There’s a lot going on for Spring and Arbor / Earth Day!

Also, if you missed it, there was a Portland City Council candidates forum (video & story) sponsored by Brentwood-Darlington Neighborhood Association, where East Portland and it’s distinct needs were addressed. There was also a meeting about the proposed Foster Road shelter (video and story).

FRIDAY

If you haven’t noticed, we at Village Portland are pretty stoked about small businesses. Starting your own business takes a lot of work, but it’s a chance to do it your way and serve your customers in a unique and distinct way.

I’m glad to see this ethic is translating to Oregon’s blooming / booming cannabis industry.

I randomly met one of the managers from Urban Farmacy, and it was cool to learn how the owners support equality and education in what they do.  She said for 4/20, they’ll have growers present from Moonshine Gardens, a female-run cannabis grower from Southern Oregon. They’ll also have specials on clones and flower, she said.

Every business is special and every business owner went out on their own for their own reasons. We’re excited to start telling more of these kind of stories.

Urban Farmacy, 420 SE 60th Ave * open until 9:45 pm 

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And right around the corner from the dispensary, there’s live music. Please remember the quote / italics combo is direct from their calendar: 
The Hillwilliams: “High-energy bluegrass! And they are a bunch of stoners, so it’s perfect for 4/20!”
The O’Neill Public House, 6000 NE Glisan St * 9:30 pm – 1 am

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Whitenoise Project 12: “Visionaries: Finding a Future through Sci-Fi, Alternative History”

“Join writers Nisi Shawl, Walidah Imarisha and Janice Lee for a night of poetry, prose and science fiction to explore the question of what it means to be a visionary for your community. You can start now by taking this survey!

ADA accessible and all ages! No one will be turned away for lack of funds.

The Whitenoise Project is a reading and discussion series aiming to center voices from underrepresented communities (PoC, Queer, Femme, WoC and people with disabilities), and is supported by a Jade-Midway Placemaking Grant from APANO.”

Milepost 5, 8155 NE Oregon St * 7 pm * $5-10 suggested donation

SATURDAY

Portland Arbor Day – A Celebration of Trees (event):

“The biggest tree celebration of the year! Join us for free outdoor family fun including live music, food, art, giveaways, scavenger hunt, tree climbing, walking tours, the Naito Awards, and more! “

Mt. Scott Park, 5530 SE 72nd Ave * 10 am – 3 pm 

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And from / for our friends in Brentwood-Darlington:
Lane Middle School (7200 SE 60th Ave) 3rd Annual Beautification event is 8:30 am – 1:30 pm.
Learning Gardens Lab (6745 SE 60th Ave) is having their Earth Day Festival is from 11 am – 2 pm.
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Earth Day event:

“Join Portland Parks & Recreation, Johnson Creek Watershed Council and the Friends of Errol Heights as part of SOLVE’s SOLVE IT! Earth Day event, to complete important ecological enhancement projects at this little gem of a Park. We will be picking up litter and mulching native bareroot trees and shrubs to provide habitat for insects, birds and other animals, but also beauty and better air quality for the neighborhood and Park visitors.

No experience necessary! Wear long thick pants, a long-sleeved shirt and sturdy shoes. Bring a water bottle, rain gear, warm clothes and a sunhat. Instruction, tools, gloves, water, coffee / tea and snacks provided. Children welcome, and must be accompanied by an attentive adult.”

Errol Heights Natural Area, SE 52nd Ave & SE Tenino Ct * 9 am – noon

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Fitness Fair at Mt. Scott Community Center:

“Meet instructors, take sample fitness classes, and receive a voucher for 20% off an Annual Pass.”

Mt. Scott Community Center, 5530 SE 72nd Ave * 4 pm – 6 pm * free

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Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators Oregon’s Next Level:

“Ready to bring your writing and illustration skills to The Next Level? Whether you’re plotting a novel or perfecting a picture book, SCBWI Oregon’s professional series will give you tools to advance your career.

This month: Comics Writing with Sara Ryan.  https://twitter.com/ryansara

Taborspace has a new calendar, you can keep up with what’s going on over there. – is a great example of how a church, Mt Tabor Presbyterian Church, has welcomed the community into their space.

There’s also a meet and greet with Portland City Council candidate Jo Ann Hardesty Sunday!

Taborspace,  * 2 pm – 4 pm * $8 – $12

SUNDAY

Earth Day Dedication and Naming of Lents Community Garden:

“… the Lents community will be gathering at the SE 96th & Woodstock cul-de-sac to dedicate and name the newest Lent’s community garden. This community garden on Oregon Department of Transportation land is possible because of the tireless efforts of Lents community leaders and activists. Please join the community in celebration and help plan the newest addition to the green spaces in the Lents neighborhood.” 
SE 96th & Woodstock cul-de-sac * noon 

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Zenger Farm camp open house:

“This fun free family event is a great chance to visit the farm and come play with us! We will have common camp activities set up so you can try them out and have a chance to meet many of the Zenger educators! Camp staff will be on hand to answer any questions and can help you apply for a scholarship and even register for camp that day! Free food will be provided.”

11741 SE Foster Rd * 1 pm – 4 pm

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Death Cafe

“Death Cafe is a growing international movement of people who come together in a relaxed and safe setting to discuss death and drink tea. Conversation about whatever is on your mind regarding death takes place in small groups. Our goal is to increase awareness of death with a view to helping people make the most of their (finite) lives.

Made possible by The National Endowment for the Humanities Fund of The Library Foundation. Registration (here) required.”

Midland Library, * 2 pm – 4 pm 

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Have a great weekend!