of the Gods to the North Bonneville Dam, Second Power Plant. Once at the dam, a guided tour of the Hydro-Power Plant and Fish Ladder are in store. After, we will take a short trip over to the Fish Hatchery and a visit to see Herman, a very large Sturgeon. Tour is limited to 25 participants (Depart Portland Convention Center at 10:00 am - Return at 4:00 pm)

Tour 5 - In Town Museums, Chinese Garden, Portland Underground

Take a guided tour of the Chinese Garden, completely hand built by 3,000 Chinese artisans in rock, wood and plants and animals. Beautiful, peaceful... totally designed to stimulate and relax the five senses (go barefoot and massage your feet on the stone walk). Then the Oregon Historical Museum which plans many special displays to highlight Oregon's Sesquicentennial (150th anniversary). You can spend the rest of the day on your own, or continue on with Optional add-on A and or add-on B (additional costs as indicated). (MAX Light Rail transportation: Depart Old Town Tram Stop at 8:30 am - Return on MAX at 5:30 pm)

Tour 5 Optional add-on A - Come over to the Dark Side...visit Portland's Underground and a revealing piece about former "recruiting techniques" for sailors and for bootlegging ($13 additional charge).

Tour 5 Optional add-on B - Balance the bad with beauty at the Portland Art Museum, featuring many famous local art displays plus many of the grand masters ($11.00 additional cost).

Tour 6 - Hood River County Fruit Loop & Mt Hood

Begin with a stop at Multnomah Falls, where you can take in the awesome views by hiking to the falls or just looking up from below. A visitor center and shop are on site for you to peruse. Then head on to Panorama Point overlooking the Hood River Valley, a leader in winter pear production, where a fruit specialist will join you as your guide for the area. Visit two roadside fruit stands and learn about agri-tourism, plus a bit about research programs and agriculture in the Hood River Valley. Later stops include Government Camp and Timberline Lodge, a National Historic Landmark furnished entirely by hand with original craft work in wood (both carved and inlaid marquetry), wrought iron, weaving, applique, painting, mosaic, carved linoleum, and stained glass. Situated on the snow covered, south slope of Mt Hood, you'll be sure to enjoy the views from this timberline area. A Forest Service guide will help you explore the lodge. Space limited to 30 participants.

Spouses Workshops - Wednesday, September 23

All or Part-day Workshops

Workshop 1 - Quilting and Sewing Projects

Join this workshop for an outstanding quilting and sewing workshop, with a variety of Hands-on, Make and Take projects! Stay a half-day or all-day, you choose. This off-site workshop will be hosted by the famous Palmer School of Sewing at the Fabric Depot in Portland. There will be opportunity for all skill levels, with plenty of supplies (kits include all necessary items) for the day's project(s), instructors, and workspace in the special classrooms. Everyone will get really good attention so that participants will leave with their project or projects done. Take time out to explore the Fabric Depot, one of the largest fabric warehouses in the US, with chances to purchase materials to take or ship home for upcoming projects. Lunch and refreshments are included in this workshop. Additional fees apply, depending on project choice. (Depart Convention Center 9 AM, travel by MAX Light Rail, Tri-met bus, and a short walk. Return at your leisure.) Choose 1 or 2 projects as time allows. Limited to 15 participants per project.

Project choice, time commitment, and additional fee (if applicable)

Project A: Apron Sewing Project, 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Additional fee $30.00

Project B: Quilted Table Runner, 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Additional Fee: $15.00

Project C: 2 Quilted Heart Shaped Potholders, 2:00 - 4:30 p.m. Additional fee: $5

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Workshop 2 - Beads, Beads, and More Beads

Enjoy a leisurely paced beginners' project choosing and putting together beads and things into a custom-made, multi-stranded bracelet for you or as a present for someone else. Portland is a city where beading is very popular, so you will take a short ride via the Max light rail system to a local bead gallery. There will be time for you to pick out your own beads using a project list provided. Then settle into the workshop and bead your way through your creation. The Interweave Bead Fest takes place right after our convention, so stay on and take advantage of that to enrich your beading experience. No fee. Limited to 8 participants. Note: This is a 3-hour workshop (1-4 pm).

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Workshop 3 - Ocean Fishing Excursion

Fish for Pacific Salmon out of Astoria, Oregon, on an early morning charter boat. The charter includes almost everything you need to fish all morning (bait, poles, etc.) and bring home the loot (have your fish processed or trade it for canned product). You will need to have a fishing license issued by the State of Oregon, warm clothing, and tennis shoes. The boats have covered areas and bathrooms. The excursion leaves the dock at 6:00 AM, so you will need to arrive the day preceding the trip and stay overnight at a designated hotel. For transportation to Astoria choose the Tuesday Tour 3 (Coast Trip to Astoria) along with this workshop. The charter company is next to the hotel and will arrange transportation between the hotel and the boat. You will return to Portland by van (supplied) sometime after 1 PM on Wednesday. Additional charges for this workshop include $100 per person, and you will be responsible for your own hotel fees and meals. Limited to 12 participants.

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Morning Workshops (9 - 11 AM)

Workshop 4 - Ultimate Girlfriends Pampering Party

Enjoy luxurious pampering of your hands, lips and face with #1 Selling Mary Kay anti-aging, mineral color, and body beautiful products. You will be pampered with a Spa Satin Hands and Lips Treatment, a Timewise Anti-Aging Skin Care Treatment, and a Mineral Makeover that will have you looking and feeling fabulous! In addition, sample delectable fragrance and body care products, hear expert advice, and enter to win $100 in FREE Mary Kay Products - helping you put your best face forward everyday. Workshop repeats in the PM. Convention Center. No class size limited; no fee.

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Workshop 5 - Exploring Exercise and Nutrition for Fitness

Have you ever been hesitant to start a fitness program? Or run into problems that discourage your project? This workshop might be perfect for you. Come learn the how's and why's of exercise and nutrition, as well as participate in the featured activity. Warm up with a short walk to the local fitness center where experts will guide you in a class called "The Lift", which is a mix of weight training and cardio. The two-hour program will mix exercise time and instruction on nutrition, exercise programs for various goals, supplements, and more. This class has a very wide appeal at the club so is sure to be fun for you. Join the group and make some friends you can use for motivation while enjoying the Lloyd Center Athletic Club facilities, locker room and showers included. What a way to start getting into some fantastic exercises or keep up with your current program! Class limited to 20. No fee.

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Workshop 6 - Forestry and Wood Products

Learn about the Pacific Northwest's forestry and timber industries and small woodland programs. Also, enjoy some wood working crafts along with the presentation. Convention Center. No class size limited; no fee.

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Workshop 7 - Fish Biology and Catching Fish... Fish Stories

Learn about fish and fishing in the Pacific Northwest. Convention Center. No class size limited; no fee.

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Workshop 8 - Crafts (TBA)

Convention Center. No class size limited; no fee.

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Workshop 9 Preserving the Goodness of Your Garden/Food Preservation

Preserving food at home is gaining popularity again. The science of food preservation that focuses on protecting the safety and quality of the food you select for your family will be reviewed along with an update of current references and resources. A good opportunity to brush up on your knowledge or start gaining information to make preserving the goodness from your garden or the local farmer's market part of your effort to eat locally and control what is in your food. Convention Center. No class size limited; no fee.

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Lunch on your own 11:00 to 1:00

Head over to the Lloyd Center Mall for a shopping lunch hour.

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Afternoon Workshops: 1 - 3 PM

Workshop 10 - Living Sustainably

How do you define sustainable living? What does it look and feel like? How can we be more sustainable? Why would anyone want to be? In this seminar, we'll take a light-hearted approach to understanding the "living lightly" revolution. Participants will gain insight into the roles of values and ethics in making lifestyle decisions, learn what sustainable living is - and isn't, find out about societal barriers, and have lively, thoughtful conversation on the topic. Convention Center. No class size limited; no fee.

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Workshop 11 - Healthy Living

Foods, nutrition, and exercise will be the topics of this workshop. No, you don't need your gym shoes for this one. Experts will present information on putting together healthy food and activities for you and your family; the benefits of being active, the recommendations regarding what kind and how much you should be getting, and strategies to meet the recommendations; and the latest research on how to ‘lose' the belly with diet and exercise. Convention Center. No class size limited; no fee.

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Workshop 12 - Ultimate Girlfriends Pampering Party

Convention Center

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Workshop 13 - Exploring Exercise and Nutrition for Fitness

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Workshop 14 - Crafts (TBA)

Convention Center. No class size limited; no fee.

Workshop 15 - Fun from the Forest

Explore the sights, smells, and mood you can get from a forest environment. This active, fun workshop on "Managing Forests for Many Benefits" will incorporate activities from Project Learning Tree. It will be active, fun, applicable to all forests, and incorporate cool free materials from Oregon Forest Resources Institute. This will be the class everyone will talk about at the end of the conference. Don't be the ones to miss out on this one. The non-spouses groups will all be jealous. No class size limit. No fee.