Tag: 7960 SE Stark

Community, Event, Food and Drink, Montavilla

Holiday Season 2025 Starts in Montavilla

Once again, the opening of Red Shed Christmas Trees officially starts the holiday season in the area with the reopening of its Montavillage market in the Vinje & Son’s parking lot near SE 78th Avenue and Washington Street. That festive start leads to the public Tree Lighting Ceremony on Saturday, December 6th at 5 p.m. in the Public Plaza at SE 79th Avenue and Stark Street, featuring a Red Shed tree. Then, local businesses have a host of WinterFest activities planned throughout December to keep people in a celebratory and giving mood.

A festive gathering around a brightly lit Christmas tree, with people celebrating in winter attire, as the evening sky glows in the background.
Tree Lighting Ceremony December 2024

Montavilla’s only seasonal tree lot in the historic downtown has grown into a winter holiday market over the years, with youth activities, handcrafted gifts, baked goods, standard wreaths, and the hard-to-find juniper wreaths. These offerings are in addition to Douglas, Nordmann, and Noble Fir trees of various sizes. That tradition almost ended after a disappointing series of targeted thefts in 2024. “It was super discouraging. We were hit three times in one month, and I didn’t know if I was going to be able to open it this year. But so many people reached out to say, ‘You’re a big part of the community, and we would really hate to see you go.’ That just meant the world to us, so we pulled out all the stops, and we’re trying to recover,” said Red Shed owner Lesle Janssen. She notes that the Montavilla East Tabor Business Association (METBA) and neighbors are providing the support needed to make this a better year. Janssen did not want to dwell on the negative side of things because it distracts from the spirit of the holiday season, which drives her annual efforts. “You know, it’s been a crazy year, and we just really want to maintain that sense of community. We’re not here just to sell trees, we’re here to be a part of a community.”

A display of handmade beeswax candles in various shapes, including Christmas trees and roses, on a wooden shelf at a market.
Beeswax candles from Hannah Miller, Waxing & Raining Handmade Goods

Customers from previous years will recognize many vendors selling their works in the boutique gift booth. They feature pottery and soaps from Shane Reaney Studios, and those looking for a mood-setting addition to their centerpiece can find distinctive beeswax candles from Hannah Miller through her company, Waxing & Raining Handmade Goods. “She has beautiful Christmas tree wax candles that are gorgeous and some morel mushrooms,” described Janssen. The boutique will also carry “pocket mistletoe” made from pet-safe materials to avoid poisonings. PumpkinPatchHandmade sells knitwear, and the shop now offers “Red Shed Montavilla” embroidered waxed ball caps by Rustek, featuring weather-resistant properties made from sustainable natural materials. Shoppers can also purchase McTavish Shortbread confections as an edible treat while supplies last. These baked-to-order items are a special treat rarely available in small quantities and often sell out, but Janssen plans to have a good supply.

Two hats stacked on a table, one gray with 'MONTAVILLA' embroidered and one olive green with 'Red Shed Tree People' logo. A tag reads 'THE MOST SUSTAINABLE HATS ON EARTH'.
“Red Shed Montavilla” embroidered waxed ball caps by Rustek

This year, they have wood ornaments featuring artwork from Grace Babcock’s Graceful Botanical designs. They feature burned natural imagery on the wood pucks made from tree ends. Sugar pinecones have returned as a holiday decorating option sold by Red Shed. Janssen said they are “huge,” measuring 6 to 14 inches. “They’re really good on table runners around candle displays. You can take two of them and twine them together and put a bow on them as door ornaments,” said Janssen. “They’re just so incredibly beautiful, and they hold up well in water for a cylindrical display of a bouquet. You sink one of those into your glass instead of using stones, and they look amazing.” This year, they have unique crescent-shaped swags. “A swag is a half-round wreath, and we’re making those in-house this year, and people can come watch us make their swag,” explained Janssen.

A display of various Christmas wreaths adorned with pinecones and greenery, hanging on a wooden wall at a seasonal market.

Red Shed trees come from Greg Smith’s Molalla Tree Farms, where they locally harvest trees raised with minimal pesticides. With 200 acres of naturally grown product, Janssen values the dependable relationship with the Molalla, Oregon, grower. “Our trees are looking really, really good this year. Even though we had a really hot summer, we had just enough water to get them good”, said Janssen. However, she noted that some varieties were not so lucky. “We are not selling grands this year. They did not weather very well.”

As in years past, the owner’s mother, Janie Janssen, assembled 400 bags of special supplies for kids to craft with, but they are available only while supplies last. The lot also offers a large outdoor-themed backdrop for family photos. Additionally, for people interested in a wintry brew, a collaboration with Montavilla Brew Works grants tree purchasers a special deal on local beer. Customers will take their “Tree Cookie” token a block over to 7805 SE Stark Street and receive a discount on a four-pack or growler refill.

Wooden ornaments with intricate burned designs hanging next to a display of assorted botanical greeting cards and a red beanie on mannequin heads.
Wood ornaments featuring artwork from Grace Babcock’s Graceful Botanical

Red Shed Christmas Trees is closed on Thanksgiving and officially opens on Friday, November 28th. As early as November 21st, shoppers began walking in to buy a tree and gifts, showing eagerness to start celebrating their winter traditions. “People were calling me early this year asking me when we were going to open,” recalled Janssen. They allowed people to come in during setup hours and shop as they have in the past. However, this year’s demand was higher than expected. “We’ve just been selling trees like crazy,” remarked Janssen.

A hand holding a small, handmade 'pocket mistletoe' crafted from green and white materials, with a red string for hanging.
“pocket mistletoe” made from pet-safe knitted materials

People can visit the tree lot every day between November 28th and December 23rd. They open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, with extended hours to 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturdays. Janssen also noted that they can hold trees past the closing date for culturally specific customs. “If Russian Orthodox customers would like us to save them some trees, we can also do that.” That community often follows the Julian calendar, placing Christmas on January 7th, and tree purchases occur later in December. Due to the adjacent parking lot closure, they ask visitors to park on the street and then hold a parking spot in the limited space for customers to load their tree.

A snowy path lined with Christmas trees in a market, with a sign indicating 'CASH ONLY' for transactions.
Rows of trees and a sign noting cash only sales on the lot

Whenever people celebrate the winter season, METBA businesses are collaborating to support the community with music and festive cheer. From December 1st through the 20th, patrons of participating local storefronts can use the “Shop Local Montavilla” passport to earn stickers toward a raffle entry. In addition to the December 6th Tree Lighting Ceremony, Board Bard Games at 7960 SE Stark Street will host a Santa Party on December 13th with a free family event. Starting at 11 a.m., attendees can enjoy cocoa and a treat while taking a festive photo with Santa. Business district celebrations wrap up on Saturday, December 20th, with the “Merry Montavilla SoirÉe.” Starting at 4 p.m., people can enjoy food and drink specials across Montavilla while earning double stickers for the Winterfest passport.

A juniper wreath hanging at a seasonal tree lot, with Christmas trees visible in the background and festive lights strung around the area.

METBA also notes that this is a season of giving. Many supportive groups are working in the area, and they can always use donations. This year, the business association’s sponsored donation drive will accept food, kids’ clothes, adult coats, laundry cards, Fred Meyer gift cards, and toys for the Vestal Elementary School PTA to distribute to families in need. People can drop off donations throughout December during the WinterFest events and at the Montavilla Burgerville at 8218 NE Glisan Street.

Disclosure: Lesle Janssen provided a free sample of “pocket mistletoe” to MV News

Article and photos by

Jacob Loeb

Promotion: Montavilla News is supported by contributions from businesses like Build & Paint Portland, a trusted Portland house painting and carpentry company dedicated to renewing and improving homes in Portland. Many neighborhood homes have used this local company to refresh and brighten their homes, and they want to take special care of area residents. We thank them for their support.

Community, Event

Geek Week PDX Starts Friday

On September 4th, the City of Portland proclaimed September 6th through 15th as the City’s first Geek Week. The Portland-wide celebration follows Rose City Comic Con with over 300 events hosted by nerd and nerd-adjacent small businesses, including locations in Montavilla. Attendees will find game tournaments, cosplay parties, trivia nights, and film screenings. This new promotional initiative intends to expand the City’s reputation as a favorable community for traditionally geeky passions like board games, comic books, science fiction, and fantasy.

Portland City Council Item 762 Proclaiming the Geek Week 2024

The Portland event enables visitors and residents to explore their interests beyond the convention center and venture out to places often offering year-round themed events. A newer Montavilla business, Board Bard Games, at 7960 SE Stark Street, has a full day of gaming fun planned for Thursday, September 12th, from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. All attendees receive a free Warhammer model, paints, and a brush. Store staff will accommodate drop-in attendees while supplies last, but they recommend that people reserve space ahead of time. Organizers say this event is not just for enthusiasts. Members of the “Kill Team Cascadia” game club will teach attendees how to paint and play with miniatures, tailoring instruction to players’ skill levels.

Graphic courtesy Geek Week PDX

People looking to take a break from Warhammer can swing by the Covert Cafe at 803 SE 82nd Avenue on the 12th for Star Trek Trivia from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. Other Montavilla events include a classic trivia night on Tuesday, September 10th at 6:30 p.m. hosted by East Glisan Pizza Lounge at 8001 NE Glisan Street. On Wednesday, September 11th, Threshold Brewing at 403 SE 79th Avenue will hold its regular “Trivia on Wednesdays” starting at 6 p.m.

Geek Week PDX seeks to celebrate the region’s dreamers, artists, creators, and innovators by expanding on a widely attended convention. Starting Friday, people can find more events to satisfy their science fiction, fantasy, and gaming interests. Event organizers invite people to visit geekweekpdx.com to learn about activities happening across Portland and to help support this first in what they hope will become an annual event.

By

Jacob Loeb

Community, Entertainment, Event, Food and Drink

Montavilla WinterFest 2023

The Montavilla 2023 WinterFest begins on December 2nd with the Holiday Tree Lighting in the Plaza at SE 79th Avenue and Stark Street. The Montavilla East Tabor Business Association (METBA) has made an annual tradition of this districtwide celebration that offers events throughout the month, including Santa or Hanukkah Harry pictures, shopping, and a self-guided boozy-tasty tour of the neighborhood.

Once again, the shops of Montavilla have coordinated a festive itinerary for residents and visitors alike. It starts with the ceremonial Tree Lighting in the Plaza on December 2nd at 5 p.m. For two hours, beginning at 4 p.m., people can purchase mulled wine and beer or enjoy complimentary hot cocoa while listening to festive music in the plaza. Attendees are encouraged to bring an ornament to hang on the community tree provided by Red Shed Christmas Trees.

Those looking to take their Santa and Hanukkah Harry pictures can visit Board Bard Games on Saturday, December 9th, without the high prices or arduous journey to the mall. The free three-hour-long do-it-yourself (DIY) photo event starts at 11 a.m. within the storefront at 7960 SE Stark Street. Dress up and swing by with your camera or phone to snap a photo with one of the holiday icons.

On December 16th, people can enjoy the food and beverage event Merry Montavilla Soiree at locations throughout Montavilla. Select locations in the business district will offer special menu items and seasonal drinks from 4:00 p.m. until the close of business. Check the METBA website for updates and participating locations.

Then, on December 17th, people are encouraged to support neighborhood businesses with a special Shop Local Montavilla event from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. This day represents an opportunity to look for those unique holiday gifts that do not require a click and a containership to deliver.

Recognizing that the winter season is not all about personal joy, METBA is hosting a districtwide donation drive throughout December. Businesses throughout the neighborhood will collect items for Montavilla Collective to distribute to those in need. They accept outerwear, blankets, sleeping bags, socks, boxers, gloves, hats, and scarves. See the donation drive’s webpage for details about item condition requests and drop-off locations.

Article and photos by

Jacob Loeb

Correction: A precious version of this article stated the photo event starts at 1 a.m. It starts at 11 a.m. and last for three hours.

Disclosure: The Author of this article serves on the METBA board but was not involved in planning these events.

Entertainment, Food and Drink, New Business

Board Game Shop Opening on SE Stark

Board Bard Games will open at 7960 SE Stark Street this Friday, offering a communal space for tabletop game enthusiasts. The 2,200 square foot retail and gameplay location sits between Tinker Tavern and Hungry Heart Bakery, where their patrons can rent from the new store’s 100-game library. Shoppers will find over 500 games and 250 miniatures suitable for a wide age range.

(left to right) Owners Scott Sanford, Liz Sanford, and General Manager Curtis Andersen

Liz and Scott Sanford recently relocated to Portland, intending to open this board game shop. They enlisted the help of Scott’s longtime friend Curtis Andersen to manage the store with them, fulfilling a shared dream among the friends that began in 1989. All three have a passion for the in-person gaming experience, and the store seeks to offer more to the community than just a place to buy a product. The team dedicated over half the storefront to gameplay tables that guests can use by paying $5 for a game pass. That fee is refunded if someone purchases something of greater value or pays the $5 game rental fee. The shop features a secluded game room for groups looking for a private gaming space that they reserve in advance.

The shop sells classic board and role-playing games, including Magic: The Gathering, Dungeons & Dragons, and Warhammer. However, they also offer many educational games with a keen eye towards the needs of homeschooled students. Liz Sanford has a history with that educational path and knows the value of gameplay in the curriculum. For the team, variety and inclusion is their core value. “We are able to serve just about every niche gamer here in Portland,” said Scott Sanford. “We want to start with a wide breadth of games to see what the community needs and wants, then grow around the community.”

Inside the private gaming room

Offering a family-friendly selection is just part of the shop’s youth-oriented initiatives. They plan to provide after-school and summertime activities to entertain kids with stimulating activities not based on screen time. Some game stores skew towards older gamers or only focus on younger children. Board Bard Games wants to be the place for all gamers and nurture that interest as they grow older. “We want to help breed the next generation of gamers,” explained Andersen.

The shop has an assortment of snacks and drinks for people to grab while playing. People can also bring food from area restaurants to keep their energy up during gameplay. They have restrooms for customers because they expect some games to last for hours, and they look forward to regular gaming groups forming within the space. The concept of in-store enjoyment even influenced the naming of the shop. “Because we’re giant D&D players, we wanted to work in a D&D [character] class. The Bard is the entertainer, and we wanted to make sure the board game part was in there,” explained Scott Sanford.

To celebrate the grand opening, Board Bard Games is offering specials throughout the Halloween weekend. Starting on the 27th, they are open from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Sundays, staff open the doors at Noon and lockup at 7 p.m. People can also come by from 10 a.m. through 8 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday. The shop is closed on Tuesdays.

Article and photos by

Jacob Loeb

Promotion: Help keep independent news accessible to the community. Montavilla News has a Patreon account. We invite those who can contribute to this local news source to consider becoming paid subscribers or sponsors. We will always remain free to read regardless of subscription.

Business Closing, Community

Natural Furniture Owners Retire

After 46 years, Natural Furniture will permanently close its SE Stark Street home decor business. Shop owners Tammy and Rick Slagter plan to retire when the location’s lease ends in September. Store staff are selling through all inventory over the remaining months offering special discounts to clear out household furnishings from both the retail space and company warehouse.

Rick Slagter started Natural Furniture in 1977, and his wife Tammy joined the business in 1989. Seven years ago, the Slagters moved their unfinished-furniture store to Montavilla from its original location in the Lloyd District after losing their lease. “The people that owned the building over on 8th and Broadway sold it. We had been at the other store for 40 years. I was like, ‘Oh no, it’s just terrible.’ I hate change, but it all turned out for the best because this location was so nice,” remembers Rick Slagter.

The move to Montavilla prompted some changes for the business. They began to sell more home accessories alongside the furniture and expanded the number of finished pieces sold in addition to their unfinished product. “We didn’t do accessories at the other location,” explained Tammy Slagter, noting that 95 percent of items sold were unfinished wood furniture before the move. Now she estimates 70 to 80 percent of their business is related to unfinished furniture. They have also expanded to more exotic wood furniture in recent years as the industry shifted to meet changing customer demand.

The decision to close was complicated for the couple as the business is strong, and they enjoy the work. However, after a recent birthday, it seemed like a good time to plan for a new chapter in their lives. “I turned 70 last month in May, and our lease is up in September. I just didn’t want to sign another lease,” said Rick Slagter. “I’m ready to relax and go play, go to the beach, go do things.”

Since announcing the pending store closure, customers have come in talking about how sad this news is for them. Although the Slagters will miss the welcoming community and the multiple generations of customers, this spin-down is a happy event for them. They had not tried to sell the business, but that is still an option they would consider. “It’s been a great business for all these years. We did really well, and it’s a fun store too. There’s no hard sell. You just answer questions and write tickets. The furniture sells itself,” said Rick Slagter.

Some of the four staff have already found new employment, and the Slagters have provided a long lead time for people to find other work. Although the lease ends in September, the store will close to the public when they sell through the remaining inventory. Most of the shop’s 20 vendors have existing relationships with other retailers. However, Carey’s Unfinished Furniture worked almost exclusively with Natural Furniture, and its owner will also take this opportunity to retire.

Tammy and Rick Slagter are grateful for their customers and thank the Montavilla community for the support they have received over the years. They hope to see some of those people stop by before they close and pick up something special. They feel this storefront at 7960 SE Stark Street is a great location and are excited to see another retail business take over the space. Until then, they will be at the shop saying goodbye and letting the items sell themselves.

By

Jacob Loeb

Disclosure: A relative of the author worked for Natural Furniture several years ago.

Promotion: Help keep independent news accessible to the community. Montavilla News has a Patreon account. We invite those who can contribute to this local news source to consider becoming paid subscribers or sponsors. We will always remain free to read regardless of subscription.