news and events in portland...

A wall-like structure is materializing around what has long been a glaring vacant block on North Fremont between Williams and Vancouver. It’s not the kind of wall you would expect. There’s no barbed wire fence or unfinished plywood mounted here to prevent loitering or other unwanted activity. Wrapping around the corner of Williams and Fremont are shoulder-high panels depicting a vibrant spectrum of images, ranging from more...

We all know her. That woman with no money who looks effortlessly chic every time she steps out of her cheap apartment. Rather than $200 tank tops or a 90-minute beauty routine, these days her secret might lie in versatile garments accented by bold cocktail rings and layered metal bands. “They’re a really easy way to punch up an outfit without worrying about necklines and shirts,”said Irina Schaffer, a local more...

Get your art on, people, it’s (nearly) fall in Portland—and that means even more art. All flavors of music. Visual art. Performance. Dance. Storytelling. Festivals, shows, and on-going series that will surely amuse, entertain and inspire. All coming at you in rapid succession. Here's a snapshot of the wide-ranging must-see events of the upcoming fall arts season. Enjoy! Sack Lunch Concerts at the Old Church more...

Green Tour de Force: 9th Annual Build It Green! Home Tour on September 25 Tickets are on sale for the 9th annual Build It Green! Home Tour on Saturday, September 25. Included in the 21-home tour is a straw bale house—the first to be permitted in Portland—and a Victorian home that received energy-saving upgrades from the Clean Energy Works program. There will be contractors and homeowners at each site to share their more...

While most environmental advocates are fighting to keep our skies blue, our water clear, and our outdoor air clean, the Josiah Hill III Clinic wants to make our indoor environment a healthy place to live. Not many people realize that our indoor air is generally 5-20 times more polluted than the air we’re breathing in the great outdoors, and we spend up to 90% of our time inside, blissfully unaware of the increased risks. There more...

Bald eagles come to visit their friends at the Oregon Zoo. People spot them in the trees outside the cage and ask the zoo to check if some of their animals escaped. Maybe you've seen a bald eagle: they're prevalent in and around Portland. Along the zoo's Cascade Canyon Trail, I walk with Amy Cutting, assistant curator of the Great Northwest exhibit. She tells me the first time a bull elk showed up on the other side of the more...

Event date: Sep 4, 2010

Event location: Public Domain Coffee

Come by on Saturday at 11 a.m. for our Home Brewing Class to learn more about the different brewing methods we use at the store, and how the right techniques and tools will allow you to bring that coffee shop quality home. Also, join us every Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m. to cup coffee with our roasters and baristas. They’ll guide as you compare new seasonal offerings, coffees from other roasters, or a personal favorite. more...

Event dates: September 5th, 2010, September 12th, 2010, September 19th, 2010

Event location: Whole Foods (Studio 2 Upstairs)

Thai massage is a fully clothed, oil free and playful form of bodywork. In this class, parents learn and share simple and gentle Thai massage with their children ages 4-11. Relaxing for both parent and child. Beginners welcome. Wear comfortable yoga or sweat pants. Every Sunday from 10 -11 a.m. through September 19. $12 per family. Learn more about Thai massage for families and instructor Judith Moran. more...

Event dates: September 7th, 2010, September 11th, 2010

Event location: Baltazar Ortiz Community Center, 6736 NE Killingsworth Street

The purpose of this course is to educate first-time homebuyers in all aspects of the home buying process and homeownership responsibilities. The Course is designed to assist all participants in making sound decisions when purchasing a home and understanding the resources available to them. Part I: Tuesday September 7th from 6-9 p.m. Part II: Saturday September 11th, from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Location: Baltazar Ortiz Community more...

Event date: Sep 7, 2010

Event location: Central Library, U.S. Bank Room

Talk and interact with independent publishers sharing their work with you. Budget living without feeling the pinch: Chelsea Baker (Olympia) presents Cheap Cookin’: A Beginners Guide to Affordable Cooking, and Raleigh Briggs (Seattle) shows how to Make Your Place: Affordable, Sustainable Nesting Skills. Space at library programs is limited. Seating is provided on a first-come, first-served basis. more...

Event dates: September 8th, 2010, September 15th, 2010, September 22nd, 2010, September 29th, 2010

Event location: Old Church

Every Wednesday at noon in September, you can bring your lunch to the beautiful and historic Old Church Downtown and listen to an hour of (mostly) classical music performed by local musicians. A classy, relaxing way to spend your lunch hour, to be sure! Free! more...

Event date: Sep 8, 2010

Event location: Multnomah County Central Library

Multnomah County Library will host a celebration, “Literacy is Freedom” in honor of International Literacy Day, 9/8/10. Meet representatives from community colleges, nonprofit and community-based organizations who reach out to help adults with their goals of gaining citizenship, GED certificates, learning English and improving reading skills. Literacy has many definitions, but having the life skills to form and strengthen more...