Nov. 7 Fun Night Out- cancelled

Of course you can still have fun Friday night! But for a variety of reasons looks like most of us won’t be able to make it this particular Friday the 7th Charla, Baila, Conecta gathering. Thank you all for your input and suggestions, perhaps we’ll try again next time with something more low cost.

In the mean time, mark your calendar for the next Caring Parents Potluck at North Portland Library, December 9, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Free, bring a dish and/or toy to share.

Needs, Wants and Interests

Since the mission of the Schoolhouse is to work together to meet our needs, I’ve been collecting some of the needs, wants and interests in bits and pieces from conversations with various Schoolhousers (do we have a better name for us?). Our needs seem to be fairly common, though our wants (strategies to meet those needs) and interests are wide and diverse.

Please have a look at what I’ve collected so far, and forgive me if I’ve overlooked or forgotten what you’ve told me- just add a comment or send me an email and I’ll update it.

Plants, trees and the environment

The big news these days is that more folks in the neighborhood signed on as supporters of our block planting. King Neighborhood Association agreed to cosign on the grant, and we heard from the owners of the property across the street from us who are amenable to the prospect of planting trees there as well.

This past week I attended the initial meeting of the Portland Relationship Based Business Networkand it was really enjoyable to connect with other organizations who’s primary value lies in relationships with people, community and the planet (above and beyond things like profit, growth or popularity). We plan to meet again in December.

A big hurrah for Free Geek for their fantastic businesses model that integrates education, environment, and community. Jose, Mari, Eva, Jules and I attended an initial tour. Julian and I have already volunteered 4 hours there and saved about 10 pcs from going to the landfill, and learned all kinds of things we didn’t expect to. We also had a delightful visit to Scrap which resulted in a little playhouse for Acorn Baby and Robot. Also, Santi, Julian, Eva, Ben and I made it to Philip Foster Farm for homeschool day and had a grand time. You can see photos of these and other fun events here.

I am still keeping an ear out for other needs and interests at the Schoolhouse and in the neighborhood around us. I am hearing a need for respect, safety, learning, community, honesty, role models and fun. I’ve heard interests in food (cheesemaking, orange juice and pumpkin pie), speaking Spanish, dancing, plants, doing puzzles, taking baths and biking. Lets keep sharing and listening.

This weeks offerings

Checking in. These days we are learning about alpacas and treehouses, being present and empathetic, bravely being ourselves, new ratatouille and soup recipes, research in city documents and departments, exploring feelings about crime and the justice system, disassembling computers and recycling scrap metal, planting onions.

Thanks Ximena for passing on this children’s book. Inside Out by Wendy Stofan Halley. I think they have a similar definition of “Inside Out”.