Perhaps we’ve become conditioned, and comfortable, with separate truths. 

In our nation’s political environment, it makes perfect sense. If there’s not a solid sense of “us”, a “them” will suffice. 

A fair price for time spent, or obstruction of public records laws? Cyber hacking or an appropriate sharing of public records? An assault on an elder or mutual combat? The questions are coming too fast and frequently to ignore the trend. I’d like top all this off optimistically, but I’m not there. Not even close. 

A starting point at least? And this goes directly to the Montavilla Initiative folk: come out of your separate space and share your concerns. 

It’s an assumption, but I think most everyone involved is open to honest criticism and wants to do right by all their neighbors… because no one has all the answers, and a concern worth holding is worth sharing. Let’s have these difficult conversations and see where they lead. 

FRIDAY

Leach Botanical Garden has reached their fundraising goal to build an Aerial Tree Walk, a enhanced green space for East Portland. For more information on the project, go here, or watch the video below.

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Big Trouble in Little China (1986), My Little Pony The Movie, and six other second run movies are playing at Academy Theater this weekend.

Academy Theater, 7818 SE Stark St * $4 for adults, $3 for youth & seniors 

SATURDAY

There’s an art supply swap Saturday at Milepost 5… bring extra art supplies, get new stuff, or come to meet other artists in the neighborhood.

Milepost 5, 8155 NE Oregon * noon * free 

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Shrek the musical, presented by David Douglas High School Theatre Department.

David Douglas Performing Arts Center, 1400 SE 130th Ave, Portland, Oregon 97233 * Nov 10, 11, 16, 17, 18, @7:30 & 11/12 and 19 @2:30 *  adult $10, student & seniors $8

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“Breathe deep and get dirty! PP&R Urban Forestry’s Yard Tree Giveaway provides free trees for city dwellers to plant on private property.” The invitation is here.

“In partnership with the Johnson Creek Watershed Council, this event will be held in the Centennial neighborhood. The first 50 trees have been reserved. On the day of the event we will have 100 trees available on a first-come, first-served basis.”

Parklane Park, SE 152nd Avenue and Main Street * 10 am -12 pm: reserved pick up, 1 pm – 4 pm: first-come, first-served pick up (until trees are gone)

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Native American Indian Storytelling and Drumming:

“These are traditional stories and songs of the Kalapuya people of the Willamette Valley. The stories portray the animal people and their adventures. Each story teaches lessons. Often, the stories involve audience participation. The stories are opened by traditional drumming that enhances the presentation. Drumming will also be a part of the closing of the program.”

Holgate Library, 7905 SE Holgate Blvd * 2 m – 3 pm 

SUNDAY

A day of Irish music at O’Neill Public House: Irish slow jam @ 2 pm; Mrs. Doyle & The Teapots @ 7 pm; Irish traditional session @ 9:30 pm.

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