—by Roger Anthony

November is a big month of AC Portland, with two open-to-the-public-but-especially-to-the-Timbers-Army events on the schedule.

To refresh memories, AC Portland is an after-school program from grade-school kids ranging from Grades 3-8. Kids take part in two-sets of school curricula focused on literacy, health and nutrition – and supplement that with some small-scale recreational soccer. The project was launched this summer with a fund-raising and awareness campaign powered by the TA, the 107ist and Operation Pitch Invasion, as well as a field-construction project at James John Elementary School in North Portland.

So far, 400 kids and seven schools have taken part in AC Portland activities, not to mention several Timbers Army volunteers who’ve stepped up to help coach the kids.

Over the next week, you’ll have to chances to see the payoffs from all that hard work:

On Tuesday, Nov. 15, there will be a dedication and celebration of the new artificial turf mini-field at James John. (Turf better than Seattle’s!) Ceremonies will begin at 3:45 p.m. and continue for about 45 minutes to an hour. James John is located at 7439 N Charleston Ave., a short stroll from the St. Johns Bridge or the McMenamins St. Johns Pub, depending on your points of reference.

On Thursday, Nov. 17, you can see some of the kids in the program compete on an entirely different playing field. Starting at 6:30, the kids of AC Portland will be raising their voices as part of the Get Loud! Poetry Slam. Winners could qualify to take part in the America Scores National Poetry Slam to be held at the fabled Apollo Theater in New York City.

Admission is free, and because the Slam is being held in the Benson High auditorium, plenty of good seats will be available. Benson is located at 546 NE 12th Ave.; the Slam will last until about 8:30.