Around the Sun: A Blog About Saving Money in Portland, Oregon, and beyond

Free Events This Weekend in Portland: September 26–28

Update: See comments for more events.

Admission is free for all events below. Have a great weekend!

All weekend (September 26–28)

• Portland Art Open: Portland Art Open is a three-day art event & party showcasing the range of talents and styles of Portland’s artists. It’s your chance to experience art on the most personal level possible—see how each artist envisions their work in their own setting. Visit the event website for more information.

Friday, September 26

• American Indian Day Celebration: Local area American Indian organizations will host a celebration of American Indian cultures at Pioneer Courthouse Square from 2:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Northwest tribal leaders, drum groups, dancers, and arts and crafts vendors will share their talents and experiences. Visit the event website for more information.

• ActivSpace Open House: Artists, jewelers, crafters, designers, and small business owners open their doors. Meet artists in their workspaces. Local bands will perform. Craft/bead/art supply rummage sale. Friday (5:00 pm to 9:00 pm) and Saturday (11:00 am to 5:00 pm), 833 SE Main St. See comments below for more information.

• Someday Lounge 2-Year Anniversary Party: Copy, Ohmega Watts, Fleshtone, Ben Darwish Trio, Synchronicity Frequency, Polly High, DJ Hanukkah Miracle and more. 8:00 pm. 125 NW 5th Avenue. Visit the Someday Lounge website for more information.

• Bar 12 will perform at Music Millennium (3158 E. Burnside) at 6:00 pm. Visit the Music Millennium website for more information.

• Emily Herring (website) will perform at East Burn (1800 E. Burnside) at 10:00 pm. Visit the East Burn website for more information.

• Pete Krebs will perform at Press Club at 8:30 pm. Press Club is located at 2621 SE Clinton St, 503.233.5656.

• Mark Alan (website) will perform at Edgefield at 7:00 pm. Visit the Edgefield website for more information.

• John Bunzow Trio (website) will perform at Rock Creek Tavern at 9:00 pm. Visit the Rock Creek Tavern website for more information.

• Author John Elder Robison will talk about his book “Look Me in the Eye: My Life with Asperger’s” at 7:30 pm at Powell’s City of Books on Burnside (1005 W. Burnside). For more information, visit the Powell’s website.

Saturday, September 27

• Polish Festival: This two-day event includes performances by Polish dance groups and music bands, a polka contest, Polish food and more. Last year’s festival was lots of fun; read about it and see pictures here. Saturday and Sunday, 3900 N. Interstate Ave. Visit the event website for more information.

• Museum Day: Get a free admission pass for you and a guest redeemable at participating museums. For more information, visit the Smithsonian magazine website.

• Welcome the Rain: Celebrate our abundant rainfall and learn about rain-related issues such as bike commuting in the rain, rain gardens, and more. Art and science activities as well as a story teller will keep the kids entertained. Sunnyside Environmental School (3421 SE Salmon St), 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. www.welcometherain.org

• SoEaPo Summer’s Last Rockin’ Outdoor Fest: At Plan B Bar (21+), artisan booths will be set up outside, live music on two stages (one stage outside, the other stage inside), BBQ. 1305 SE 8th, 4:00 pm to midnight. Visit the event website for more information.

• ActivSpace Open House: Artists, jewelers, crafters, designers, and small business owners open their doors. Meet artists in their workspaces. Local bands will perform. Craft/bead/art supply rummage sale. Friday (5:00 pm to 9:00 pm) and Saturday (11:00 am to 5:00 pm), 833 SE Main St. See comments below for more information.

• Harvest Fun Day and Extreme Scarecrow Makeover (Vancouver): Join the Clark County Historical Museum for a free family-friendly day of hands-on crafts and autumn events such as pumpkin decorating, scarecrow making, blacksmith demonstrations, pie-eating contests and more. 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Visit the museum’s website for more information.

• GreenWalks: Explore Oaks Bottom with a guide from Portland Parks & Recreation. 10:00 am to 11:00 am. Appropriate for adults and families. Park staff will lead this tour from the North parking lot of Oaks Bottom located across the street from 5120 SE Milwaukie Ave. Visit the PP&R website for details.

• Ten Toe Guided Walk: Take a free Tram ride to OHSU and hike the trails of Marquam Nature Park as we climb to Council Crest Park and back. Meeting place: Tram stop, north of SW Whitaker and River Parkway. 9:00 am. Distance: 4 miles. Time: 2.5 hours. Visit the event website for more information.

• Someday Lounge 2-Year Anniversary Party: Opera Theater Oregon, Mortified, Classical Revolution, Action Adventure Theater, Hexasion, Pivot Dance Company. 7:00 pm. 125 NW 5th Avenue. Visit the Someday Lounge website for more information.

• Cold War Kids (website) will perform at Music Millennium (3158 E. Burnside) at 6:00 pm. Visit the Music Millennium website for more information.

• Kotogoto (website) will perform at East Burn (1800 E. Burnside) at 10:00 pm. Visit the East Burn website for more information.

• The Hunter Donnaloia Duo will perform at Press Club at 8:30 pm. Press Club is located at 2621 SE Clinton St, 503.233.5656.

• Eric John Kaiser (website) will perform at Edgefield at 7:00 pm. Visit the Edgefield website for more information.

• Lincoln Crockett & Enemies (website) will perform at Rock Creek Tavern at 9:00 pm. Visit the Rock Creek Tavern website for more information.

• Children’s book author Amber Keyser will bring camping equipment and her picture book “An Algonquin Heart Song: Paddle My Own Canoe” to share what it’s like to go on a canoe trip. Hillsdale Library (1525 SW Sunset Blvd), 11:00 am to 12:00 pm. Free tickets for seating will be available 30 minutes prior to the program. Visit the Multnomah County Library website for more information.

• Fiesta con Animales/Party with the Animals: In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, Oregon Zoo’s animals will be visiting libraries. Hands-on discovery stations will let visitors experience feathers, fur and scales of a few of Latin America’s animals. Woodstock Library (6008 SE 49th Ave), 3:00 pm. Visit the Multnomah County Library website for more information.

• SCRAP Art Activity: Kids and their families are invited to work with artist Emily Weisbard of SCRAP to create a unique piece of art from reused and reclaimed materials. Presenter is bilingual, Spanish/English. North Portland Library (512 N. Killingsworth St), 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. Visit the Multnomah County Library website for more information.

• Vietnamese Film at Midland Library: “Journey From the Fall” is about a family’s experience in the Vietnam War and their immigration to America. The film will be presented in Vietnamese with English subtitles. A short discussion will follow. Midland Library (805 SE 122nd Ave), 3:00 pm. Visit the Multnomah County Library website for more information.

• Oregon Encyclopedia Project Community Meeting: Oregonians who are interested in our history and culture are encouraged to research and write authoritative articles for the Oregon Encyclopedia Project. Learn more about this project at the Central Library (801 SW 10th Ave), 1:00 pm. Visit the Multnomah County Library website for more information.

• Meet Leigh Radford, author of “AlterKNITS Felt,” from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm at CloseKnit (2140 NE Alberta St). Visit the event website for more information.

Sunday, September 28

• Polish Festival: This two-day event includes performances by Polish dance groups and music bands, a polka contest, Polish food and more. Last year’s festival was lots of fun; read about it and see pictures here. Saturday and Sunday, 3900 N. Interstate Ave. Visit the event website for more information.

• Family Discovery Sunday at Museum of Contemporary Craft: Using discarded color strips from the edges of printed books, participants will divert paper headed to the recyclery and create paper vessels and other art objects. 724 NW Davis St, 1:00 pm–4:00 pm. Visit the museum’s website for more information.

• Natural Cycles Exhibit Family Day: Join in a community celebration of the new art exhibit featuring local examples of natural art. Enjoy special hands-on art activities for adults and children along the Trillium Trail. Tryon Creek State Park, 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Visit the event website for more information.

• Oktoberfest at Edgefield: The celebration includes live music, bellydancers, balloon twisting, plant sale and more. Wander about the entire property, beer and bratwurst in hand, to check out the fun. Music starts at 11:00 am and runs through the evening. Visit the Edgefield website for more information.

• Meiko (website) will perform at Music Millennium (3158 E. Burnside) at 3:00 pm. Visit the Music Millennium website for more information.

• “Blazing Saddles” will be showing at Press Club at 9:00 pm. Press Club is located at 2621 SE Clinton St, 503.233.5656.

• Tigard Guitar Festival at Tigard Library: Cascadia Guitar Duo will perform an outdoor concert of Renaissance, Baroque, Romantic, Contemporary and Latin pieces from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Author Stanley Plumly will talk about his book “Posthumous Keats: A Personal Biography” at 4:00 pm at Powell’s Books on Hawthorne (3723 SE Hawthorne Blvd). For more information, visit the Powell’s website.

• Author Floyd Skloot will talk about his book “The Wink of the Zenith” at 7:30 pm at Powell’s City of Books on Burnside (1005 W. Burnside). For more information, visit the Powell’s website.

• Ann Littlewood, author of “Night Kill,” and Sheila Simonson, author of “Buffalo Bill’s Defunct” will speak at Murder by the Book (3210 SE Hawthorne Blvd) at 5:00 pm. Visit the MBTB website for more information.

• Author Clyde W. Ford will talk about his book “Precious Cargo” at 3:00 pm at Barnes & Noble, Clackamas Town Center Mall. Visit the B&N website for more information.

• Puppet Theater “The Green Bird”: The Oregon Shadow Theater presents a puppet show inspired by Mexican folktales. Midland Library (805 SE 122nd Ave), 2:00 pm to 2:45 pm. Visit the Multnomah County Library website for more information.

• Vote 2008: Join Dr. Jim Moore, Professor of Political Science at Pacific University, for a discussion about the presidential hopefuls and the race to date. Bring questions for the group and prepare to get involved in the debate. Central Library (801 SW 10th Ave), 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm. Visit the Multnomah County Library website for more information.

• Someday Lounge 2-Year Anniversary Party: “Pig Roast & Tank of Fish,” a documentary about Portland’s Chinatown, will be showing at 7:00 pm. 125 NW 5th Avenue. Visit the Someday Lounge website for more information.

If you know of any other free events happening this weekend, please write a comment about it. If you’d like me to include an event in a future round-up, please contact me.

2 comments September 26th, 2008

Free Events This Weekend in Portland: June 27–29

Admission is free for all events below. Have a great weekend!

All weekend

• Pedalpalooza: It’s the last weekend for this bike-related mega-event. For the full schedule, visit the event website.

• North American Organic Brewers Festival: Admission is free, and you can get a $1 discount on the tasting mug if you ride MAX to the event and present your validated ticket. The three-day festival takes place at Overlook Park. For details, visit the event website.

Friday, June 27

• Portland Actors Ensemble will perform Julius Caesar in Washington Park at 7:30 pm. Visit the PAE website for details.

• Environmental Film Event: The film Kilowatt Ours will be showing at Bagdad Theater. Doors open at 5:00 pm, show starts at 6:00 pm. All ages welcome. Visit the Bagdad website for more information.

• Floater (website) will perform at Music Millennium at 7:00 pm. Visit the Music Millennium website for details.

• Kate Davis (website) will perform at RiverPlace Hotel at 8:00 pm. Visit the PDX Jazz website for details.

• Miss Michael Jodell (website) and Matt Brown (website) will perform at Press Club at 8:30 pm. Press Club is located at 2621 SE Clinton St., 503.233.5656.

• Mark Alan (website) will perform at Edgefield at 7:00 pm. Visit the Edgefield website for more information.

• Lewi Longmire Band (website) will perform at Rock Creek Tavern at 9:00 pm. For more information, visit the Rock Creek Tavern website.

• Alexa Wiley (website) will perform at Borders in Beaverton at 7:00 pm. Visit the Borders website for more information.

• Multnomah Outdoor Cinema: Men in Black will be showing at the Multnomah Arts Center at dusk. Visit the event website for more information.

• Author Chris Hedges will talk about his book Collateral Damage at 7:00 pm at Powell’s Books, Cedar Hills Crossing. For more information, visit the Powell’s website.

• Comic book creator Peter Bagge will talk about his book Apocalypse Nerd at 7:30 pm at Powell’s City of Books on Burnside. For more information, visit the Powell’s website.

Saturday, June 28

• Good-in-the-NeighborHood Festival: This two-day multicultural music and food festival features live music, cultural food vendors, kids’ arts and crafts, and more. Saturday and Sunday starting at noon at King School Park. Visit the event website for details.

• Portland Mural Show Block Party and LivePaint: At this community event, the main attraction will be a live paint-off featuring 40 artists. Live music all day. Olympic Mills Commerce Center, noon to 6:00 pm. Visit the event website for details.

• Old House Fair: If you’re interested in old houses and period-authentic renovation, this is your event. Architectural Heritage Center, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. For details, visit the event website.

• Portland Actors Ensemble will perform Julius Caesar in Washington Park at 7:30 pm. Visit the PAE website for details.

• South Portland Historical Walking Tour: Author Laura Foster will lead this walking tour and talk about the history of Portland’s oldest neighborhoods. 9:00 am. For details and meeting place, visit the event website.

• GreenWalks: Explore Sylvania Natural Area Park (SW 53 & Capitol Hwy) with a guide from Portland Parks & Recreation. 10:00 am to 11:00 am. Appropriate for adults and families. Visit the PP&R website for details.

• Recycled Arts Festival in Vancouver: The festival will include live music, kids’ activities and entertainment, art vendors, and more. Esther Short Park in Vancouver. Saturday, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, and Sunday, 11:00 am to 4:00 pm. For details, visit the event website.

• Bike Repair and Maintenance Clinic for Women: Bike Gallery will present a hands-on clinic covering basic bike maintenance, flat repair, and cleaning techniques. Multnomah Arts Center, 10:00 am to 1:00 pm. For details, visit the event website.

• Grant Richards (website) will perform at RiverPlace Hotel at 8:00 pm. Visit the PDX Jazz website for details.

• Joshua Slamp (website) will perform at Edgefield at 7:00 pm. For more information, visit the Edgefield website.

• The Red Rubber Band (website) will perform at Rock Creek Tavern at 9:00 pm. For more information, visit the Rock Creek Tavern website.

• Carlyle (website) will perform at Borders in Tigard at 7:00 pm. Visit the Borders website for more information.

• Americana Music Concert: Stumptown Stars will perform multiple genres of Americana music, such as Appalachian, bluegrass, folk and more. Sellwood-Moreland Library at 2:00 pm. For details, visit the Multnomah County Library website.

• Wizard Rock Concert: Tonks, a band that plays original rock inspired by the Harry Potter book series, will perform at Capitol Hill Library at 2:00 pm. For more information, visit the Multnomah County Library website.

• African Drumming and Dancing Workshop: Taught by musician and artist Chata Addy, this interactive workshop will introduce families to Ghanaian music. North Portland Library, 11:00 am. For more information, visit the Multnomah County Library website.

• Poetry Reading and Walk: Sharon Wood Wortman will talk about her book Walking Bridges Using Poetry as a Compass: Poems About Bridges Real and Imagined by 70 Poets, with Directions for Five Self-Guided Explorations at St. Johns Library, 3:30 pm. The reading will be followed by an optional walk to St. Johns Bridge. For more information, visit the Multnomah County Library website.

• West Linn Movies in the Park: Horton Hears a Who! will be playing at Mary S. Young Park at dusk. For more information, visit the City of West Linn website.  (Look under “Upcoming Parks & Recreation Events & Activities”)

• Comics and the Internet: An interactive discussion with comic book creators Peter Bagge, Daniel Duford, Neal Skorpen, Dylan Meconis and Jenn Manley Lee. Someday Lounge, 5:00 pm. For more information, visit the Someday Lounge website.

• Comics Party + Magazine Release: After his appearance at Someday Lounge, Peter Bagge will be at Floating World Comics from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm with fellow artists J.R. Williams and David Chelsea. Also, the event will celebrate the release of Ash Magazine, a literary and visual arts publication. For more information, visit the event website.

• Children’s book author Dawn Desjardins will talk about her books at 1:00 pm at Twenty-Third Avenue Books. Visit the shop’s website for more information.

Sunday, June 29

• Good-in-the-NeighborHood Festival: This two-day multicultural music and food festival features live music, cultural food vendors, kids’ arts and crafts, and more. Saturday and Sunday starting at noon at King School Park. Visit the event website for details.

• Recycled Arts Festival in Vancouver: The festival will include live music, kids’ activities and entertainment, art vendors, and more. Esther Short Park in Vancouver. Saturday, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, and Sunday, 11:00 am to 4:00 pm. For details, visit the event website.

• Readers Theatre Repertory will perform Fighting Words at the Central Library at 2:00 pm. The performance mixes drama, music and poetry to explore the topic of independence in the US. For reservations, contact 503.295.4997 or info@readerstheatrerep.org. For more information, visit the RTR website.

• Family Discovery Sunday at Museum of Contemporary Craft: The theme is Mosaic Madness. With paper, families can make Gaudí-inspired sculptures to take home. 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm. For details, visit the MCC website.

• Portland Lounge Series Concert: Carcrashlander, Shelley Short and Adam Shearer (of Weinland)  will perform at Towne Lounge at 9:30 pm. For more information, visit the Towne Lounge website.

• Billy Kennedy (website) will perform at Edgefield at 5:00 pm. For more information, visit the Edgefield website.

If you know of any other free events happening this weekend, please write a comment about it. If you’d like me to include an event in a future round-up, feel free to contact me.

1 comment June 27th, 2008

Free Events This Weekend in Portland: Mar 28–30

Ed Begley, Jr., chickens and David Wu. What more could you ask for? 

Admission is free for all events below. Have a great weekend!

Friday, March 28

• The Better Living Show, an event focused on green living, is happening all weekend at the Portland Expo Center. The event is packed with presentations, music, kids activities, food, and more. Ed Begley, Jr., will speak at 7:00 pm on Friday. Event hours are: Friday, noon to 9:00 pm; Saturday, 11:00 am to 9:00 pm; Sunday, 11:00 am to 5:00 pm. For a complete schedule of events, visit the Better Living Show website.

• Chicken Fest 2008 is taking place all weekend at Livingscape Nursery. You’ll get the chance to see 20 different breeds of live chickens (who knew there were so many?), and there’ll be games and activities for the kids. On Saturday from 10:00 am until noon, an “Eggspert” will be on hand to answer your chicken-related questions. And on Sunday, there will be a free workshop on how to build a chicken coop. The event also features several workshops and cooking classes for $5 to $10. Visit the Livingscape Nursery website for more information. (from Enviromom)

• The Victoria will perform at Music Millennium at 6:00 pm. For details, visit the Music Millennium website.

• Frank Blair will perform at Borders in Vancouver at 7:00 pm. For more information, visit the Borders website.

• Rogue Bluegrass will perform at Borders in Beaverton at 7:00 pm. For more information, visit the Borders website.

• Lauren Sheehan will perform at Edgefield at 7:00 pm. Ages 21 and older. Visit the Edgefield website for more information.

• Sweet City Slang will perform at Rock Creek Tavern at 9:00 pm. All ages until 10:00 pm. For details, visit the Rock Creek Tavern website.

• Allen Hunter and A.G. Donnaloia (soul jazz) will perform at Press Club at 8:00 pm. Press Club is located at 2621 SE Clinton St., 503.233.5656.  

• Say Anything will be showing at Twisted at 6:00 pm. For more information, visit the Twisted website.

• Delectable Designs with Cupcake Jones, St. Johns Library, 2:00 pm: Learn about the origins of foods like vanilla and chocolate found in this year’s Every Family Reads book, Yum! ¡Mmmm! ¡Qué Rico!, by Pat Mora. Then you’ll get the chance to decorate your own cupcake. Recommended for ages 5 and up. Space at this program is limited. Free tickets for seating will be available 30 minutes prior to the program. For more information, visit the Multnomah County Library website.

• Alison Larkin will talk about her book The English American at 7:30 pm at Powell’s City of Books on Burnside. Visit the Powell’s website for details.

• Book release party and reading: Jaret Ferratusco will talk about his new book Please Don’t Leave Me at Opposable Thumb Gallery & Cafe (3312 SE Belmont Street) at 8:00 pm. DJ Chris Leighty will provide music. For more information, visit the book’s MySpace page. (from PDX Pipeline)

Saturday, March 29

• The Better Living Show continues at the Portland Expo Center. The event is packed with presentations, music, kids activities, food, and more. Portland Fashion Week is sponsoring a panel discussion and fashion show focused on eco-responsible fashion. In addition to the eco-related events, there’ll be a celebration of Support Women Artists Now (SWAN) Day featuring musical performances, theatre, artwork and workshops by local female artists. Event hours are: Friday, noon to 9:00 pm; Saturday, 11:00 am to 9:00 pm; Sunday, 11:00 am to 5:00 pm. For a complete schedule of events, visit the Better Living Show website.

• Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge Center grand opening celebration, 11:30 am to 4:00 pm: The celebration will start with a ribbon cutting ceremony with comments from author Richard Louv, visits from David Wu and other local dignitaries, tours of the new Wildlife Center, guided nature walks, and educational activities for everyone. The Wildlife Center is located north of Sherwood. Visit the Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge website for details. 

• Chicken Fest 2008 continues at Livingscape Nursery. You’ll get the chance to see 20 different breeds of live chickens (who knew there were so many?), and there’ll be games and activities for the kids. On Saturday from 10:00 am until noon, an “Eggspert” will be on hand to answer your chicken-related questions. And on Sunday, there will be a free workshop on how to build a chicken coop. The event also features several workshops and cooking classes for $5 to $10. Visit the Livingscape Nursery website for more information.

• Jimmy Lott will perform at Music Millennium at 6:00 pm. For details, visit the Music Millennium website.

• Eddie Parente will perform at Edgefield at 7:00 pm. Ages 21 and over. For more information, visit the Edgefield website.

• Conroy-DeBrie Trio will perform at Rock Creek Tavern at 9:00 pm. All ages until 10:00 pm. For more information, visit the Rock Creek Tavern website.

• Courtney Jones will perform at Borders in Gresham at 7:00 pm. For more information, visit the Borders website.

• Lew Jones will perform at Borders in Tigard at 7:00 pm. For details, visit the Borders website.

• DJs Dave Allen and Ratanski will spin classic hip hop, downtempo trip hop and post punk dance at Press Club at 8:00 pm. Press Club is located at 2621 SE Clinton St., 503.233.5656.  

• Symphony Storytime at Midland Library, 2:30 pm–3:30 pm: Families will enjoy music, storytime and hands-on crafts. A member of the Oregon Symphony will play and discuss orchestral music. Free tickets for seating will be available 30 minutes prior to the program. For more information, visit the Multnomah County Library website.

• Local writer Kristin Thiel and five other contributors to the VoiceCatcher women writers anthology will read their work at 2:00 pm at the Central Library. Visit the Multnomah County Library website for more information.

• The Speakin’ Beacon puppet show, Albina Library, 11:00 am: Bruce Orr of the Mudeye Puppet Company and Penny Walter of Penny’s Puppet Productions will perform a family-friendly puppet show with aliens, forest creatures, and a Yeti. After the show, you’ll be able to get a closer look at the puppets, made entirely from reused materials. For more information, visit the Multnomah County Library website.

Sunday, March 30 

• The Better Living Show continues at the Portland Expo Center. The event is packed with presentations, music, kids activities, food, and more. Event hours are: Friday, noon to 9:00 pm; Saturday, 11:00 am to 9:00 pm; Sunday, 11:00 am to 5:00 pm. For a complete schedule of events, visit the Better Living Show website.

• Chicken Fest 2008 continues at Livingscape Nursery. You’ll get the chance to see 20 different breeds of live chickens (who knew there were so many?), and there’ll be games and activities for the kids. On Saturday from 10:00 am until noon, an “Eggspert” will be on hand to answer your chicken-related questions. And on Sunday, there will be a free workshop on how to build a chicken coop. The event also features several workshops and cooking classes for $5 to $10. Visit the Livingscape Nursery website for more information. 

• Laura Gibson, Per Se and Meyercord will perform at Towne Lounge at 9:30 pm (doors open at 9:00 pm). For more information, visit the Towne Lounge website.

• Russian Film Series at Midland Library will be showing Born in the USSR: 21 Up at noon. The film is in Russian with English subtitles. A brief discussion will follow. For more information, visit the Multnomah County Library website.  

• Ann Christensen and Lisa Bergman will play music from their CD American Music: Jazz, Broadway, Hollywood at the Central Library at 2:00 pm. For more information, visit the Multnomah County Library website.

• Night of the Iguana will be showing at Press Club at 8:00 pm. Press Club is located at 2621 SE Clinton St., 503.233.5656.   

• Hotel deLuxe will screen Hurricane Heroes, a documentary on Katrina animal rescues by Portland filmmaker Mike Shiley. The Screening Room, located off the hotel lobby, opens at 6:00 pm; the movie begins at 6:30 pm. RSVP to 503.219.2093. For more information, visit the Hotel deLuxe website. 

If you know of any other free events happening this weekend, please write a comment about it. If you’d like me to include an event in a future round-up, feel free to contact me

Add comment March 28th, 2008

With 84 Square Foot Home, Woman Finds That Less Space Equals More Time and Money

On Blogging Away Debt, I read about a woman named Dee Williams who lives in a house no bigger than a parking space. The story caught my eye for several reasons (beyond the initial shock that anyone could live comfortably in such a small space, much less choose to do so):

1. By living in just 84 square feet, Dee has more time and money. She has no mortgage and very low utility bills. Therefore, she only needs to work part-time and still has money to give to charitable causes.

2. She’s from the Pacific Northwest. She lives in Olympia and used to live in Portland. What can I say, I have a lot of regional pride.

3. Dee built her home. As a woman, I admire her success. She decided to build a small, green, functional house. She researched how to do it. She did it. What’s more inspirational than that? I think that kind of inspiration can be applied to any aspect of one’s life, even if you’d never dream of living in an 84 square foot home.

4. To build her home, she used as many second-hand materials as she could. Her electricity is generated by solar panels.

5. Not only does she have more money, time and environmental karma, she also seems to have more confidence. According to The Olympian, Dee said her decision to live in a small home is “empowering.”

6. Last but not least, this story reminds me that there are a lot of choices out there that work. When it comes to material possessions, there aren’t a lot of needs. Each person has to gauge the amount that’s right for them. Personally, I wouldn’t trade my home for Dee’s, but I respect her choice and her happiness.   

To learn more about this story, visit katu.com (click on “Video” under the picture for the full report) or The Olympian.

6 comments July 31st, 2007

Free Workshop in Portland: Renters’ Rights

From the CNRG-Portland newsletter:

Are you having a hard time finding a landlord to approve your application for housing?
Have you had trouble getting your landlord to make repairs?
Didn’t get your deposit back?

Come learn about your rights as a renter!

There will be a free workshop for tenants at the Beaverton City Library’s conference room on Saturday, April 28, from 1:30-2:30.

Contact Ari at 503.460.9702 or ari@oregoncat.org with questions or for more info.

The Community Alliance of Tenants is Oregon’s only grassroots, tenant-controlled renters’ rights organzation. If you’re a tenant who cares about your rights, get involved!

www.oregoncat.org

Add comment April 24th, 2007

Thanks Standard Plumbing and the JamBuster Wrenchette: Tips for Fixing InSinkErator Garbage Disposal

When it comes to household repairs, my husband and I tend to indulge in the “luxury” of calling in professional help.

So when our garbage disposal (InSinkErator) stopped working, our first instinct was to call a plumber.

We’d never needed this kind of plumbing help before, so I checked Angie’s List and decided to try Standard Plumbing. I called and talked to Don. Instead of making an appointment to come out to the house, he told us to try a couple of things on our own first.

Chances were that something was blocking the blades. Don told us to:

1. Get a stick of some kind and poke around inside the drain to see if anything is in there.

I swept the area with a disposable cooking chopstick. Nothing there.

2. Look for a small hole at the bottom of the disposal (under the sink) and the tool that fits in that hole. Move the tool back and forth to free any foreign objects that might be lodged there.

We didn’t have the tool, so we went to Home Depot and found it – the InSinkErator JamBuster Wrenchette. It cost $5.68. (If you have Allen wrenches, you might want to see if any of them fit before purchasing the Wrenchette.) I fit the tool into the bottom of the disposal, gave it a few cranks, and hoped for the best.

3. If the disposal isn’t working at all, no noise, the internal circuit breaker may have been tripped. Press the red button at the bottom of the disposal to get the power flowing again.

I gave the button a firm push, flipped the switch, and was rewarded by the sweet sound of a functioning disposal.

I felt proud of my efforts and grateful to Don for the valuable tips. It was such a simple process, such as easy fix. Maybe this will give us more confidence in our skills and teach us to investigate other information sources (e.g., Google) before picking up the phone. I’m just glad we found such a stand-up guy who didn’t take the opportunity to profit from a lady in distress.

(Photo from Amazon.com)

3 comments December 22nd, 2006