🌱 Lampposts Removed From Portland Parks + Local Postal Workers Rally

Good morning, friends. I'm here right on time with your Thursday edition of the Portland Patch newsletter. Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about what's going on locally.

But first, today's weather:

Cold with periods of sun. High: 34 Low: 21.

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Here are the top three stories today in Portland:

1. It's "lights out" at several Portland parks. This week, city workers will begin removing hundreds of lampposts from Sellwood, Mt. Tabor, and 10 other parks. The reason: officials said these lampposts “could pose life and safety hazards to the public.” Effective immediately, all of the impacted parks will now close at 10 p.m. (OregonLive)
2. Portland-area postal workers are rallying for better conditions and pay. Last week, Portland postal workers received a $3 increase in pay — from $19 to $22 per hour — but postal workers in the metro area suburbs did not receive the increase. This comes on the heels of the National Association of Letter Carriers' ongoing contract negotiations. Notably, postal worker unions are not allowed to organize strikes by law; however, rallies and petitions to Congress could be in the immediate future, according to Jamie Partridge, an organizer with Communities and Postal Workers United. (Oregon Public Broadcasting)
3. Portland celebrated Mardi Gras in style. On Tuesday night, the annual Portland parade down North Mississippi Avenue was hosted by Mysti Krewe of Nimbus and featured jugglers, dancers, marching bands, and bead-tossing partiers. This free family event invited attendees to dress up and even had a kids' costume contest. (KATU)

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Today in and around Portland:

• Swipe Right On A Book at Tigard Public Library (All Day)
• College Night at Native American Youth And Family Center (3:30 PM)
• Geeks Who Drink Trivia Night at Hopworks Urban Brewery (7:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• The Portland Farmers Market can connect your business with thousands of consumers. Through at-market activations, special events, signage & our robust digital media presence, sponsoring the Portland Farmers Markets can provide maximum visibility and interaction with local shoppers and tourists! (Portland Farmers Market via Facebook)
• The annual Bricks Cascade is coming to Portland again this year. From May 13 to 14, one of the Pacific Northwest’s biggest and best LEGO fan expos will take over the Oregon Convention Center. (Travel Portland via Instagram)
• The Grant Writing: Keys to a Successful Foundation Proposal series is back by popular demand. The Nonprofit Association Oregon is excited to offer this four-part grant writing series that offers hands-on, actionable advice and workshopping. (Nonprofit Association Oregon via Instagram)

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That's it for today! I'll see you around.

— Michelle Paul

About me: Michelle Paul is a Utah-based writer and photographer with a professional background in content management and registered nursing. When not working on projects ranging from photo editing to copywriting, they enjoy traveling, video games, and expanding their skills.