Month: August 2024

Community, Event, New Business, Services

Way Home Studio Opens to the Community

On August 18th, the Way Home Studio will open next door to the Way Home Shop as a rentable event space for classes and gatherings. The four studio co-owners came together based on a common need for flexible space to host their sessions. The group’s community-building approach to business includes making the space rentable at an affordable rate to other educators or people needing room for gatherings. The storefront at 8435 SE Stark Street offers a long multi-purpose room and a back area for smaller groups.

The space formally housed an alarm company that relocated to a larger storefront next door. The Way Home Studio team replaced the flooring with a shock-absorbing base layer and a durable laminate surface. One wall will offer a 20-foot wide full-length mirror with a ballet bar for those needing dance space. Groups renting the studio can also use 30 company-provided chairs and five folding tables in various configurations to meet their particular needs. People will have access to coffee, tea, and free wireless internet. The rooms rent together by the hour on a sliding scale based on the time of day. Weekday rates range from $10 to $25 per hour or $15 to $30 per hour on weekends. Full-day pricing is available, and they offer a 10% discount for elders 65 and older, first responders, veterans, and people from the BIPOC community. The current rate card and calendar are available on the company’s website, thewayhomestudio.com.

This space grew out of the success next door at the Way Home Shop. “I had a dream back in February when this space became available next door to my shop,” explained Gergana Kirilova, who owns the shop and is a partner in the studio. Her limited meeting space in the back of the Way Home Shop was often reaching capacity, but expanding to the vacant adjoining shopfront on her own would not have kept it as active as she knew it could be. “I sent an e-mail to all my folks saying, ‘Who’s in? Let’s build this healing center where we have more space for our gatherings.’ Little by little, I connected with these wonderful women,” said Kirilova. Her visions resonated with Amanda Cheer, Ida Cavewoman, and Lindsey Peck, who she knew from the community that formed around her shop. “I think we all came together because we see the need for a true community space that brings people together for a healing center. We’re all practitioners, artists, or healing folk in some capacity, and we were looking for a place for ourselves while also making sure that other practitioners in the area have a space to do the same that’s reasonably priced,” remarked studio partner Ida Cavewoman.

The Way Home Studio owners. (from left to right) Lindsey Peck, Amanda Cheer, Ida Cavewoman, and Gergana Kirilova

Based on the group’s shared interests and expertise, the Way Home Studio will focus on renting to people fostering healing for individuals and the community. These uses include community gatherings, educational workshops, health and wellness classes, cultural events, support groups, healing circles, seasonal celebrations, crafting groups, and offering self-care resources. However, they are open to hearing about other potential uses as long as renters follow their principles regarding equitable access and respect for people in attendance. Public events in this space are viewable on the Way Home Studio’s website or via a calendar link. The Studio team invites interested community members to view event descriptions and follow the signup links available in most listings.

In addition to the core group of partners, other practitioners have shown interest in this space, with several securing time slots. Co-owner Amanda Cheer noted that the early interest is already rounding out the types of activities planned for the studio. “We already have quite a few [people] that are excited. I know we have a couple of yoga and Reiki practitioners. So we have some stuff already on the calendar.” They also have people interested in using the space for book signings and other one-time events. Because the rental rate includes the back room with padded armchairs, a couch, and an under-counter refrigerator, they expect some people will reserve the studio for counseling and small groups needing a private room. Eventually, the Way Home Shop and Studio will connect through an existing door so eventgoers can transition between the storefronts without going outside and give people a place to move to after the scheduled session.

People interested in seeing the space and learning more about the group running it can attend the grand opening event on Sunday, August 18th, from 1 to 5 p.m. It is free to attend without prior registration, and they will provide light refreshments.

Article and photos by

Jacob Loeb

Promotion: Help keep independent news accessible to the community. Montavilla News has a Patreon account or you can pay for a full year directly online. We invite those who can contribute to this local news source to consider becoming paid subscriber or sponsor. We will always remain free to read regardless of subscription.

Infrastructure

Advocacy Leads to Safer NE Glisan at 80th

Update: The week of August 5th, crews with Raimore Construction placed barricades on the northern section of NE Glisan Street and 80th Avenue, blocking the roadway as they demolished the existing sidewalk corners. Over the next few weeks, workers will recreate new, wider corners with updated Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant ramps. When work is complete on the first two corners, crews will move across the street to reconstruct the south side of this intersection. After completing that work, they will install pedestrian refuge islands in the center turn lane of NE Glisan Street to help people cross in two phases with safe waiting zones mid-crossing. Curb extensions on some of the reconstructed corners will shorten the crosswalk distance and narrow the roadway to encourage drivers to reduce speed.

Article originally published on March 15, 2024

At the March 12th Vestal School PTA meeting, members of the Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) presented draft designs for safety improvements to the NE Glisan Street crossing at NE 80th Avenue. For many years, the Parent Teacher Association (PTA) and other community groups have advocated for a better pedestrian crossing at this intersection. Now, transportation engineers plan to construct two raised concrete pedestrian refuge islands, extend curbs, and add marked crosswalks.

When completed, drivers will encounter new extended curbs that visually narrow the roadway and encourage more thoughtful turning. Motorists will no longer use center lanes to turn left. Instead, they will slow down in the travel lane to navigate around the refuge island’s half-moon-shaped nose before crossing opposing traffic. Extended sidewalk corners on the west crossing will shorten the distance pedestrians travel in the roadway, and two center islands in the median will provide a safer space for people waiting for drivers to yield. Two new high-visibility crosswalks on the west and east sides of the intersection will further signal that motorists should expect pedestrians to cross.

Draft design image provide courtesy PBOT

PBOT originally slated this intersection for similar improvements in early designs of the 70s Neighborhood Greenway Project. Cost-saving changes relocated the bike path to the NE 78th Avenue crossing with preexisting Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons. In the summer of 2023, PBOT applied for an Oregon Department of Transportation Safe Routes to School rapid response grant covering 80% of the $609,000 estimated project costs. State funding for the project was recently approved, letting engineers proceed with designs. The early designs presented to the PTA will go through several revisions with stakeholders before PBOT begins work. This project complements two other intersection redesigns underway on 82nd Avenue at NE Glisan and Davis Streets. These projects will collectively improve family access to the nearby school and park. Preliminary designs for NE Glisan improvements at 82nd Avenue show the five-lane street converted to one through lane in each direction with right and left turn lanes. This potential reconfiguration will remove the westbound two-lane merge near NE 80th Avenue by diverting the second lane at NE 82nd Avenue.

The Vestal School PTA attendees were overwhelmingly positive about the proposed changes. Questions for PBOT presenters mainly focused on adding protection to crossings through the use of bollards and more visible school zone identification. City staff said they would investigate those options but noted that bollards do not fit PBOT’s standard design for crossings and instead rely on plastic delineator posts. Construction could break ground on some of these enhancements in summer 2024. As design work progresses, expect to see updated information about these projects later in the year.

Article and photos by

Jacob Loeb

Update: Groundbreaking timeline updated to reflect sooner start date

Disclosure: The author of this article serves on the Building a Better 82nd Community Advisory Group.

Promotion: Help keep independent news accessible to the community. Montavilla News has a Patreon account or you can pay for a full year directly online. We invite those who can contribute to this local news source to consider becoming paid subscriber or sponsor. We will always remain free to read regardless of subscription.

Community, Food and Drink

Montavilla Food Co-op’s Kitchen

Almost 15 years ago, the Montavilla Food Co-op (MFC) formed as neighbors sought an organized way to bring healthy and locally sourced food into the community. The group’s early participants envisioned a co-op grocery store connecting shoppers with local farmers and producers. Those efforts never manifested in a dedicated physical location. However, recent advances by the current board have the organization partnered with a local restaurant, using its commercial kitchen to repackage bulk items for its membership. Members and shoppers can now purchase a selection of reasonably sized food items from the Montavilla Farmers Market, which previously were only available in bulk quantities.

The current four-member board began searching for a physical kitchen space last year, talking with several area businesses. When Sebastiano’s announced their intention to close the original Montavilla location at 411 SE 81st Avenue and move operations to Sellwood, MCF found a new opportunity in the business taking Sebastiano’s place. Christa Voytilla opened her first brick-and-mortar location on SE 81st Avenue for Quiche Me if You Can in February 2024. As a long-time farmers market vendor, Voytilla knew the difficulty in finding a commercial kitchen space and agreed to make space at the new shop for MFC board members to expand operations. Access to the commercial kitchen allowed MFC to obtain an Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) license to package food for sale and store items on-site. This summer, the food co-op began repackaging select bulk items from the Quiche Me if You Can location, allowing people to buy smaller quantities. Additionally, the commercial dishwasher at this location allows the group to take back some reusable glass containers, sanitizing and refilling them to reduce waste and cut costs.

Currently, the only two local board members, Christian Parker and Alex Warnes, are permitted in the kitchen space. Food handling requires specific procedures and training. The work must also happen when the primary business is not using the shared space. The board wants more experience running this process before allowing volunteers to assist. Members and interested people can help run the farmers market booth. MFC currently has four volunteers who take shifts running the booth. Board members take care of setup and teardown to simplify the work needed from people handing out pre-purchased items or selling to non-members.

Commercial dishwasher

The board is seeking new members with skills in food handling, grocery operations, or other relevant experience to help the organization grow to its next level. Even with the new shared space, MFC has limited capacity in what it can handle. They only have a single baker’s rack of storage space at Quiche Me if You Can, and what they buy is dependent on items pre-ordered by members. They do not have room to keep large quantities of food that would take months to distribute. Their long-term goals look similar to the original intention of the food co-op: a dedicated facility with fresh produce and storage space sufficient to make economically advantageous purchases. People interested in discovering what MFC offers can look at the group’s online store or visit their booth at the Montavilla Farmers Market. This leap into packaging could be an exciting new phase for an initiative that started in 2010. Residents who have lost track of this group’s activities can attend a future monthly board meeting and learn more about what they can do to support this community-run organization.

Article and photos by

Jacob Loeb

Promotion: Help keep independent news accessible to the community. Montavilla News has a Patreon account or you can pay for a full year directly online. We invite those who can contribute to this local news source to consider becoming paid subscriber or sponsor. We will always remain free to read regardless of subscription.

Community, Construction, New Residence

PCC Legin Apartments on Division

The affordable housing project slated for the southwest corner of Portland Community College’s (PCC) SE campus moved to its next phase of development, with project team members submitting building permits and selecting a name for the 124-unit apartment building. The Legin Apartments’ name honors the landmark Chinese restaurant demolished after closing in 2012 to make way for the PCC campus expansion. Although connected to the educational institution’s campus, the housing operator Our Just Future will independently manage this 110,000-square-foot residential building without any college enrollment requirements.

In 2021, PCC representatives collected feedback from students, faculty, staff, and PCC neighbors about the physical environment at its four campuses. The researchers combined this qualitative input with data on student enrollment, regional demographics, and market trends to create development concepts that accommodate the next 10 to 20 years of the college’s growth. In that exploration, affordable housing ranked high on the priority list for future developments. However, PCC leaders did not want to increase student housing insecurity by linking shelter to enrollment. Instead, they determined increasing affordable housing inventory near college campuses would better serve the community and PCC students.

Site map courtesy of Bora Architecture & Interiors

Our Just Future, formerly Human Solutions, will develop this housing project in partnership with local nonprofit APANO. Bora Architecture & Interiors is leading project design work for this four-story building located at 7755 SE Division Street and conducted community outreach in 2023. Listening to neighbor feedback while adjusting to city and utility company concerns, Bora reshaped the project while retaining the same basic I-shaped footprint as first proposed. To address those concerns, the team requested several exceptions to Campus Institutional 2 zoning standards, allowing the building to sit further back from the sidewalk on its west and north frontages, among other minor adjustments. These changes will enable the builders to retain more of the established trees on the lot and provide a buffer for the one and two-story homes across from the site along SE 77th Avenue and SE Sherman Street.

A neighbor across from the site appealed the Land Use Adjustment approvals, citing his opinion that the project is too tall to integrate into the residential scale neighborhood and that PCC is not within its rights to lease the land for this non-school use. City officials scheduled the appeals hearing for September 3rd. In regards to this appeal, Brian Squillace of Bora noted this project is below the campus’s allowable density, which permits buildings up to eight stories tall on portions of the site. His team worked to strike a compromise between providing efficient land use and integrating with the existing scale of the campus and neighborhood. The design team also oriented the 30-vehicle onsite parking lot on the northern edge to further distance the taller building from the single-story homes across the street.

Rendering from SE 77th Ave courtesy of Bora Architecture & Interiors

Bora Architecture & Interiors worked with the development team to design the building with several elements that support residents who may need enhanced amenities to meet their specific needs. The building offers tenants two elevators at either end of the building to ensure people with special mobility needs will have quick access to the upper floors from the parking lot entrance or the main lobby on SE Division Street. Providing two elevators ensures out-of-order equipment will not trap people in their apartments. Squillace explained the design incorporates communal elements to “expand the livability beyond the footprint of the unit.” Most floors offer two studying nooks for a single person to take a private video call or work in solitude. The building also features larger gathering rooms for two to six people, available without reservation or pre-approval. The project architects envision each floor supporting micro-neighborhoods with a diversity of shared spaces where people can socialize.

The designers of this project incorporated features that embody resiliency in a changing climate. The Legin Apartments is an all-electric building, utterly free of combustible fuels. Thanks to a Portland Clean Energy Fund investment, the apartment building will include mini-split heat pumps in each unit for year-round temperature control. Additionally, electricity costs are included in the rent, so people on a tight budget will not need to sacrifice in other areas to stay comfortable. Building management provides complimentary wireless Internet to residents with the option to buy enhanced service for video streaming and gaming. Our Just Future considers online access an essential part of modern living and a roadway to future success. The developers are working to secure funds for a significant solar array on top of the building that would reduce external energy demand by up to 60 percent. Limited battery storage onsite will serve critical loads such as refrigerators for medicines and Wi-Fi access during power outages.

Graphic courtesy of Bora Architecture & Interiors

The four floors in this building will support a mix of unit sizes, emphasizing family-sized housing. Legin Apartments will have 33 studio, 28 one-bedroom, 47 two-bedroom, and 16 three-bedroom units. Brian Shelton-Kelley with Our Just Future explained they would reserve apartments for households earning 60% or less of the Area Median Income (AMI). This site will also receive 20 Project-Based rental assistance Vouchers (PBVs) from Home Forward for people making 30% or below the AMI. Residents in the building will have access to many supportive resources not found in market-rate housing. Our Just Future will provide dedicated resident service coordination staff in addition to the building administrative managers and maintenance crew. The resident service coordinators host community-building events and connect residents to community-based resources, including health care or financial assistance. Our Just Future manages just under 900 units across 19 other properties. Nine resident service coordinators oversee those sites, and the new staff hired for Legin Apartments will have an extensive peer network from which to draw support.

Renderings courtesy of Bora Architecture & Interiors

Along with ground-floor apartments, the main level of this new building will offer a gated courtyard with play equipment and a variety of community rooms for classes and events. A central laundry room on the main floor is adjacent to the kid’s playroom so caregivers can watch their kids while they’re washing clothes. The building also offers smaller laundry rooms on each floor, so residents do not need to travel far. People living at this site will have access to APANO programming and services. The partner organization’s headquarters are across SE Division Street, just east of this location. They will provide workforce development and home ownership classes. The group may host some of their regular music and yoga classes from down the street in the educational space at the Legin Apartments.

APANO is an Asian and Pacific Islander advocacy organization with nearly three decades of broad community development experience. This PCC building is one of three APANO-affiliated affordable housing projects under development in the area. The group is committed to improving conditions for people in this section of Portland, which has an intertwined history in the city’s Asian American community. The site of the Legin Apartments once held a Kaiser Permanente leased one-story building. PCC acquired the property from the German American Society in May of 2010 and later demolished the building. During that time, the college expanded its campus and purchased the land used for 17 years by Legin Restaurant. The pioneering eastside location was a key gathering place for Asian communities in the city as populations moved east. Opening in 1995, Legin became an established regional anchor point with a large banquet hall to host events moving away from Downtown. When newcomers to 82nd Avenue needed a culturally specific communal location, Legin Restaurant’s iconic pagoda served as a beacon.

Google Maps image of the Legin Restaurant from 2012

In addition to honoring Legin Restaurant’s contribution to Portland through the building’s name, project staff will recognize Minoru Yasui, Oregon’s only Presidential Medal of Freedom awardee. The development team is working with the Minoru Yasui Legacy Project to spotlight his historic challenge of Japanese American internment during WWII and his lifetime defending civil rights by naming a key element in the development after Minoru Yasui. The team will announce the details of this homage later in the construction process as they plan a formal naming ceremony.

Construction crews anticipate breaking ground on the Legin Apartments at the end of 2024 or early 2025. APANO is still developing its final programming plan for the residents, and site operators will formalize more project details closer to completion. Next year, people should anticipate significant construction at the site as crews work to bring more affordable housing to the area.

By

Jacob Loeb

Promotion: Help keep independent news accessible to the community. Montavilla News has a Patreon account or you can pay for a full year directly online. We invite those who can contribute to this local news source to consider becoming paid subscriber or sponsor. We will always remain free to read regardless of subscription.

Community, Entertainment, Event, Food and Drink

2024 Jade Night Market August 10

The Jade International Night Market will return to Portland Community College’s (PCC) SE Campus at 2305 SE 82nd Avenue on Saturday, August 10th. The one-day cultural celebration, eating, and shopping event shifted its time later to return to its pre-pandemic late-night roots. People can attend anytime between 3 and 10 p.m., with most family-focused events happening earlier in the afternoon.

Jade International Night Market 2023 (Photo by Jacob Loeb)

Designed as an annual event to connect with the community and celebrate diverse cultures in the Jade District, the Night Market attracts 5,000 to 7,000 attendees annually. People can expect to see 128 booths staffed with food vendors, craftspeople, organizations, and local businesses. Starting at 4 p.m., a long list of performances will fill the main stage, representing art and entertainment from the many cultures that make their home in the area.

Jade International Night Market 2023 Stage (Photo by Jacob Loeb)

Jade District Community Development Manager Alisa Kajikawa explained that almost every performer asked to attend was eager to participate this year, working around other commitments to appear. “It was a wonderful problem to have,” said Kajikawa. “You reach out and expect some, but not everyone. We have six hours of entertainment for our seven-hour event. It’s a wonderful feeling that performers want to come back and showcase their art for the community.” In addition to the notable list of performers, a crowd favorite will return to the Night Market stage this year to start the crowds dancing. DJ Prashant of Bollywood Dreams will retake the stage with Indian rhythms around 5 p.m. after missing the last few years of events. “It is amazing how this gets the energy going and the audience involved,” remarked Kajikawa.

– Stage Entertainment Schedule –

  • 4:00 Chervona Eastern-European Party Band
  • 4:50 White Lotus Lion Dance Chinese Lion Dance
  • 5:20 Bollywood Dreams
  • 6:05 Portland Art & Cultural Dance Team
  • 6:20 Cambodian Dance Troupe of Oregon
  • 6:30 Ballet Papalotl Mexican folklorico dance
  • 7:00 Rachel Wong Singing & Dancing
  • 7:30 McDaniel High School Cheer Stomp & Shake
  • 7:50 Team Japonesque Japanese Dance
  • 8:00 Summit Wushu Martial Arts demonstration
  • 8:30 Hula Halau ‘Ohana Holo’oko’a Hawaiian Dance
  • 9:00 Anansi Beat African Drumming
  • 9:30 Portland Taiko Japanese Drumming

In addition to the stage-based entertainment, organizers invite kids to decorate a small pot and receive a house plant to take home in their creation. Event sponsor Portland Nursery will donate material for this youth activity from opening to 8 p.m. This year’s Market will also feature a socially engaged and tasty art project by Mario Mesquita. The artist designed his Paletas Communal Social Club project to unite communities through art, shared experiences, and dialogue while enjoying a Mexican frozen treat similar to a popsicle. Kajikawa explained that people can enjoy complimentary cool Paletas while answering questions about their lives in Portland and how they celebrate their culture.

Jade International Night Market 2023 (Photo by Jacob Loeb)

Attendees of past Night markets will find a similar layout this year with the booths and the main stage in the courtyard at the center of the college’s campus. However, this time, organizers placed food vendors further to the west in a parking lot, leaving the driveway and bus parking area clear for tables and canopies where people can eat or rest. The Slavic Church Emmanuel will also allow marketgoers to park in its adjacent parking lot north of the PCC Campus. However, people are encouraged to ride TriMet to the Jade International Night Market with the FX2 rapid bus service and the 72 lines serving the campus. The first 1,000 attendees who want to take a ride-share service will receive 50% off, up to $10, on one Lyft ride with Ride Code JADEINTLNIGHTMKT. The code will only work for those traveling to or from Jade International Night Market on August 10th, 2024, from 2 to 10:30 p.m.

Banners provided courtesy the Jade District

The Jade International Night Market is a well-attended, family-friendly event with hours of entertainment, shopping, and a diverse selection of foods. Forecasters expect temperatures to reach the low 90s that day. Event organizers will provide paper fans to people while supplies last, similar to last year. People should plan for crowds and hot weather, but the expansive PCC campus offers many places for people to rest and cool down away from the event space. The Jade District provides a complete list of food and retail vendors on its website.

Correction: An earlier version of this article said the event starts at 2 p.m. It begins at 3 p.m. this year.

By

Jacob Loeb

Promotion: Help keep independent news accessible to the community. Montavilla News has a Patreon account or you can pay for a full year directly online. We invite those who can contribute to this local news source to consider becoming paid subscriber or sponsor. We will always remain free to read regardless of subscription.

Community, Infrastructure

An Earlier Addition of Groundwater

Update: On August 20th, the Portland Water Bureau returned to providing 100 percent Bull Run water to Portlanders.

On Thursday, August 1st, Portland Water Bureau added groundwater from the Columbia South Shore Well Field to the city’s Bull Run sourced drinking water. Officials are making this change to test well equipment ahead of a possible seasonal shortfall in the watershed supply. This blending comes nearly a month earlier than last year, and the Bureau says it will update the public through the media and email when the system returns to 100 percent Bull Run water.

In past years, the Portland Water Bureau blended water sources due to dry springs and early summer weather. The October 2023 to April 2024 water year had near-average rainfall and a suitable mountain snowpack that should keep Portland’s watershed supplied for a significant portion of the dry season. However, warmer weather patterns and increased water usage have made well-water sources necessary for the regional water supply. This groundwater system test is required to ensure pumps, treatment equipment, electronic controls, and other parts are in working order.

Columbia South Shore Well Field. Courtesy Portland Water Bureau

Columbia South Shore Well Fields tap into deep aquifers filled with rainwater throughout the year. The Bureau assures residents that Portland’s groundwater supply meets or surpasses all federal and state drinking water regulations. However, the Bureau’s policy is to notify the public when activating groundwater sources so sensitive water users can take precautions. It can take up to two weeks before residents receive blended water. After operators revert to entirely Bull Run-sourced water, customers can expect it to take another two weeks for the lines to clear of groundwater.

Sensitive water users can sign up at the Portland Water Bureau’s website to receive notifications regarding changes to the water system. Customers with questions should call the Water Line at 503-823-7525 and watch for updates to this article when Portland’s water system returns to 100 percent Bull Run watershed-sourced water.

Correction: This article was updated to clarify that Portland is not currently experiencing a Bull Run sourced water shortfall.

By

Jacob Loeb

Promotion: Help keep independent news accessible to the community. Montavilla News has a Patreon account or you can pay for a full year directly online. We invite those who can contribute to this local news source to consider becoming paid subscriber or sponsor. We will always remain free to read regardless of subscription.

Bar, Business Closing, Food and Drink, View of Montavilla

Eastport Food Center Empties Out

As of August 1st, all vendors have left the Eastport Food Center cart pod, and the business appears to have closed permanently. The owner of the 23,000-square-foot dining destination at 3905 SE 82nd Avenue listed the business for sale in 2022. In May, the location’s website went offline, and carts began moving off property in significant numbers last month. Now, the facility is closed without a posted notice.

The property’s owner worked in the auto sales business and converted his used car lot to a food cart pod in 2020. Two years later, he changed his address to Texas, where he registered another car sales-related company. Around the time of the owner’s relocation in 2022, he listed the site and business for sale. Public records do not yet reflect a change in ownership. However, it appears this site will no longer support food cart operations and may have a new owner or a different tenant in the near future.

This is a developing story. We will update this report or provide a link to an in-depth article when more information is available.

Update: Many of the food carts from Eastport Food Center have relocated three blocks north to the Collective Oregon Eateries (CORE) at 3612 SE 82nd Avenue. A representative with the CORE cart pod and dining hall said they would update the list of carts soon. Until then, they encourage people to walk a few blocks over to discover the carts available at their collective.

Article and photos by

Jacob Loeb

Promotion: Help keep independent news accessible to the community. Montavilla News has a Patreon account or you can pay for a full year directly online. We invite those who can contribute to this local news source to consider becoming paid subscriber or sponsor. We will always remain free to read regardless of subscription.