By ANDREW WILKINS

It’s great to see so much momentum behind this venture that is Village Portland. So many smart, involved, big-hearted neighbors are stepping up to tell their stories. (It took a while for folks to get it, but we won’t get into that.)

There are some great new stories and folks coming soon, and here’s one I’m very proud to share. If you haven’t seen it, Patricia Sanders‘ article about Shiloh Baptist, Montavilla‘s first Black church, is excellent.

Her story makes history come alive, and you can really empathize with all the hard work it took to make that church a reality. Hopefully, the hard work by Ida Thompson and church leaders inspires us all to better community service.

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Wanting to get out of town for a late-season road trip? Reggie and Paula did too… but they don’t always feel safe out in the world. The latest episode of Life in the Village:

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Outer Powell Blvd. upgrades:

Upgrades to Powell Bou between SE 122nd and SE 136th Avenues are finished, and you can visit the stations virtually here. At the link, you can also sign up for updates and learn what to do if your property is to be impacted.

The next phase will stretch from SE 99th to SE 122nd Avenues, and SE 136th Avenue to the Portland / Gresham border just east of SE 174th Avenue.

Offer feedback on the project here.

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SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3RD

“AshMob Strolling Brass Band will appear and stroll down SE 80th from Burnside to Stark with a concert in front of Montavilla Station. No Cover charge~Tips appreciated… “

Montavilla Station, * 5 p.m. – 6 p.m. * tips

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Dumpster cleanup (invitation):

“Hey everyone, we have a big “dumpster” clean-up coming up — this means you can skip a run to the dump and save yourself some money if you have large trash / recycling items that you need to get rid of! It’s completely FREE to the community!”

Visit the link in the heading for more details.

Mt. Scott Churchm 10603 SE Henderson St. * 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. * free

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House plant sale (invitation):

“Join us this weekend for a pop up houseplant sale! 2 days of 12+ sellers. There will be plant, plant supplies, macrame and crafts. 100% outdoor. Masks required and social distancing recommendations apply.”

1816 SE Marion St. * Sat. 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. & Sun. 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4TH

Farmers markets: 

Expect fall favorites as well as late summer bounty at both of these excellent farmers markets.

Learn about Montavilla Farmers Market is vendors here.

7700 block of SE Stark St * 10 am – 2 pm

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At Lents International Farmers Market you can “double up” your SNAP benefits. Read more about the market and that program here.

SE 92nd & Reedway, between Foster Rd & Harold St * 9 am – 2 pm

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Enjoy your weekend!