The holiday season is officially here, and are super excited to share this very special holiday edition of the Kenton Neighborhood Newsletter! We’re starting with two big good news stories, followed by some really neat upcoming events (including an awesome opportunity to enjoy a Rip City Remix game and support our efforts at the same time–talk about an unbeatable two for one!), and introducing our inaugural holiday cheer community bulletin. Make sure to read to the end for important PSAs, too!
December Monthly Meeting
The Kenton Neighborhood Association Monthly Meeting takes place every 2nd Wednesday of the month. There, the KNA board and residents gather to provide updates, share resources, discuss solutions to pressing issues, and create opportunities to gather and build community.
Join us for this month's meeting!
When: Wednesday, December 10, 7pm-8:30pm
Where: Historic Kenton Firehouse, 8105 N Brandon Ave
Learn more and access meeting materials here >
Come in person or join via Zoom. All are welcome. We hope to see you there!
Good News
KNA Chair Terrance Moses (center left) at the Thayer Family Foundation Veterans Shelter ribbon cutting. Photo by Alicia Gallo/KNA
Welcoming Our New Veterans Shelter
On November 11, local leaders and advocates unveiled the Thayer Family Foundation Veterans Shelter with a ribbon cutting event. Speakers included elected officials, Do Good Multnomah’s CEO, and KNA president Terrance Moses who shared about his own experience as a veteran and warmly welcomed the shelter: "Our community is one community that will always step up to support the one another…I’m proud to say that we welcome this shelter in our neighborhood and we will be here to support Do Good Multnomah as they do good.” Get a peek >
Hoodies With Pride and Purpose
Drum roll please…our Kenton Neighborhoodies fundraiser was a big success! In just three weeks, we sold 52 hoodies and raised $900+. We also donated a hoodie to the recent Boom Boom Balloon fundraiser. Big thanks to everyone who purchased a hoodie. As a 100% volunteer-run effort, your purchase means that we can do our part in supporting community efforts. Special thanks to Carlos from Kenton’s very own Black Bell Co. for producing such stellar quality prints. And a BIGGEST THANKS to the artist, William Hsu, for partnering with us on this fundraiser and allowing us to use his design!
Events & Happenings
Image courtesy Friend of Columbia Park
Candlelight Holiday Concert
When: December 7, 4-5:30pm
Where: Columbia Park Cottage, 4339 N Lombard St
Cost: Free
Friends of Columbia Park presents the 3rd annual Candlelight Holiday Concert featuring the University of Portland Jazz Faculty Combo. All ages, and freewill donations, welcome.
Get Your Tix: Summer in January with Rip City Remix
When: January 18, 3pm
Where: Chiles Center, 5000 N Willamette Blvd
Cost: $15 kids, $25 adults
Looking for a little bit of summertime fun this winter? Join the KNA for a Rip CIty Remix game at the Chiles Center on January 18! Enjoy a great game, free parking, lower bowl seating with padded seat backs, $7 kids meals and $5 snack packs, and post game on-court photos.
Another great perk: $5 of each ticket sold will be donated to KNA! Get your tickets >
Holiday Cheer Community Bulletin
Your guide to give and receive holiday cheer this winter season:
Christmas Project: Now-December 10. Contribute to Friends of Ours’ toy drive or request gifts for your family. Learn more >
Peninsula Elementary School Holiday Support Drive: Now-December 12, support Panther families during the winter break. Drop off new youth underwear, pantry goods, and hygiene items at the front office or make a donation.
Kenton Station Toy Drive: Now-December 15 @ 8303 N Denver Ave. Drop off toys during business hours.
NAYA Holiday Gift Drive: Now-December 18 @ Posies Cafe & Kenton Antiques. Pick up wish list tags and drop off items for Native American foster teens. Learn more >
Fang! Donation Drive: Now-December 31. Donate or purchase discounted items to benefit the St. John’s Food Share, Pet Bloc, and Paw Team. Learn more >
Volunteer at PPS District Clothing Center: December 18, 9:30am-1:30pm @ 3905 SE 91st, Room B-60. Help sort donations and distribute clothing to families. Sign up to volunteer or donate >
Kenton Antiques Food Pantry: Ongoing. Drop off shelf stable pantry items to provide food for folks who need it. Learn more >
Community Bulletin
Community Activation Event at The Off Beat: Sunday, December 14, 4-8pm @ 88440 N Interstate Ave. More info >
Kenton Bookclub at Mayfly: Wednesday, December 17, 5:30-7pm @ 8350 N Fenwick Ave., Mayfly/Fenwick Plaza. More info >
Winter Poop Patrol: Every other Sunday, 8am-9am @ Peninsula Elementary. Help keep the fields where kids play clean and safe. More info >
Public Service Announcements
Arbor Lodge Shelter Community Advisory Committee (CAC)
The CAC brings together neighbors from Arbor Lodge and Kenton, the shelter operator Do Good Multnomah, and the Multnomah County Homeless Services Department. Each month, they share updates on the shelter's progress and information for neighbors to donate or get involved. They also work together to resolve issues that impact neighbors living near the shelter, ensuring the entire community remains safe and vibrant. Read the latest updates and find information on how to get involved or get support here >
December 16: Critical Infrastructure Hub Public Hearing
The Portland Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on recommended changes to the comprehensive plan and the zoning code at the CEI Hub on December 16. This is an incredible opportunity to reduce the well documented risks posed by the tanks storing combustible and toxic materials in an earthquake zone along the Willamette River. All voices are important, please consider adding yours!
Welcome: The Kindred Closet
Find all kinds of treasures at Kenton’s newest thrift and consignment shop! The Kindred Closet, located at 1924 N Kilpatrick St, offers a curated collection of thrifted clothing, vintage finds, and secondhand treasure. Check them out >
