Jefferson Theater Portland

"Farmaggedon" the movie: A must see for foodies

Chaffin Farms brought Northern California foodies a rare treat tonight, as the movie "Farmaggedon" came to the El Rey in downtown Chico. At $6 it was a bargain, and surprisingly the organic popcorn being sold was economical as well, at $2.50 a bag. The temperate afternoon sunshine almost made one question an evening in a theater, but once I became acclimated to the theater's lobby, it was fairly easy to become fully engaged. Several tables were set up: petitioners lobbying for  GMO labeling , the Farm to Consumer Legal Defense Fund , another for Chaffin Family Orchards ,  and the last for the Weston A Price Foundation , a group focused on 'nutrient-dense foods." It seems that once again I was about to be enlightened about the profundity of the food world.

I visited a bit with other attendees and purchased some snacks, and as I was on my way to find a seat, was fortunate enough to run into Chris Kerston, from Chaffin Family Orchards. He promptly offered me an interview with the movie's creator, Kristin Canty, who proved to be a candid and gracious subject. As mother to a sick child, she found that raw milk cured what ailed her son, and became close to her raw milk supplier who, she was shocked to discover, was raided by the Feds for selling raw milk . She quickly found that they weren't alone, and was inspired to make this documentary, which has opened in Washington DC and played for a week, and then went to Santa Barbara and LA. Next, Kristin is taking the movie to Georgia, New York, Pennsylvania, and Portland Oregon, and Kristin hopes she will be able to make a stop in Berkeley or San Francisco, though they haven't yet found a venue on the Bay.

Our interview was really much more of a delightful discussion, as we talked about the current state of the two separate food worlds. She says that factory farms that produce Frankenfoods aren't sustainable, and that when it comes to going back to natural, biodynamic food production, "we aren't going to have a choice." We discussed the role of soil as an integral part of the system, and also the recent allegations by the EU that organic greens were the cause of an e. Coli outbreak, where It seems largely to have been forgotten that e. Coli is transmitted through cross-contamination, and is not caused by the plants themselves. They didn't "go to the root of the problem," says Ms. Canty.

Time sped on, and wrapping up our little chat, I was surprised to see the house was nearly packed. Initially I had fears of the movie "preaching to the choir," but it was a bit breathtaking to see twenty-somethings and professionals mixed in with farmers, seniors, and children. Returning to my chosen seat, I tucked in to my popcorn, and discovered that less than a quarter of the way through, I was completely satiated. It was a delight to learn that the ever-jocular sheepherder Richard Coon, from Wookey Ranch , was running the lights. It was also nice to have 'previews' that were really an introduction to the movie.

Jefferson West Apartments, 1940 « Vintage Portland

The Jefferson Theater…I’d almost forgotten about that place!

THE MORTAL STORM: a 1940 film starring Margaret Sullivan, James Stewart and Robert Young.

THOSE WERE THE DAYS: a 1940 film starring William Holden, Bonita Granville and Ezra Stone.

Originally, The Jefferson Theater was considered just another regular movie theater in town. It opened just prior to 1940 and continued well in the 50’s and 60’s. Its original address was 1129 SW Jefferson Street. Later, it became an adult theater which operated for over 30 some odd years. From what I’ve found, the original entrance was later sealed off and a new entrance created around the corner, on SW 12th Avenue, using a former exit. It closed in the summer of 2007.

I knew someone who lived in the Jefferson West at one time. They later moved because the pedestrian traffic changed a little and it was beginning to make them a bit nervous, especially coming home after working a swing shift!

The Jazz Quarry…The Hobbit…and a place called The West Bank…and THAT brings up a sudden old memory…it reminded me of Jeannie Hoffman, or Jean Hoffman Bork, whatever…her parents, Ed & Mary Bork, lived just up the street from us…I got to hear her play, all the time, back in the late 50’s and early 60’s…and I just got a chill…WOW! I also remember…her parents had a great powder blue and white, brand new ’56 Lincoln Premiere! I was always so glad when they left it out of the garage and in their driveway…I could see it, not only from my front yard but from my bedroom window as well! That’s around the time fell in love with cars!

And, hearing the name of Jeannie/Jean Hoffman, if my mind serves me correctly, that’s right around the time when I first heard the term “beatnik”!

Portland past and present, issued under the endorsement of the Portland board of trade and city government

The Julius Cahn-Gus Hill theatrical guide and moving picture directory

Portland City Guide

Searching for John Ford, A Life

The Moving picture world