Community News November 2014

Japanese Fall Festival /Aki Matsuri

 

November 8 and 9

10 am – 4 pm

 Buddhist Henjyoji Temple

2634 SE 12th Ave.

Buddhist Henjyoji Temple and the North American Branch of Ikebana Saga Goryu invites you to the 2014 Aki Matsuri. This is the 74th anniversary for Saga Goryu. The theme for this years ikebana exhibition is ‘Sei Ga”- Refined Elegance.

In addition to ikebana, there will be demonstrations of Chado – “Way of Tea” at 11 am and 2 pm.

acover-photoThey are presenting a triune experience of shakuhachi (Japanese flute), Shodo (Japanese calligraphy) and Ikebana (Japanese flower arrangement) at Noon – a poem is written, a floral arrangement will be created and shakuhachi music will complement and fuse the visual arts with an auditory experience.

Works of Potters Motoko Hori, Ken Pincus, Jan Rentenaar , Woodworker Evertt Lovrien and Fresh Vegetables from Ono Farms will be available.

See www.shingonpdx.org for more.

 

SE Works Hosts Annual Soup Cook-Off and Auction

 

The SE Works’ Annual Soup Cook-Off and Auction returns the evening of Saturday, November 8, to the historic Melody Ballroom at 615 SE Alder St. This year’s event is expected to draw nearly 400 attendees including local business employers, workforce development partners, old friends, community leaders, and area residents from SE and wide-ranging Portland business communities.

Each year, the SE Works Youth Education and Career Development Center produces 40-50 GED graduates, provides 10-20 youth with pre-GED tutoring services, and provides 40-50 youth with follow up services to support them when they are placed in College or employment – serving at least 120 youth annually. Tickets, event sponsorship and chef signup are now available at seworks.org.

 

In collaboration with Portland-based nonprofit Depave, R&H Construction helped turn an asphalt covered expanse into a native plant reading garden for Creston K-8 School, at 4701 SE Bush St., in October.

R&H’s team of ten volunteers helped to set boulders, create log seating areas, assemble a tool storage box and various other landscape and maintenance upgrades, in preparation for planting by students.

Pavements are major contributors to stormwater pollution as they allow rainwater to easily carry toxic urban pollutants to local streams and rivers, degrading local water quality and aquatic habitats. Depave’s longstanding mission to replace unnecessary pavement in urban areas with useful and attractive community green spaces has inspired community members to get their hands dirty by donating time, resources and materials to various site projects around the city and metro area.

For more information, visit www.rhconst.com for details on what the Depave volunteer team has done: www.depave.org/creston

 

Drop-Off Donation Sites

 

By Bonita Davis CertifiedMaster Recycler, Sunnyside

 

Notice a growing number of donation drop boxes in Sunnyside? Household and clothing items in good repair are in demand by non-profits who distribute the items to those in need or sell them to support their mission.

Anywhere in Sunnyside, you’re a quick walk or bike ride from a donation site. How to choose? A few minutes on the web can yield information on an organization’s mission and administrative costs.

It may take a phone call to find out if donated items remain local and what happens to surplus.  Feel good supporting community non-profits while keeping useable items out of the landfill. The average American discards more than 10 lbs of clothing per year according to NPR.

Sunnyside sites include  Volunteers of America (www.voa.org) at SE 39th and Stark St. for useable shoes, clothing and household. • Goodwill Express, 49th and Hawthorne Blvd.,(www.meetgoodwill.org) • Goodwill in-store dropbox at 37th and Hawthorne Blvd. • Gaia Movement, USA (www. www.gaia-movement-usa.org) asks for clothing and shoes in green boxes at SE 48th and Stark and along Hawthorne at 30th, 40th and 45th streets.

 

Archaeologist speaks

 

Ben Rhodd is a Potawatomi elder from South Dakota who will share his wisdom and message Friday, November 7, 7 pm at TaborSpace’s Copeland Commons,
5441 SE Belmont
St.

Honored by Nelson Mandela, Rhodd has lived a path that has taken him around the world through various vocations, eventually bringing him to his calling, archaeology.

Sponsored by The Earth & Spirit Council whose mission is to reawaken our spiritual connection with the natural world through art, education, ceremonies, and cultural events that renew our awareness of the interdependence of all life.

Tickets are $15 – $30 at www.brownpapertickets.com/event/879300

 

 

 

abi-partBi-Partisan, 79th & SE Stark, is one of Montavilla’s first coffee shops. It was started  by Peter Emmerson and Hobie Bender over nine years ago. Their interest in good coffee, tea, food, politics and community has made it a favorite meeting place for the neighborhood and beyond. They are excited to be switching to a new local coffee roaster, the Water Avenue Coffee Company. Since 2009 The Water Avenue Coffee Company have been micro-roasting craft coffees from countries around the world. Prices will remain the same at Bi-Partisan, just a different flavor they’re sure you will like.

 

Hearing on Short-Term Rental Rules for Multi-Dwelling Structures

 

Portland will be able to tell City Council what they think about a proposal to allow short-term rentals in apartments and condos Wednesday, November 19 at 2 pm.

After public testimony, commissioners will vote on whether or not to extend new short-term rental regulations beyond single-family homes.

Recommendations propose to allow accessory short-term rentals in up to ten percent of the total units in multi-dwelling structures such as apartments and condominiums.

In buildings with fewer than ten units, one accessory short-term rental would be permitted. The new rules would be similar to those already in effect for single dwellings. Basic safety measures must be met and required notice sent to surrounding residents.

Last summer Portland City Council approved new regulations for accessory short-term rentals in single family houses and duplexes. These regulations, effective Aug. 29, 2014, and created a new permit process allowing residents to rent up to two bedrooms in their home to overnight guests.

Mayor Hales’ staff convened a working group, including housing interest groups and City staff to discuss issues related to short-term rentals in multi-dwelling buildings.

The public is invited to testify at the Nov. 19 public hearing. It will be held in Council Chambers at City Hall, 1221 SW Fourth Ave.

Anyone can also send written testimony to the Council Clerk at 1221 SW Fourth Ave, Rm 130, Portland, OR 97204, or email karla.moore-love@portlandoregon.gov.

Written testimony must be received by the time of the hearing and must include your name and address.

 

 

The 30th Annual Spirit of Portland Award winners will by recognized by the City of Portland at Legacy Emanuel Medical Center Atrium, 501 N. Graham St. Thursday, November 6,  from 6 – 8:30 pm.

The awards recognize local individuals and organizations who have demonstrated an outstanding dedication to positive change in our community.

“Inscribed into Portland’s Skidmore Fountain you will see these words: ‘Good Citizens are the Riches of a City’. I think that is also the message behind the Spirit of Portland Awards. For truly, where would we be without those citizens who step up, volunteer, lead, and find solutions to problems in their community?” says Mayor Hales.

 

Master Gardener program address food shortages

 

November is a month for spending time with family and friends, sharing a meal and giving thanks. What about the nearly one in five Oregonians who struggle daily to put enough food on the table?  Much work has been done in our community to combat hunger, yet more remains to be done.  Hunger is not declining.

How can the US, which produces more food per person than any other country in the world, still have nearly 50 million people suffering from food insecurity?

Directors Kristi Jacobson and Lori Silverbush examine this issue in their moving documentary, “A Place at the Table”. It follows the lives of several families and document their daily hunger struggles.  They weave in interviews with Raj Patel, David Beckman, Dr. Mariana Chilton, Jeff Bridges and others who are in the forefront of the battle to combat hunger. Negative impacts of hunger stretch beyond the individual families that are struggling, impacting the whole community.

Join the Multnomah County Master Gardeners Tuesday, November 11 for a screening of this documentary, followed by a short discussion of Master Gardener volunteers working to address hunger.

The movie starts promptly at 7 pm at the Mt. Tabor Presbyterian Church, 5441 SE Belmont St.  Food donations are welcome.

 

 

Help Build The Neighborhood of Your Dreams?

By Kelly Fedderson

 

Calling all dreamers, makers, and world-changers. Do you have a small but powerful idea for strengthening your neighborhood? Perhaps you want to revive a forgotten city tradition? Host a civics workshop? Organize a tenant rights forum? Paint an intersection mural? Create a community garden?

SE Uplift invites Portland people like you to shape and create your neighborhood by applying for a Neighborhood Small Grant.

Grants range from $300-$4,000 and are intended to spur small, grassroots community efforts aimed at connecting and engaging residents, building community capacity, improving neighborhood livability, or increasing community impact on public decision making. Through this grant you can tap into your creativity and leadership to develop projects that improve your neighborhood.

Informational workshops will be held at SE Uplift, 3534 SE Main St., Saturday, November 15, 10 am to noon and Wednesday, November 19, 7 pm to 9 pm.

The workshops are an opportunity to learn more about the application process, get feedback on project ideas, and network with others.

Neighborhood Small Grants applications for are due by January 5th, 2015. For more information and to RSVP for a workshop, visit www.seuplift.org/NSG

 

Metro nature grant

 

Have an idea to connect people with nature? Want to teach people about water quality, fish and wildlife habitat and support healthier communities?

A conservation education grant from Metro’s Nature in Neighborhoods program could help your idea blossom. Small grants up to $25,000 and large grants up to $100,000 are available for projects that connect neighborhoods with nature.

A wide variety of projects can fit the bill, such as nature education for school-aged children, job training or internships for nature-based careers, or programs that give groups the tools to connect people with nature.

Fill out a simple application by Jan. 13, 2015 at www.oregonmetro.gov/grants. The proposal will be reviewed by Metro staff and people with backgrounds in conservation education, grant management, finance, volunteer coordination, project planning and community partnerships. Finalists will be invited to submit a detailed application. In May, Metro Council will award about $700,000 to conservation education projects across the region.

To learn more and ask questions, attend a grant workshop from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 5 at Metro Regional Center, 600 NE Grand Ave. Contact grants coordinator Crista Gardner: Crista.Gardner@oregonmetro.gov

 

 

Friends of Mt. Tabor Park Seek New Board Members for 2015 – FMTP is seeking nominations for two available Board member positions. Members serve for 3 years. The new term begins after elections are held at the March 2015 Annual Meeting. Board members have a range of interests that include keeping the park safe and clean, restoring health to the natural areas, maintaining park trails & signage, reducing soil erosion due to off-trail bikes, the geologic/social/cultural history of the park, the off-leash dog park and much more. To find out more and to be considered, contact Board Co-chair Mary Kinnick at m.kinnick@comcast.net or 503.287.6959 or Board Co-chair Beau Russell at russ11676@comcast.net or 503.477.5403 by December 15. Go to www.taborfriends.org for information about Friends of Mt. Tabor Park.

 

The Pretty Kitty Holiday Craft Bazaar – Saturday, November 8, 10 am – 4 pm
at Tabor Space, 5441 SE Belmont St. Now in it’s 14th year, the Pretty Kitty Holiday Craft Bazaar is House of Dreams’ biggest annual fundraiser. The bazaar features handmade gifts for people and pets, a large silent auction and raffle prizes. One of the most popular elements of the bazaar is “Second Time Around”, our sale of quality pre-owned holiday items. All proceeds from the bazaar go directly to the care of the cats at House of Dreams, a non-profit, all volunteer operated cat shelter located in the North Tabor area. They provide shelter and care for abandoned and homeless cats, with the goal of finding them permanent homes, or providing them a lifetime home in their facility. House of Dreams is a free-roam, no-kill cat shelter, and one of the only area shelters with facilities for Feline Leukemia-positive kitties. House of Dreams is at 503.262.0763 and www.kittydreams.org.

 

Call to Artists: Next year’s annual Mt. Tabor Art Walk will be held May 16 and 17,  2015. This juried event showcases the many artists who live in Mt. Tabor neighborhood, a limited number of guest artists, and promotes high-quality visual art in a variety of media.  For details, and to complete an application, please visit www.mttaborartwalk.com. Applications, fee, and images for jurying are due January 3 (for the Early Bird discount) and January 15. Please note that these deadlines are firm.

 

Portland Sings! Community sing-along. A casual, fun group-singing opportunity for anyone wanting more singing in their life. Sunday, November 23 from 2 – 4 pm at TaborSpace, 5441 SE Belmont St. Sing folk, pop, blues, country, Motown, soul and anything else that strikes your fancy. For a free digital lyric book go to www.PortlandSings.com. Sliding scale $5-10.

 

Laughter Yoga club holds a weekly club on Mondays from 5:30 – 6:30 pm at Saint David of Wales at 2800 SE Harrison. Laughter Yoga is laughing for no reason, child-like playfulness, laughter exercises and more. Come bust your stress, lighten up and power up your week. Over 18 only please. Hosted by Kym Gordon-Cumbo, Laughter Yoga Leader, Resilience Life Coach and Reiki Master. For more information or to register www.meetup.com/collage-105 or  www.ignitechangecoaching.com $5.

 

Give Hope: Pilates/All Levels Class to benefit Portland Rescue Mission. This Thanksgiving, join Studio Blue for a donations-only class to benefit the Portland Rescue Mission. Each year the Mission provides up to 700 hot meals a day and yearly provides nearly 60,000 nights of shelter to those in need. This All Level Pilates class is free to attend but they ask you come with a cash donation or check made out to the Mission. You do not need to be a member of Studio Blue to attend and family and friends are encouraged.  Class is taught by Studio Blue owner, Dan Walton and space is limited, so call ahead at 503.265.8874 or email infoSE@studiobluepdx.com to reserve a space in advance. Thursday, November 27 from 10 – 11am at Studio Blue SE, 3340 SE Division St.

 

A Repair Cafe is coming to St. David of Wales Church in the Grace Room 2800 SE Harrison, November 14, from 6 to 9 pm. Volunteers from all over Portland and surrounding suburbs will be coming to the Church to fix bikes, small appliances, electronics, tools, and mending garments. Snacks will be provided and best of all it is free. Sign up or ask questions by going to repairpdx.org / or email repairpdx@gmail.com.

 

Christmas Tree Sale – Troop 351 Boy Scouts of America and Venture Crew 2014 will sell trees in St. Ignatius parking lot at 3400 SE 43rd Ave. This will be troop 351’s, 34th year selling Christmas trees and wreaths. The non-profit sale funds the Boy Scouts and Venture Crew’s summer camps and activities for the entire year. Trees are hand-picked from local growers and they offer a limited number of SERF-certified trees (grown on sustainable farms). Now taking Visa and Mastercard. Open from November 28 thru December 23.

 

Seeking donations for the 2015 Franklin High School Auction. The FHS PTSA/FHS Foundation would appreciate any support you are able to give for the auction in February. Last year’s auction proceeds helped pay registration fees for mock trial, head gear for the wrestling team, supplies for the art department, microphones for choir and much more. If you are an artist, business owner or individual who can donate an item, gift card or service contact their parent volunteers at secfhsptsa@gmail.com.

 

Weatherization Workshop – A free workshop where participants learn how to stop drafts in their home, especially around doors and windows to save energy and increase comfort. Great for renters too. Qualified participants receive a free kit of weatherization supplies. Register for the workshop at www.communityenergyproject.org or call 503.284.6827 x108. In SE they will be held on Tues., Nov 4, 6 – 8 pm – Whitman Elementary School 7326 SE Flavel St. and Wed., Nov. 12, 6 – 8 pm Bridger SUN School, 7910 SE Market St.

 

New Seasons Market is moving its Store Support offices to the soon-to-be-renovated Washington High School building on the corner of SE 14th Ave. and SE Stark St. The high school has been vacant for more than 20 years and is repurposed as a shared office building by developer Craig Kelly and his team at Venerable Properties. The renovation of the designated Portland Historic Landmark, designed in the classical revival style, will retain the building’s historical style while giving new life to its interior.

 

Community News November 2014

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