Mr. Mike…
If you have ever been to Mighty Oak during school hours, Mr. Mike was most likely the one to greet you and welcome you into the building. He is the Mighty Oak Security Guard, always on watch, always patrolling making sure our students are as safe as possible. While Mr. Mike has only been in this position for a couple of years, he has been part of Love City’s family, and this community, for much longer.
Mr. Mike has lived in Portland for 62 of his 66 years, over 50 of those years living on the same block. He has lived, worked, gone to school, raised a family all in this neighborhood. He has seen the community in its highs and lows. He remembers when the neighborhood had mom and pop businesses on every corner, when everything was family oriented. He has lived in the dream that we know will one day become a reality in Portland again.
When Shawn and Inga moved to the neighborhood in 2015, the first thing they did was have a block party for their street, but more than just their street came. Hundreds of people showed up to eat, have fun, and see one another. One of the neighbors that came that day was Mr. Mike. He wanted to welcome his new neighbors to the neighborhood and enjoy some food. Then the fish fry opened up in the back of the Mackin.
I was 15 when I first started helping with the fish fry, I still remember when Mr. Mike would come in. Shawn would immediately go out and spend 20-30 minutes just sitting and talking with him. Over the years, we all got to know Mr. Mike more. A few years ago, he retired from his job. Once retired, he would come into Porkland every day, ordering lunch, and spending time hanging out and talking with Shawn and I. As he says, retirement did not suit him, and so he began looking and praying for a part time job. Around that same time, we realized our need for a security officer at Mighty Oak, so we offered him the position, and it worked out perfectly because he loves it.
It has been beautiful to see Mr. Mike become more involved with the school and getting to know more neighbors and kids in the community. As he puts it, “I prayed for a part time job and wound up with a bunch more grandkids”. You can see him outside during dismissal and arrival greeting parents and students for the day. For one Mighty Oak father in particular, offering a daily word of wisdom.
Every day Mr. Mike goes above and beyond for our community, checking all the properties at night to make sure that everything looks all right. It is a common occurrence for me to get a late night text from Mr. Mike giving me an update on properties. The love he shows and his commitment to this community is encouraging for us all. So next time Mr. Mike greets you at Mighty Oak, or you see him in line at the Fish Fry, make sure you say hey and thank him for everything he does for our neighborhood.
Ethan
Lent + Live Music!!!
Today is the first Friday of Lent!! Come grab you a fish sandwich today between 11am-7pm!! Also Stop by between 5-7pm to enjoy live music from Augie Hale!!!
If you are interested in volunteering or to find out more information about supplies needed please email: info@lovecityinc.org or call (502) 272-078.