Hundreds attend ‘Winter Preparedness Fair’ in Parkrose

Take a look at all that was offered at this ‘one-stop’ event, where dozens of organizations told folks about their services …

A volunteer stands outside Parkrose High School’s front doors to welcome visitors to the Winter Preparedness Fair inside.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton

The Parkrose High School main lobby and atrium swirled with activity on Saturday, November 16, as the Winter Preparedness Fair was underway.

Tables were set up for the 46 governmental agencies, nonprofit organizations, and companies that had staff and volunteers on hand to tell about their services, and how outer East Portland folks could benefit from them.

Community Services Network PDX Outreach Coordinator Marin Ricketson, and Executive Director Annie Lindekugel pause for a photo, during the fair.

“Here at our Winter Preparedness Fair, we’re inviting folks to come receive information about ‘really needed services’,” explained Marin Ricketson, outreach coordinator at the Community Services Network PDX (CSN).

“We’ve had a children’s ‘coat giveaway’, and we’re making vaccines available to people who need them,” Ricketson said. “And, we also have Oregon Food Bank here, giving out groceries and sundry supplies.”

Kids are lined up around the room waiting their turn for Nikki Brown Clown to squeak together balloon animals for each one.

Got gas? No? Northwest Natural Gas are representatives Scott Johnson, Matt Doyle, Mary Rudolph-Knobbe, and DJ Coiteux say they can help you get it!

“And then, folks go around, from table to table, to get resources from the table hosts as well,” Ricketson told East Portland News.

“It’s important for CSN do this because, for folks who need these resources and services, it’s often difficult to go out and find all of this information. So, bringing all the information into one place makes it a ‘one-stop-shop’ for people to access these resources.”

Representing the Historic Parkrose Neighborhood Prosperity Initiative District are Annette Stanhope, Outreach Manager, and incoming Executive Director Hector Marquez – who is tabling at his first event.

Ready to spin the “Wheel of Weatherization” is Andrey Tkachenko, from the Multnomah County Weatherization Program.

“At CSN, we’re really all about community; this is an opportunity for folks to feel supported, and to know that they can get the resources they need here in outer East Portland,” Ricketson concluded.

There’s lots to see and do at this Winter Preparedness Fair.

The fair was hosted in partnership with Northwest Natural Gas, the Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability, Care Oregon, Comcast, and the DPI Group – with big thanks to the Parkrose School District for providing the venue.

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