🌱 Oregon Energy Fund Matching + PSU Combats Food Insecurity

Hi there, Portland. I'm here in your inbox this morning to tell you everything you need to know about what's going on around town. Because community news matters!

But first, today's weather:

Mostly cloudy. High: 48 Low: 37.

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Here are the top three stories today in Portland:

1. Pacific Power is partnering with Oregon Energy Fund to match each dollar donation with an additional two dollars. Customers of Pacific Power can send a check in a contribution envelope they will receive in February or enroll in a fixed electronic donation program. All donations are used to support families in need within the same county as the donor. (KTVZ)
2. The Portland State University Food Pantry is combating food insecurity among students and staff and encouraging the school to address the matter urgently. The results of a research survey conducted in 2020 indicated that 47 percent of students and 16.5 percent of employees experienced food insecurity in the 30 days before the survey. While these harrowing numbers show that the pantry's services and resources are very much needed, they want the university's support to overcome challenges surrounding visibility, space, and stigma. The organization hopes that through collaboration, every member of the university will be aware that this service is available to them. (Psuvanguard.com)
3. The Hillsbrew Fest and Waterfront Blues Festival will return to the Portland area this year. After losing a few major festivals this year, the city is happy to hold these two events in their second and 36th year running. Hillsbrew will take place Feb. 24 to 26 at the Wingspan Event Center in nearby Hillsboro. The Waterfront Blues Festival, whose line-up is still to come, will run from Jul. 1 through 4 in downtown Portland. (Subscription: The Business Journals)

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Today in Portland:

• Exploring Broadway: Love Songs At Mittleman Jewish Community Center (1:00 PM)
• Turn Every Page: The Adventures of Robert Caro and Robert Gottlieb At Regal Fox Tower (6:30 PM)
• Brent Follis Trio: Some Of My Best Friends Are Pianists At Vino Veritas Wine Bar And Bottle Shop (7:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• Author and wildlife photographer Faraaz Abdool will host a discussion on Feb. 13 at the Portland Audubon on how to observe birds with consideration and kindness. You can register here. (Portland Audubon via Facebook)
• Portland Police Bureau's Police Equity Advisory Council is accepting public comment on its 2023-2028 Police Racial Equity Plan. Please leave your feedback here by Feb. 19. (Portland Police Bureau via Facebook)
• On Feb. 15, Dr. John Lange will lead a session on the essentials of conflict resolution at ACCESS Olsrud Family Nutrition Center in Medford. More information and registration details can be found here. (Nonprofit Association Oregon via Instagram)

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Events:

• T-Mobile Tuesdays: Get Free Stuff And Great Perks Every Week (February 7)
• Portland's 23rd Annual Diversity Employment Day Career Fair (February 8)
• Free Zoom meeting about electricians near Portland, Oregon (February 13)
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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Thursday. I'll see you around!

— Michelle Paul

About me: Michelle Paul is a Utah-based writer and photographer with a professional background in content management and registered nursing. When not working on projects ranging from photo editing to copywriting, they enjoy traveling, video games, and expanding their skills.