Pat Sanders “Montavilla Memories” article this week looks into how municipal water came to the neighborhood. For an individual, as well as for a neighborhood, the need for a steady supply of water makes things happen! Read “We Want Bull Run Water!” here.

***

There’s an extra special guest at this month’s Montavilla Neighborhood Association meeting.

Representatives from the Rocket Empire Machine building at 69th Ave & Glisan St will be attending. They’re the creative force behind buildings like The Fair-Haired Dumbbell (50 feet from me as I write), The Zipper on Sandy Blvd, and several other inventive buildings around town.

They have an interesting community-building plan (nicknamed “gentlefication”). for this building that you can read about here. They’ve also been exploring the idea of adding a hand-painted mural to that building!

Also at the meeting: a discussion & vote Membership Eligibility Exception Policy for the MNA Bylaws. More about the meeting is on the agenda, here.

Montavilla United Methodist Church, 232 SE 80th Ave * Mon, 6/10, 6:30 pm

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New apartments are going in at 97th & Couch Street. Read more about the 61-unit development here on Next Portland. Also, The Tannery bar (E Burnside & 53rd Ave) closed this week.

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Take a survey on options for changes to outer Stark Street here.

FRIDAY, JUNE 7TH

Farm to table meal (event / tickets):

“Join us at Zenger Farm’s beautiful Urban Grange for an evening of incredible food, wine, and community. Our 2019 Chefs’ Dinner brings together an incredible lineup of Black leaders from the local culinary and beverage community, led by award-winning chef Gregory Gourdet of Departure.”

Zenger Farm, 11741 SE Foster Rd * 6 pm – 9 pm * $85

SATURDAY, JUNE 8TH

African drums (event):

“Parents’ Choice Award winner Robbi K’s spirit is contagious as the entire audience is soon singing and clapping along with Osebo’s Drum.” 

Midland Library, 805 SE 122nd Ave * 2 pm – 2:50 pm

SUNDAY, JUNE 9TH

Farmers market:

For the full list of produce available, go here.

Montavilla Farmers Market, 7700 block of SE Stark St * 10 am – 2 pm

This won’t come as a surprise to neighborhood advocates, but Multnomah County’s District Attorneys Office recently testified that they don’t have the staff to prosecute the cases being brought to court in a timely manner.

The issue came to light during budget hearings earlier this week. Read more about it in the story from Fox 12 here.

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Village Building Convergence (there’s no connection to this site) is one of those events that involved hundreds of neighbors working on multiple projects across the city— but you’ll never hear about it in the news. 

Maybe it’s not edgy enough, but it’s great to know neighbors are coming together all over the city to get to know each other and work on a project everyone can be proud of.

There are events all over the city and in Montavilla. Learn more about the project here from Village Portland @ Richmond reporter Leah Bell-Johnson.

SATURDAY, JUNE 1ST

Paint the Town Green (event):

Here’s another opportunity to participate in a community-building event. There are projects all over the city, including a litter pick-up and graffiti removal in Montavilla!

Montavilla (directions given after signup) * 8:30 am – 1 pm

Lovin’ local (event):

There’s a lot of cool stuff going on at Remedy Gallery, the new name for the gallery at Milepost 5.

“Lovn’ Local is a volunteer ran art pop-up event meant to bring artists and their audience together to celebrate local creatives!

Follow Lovn’ Local on Instagram: @lovnlocal.popup”

Remedy Gallery, 850 NE 81st Ave * noon – 6 pm

Once Upon a Time Family Theatre (event / tickets):

“Once Upon a Time Family Theatre is a magical mix of theatrical simplicity and grand storytelling for kids and their families. There’s always a slight twist to the traditional story that keeps these productions fresh. Though simply produced, these delightful and engaging productions will soon have everyone fully absorbed in the interaction of live theatre.”

This month’s production: “The Bremen Town Musicians”

Portland Metro Arts, 9003 SE Stark St * 11:30 am * children $1, $2 adults $2

Talk Time (event):

“Talk Time is an informal conversation circle for non-native speakers to practice speaking English. First come, first served.”

Gregory Heights Library, 7921 NE Sandy Blvd * 12:30 pm – 2 pm

Live music (event):

“Three rocking bands for you at the Eastside! The Ruckus / Gravity Blanket / Tangent!”

Eastside Bar & Grill, 2530 NE 82nd Ave * 9 pm * $5

SUNDAY, JUNE 2ND

Farmers market:

For the full list of producers go here.

Montavilla Farmers Market, 7700 block of SE Stark St * 10 am – 2 pm

Joint concert: 

Joint Concert with Portland Metro Concert Band and East County Community Orchestra. 

David Douglas High School, Horner Performing Arts Center, 1400 
SE 130th Ave * 3 pm

For Montavilla neighbors concerned about traffic deaths— there’s another important community discussion being hosted by the Lents Neighborhood Association for its May general meeting Tuesday of this upcoming week: 

“Traffic safety & Reducing fatal and serious crashes in Lents/East Portland” with the manager of the City’s Vision Zeroprogram, and representative from Oregon Department of Transportation.

The board will also consider motions on support for changing the City’s representation system (video on a LNA forum on the topic), and opposition to the City’s Resident Infill Project. 

8815 SE Woodstock Blvd * Tues, 5/28, 7 pm – 8:30 pm

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.

***

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

Sadly, there was a hit & run near East Glisan Street Pizza this week. We don’t have a lot of information about those responsible, but you can learn more here.

***

The City of Portland is asking residents to its 2019 Portland Community Insights Survey. The survey is here.

“Insights from the survey will be shared with City Bureaus and Commissioners to help them make decisions… “

FRIDAY, MAY 10TH

Live music (event):

Showcasing the talented women in the local scene. Acoustic / Singer songwriters… hosted by Michel Strickland.

Tonight: The Juhalas

Eastside Bar & Grill, 2530 Ne 82nd Ave * tips for performers

SATURDAY, MAY 11TH

Earth Day:

Vibe Studio Earth Day!

Vibe Studio,5633 SE Division St * 12:30 pm – 6 pm

Native bee workshop (event):

“Native bees are essential for pollinating 85% of the world’s flowering plants, and their conservation is vital to environmental and human health. They’re also fascinating and beautiful– well worth an up-close look. Join us for an overview of Oregon’s native bees, and an examination of some bees through dissecting scopes, followed by a chance to catch and release some as we take a guided tour through the Garden.”

Leach Botanical Garden * 1 pm – 4 pm * $20 general / $15 Leach Garden Friend

Chess club:

“Have fun playing chess! We provide the chess equipment. All ages welcome. First come, first served.”

Holgate Library, 7905 SE Holgate Blvd * 1 pm – 3:30 pm

SUNDAY, MAY 12TH

Vino Veritas Sunday Jazz / All Day Happy Hour:

“Come enjoy live jazz Sunday afternoon along with all day Happy Hour. A wonderful way to wind down the week.”

Vino Veritas, * 5 pm – 7 pm

Farmers market:

For the full list of producers and some of the special fall produce available, go here.

Montavilla Farmers Market, 7700 block of SE Stark St * 10 am – 2 pm

It rained really hard earlier that morning, but when it was time for the parade to roll, the 82nd Avenue of Roses Parade was blessed with dry and sometimes sunny weather.

Here’s our video from the parade… almost titled “We went to the 82nd Avenue Parade because you couldn’t (or didn’t want to)”. It’s great to see so many people out marching and enjoying the parade.

The current article from Pat Sanders about sidewalk stamps is especially interesting to me. In Memphis, where I grew up, my grandfather owned a concrete company.

So occasionally when I would walk around town, I would run across “WW WILKINS” stamped into the sidewalk. It was fun seeing part of his legacy still serving Memphians decades after his work was done.

These stamps are literally another concrete reminder— literally— to think about the people who shaped our cities and to compare their lives with ours.

A few Montavilla schools are in the running for a community building project award from OnPoint Community Credit Union. More info here!

FRIDAY, MAY 3RD

Canton Grill Degustatory Research (event):

Learn more about the history of Canton Grill, Portland’s oldest Chinese food restaurant. There will be samples to go with the story-telling experience.

“Investigating both personal and collective histories alongside the role of food in migration, this dinner is a sensorial ten-course tasting experience serving degustatory samples intermingling culinary art, performance, research and personal histories. It promises to be a beautiful, complex, fine dining experience that will tickle your palette and tease your soul.”

Canton Grill, 2610 SE 82nd Ave * 6:30 pm – 8 pm * free

SATURDAY, MAY 4TH

East Portland Neighborhood Cleanup:

“This event is organized by Powellhurst-Gilbert Neighborhood association and supported by Mill Park Neighborhood Association, Hazelwood Neighborhood Association, and Centennial Neighborhood Association.

If you’re interested in volunteering please pm us (pgnaboard@gmail.com) with your email.”

West Powellhurst Elementary, 2921 SE 116th Ave * 9 am – 1 pm

SUNDAY, MAY 5TH

The wonderful Montavilla Farmers Market is having their opening day today! Check out their post about the opening here or the list of providers here.

New this season is a nutrition lecture series. And as usual, there will be music, activities for the youth, and the Everybody Eats SNAP/EBT match program that allows card holders to double their spending up to $10.

7700 SE Stark St * 10 am – 2 pm

Makers de Mayo: a Decolonized Market & Celebration (event):

“This Cinco de Mayo, spend your day supporting local BIPOC makers at Makers de Mayo: a decolonized market and celebration hosted by Noche Libre and the Portland Mercado.”

Portland Mercado * noon – 6 pm

We’re happy to present another edition of Pat Sander’s column, “Montavilla Memories”. In this one, she researches the history of Montavilla’s original fire station— and the cataclysmic fire that convinced City officials it was needed.

One of the most interesting things about these articles is the community efforts supporting new programs and infrastructure in Montavilla. The neighbors that lived here before us were organized, focused, and willing to demand more from local government.

Read the article here.

I didn’t see any Earth Day events in this part of town, but down in Lents and Brentwood-Darlington, there are events with SOLVE!

SATURDAY, APRIL 20TH

MTPC egg hunt!:

“Join us for the annual egg hunt in the Taborspace Yard!”

Taborspace, 5441 SE Belmont St * 10:30 am – 11:30 am

Earth Day volunteering on the Springwater Trail:

“Join PGE employees as we clean up the Springwater Trail for Earth Day! The Springwater Trail winds through Southeast Portland is heavily used by families, runners, and bicyclists. Additionally, the surrounding natural areas along nearby Johnson Creek provide valuable wildlife habitat and help protect water quality.”

Sign up here.

8925 SE Flavel St * 10 am – 1 pm

Earth Day volunteering in Errol Heights Park: 

“Planting native plants & removing invasive species provides cleaner air for community members and cleaner water in Johnson Creek, which supports salmon and other fish. Picking up litter keeps our waterways clean. Keep your eye out for beaver, ducks, and other wildlife as you volunteer alongside other community members— everyone welcome, and no experience necessary!”

Sign up here.

Errol Heights Park, SE 45th Ave & Harney Dr * 9 am – noon

Reuse, Recycle: Displacement Electronic Recycling Drop-Box (event):

“Trash Bash, Haul-Away, Collection Event, Cleanup – whatever you call your event, this is your one-stop-shop for helping neighbors get rid of bulky items like old vacuum cleaners, mattresses, furniture, scrap wood, empty paint cans and cat castles upholstered in blue carpet taking up valuable space in their homes.”

Rosewood Initiative, 15126 SE Stark St * 2 pm – 6 pm

Live music at Eastside (event):

Creature Society / Tribe of the Outcast / Mojo Roller

EastSide Bar and Grill, 2530 NE 82nd Ave * 8 pm – 11:30 pm

SUNDAY, APRIL 21ST

Talk Time (event):

“Talk Time is an informal conversation circle for non-native speakers to practice speaking English. First come, first served.”

Gregory Heights Library, 7921 NE Sandy Blvd * 12:30 pm – 2 pm