Recycling tips for November
By Bonita Davis, Master Recycler and Sunnyside Resident
We are now in Holiday Season, that stretch between Halloween and New Years and celebrations take many forms, from gathering, decorating costuming, feasting and giving gifts.
Just from Thanksgiving until the end of the year in the US, we can merry our way into 25% more waste! All of us, especially those with infrequent garbage pick-up or who live living in small or shared living situations, can find ways to bring waste way down during the holidays, while having a meaningful season.
Here are helpful tips.
Organize in advance. Pare down the card and gift list. Does everyone want to exchange this year? Ask friends and family what they want, and enjoy your shopping more. Maybe what they really want is time with you and not something from you.
Who wouldn’t enjoy a future time out together at a movie, a painting session, spa splurge, dinner or bowling night out? How about a gift card? Friends living in tiny spaces confess that consumables work best for them. There’s no room for anything else.
Inventory what you have. Maybe you already have enough tape, ribbon, packing supplies at home. If you know new clothes, bikes or electronics will be coming into your home, consider clearing out some of what you no longer need before the holidays.
The Find-a-Recycler Re-Use Tool at oregonmetro.gov or the Metro Recycling Hotline at 503.234.3000 can help locate places to donate usable toys, tools, housewares, clothing and furniture. Organizations assisting those in our community in need can be found at 211info.org.
Set up a BottleDrop account to make it easy to gather empties by the bag and drop them off at a convenient center. It only takes a few minutes to open an account at your local grocery kiosk. More info at bottledropcenters.com.
Practice ReUse. Make this a throwaway free holiday by stocking up on extra dinner plates, glasses, serviceware and cloth napkins for guests. Look for sales or pick up what you need from a local thrift. Durables can be used for years to come.
Borrowing and renting work too. Save up yogurt and cottage cheese containers or jars to store leftovers or to share with guests to take home.
Save energy by choosing LED lighting for any decorating purchases. That fun tinsel tree, or faux greenery tree can be reused as part of your traditions for years to come. Cut trees can be recycled curbside or at collection events (without tinsel, decorations, etc.) A potted tree, rented tree, or even a houseplant willing to take on decorations can be something new to try.
Set aside block packing Styrofoam to recycle after the holidays. Go in with your neighbors to make a trip to Tigard worthwhile. Details on the 24/7 public drop off at agilyx.com.
Reusable grocery bags can be used for holiday shopping, not just food shopping. Use for them again by gathering up your clear, clean, stretchy plastic film (drycleaning and produce bags, bubble wrap and air pillows) and return to the collection cans at your local Fred Meyer, Safeway, Winco and other participating stores. Details at plasticfilmrecycling.org.
Those grocery bags are great for saving instead of discarding wrapping paper, packing envelopes, bows and ribbons for next year. They don’t have to be one-time-use.
Make a huge difference by making just a few simple changes in how we celebrate and it will be just as much fun.
Satori Men’s Chorus performance
Join Satori Men’s Chorus as they celebrate the first concert of their 25th Season, From Our Beginning, for one performance only Saturday, November 17, 7:30 pm at Central Lutheran Church, 1820 NE 21st Ave. Adult tickets are $15, youth:  $7, Children under 5: free. No one will be turned away for lack of funds.
Current members of Satori have collaborated with Artistic Director Susan Dorn to select music for this Silver Anniversary and the list of favorites include Kyrie from Portland composer Judy Rose, written specifically for Satori.
Another composition, written by Satori’s Ken Skach-Mills in honor of the chorus’ 10th Anniversary, is the aptly-titled Satori, a song that defines the meaning and spirit of the Chorus.
See satorichorus.org for more about Men Singing Peace.
Vote Naked
Bringing chuckles to a grim election season, Portlanders are baring it all for democracy and encouraging you to do so too.
Using quirky video reminders that clothing is optional for vote-by-mail Oregonians, the Vote Naked Campaign is serious business for those hoping to ride a blue wave in this month’s midterms.
Since going viral in October, Portland’s Vote Naked video pitches have garnered several hundred thousand online hits.
With creative volunteers involved in the attention-getting campaign, it is the brainchild of Kimberly Parks and Tiana Wilkinson whose shared passion for democracy incited them to “amplify” the turnout of Oregon voters who need reminders that “clothing may be optional, but democracy is not.”
Of particular concern is data that indicates only 35% of millennials are expected to cast ballots. The producers believe this group is receptive to the message that they need never leave the comfort of their couch to vote.
The ten video participants in various stages of dress ranged from 18-65 years old. All are registered Oregon voters who volunteered because they believe this election is one of the most important of this lifetime.
Volunteers say the stakes have never been higher over issues such as the treatment of women and minorities, LGBTQ rights, immigration and the environment.
At a packed launch gathering of affiliated groups such as nwgsd.org/bluewave, the mostly-women attendees urged voters to canvass friends and neighbors, write postcards, volunteer, mobilize, throw parties (see ballotparties.com)Â andshare the videos.
THE OREGON POTTERS ASSOCIATION new Fall Festival is November 10 at the Eagle’s Lodge, SE 50th and Hawthorne Blvd. Open hours are from from 10 am – 6 pm.
There will be a cafe and cash bar, free door prizes every half hour, all ages are welcome and free parking is available. Over thirty local artists will be selling their wares and admission is free.
For more information, see
oregonpotters.org.
Gardening workshops in SE
Attracting Pollinators to the Urban Garden
Learn about bees, flies, beetles, moths and butterflies that provide vital pollination services in urban gardens. Discover which plants can help attract and support them. Go beyond the bloom and find out how to provide water, shelter, nesting, and overwintering sites.
Sunday, November 18 (1-3:30 pm) at OMSI Parker Room, 1945 SE Water Ave.
 Native Plants
Explore the benefits of gardening with Native plants. Discover Portland’s most common native plant communities, learn which species do well in similar growing conditions, and get tips to help them thrive.
Saturday, November 3, 9:30 am-12 pm at Trinity United Methodist Church, 3915 SE Steele St.
 Beneficial Insects
Meet the beetles, bugs, flies, lacewings and other invertebrates who provide free pest control. Discover ways to attract and sustain these friendly beneficial insects that help your garden thrive.
Saturday, November 10, 9-11:30 am, at Quaker Meetinghouse Social Hall, 4312 SE Stark St.
Register online at: emswcd.org/workshops-and-events/upcoming-workshops or call 503.222.7645 for more information.
LWV Civic Education Program on Immigration
In the spirit of Thanksgiving, The League of Women Voters of Portland invites the public to their Civic Education programs, Tuesday, November 13, 7 pm in the Multnomah County Building Board Room, 501 SE Hawthorne Blvd. Reflect on what it means to be a nation of immigrants, and how we can welcome newcomers to our country.
Panelists include Polo Catalani, City of Portland’s New Portlander Programs, Leland Baxter-Neal, ACLU of Oregon, and Chanpone Sinlapasai, Immigration attorney with Marandas & Sinlapasai Immigration Law Office.
The audience is invited to reflect upon their own immigrant roots and stories, and panelists will offer an overview of the challenges that today’s immigrants face.
The discussion will include information about the scope and scale of immigration in Oregon, economic impacts of immigration, and stories of community members who have made the transition from new immigrant to citizen.
LWV of Portland Civic Education programs are free and open to the public. MetroEast Community Media records these programs for rebroadcast and online streaming from lwvpdx.org.
Multnomah Bar Foundation provides funding for the recording through a grant.
Parking is available on the street. Multnomah County Building at 501 SE Hawthorne is easily accessed by public transportation, TriMet options include bus lines 4, 6, 10, 14, 15, and the Portland Streetcar. For more information contact, Marion McNamara, civiced@lwvpdx.org
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Small grants program
Community & Civic Engagement Small Grants support projects that empower and involve community members to shape and create their communities.
Three hundred to four thousand dollar grants will be given out. The deadline is February 8, 2019
The goals of the Small Grant Program are to increase the number and diversity of people who are involved and engaged in the broader community; strengthen community capacity to create change by building identity, community leadership skills, relationships and partnerships; and increase community impact on public decisions and community life.
A complete how can be found at: seuplift.org/neighborhood-small-grant-program or contact SE Uplift’s Small Grants Manager at muz@seuplift.org to discuss your proposal, schedule a meeting, or submit a draft application for review.
Betty Chilstrom art exhibit
An art exhibit displaying the historic Portland paintings of Betty Chilstrom’s and a book launch of Through Her Eyes, by Robin Chilstrom opens at Cerimon House, 5131 NE 23rd Ave. on November 16 at 7 pm. Betty was a long time SE Portland resident who passed away in 2014.
The Art Exhibit, Historic Portland, 1955-1995 displays over 60 paintings from Betty’s collection of historic homes, industrial and rural scenes and buildings of our NW region.
Through Her Eyes is a book about the artist when she was “painting the town” during the second half of the 20th century.
The character of a city is made up of many things, including its history and neighborhood vitality. Living in the same Buckman neighborhood home for seventy years, Betty spent much of her time painting Portland’s historic homes, architecture and cityscapes before much of it was lost to urban renewal. The story, told by her youngest daughter, Robin, is the story of her life and evolution as a self-taught artist and how she came to create a stunning collection of over 800 existing paintings.
The show runs from November 16 to December 16 at Cerimon House. Gallery hours are available at: cerimonhouse.org or 503.307.9599.
Little Boxes shopping event
The eighth annual Little Boxes event returns for this holiday season with three days of shopping, in-store promotions, and chances to win raffle prizes exploring Portland’s unique, locally owned retail shops and neighborhoods.
The citywide shopping event kicks off on Black Friday (Nov. 23) and continues on Small Business Saturday (Nov. 24) and Sunday (Nov. 25).
“In Portland, 98% of neighborhood businesses have five or fewer employees,” said Heather Hoell Director of Venture Portland. “Little Boxes emphasizes the spirit of Portland’s independently-owned retail stores at a time of year when big box national retailers dominate.
Shopping at our small, neighborhood retailers helps them stay in business and provides shoppers with unique and often locally made gift ideas.”
Download the Little Boxes app available both for iPhone and Android use. It’s the digital passport to the Little Boxes promotion to find stores by category, proximity or neighborhood. Enter the raffle to win a variety of prizes. Each visit and purchase from a Little Boxes store earns a raffle entry and each purchase unlocks additional entries. The more entries received, the more chances shoppers have to win a prize.
For more information about the event and a list of retailers and raffle prizes, visit pdx.shoplittleboxes.com.
BETTER ANGELS, is a national organization (better-angels.org)Â offering free workshops to help people have constructive conversations with their friends and family from the opposite side of the political divide.
A bipartisan citizen’s movement to unify our divided nation, the group brings red and blue Americans together into a working alliance, they’re building new ways to talk to one another, participate together in public life, and influence the direction of the nation.
Their first two and a half hour workshop is November 4 at the Friends Meeting House on 4312 SE Stark St. from 2 – 4:30 pm. They invite neighbors and their friends and families to practice listening and learning skills, just in time for the Thanksgiving dinner.
PRESENTS OF MIND 29TH ANNUAL HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE – Saturday and Sunday November 10 and 11 from 12-5 pm at 3633 SE Hawthorne Blvd. Kick off the holiday season with this annual party and sale. Serving refreshments, discounts, tons of prizes and free balloons for kids. Presents of Mind will be donating a percentage of holiday sales to Outside In and will be holding an after Christmas sock drive.
DINE OUT FOR HOSFORD MIDDLE SCHOOL at Aybla Mediterranean Grill, 3003 SE Division St., the first Thursday of each month (this month it’s Thursday December 6) from 11 am – 9 pm. Twenty percent of the day’s proceeds will be donated to Hosford Middle School.
 ANNUAL HOLIDAY CRAFT DIY FESTIVAL – Sunday, December 2 at Tabor Heights Methodist Church, 6161 SE Stark St. There will be a chili lunch upstairs at 12:30 pm, then downstairs to make some holiday crafts.Crafts include candles, swags, tree ornaments and other gifts. All materials provided and experienced craft teachers available. This is a community affair for all ages and it is free. For more information church@taborheightschurch.org.
PORTLAND SINGS! A community sing along is back from summer vacation – at a new home! They still meet on the third Sunday of the month. Join us November 18 from 2-4 pm at Artichoke Music, 2007 SE Powell Blvd. Sliding scale $8 – $15. For more info see PortlandSings.com.
HUMAN TRAFFICKING IN THE NORTHWEST – The public is invited to a presentation on the issue and problems associated with  Human Trafficking and the impact on Portland and the Northwest. Sergeant Georgioff of Portland Police Bureau will make a presentation on Thursday evening, November 8, at 7 pm at the former police bureau facility located at SE 47th and Burnside St. Refreshments will be served and reservations are not required. This is a topic of concern to all of us.
PRETTY KITTY HOLIDAY CRAFT BAZAAR
– November 10, 10 am – 4 pm. House of Dreams Cat Shelter’s 18th Annual Pretty Kitty Holiday Bazaar at TaborSpace, 5441 SE Belmont St. featuring handmade gifts for pets and people, silent auction, raffle, and quality pre-owned holiday items. Door prizes and refreshments too! See kittydreams.org.
FOURTEENTH ANNUAL COMMUNITY GEAR SWAP  for the Eastside PDX High School Ski Team is Saturday November 10, 9 am – 5 pm at 1606 NE 37th Ave. (next to the Mountain Shop.) Skis, boots snowboard, helmets, apparel, hats, gloves, goggles and snow park passes will be on sale. This is how the ski team funds entry fees, coaching, transportation, etc. The ski team represents East PPS schools: Cleveland, Grant, Benson, Franklin, and Madison. For information about consignment etc. contact Eric Coffin, 503.841.1066 or eric@ericcoffin.com.
FREE PARENT/BABY MASSAGE CLASSES – The International Loving Touch Foundation will be holding free parent-baby massage demonstration classes at Providence Portland Medical Center, 4805 NE Glisan, Rooms C & D on November 10-11 from 2-3:30 pm. To participate, contact Loving Touch, 503.253.8482 to reserve a spot.
2018 LEGISLATIVE AGENDA TOWN HALL – Tuesday, November 27, 6:30-8:30 pm at PCC SE Campus Community Hall Annex, 2305 SE 82nd Ave. (TriMet Bus Lines: #72 and #2). Learn how to be an effective advocate for your community or neighborhood during this upcoming 2018 state legislative session. This event is an opportunity to engage with professional advocates and elected officials, including Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler and Commissioner Amanda Fritz, and provide your input on the City’s legislative agenda. Free snacks provided.
WINTER WARMTH AND SAVINGS – DIY Insulation Workshop This free workshop teaches participants how to weatherize a flat attic. Topics covered include safety, air sealing, baffling, blown-in insulation, and incentives to help cover the cost of your project. Thurs, Nov. 29, 5:30 – 7:30 pm, at SE Portland Tool Library 137 SE 20th Ave. Weatherization Workshop 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. Thursday, Nov. 29, West Powelhurst Elementary School, 2921 SE 116th Ave. communityenergyproject.org /503.284.6827 x10
VEGAN THRU THE SEASONS – Saturday, November 10, 5-7 pm at People’s Coop, 3029 SE 21st Ave. Having a hard time cooking creative and flavorful meatless/ plant-based foods? Not sure what to buy, which products are best or how to make them taste great for the Holidays? Join Margaux, Owner of Margalaxy and Vegan food truck for a fun filled and informative holiday cooking class. Debunk common myths about Vegan cuisine during the Holiday times to show that it can be health promoting, nutritionally adequate, delicious, satisfying, inexpensive and easy to prepare. $5-10 sliding scale. Register online at peoples.coop.
CRESTON PARK COMMUNITY GATHERING – Thursday, November 8, 6:30 – 8 pm at Creston School Cafeteria, 4701 SE Bush St. View a draft of the final design for the new playground coming to Creston Park, and give us your feedback. Commissioner Amanda Fritz announced in August 2018 an allocation of an additional $850,000 in System Development Charge funds for this project. PP&R and the design team from Mayer/Reed, Inc. will share a draft of the final design that incorporates the community input and additional funding and ask for feedback.More info about this project: portlandoregon.gov/parks/71838. Kids are welcome. Free snacks.
