If you’re running low on juice, steer your electric vehicle – including electric bike – over to OMSI, and get a fill-up from this new, unique charging station. Did we say unique? Yep! It’s powered by the sun …

Representatives of government and industry gather near the new “solar canopy” charging station constructed in OMSI’s south parking lot.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
If Portland is to become an electric-vehicle Mecca by 2020, as Mayor Sam Adams predicts, there’d better be a lot more places to charge up these vehicles’ batteries – like the new one just installed at the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI).

The new “solar canopy” charging station was dedicated in the museum’s south parking lot on at high noon on July 30 – but just now is coming into service.

“This station will service electric cars, e-bikes, and most portable personal electronic devices,” said OMSI spokesman Lee Dawson. “This marks the first ‘solar canopy’ installation to be used to charge electric vehicles in North America.”

Multnomah County Chair Jeff Cogan says that solar-powered charging stations, like the one being dedicated, is a solution to “global warming”.

County chair talks up renewable power
Multnomah County Chair Jeff Cogan was all smiles, as he stood in the shade of the huge south-sloping canopy containing thousands of high-efficiency, double-sided solar cells.

“When we’re having tough times, it’s good to celebrate good news,” Cogan began.  “Today, at this event, this is big news, this is good news, and we’re really celebrating!

“Our community and our country have been struggling through the worst economy since the 1930s. Our species, and our planet, through global warming, are currently facing the biggest challenge to our survival that we have ever had,” Cogan went on. “Today, with this charging station, we offer a big part of the solution to both of these challenges.”

Cued up in the shade of the solar canopy, dignitaries await their turn to speak.

During the last year, the County Chair stated, he’s been involved with the Governor’s workgroup, with the aim of making Oregon a leader in electrically-powered vehicles. “I have learned that electric vehicles are a huge part of our solution to global warming – no matter what the source of power is.

“And, when the source of power is renewable power – like this glorious Oregon sunshine – the ‘win’ for the environment is monumental. The result is obvious; and it is not just a win for the environment, it is also a win for Oregon’s economy.”

This charging station, Cogan pointed out, was designed and constructed by Portland-based InSpec Group, using Sanyo solar cells which were manufactured in Salem, 45 miles away.

Saying he arrived from Japan just to attend the dedication, Mitsuru Homma, Executive Vice President of SANYO Electric Co., Ltd., praises the cooperative project.

Travels from Japan for dedication
“We are happy to present this Solar Canopy project,” Mitsuru Homma, Executive Vice President of SANYO Electric Co., Ltd., told the group gathered. “We hope that this will become a symbol for cooperation, and a noted landmark.”

The charging station is powered by 42 of Sanyo’s most powerful solar panels, explained Homma. “These are unique two-sided panels that can absorb light from both sides of the panel. The system can generate 19.1 Watts on a ‘standard’ day.”

These special solar cell panels generate electricity from both direct sun exposure, and from reflected light from below.

Steve Cox, chairman of OMSI’s Board of Trustees, takes a spin on the battery-powered, motor-assisted bicycles which Sanyo donated to the local museum.

Following his remarks, Homma presented three $2,200 Sanyo “Eneloop” battery- powered bicycles to OMSI. He said the company was donating the motor-assist hybrid bikes because of Portland’s reputation for being the most bicycle-friendly city in the nation.

The project is a joint venture of Sanyo North America Corporation, InSpec Group , and Portland General Electric, as well as the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry.

Sanyo’s Aaron Fowles shows a Bicycle Charging Locker, in which bike riders can stow their gear – and also charge up their two-wheeler – for 50-cents per use.

© 2010 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

Here’s a good reason to travel west of the Willamette River! Go support the Metro Dancers at their repertory concert, Under the Summer Sky, on August 1 …

Members of The Metro Dancers work on a number – “The Tambourine Dance” from Les Ruses d’Amour – for their upcoming repertory concert, in the theater studio at Portland Metro Performing Arts’ new home on SE Stark Street.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Looking for great free entertainment on Sunday evening, August 1?

Pack a blanket and picnic dinner, and enjoy an excellent dance and music program set against the backdrop of the evening City skyline, scheduled to start at 6:30 p.m.

“We’re inviting everyone to see ‘Under the Summer Sky’, that showcases the talents of Metro Dancers and other local dancers, performing dance works by gifted local and nationally known choreographers,” exclaimed Nancy Yeamans, director of Portland Metro Performing Arts and artistic director of Metro Dancers, when we visited in their new building.

Metro Dancers Emelie Larison and Violet Lane-Ruckman rehearse.

“This repertory concert features a wide variety of different dance styles and engaging choreography,” Yeamans continued. “You’ll see classical pieces, cutting-edge and even hip-hop performances.”

Yeamans reminded us that the “Metro Dancers” was formed in 1977 to create an avenue for gifted advanced dancers to perform traditional full-length ballets – as well as modern, jazz, character and contemporary ballet pieces.

The dance troupe go over their choreography, perfecting the dance number

Classes resume on September 11
Portland Metro Performing Arts – now in their new building in Montavilla, at 9003 SE Stark Street – offers dance, music, and arts classes for individuals who are “still in the womb to senior citizens,” as Yeamans put it.

And, their building is always abuzz with activity because groups like the An Daire Irish Dance Academy, McKinney Highland Dance group, Skylark Tappers, and other dance schools share their studios.

Seasonal favorite shows such as “Hot Flashes”, Dance Mosiac”, and “Reliving Radio Theater” all return this fall, Yeamans said.

To learn more about Portland Metro Performing Arts, the classes offered and the upcoming shows, call (503) 408-0604, or see their website: CLICK HERE.

© 2010 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

In her own words …Discover how Barbara Rommel feels about her retirement, learn about her career, and hear about the changes she’s seen – both to education, and to outer East Portland neighborhoods, during her career …

Just days before she leaves her office for the last time, Superintendent Barbara Rommel of David Douglas Schools packs up mementos of her professional career.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
With the first of July came a change in leadership in the David Douglas School District, as Superintendent Barbara Rommel stepped down, and Superintendent Don Grotting took the reins.

> To learn more about Superintendent Don Grotting, in our article that introduced him to our community: CLICK HERE.

Rommel was in the process of packing up her belongings when she sat to talk with us about her career in education. Here, we present her observations and thoughts – in her own words.

“You seem happy about retirement,” we observed.

“I’ve had a long career,” Rommel said with a smile, “and, I’m looking forward to the benefits of retirement.”

Starts in the classroom
“I began my career teaching third grade in Eugene. I did that for a year while my husband finished up his degree in architecture. Then, I moved back to our hometown of Portland. I felt lucky to be hired by the David Douglas School District.

“I began here by teaching in first grade at North Powellhurst Elementary School where Tony Palermini was the principal. I taught in the classroom for seven years.

“Then, I became the district’s Reading Specialist.  I helped teachers with their reading programs. After that, I became the district’s Staff Development Specialist, and helped plan classes for teachers. The next step was running the ‘resource room’ that we called the Staff Workcenter.”

Gains well-rounded administration experience
By that time, Dr. Anthony “Tony” Palermini had become superintendent of schools, Rommel continued.

“As Special Projects Director, I did grant writing, communication programs, and special activities and projects.

“When Ron Russell became superintendent, I became the District School Improvement Coordinator, and then worked in Human Resources. I was then selected as the Superintendent-elect, and did that for a year, ultimately becoming superintendent in 1998.”

Stayed on, to complete goals
“I certainly could have retired earlier than I did, but my plan was to retire this year,” Rommel continued. “One main reason was, when I became superintendent, I thought that was really important to follow one class through their entire 12 years at David Douglas schools.

“When I was superintendent-elect, the Class of 2010 were kindergartners; and when I became superintendent they were first-graders.

“It was my pleasure to make their graduation speech on June 9, 2010. I think that’s a good culmination of my time and superintendent – to be able to have one group of students that we followed all the way through their school career. In the field of education, it takes a long amount of time for a student to really reap all the benefits from various programs that have been put in place in the school district.”

Appreciates long-term perspective
“When you’re in the classroom as a teacher, you’re dealing with the particular expectations you would have for the students, aged that grade level. It does help to see those students mature and blossom.

“And, hopefully, to achieve the ultimate results you want for them, which is to become a gainfully employed, contributing member of society. Sometimes you don’t know that for quite a few years. That is one of the benefits of being an educator – to make that kind of a difference in people’s lives.”

Notes changes in school, demographics and technology
“One of the major changes is the growth in this area, and the increase in the number of students attending our school district. It’s been amazing.

“This reflects the growth of population in our area. Families are moving here, I believe, because housing in this area is some of the most affordable in the metropolitan area.

“Another big change has been the increase in the number of families who have newly immigrated to our country, and chosen to live in this area. About a quarter of our student population is from families who are newly immigrated and need ‘English as a Second Language’ assistance. That’s been a big change.

“Certainly, changes in technology have been substantial. When I first started teaching, we had tape recorders and earphones – that was considered advanced technology. When we needed copies, we did them on a hand-cranked Ditto machine. Now, all the teachers have computers, and have projectors, so they can put data up on the screen for students. Photocopies are easily made, or copies can be printed off your computer. The Internet has certainly provided access to information that was not available in my earlier years.”

Sees Special Education students mainstreamed
“Another thing: When I started teaching, students that had severe special education needs were educated through other private entities, not in public schools. The law changed, and now students who have special needs are in the mix with their peers.

“I think this is been an excellent change. It has enriched not only the experience for the special needs students, but also for the experiences for other students who need to learn about the variety of human abilities, and who gain the compassion one needs to live in the world.”

Incoming David Douglas Schools Superintendent Don Grotting works with Barbara Rommel to make a smooth transition of leadership.

Advice for Superintendent Grotting
Asked what advice she might have for incoming David Douglas Schools Superintendent Don Grotting, Rommel smiled, looked down and gently shook her head.

“I don’t really think he needs much advice. Don comes with a wide variety of skills and experiences. The fact that he’s already been an experienced school superintendent of a system in Oregon, will help him hit the ground running without much difficulty at all.”

Pressed for a specific answer, Rommel replied, “Try to laugh a little every day. Secondly, most of the things you worry about turn out not to be a problem; try to keep your worrying to a minimum.”

Outlines future plans
“So now, are you going to Disneyland?” we couldn’t help but ask.

“I am!  We’re taking our grandchildren and our children on a Walt Disney World experience in Orlando, Florida. I’m really looking forward to this, even though some people might think that going to Disney World with five grandchildren under seven years of age might not be the most fun – but I’m really looking forward to it.”

Her final words, as Superintendent
“The children here have the opportunity to learn a lot of things, and have gone on to be productive members of society. I’ve enjoyed really working with them to make sure that that happens.

“The staff at David Douglas is – well, phenomenal. They’re dedicated to making sure that every child achieves their potential. They try to work with their children in a variety of ways to make sure that they get the kinds of opportunities they need to go on and do great things. I am excited that I’ve had this opportunity.

“We talk of David Douglas as being a family, and I certainly think our people are not here just because it brings a paycheck, but because they want to work with other people who have similar goals and want to make a difference.

“I think that the David Douglas community is a good place to learn, a great place to work, and a great place to live. It takes a lot of people, working hard, to make that true. We offer our students such a wide variety of opportunities, and I’m really proud we’re able to do just that.

“It has certainly been my pleasure to be part of the David Douglas community for all these years.”

© 2010 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

Meet a talented singer – and learn more about this fascinating program, now in its fourth year …

2010 Portland Teen Idol finalists mingle with friends, during intermission at the Parkrose High School Theater.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
The grand finale for “2010 Portland Teen Idol”, a program of Portland Parks & Recreation, took place onstage at the Parkrose High School Theater on Thursday, July 1.

Madalyn Bach, director of the Portland Teen Idol program, told us backstage during intermission that this competition, now in its fourth year, began its preliminary city-wide rounds in February.

Audience members enthusiastically cheer on their favorite Portland Teen Idol.

Portland Teen Idol judges Loomis Hendrix and Loretta Stites listen intently, as contestants perform.

The finals included a ballad and an upbeat song performed by each finalist, as well as performances by judges Loretta Stites and Loomis Hendrix.

“We started off with about a hundred kids,” Bach said, “and we ended up with 12 finalists.”

The best thing about the program, Bach smiled, was encouraging music education for Portland’s young people. “Another thing is watching them, as they form a sense of community and camaraderie with one another. It’s great to see them backstage, supporting one another, and learning and growing using music as a common language. This is really amazing.”

Portland Teen Idol finalists gather on stage, as the judges get ready to announce the winners.

But, it wasn’t all over for the 12 finalists when the winner was selected, Bach said.

“They’ll go on performing at the Portland Parks & Recreation Concerts in the Park series,” Bach noted. “We offer our finalists workshops and professional mentorship – from myself, and some of the professionals who work with them.”

The Portland Teen Idol finalist from Parkrose High, Alexandria Hall, sings Mariah Carey’s “Vision of Love” during the competition.

Parkrose gal places in competition
Parkrose High student Alexandria Hall was named the fourth runner up in this year’s competition.

“I will be a senior next year,” Hall told us. “I’ve sung with the Debonairs, Treble Choir, and A Cappella Choir. Ms. [Lesley] Bossert has really helped me improve my singing; most definitely!”

About the competition, Hall said, “It gives me a really, really fulfilling kind of feeling. All of these competitors are so great. They’re so full of support, and these are just such amazing people to be around. I love it. I do look forward to performing with them during the summer.”

Madalyn Bach, director of the Portland Teen Idol competition, stands with Parkrose High student Alexandria Hall, as she’s named the fourth runner up.

© 2010 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

Find out why the David Douglas School District was honored with a “Best Communities for Music Education” award – again …

Gathering at the music store that initiated the award, David Douglas High’s band director Jennifer Muller, choral director Christopher Silva, school district board member Mike Centoni, and incoming district superintendent Don Grotting, share a light moment.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
The National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) announced that the David Douglas School District (DDSD) was again being honored with their “Best Communities for Music Education”, award before summer vacation began.

But, it wasn’t until June 27 that the honors were made official, when Russ Beacock,  the president of Beacock Music – the Vancouver music company that nominated the District – officially presented them the award at their store.

Russ Beacock, of Beacock Music, welcomes guests to the award presentation ceremony at his Vancouver, Washington, store.

“Our trade organization is recognizing the David Douglas School District as one of the top-performing school districts,” Beacock explained. “Nationwide, only a handful of districts are being recognized; we’re happy that they decided to have us present the award to them here at our music store.”

Outgoing DDSD Superintendent Barbara Rommel talks about the district’s fifty-year commitment to music education.

Music education a tradition, superintendent says
“This year, we celebrated our 50th anniversary as a consolidated district,” outgoing DDSD Superintendent Barbara Rommel said, at the presentation.

“The unification of those three small, rural elementary districts took the vote of all of the citizens in the area to approve,” explained Rommel. “It was not an easy vote. Residents of the Gilbert District wanted absolute assurance the music program would continue if the districts merged. So, music has been a very important part of the David Douglas School District from its very beginning.”

Speaking to District music education teachers present, Rommel said, “It takes really dedicated teachers, like you, to make this program viable and a center of pride, in the David Douglas community.

“That’s why I am particularly excited about this award. But, I’m even more excited about the opportunities our students have, from kindergarten through high school, to explore a variety of music. Whether not they actually end up as a professional performer, like Patrick Lamb – or are just able to enjoy music – we feel successful in our efforts.”

Musician Patrick Lamb says he thanks public music education for giving him his start in music.

Surprise guest talks about music education
Rommel referenced internationally-known recording artist Patrick Lamb, because he was at the music store, as a customer, during the awards presentation.

After congratulating the district, Lamb said, “Chris Bodie (a contemporary jazz trumpeter based in Oregon) and I shared ‘beginning band class’. I just bumped into him in Tokyo playing the Blue Note. I tour internationally with [jazz artists] Bobby Caldwell and Dianne Schurr and Gino Vanelli – I’m a full-time musician. I really owe it to being in band programs. I’m personally very grateful for that.”

We asked Lamb what he’d be doing if he hadn’t gotten into music.

“Pressure washing roofs and sidewalks; maybe parking cars,” Lamb replied. “I got my start, my inspiration, at from the [Beaverton] Cedar Park Elementary band program. It was like, wow – this is really fun! So, I have a real appreciation for music education.”

Gathering for this formal award photo are former Lincoln Park music teacher (now Parkrose High School Choral Director) Lesley Bossert, DDHS Choral Director Christopher Silva, Menlo Park music teacher Suzi Zehsazian, Gilbert Park music teacher Val Ellett, Beacock Music President Russ Beacock, incoming Superintendent Don Grotting, DDHS Band Director Jennifer Muller (partially hidden), Superintendent Barbara Rommel, Floyd Light music teacher Molly Fazio, and Ron Russell Middle School music teacher Tawnya Garcia.

A student-centered program to continue
Christopher Silva, the choral director at David Douglas High, reflected, “This is recognition that we have a broad level of success in our music curriculum. It’s representative of the support that we have from the district administration, the school board, and the broader community.”

Many neighboring districts have been cutting back music, noted Silva. “We still remain strong, and have a very student-centered program.”

Incoming DDSD Superintendent Don Grotting agreed that music programs are valuable in education. “Research shows that, for students who are exposed to music at an early age, it helps stimulate different parts of their brain, and enhances other parts of their education.”

About the future of music at DDSD schools, Grotting stated, “Music is a great attribute for the district. I look forward to continuing our fine arts programs.”

© 2010 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

Take a look at a mind-expanding exhibit that will keep kids thinking, at this new exhibit at Portland’s world-class science museum …

The bust of Albert Einstein looks bemused as museum spokesman Lee Dawson – almost himself warping space and time – to set up the exhibit that showcases his life and work, at OMSI.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Just in time for summer vacation, the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) opens its latest exhibition – called “Einstein”.

“We’re proud to present the most comprehensive exhibit ever, on Albert Einstein,” smiled OMSI spokesman Lee Dawson. “It brings to life his most revolutionary theories. But instead of just watching a movie or reading a book, visitors will learn about Einstein’s life, science and legacy through hands-on, interactive displays.”

The exhibit, which opened on June 26, explores many of Einstein’s most astonishing visions of the Universe – including light’s constant speed, time as the fourth dimension, and space-time as curved geometry. “And, through reproductions of Einstein’s papers, it reveals his passion for social justice and his speaking out against segregation, anti-Semitism, McCarthyism, and nuclear armament,” Dawson said.

In this interactive display, guest Jaden Berger warps space and time – figuratively.

Ashley Wilhelm, OMSI Featured Exhibits Volunteer shows the Gravity Table, demonstrating the difference between Einstein theory of gravity, and Newton’s.

The Einstein exhibit’s highlights include:

Einstein’s Revolution – How the classic Newtonian view of gravity as a simple force between objects was overthrown by Einstein’s vision of gravity as the result of objects warping space-time. Included as an example is a simulated black hole.

Light – A kinetic light sculpture help visitor visualize Einstein’s most revolutionary theories on the nature of light.

Time – See a tremendous wall display of digital clocks, each ticking off seconds, hours, and days at a different rate – which graphically illustrates Einstein’s radical understanding that the length of any interval of time varies according to how fast the “clock” and the observer are moving.

Energy – What does E=mc² really mean? Delve deeper into the reasoning behind the formula ,using an interactive “blackboard”.

Gravity – Follow Einstein’s steps, as he reconsiders the properties of gravity – with an interactive wall that warps images.

“We’re sure people will enjoy Einstein as we have,” Dawson said. “It will be on display for OMSI visitors through September 26.”

This guest studies Einstein’s “A-B-C’s” of E=mc².

© 2010 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

See why lasting friendships, and a beautiful performance, were just two of the benefits David Douglas School District families received for hosting students from Portland’s ‘sister city’ in Taiwan …

Dancers from Shu-Te High School, in Kaohsiung, Taiwan ROC, warm up on the David Douglas High School Horner Auditorium stage before their performance.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Everyone who watches the annual Portland Rose Festival Parade has seen this troupe of students, whose marching band and dancers lead the “Portland-Kaohsiung Sister City Organization” float.

But, no one could buy tickets for the performance by these musicians, dancers, and acrobats – students from Shu-Te (said Shoo-Tah) High School, in Kaohsiung, Taiwan ROC – a performance held in the Horner Auditorium at David Douglas High School on June 14.

In fact, no tickets were offered to the public.

The full-evening stage production was unpublicized, and went unnoticed by most Portlanders. Unless, that is, they were volunteers with the “Portland-Kaohsiung Sister City Organization”.

Richard Cole, secretary of the Portland-Kaohsiung Sister City Organization, says he’s proud of his continuing role because the relationship brings so much to the David Douglas School District.

Show rewards host volunteers
“Tonight’s program is for our host families, who open their homes to these students,” said Richard Cole, secretary of the Portland-Kaohsiung Sister City Organization, on the day of the show.

“These families open their homes, open their family life, and share with the girls what they do as a family during their six-day stay,” Cole told us. “Our host families are from all walks of life. The visiting students stay with families of modest, middle-income, and more well-to do families. On their trip home, they share experiences, and begin to get a picture of what American life is all about.”

Some of them still dressed in their warm-up clothing, students rehearse a dance routine, making sure they hit their “marks” on stage.

Six day stay creates life-long relationships
Participating families receive no financial incentives to host the students, Cole said.

“But, the bonding [among host families and the visitors] is absolutely amazing. Especially with the Internet, many of the families have kept in touch with their guests for years,” noted Cole. “We still correspond with young women who have stayed in our home. Apparently their stay with us had influence with them. It’s quite beautiful that they stay in touch.”

This performer takes a cue from her director during rehearsal.

Portland’s second Sister City
Cole went on, “The Sister City program was developed in the 1950s under President Eisenhower’s administration. He created the People to People Program to help create a more peaceful world. Portland’s first sister city was the Japanese city of Sapporo.”

Cole said he got involved in the Portland Sister City program in 1992, working to help set up the high school in Kaohsiung with David Douglas High School. The only problem was that Shu-Te High School teaches 9,000 students – far more than in the entire David Douglas School District. “We worked out an arrangement that our school district, in total, would partner with their high school.”

Even though Cole retired several years ago from his post as the curriculum director of the David Douglas School District, he’s continued to work with the Sister City program.

These three Shu-Te High School students help co-organizer Heidi Cole, as she prepares to distribute programs to guests at the evening performance.

The performers dance with grace and ease.

The combination of music, choreography, and lighting evoke colorful stories in any language.

Provides cultural education to generations of students
Another benefit of this Sister City program, Cole continued, is that it’s helped David Douglas students learn more about Chinese culture.

“Over the past two decades, every fifth-grade or sixth-grade student has had the opportunity to come to an abbreviated version of the evening program at the Performing Arts Center. Here, they get an introduction to Chinese Culture. That adds up to about 10,000 students!”

At these special performances, held earlier in the day, the young, squirmy fifth-graders settled down when the music began. “It is traditional Chinese music, but not Chinese opera. It’s very melodic and rhythmic – these young students just focused on it. They clapped like crazy at the end of each of the pieces,” reported Cole.

The program performed by the Shu-Te High School students will be long remembered by the appreciative audience.

Volunteer funded operation
“We have had very good fortune with past fundraising efforts, including registration fees for the Portland Rose Festival Dragon Boat Races,” Cole said. “But, we’re really a shoestring outfit; we don’t even have a street address. We invite folks to get involved to help us continue this wonderful program.”

You can learn more about their organization by visiting their website: CLICK HERE.

© 2010 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

Respect Oregon’s fireworks law – and support the programs of the Dads Club – by stopping by their stand. Read all about it …

David Douglas Dads Club volunteers Randy Sewell, Dr. Dennis Sullivan, DC finish erecting the DDDC Fireworks Stand for the season.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
It’s that time of year again for the Whiz – Bang – Poof of July 4^th fireworks!

Instead of buying your package of fireworks fun from an intenerate vendor that moves into your neighborhood for a week – consider supporting the great work that the non-profit David Douglas Dads Club (DDDC) does by stopping by their stand.

DDDC volunteer Matthew Dwyer and president Dan Deardorff finish installing the shelves in their fireworks booth on SE 122^nd Avenue. It’s empty because they remove the merchandise when the booth isn’t open for business.

“For years, this has been our major, annual fundraiser,” DDDC’s president, Dan Deardorff told us. “With these funds, we support activities across the entire school district.

The David Douglas Dads Club Fireworks Stand:

• It’s open from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m. every day – now through July 4.
• 100% of the proceeds go to support their programs.
• Everything from a dollar on up; packages from $10 to $200 of Oregon-approved fireworks.
• At Midway Plaza, on SE 122 Ave., just south of SE Division St., under the Pizza Baron sign.

© 2010 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

Find out what happened, this week, that gives hope to Lents Neighborhood freshmen who were told they’d have to start high school at Franklin or perhaps Madison …

Portland Public Schools Superintendent Carole Smith says the Marshall Campus will accept freshmen in September – and the redistricting talks will then begin again.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Folks in the Lents Neighborhood were surprised to learn that Portland Public Schools did an “about face” about shutting out incoming freshmen from the Marshall Campus.

And, it now looks as if Superintendent Carole Smith hasn’t ruled out talks with the David Douglas School District about how the two districts may cooperate – perhaps including divvying up programs for outer East Portland students.

“Last night, the Superintendent and School Board announced that they’re suspending the vote on the big structural pieces of the redesign plan,” PPS PIO Matthew Shelby told us on June 22. “No votes on school closures or boundary changes will be taken until fall.”

On June 21, Superintendent Smith explained after the board meeting, “We will pursue conversations with David Douglas and other partners about the options for developing joint programs on the Marshall Campus, which could expand program access for Marshall neighborhood students. While we pursue these conversations, we will continue to engage the teams of educators that are developing new focus school proposals for the Marshall Campus. These steps are complementary, not contradictory, and I look forward to reporting on the outcome of these steps in the fall, as well.”

Smith continued, “In the meantime, I also recommend that the current Marshall small schools accept their ninth-grade classes for next year, while keeping slots available at Cleveland, Franklin, and Madison for the students who indicated that they want to attend these schools.”

Superintendent Smith will keep working to make “programmatic changes” to high school programs during the summer.

‘Program changes’ to continue
“Larger structural changes, such as boundary changes and school closings, require a vote of the Board,” Shelby explained. “But, programmatic changes are within her preview to make. Two specific items include common scheduling, and establishing Academic Priority Zones.” He referred us to Superintendent Smith’s published information that defines these changes:

• Common schedule across our high schools – “To provide more flexible learning opportunities for students, to make more effective and efficient use of our staff, and to let students take advantage of programs located at campuses beyond their home school.”
• Establishing Academic Priority Zones – “To better prepare students at our lowest performing schools for success in high school, by concentrating resources where they are needed most, including our most effective teachers and principals, effective interventions and supports, and programs to promote greater parent involvement.”

Additionally, Shelby said the Superintendent’s establishing frameworks for more intentional and more strategically-aligned partnerships with Portland Community College and Portland State University – and industry partners and local employers are also priority items on which she is working.

Says she sees value in the ‘redesign’ process
“From the outset, it was clear that our joint effort to improve the High School System could become acutely contentious,” conceded Smith. “I’m glad we have an opportunity for greater dialogue, innovative collaboration, and partnership development on the most difficult issues. I expect that next fall, we may find ourselves surprised at the results.”

Lents Neighborhood Association’s president, Nick Christensen, presiding at their meeting on June 22, says he’s not ready to “run a victory lap” after hearing about this week’s announcements.

Lents neighbors wait and see
At the Lents Neighborhood Association meeting on June 22, its President Nick Christensen said that the initial reports sound good.

“But until I hear something concrete from Portland Public Schools, I’m hesitant to say this is good news for East Portland, other than that it is giving us more time to state our case,” Christensen said. “Our case is that students of the eastside need to go to high school close to home – in a neighborhood, comprehensive school – and taking that away from them not only jeopardizes their educational future, but the community’s vitality, as well.”

Christensen added that he is attempting to set up a meeting with Superintendent Smith.

© 2010 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News.

Will fall high school freshmen in the Lents Neighborhood be shuffled off to inner SE Portland’s Franklin high or NE Portland’s Madison High? Discover what we learned at two meetings – one of them held at soon-to-be-decimated Marshall High School …

Volunteer Carrie Adams helps neighbors sign in to the well-attended meeting at Marshall High School.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
For many folks living in the Lents neighborhood – one of the very first areas to be annexed into the City of Portland, back in 1912 – shutting down Marshall High School would be just another slap in the face.

Regardless, it looks as if the Portland Public Schools (PPS) “High School System Re-design” program will shutter it – or reduce the use of its campus to some yet-undefined educational programs.

“I started out feeling bad that we might lose Marshall High School,” said 50-year Lents resident, Judy Welch. “It is the community’s school. Now, it makes me kind of angry.”

A past president of the neighborhood association, Welch said her four children, and a grandchild, all attended Marshall High. “What the School Board needs to do is reconstruct their teaching methods, not close schools. It just isn’t right to take a high school away from a whole community of people. They should be teaching our kids what they need to do well in today’s world – not how to commute on a TriMet bus.”

Lents Neighborhood Association’s President, Nick Christensen, says taking away the area’s high school will likely stymie Lents’ redevelopment efforts.

Says ‘pulls the rug out’ from under Lents
“Education is key to what we’re trying to do in the Lents neighborhood,” stated Nick Christensen, the current neighborhood association president, before a meeting began at Marshall High on May 27.

“If they close down Marshall High School, it creates an impediment to the students of Lents,” Christensen told us. “It’s pulling the rug out from under what we’re trying to do to revitalize the area, economically.”

One of the ideas floated by the board and membership of the neighborhood association, Christensen added, is to consider transferring the Marshall High campus to the David Douglas School District. “Although we’ve there’s been no official word, we have had favorable comment from a couple of the David Douglas School Board members.”

Above all, Christensen said, “I’m urging that the School Board ‘Slow down, and really listen’ to us.”

Portland Public Schools’ Superintendent Carole Smith says system-wide solutions are not easy or straightforward.

No easy answers
Carole Smith, Superintendent of Portland Public Schools, came to the meeting, and said, “I’m eager to hear from people. Of the number of meetings we’ve had here, this looks like the best turnout.”

Asked why the School Board held the meeting only hours before the close of the official comment period, Smith responded, “All comments, throughout the process, make a difference. What will happen is, we will come with some revisions to my original proposal. We’re trying to end up with is something that ‘feels right’, going forward, for Portland.”

The benefit of the public process, Smith added, is being able to hear “individual voices” of people expressing what they “hold dear to themselves and their family. We’ll weave this [input] all together, and arrive at systems solutions. They’re not easy; they’re not straightforward.”

The cafeteria at Marshall High School is packed with alumni, students and prospective students, as the meeting gets underway.

The community ‘fights back’
After a multimedia presentation, officials from Portland Public Schools heard testimony from neighbors, alumni, students, and prospective students.

Marshall High student Samantha Keeling summed up what several said that they, too, were feeling:  “Seven years ago, we were a ‘guinea pig’ [by breaking Marshall into three, smaller schools]. Now that we’re succeeding, why change that? Is it true that you chose Marshall because you thought we wouldn’t fight back as a community?

When another student, Laura Powell, asked why the sShool Board chose Marshall to shutter, Mark Davalos, a district deputy superintendent, responded that it was through a number of criteria.

Being more specific, PPS Chief of Staff Zeke Smith said it was based on:

• Proximity – How close students would be to a community comprehensive high school.
• Student impact – Number of students who would be in an attendance area.
• Diversity – Impact of change on diversity in system.
• Current program – The three small Marshall schools together would be similar to the program currently running at the school.

“The idea would be to build upon those strengths,” Smith said.

Marshall High senior Matthew Lewallen says he feels the School Board “picks on” his school.

Passionate testimony given by many
Matthew Lewallen, a Marshall High senior, talked with us before the meeting: “I think I got a good education here. I’m not sure it should become a comprehensive high school, but I think the focus school idea is a bad one.”

During the meeting, Lewallen spoke up, “Why do you always pick on Marshall? Why not Jefferson or Wilson or Lincoln? Is it because they have a stronger community? Not anymore. We are all here tonight, tired of you bullying Marshall. We want the same classes and same chances other schools receive. Long live the [Marshall High] Minutemen.”

Dismisses transfer to David Douglas Schools
Regarding the idea of having Marshall – a campus designed to teach about 1,500 students – become part of the burgeoning David Douglas School District, Superintendent Smith said that originally, they intended to “engage with the David Douglas” school district. “Clearly Portland Public Schools [Board?] believes we want to serve the students of this community.”

After the meeting, Christensen said he still had hopes the schools might switch districts.

Beyond that, he added, “If the impression Superintendent Smith got from that meeting was that the community wants to ‘give up’ on its school – sending incoming freshmen for the 2010-11 school year to Madison and Franklin – she must not have been listening very hard.”

People from all over Portland come to plead their case before the PPS board at Franklin High School.

Meeting at Franklin reveals little
The PPS Board held yet another public meeting – this time at Franklin High School, on Saturday, June 5.

A few concerned folks from the Lents Neighborhood also came to this little-publicised, sparsely-attended meeting. Nick Christensen was one of them.

“Instead of slowing down the process, it looks as if Superintendent Smith has sped things up,” Christensen said. “She told our freshman class they will not be attending Marshall – but will, most likely be attending school here at Franklin.”

Chris Leichner, and her husband, and her son – who will apparently become a Franklin High freshman in September instead of attending Marshall High as they’d planned – say they’re “Very unhappy about what they’re doing it with the high schools.”

He’s frustrated, Christensen, said, because “This diminishes our ability to create a sense of community. This morning, I saw an e-mail from PPS Board member Ruth Adkins. She says it makes sense, geographically, to turn Marshall into the focus school, because it’s close to the MAX Light Rail line and near Portland Community College. Perhaps her sense of what’s ‘close by’ is different than ours, because she lives in Southwest Portland.”

Few attended this last public input meeting, held with little notice at Franklin High School, regarding the High School System Design plan.

Your guide to ‘Who goes where’
According to the most recent “High School System Design Modifications, Considerations and Board Actions” report, issued by the Superintendent Smith, “In response to significant community interest in achieving greater balance in student diversity, as a result of closing Marshall as a community school, I am recommending a modification that reassigns the current Marshall feeder schools into three different schools – Franklin, Madison, and Cleveland.”

As of this writing, the current plan shows:

• Cleveland High School’s “attendance boundary” will be “expanded” to include the entire attendance boundaries of Whitman Elementary School and Woodmere Elementary School.
• Lane Middle School students will be split between Franklin and Cleveland High.
• Franklin High School’s attendance boundary will expand to include the entire Woodstock Elementary School attendance boundary, and will continue to take Creston K-8 School’s students.
• Hosford Middle School students will be divvied up among Cleveland, Lincoln, and Franklin High.
• Marshall’s attendance area will be eliminated. Harrison Park K-8 students will attend Madison High, and Kelly Elementary, Lent K-8, and Marysville K-8 will attend Franklin High School.

We’ll keep you up-to-date as the changes in Portland’s educational system continues to evolve. For more information, see the school district’s website: CLICK HERE.

© 2010 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

Who was chosen to receive one of the six $1,000 scholarships, put up by members of the Parkrose Business Association? Find out all about it, right here …

Mary Brown, of Bob Brown Tires, chooses from the wide offering of luncheon menu items at the Holiday Inn Airport meeting room.

Story by Alison Stoll, photos by David F. Ashton
Last month, we brought you the story about how members of the Parkrose Business Association (PBA) raised scholarship funds for their nonprofit association – all within a matter of minutes.

> CLICK HERE to read that story!

The six Parkrose High School seniors now chosen to receive a $1,000 scholarship each, were introduced at the association’s meeting on May 20.

Alison Stoll, Executive Director of Central Northeast Neighbors, and a member of the PBA Scholarship Committee, introduces the 2010 Parkrose Scholars.

We asked Alison Stoll, a member of the PBA Scholarship Committee, for notes made about each of this year’s awardees.

Instead of a few cryptic notes, Alison Stoll sent a great article that we’ve lightly edited:

It is amazing, given our economy, that a group of neighborhood business people generously gave $4,750 in about 5 minutes at a PBA meeting!

Special thanks to Marsha Lee, Chairperson for our Parkrose Business Foundation Scholarship Committee. She coordinates with Meg Kilmer at Parkrose High School, and hand-delivers packets of completed student applications to each of our committee members. This year’s committee included Mary and Bob Brown, Judy Kennedy, Marsha Lee, and [Alison Stoll].

Scholarship committee Chair,Marsha Lee, who is with Copy Express, stands, to be recognized for her efforts.

Being a Scholarship Committee Member is very rewarding, but also bittersweet. It is so much fun to be able to present six students with a $1,000 scholarship each. It is so hard to read, interview, and choose only 6 students from 28 applicants, each of whom is worthy of a scholarship. The six students chosen were the “shining stars” of the group.

These young men and women have collectively given our community over 1,000 volunteer hours. Some of the organizations they helped were the Parkrose Farmers Market, Special Olympics, Outdoor School, Grotto Festival of Lights, Red Cross, Oregon Food Bank, Saint Vincent de Paul, Rose Festival, Girl Scouts, Portland Race for the Cure, Portland Marathon, Portland Youth Soccer, National Night Out, Argay Neighborhood Cleanup, and many other worthy causes.

Our scholarship recipients are involved in Varsity Sports, including, Football, Tennis, Volleyball, and Soccer.  We have Band members and A Capella Choir members, National Honor Society, Student Government, German Club, Mock Trial, and We the People.

It is just amazing all of the accomplishments of these young people.  Many of them hold part-time jobs while maintaining terrific GPAs.

Becci Read (Parkrose High’s 2010 Portland Rose Festival Princess) accepts her scholarship from Mary Brown, of Bob Brown Tires.

Becci Read wants to become a Pediatric Physical Therapist. She plans to attend Pacific University, and will major in Psychology or Exercise Science. Becci is a member of the National Honor Society, Mock Trial, German Club, We the People, and Student Government. She is a 4-year Varsity setter for the Volleyball team. Becci is a member of the Parkrose Rose Festival Court. She enjoys Girl Scouts, and volunteering for Portland Race for the Cure, the Portland Marathon, and Red Cross blood drives.

Cody Bennett receives his scholarship from Bob Brown, of Bob Brown Tires.

Cody Bennett plans to attend Oregon State University and major in German. Cody is the President of the German Club, and is in the National Honor Society. He played on the Varsity Football and Wrestling teams, and was a member of the Parkrose Band. Cody has served twice as an Outdoor School Counselor, and has volunteered to distribute food with Clarks Center and Transition Projects.

Molly Voorhees accepts her check and plaque from Judy Kennedy, of Pacific Northwest Credit Union.

Molly Voorhees would like to major in nursing and would like go to a university right here in Portland.  Molly played Varsity tennis for 3 years, and is a member of the National Honor Society.  Molly volunteers at the Parkrose Farmers’ Market and the Grotto Festival of Lights.  For her school project she sewed blankets for the Linus Project, which gives small blankets to hospitalized children.  Molly is an entrepreneur and the proud owner of her own business – the Traveling Coffee Cart.

Marco Benois’ scholarship is presented by his magnet school’s director, Michael Taylor, of the ACE Academy.

Marco Benois plans to attend Oregon State University, and major in Construction Management.  He would like to own his own construction business one day.  Marco attended ACE Academy and discovered that he wanted to manage construction projects, after interning as a carpenter and painter.  Marco is a 4-year Varsity Soccer player.  He has worked summers as a volunteer youth soccer coach, and coach of the Parkrose Soccer team.  Marco also volunteers at the Parkrose Farmers’ Market.

Melissa Lewis cheerfully accepts her scholarship from Marsha Lee of Copy Express.

Melissa Lewis wants to major in Political Science – and then attend law school, in order to represent children who might not have a voice.  She is a member of the National Honor Society.  Melissa enjoys volunteering with the Grotto Festival of Lights, National Night Out, Saint Vincent de Paul, and the Oregon Food Bank.  She plans to go overseas to volunteer at an orphanage over the upcoming winter break.

Because she was away at a sports meet, this Parkrose Scholar, AnhThu Tran, couldn’t attend the luncheon. Contributed photo

AnhThu Tran is majoring in pre-med, and hopes to become a pediatrician. AnhThu plans to attend the University of California at Irvine.  She has lettered in Varsity Tennis for four years, and is currently the team Captain. She has played Varsity Volleyball for three years. She is a member of National Honor Society and A Capella Choir. AnhThu volunteers for the Grotto Festival of Lights, Leukemia and Lymphoma, the Red Cross, and Naomi Walks.

Parkrose High School Principal Ana Gonzalez accepts the annual Parkrose Scholar’s plaque from Marsha Lee.

Meet the Parkrose Business Association members
On Thursday, June 17, the Parkrose Business Association gets together at 11:30 a.m. This month: Jerry Moss of the Portland Winterhawks will talk about their amateur sports program.

Note: This month’s meeting is at The Grotto, at NE 85th and Sandy Boulevard, in their terrace-level meeting room. The meeting is free, and the buffet lunch is $17, including dessert and gratuity; reservations are NOT required. For more information, see their web site: CLICK HERE.

© 2010 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

At a total cost of $300,000, this promises to be more than a mowed field with stripes painted on it! Find out where it will be constructed – and how close they are to their fundraising ‘Goal’ …

(Crouched below) Timber Joey, (standing) Timbers’ defender Scot Thompson, Timbers’ owner Merritt Paulson, keeper Adin Brown, and Portland City Commissioners Nick Fish and Amana Fritz “huddle” before meeting the Parkrose High students.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
The all-student assembly at Parkrose High School the morning of Friday, May 28, proved to be an exciting event.

Members of the Portland Timbers soccer club – which plans to go major-league next year – were the main attraction.

But, with the entry into Rossi Field House of the school district’s superintendent and two board members, the Parkrose High Principal, and Portland City Commissioners Amanda Fritz and Nick Fish, everyone suspected a major announcement was coming.

Parkrose School District Board Member Ed Grasso, Parkrose High’s principal, Ana Gonzalez, Parkrose School’s Superintendent Dr. Karen Fischer Gray and Portland Commissioner Nick Fish stop for a photo before the program begins.

As the students filed in, Commissioner Fish confided, “As the City’s Parks Commissioner, I’ve made a pledge to improve ball fields, citywide. We’re here today in outer East Portland to let everyone know we’re getting close to fulfilling that pledge. But because funding is tight, we can’t do it alone.”

Timbers’ owner kicks in $50,000
Fish then introduced Merritt Paulson, the owner of “Shortstop, LLC”, parent company of the Portland Timber sports franchise (as well as the Portland Beavers baseball club). “He’s stepping up, on behalf of the Timbers, and making a $50,000 contribution to the Parkrose Regional Soccer Center project to help the kids here their own ‘field of dreams’.”

Even though the soccer center will be constructed on the grounds of Parkrose High School – and will be dedicated to school sports during school days – Fish pointed out that other groups, such as soccer clubs, will be permitted to make use of the facility, just as with facilities at other Portland area parks.

Parkrose School District Superintendent Dr. Karen Fischer Gray welcomes dignitaries, staff and students to the assembly.

A $300,000 facility
According to Beth Sorensen, spokesperson for Portland Parks & Recreation, the City of Portland has contributed $100,000 to the project. The school district pledged a matching $100,000 fund. “With the Timbers’ contribution, that leaves only a final $50,000 to be raised, to reach the goal and start development of the new field.”

The funds will be used to install two new two new soccer fields, just east of the Parkrose High stadium, with drainage, irrigation, and lighting systems.

Rousing Bronco reception
As the Parkrose Jazz Band played, the crowd of Parkrose High students cheered as Timbers team members “Timber Joey”, Scot Thompson, and Adin Brown came into the field house.

Portland City Commissioner Amanda Fritz says good students deserve good recreational facilities.

Dr. Karen Fischer Gray welcomed all dignitaries present, and handed the microphone to Portland City Commissioner Amanda Fritz. “Thank you, students, for working so hard all year on your studies. When you work hard in school you deserve good athletic facilities as well. Today, we’re here to celebrate a private donation. We need private organizations is to be government partners to help improve our facilities. I’m very happy to be here today.”

Commissioner Fritz turned over the microphone to fellow Portland City Commissioner Nick Fish.

Portland City Commissioner Nick Fish – the person, who supervises the parks bureau, tells why he’s enthusiastic about the new soccer field project.

“First a word about your educational superintendent, Dr. Karen Gray,” Fish began. “No superintendent in Portland spends more time in City Hall advocating on behalf of the young men and women than she does.”

Fish introduced captains of the Parkrose High Varsity Soccer Team, then said, “In 2011, Major League Soccer is coming to Portland. When talking about where to make a contribution to our community with Merritt Paulson, we said almost simultaneously, East Portland is the place where we need to make the investment, and why not Parkrose High School! Thank you, Merritt Paulson.”

Dr. Gray accepts a ceremonial check from donor Merritt Paulson.

The really, big check
With that, Merritt Paulson stepped forward with his jumbo-sized, ceremonial check, which was accepted by Dr. Gray.

“On behalf of the Parkrose School District, Parkrose, and the wonderful, growing and developing area of East Portland, we thank Merritt Paulson for his generous donation to the Parkrose soccer field,” said Gray.

Nothing makes a crowd cheer like getting free Timbers’ gear. Wait a minute! Shouldn’t the Timbers’ seven-season veteran, Scot Thompson, be kicking the merchandise into the stands?

Parkrose Varsity Soccer players and those from the Timbers demonstrate their ball-handling skills

Players then tossed out T-shirts, which made a great hit.  And then they organized soccer kicking games and stunts for the enjoyment of the youth in the grandstands, to end the event on a note of excitement and fun.

© 2010 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News