What is Metro?

How did it start?

What services does it provide?

• Managing 18,00 acres of natural areas, parks, and trails, while connecting people and the outdoors through conservation and classes
• Operating visitor venues, like the Oregon Zoo, Portland Expo Center, Oregon Convention Center, and Portland5 Center for the Arts, to sustain tourism
• Coordinating solid waste and recycling while also educating residents on how to save resources and protect our clean air and water
• Oversight on land use and development, which also involves research that supports policymakers and economic groups
• Long-term planning, including the construction of affordable housing and transportation infrastructure

• OryCon 43 - Oregon Convention for Creators | Friday, Nov. 10-Sunday, Nov. 12 | Times vary | Holiday Inn Portland-Columbia Riverfront Hotel, 909 N. Hayden Island Dr., Portland | $60-$75 | Turn your creative spark into a “Phoenix Rising” at this event featuring panels on writing, illustration, crafting, and more, plus networking opportunities with industry pros.
• The Infamous Stringdusters | Friday, Nov. 10 | 7 p.m. | Revolution Hall, 1300 SE Stark St., Ste.110, Portland | $30 | Friday night fun takes to the stage in the form of five friends who can really play bluegrass music.
• Why So Foreign, Why So Strange? | Friday, Nov. 10 | 7:30 p.m. | Brunish Theater, 1111 SW Broadway, Portland | $15 | Hear from Indo-Caribbean artist Renluka Maharaj about her family’s history and autobiographical art, and then celebrate Diwali in the lobby with DJ Anjali.

• Gobble Up | Saturday, Nov. 11 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | Alder Block, 100 SE Alder St., Portland | Free | Artisanal sauces, local spirits, pastries, food truck fare, and more are all on the menu at this PNW food show.
• ilani Holiday Crafts & Ale Fest - Saturday Session 2 | Saturday, Nov. 11 | 5 p.m. | ilani Cowlitz Ballroom, 1 Cowlitz Way, Ridgefield | $25 | Head over the river to sip dark beers and pick up holiday gifts.
• Fall Wine Release Party | Saturday, Nov. 11 | 5-9 p.m. | COOLHAND Studio, 2034 SE Sixth Ave., Portland | Free | Join experimental wine company Post Familiar for complimentary tastes of its new lineup; Machetes will also be on site to provide Mexico City street food.

• Olio Nuovo Festival | Sunday, Nov. 12-Thursday, Nov. 30 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Durant at Red Ridge Farms, 5510 NE Breyman Orchards Rd., Dayton | Free | Enjoy a tasting of freshly milled olive oil, take a tour, do some early holiday shopping, and more.

• Veterans Day (Saturday, Nov. 11, but observed by public offices today) is a federal holiday commemorating people who have served in the United States Armed Forces. Expect various related closures, and help honor our military personnel by participating in the Ruck 22 walk/food drive. (The Oregonian/Oregon Live)

• Follow the flowery fragrance to Lan Su Chinese Garden and take a whiff of the Chrysanthemum Festival, an annual tradition that celebrates the cultural significance of the multicolored blossoms with intricate arrangements. This year’s event (until Nov. 19) recognizes the 35th anniversary of the Portland-Suzhou sister city relationship. (OPB)

• Krystal Dunn is done playing soccer for the Portland Thorns. The 31-year-old midfielder spent three years with the club, helping them win the 2022 NWSL championship, but will now leave as a free agent. We’ll never forget her stoppage-time winner in last year’s semifinal. (The Oregonian/Oregon Live)

• There is no shame in taking a year off when it comes to the burden of preparing a Thanksgiving feast. If takeout sounds like a better idea, your wishbone has been granted — there are plenty of Portland restaurants serving dine-in and to-go meals on Turkey Day. (Modern Farmer + Portland Monthly)

• Ecliptic Brewing is venturing into an unknown horizon, with the announcement that the company has been sold. Details are sparse on the transaction, but the pub will operate through Saturday, Nov. 18 and then close. Brewmaster John Harris will still be involved in the brand’s beer development. (Portland Business Journal)

• The Paper Bridge, named for the Hanoi district renowned for its bún chả (noodle soup with Vietnamese meatballs), is a new restaurant that opened yesterday in Southeast Portland. Imported and made-in-house ingredients bring to life hard-to-find dishes like Lang Son-style sour pho and Vân Đình-style grilled duck. (Eater Portland)

• Do you hear the distant sound of honky-tonk? It’s probably because Alaska Airlines will start offering daily direct flights between Portland and Nashville on March 14. Passengers will be able to depart the Rose City midmorning and leave Music City midafternoon. (Portland Business Journal)

• Every year, the Oregon Zoo offers 1.5 million visitors a window to our wild world that we must all protect. With the Business Giving Circle, employer-matching gifts, sponsorships, and cause-related marketing, local organizations can do their part to support conservation efforts at home and around the globe. Find out more.

• Your new first drink of the night: ZBiotics, a probiotic engineered by PhD microbiologists to break down the byproduct of alcohol. Try it to wake up feeling refreshed tomorrow.*

• Find your district so you know when to move your car off the street, otherwise you will get a ticket ($85) and your vehicle will be towed ($206). Take those trash cans in too.
• Rake your leaves out into the street the day before your Leaf Day, and leave ample space between your pile, parked cars, and the curb (for rain runoff).
• Trim street-side trees to 11 ft of clearance for the sweepers.
• Other yard debris like branches and pine needles are prohibited.
• It never hurts to give your neighbors a friendly reminder.