Under the radar of most people, there’s a lot of grassroots organizing happening in East Portland. Even the conflicts show that people care passionately about their neighborhoods and committed to staying involved locally.
It’s interesting to see the variety of initiatives and events being organized by both neighbors, and the City, to help people take on the issues that matter to them. I do my best to help spread the word about cool organizing ideas happening in East Portland, and there are a few new ones:
Jennifer Young, a neighborhood organizer in Lents is hosting a fund raiser Saturday for several neighborhood projects (see below). I’m also curious to see how the new livability pilot program initiated by Portland Police’s East Precinct Neighborhood Response Team develops.
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Before the regular monthly Lents Neighborhood Association meeting Tuesday, there’s a community appreciation dinner. The meeting begins at 7 pm and usually goes until 9 pm.
“The fourth Tuesday of every month is typically when we host our general meetings, starting at 7 pm. This time, we’d like to do it a little differently: let’s meet an hour early, starting at 6 pm, to share a warm meal with our neighbors and get to know each other better!
Our meetings are usually about LNA business, and they tend to be packed with agenda items. But this hour before the meeting is meant to be packed with good conversation and delicious food.
In preparation for the event, think of something that you might like to share about yourself with your neighbors. Do you have a special family tradition? A cool project that you’re working on? Something that you’re passionate about?
We look forward to getting to know you better!
Please RSVP so that we order enough food for everyone.”
Lents SDA Church, 8835 SE Woodstock Blvd * Tuesday, March 27 * 6 pm – 7 pm
FRIDAY
Live music at The Blue Room Bar at Cartlandia with Steve Hale.
8145 SE 82nd Ave * 8 pm – 11 pm – free
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SATURDAY
Fund raiser for Lents community projects (FB invitation):
“Please join us on Facebook Live-under my [Jennifer Young] profile— or what will be a fun filled telethon. We are raising money for a community garden project which will create a safe space for low-income families. We are also working on a community intersection mural project in Lents.
We will have an auction! We will take live on air pledges calls! We will have special guests! I will keep you posted about auction items and a link you can access to pledge/donate to these fantastic projects.
Please tell your friends! We would love to talk to you live or have you stop by to say hello. Share this widely. Let us entertain you for three hours!”
Jennifer Young’s FB page * noon – 3 pm
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It’s the last weekend of the Winter Farmers at Portland Mercado:
“Support Local Growers, Artisans and Entrepreneurs in our Indoor/Outdoor Farmers Market. Kids Activities, Live Music [by traditional Cuban band Ache Son], Food Demonstrations, Chef @ the Market Cooking & Education Program.”
Portland Mercado, 7238 SE Foster Rd * 10 am – 2 pm
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Sacred Lattice Collective presents a seed swap and medicinal plant start sale:
“Bring your seeds to exchange and prepare for your medicinal plant garden! This event is free and open to everyone.”
Milepost 5, 8155 NE Oregon St * 11 am – 2 pm
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SUNDAY
“The Post”, “The Last Jedi”, and seven other second-run movies are showing this weekend at Academy Theater.
7818 SE Stark St * show times * $4 for adults, $3 for youth & seniors
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Enjoy your weekend!
Village Portland @ Lents 