Portland News and Events for Nov. 13 Through Dec. 9, 2014

PHOTO: The first fashion director at Vibe, Michaela Angela Davis; Mimi Thi Nguyen, associate professor at the University of Illinois and blogger at ThreadBared; and Patrice Grell Yursik, aka Afrobella (pictured at right) speak at the upcoming 11th annual Ray Warren Symposium at Lewis & Clark, Nov. 12-14; all events are free and open to the public. The event explores questions of race, beauty, and desire from a range of angles--the politics of black hair, hierarchies of skin color, cosmetic surgery practices to reduce characteristics associated with racial or ethnic groups, appropriation in the name of fashion, the interplay of racism and fatphobia, and the connections among race, beauty, and disability. Additional panels focus on topics including racism in the Pacific Northwest and American Indian fashion designers. For a complete schedule of events and speakers, visit http://go.lclark.edu/warrensymp.

Dance Club Hosts Fundraiser for Healthy Birth Initiative

Groovin’ High Steppers host a fundraiser in support of the Healthy Birth Initiative, and the expanding work of the program that provides services and classes for African American fathers and males, Nov. 15 and 16, in an array of events held at the Colwood Golf Center, 7313 NE Columbia Blvd. in Portland.

The event includes a Meet and Greet, Saturday, Nov. 15 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. with dominoes and bid whist tournaments (small entry fee and prizes). Playing your favorite R&B, Neo-Soul & Jazz for your dancing, Chicago Steppin’, line dancing and listening pleasure. The attire is casual and light Hors D’Oeuvres will be served.

The Main Event, Saturday, Nov. 15 from 8 p.m. – 1 a.m. with music host DJ George, spinning sophisticated R&B, Neo-Soul & Jazz for your dancing, Chicago Steppin’, line dancing and listening pleasure. The attire is dress to impress and hearty Hors D’Oeuvres will be served.

On Sunday, Nov. 16 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. is a farewell dance set and brunch.

Tickets may be purchased and donations made online at www.groovinhighsteppers.com via PayPal (Select the NEWS tab and EVENTS drop-down). The group hopes to raise $3000 for the birth project.

PAALF Holds Last Breakfast of the Year

This Saturday, Nov. 15, PAALF hosts a community breakfast focusing on the Justice System: Know Your Rights, Saturday, Nov. 15, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Rosewood Initiative, 16126 SE Stark, Portland.

This month's breakfast will focus on exploring our individual and collective rights when dealing with the police. How can we build a movement against state sanctioned violence in Portland?

Breakfast includes a free warm meal, free youth programming, and community discussion on the impact of state sanctioned violence in our community and what we should know as individuals and a community in encountering the police

For more information go to www.weareblackweare.com

Winter Coat Drive

Greater Solid Rock Church of God in Christ Outreach Ministries (Kingdom Builders), 1705 NE Dekum St., is holding its annual Winter Drive, collecting blankets, coats, and socks, hats and gloves are also accepted.

The Kingdom Builders will collect donations until Saturday, Dec. 13. Then, the Day of Giving will be on Saturday, Dec. 20 in downtown Portland, at 4th Burnside from 10-12 p.m. They need volunteers for that day and others as well.

Last year’s drive helped 250 people, this year their goal is 400 people. All items are for women, men, and children. They’re seeking new socks, hats and gloves. The blankets and coats can be used but please make sure they are clean before you donate.

The Kingdom Builders have been helping underprivileged Portlanders for 11 years, feeding and clothing homeless and people who are in need every third Saturday of the month from 10-12 p.m. in downtown Portland at 4th and Burnside

Now the Lord has blessed and elevated the Kingdom’s Builders team to minster to a group of women who are in drug and alcohol recovery a 12-step program through the Portland Rescue Mission- Shepherd’s Door.

Drop off donations at the church Sundays from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m., and Tuesday nights, 7:30-8:30 p.m.

For more information contact Shannon Olive at 503-875-1725.

Fix Unsigned Ballots by Next Tuesday

Oregon voters have until close of business on Tuesday, Nov. 18th, to cure any signature problems on their ballots. If the signature problem is not fixed by the deadline, the ballot will not be counted.

The list of voters with ballot signature problems will be made public on Wednesday, Nov. 12. Campaigns are permitted to contact voters on the list. Campaigns are also permitted to provide transportation for voters, but laws prohibiting undue influence apply.

Voters who have any concerns or questions should contact the Secretary of State’s office at 503-986-1518.

PFLAG Events Coming Up

There are some upcoming free community events happening through Basic Rights Oregon, PFLAG Portland Black Chapter, and LGBTQ communities at Portland State University.

Nov. 18, from 5:45 -9 p.m. is a Dinner Social and Gathering for LGBTQ people of color to learn about Basic Rights Oregon: Our Families Leadership Program. Find the location by calling 503-222-6151, ext. 117.

On Nov. 19, the amazing Cece McDonald will join other Transgender Activists on a panel at PSU in recognition of Transgender Day of Remembrance, 6:30-8:30 at the Smith Center Ballroom.

The PFLAG Portland Black Chapter Annual Family Feast, Nov. 22, 1-4 p.m. at the Center for Intercultural Organizing, 700 N. Killingsworth St., mean entrees provided, please bring side dishes and desserts to share. Details on PFLG Portland Black Chapter Facebook page, or EVITE at http://bit.ly/PBCFeast2014 .

‘The Wake of Vanport’

First public screening of the Vanport Oral Histories Nov.15

The screening of the NPMTC 2014 Vanport Multimedia Project oral histories will be presented Nov.15 at 2 p.m. at the Vancouver Avenue First Baptist Church, 3138 N Vancouver Ave, Portland.

Join us for this screening of multimedia works produced during the 2014 Vanport Multimedia Project dedicated to collecting and preserving Vanport survivors’ stories. Community members, local historians, artists, media makers and educators collaborated to turn oral history interviews into short and powerful pieces of digital audio and visual narrative.

Immediately following the screening there will be an opportunity for discussion with survivors and producers. Refreshments will be served. Admission is free.

The Vanport Multimedia Project is an ongoing project of The North Portland Multimedia Training Center (NPMTC) to collect and archive oral history from individuals in the Portland African American community.

For more information go to www.npmtc.org.

Black Women for Peace Special Gala

“Honoring Our Supporters” is a special awards event by Black Women for Peace,

Saturday, Nov. 22, 2 – 4 p.m. at the Ambridge Center – Sellwood Room, 1333 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd.

With special music featuring Eldon T. Jones, the evening features spoken word artists

Bronson Enos, Micah Fletcher and Jessie Jones.

Championing youth as catalysts for peace in their communities, the group is bestowing a full slate of community service awards, including the Peace in Action Award, which this year goes to the 11:45 Initiative and to the Multnomah Youth Commission, Rob Ingram

Youth Summit against Violence.

RSVP by Friday, Nov. 14 to BWFP.PDX@gmail.com.

Portland Parks 11th Annual Turkey Swim

Portland Parks & Recreation is gearing up for the 11th Annual Turkey Swim. Now through Nov. 21, Portland Parks & Recreation pools will be hosting six drawings for a free frozen turkey.

The entries will be handed out with paid admission for all drop-in aquatic activities (Lap Swim, Water Fitness and Play Swims) at Portland Parks & Recreation pools. Each of the six pools will draw a name and six lucky winners will have a turkey on us. Lucky winners will be notified on Friday, Nov. 21 (need not be present to win).

Enter at: Buckman Pool, 503-823-3668, 320 SE 16th; Columbia Pool, 503-823-3669, 7701 N Chautauqua Blvd; Dishman Pool, 503-823-3673, 77 NE Knott; East Portland Pool, 503-823-3450, 740 SE 106th; Mt. Scott Pool, 503-823-3183, 5530 SE 72nd; Southwest Pool, 503-823-2840, 6820 SW 45th Ave.

University Students Offer Technology Tips to Seniors

Students at the University of Portland are teaming up with the Hollywood Senior Center in Northeast Portland to help seniors better use today’s technology.

People age 55 and older are invited to attend the free technology clinic Nov. 22, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Hollywood Senior Center, 1820 N.E. 40 Avenue, Portland.

Attendees can bring their cell phones, laptops or tablets and work one-on-one with a student to get questions answered. Students can also help answer questions about software or programs used at home.

The event is free and open to seniors in North and Northeast Portland. Please call 503-288-8303 to register, however.

Portland Police Seek Public Input on Directives

The Portland Police Bureau is in the process of reviewing its directives. At the beginning of every month, the Bureau posts directives asking for public review.

Currently, the Bureau is asking for the community's feedback regarding the following directives:

060.50, Tips and Techniques and Safety Bulletins
210.05, Field Training Program
210.21, Leaves of Service
412.00, Employee Retraining Program
690.00, Training - Precinct/Division

Community members are encouraged to read the directives and provide drafting comments at: http://www.portlandoregon.gov/police/59757. This webpage also enables community members to sign up for email notifications when new directives are posted.

These directives will remain posted and comments collected for thirty days, from Saturday, November 1, 2014 through Sunday, November 30, 2014.

‘American Winter’

Free community film showing to focus on fighting poverty and hunger

An informal dinner followed by a film showing will honor the 50th anniversary of the national “War on Poverty” and hunger relief month on Nov. 13 from 6 to 9 p.m. The free event will be open to the public at the Center for Community Health, 1601 E. Fourth Plain Blvd., Vancouver.

Eight families struggling through the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression are featured in ‘American Winter’, an Emmy-nominated documentary filmed in the Portland metropolitan area. A panel discussion with local program participants and advocates will follow the film. The Clark County Food Bank will have a representative in attendance to provide information about how hunger affects local residents.

For more information about local programs that combat poverty and homelessness:

http://www.clark.wa.gov/community-action/index.html

The Fall Gathering

Saturday, November 15, 2014, 5pm-8pm

Beer Bunker, 7918 SE Stark Street

Good news! The Montavilla Food Co-op is hosting our Fall Gathering on Saturday, November 15, 2014 from 5pm-9pm at the Beer Bunker, 7918 SE Stark Street, Portland, OR. This is a time to celebrate with our friends and community and continue to build support for the Co-op.

Bring your friends and appetites and enjoy craft brewed beer from the soon to open Montavilla Brew Works and cider tastings from Portland Cider Company & Reverend Nat’s Cider, as well as non-alcoholic options with wonderful seasonal soups prepared by Chef Val from East Glisan Pizza Lounge. Montavilla Brew Works will be premiering their 2014 Harvest Ale for one night only. Huck Notari and Karin Nystrom as well as the Montavilla Standards will perform. A silent auction will take place including a private wine tasting for 6 from Kings Raven Winery, a bartending class for 4 from Vintage Cocktail Lounge, a tasting package from Bull Run Distillery, and other wonderful local items.

Join the co-op community and/or become a sponsor of our co-op and this event. Sponsorships can include monetary, food, or silent auction donations. To get involved, be in touch. We can’t wait to celebrate with you!

Montavilla Food Co-op is a not-for-profit, community owned organization dedicated to opening a democratically run, cooperative grocery in the Montavilla neighborhood. We’re working hard towards connecting the East Portland community to healthy food, supporting local farmers and producers, building community wealth and advancing sustainability initiatives all within a centrally located, cooperative grocery. We are in the organizational, fundraising and member-equity development phase of building our co-op. We hope to open our door in the next 12-24 months.

For more information go to www.montavilla.coop

GirlStrength and BoyStrength Volunteers Needed

Portland Police Bureau is looking for men and women to volunteer with the WomanStrength , GirlStrength and BoyStrength self defense and violence prevention programs.

WomenStrength and GirlStrength have a 35 year history of success and trained over 110,000 community members in the Portland area. BoyStrength is an exciting new program for boys ages 10-14 that provide boys with options, strategies and skills to make healthy choices and be leaders in non-violence.

Volunteer instructors are trained by professionals in the field of violence prevention. No experience necessary. Men and women from all backgrounds, abilities and ages (over 18) are encouraged to apply.

Application Deadline: February 5, 2015. Strength Instructor Training Starts: February 21, 2015

Volunteer Information and Application: http://www.portlandoregon.gov/police/BoyStrength

For more information call (503) 823-0239 or visit http//www.portlandonline.com/police/GirlStrength

10th BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION – a fundraiser for the North Portland Tool Library

PAUSE Kitchen & Bar – 5101 N Interstate Avenue, Portland, OR

Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2014

5pm – 10pm

Pause Kitchen & Bar dishes up support for NPTL, a great community resource celebrating a decade of service to the community.

Featuring delicious food from PAUSE and RAFFLE drawings for items and gift cards from local businesses.

PAUSE is generously donating 25% of all food and beverage sales from 5-10pm to the North Portland Tool Library (NPTL) – so please eat and drink up! Additional donations to NPTL are gratefully welcomed.

For details email: info@NorthPortlandToolLibrary.org or call: (503) 823-0209

The North Portland Tool Library (NPTL) is a community resource that loans a wide variety of tools to North Portland residents free of charge!

“Power Tools to the People”

Groundwork Portland is excited to celebrate this year's accomplishments and growth with you at our 5th Annual Fundraiser and Network Social:

Tuesday, December 9, 6:00-9:00pm at El Centro Milagro-425 SE 6th Ave, Portland, OR 97214.

This will be an exciting event featuring inspiring stories from environmental justice changemakers of all ages. Enjoy delicious food, drinks, silent auction and the opportunity to meet Groundwork Portland representatives, partners and allies. We look forward to seeing old and new friends at this event to continue our work with Portland area communities. Here are the details again:

Thank you for your support to Groundwork Portland. Achieving environmental and social justice for all is one of the pressing issues of our time.

For more information go to www.NorthPortlandToolLibrary.org

Volunteer Tax Preparers Needed for Free Tax Assistance Program

NOTE: Potential Volunteers can ONLY sign up through the website www.aarp.org/taxaide.

Clackamas, Oregon - AARP Foundation will be providing free tax assistance and preparation for taxpayers with low to moderate income through the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide program. But first, the program is in need of volunteers to help prepare tax forms.

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide thrives due to the remarkable efforts of its volunteer base. With nearly 50 million low- to moderate-income taxpayers helped and growing, there are always opportunities for new volunteers. Lack of experience shouldn't stop anyone from volunteering. Tax volunteers must complete a tax preparation workshop from the Internal Revenue Service prior to working with taxpayers. There is also a need for grass-roots leadership on-site greeters, and those who can provide language assistance in Spanish, Mandarin or Cantonese.

Last year, 1,197 AARP Foundation Tax-Aide volunteers in Oregon helped more than 80,795 people file their federal and state tax returns. The program is offered at approximately 134 sites in Oregon including senior centers, libraries and other convenient locations.

For volunteer information and an online application, visit www.aarp.org/taxaide. AARP Foundation Tax-Aide is offered in conjunction with the IRS.

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide has grown tremendously since its inaugural team of just four volunteers in 1968. Nationwide, in 2014, 35,000 compassionate volunteers at over 5,000 sites provided 2.6 million people with free tax help. Taxpayers who used AARP Foundation Tax-Aide received $1.3 billion in income tax refunds and more than $257 million in Earned Income Tax Credits (EITCs).

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide, in its 46th year, is the nation's largest free tax assistance and preparation service, giving special attention the older population. You do not need to be a member of AARP or a retiree to use this service or to volunteer.

About AARP Foundation:

AARP Foundation is working to win back opportunity for struggling Americans 50+ by being a force for change on the most serious issues they face today: housing, hunger, income and isolation. By coordinating responses to these issues on all four fronts at once, and supporting them with vigorous legal advocacy, the Foundation serves the unique needs of those 50+ while working with local organizations nationwide to reach more people and make resources go further. AARP Foundation is a charitable affiliate of AARP. Learn more at www.aarpfoundation.org.