There’s somewhat of an activist spirit brewing in East Portland’s neighborhood associations.
A new group called the Montavilla Initiative has been formed, and the Lents Neighborhood Association had a contentious meeting last week. Can anything good come from these conflicts?
At the LNA meeting, I couldn’t gather anything about the issue being discussed from social media, only that both board members and critics were concerned about process. There’s a parallel at the MNA: some neighbors are concerned that the rules aren’t being followed, and these disagreements seem to get personal quickly.
Seeing so much conflict between neighbors is troubling, and the drama keeps a lot of people from participating. But hopefully everyone can respect their opponents for their decision to get involved when so many do not. NAs are democratic, and thus political, so there will be winners and losers. But a renewed commitment to mutual respect and process, along with transparency, could help calm the waters.
FRIDAY
Friday, Saturday, and Sunday you can always find live music at Montavilla Station.
Montavilla Station, 417 SE 80th Ave * 9 pm – 1 am * free
SATURDAY
Saturday is the 10th annual Johnson Creek Cleanup. Last year volunteers removed more than five tons of trash from seven miles of the creek that runs through Southeast Portand. BBQ from noon – 2 pm. The first 100 to arrive get a free t-shirt.
Register and find more info here.
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Part two of the fourth annual Jade International Night Market is tonight. Last year, 20,000 attended, enjoying two stages of entertainment, food vendors, and a beer garden. Register here if you’d live to volunteer.
From the Facebook invitation:
“Come to one of both to enjoy international cuisine from local businesses, cultural performances, and a celebration and recognition of the vibrant community that resides in the Jade District neighborhood and East Portland.”
Portland Community College, ASPCC Southeast, 2305 82nd SE Ave * 5 pm – 10 pm * free
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Black story time with food:
“Come join us for an exciting storytime featuring themes of food growth and preparation, and nutrition-related activities. We will read fun picture books and participate in a gardening activity together.
Mudbone Grown will join us as a special guest to discuss how to put your garden to bed. A nutrition educator will also be available as a representative of OSU Extension Service Snap-Ed program. There will be a prepared sample to try and the first 20 families will receive a door prize to take home. Registration is required for this event.”
Registration is required (register here) and as of Thursday evening, there are nine seats left.
Midland Library, 805 SE 122nd Ave * 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm * free
SUNDAY
Both the Montavilla and Lent Farmers Market are open Sundays…
Lents Farmers Market, SE 92nd Ave & Reedway St, between Foster and Harold * 9 am – 2 pm
Montavilla Farmers Market, 7700 block of SE Stark St * 10 am – 2 pm
Sunday is a benefit for The Pay It Forward Store, a monthly pop up charity in East Portland. It’s held on the first Saturday of the month at Living Hope Baptist Church, 3130 SE 148th Ave, from 12:30 pm – 3 pm. From their website:
“There is no qualifications needed. If you are having hardship, come on out and see what we might have that you could use. We only ask that you Pay It Forward one day when you are able to. If you would like to give back to us, you are more than welcome to volunteer at one of our events. We do provide 4 bags per person that is present at the event.”
Gilhooligans Bar & Grill, 10810 NE Sandy Blvd * 5 pm – 9 pm * donation or $5 * all ages
Village Portland @ Lents 