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.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 14TH

Live acoustic music with: Three for Silver w/Andrew Alikhanov.

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.

Gregory Heights Library, 7921 NE Sandy Blvd * 12:30 pm – 2 pm

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.

***

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.

***

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 

***

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 8TH

Solve Volunteer Action Training:

***

***

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 9TH

East County Community Orchestra winter concert:

Downbeat is at 3 pm.

David Douglas High School, 1001 SE 135th Ave * 3 pm 

***

Tonight (Thursday, November 29th) there’s a community meeting about a public health assessment from Precision Castparts Corporation.

Here‘s more information on the report about the toxic threat from the manufacturer, and a story from Pamplin Media about how neighbors question the validity of the report.

Lane Middle School Library, 7200 SE 60th Ave * 6 pm – 8:30 pm

***

When it comes to supporting independent media, community media outlets like Open Signal and Metro East provide much to the Portland area including training, equipment, studio space, and an opportunity to broadcast on local cable stations.

A proposed regulation change could eliminate local oversight and funding for this community service. Until December 14th, the Federal Communications Commission is taking comment on the issue.

To learn more, read this. You can submit a comment by going here and clicking “+Express”.

***

Portland City Council held a town hall on the Oregon 2019 legislative session. We have video of the meeting here, and Portland Mercury‘s reporting is here. Much of their story focuses on the plan to transfer 82nd Ave from state to city management.

***

And if you still need a tree and want to support a good cause:

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 30TH

Community Cooking Workshop w/ Community Chef Paula Hernandez: 

“Please join us and Community Chef Paula in cooking a community meal together, as Paula leads us in cooking the traditional foods of Mexico!  During our workshop we cook family style and then eat together.”

For more information and registration, go here.

Zenger Farms  * 6 pm – 8:30 pm * $5 – $15 sliding scale

***

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 1ST

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: “Hansel & Gretel”

Portland Metro Arts, 9003 SE Stark St * 11:30 am * children $1, $2 adults $2

***

“Do you use any apps or other digital resources for your favorite holiday recipes? Come share those resources and recipes with us! In case you don’t, no worries. We will be showing you some of the most popular apps and other resources on the web, where you can find some of your favorite holiday recipes.”

Holgate Library, 7905 SE Holgate Blvd * 4:30 pm – 5:30 pm

***

Live music from: Julay Brooks, Michael Shay, Chris Kee

The O’Neill Public House, 6000 NE Glisan St * 9:30 pm – 1 am

***

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 2ND

Foster WinterFest:

“On Sunday, December 2nd, come down to Foster Road for 6 family friendly winter magic events. Build a gingerbread house, sing carols, get free hot chocolate and more! And when you come to any of free WinterFest activity, you’ll get a Ticket for exclusive Foster Forward deals for food, drink and gifts up and down the street.

Check out fosterarea.com or facebook.com/FosterAreaPDX for more details!”

Multiple locations here * noon – 5 pm 

***

With Thanksgiving behind us, now the Christmas holidays are really kicking off.

Little Boxes is a great opportunity to explore new local businesses, The Grotto is opening their lights and choir event, and Village Portland is hosting a Portland Timbers watch party at Eagle Eye Tavern on Sunday.

***

Montavilla Farmers Market Everybody Eats fund raiser:

“Right now, 1 in 7 Oregonians are experiencing food insecurity. But this holiday season, you can help!

Everybody Eats helps households in need access fresh, quality produce through a dollar-for-dollar SNAP match. At the Montavilla Farmers Market, we’ve provided more than $60,000 of matching funds to families in our community.”

Donate here.

***

Little Boxes, Portland’s 8th Annual Holiday Shopping Experience:

On this Black Friday / Small Business Saturday weekend, learn raffle tickets for each of the 200 participating local businesses you visit, and earn more tickets for your purchases!

Check out the participating businesses here and prizes here.

FRIDAY,  NOVEMBER 23th

The Grotto’s Christmas Festival of Lights: 

The Grotto‘s Christmas Festival of Lights opens tonight at 5 pm. New for this year, they will be lighting their 150-foot cedar Christmas tree at 4:45 pm. From 6 pm to 9 pm, there are four caroling groups performing.

The choir schedule for the event is here.

The Grotto, 8840 NE Skidmore St * 5 pm – 9 pm, nightly through Dec 30 * $12; senior(65+) / military: $11; children (3-12): $6 children (2 & under): free

***

Eastside Bar and Grill is one of several spots in East Portland that hosts live music. There’s a show tonight, and you can keep up with their schedule on their Facebook site.

“Ah, Black Friday! The day after we supposedly reflect on what we’re thankful for and then shove a 5 year old out of the way at Target to get a discounted TV. After your shopping shenanigans, come out to see your favorite quirky indie rock, LIBIDO CORNUCOPIA, joined by CAT BATH & THE AFTERMATH and newcomers ALL HYPE!”

2530 NE 82nd Ave * 9 pm * $5 

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 24th

Black Storytime (event):

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 25th

The fine folks at Eagle Eye Tavern have allowed us to host a watch party for the Portland Timbers playoff run. They have a projector, good sound, and if you’re not familiar with the bar— it’s a comfortable, friendly place.

They’re playing Sporting Kansas City (the Wizards), and it’s the first of a two-leg match. (Yes, it’s complicated.) If you’re not into sports, just pretend it’s a thrilling combination of dance and theatre.

Eagle Eye Tavern, 5836 SE 92nd Ave * 4:30 pm 

***

Sunday jam sessions:

The O’Neill Public House has music every weekend, and hosts jams on Sunday.

At 2 pm is the bluegrass slowjam, and at 10 pm there’s an Irish traditional session.

The O’Neill Public House, 6000 NE Glisan St * free

It’s been awesome partnering with new contributors in new neighborhoods… some are experienced writers, while others are people who are interesting in writing and journalism but didn’t quite know how to get started.

There are several stories in the works, and the most recent completed piece came from Derrick McCormick in the Mississippi District. As a student of philosophy unsatisfied by the current state of discourse in the United States, he is developing a procedure to improve communication called Debate by Agreement.

He’s been testing it on the streets of Mississippi Ave, and is looking for more people willing to try out the process. Read more about Debate by Agreement here.

FRIDAY, NOV 16

Spaghetti dinner benefit for the Montavilla and Sunnyside warming shelters:

3520 SE Yamhill * 6 pm – 8 pm * $5 – $15 sliding scale 

***

Music Friday @ Vino Veritas:

“Association Muddy Award recipient Steve Kerin is a true student of the New Orleans style–his playing complex and dense, but also joyous and danceable. And his warm singing voice is suffused with an authentic New Orleans growl. He’s the real Louisiana deal, and the Northwest is richer for it.”

Vino Veritas, 7835 SE Stark St * 7 pm  – 10 pm * free 

***

SATURDAY, NOV 17

Generally we look at weekend events in this listing, and use the Facebook page for weekday events. But this event Wednesday sounds too cool not to share.

On Wednesday, 11/14: The Numbers: Screening and Community Discussion:

“The Numbers is a 2017 documentary by Sika Stanton and Donovan Smith where young people living in East Portland speak on their hopes and concerns for their community.  After the screening there will be a Q&A and community discussion on people-powered neighborhood identity! With a live performance with Manny Lopez!”

Canton Grill, 2610 SE 82nd Ave * 6 pm-9 pm

FRIDAY

” … you can make a ticket reservation for David Douglas High Schools Production of Thoroughly Modern Millie!!! Go To the following link for more information about the show: Go here.

“‘Thoroughly Modern Millie’ tells the story of a small-town girl, Millie Dillmount, who comes to New York City to marry for money instead of love – a thoroughly modern aim in 1922, when women were just entering the workforce.”

David Douglas High School, Howard F. Horner Performing Arts Center, 1400 SE 130th Ave * various times, through Nov 18th 

SATURDAY

Montavilla Food Co-op Annual Pancake Brunch – From 9:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m., this soon-to launch food co-op is hosting their annual event.

Montavilla United Methodist Church, 232 SE 80th Ave * $10 Adults,  $5 kids

***

Native American jewelry class:

SUNDAY

One of the most rewarding elements of Village Portland has been helping neighbors tell their stories. We all have a vision and the tools to tell them, and it’s been great encouraging neighbors and offering them a platform to tell their stories and their neighbors’ stories.

Less than two months ago, I decided to broaden the call to service. I already knew that Portlanders had a lot of love for their neighborhoods, and I was pleased to learn that people outside my circle of neighborhood advocates also had the interest in writing about them. We have a great new group of contributors working on stories, and one of the first published is from the new batch of contributors is by Lisa Kendall about Mt. Tabor Park.

Also this month, I gave a guest lecture at Portland State University about neighborhoods and neighborhood journalism. The educational component has always been an important part of Village Portland, and excited about expanding on the work with PSU, and a collaboration with local grade schools in the works.

Again, if anybody reading has a story to tell or know someone who has an interest in writing or advocacy, we’d love to help you tell it. Thanks for reading and enjoy your weekend!

***

If you missed it, the East Portland Arts & Literary Festival was a great success for APANO. They said they had about 500 people attend over two days. I made it to the first night and took a bit of video of Joe Kye singing about finding connection.

View this post on Instagram

“Hello, how are you? How do you feel? Is that so? Is that true for you too?” (What’s the artist’s name, somebody?) Tonight was lovely, and the second day of the East Portland Arts & Literary Festival starts @ 10 am @ PCC East. #epalf18 #apano #eastportland

A post shared by Andrew Wilkins (@atwilkins) on Oct 19, 2018 at 9:48pm PDT

FRIDAY

From the Parkrose High Theatre Department, it’s opening night for “The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940”:

“The creative team responsible for a recent Broadway flop (in which three chorus girls were murdered by the mysterious ‘Stage Door Slasher’) assemble for a backer’s audition of their new show at the Westchester estate of a wealthy ‘angel.’ The house is replete with sliding panels, secret passageways and a German maid who is apparently four different people- all of which figure diabolically in the comic mayhem that follows when the infamous ‘slasher’ makes his reappearance and strikes again.”

Parkrose High School Theater, 12003 NE Shaver St * Oct 26, 26, Nov 1, 2, 3 @ 7 pm; Oct 27 @ noon * $7 adults, $5 students & seniors 

***

***

Montavilla / East Tabor Business Association is hosting a harvest festival:

8028 NE Glisan St * noon  4 pm

***

SUNDAY

Parkrose ‘Trunk or Treat’: 

“The Parkrose Business Association is hosting this safe, fun Hallowe’en themed event for area youngsters. Come dressed in costume for extra fun as you visit the companies and organizations providing treats.”

Parkrose High School, east parking lot, 12003 NE Shaver St * 4 pm – 6 pm

***

It’s the last Montavilla Farmers Market of the regular season, but they’ll be back Nov 18th for a pre-Thanksgiving market. There’s also music all day: “10:30 am – noon “is the guitar stylings by Jeffrey Shapiro of Milshap Music; from 12-2 we’ll hear some funky Jumblehead!”

For the full list of producers go here.

***

“In this hands-on workshop, students will learn about the Day of the Dead celebration and its traditions. Participants will paint their own edible sugar skull and dedicate it to an ancestor or loved one. Why sugar? Throughout Mexico, Day of the Dead is a celebration of joyful remembrance, and the sweetness of sugar reminds us of joy. Nuestro Canto will also explain the special place that sugar skulls have in honoring our ancestors.

This event is part of the celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month.”

Midland Library, 805 SE 122nd Ave * 2 pm – 4 pm