Eugene Weekly : Calendar : 01.15.04

Step away from mainstream entertainment this Friday, for a rare opportunity to see a multimedia showcase of independent films and music. "Truck Stop Still Lifes," brought to WOW Hall by UO Campus Radio KWVA and Not My House Mobile Arts, showcases films by Bill Brown and Stephanie Gray and music from Casiotone for the Painfully Alone. Filmmaker Stephanie Gray opens the evening with a presentation of short Super 8 movies covering everything from lesbianism to deafness. The event is headlined with an hour-long documentary film program by Bill Brown. Brown takes a more artistic approach to documentary. His Buffalo Common explores the dismantling of nuclear missile sites in North Dakota in the context of political issues, and Confederation Park (pictured) is a travelogue of Brown's visit to Vancouver and the intense rivalry between French separatists and English-speaking Canada. We'll also see Mountain State, a history of westward expansion. Twenty-five-year-old film school dropout Owen Ashworth, a.k.a. Casiotone for the Painfully Alone, will provide a backdrop of synth-pop music for the evening. Local media artists Jesse Garlick and Marc Moscato will also contribute their artistic talents. Step out of your comfort zone and see Friday's Calendar.

How many rolls of toilet paper will it take to fill Pat Frishkoff's Honda Civic? Find out Saturday, at Frishkoff's 60th Birthday Party. Each roll of toilet paper and monetary donation will benefit Looking Glass's Evaluation and Treatment Center, an all-girls' residential treatment program. Frishkoff writes, "This party is my way of helping meet basic needs, being thankful in a public way and having fun, all at the same time. For me, it's a special, heartfelt way to welcome my elder years." Help Frishkoff usher in her 60s and contribute to a worthy cause at the ETC parking lot. See Saturday Calendar.

Zimbabwe is a country in crisis. Thirty percent of the population is HIV positive, there are one million orphans, unemployment is close to 70 percent and agriculture is failing. Amidst unimaginably difficult circumstances, young women are in a particularly vulnerable position. Eugene activist Jennifer Kyker explains, "If you're a female between 8 and 15, and you've been orphaned because of AIDS, chances are that someone is going to step in and help you… Even the government has a fund to pay school fees for orphaned kids. But if you're 17 and your parents died before foreign aid started coming in, chances are that you didn't finish high school." However, for just $250, Kyker can help one young woman finish her studies. Kyker will appear at Fool's Paradise Teahouse this week to speak on these issues and raise money for orphaned, disenfranchised Zimbabwean women. See Saturday Calendar. —Jeff Muiderman

The legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. is alive and well, and this week there will be no shortage of events celebrating the man who became a legend. Florence festivities will include a community march, music, food, art and featured speakers including Alan Siporin, all at the Florence Events Center on Saturday. Eugene and Springfield will commemorate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day on Monday, with a tribute to Dr. King and his work toward equal rights, held at the Hult Center. Springfield Middle School will also host a contest and celebration featuring kids' artwork, poetry, essays, music, speakers and much more. In addition, the UO will also host several events on campus. See this week's Calendar.

Oregon poet William Stafford is remembered not only for his rich writing, but also for his commitment to peace and honesty. Though Stafford died in 1993, his writing remains tied to imperative, universal issues. "Justice will take us millions of intricate moves," he wrote. The poet, author of more than 50 books, Lewis & Clark College professor and recipient of the National Book Award, was dubbed Oregon's Poet Laureate in 1975, and Stafford will always hold a precious place in the heart and soul of Eugene. Stafford strove for improvement every day, and he even wrote a poem on the day of his death. Tsunami Books will honor the poet with its annual birthday reading in celebration of Stafford's life and work this week, and Stafford's son, Kim Stafford, will also read from his work in Corvallis. See Saturday Calendar and Jan. 20, On the Road.