We’ve seen the results when this happens at homes and apartment buildings – but look at the devastation a careless act caused at a venerated local business …

Portland Fire & Rescue crews keep pouring water on material used to make industrial conveyor belts at this September 10th three-alarm blaze in inner SE Portland.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
For decades, Empire Robber & Supply, located in inner SE Portland’s industrial area (on SE Taylor and SE Water Streets), has been fabricating, installing, and servicing heavy-duty conveyor belts which move mountains of gravel and other building materials.

See how members of the Gateway Area Business Association honored public safety workers and citizens killed in the 2001 terrorist attacks …

Standing before Portland Fire & Rescue Engine 30 are Third Battalion Chief Mark Gift; Station 30 firefighters Erin Spens, David Glenn, Matt Phillips and Lt. Steve Bregman on their way to the 9/11 memorial service held at 111th Square.

Story by Watford Reed with David F. Ashton; David F. Ashton photos
Beneath a gigantic American flag, members of the Gateway Area Business Association memorialized the 3,000 men and women killed in the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.

See how, for the first time, kids in this outer East Portland neighborhood got free backpacks filled with school supplies …

Ricardo Becerril, senior project manager with LCG Pence Construction, shows all of the supplies their company stuffed into backpacks to be given to all Lent School students.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
You’ve seen stories telling how organizations have “adopted” schools, purchasing back-to-school supplies for students. But, until this year, Lent School has languished – no sponsors meant no backpacks.

See what happens when the “Shop with a Cop” program pairs Portland Police officers with needy kids …

Cha-cha the Clown makes a balloon for Matthew Cunningham, a student at Metropolitan Learning Center, here shopping with Portland Police Chief Rosie Sizer.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
The week before school started, on August 27, off-duty Portland police officers started filling in the parking lot of the Johnson Creek Fred Meyer store on S.E. 82nd Avenue of Roses, to participate in the “Shop with a Cop” annual program.

Other merchant associations could take a page from this organization’s book. See why, right here …

Event chair Debbe Hamada (formerly director of East Portland Community Center) at her store, Tilde, says she enjoys creating events that bring the community together.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
When 100 merchants, members of the recently-expanded Sellwood-Westmoreland Business Alliance, agreed to participate in this August 9 event, they hoped it would draw folks to their businesses – and indeed, everyone came out a winner.

It’s more than a car show; see why this expanded festival had folks coming from all over to enjoy a new community event …

A hundred specialty vehicles – classics, customs, hotrods, and antiques – are on display along NE Sandy Blvd. at the 2008 Parkrose Festival and Cruise-in. We thank PBA board member Terry Brier with Davey Organicare for the “lift”, allowing us to take aerial photos!

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Started years ago by members of the Parkrose Business Association (PBA), led by Gail Bash of Jackpot Corp. – the original Parkrose Cruise-in was a vehicle for the organization to raise money to fund graduating Parkrose High seniors’ scholarships.

See how the East Portland Chamber of Commerce is fulfilling its mission of providing a voice for businesspeople throughout the area …

The co-host of the Chamber’s Summer Fiesta, Vicki Mosier of CopperMoon Design, welcomes the folks coming to her studio and invites them to dig into some great Mexican food.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
One of the more social business groups, the East Portland Chamber of Commerce, held a Summer Fiesta networking event on the last day of July at the SE Portland studios of CopperMoon Design.

See what outer East Portland Action Plan committee members think about the recently-concluded process – and, what they hope it will accomplish …

Barry Manning, Portland Bureau of Planning’s East Portland Liaison, talks about the draft document that will become the “East Portland Action Plan”, at the committee’s final meeting.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Eight months after the East Portland Action Plan committee was convened by Portland Mayor Tom Potter, Multnomah County Board Chair Ted Wheeler and Speaker of the Oregon House of Representatives Jeff Merkley met to finalize the draft document, a couple of weeks ago.

Most dental patients only get a toothbrush and check-up reminder card from their provider. See why “Doctor Dave” does more – by hosting a family-style picnic …

Dr. David Carothers – his practice is in the medical office building, just north of Adventist Medical Center – serves his patients a hot BBQ lunch at Oaks Park.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
As the sun peeked out from behind the morning clouds on Sunday, July 27, a goodly-sized group gathered in a picnic area at Oaks Amusement Park.

See why this outer East Portland company has developed a worldwide reputation for making a great product – as well as repute for being a great local employer …

Tim Leatherman, the acknowledged inventor of the “Multi-tool” and founder of Leatherman Tool Group, proudly shows one of his latest tools, the CHARGE®.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Even though there’s plenty of space still available in outer East Portland along the Airport Way corridor, there are few manufacturers in this part of town.

But, thriving Leatherman Tool Group – with a worldwide reputation for making great products – observed a milestone on July 11th.

See what happened when 70 folks from the East Portland Chamber of Commerce drove, chipped, and putted their way around the golf course, as they networked …

Chamber president, Rich Sorem, presents the trophy bowl to the winners of the 2008 East Portland Chamber of Commerce Golf Tourney, “Team Gresham Ford” members Bob Avila and David Shepherd. Team members Gabe Godwin and Ian Heffeneider were not available for the photo.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
The 2008 East Portland Chamber of Commerce Golf Tourney is now in the history books – and it appeared as if all of those who participated came out winners.

If you haven’t discovered this public park in outer East Portland, learn why it’s unique in the region …

Friends of Portland Memory Garden board members LuAnn Cook, Edie Polson, Julie Brown, Patty Cassidy (president), Nancy Chapman, and Eunice Noell-Waggoner pause for this photo during their recent open house event.

Story and photo by David F. Ashton
It’s not easy to spot the Portland Memory Garden, located on the east end of Ed Benedict Park, as one drives eastbound on SE Powell Boulevard past SE 104th Avenue. But, this park is unique in the greater Portland area – both in its design and its purpose.

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