It’s March and so Spring Break is upon us. For those of us with kids in Portland Public School system that means a week off from school at the end of the month.

So we’re going to Minneapolis. To be fair, we made plans to travel there before the invasion. And we’re technically staying in St. Paul - in a convent turned hotel my wife Susan stayed at and loved. But we’re very excited to be going. 

We have friends there. And we’re looking forward to the Walker, road tripping to a few new states, and the teens are excited for the Mall of America. 

But most of all we’re eager to spend our money there. It’s one of the things we can do right now. Shop, visit and support the people and places whose values we share.

I’ll share an update we’re back in next month’s newsletter. What else?

Gala Season is here!

I just got back from Klamath Falls where I helped raise money to fund the educational programs at the stunning Ross Ragland Theater (pictured). Who knew there was a world class 500 person theater in Klamath Falls? Well, I did, but mostly because it was my second year in a row.

I’m also looking forward to helping Parkrose School District and Buckman Elementary School with their annual fundraisers. 

And it’s not too late to the put the PICA Gala on your calendar. May 9th at the newly renovated dance pavilion at Oaks Park. And I’ll be back on the mic for the Gather: Make: Shelter fundraiser May 28th. 

I also had the pleasure of auctioning off “a few things lying around my house” for Ash Allen’s fundraiser for her upcoming solo show.  Big Feelings Baby is premiering March 27th and 28th before taking the world by storm. Or more accurately, first Ashland, then the world. 

And please get in touch if you have a Gala that needs a fundraising host, or have an event that could benefit from my auctioning off a few low key items. 

Girl Scout Cookies

Pearl is celebrating her last year of selling Girl Scout cookies.

She’s been at it for years and this summer the hard work pays off. She’s off to not one, or even two, but three incredible Girl Scout adventures.

First to New York to stay at a farm outside the City and bus in every day for Broadway shows and backstage tours. Then a trip with her troop to Alaska.

Finally she’s joining scouts from all over the world in Ghana for 10 days!

If you’d like to support her and the super awesome and inclusive Girl Scouts you can order cookies for yourself or to donate at her website. If you’re in Portland just make sure and click girl delivery so save on shipping. Thanks!

Books and Book Recommendations

Did you read Big Swiss? 

Wasn’t it wild!?! I went right out and bought Jen Beagin’s first two books after finishing it. 

If you’re haven’t and you’re up for something completely different give it a read before the HBO miniseries comes out. You know, so you can be one of those people who tells other people you already read the book when they ask you if you’ve seen the show.

The Powell’s person who sold them to me upon hearing I had read Big Swiss as well as All Fours recommended Blob and Husbands, so those will soon be on my pile as well. 

I have also recently been introduced to Claire Keegan and absolutely cherish her writing. (Though not normally a “cherish” person I say it because it feels appropriate to her writing.) And if you’ve been meaning to read Jon Raymond’s latest, God and Sex, what are you waiting for? It’s my favorite of his books so far!

Okay that it’s for this month! All best,

Andrew