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.
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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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:
In the Portland Tribune, Montavilla Initiative and East Portland neighborhood activists launched a new campaign called “Enough is Enough”, calling on the City to pay better attention to homeless camps and the impact they have on neighborhoods.
It’s clear that many aren’t satisfied with the current state of law enforcement and homelessness support, but what about solutions? It’s been a year since Right 2 Dream Too has moved into their new location.
Earlier this month, OPB interviewed representatives from the neighborhood and the 100-bed rest camp who have worked together to make it a success for all involved.
FRIDAY
Community Cooking Workshp w/ Chef Paula Hernandez:
“At this workshop Community Chef Paula will be leading us in a cooking workshop featuring cultural dishes from her home in Oaxaca, Mexico. Menu to be updated! Family-friendly and childcare will be provided. Language interpretation provided for Spanish speakers.
Pay-what-you-can with a suggestion of $5 – $15 per group. No one ever turned away due to lack of funds.”
To reserve your place contact: Thao@zengerfarm.org or call 503-282-4245.
Saturday’s going to be a proud day in Portland, because it will be IRCO Citizenship Day. If you are interested in citizenship, please call Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization (IRCO) for more information to determine your eligibility and to schedule an appointment on Saturday, September 22nd. “Promote the common good.”
10301 NE. Glisan St. * 9 am – 3 pm
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“Leach Botanical Garden is a small but powerful place of respite in bustling SE Portland. Come join us for a soothing, expansive walk through the forest, meadow and creek side.
Free. First come, first served. Meet in front of the Manor House.
“Shinrin-Yoku… combines leisurely walks on gentle paths under forest canopy with guided activities and meditations to help you open your senses, hone your intuition, and experience the forest as you never have before. Developed in Japan in the early 1980s as an antidote to the stress of modern life, on-going scientific research shows that ‘Forest Bathing’.”
Leach Botanical Garden, 6704 SE 122nd Ave * 11 am – noon
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“Learn about insects and their relatives by observing live bugs and then make your own paper bug doll to take home! This program is an activity-based class for ages 2 and up.
Scott Steele Band: “Rock, fusion, blues. Scott plays guitar and sings. Bill Larimer plays keyboards and sings. Christopher Ingold plays drums.”
The O’Neill Public House, 6000 NE Glisan St * 9:30 pm – 1 pm * free
SUNDAY
It’s an abundant time of the year, and for a full list of producers go here.
“So much is in season right now! Herbs like basil, parsley, cilantro and dill. Nightshades like eggplant, tomato, potatoes and peppers. All kinds of brassicas (broccoli, kale, chard, cabbage).Summer squash and winter squash. Turnips, ground cherries, garlic, shallots, melons, the last of the corn, some shell beans, cucumbers, fennel, beets, parsnips, onions… “
Montavilla Farmers Market, 7700 block of SE Stark St * 10 am – 2 pm
There was a Montavilla Neighborhood Association meeting this week, and we published the video here.
The board is preparing for the elections next month and had a presentation from Proud Grounds (“Proud Ground creates permanently affordable homeownership opportunities for first-time homebuyers using the Community Land Trust model.”).
The MNA is seeking board members, so if you’re a member consider running get in touch with them here.
FRIDAY
The Flat Nines: “Funky jazz with originals and vocals.”
The O’Neill Public House, 6000 NE Glisan St * 9:30 pm -1 am * free
SATURDAY
Artes Soleil Block Party:
“We are celebrating Community!!! Please join Arte Soleil in partnership with Powellhurst-Gilbert Neighborhood Association, Pleasant Valley Neighborhood Association, and Lents Gilbert Church for our First Annual Block Party. There will be art demonstrations, music, kids activities, food and much more.”
5530 SE 122nd Ave * 11 am – 6 pm
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“Outgrowing Hunger is hosting this event for their gardeners, friends, and curious onlookers to help celebrate another fruitful year. They’ll start with harvesting fresh produce, then members of the various communities they serve will lead preparing favorite dishes right in the garden. Following a short workshop on preparing your garden for the winter, participants will have a chance to taste and share food from all over the world. This will be a hosted potluck style event; they will have a few dishes with enough food for everyone, and you are also invited to bring a favorite food to share.”
Neighborhoods Community Gardens, 835 SE 162nd Ave * 2 pm – 5 pm
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Teens, Launch Your Own Podcast Today!:
“Have you ever wanted to have your own radio show? Dreamed of making the next This American Life or Serial? In two hours, Josh Boykin can take you from an idea to a real-life podcast! Using Anchor.fm, anyone can make a professional-sounding show directly from their phone: no fancy hardware, expensive computers, or difficult editing needed!
We’re deep in the summer produce… for the current summer roster, go here.
Montavilla Farmers Market, 7700 block of SE Stark St * 10 am – 2 pm
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“The fourth annual Festival of Nations, Portland’s largest multicultural event east of I-205 featuring local performers and ethnic foods, will run from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 16th at the future Planned Parenthood location (prior Dukes Bar & Grill), 14601 SE Division St, in Portland. This free community festival celebrates the diversity of East Portland with music, food and activities. Healthy dishes from around the world will be available in the Taste of Nations tent. Food vendors also will offer tips for healthy eating and recipes – the ingredients of a healthy lifestyle. Other Portland vendors will sell their wares, many reflecting the area’s diversity.
The Division Midway Alliance is dedicated to helping improve Southeast Division Street, between 117th and 148th. It provides an array of grants and services to businesses and community members. DMA and Treadway Events, a local event production company, have partnered to expand and improve the festival.
Organizers are expecting as many as 2,000 guests, or more.”
14601 SE Division St * 11 am – 5 pm
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“Prepare mooncakes to honor the Mid-Autumn Festival. Come and learn how to make mooncakes – samples and instructions will be provided. We’ll also explore digital resources for learning how to cook Southeast Asian cuisine.”
Office of Community and Civic Life director Suk Rhee was inteviewed on OPB‘s Think Out Loud this week. Listen to the interview here.
‘Portland’s Office of Neighborhood Involvement is no more. It’s now the Office of Community and Civic Life. The bureau says it wants to be more inclusive, but some people are concerned about a shift away from a focus on neighborhood associations. What exactly has changed?”
FRIDAY
Live music with Michael Shay and The What 4:
“A ‘jam band for grownups’, with an all-star lineup including Mark Shark on guitar and Chris Kee on bass, and probably special guests! See michaelshay.com.”
The O’Neill Public House, 6000 NE Glisan St * 9:30 pm – 1 am * free
SATURDAY
Movies in Montavilla Park! “Paddington 2” (2018) and live music from The Alphabeticians ( family-friendly rock ‘n’ roll).
Montavilla Park, 8219 NE Glisan St * music @ 6:30 pm, movie @ dusk * free
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“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: “Jack & The Beanstalk”
Portland Metro Arts, 9003 SE Stark St * 11:30 am * children $1, $2 adults $2
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If you need a reason to check out the new Gateway Discovery Park, check out “Cruising Gateway Cruise-in“. For more info on what’s in store visit their website.
Advantage Funeral & Cremation Services is hosting a Car Cruise-in, with proceeds benefiting Meals on Wheels People. Car aficionados are encouraged to bring their best rides to compete in Antique, Sports and Best in Show categories!”
SUNDAY
Read the vendor highlights from this week’s market here.
Montavilla Farmers Market, 7700 block of SE Stark St * 10 am – 2 pm
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“Practique inglés o español y ayude a los demás que están aprendiendo en un ambiente amable. Los participantes hablan la mitad del tiempo en inglés y la otra en español. Están bienvenidos los principiantes.
Practice English or Spanish and help other learners in a friendly atmosphere. Participants speak half the time in English and half in Spanish. Beginners welcome.”
Summer brings more growth, summer brings more life.
In the past few weeks, we’ve sounded the call for more contributors. And a host of filmmakers, writers, activists, and people just interested in getting involved in their community have stepped up to help.
Plenty of neighbors are making conscious choice about the media they consume, and choosing where they put their attention and effort. As more people come to this realization, we believe they return focus to their neighborhoods— the place where they can have the greatest impact.
There’s a lot of voices out there competing for your attention. There are lots of highly paid engineers working around the clock to keeping you in their app. Some weeks are busier than others, but I hope we can make this weekly round up an opportunity to filter out much of the media noise and check back in with your neighborhood.
Thanks for your time and attention… enjoy your weekend!
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As the Oregonian reported that this week, Portland City Council is considering an ordinance that would limit what landlords can charge for security deposits and restrict how the credit and criminal conviction history of applicants can be used.
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From KPTV: On August 27th, Portland Homeless Family Solutions opens its new family shelter at 92nd Ave and Tolman St in Lents.
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Portland City Council approved a new property zone to protect manufactured home parks, OPB reported.
FRIDAY
Montavilla Mini Farm Friday Farm (website) sale! Learn more about the farm in the Village Portlandvideo from last season.
7700 NE Oregon St * 1 pm – 7 pm
SATURDAY
Fall Montavilla Gardens Tour:
“As a progressive tour, only one garden will be open at a time for approximately 45 min., allowing hosts to close up their gardens and join the tour. Bike, walk or drive from garden to garden to get inspired, ask questions and connect with other gardeners in the community!”
Registration (here) is required, and you’ll receive a map by email after you register. Garden previews are available here.
Portland Community College Southeast Campus, 2305 SE 82nd Ave * 4 pm – 8 pm
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Live at O’Neill’s:
“Rich Landar from the Hillwilliams, Campfire Boys, GBB, and countless others brings a night of music! We’re not sure what kind, but we know it’ll be good!”
The O’Neill Public House, 6000 NE Glisan St * 9:30 pm – 1 am
SUNDAY
We’re deep in the summer produce… for the current summer roster, go here.
Montavilla Farmers Market, 7700 block of SE Stark St * 10 am – 2 pm
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“Improve your reading skills and make a new friend by reading aloud to a therapy dog. The dogs and handlers are from Pet Partners®. Call 503.988.5123 to register.”
Hello! If you’re here for 2018 Portland Adult Soapbox Derby video, we’re working on finishing the editing. Check back in a few days, or you can subscribe to get our posts, including a weekly culture and arts events listing for East Portland.
To tide you over, here are the videos we’ve done over the past few years. I hope you enjoy them! Thanks to all the hard-working volunteers and organizers that make this event so amazing.
DIY, day drinking, one of Portland’s most beautiful parks, and a hint of danger… the derby truly is Portland at its best.
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The 2014 video featured Sandy V on the mic. He’s a software developer who’s not afraid to try new things… like interview strangers while day drinking.
I was there in 2015, but didn’t film anything. It was a good time still.
In 2016, we stuck to the basics. I blame my woo-ing on the boxed rosé.
At 2017’s race, I sorta asked / sorta didn’t ask my friend Jason S. help me narrate throughout the day.
The City of Portland‘s Planning and Sustainability Commission is updating its Neighborhood Contact Code.
A hearing on August 14th brought seven testifiers. You can watch the hearing here (the presentation begins @ 9:20), and read the Portland Mercury‘s take on it here.
Representing the Overlook Neighborhood Association and a group of nine North Portland NA chairs, Christian Trejabal testified @ 22:04. His input was a contrast to many of the others who opposed changes that they feel could slow developers from adding housing.
“You can adjust the rules and increase engagement with your residents without throwing away the current system that works in the places that it works,” Trejabal said. You can read his submitted testimony here.
BDS’s Neighborhood Contact Code Update Project home page is here.
Written testimony can be Map App here or delivered in hard copy to the BPS office (1900 SW 4th Avenue, Suite 7100) will be accepted until 5 pm on Friday, August 17.
The Planning and Sustainability Commission has a work session and will provide recommendations to the Neighborhood Contact Code Update on August 28th (agenda).
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Here’s video from the August meeting of the Montavilla Neighborhood Association. At this meeting, they discussed the future of artist community Milepost 5.
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“The Planning and Sustainability Commission voted to recommend the Manufactured Dwelling Park Project to City Council on July 10, 2018. Council will review the recommendation and consider public testimony before voting on the proposal on August 22, 2018.”
FRIDAY
“Zen Hunter’s music is an eclectic blend of mostly original tunes, combining heavy grooves with exquisite exploratory jams, often ending up in a funky place which encourages dancing and good energetic transfusion with their crowds.”
The O’Neill Public House, 6000 NE Glisan St * 9:30 pm – 1 pm * free
SATURDAY
The fifth annual Montavilla Jazz Festival is happening this weekend. celebrates Portland’s jazz scene and raise money for the Montavilla Schools Music Fund.
Tonga Day 2018: “The main event starts at 1 PM with family-friendly activities and cultural performances. The evening’s feature film is ‘Moana’ (2016) PG.
Pre-movie entertainment will be provided by Tongan 101 Tongan/Pacific Island music and dance. Pre-movie entertainment starts at 6:30 PM. Movie begins after dusk.”
Gateway Discovery Park, 10520 NE Halsey St * 1 pm
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If you’ve never attended, the Portland Adult Soapbox Derby is a really good time. Dozens of groups build their own soapbox cars and race it down Mt. Tabor. It’s the best of Portland’s DIY artistic aesthetic, a relaxing day at Mt. Tabor Park, and just a dash of danger… some of those cars move pretty fast.
It’s a good event for kids, and as long as you post up away from the track, you can let the racers experience all the risks. Bring a lunch, bring your favorite beverage, I think you’ll have a good time.
Mt Tabor Park * 10 am – 4 pm
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“Come celebrate the end of summer with a water balloon free-for-all on the Holgate Library lawn. All water balloons provided. Participants should expect to get soaked. Bring your own towel!”
Group A: K-5 grades, 2-2:20 pm * Group B: 6-12 grades, 2:30-3 pm
“The Jade International Night Market is a crucial tool to help support local small businesses in the Jade District neighborhood. The annual summer event provides a space to celebrate and recognize the diversity and culture of the communities who live and work in the Jade District and sheds light on the issues impacting a neighborhood in transition.”
Portland Community College Southeast Campus, 2305 SE 82nd Ave
SUNDAY
Outer Northeast Portland Sunday Parkways:
“In 2018, Sunday Parkways is returning to Outer Northeast with new attractions and new parks/marketplaces. This route that begins after Gateway green will bring you home or introduce you to life in the Outer NE. This 6.4 miles route will take you to Knott, East Holladay and debut the newly constructed Gateway Discovery Park. These parks will be overflowing with music, food, and fun finds. Come see for yourself on August 19, 2018!”
“Join community members and elected leaders as they gather at Gateway Discovery Park for in a one-mile walk to Knott Park, alongside our refugee and immigrant neighbors in a show of support. This event recognizes the unique experiences of new Portlanders, of all ages and backgrounds.
Hear refugee and immigrant stories
Enjoy diverse music, food, and other family activities”
Gateway Discovery Park, 10520 NE Halsey St * 11 am
They’re hosting a farm-to-table event this weekend. It’s sold out, but still worth knowing about:
“The evening includes:A guided, edible tour through the garden; a multi-course meal prepared by PSU Eats Executive Chef Matt Steele; each dish includes freshly grown produce from LGL, along with wine and beer pairings; live entertainment; storytelling by PSU students.”
Learning Gardens Laboratory, 6801 SE 60th Ave
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“The African and African American experience comes alive for children from birth to age 6 (with a favorite adult and other family members). In a positive and affirming environment, have fun with books and stories, songs, and movement activities. Black Storytime builds language and literacy skills your child needs to be ready for kindergarten.”
Midland Library, 805 SE 122nd Ave * 11:15 am – 11:45 pm
SUNDAY
From 1 pm – 4 pm, Montavilla Initiative will be hosting a park cleanup at Montavilla Park. At 4 pm, they’ll be a potluck dinner.
After the dinner, Montavilla Initiative is hosting a press conference @ 7:30 pm in the parking lot of Montavilla Park. They will be meeting the press to discuss chronic crime and livability issues.
The group has become a non-profit and want people to join their organization for $25 a year. For more information, visit their website or Facebook page.
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We’re deep in the summer produce… for the current summer roster, go here.
Montavilla Farmers Market, 7700 block of SE Stark St * 10 am – 2 pm
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It’s an Irish afternoon at O’Neill Public House… jams and featured Cary Novotny Band feat. Bronnie, Preston, Conor, Kelsey from 7 pm – 9 pm.
“Cary Novotny (Cul an Ti) brings his band with special guest Bronnie Griffin, Irish step dancer Kelsey Wilson — who will sing as well — and Preston Howard and Conor O’Bryan!”
The O’Neill Public House, 6000 NE Glisan St * 2 pm – 11:30 pm * free
![Arte's Soleil's First Annual Block Party @ Arte Soleil, Portland [15 September]](https://portland.carpe-diem.events/data/afisha/o/36/49/36497c4142.jpg)
