Sunnyside Neighborhood Community Cares (SNACC) Committee Updates

The Sunnyside Shower Project needs volunteers! Consider contributing to your community and getting to know your housed and unhoused neighbors by attending one of our New Volunteer Orientations in August. In the session, current volunteers will give you a tour of the Sunnyside Community Center where the Sunnyside Shower Project is located. You will get an overview of the tasks required of volunteers during their two hour shifts, as well as an introduction to basic concepts of de-escalation, conflict management, and non-violent communication which are necessary skills for volunteers. The hour will end with a Q&A session as well as time to sign up for your first shower shift. 

We will meet outside at the Sunnyside Environmental School park, located on the corner of SE 35th and Yamhill at the following dates and times:

• Thursday, August 18th, 7 – 8 p.m. (following the SNA Board Meeting from 6 – 6:30 p.m. and a brief SNACC Committee Meeting from 6:30 – 7 p.m.)

• Saturday, August 20th, 1 – 2 p.m.

RSVP by emailing Emily McCadden at [email protected]. If you are unable to attend but would like more information about volunteer opportunities with the Sunnyside Shower Project, contact Hannah Wallace at [email protected]. 

Sunnyside Neighborhood: Getting to Know Your Neighbors

Q&A with Mathew Brock, Mazamas ​​Library and Historical Collections Manager

The Mazamas, formerly known as the Mazama Mountaineering Center (MMC), may be the oldest community organization in the Portland area. And, it happens to be located on the northern edge of the Sunnyside neighborhood at SE 43rd and Washington.

I sat down with Mathew in the middle of July at his office, which is next door to the beautiful and rich Mazamas Library.  I wanted to learn more about Mazamas history and programming, his work, and to ask about ways Sunnysiders can get involved in this rad organization. One thing I learned: you don’t have to be a member of the Mazamas to enter its library and peruse its vast collection of travel guidebooks that cover everything from hiking in Yosemite to where to climb in Spain. 

Continue reading our full Q&A with Mathew Brock

Critic’s Corner

Introducing a new column where we let a Sunnyside student review a book, film, local restaurant or attraction.

Efrén Divided, by Ernesto Cisneros
A Book Review By Nadia Pozos, 11-year-old Sunnyside resident
and SES student 

Most of us can’t relate to the constant threat that a family member could be taken from us. Author Ernesto Cisneros introduces us to the point of view of a school boy, Efrén, who has lived this way his entire life. Overnight Efrén is thrust into a new reality where he is taking care of his two younger siblings as his father works extra hours to pay for his mother’s return. 

Continue reading “Critic’s Corner”

Last Month’s News. This Month’s Plans.

The Sunnyside Neighborhood Association held its annual Board Elections at the June meeting and voted in three new members – Emily McCadden, Chris Waldmann, and Cole White. Congratulations to the newest members to represent and serve the Sunnyside community. 

There will not be a SNA General and Board meeting for the month of July due to organizing officer roles and preparing for the August meeting. 

I close with my complete gratitude for having had the opportunity to serve Sunnyside. My term is now complete and I will be stepping down from my role as the SNA President. There is much that I have learned through the process. I made many connections and got to see the organization develop a strong foundation. I’m excited to see the SNA continue this momentum and be the example within the city of Portland that local government does have a high impact. 

Be well and stay involved.