ASTORIA COFFEE KLATCH
Having ditched the big T (trauma) as a topic, the Astoria Coffee Klatch spent some time on Nov. 5 in their new location, the side room of Street 14 downtown, thinking up and discussing new ideas for PUUF in the coming months. Up for discussion: how about a game night? Or a movie night? Or a book sale or swap? Several attendees have been enjoying the Thursday night Happy Hours at Winekraft on Pier 11, where from 4-5 and beyond, we’ve enjoyed a glass of fine wine and good conversation followed from 5-7 by the stylings of local musician Joey Altruda! (All are welcome!). In addition, we aired and opined upon the issues of local right-wing politics, the gun legislation on the ballot, and the ever-present challenges of racism and antisemitism, plus the dangers of Christian Nationalism.
PENINSULA COFFEE KLATCH
Hot topic at our November coffee klatch on the 12th started out as racism, and how white privilege dominates so much of American life, leaving people of color less able to succeed. But this conversation developed into deep concern about the problem the peninsula has with meth addicts, squatters in RVs and other homeless folks. The dialog moved from disgust at the problems of trash and unsightly dwellings into a consideration of how these kinds of problems develop and what the early lives of squatters and addicts and other problematic folks may have been like. It doesn’t work to just evict people from a site and/or jail them; it’s a problem that requires a shifting of police responsibility. Law enforcement in most places could use a cadre of folks expert in figuring out better solutions—how to get addicts into recovery, how to provide better childcare so that parents can work, how to meet folks’ daily needs better. Great conversation!
TILLAMOOK COUNTY COFFEE KLATCH
The three regulars met at June’s dining room table, rather than the famed June’s Garage or Patio, as we considered the issues of ageing, of losing one’s spouse, of the decisions that need to be made about relocating, downsizing, living with one’s children, the mingled grief and relief that comes with some losses in life. As usual, UU history stories appeared, particularly memories of First Unitarian in Portland and its much respected former pastor the Rev. Alan Deale. We hope Pat Deale will join us one of these months!
SOUTH COUNTY COFFEE KLATCH
Lots to talk about: the SCOTUS leaks recently, the slash pile fires that have popped up around the county, for starters, and then a wide-ranging discussion of rent increases, right to work laws and how they were related to slavery and other workers issues, the Great Resignations of teachers, health workers, and others sick of capitalism’s hold on the world’s economy, particularly “The 1619 Project” and its Capitalism chapter. We lunched in Nancy’s beautiful garden as the day was bright and sunny.
Love, Kit