As Thanksgiving approaches, the smell of pumpkin spice and the feeling of gratitude fill the air. Whether you’re staying local for the break or just looking for ways to celebrate, there are plenty of activities around town to enjoy the season. From festive gatherings to volunteer opportunities, Thanksgiving is about connection, reflection, and giving back. COMMUNITY EVENTS AND FESTIVALS The Gresham area hosts several events to capture the holiday spirit. The 2025 Celebration

Hello!, I’m the writer behind the “Frugal Living” column for The Advocate. I share practical money tips, budget-friendly hacks, and everyday strategies to help students stretch their dollars and still enjoy life.

Marisa Engelhard’s journey with The Advocate is a wonderful reminder that sometimes, getting lost leads you exactly where you’re meant to be. About three years ago, while taking a film photography class at MHCC, Marisa needed to rent a tripod for an assignment. She was searching for the equipment room where Integrated Media students borrow gear but accidentally entered the Advocate office during the staff’s first meeting of the term. A photographer was needed and she decided

Midterms, money issues, shorter days, rainy weather, and complex family dynamics – this time of year can be difficult for students even under the best circumstances. But this fall, the weight of it feels heavier. Government shutdowns, SNAP benefits on hold, military deployments, rising community tension over increased immigration enforcement, protesting, political polarization, and global uncertainty – it’s no wonder so many of us are feeling stretched so thin. We’re on edge,

My second rule: skip the big-name brands. Most food comes from the same farms and factories anyway, so why pay more for a fancy label? The generic brands taste the same and cost way less. That’s why I stick to stores like WinCo.

Students getting food during September's Welcome Back Bash - photo by Marisa Engelhard On Sept. 24, Mt. Hood’s Student Life office hosted a small event for students new and old as a friendly celebration of the beginning of a new Fall Term. The Welcome Back Bash ran from noon to 1:30 p.m. in the Main Mall, and featured a free lunch accompanied by live music performed by Nelly’s Echo, a musician from Baltimore and previous contestant on NBC’s “The Voice.” The free lunch featur

Lockers in the basement of the Student Union - photo by Aung Pyae Lin NEW ADA LINES: The school is adding blue lines on campus, intended to help students find accessible entrances and elevators. The lines are still being added so most buildings do not yet have them, but you can still look at the display maps on campus to find accessible entrances. SOLAR POWER DOCKS: There are solar-powered picnic tables scattered across campus. These tables are made of recycled material and p

Need somewhere to bring the whole family this summer? Gresham’s Festival of Arts, Spirit of Gresham, is back this summer.

An event to welcome aliens to party with the natives, and highlight the stately Hotel Oregon in the downtown area. 

A Closer Look at Gresham's Two Farmer's Markets

Community