Hello friends and neighbors!

Happy New Year! 

First, I want to acknowledge that the start of this year may feel heavy for many. With so much uncertainty, division, and real hardship unfolding across the country, it can feel strange to carry on with the usual rhythms of emails and updates. My hope is that this space can still offer something steady and human—small reminders of community, connection, and care right here at home, even when the broader world feels overwhelming.

As we ease into January, Portland  is embracing the season with fresh energy—new beginnings, winter traditions, and plenty happening around town. In this month’s newsletter, I’m sharing a few local highlights to keep you connected to our community, along with a brief look at what’s happening in the real estate market as we head into 2026. I hope this finds you well and enjoying a safe, calm, and cozy start to the year.

If you are like me, you are feeling big feels related to all of the turmoil in our world right now. I find that getting involved and giving back always help me to feel better - through the gift of giving and the joy of connecting with other folks who are feeling the same as I am and want to do something about it.

Here are some organizations local businesses that I have personally gotten involved with or supported financially, sorted by issue:

Food Insecurity

• Hunger Fighters Oregon - Food Pantry in Lake Oswego
• Sunshine Division - Food Pantry and Holiday Meal Deliveries
• Heretic Coffee - Local SE PDX business treating folks with dignity and a hot meal.

Environment and Sustainability

• Lake Oswego Sustainability Network (LOSN) - Active non-profit working on a wide range of sustainability issues from electrification to education and beyond.
• Wild Geese Farm - Local Community Supported Agriculture!
• The Nature Conservancy - Oregon chapter of a national non-profit that I feel does important work in the realm of environmental protection and sustainability.
• Green Century Recycling - What to do with all that styrofoam and plastic that you can't put in your recycle bin? This is what!

Housing Affordability and Houselessness

• Rose Haven - Day shelter, resources, emotional support, and community connections to women, children, and marginalized genders experiencing houselessness and poverty.
• Proud Ground - Community Land Trust that enables homeownership and financial education and guidance to predominantly first-time, and often first-generation, homebuyers earning 80% or less of the area median income (AMI)

• The average cost of building a 2,100-square-foot home in the U.S. is $332,376, or $158 per square foot.
• Building the same 2,100-square-foot home varies by more than $140,000 across states.
• The average cost to build a 2,100-square-foot home is less than $300,000 in six states, all in the South: Mississippi, Arkansas, Alabama, Louisiana, North Carolina, and Florida. 
• Hawaii is the most expensive state to build, costing $431,364 for the average 2,100-square-foot home ($205 per square foot).
• Building a home (including land and building cost) is less than the median home sale price in only eight states.
  
  Want to know more? Like, how much does it cost to build a home in each state? Click through to read the article.

🎬 Studio Ghibli Film Festival @ OMSI

January 16 – March 2
A winter favorite featuring screenings of beloved Studio Ghibli films at OMSI—perfect for cozy evenings and family outings.

🎭 Fan Expo Portland
January 16 – 18
A major pop-culture convention featuring celebrity guests, panels, comics, cosplay, and immersive fandom experiences.

🎸Caught Dead Handed – Grateful Dead Tribute
January 16, January 24, February 7
RIP Bob Weir! Honor his memory with a live Grateful Dead tribute bringing classic jams and community vibes to local Portland venues—check the link for show details.

🎶 Portland Folk Festival
January 30 - 31
An annual community-centered celebration of modern folk music and art at McMenamin's Crystal Ballroom.

❄️ Mt Hood Skibowl Cosmic Tubing
January & February (weather dependent)
Experience the magic of snow tubing under the lights at Mt. Hood—an easy, fun winter adventure for all ages.

💡 Portland Winter Light Festival
February 6 – 14
A free, citywide festival showcasing illuminated art installations, interactive displays, and performances throughout downtown Portland.

🎥 Cascade Festival of African Films
February 6 – March 7
Part of Portland’s Black History Month programming, this longstanding festival presents films by African filmmakers celebrating culture and storytelling.

🧧 Lunar New Year Celebrations
February (various dates)
Community celebrations across Portland featuring lanterns, cultural performances, food, and festivities, including events at Lan Su Chinese Garden and other venues.

😂 NW Black Comedy Festival
February 16 – 22
A weeklong comedy festival highlighting Black comedians from around the country with stand-up, improv, and special showcases.

🥟 Dumpling Week
February 15 – 21
A weeklong celebration of dumplings featuring special menus, pop-ups, and creative collaborations from local chefs and restaurants.

🎨 The Art of Mark Rothko @ Portland Art Museum
February (various dates)
A major exhibition exploring Mark Rothko’s powerful use of color and form—an excellent winter museum visit.

🎹 Dueling Pianos @ Barrel Room PDX
Friday and Saturday nights thru March 28
An unforgettable evening filled with laughter, music, and interactive excitement as talented dueling pianists bring your favorite songs to life.

What are you into this month? I am always interested in hearing about fun stuff around our beloved PDX and I love a good book recommendation or song/album suggestion. 😊

As always, feel free to reach out to me anytime with questions or just to catch up. I'm here to help in any way I can! 

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