Every business, every organization, and yes— every person— has a story.
How a business develops and the role it fills in a market and community truly fascinate me. The amount of time, trouble, and resources that goes into building a small business almost always means it’s more then just about making money.
Talking with Village Portland contributor Pat Sanders one day about the intersection of neighborhoods, culture, and small business, she suggested a conversation with the owner of Fressen Artisan Bakery and Cafe, Edgar Loesch. His cafe and bakery, that just began its second year in Montavilla, is a beautiful example of how interesting it is to learn more about your fascinating, hard-working neighbors.
I bet the food will taste even better once you know Fressen’s story.
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Another organization we profiled on Village Portland @ Lents, PNW Adult & Teen Challenge, is also worth a watch if you’re interested in problem-solving around addiction and homelessness.
The faith-based organization runs a thrift store to support a recovery program— the thrift store also teaches job skills to the program’s participants.
SATURDAY, MAY 18TH
Montavilla Spring block party:
Our 2019 Montavilla Spring Block Party will take place on May 18 from 3pm to 9pm.
“Join your neighbors for an afternoon/early evening of music, activities, and family fun. We’ll end the night with a DJ dance party.”
SE Stark St, near SE 76th Ave & 82nd Ave * 3 pm – 9 pm
Nature Fair 2019 (event):
Play games, work with plants, mask making, and pet goats, chickens, birds, and slug, ice cream, and hikes.
Music from: Possum 6-Pack & The Marian Street Ramblers
Leach Garden, 6704 SE 122nd Ave, Far East Meadow * 10 am – 2 am * free
Intercambio / Language Exchange (event):
“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.”
Gregory Heights Library, 7921 NE Sandy Blvd * 4 pm – 5:30 pm
SUNDAY, MAY 19TH
Sunday Parkways Southeast (event):
To encourage bicycling and non-motorized transportation, the City shuts down a ring of streets several Sundays a year, with booths, bands, and other interesting events.
“This route will explore the neighborhood greenways of Ankeny, Clinton, Lincoln, Salmon, Taylor streets and more. While you’re at it, don’t forget to dance, grab a bite to eat and learn something new.”
Southeast Portland * 11 am – 4 pm
Oregon Sinfonietta concert (event):
“The award-winning Oregon Sinfonietta, now in its 46th season and conducted by Dr. Donald L. Appert, is a full symphony orchestra of about sixty musicians that draws together community musicians from the greater Portland, Oregon and Vancouver, Washington metropolitan area.”
Sunnyside Seventh-day Adventist Church, 10501 SE Market St * 3 pm * free
For the full list of producers and vendors, go here.
Montavilla Farmers Market, 7700 block of SE Stark St * 10 am – 2 pm
Village Portland 