Homesteaders from Germany, Italy, and Switzerland moved to the Southwest hills starting in 1850. Within a few years, they had cleared larger forests and begun to operate vegetable farms and dairies, supplying the growing City of Portland with fresh produce and dairy. The route they traveled to transport goods to Portland markets became Slavin Road (named for one of the first homesteaders, John Addison Slavin).
Read MoreJanuary: A Month of and for Hot Things /
You probably all already know that January is a National Month trifecta in the hot food department covering Oatmeal, Tea, and Soup in just 31 days. We won't promise that a steady diet of hot food will solve all that ails you but it will definitely make for a more pleasant (and warmer) month. Here are some suggestions to celebrate these three hot national treasures.
Spruce up your oatmeal game with these tips from The Kitchn>>
Visit the Lan Su Chinese Garden and have a quiet cup of tea in the teahouse operated by Tao of Tea>>
Rescue your pantry vegetables with this improvisational minestrone>>
New Conforming Loan Limits /
The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) that oversees Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac announced that the 2018 conforming loan limits will increase from $424,100 to $453,100 for a single family residence (higher limits are available for 2-4 unit properties). This is great news for anyone needing a reduced down payment or guideline flexibility that is not readily available with jumbo financing. The change is effective with closings after January 1.
As for VA loans, they have historically followed conforming loan limits so there is every reason to believe they will also raise their limits to the new higher amount as well.
Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr /
The Oregon Historical Society is launching a new exhibit "Racing to Change: Oregon's Civil Rights Years" and offering FREE admission on January 15th from 10 am to 5 pm in honor of Dr. King.
Take advantage of the opportunity to educate yourself about black history in Oregon during the civil rights era. If you cannot make it to the opening, the exhibit will be up through late June.
Interested in the history of Real Estate in Portland as it relates to the black community, watch this online lectureby Dr. Karen J Gibson, Associate Professor at Portland State University discussing Portland’s Black Belt: Motives and Means in Albina Real Estate, 1940–1990.
photo credit: Oregon Historical Society
Native Plant Sale January 18th /
It's that amazing time of year when the East Multnomah Soil and Water Conservation District hosts a sale of bare root Native trees and shrubs at bargain prices ($3/each)! Native plants offer myriad benefits to you–in savings on water, fuel for a lawnmower, and inputs like fertilizers and pesticides–and the environment as they provide shelter and food for wildlife and support pollinators, promote biodiversity, and use fewer resources like water.
Rise Up Portland /
We love that Portland rises with the Blazers and we want to encourage everyone to also Rise Up with the RESISTANCE! Whether you are new to or veteran of civic participation you will find sound guidance and value in the content coming from a small educational group called Rise Up Portland that emerged following the 2016 election.
While we know that absolutely no one needs more email, we strongly recommend signing up for the bi-monthly messages from Rise Up Portland as they truly do provide tools to actively engage in social and environmental justice right here in our community. They offer ways to connect with established community organizations through workshops, film screenings, protests, vigils, lectures, comedy shows and open dialogues.
Check out the most recent Call to Action message from Rise Up Portland>>