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!
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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.
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
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SATURDAY
No Ivy Day @ Gateway Green:
“Join Friends of Gateway Green in removing invasive species—primarily English Ivy and primarily in the wooded portion of Gateway Green (event & required registration). Additionally, we will do some litter removal, along the Multi-Use Path. Long pants, long sleeves, and closed-toe shoes recommended. Dress for the weather. We will provide tools and gloves but you are welcome to bring your own if you like. We will provide refreshments. Participants need to be aware that the walk/ride back to the Gateway Transit Center is a fairly long, uphill grade.”
I-205 Multi-Use Path, north of Gateway Transit Center * 9 am – noon
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Montavilla / East Tabor Business Association is hosting a harvest festival:
8028 NE Glisan St * noon 4 pm
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“Henna is used by many cultures as a form of artistic expression. Henna is not permanent, but it does temporarily stain the skin for about two weeks. In this hands-on cultural art program, artist Raina Imig will share information on the art of henna in India, and will create a brief, authentic, intricate henna design on your hand.”
Gregory Heights Library, 7921 NE Sandy Blvd * 2 pm – 3:30 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
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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.
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Making Calaveritas de Azúcar / Sugar Skulls:
“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
Village Portland 