Welcome to Village Portland, neighborhood news & actions in East Portland.
We’re here to bridge the gap between news & civic participation… and to encourage folks get involved with their community and support their neighbors. There are a million voices fighting for your attention, but we want to help you connect with your village, your neighborhood… where your power to connect and make change is the strongest.
There are Village Portland sites for both Montavilla, Lents, and now Brentwood-Darlington:
For more frequent updates on news and actions that impact East Portland, follow our Facebook page: facebook.com/villageportland.
We’re most excited about the Village Portland @ Montavilla site. It has the space for more in-depth stories, as well as a more robust opportunity for local businesses to tell their story and reach their neighbors.
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If you’re an organizer or writer interested in bringing a Village Portland to your neighborhood, contact Andrew Wilkins, Publisher / Editor:
andrewtaylorwilkins@gmail.com
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Telling stories about neighborhood businesses shouldn’t really be that different than any other story. Neighbors invest so much time, energy, and money for the chance to build a business that reflects their values and serves their customers in a unique way.
Print and broadcast media both have limited space for promoting businesses, but on the web, space is limitless. We can put together an exciting mix of video, photographs, and words that will show your neighbors who you are, why you do what you do, and why they should support what you’re doing.
Take a look at the story of Montavilla Mini Farm, a neighbor who sells produce from her side yard garden. The full story is here, or you can watch the video below.
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Life’s a little different in East Portland. Meet some of the activist and artists working in their community through a mural by local artist Alex Chui:
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The 82nd Avenue of Roses Parade, it feels like the great American small town parade and the best of 82nd Avenue:
We usually try to pull together a few things happening in the neighborhood to introduce This Weekend, and there is a long list this week:
Portland Central Church of the Nazarene near 99th and Powell will be opening its warming shelter Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights beginning at 7 pm, partnering with Agape Village. This shelter can house up to 150 folks.
We put together a long list of amazing groups where you can volunteer in 2019! The post is here.
Don’t miss Montavilla’s great Martin Luther King Jr Day celebration at Highland Christian Center. More details at the end of the post.
Office of Community & Civic Life gave an update to PortlandCity Council on how it has shifted resources and its approach to outreach.
OPB‘s Think Out Loud hosted Jeff Church from Montavilla Initiative and David Linn former chair of the Montavilla Neighborhood Association chair to discuss the homelessness. Listen here.
The Oregonian tracked down the owner of the building, and found out it wasn’t a rent hike that led to The O’Neill Public House‘s closure. Apparently, they weren’t able to pay their rent and were let out of their lease.
Threshold Brewing & Blending is now open at 403 SE 79th Ave! They craft beer, have a snack menu, and allow you to bring your own food. They’re kid friendly too!
Montavilla Station has karaoke Wednesdays and Thursdays, and live music all weekend! This weekend’s musical offerings are above. The chalk board is the extent of their marketing, and it’s kind of refreshing.
Montavilla Station, 417 SE 80th Ave * 9-ish * free
SATURDAY, JANUARY 19TH
Tree planting:
The Lents, Powellhurst-Gilbert Pleasant Valley planting for Friends of Trees is full, but a planting for Madison South, Rose City Park, Sumner, and Woodland Park still have space if you want to help out and beautify Portland.
Sign up to volunteer here, or click here to purchase a tree for your household.
Rose City Park United Methodist Church, 5830 NE Alameda St * 8:45 am – 1 pm
Live music at Eastside Bar & Grill:
Iron Circus / Cruella / Atomic Terror
Eastside Bar & Grill, 2530 NE 82nd Ave * 9-ish * ???
Mozart – Overture to Don Giovanni Debussy – Première Rhapsodie for Clarinet Esther Kwak, Concerto Competition winner Butterworth – Two English Idylls Ethel Smyth – Serenade in D Major
Sunnyside Seventh-day Adventist Church, 10501 SE Market St * 3 pm * free
Talk Time:
“Talk Time is an informal conversation circle for non-native speakers to practice speaking English. First come, first served.”
Gregory Heights, 7921 NE Sandy Blvd * 12:30 pm – 2 pm
Beekeeping work parties with Portland Urban Beekeepers (event):
“Beekeepers from PUB will be onsite working on the hives in the Zenger Farm apiary. This is a great opportunity to learn about beekeeping from some of the local experts. Appropriate for all levels of experience. Equipment is available for use, but please wear close toed shoes, weather appropriate clothes, and bring your own water bottle and sunscreen.
Zenger Farms, 11741 SE Foster Rd * 10 am – noon * donation based
Cooking Around the World Club: Soup and Salad:
“Kick off the new year by eating healthy! Allison Dominic will demonstrate how to make a pesto pasta salad, spiralized vegetable salad and a basic green salad, along with a tasty minestrone soup, using fresh herbs and local vegetables.”
“Join World Arts Foundation, Inc. as we celebrate the 34th Anniversary of the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr! This year’s theme: “We’ve Come This Far…”
In light of current events, now more than ever, is a time for Beloved Community! Join us for a day filled with celebration, recognition, music, culture and much more!”
Highland Christian Center, 7600 NE Glisan St * 11 am – 6 pm
Montavilla Neighborhood Association general and board Meeting:
“Brandon Spencer-Hartle, from the Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability, will give an overview of the pilot Historic Survey of the Montavilla “Main Street”, explain volunteer opportunities, invite submissions of historical information and answer any questions.”
To learn more, see the City’s article on the project. If you’d like like to get involved email board member Patricia Sanders: patricia@montavillapdx.org
Montavilla United Methodist Church, 232 SE 80th Ave * Mon, Jan 14th, 6:30 pm – 9 pm
Well, it’s sad to say… O’Neill Public House has closed for good. One of their bartenders said that it was the classic tale of raised rent.
O’Neill had music every night of the weekend, and their Sundays usually featured two Irish jam sessions and an Irish-inspired band. There’s still plenty of live music to be had in the area, but the venue will be missed. Here’s hoping something awesome replaces it.
Some things close, and others open…
Near 99th Ave and Powell St, Portland Central Church of the Nazarene is opening a warming shelter this weekend. A sign up page for warming shelter volunteers is here.
A tiny village is also being built on their site.
FRIDAY, JANUARY 11TH
Now playing at Academy Theater all weekend:
“In a world where journalism is under attack, Marie Colvin (Academy Award nominee Rosamund Pike) is one of the most celebrated war correspondents of our time. Colvin is an utterly fearless and rebellious spirit, driven to the frontlines of conflicts across the globe to give voice to the voiceless, while constantly testing the limits between bravery and bravado.”
Academy Theater, 7818 SE Stark St * show times * $4 for adults, $3 for youth & seniors
Come enjoy Snow Soup, a musical arctic version of the old French folktale “Stone Soup,” in which hungry strangers convince the wary people of a town to each share a small portion of their food to make a meal for everyone to enjoy. Featuring a clever arctic fox, lemming, walrus, polar bear, and a magical narwhal!
Winter vegetables, new nut butters, pastries, elixers… and so much more at this month’s winter Montavilla Farmers Market. For the full list of producers and some of the special fall produce available, go here.
7700 block of SE Stark St * 10 am – 2 pm
Inside Gaza:
“Jewish Voice for Peace will present a firsthand account of the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip (event). Dr. Clyde Farris, an orthopedic surgeon from West Linn, recently returned from a trip to Gaza where he worked with a team of Palestinian orthopedic specialists.”
A few weeks ago, a neighbor wanting to volunteer in their neighborhood made a post on Montavilla Neighborhood Community, a Facebook Group page, asking for input.
The response was incredible.
It’s easy to get caught up in all the tragedy and negativity spotlighted in the news, but there is so much good work being done in Montavilla and beyond that doesn’t get the attention it deserves.
I was encouraged to compile this list of volunteer opportunities by neighbor Amy Reaney, and since one of the goals of Village Portland is to encourage civic engagement, I thought it was a great idea.
Much of this list is based on that post, along with a few other groups I knew about. Please let met know if there are other groups you think should be included. There’s not rhyme or reason to the order of these organizations.
If you’re looking for a way to get involved in 2019, I hope you can find an organization that fits your skills and interest.
“Rahab’s Sisters creates community through radical hospitality with those marginalized by poverty, houselessness, sex work, violence or substance use.”
Every Friday they offer a meal and supplies “to anyone who identifies as a woman, or whose gender identity makes them vulnerable.”
If you’d like to learn more about their work and or get involved, fill out their form here.
JOIN offers basic services to homeless people “in a welcoming, low barrier setting”. They need volunteers to commit to a weekly two-to-three-hour shift to help staff their day space. JOIN is open from 10 am to 3 pm Monday through Friday.
To volunteer with PPS, you have to pass a background test, review the mandatory Child Abuse & Adult Sexual Misconduct Volunteer Training, and sign a confidentiality form. Then you can contact school leadership. Start here.
You can also work with an organization already working in schools. School leaders are also open to ideas for new programs. For example, my plan to develop a media education / journalism training was well received.
Oregon Parent Teacher Association
Composed of parents, teachers, and staff, the purpose of this organization is to “serve the needs and desires of its members in promoting the health, welfare, safety and education of children and youth”.
Every library hosts events and ways to get involved in the community.
You can serve by helping both youth and adults improve their reading skills, neighbors to improve their English skills, as well as shelving and checking in materials, assisting in computer labs and helping with outreach.
During winter’s coldest days, Portland simply doesn’t have the shelter capacity for all of the folks living outside. Hosted at Saints Peter and Paul Episcopal Church (SE Ash & 82nd), this volunteer-run shelter is an amazing neighborhood effort.
The MNA meets monthly, and with presentations on everything from grassroots initiatives to development projects, it is a great way to stay in touch with what’s happening in the neighborhood. The organization also hosts community events and weighs in on City policy on behalf of its members.
Neighbors can volunteer by sitting on board or on a committee, helping out with current initiatives, or proposing projects of their own. Watch this video for the highlights of MNA’s achievements from last year.
The goal of this organization is to create a strong local community by hosting local events for entertainment and networking, promoting local businesses, and recruiting new businesses to fill gaps in needed goods and services in the area.
METBA is run by a volunteer board and is comprised of about 100 businesses. Visit their website for more information on their events and how to get involved.
Montavilla Food Coop
The board and members of the Montavilla Food Co-op are working to bring a member-run grocery store to the neighborhood. There are several ways to participate, and, specifically, they need help with social media, volunteer coordination, and community outreach. Learn more and fill out a survey here get involved.
Friends of Mt. Tabor
Mt. Tabor is a wonderfully unique park, with multiple opportunities for service. Friends of Mt. Tabor organize the Mt. Tabor Weed Warriors to tackle invasive species, staffing of the visitors center, and conducting foot patrols of the park.
You can also become a member of the group, sponsor a bench, or partner with the organization.
Weed Warriors meet once monthly from April through September to “remove invasive plant species and restore native habitat to Mt. Tabor Park.”
Volunteers at the visitors center greet guests, hand out maps, answer questions, and give out dog biscuits.
Friends of Mt. Tabor’s periodic foot patrols “observe park activity and conditions; record and report theft, vandalism, graffiti, and improperly secured facilities; manage lost and/or found items, provide first aid, assist lost or disoriented individuals, and pick up litter while on patrol.” An orientation is required before participation.
One day every summer, Mt. Tabor attracts dozens of DIY soap box cars builders for an annual race down the extinct volcano.
The event attracts thousands of visitors and hundreds of volunteers are need to make the event happen. The event also has a year-round board that meets monthly.
Learn more about the participants and community effort to make the derby happen in our video from 2018:
Mainspring is a community food, clothing, and resources pantry located near 82nd Ave and Freemont St. They accept donations, and need volunteers to do a variety of tasks including: greeting participants, organizing donations, picking up supplies, determine the need of participants, and more.
This church is a great example of a community of believers using their time, energy, and meeting space to serve their community. They host multiple events and organizations including Rahab’s Sisters and Multnomah County Needle Exchange.
I imagine many of the churches in the area are doing good work and providing charity, and would love to know about their work as well.
APANO is a statewide, grassroots organization, “uniting Asians and Pacific Islanders to achieve social justice.” Fill out a form here to start the process of getting involved.
APANO’s projects include community organizing, supporting the arts and culture, leadership development, and small business development. The group has also been instrumental in the establishment and development of the Jade District.
With this organiation, you can volunteer by helping build housing for the less fortunate, helping in their offices, or taking a shift at a local Habitat for Humanity ReStore.
Located near Mall 205, the ReStore sells salvaged material from homes to fund their work. Start here.
This organization serves hot, nutritious meals at dozens of dining centers throughout the Portland area including a serving at East Portland Community Center (740 SE 106th Ave). Meals on Wheels delivers to home-bound seniors.
Both services need volunteers to support their organization and deliver meals. Here’s an overview of their programs featuring an adorable father and son who volunteer together:
Like their website says: Transportation is an essential human need.
Ride Connection volunteers helps folks get where they need to go. You can use your own vehicle to help or use one of theirs. Visit their website to learn how to get involved.
Hosted in August, this two-day festival’s mission is to bolster the local jazz community. Organizers need help with their fundraiser as well as tabling at other events.
Seems like folks are still slowly getting back into the routine after the holidays… there are a few cool events going on, and if volunteerism is on you list of New Year’s resolutions, we’ll have a round up of Montavilla-area opportunities to get involved next week.
The conflict over homelesness in the neighborhood has been spotlighted in the Los Angeles Times.
Written by a Portland-based reporter, claims made in the story have been denied by the Montavilla Initiative members featured in the story (KPTV story), and comments from homeless advocate Ibrahim Mubarak have been updated.
Thanks to local business The Green Man Tree Care, who provides this service to the neighborhood free of charge. This year, we are asking a suggested donation of $5, with 100% of proceeds going to benefit Pack 523 and Brentwood-Darlington Neighborhood Association.”
Once Upon a Time Family Theatre:
“Once Upon a Time Family Theatre is a magical mix of theatrical simplicity and grand storytelling for kids and their families. There’s always a slight twist to the traditional story that keeps these productions fresh. Though simply produced, these delightful and engaging productions will soon have everyone fully absorbed in the interaction of live theatre.”
This month’s production: “Snow White & Rose Red”
Portland Metro Arts, 9003 SE Stark St * 11:30 am * children $1, $2 adults $2
Heavy metal benefit show:
“Heavy Metal Benefit Showcase for Ryan George. Music starts at 5 PM. Bands include Vial Experiment / Pitch Black Mass / Sweater for an Astronaut / Padden Parkway / Clean / Proven / Method 13 / Emissary / Across 300 Seas
Must be 21+over with Valid ID. PARKING AT THE HIGH SCHOOL. Room discounts at 2 area hotels.”
Suggested donation is $10. (event) George, guitar and vocalist for the band Saint Helen, was attacked in Seattle and proceeds will go to his medical expenses.
Eastside Bar & Grill, 2530 Ne 82nd Ave * $10 suggested
Montavilla has been chosen for a one-of-a-kind historical inventory with planners from the City of Portland, Oregon Department of Transportation officials sought input about improvements at I-205 and Division St, and the Montavilla Neighborhood Association added a new board member.
The Montavilla historical inventory project is being lead by the Bureau of Planning and Sustainability, and they will be making a presentation Jan 14th at the MNA general meeting, said board member Patricia Sanders.
The project will look at the history of the neighborhood’s development. Sanders said after the meeting that she has already heard some fascinating stories about the early days of Montavilla, and there’s more to explore.
Volunteers will be needed to help, she said, and training will begin in January. The work will begin in February.
@ 3:00 – Officials from ODOT makes a presentation about the I-205 exit at SE Division St.
They said the are planning safety enhancements at the intersection, and are looking for input since they are still at the early stages of the project.
Ron Thrasher, a long time Montavilla resident, was appointed to the board. He introduced himself and described his experience @ 52:50.
@ 30:20 – A representative from the 82nd Ave Improvement Coalition gave a presentation to the board.
@ 48:15 – Former MNA chair Benjamin Kerensa stated his concern that the organization hasn’t been run according to the bylaws.
John Rotter, who has served as public safety coordinator, said he was stepping down because he is moving out of the neighborhood soon.
There are so many of your neighbors working to serve their community and help the less fortunate, during the holiday season and year round. Hear Montavilla‘s radical service organization for women, Rahab Sisters, on KBOO.
This community radio station has been serving the community for 50 years, and are having their winter pledge drive now.
The O’Neill Public House, 6000 NE Glisan St * 9:30 pm – 1 am
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 15TH
Radical Craft Fair:
If you’d like to learn more about this volunteer homeless shelter in the neighborhood, or if you’d like to get trained to help, go here.
Sts Peter + Paul Church, 247 SE 82nd Ave * 6 pm -9 pm * $5
Holiday Gifts for Refugee & Immigrant Portlanders:
“During this Holiday Season, are you giving away gifts to families in need? If so, please consider buying some gifts for Portland’s newest refugee and immigrant families to ensure they have enough resources to celebrate with their loved ones in their new homes. I am hoping to collect enough gifts for 30 families!”
“As a thank you for your generous offer, you will get to meet your sponsored family members & hear the authentic stories of coming to Portland! Also, you will enjoy diverse live performances and food while exchanging love and compassion with our newly arrived refugee and immigrant families!”
For more on the event, and a list of requested gifts, go here.
Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization, 10301 NE Glisan St * 11 am – 1 pm
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 16TH
Talk Time:
Talk Time is an informal conversation circle for non-native speakers to practice speaking English. First come, first served.
In this story, the NW Examiner looks at progress on work enhancing community service opportunities and strengthening transparency in Portland’s advisory bodies. The story points out that the project is actually reversing transparency by removing open meeting requirements for many City advisory bodies.
The head of the Office of Community & Civic Life, the City agency leading the reform project, hasn’t responded to the editor of the Examiner, but they have just issued a survey seeking feedback from the community. It can be found here.
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Developer Randy Rapaport is adding to the food cart pod on Stark Street in downtown Montavilla, according to reporting from Willamette Week. A stage, and a total of 13 carts, including an incubator cart with rotating chefs, will join the handful carts and art space there now. It shall be known as… Pegasus Landing.
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There’s a Montavilla Neighborhood Association meeting next week. The agenda said there’ll be a presentation by the Oregon Department of Transportation and another from 82nd Ave Project, presented by Michael Sonnleitner.
Montavilla United Methodist Church, 232 SE 80th Ave * Thurs, Dec 10th, 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
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SATURDAY, DECEMBER 8TH
Live music in Montavilla with: Dirty Uncle Rose, Nicholas Moon.
The O’Neill Public House, 6000 NE Glisan St * 9:30 pm – 1 am * free
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Solve Volunteer Action Training:
“SOLVE is hosting a Volunteer Action training this December at the East Portland Community Center! Here’s your chance to learn how to make a difference in your community!
Join SOLVE for a free workshop where you’ll learn how to envision and lead successful volunteer projects to improve the environment in your community.
Help them prepare for your participation by registering online here.”
East Portland Community Center, 740 SE 106th Ave * 10 am – noon
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Talk Time:
“Talk Time is an informal conversation circle for non-native speakers to practice speaking English. First come, first served.”
Midland Library * 3:30 pm – 5 pm
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SUNDAY, DECEMBER 9TH
East County Community Orchestra winter concert:
Downbeat is at 3 pm.
David Douglas High School, 1001 SE 135th Ave * 3 pm
