East Portland News
Community Calendar
November, 2009

Among these listings, you’ll find ways to get involved with your community, help the environment, participate in your government, learn valuable information – and have a lot of fun.  Many activities are free!

We ended the month of October having posted 96 listings – and we’ve already added events in November bringing the total, so far, up to 93 listings.  And, we continue to add more as they come in during the month – so be sure to check back every week!

Get your event seen by millions (actually about 61,000 readers per week) by sending your calendar information to David@eastPDXnews.com. Deadline? There isn’t a deadline! We update information during the month!

November’s Featured Events …

November 27 – December 24
> Santa returns to Eastport Plaza – Monday through Saturday (St. Nick takes Sundays off), bring the kids visit Santa’s Place. It’s all free! What makes Santa’s Place so unique is that children can play with toys at Santa’s Toy Shop, create an art project, play games, watch Christmas movies, eat popcorn – and visit with Santa as he sits in his historic throne. Mom, dad, grandma, or grandpa can relax in comfy couch and chair, or shop for the rest of the family. When you come, help out those less fortunate by bringing a donation of one new, unwrapped toy or non-perishable food item, or consider decorating the Angel Tree with a couple of dollars. All of the proceeds collected at Santa’s Place will go to support Trillium Family Services for abused and displaced children, the Salvation Army, Portland Police Dept., Sunshine Division, Portland Fire & Rescue’s Fire & Rescue Toy-n-Joy program and the US Marines Toys for Tots. Remember to bring your camera to take a holiday photo you’ll cherish with that Jolly Guy from the North Pole. Eastport Plaza Shopping Center is located at 4000 SE 82nd Avenue of Roses, Suite #1400 (Between Powell Blvd. and Holgate Blvd.). For more information, see www.eastportplaza.com or call (503) 771-3817.

November’s Community Calendar

November 17
> Latin Dance, Music and Culture – Hola! Have fun learning to dance while learning about the origins of their musical styles, the musicians and their culture. It’s tonight from 6:30 until 7:45 p.m. at your Midland Library, 805 S.E. 122nd Ave. Call (503) 988-5392 for more information.

> Learn how the Port of Portland affects outer East Portland businesses – The 82nd Ave. of Roses Business Association invites you to hear Port of Portland’s Derek Jaeger speak. Also, there will be hors d’oeuvres, and time for networking. It runs from 5:30 p.m. until 7:15 p.m. at Junior Achievement, 7930 SE Foster Rd. Please RSVP, or for more information, contact Isabelle at isabelle@tsgpdx.com or call (503) 774-2832.

> Argay Neighborhood Association – General meeting starts at 7:00 p.m. at Portland Fire Station Training Center, 4800 NE 122nd Ave.

> Parkrose Neighborhood Association – Their general meeting starts at 7:00 PM at Faithful Savior Ministries, 11100 NE Skidmore St. For more information, e-mail to parkrosephoenix@gmail.com.

November 18
> East Portland Chamber of Commerce – “Good Morning East Portland” networking meeting is hosted by different chamber members each Wednesday morning from 7:30 to 9:00 a.m. Meetings are free and guests are welcome. Today’s host is East Portland Chamber Government Affairs, at CherryWood Village, it’s somewhere near Adventist Medical Center in the Hazelwood Neighborhood. For more information, see www.EastPortlandChamber.com or call (503) 788-8589.

> Little kids love the “Gingerbread Man” – The famous Ladybug Theater for children presents, live onstage, “The Gingerbread Man” – at 10:30 am today and tomorrow, and also on Wednesday, November 25th – at SMILE Station, S.E. Tenino at 13th in Sellwood, a block south of Tacoma Street. $3.50 admission charge for all, except babes in arms. Please reserve by calling (503) 232-2346, because seating is limited – and then pay at the door with cash or check. Doors open at 10:15 am. The play lasts less than an hour.

> Harvest Bounty from Thailand to the Hopi Mesas to Mexico – Join chef and author Jean Johnson as she shares simple measure-free recipes and insights from her travels. This program is for teens in grades 6-12. It runs today from 4:30 until 5:30 p.m. at your Midland Library, 805 S.E. 122nd Ave. Call (503) 988-5392 for more information

> East Precinct Involved Citizens – They’re meeting a week early this month! Join with other EPIC neighbors and learn about the Portland Police Bureau’s Explosive Demolition Unit, otherwise know as the Bomb Squad. This unit is much more active than one would imagine; you’ll learn how important they are to our community safety. Also, learn how EPIC strives to keep our city and citizens safe. They meet from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. at the East Precinct Community Center at 737 SE 106th Ave.

> Free Weatherization Workshop – As the winter season chills ya to the bone, here’s your opportunity to attend a chill-busting workshop – it’s tonight from 6 – 8 pm! Find out how to save money on your energy bills, keep your home warmer and conserve energy. This is a free event open to everyone. Income-qualified Portland residents can receive a free kit of weatherization materials ($150 value). The free kit includes: Interior vinyl storm windows, door weather-stripping, pipe insulation, thermometer, compact fluorescent light bulb and more. Tonight’s workshop is at Grout SUN School, 3119 SE Holgate Blvd. Please register: Call (503) 284-6827 x108 or e-mail energy@communityenergyprojec.org.

> Gateway Regional Center Program Advisory Committee Meeting – It runs from 6:30 until 8:00 p.m. Agenda will be posted one week prior to the meeting: CLICK HERE for that listing. For more information, contact Justin Douglas at (503) 823-4579. It’s at the East Portland Community Center, 740 SE 106th Avenue.

> Pleasant Valley Neighborhood Association – Tonight’s their general meeting, from 7 until 9 pm at the Pleasant Valley Grange Hall 17115 SE Foster Road. Contact LNA Linda Bauer at lbauerpvna@aol.com for more information.

November 19
> Parkrose Business Association – One of our favorite business groups gets together today at 11:30 a.m. Come and meet this group of fun, energized business people. This month their featured speaker is John Perkins, Architect, talking about historical sites. The Member Moment will be presented by Annette Steveko, with Hollywood Chiropractic. The meeting is at Holiday Inn Airport 8439 NE Columbia Blvd. (in the hotel building, around the back at the Flirt’s entrance – not the Convention Center next door. The meeting is free, and the buffet lunch is $17including dessert and gratuity; reservations are NOT required. For more information, see their web site: www.parkrosebusiness.org.

November 19 and 20
> Beauty and the Beast – FINAL TWO PERFORMANCES! Parkrose High School Thespian Troupe #1783 presents “Beauty and the Beast” by Laurence Boswell. Originally written as a Christmas play for the Royal Shakespeare Company at the National Theatre in London, it much later became a Disney musical! Both adults and kids will love this romantic story that challenges us to look beyond what our eyes can see. With a cast of nearly 100, it’s a show you’re sure to enjoy. The show runs the evenings of November 19 and 20 with a 7:00 p.m. curtain time (please come early to buy tickets). The price is right; tickets at the door are: adults are $8; $5 for those 18 & under or 65+. It’s at the Parkrose High School Theater, 12003 NE Shaver St., near NE 122nd Avenue. You can buy tickets online: CLICK HERE!

November 19
> Free Weatherization Workshop – As the winter season is coming on, here’s your opportunity to attend a workshop – it’s tonight from 6 – 8 pm! Find out how to save money on your energy bills, keep your home warmer and conserve energy. This is a free event open to everyone. Income-qualified Portland residents can receive a free kit of weatherization materials ($150 value). The free kit includes: Interior vinyl storm windows, door weather-stripping, pipe insulation, thermometer, compact fluorescent light bulb and more. Tonight’s workshop is at Alice Ott SUN School, 12500 SE Ramona St. Please register: Call (503) 284-6827 x108 or e-mail energy@communityenergyprojec.org.

> Portland Plan Community Workshop – From 6:30 until 9 p.m. tonight, come participate in this workshop organized by the City of Portland to discuss ideas around the Portland Plan. The Portland Plan will be our City’s strategic plan for the next 25 years, ensuring that Portland is a thriving and sustainable city and our people are prosperous, healthy and educated. Residents are invited to these workshops to work together with the City and their neighbors to discuss challenges, define priorities and guide investments for the future. All Portlanders are welcome, and we look forward to your input. Tonight’s event is at David Douglas High School, North Cafeteria, 1001 SE 135th Avenue. For more information about the Portland Plan and the workshops, please contact Marty Stockton at Marty.Stockton@ci.portland.or.us or (503) 823-2041, or visit the Portland Plan website at http://www.portlandonline.com/portlandplan.

> City-wide Landlord Forum – It starts this evening at 6:30 p.m. At each forum, landlords and residential property managers are brought up to date with announcements, a problem-solving session and a short presentation by attorney Jeffrey S. Bennett. This month’s topic: “Fair Housing and Domestic Violence Issues.” These take place at the East Precinct Community Center, 737 SE 106th Ave. (across the street from Floyd Light Middle School). For more information, contact Rosanne Lee, Crime Prevention Coordinator (503)-823-3505.

> Russell Neighborhood Association – Their general meeting starts at 7:00 PM, at Western States Chiropractic College, 2900 NE 132nd (Hampton Hall). For more information, contact Bonny McKnight at bonnymck@comcast.net.

> Citywide Parks Team – Meets at 7:00 pm in downtown Portland at the Portland Building, Forest Park Conference Room, 13th Floor, 1120 SW 5th. Contact Linda Robinson at lrobins@pacifier.com for more information.

October 20
> Korean American Chamber Late Lunch event – Everyone is invited to a “Free Food for All” event today from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm. It’s produced by the Korean American Chamber of Commerce of Oregon and the Korean American Community to help better their organizations with the general public in outer East Portland. The event organizers say Frito Lay, Coca Cola, Reser’s Fine Foods and others are sponsoring the treats. It’s at “Top to Bottom” located at 5420 SE 82nd Ave., just northeast of SE Foster Road. For more information, contact Maria Park at mpark@ahscpdx.org.

November 20 & 21
> Commander’s Big Sale – Come shop for great buys of “men’s stuff” including fishing gear, comic books, tools and such from Noon until 5:00 p.m.! Who knows what bargain you might find? Help them in their work to support of men and women in the Armed Forces. It’s at the American Legion Portland Post #1, at 1830 SE 122nd Avenue. For more information, call Dick Kemp at (503) 252-2546.

November 20
> “The Misty Mamas” in concert – The Portland FolkMusic Society kicks off their 15th season tonight at 7:30 p.m. of presenting folk, acoustic, Old Time and Roots Music. Greg Clarke opens the show. And, if you don’t already know about The Misty Mommas – look ‘em up online! No smoking, toking or boozing – but as they say, “There’s food and beverages available, in a relaxed spot to bring the family or meet friends – or make new ones who love Folk Music!” : $10 for PFS members, $12 General Admission, $5 ages 12-18, under 12 are free. Doors open at 7 p.m. at Carvlin Hall-1636 SE Hickory St (Enter on SE 16th just north of SE Division). For information, CLICK HERE to visit the PFS website.

November 21
> Volunteer at Portland Memory Garden – If you enjoy gardening, why not help out for a couple of hours this morning at this special purpose garden, located in southeast Portland between 9:30 and 11:30 a.m.  While volunteers with a green thumb are welcome, a gift for gardening is not a requirement. Tools and a brief orientation are offered to volunteers. To volunteer or to learn more about the Portland Memory Garden, call (503) 239-9174 or e-mail cassidypg@comcast.net.

> Holiday Craft Bazaar – The Courtyard’s annual bazaar runs today between 9:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. It features hand-made crafts. Also, visit Rojo the Therapy Llama, and buy pastries and deli sandwiches in their new Bistro. It’s at Courtyard Senior Living, 6125 SE Division St., just west of the Mt. Tabor Yards and Warner Pacific College (park at Warner, shuttle runs every 15 minutes). For more information, call (503) 788-0896.

> Leach Botanical Garden open nursery sales – They’re open today, – and today’s the last day of the season! Stop in during regular hours to browse and buy specialty plants from the Leach collection; recent introductions, old favorites and one-of-a-kind choices. Sale located at the garden nursery. They’re open 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. today. Leach Botanical Garden is at 6704 SE 122nd Ave. – a long, winding block south of SE Foster Road. For more information, contact Kate Sheridan at 503-823-1671 or ksheridan@leachgarden.org.

> Helping Your Aging Parent: Difficult Topics in Caregiving – Come learn what she calls “A Practical and Heart-Centered Approach” from Kari Lyons, LCSW. She’ll discuss difficult topics such as driving, what to do when your parents’ needs increase, and the change in dependence in all areas. It is today from 10 until 11:30 a.m. at your Midland Library, 805 S.E. 122nd Ave. Call (503) 988-5392 for more information.

> Tapestry of Tales Family Matinee – Enjoy a storytelling performance by one of the finest storytellers in the nation, featuring Will Hornyak. This program is recommended for ages 5 and up. Free tickets for seating will be available 30 minutes prior to the program. It runs this afternoon from 2 until 2:45 p.m. at your Midland Library, 805 S.E. 122nd Ave. Call (503) 988-5392 for more information

> Outer Eastside Bluegrass Music Series – Come on out to hear acoustic jamming 5:30 to 7 pm and stay for the show: from 7 pm to 9:30 pm. It’s the same format as the Gresham Little Theater shows, they say: two full 50 minute sets and one 20-minute short set. This month: Corral Creek Connection, “SASS”  (Susan Hammer/Fiddle/Vocal and Sharon Sandgren/Guitar/Vocal) and Bluestone County perform. Suggested donation is $8 per person (children free). Snack bar will be open during show. It’s at the Freedom Foursquare Church at 660 SE 160th Ave.; just south of SE Stark Street. For more information, contact Mason Smith at mltrking@hotmail.com.

> See “Hopeless” – The Brooklyn Bay Theater presents performances of this play described as “A timely and uplifting collection of stories, music, and musings, inspired by the writings of Pema Chödrön, an American Buddhist nun, on the nature of hope, fear and finding joy.” This one-woman performance was conceived, directed, and is performed by Melanya Helene, and will be presented Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm and Sundays at 3 pm starting today ending tomorrow at the nonprofit “Brooklyn Bay”, 1825 S.E. Franklin Street, Bay K, just south of Powell Boulevard in the Brooklyn neighborhood. $15 general admission; $12 seniors/students. Reservations recommended: call  (503) 258-9000; doors open 30 minutes before showtime. Hard to find; see website for directions: www.thebrooklynbay.org.

November 22
> Montavilla Farmer’s Market – This great market has gone to their Fall schedule of every-other-Sunday. See why as many as 2,000 shoppers come by between 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Each week, this market offers entertainment, a wide selection of ready-to-eat food, a covered seating area – oh yes, lots of farm and orchard-fresh offerings. The Montavilla Farmer’s Market is in the 7600 block of SE Stark Street in the gravel lot across from Mr. Plywood. For more information, see their web site: www.montavillamarket.org.

November 23
> Citywide Land Use Forum – This group meets from 7 until 9 pm downtown tonight at 1900 SW 4th Avenue, Room 2500B. For more information, contact Bonny McKnight at 503-253-6848 or bonnymck@comcast.net.

November 24
> Lents Neighborhood Association – Their general meeting starts at 7:00 PM at Lents Adventist Church Auditorium, 8835 SE Woodstock St. Contact their Chair, Damien Chakwin at damien@ilovelents.com or LNA Vice-Chair Wes Wolfe at weswolfe@uci.net for more information.

November 25
> East Portland Action Plan Committee – This group meets tonight from 6:30 until 8:30 p.m. at the East Portland Neighborhood Office, 1017 NE 117th. Contact Lore Wintergreen at 503-823-4035 or lwintergreen@ci.portland.or.us for more information.

November 26
Happy Thanksgiving day!

November 29
> Montavilla Farmer’s Market – NO MARKET TODAY! This great market has gone to their Fall schedule of every-other-week. They’ll be back next week. For more information, see their web site: www.montavillamarket.org.

November 30
> Pajama Time – Put on your best PJs and join them for stories, songs and fun. For children 6 years and younger with adult on Tuesdays beginning, beginning tonight from 7 until 7:30 p.m. at Midland Library, 805 S.E. 122nd Ave., and call (503) 988-5392 for more information.

Looking ahead …

December 3 Premiere
> Thoroughly Modern Millie – The David Douglas High School Performing Arts Department is proud to present hilarious look at 1920’s New York. A wonderful cast of 100 characters fills out this high-spirited musical romp that has all of New York dancing the Charleston. You’ll tap you’re your toes to swinging big band jazz and wonderful musical numbers. The curtain rises on Thoroughly Modern Millie at 7:30 p.m. on December 3, 4 and 5; then again on December 10, 11 and 12. There’s a special matinee performance on Sunday, December 6 at 2:30 p.m. It’s just $7 for students and seniors: $10 for Adults. Get good seats; these shows sell out – Tickets are now on sale! Their box office is open Monday, Wednesday and Fridays from 3 until 5:30 p.m. on school days and an hour before show time. Or, call (503) 261-8270 for more information. The David Douglas High School Horner Performing Arts Center is located at 1400 SE 130th Avenue.

December 4 & 5
> Leach Botanical Garden Holiday Bazaar – From 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Leach Garden Friends will be holding their 23rd Annual Holiday Bazaar. A wide variety of fresh greens will be available in bulk, along with wreaths, swags & centerpieces, cones and dried flowers, handcrafted items and baked goods. As always our gift shop will be open and our nursery plants for sale. Get into the spirit of the season, stroll the winter garden and sip hot cider in the historic Leach Garden Manor. Admission is free. The Garden is located at 6704 SE 122nd Ave. (just south of Foster Rd.). All proceeds benefit the programs and maintenance of the Garden’s botanical collection of over 3000 species and cultivars. Leach Botanical Garden is Portland’s only public botanical garden. For further information call the office at (503) 823-1671 or see their web site: www.leachgarden.org.

December 4 & 5
> Alembic #5: THE THIRD SIDE – At 8:00 p.m., Performance Works NorthWest presents “studies in radical nostalgia”: interpretations in dance, theater and sound. How they describe it: “If you’ve ever wondered what to call the place between recalling and foretelling, imagined yourself and your cohorts starring in a “flashback” episode from the sitcom of your lives, or pressed “play” in order to reconceive an emotional terrain now in ruins, you’ve been dialing The Third Side. The phone is ringing again.  It’s for you.” Performance Works NorthWest is located just off SE Foster Rd. at 4625 SE 67th Ave. Portland, OR Tickets: $10 – $15; reserve at by calling (503) 777-1907 or to buy advance tickets online, CLICK HERE.

December 5
> Portland Plan Community Workshop – From 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. this morning, come participate in this workshop organized by the City of Portland to discuss ideas around the Portland Plan. The Portland Plan will be our City’s strategic plan for the next 25 years, ensuring that Portland is a thriving and sustainable city and our people are prosperous, healthy and educated. Residents are invited to these workshops to work together with the City and their neighbors to discuss challenges, define priorities and guide investments for the future. All Portlanders are welcome, and we look forward to your input. Today’s workshop is at Mt. Scott Community Center, 5530 SE 72nd Avenue, (just south of SE Herald St.) For more information about the Portland Plan and the workshops, please contact Marty Stockton at Marty.Stockton@ci.portland.or.us or (503) 823-2041, or visit the Portland Plan website at http://www.portlandonline.com/portlandplan.

December 12
> Back Home in Parkrose: Michael Allen Harrison – Don’t miss this seventh annual concert featuring recording artist Michael Allen Harrison at 2:00 p.m. today. This program has become a holiday tradition for many folks in our area. It features choral specials from two of the Parkrose elementary schools, as well as the high school A Cappella Choir. The highlight is the inspiring piano work of Michael Allen Harrison as he touches the heart strings of his audience and melts them with his passionate melodies. Tickets are $12 for adults; $10.00 for seniors and students. For tickets please call (503) 408-2695 or contact a choir member. The Parkrose High School Theater is located at 12003 NE Shaver Street (at the corner of NE 122nd Avenue).

December 18
> Portland Metro Concert Band presents a Holiday Concert – At 7:30 p.m. tonight, here’s a great way to get into the holiday spirit – and it’s free! Their program includes a variety of music, with familiar Christmas songs, some recent compositions for the concert band, a “Tribute to Artie Shaw”, selections from the Broadway musical “My Fair Lady”, and some wonderful marches. If all this isn’t enough, they usually provide the longest table of refreshments you can imagine during the intermission! This concert is supported by a grant from the Multnomah County Cultural Coalition and the Oregon Cultural Trust. This concert will be at the Horner Performing Arts Center, David Douglas High School, 1400 SE 130th (between Stark and Division Streets). To visit their website, CLICK HERE.

© 2009 David F. Ashton > East Portland News