What's happening for you in Portland this week? Read here a day-by-day diary of free community events to fill your spare time. For a full calendar please click on "Read the complete article" below….

What's happening for you in Seattle this week? Read here a day-by-day diary of free community events to fill your spare time. For a full calendar please click on "Read the complete article" below….

New Site for Governor ...
Winter at the Library ...
Name Your Heroes ...
Afro-Mexico Forum ...
Caregivers' Support Groups ...

Depression Discussion ...
Infrastructure – A New Deal? ...
Women of Distinction ...
Caregiver Support Group ...

Spoken Word artist Alvin Lloyd Alexander Horn and a half dozen other poets performed Nov. 20 at the Northwest African American Museum in honor of President-elect Barack Obama's victory. Featured spoken word artists included Miz Flores, 6 Deep the Messenger, Ocho Gritos, Blaque Butterfly, Carmen Emerson, Frenchy Conde Lamont and Raquib Muied.
Photo by Susan Fried

With winter approaching and a worsening economy, the City of Seattle wants to improve awareness about a program that reduces utility bills for senior citizens, the disabled and low-income families. "Our goal is that everyone that is eligible in our service area knows about the discount program and has the opportunity to apply for it ...

Two years ago, you couldn't drive more than a mile in some parts without seeing half a dozen store fronts advertising easy, quick cash. All you had to do was pay 521 percent annual interest (APR) and the cash was yours. You had two weeks to pay it back, lest you be charged even more. Most couldn't ...

Looking for a warm, friendly place to spend Thanksgiving? Check out these places to go for a free or discounted Thanksgiving meal. Happy Thanksgiving!
Wednesday, Nov. 26: • Genesis Community Fellowship ... • Portland Rescue Mission, Burnside shelter ... • Sisters of the Road ... 
Thursday, Nov. 27: • Loaves and Fishes Centers ....

Afua N'Diaye, the producer of the annual Odunde Festival, gets a dance lesson from Okaidja Afroso of Ghana during a dance workshop Saturday at the Rainier Valley Cultural Center. The four-day festival included an African Marketplace, fashion show, dance and drumming workshops and four performances of HOMELAND, a dance musical by Kibibi Monie'.
Photo by Susan Fried

Family businesses represent 62 percent of the workforce, so it's undeniable that family business issues affect more than just the family, they affect a major sector of the US economic engine. But advice on managing the unusual set of dynamics affecting family businesses —especially during tough economic conditions—can be hard to find .…