Portland and Area Newsletter and Planner - February 16, 2024

WHAT'S UP THIS WEEKEND?
Excerpts From TravelPortland.com

PACIFIC NORTHWEST SPORTSMEN'S SHOW
The Pacific Northwest Sportsmen’s Show is the largest sportsmen’s show west of the Mississippi and undoubtedly the region’s most anticipated annual event for outdoor adventurers and sportsmen of all ages.

The show promises to be the biggest, with over 700 fishing, hunting and outdoor recreation-related companies showing and selling newly released products and services. All features and seminars at the Pacific Northwest Sportsmen’s Show are free with admission to the show.

LUNAR NEW YEAR AT LAN SU CHINESE GARDENS
Welcome the Year of the Dragon at Portland's most iconic Lunar New Year celebration experience — Lantern Viewing Evenings at Lan Su. From February 7 – March 2, witness the garden aglow with hanging red lanterns, illuminating sweeping rooflines while Lake Zither reflects the lights of large-scale floating lantern sculptures.

This year, Lan Su presents two unique experiences, inviting guests to tailor their Lantern Viewing celebration. Would you prefer enjoying the festivities of the Chinese dragon dance procession, or being among the first to explore the aroma and culture of tea at the newly opened Lan Su teahouse?

BLACK HISTORY FESTIVAL NW
For the past eighteen years, World Stage Theatre has been educating communities about the rich tapestry of the African Diaspora through the arts. As the innovators of Black History Festival NW, the organization is elated about this year’s theme. From the Harlem Renaissance to the Black Arts Movement to Hip Hop and Afrofuturism, African Americans have been using art as a way to not only tell stories but use their platform to uplift the culture, shine a light on and challenge environmental issues. Artists have been instrumental in bridging gaps and bringing about change to make the world a better place.

PORTLAND VALENTANGO
Portland’s legendary dance event, ValenTango, is North America’s largest and longest-running tango festival. Enjoy a friendly community, great teachers, live DJs, professionally-taught classes, thrilling milongas, a fun ambiance and ample opportunities to dance and learn. Best of all, it's open to dancers of all abilities and for a great price.

HO'IKE
Celebrate Hawaiian culture at the annual Ho'ike show, featuring traditional Polynesian dancing, accompanied by live music from a halau band. Enjoy Lu'au: Ohana (family) style dining and a silent auction with items donated by local businesses and sponsors.

BIAMP PORTLAND JAZZ FESTIVAL
The Biamp Portland Jazz Festival (from the local music organization PDX Jazz), includes artists spanning the full breadth of jazz. Artists who are driving the evolution of jazz figure prominently alongside NEA Jazz Masters and Grammy Award Winners.

Dedicated to preserving America’s indigenous art form by presenting internationally recognized jazz masters alongside local musicians, this annual festival usually includes education and outreach programs extending into Portland’s schools and neighborhoods and a generous offering of free performances, film and jazz conversations.

OREGON CRAFT BEER MONTH
February is Oregon Craft Beer Month, a month-long focus on Oregon craft breweries, highlighting events, beer releases, and more. Why February? It tends to be one of the slowest sales and tourist months of the year. The goal is to help encourage folks to visit and support Oregon craft breweries across the state.

PAINTED HILLS - ONE OF OREGON'S SEVEN WONDERS
Oregon’s Painted Hills are truly unique among natural wonders and a must-see sight. When you visit John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, this unit will undoubtedly be the highlight. Oregon’s Painted Hills are considered one of the Seven Wonders of Oregon. And they totally are. Visiting the Painted Hills really is a treat and it’s perfect for nearly any sort of traveler. We’re going to share with you why we love the area, best hikes, and how and when to visit the Painted Hills.

Some might consider it Central Oregon and some might call it Eastern Oregon, but Oregon’s Painted Hills are located somewhere between the two. One of the three major units of John Day Fossil Beds National Monument the Painted Hills is a combination rolling landscape and jagged canyons. The canyons are what lead to the hills themselves, but half of the splendor and fun of exploring the area is the diversity of the geology and sites.

WYRD LEATHERWORKS AND MEADERY
Set in the basement of a vintage Portland building in the Woodstock neighborhood, is a medieval fantasy-themed mead hall. Made with local honey in their subterranean space, expect to find LARPers and fans of cosplay kicking around this distinctive bar.

HIKE - HECETA HEAD
In 1775, the Basque sea captain Bruno de Heceta sailed up the Oregon coast and in a remarkable coincidence, discovered Heceta Head. Unlike the many tourists that visit Heceta Head in our time, he probably didn't stop to snap an iconic photograph of Heceta Head Lighthouse. On February 3rd, we will make our own voyage of discovery by hiking the 6 mile loop up and over Heceta Head.

Map of hike:
https://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/1997531498
Driving Directions:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/R2amc1JNcJ9Wt41j8

USS IMPROVISE
The Funhouse Lounge boldly brings you The Next Generation in comedy. This fan-favorite show returns this January for live, unscripted “episodes” of Star Trek, the Next Generation. Get ready to see all your favorite Next Gen characters like you’ve never seen before, along with fully improvised songs. Join us as we boldly and melodically improvise our way through the final frontier… Engage.

PORTLAND OPERA PRESENTS ENCHANTED WOODS: SHAKESPEARE AND SONG 
Enter Shakespeare’s forest: a place of magic, love and transformation. Here, to honor Shakespeare’s first folio, be immersed in an evening of story and song inspired by 20th-century adaptations of his enduring works. Through sweet melody and poignant poetry, celebrate the natural magic of the bard — to honor that which is still enchanting four hundred years later.

Enjoy a picnic and toast to the magic of Shakespeare. This immersive experience will include cabaret-style seating, libations, and savory and sweet treats. Soak in beautiful melodic and tonal music, including works by Benjamin Britten, Betty Jackson King, and other celebrated composers, as we travel through As You Like It, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, The Tempest, and more.

STUDIO GHIBLI FILM FESTIVAL
This year’s festival includes daily screenings, special guest speakers, and an Opening Night celebration focused on the 40th anniversary of Hayao Miyazaki’s Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind. Watch all your favorites, from My Neighbor Totoro to Kiki’s Delivery Service, all on the largest movie screen in Portland. Select screenings will feature introductions by experts on Miyazaki’s work from Portland State University and Pacific University.

MASTERPIECES IN MINIATURE: THE ART OF NETSUKE SCULPTURES
Portland Japanese Garden is delighted to present its final new art exhibition of 2023, Masterpieces in Miniature: The Art of Netsuke Sculptures. Once immensely popular across Japan, netsuke (pronounced nets-keh) were miniature sculptures that also served a purpose as personal fashion accessories, helping overcome the lack of pockets in traditional men’s clothing by helping hang small items from a kimono sash. What started as simple accessories evolved into beautiful and complicated sculptures created in a variety of exquisite materials over a span of more than two hundred years during Japan’s Edo period (1603-1868).

PORTLAND WINTERHAWKS
Come cheer on the Winterhawks, Portland's junior ice hockey team and three-time WHL champs. Winterhawks games are a great night out for fans of all ages, whether you want to sit right by the glass or a little higher up for a full-ice view.

HOLLYWOOD FARMERS MARKETS
Year-round on Saturdays, the Hollywood Farmers Markets hosts 50+ vendors, bringing you the best of the region’s agricultural bounty. In addition to amazingly fresh, local food,  you’ll find live music, children’s activities, and fun events throughout the season.

• April through September, every Saturday 8 AM to 1 PM,
• October and November, every Saturday 9 AM to 1 PM,, and
• December through March: 9 AM to 1PM on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays of each month

Home Handyman Hints

Maintaining a home is crucial for its longevity and value. As a realtor, here is a home maintenance task that homeowners should consider during this time of the year:

Checking attic insulation and ventilation is important for maintaining energy efficiency and preventing moisture-related issues in your home. Here are the steps to check attic insulation and ventilation:

Materials and Tools:

• Flashlight
• Tape measure
• PPE (personal protective equipment) such as gloves and a mask
• Ruler or straight edge
• Insulation (if additional insulation is needed)
• Ventilation baffles (if improving ventilation)

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Safety Precautions:

   • Put on your PPE, including gloves and a mask, to protect yourself from insulation fibers and dust.

2. Access the Attic:

   • Locate the attic access point in your home (usually in a closet, hallway, or garage) and use a ladder to access the attic.

3. Assess Insulation Levels:

   • Use a flashlight to inspect the insulation levels in your attic. Measure the depth of the insulation using a ruler or tape measure.
   • Check if the insulation is evenly distributed and if there are any gaps or thin spots. Insulation should be level with or above the floor joists.

4. Check for Signs of Moisture:

   • Look for signs of moisture or water damage, such as mold, mildew, or water stains on the insulation or attic surfaces.
   • Check for proper ventilation. Ensure that soffit vents are not blocked and that there is adequate airflow in the attic.

5. Evaluate Ventilation:

   • Check the attic vents to ensure they are not blocked by insulation or other debris.
   • Consider installing additional vents or ventilation baffles to improve airflow if necessary.

6. Make Improvements:

   • If the insulation levels are below the recommended R-value for your area (usually R-38 to R-60 for attics in the Portland, OR area), consider adding more insulation.
   • Install ventilation baffles to ensure proper airflow from the soffit vents to the attic.

7. Seal Air Leaks:

   • Inspect the attic for any air leaks, such as gaps around plumbing vents, electrical wires, or recessed lights. Seal these leaks with spray foam insulation or caulk.

8. Monitor Regularly:

   • Check your attic insulation and ventilation at least once a year to ensure they are in good condition and performing effectively.

9. Professional Inspection:

   • Consider hiring a professional insulation contractor or home energy auditor to assess your attic insulation and ventilation and recommend improvements if needed.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your attic insulation and ventilation are properly installed and maintained, helping to improve energy efficiency and prevent moisture-related issues in your home. Always document your improvements  with associated dates. And if you need any professional help, you can always reach out to us here and we would be happy to refer a vetted professional!