Plans are being made in Portland for a 1 p.m. New Year's Day human chain to send a message to the new Congress and Oregon/Portland officials about impeaching Bush and Cheney and getting out of Iraq NOW.
The announcement on Portland Indymedia says the intention is to form human chains in cities and towns across the nation to emphasize to members of the new Congress and state and local officials — as they convene Jan. 3 to end the Iraq war as soon as possible and begin accountability and ouster proceedings against Bush & Cheney.
The human chain is palnned to stretch from the East Side Esplanade to the Steel bridge through Tom McCall Waterfront Park and back to the Hawthorne Bridge. Participants will gather at noon along the route to be in place by 1 p.m.
To join in, email like7new@comcast.net or westcoates@gmail.com. Or leave a message at 503-946-3263.
Write Around Portland is releasing its latest anthology of writing, “Echoes,” featuring material gathered from its fall writing workshops.
The work will be presented at a public reading 6:30-8:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 14, at the First Congregational Church, 1126 SW Park in Portland.
Write Around Portland runs volunteer-facilitated writing workshops for people affected by HIV/AIDS, survivors of domestic violence, senior citizens in foster care, individuals recovering from addictions, people with physical and/or mental disabilities, people in prison, teenagers living on the street, low income adults and people who might otherwise not have access to the power of writing because of income, isolation or other barriers.
Admission to the reading is free, but donations of any amount are accepted to support the work of Write Around Portland. Anthologies available for purchase for $12 each.
Sisters of the Road is conducting a Hygiene Drive to collect and distribute hygiene items for low-income families and individuals. Participants are encouraged to sponsor a drive at their workplace, church, school or group to collect needed items that cannot be purchased with food stamps or are not available through most food pantries.
Items needed are: Diapers, toothpaste, floss and mouthwash, toothbrushes, feminine hygiene supplies, razors and shaving cream, hats, gloves and socks, compact rain ponchos (please, no coats or umbrellas), deodorant, first aid items, lip balm and lotion, and powdered laundry soap.
All of these items should be unopened and unused. Sisters will provide pamphlets detailing services and other information on request. Donations can be dropped off at the cafe, located at 133 NW 6th Ave. in downtown Portland, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
For more information call Lauren Frank at 503-222-5694, ext. 25, or email lauren@sistersoftheroad.org.
