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Contrasting Gresham’s Two Farmers Markets
A Closer Look at Gresham’s Two Farmer’s Markets As the aura of summer fills the air, Gresham welcomes back one of its most cherished seasonal experiences – the farmers’ markets. These community events offer fresh produce and handcrafted goods that reflect the values and culture of the neighborhoods they serve. The Farmer’s Market at Mt. Hood Community College and the Original Gresham Farmers’ Market stand out in our area. Both of the markets offer a unique approach to communi
advocate19
Jun 6, 20253 min read


UFO Fest: The Aliens are Here (And They are Us.)
The McMenamins hospitality chain found out about an event that happened in the 1950s near McMinnville, about 90 minutes’ drive southwest of Gresham, and created an event to welcome aliens to party with the natives, and highlight the stately Hotel Oregon in the downtown area. The inspirational incident, according to the site at ufofest.com, occurred around 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 11, 1950, when Evelyn Trent, who lived near McMinnville, went outside to tend to her animals a
advocate19
Jun 6, 20252 min read
Funding for Student Support Program: TRIO at Risk
The TRIO program was established by the federal government as part of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to help students from disadvantaged backgrounds pursue and succeed in higher education. Originally launched with three programs – Upward Bound, Talent Search, and Student Support Services – TRIO was created in response to President Lyndon B. Johnson’s War on Poverty. It aimed to provide academic support, college access, and retention services for low-income, first-generation
advocate19
Jun 6, 20253 min read
Reflecting on Middle College – What High School Would Never Have Taught Me
As my time in the Middle College program at Mt. Hood comes to an end, I’ve been thinking about everything these past two years have taught me – not just academically, but personally. I started this journey unsure of what I could handle, surrounded by doubt (including my own), and somehow ended up with not only a degree but an entirely new perspective on who I am and what I’m capable of. These weren’t just school years; they were life years, full of long nights, hard choices,
advocate19
Jun 6, 20253 min read
COLUMN: One-Sided Friendships
“How do I deal with a one-sided friendship without feeling guilty?” I’ve noticed that a friend only reaches out when they need something – help, advice, or support –but when I need the same, they ignore me or act distant. It’s starting to feel very one-sided, and I’m questioning whether I did something wrong or if they just don’t value me the same way. I don’t want to be petty or rude, but I also don’t want to keep giving my time and energy to someone who doesn’t reciprocate.
advocate19
Jun 6, 20252 min read
Upcoming Arts Festival in July: The Spirit of Gresham
By: Nicholas Edwards The Advocate Need somewhere to bring the whole family this summer? Maybe you’re stuck at home with your in-laws? Gresham’s Festival of Arts, Spirit of Gresham, is back for this summer, promising to be the city’s biggest celebration of local creativity and community spirit. And your support could make all the difference. Where is it? Held in the heart of downtown Gresham at the Gresham Arts Plaza (401 NE Second St.), the event spans two days, filled with f
advocate19
Jun 6, 20252 min read
Oregon State Representatives Hudson and Ruiz on Potential Federal Budget Cuts at MHCC Forum
On May 16, state Reps. Zach Hudson and Ricki Ruiz, Democrats who represent House districts 49 and 50 in the Oregon Legislature in Salem, participated in a forum in the MHCC Visual Art Gallery Theatre. Just days before the May 20 special election that decided the fate of MHCC’s proposed $136 million bond measure, the two discussed federal and state budget concerns and other pressing issues during the session. The forum was moderated by The Advocate’s S. Cousins and Christopher
advocate19
Jun 6, 20255 min read


After 51 Years, MHCC Passes a Bond!
MHCC President Lisa Skari (left) and MHCC Board Chair Diane McKeel (right) at a May 21 Board of Education meeting after the bond passed. After initial results of the proposed $136 million Mt. Hood Community College bond measure were posted the evening of May 20, election day, showing it lagging in support, the next vote updates showed it gaining support as additional mail ballots were counted. Now, from a narrow lead of just 11 votes on May 21, the winning margin has increase
advocate19
Jun 6, 20253 min read


Rethinking “Drop, cover, Hold”
The year a building was completed largely determines the occupant’s safety during the next big earthquake, and MHCC finished building its...
Brandonn Catabay
Jun 5, 20254 min read


One-Sided Friendships
How do I deal with a one-sided friendship without feeling guilty?
Mary Nashed
Jun 5, 20252 min read


Enjoy the Spirit of Gresham
Need somewhere to bring the whole family this summer? Gresham’s Festival of Arts, Spirit of Gresham, is back this summer.
S. Cousins
Jun 5, 20252 min read


Student Support at MHCC In Danger
President Trump’s fiscal year 2026 budget proposal includes the complete elimination of all federal TRIO programs, which have supported low-income, first-generation, and disabled students for over 60 years.
Ken Perez
Jun 5, 20253 min read


Oregon Representative Hudson And Ruiz Speak at Forum
Major topics of discussion included funding for community colleges, potential cuts to federal programs including the Head Start program...
Leo Fontneau
Jun 5, 20255 min read


UFO Fest
An event to welcome aliens to party with the natives, and highlight the stately Hotel Oregon in the downtown area.
S. Cousins
Jun 5, 20252 min read


Fresh Finds and Community
A Closer Look at Gresham's Two Farmer's Markets
Christian Ilechukwu
Jun 5, 20253 min read


NWAC Track & Field Championships
On May 19-20, Mt. Hood Community College served as the host site for the 2025 Northwest Athletic Conference (NWAC) Track & Field Championships. The event brought together top collegiate athletes from across the region for two days of intense competition. While I was not able to photograph every Mount Hood athlete in action, I was fortunate to capture moments from a few standout performers and highlight their achievements through the images below. In the women’s discus throw,
Catherine Green
Jun 5, 20251 min read


After 51 Years MHCC Passes a Bond!
After initial results of the proposed $136 million Mt. Hood Community College bond measure were posted the evening of May 20, election day, showing it lagging in support, the next vote updates showed it gaining support as additional mail ballots were counted. Now, from a narrow lead of just 11 votes on May 21, the winning margin has increased to 144 votes, as of June 3. After six failed attempts over the years, MHCC finds itself on track to pass its first bond measure since N
Leo Fontneau
Jun 5, 20253 min read


Learning More Than A Syllabus
As my time in the Middle College program at Mt. Hood comes to an end, I’ve been thinking about everything these past two years have taught me...
Mary Nashed
May 23, 20253 min read


MHCC Softball Dethroned
Last year, the Mt. Hood Community College softball team had an incredible championship season. I’ll admit – I knew nothing about softball at the time. But when I heard the Saints had a shot at another title run this year, I knew I had to be there to see it for myself. Photo by Ken Perez On the first day of the Northwest Athletic Conference (NWAC) championship tournament – played in north Portland’s Delta Park – I was hooked. The energy coming from the Saints’ dugout was elect
Ken Perez
May 23, 20252 min read


MHCC Fails to Communicate
Sometimes things happen in ugly ways, and you must have some uncomfortable conversations for there to be some sort of resolution.
Ken Perez
May 23, 20253 min read
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