Take a look, and see a sampling of what those who came out watched – at this delightful community event that spans many neighborhoods …

As the parade forms at Eastport Plaza, Ronald Beymer polishes up his 1963 Thunderbird convertible, making sure it’s ready for the parade.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
The 6^th Annual 82^nd Avenue of Roses Parade – the first Portland Rose Festival Sanctioned Event of the 2012 season – marched and rolled up the 44-block long thoroughfare, under puffy clouds and blue sky on April 28.

“The weather is delightful – for this we’re thankful,” said Eastport Plaza manager and parade organizer, Dianne Gill.

Members of the US Army’s 25^th Infantry Division ready their vehicles for the parade.

As word spread about the annual event, the crowds have grown over the years – with the 2012 edition attracting an estimated 4,000 people. Again this year, the parade route was from Eastport Plaza north to the Montavilla Neighborhood. “This special event draws positive attention to all the wonderful things East Portland has to offer,” Gill noted.

The parade is truly a collaborative effort among neighbors, businesses, and civic groups, Gill observed. “It’s great to have so many parade entries from outside East Portland come to participate.”

Volunteers Raelynn Evans, Kathryn Notson, and Nancy Chapin check parade entrants in as they arrive.

Already, Gill said, the committee is planning for the 7^th Edition of the 82^nd Avenue of Roses Parade – scheduled for April 17, 2013.

2012 82nd Avenue of Roses Parade Photo Album

Volunteers Cody Watkins, a Serendipity Center student, and PSU student Nicole Agnew – two of dozens of volunteers – block traffic, as the parade approaches.

Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1442 serve as the parade’s Color Guard.

This banner lets folks know it’s officially “parade time” in outer East Portland.

Portland Police Bureau East Precinct Commander Michael Lee drives the parade’s official Pace Car.

Grand Marshall Nick Storie, the man who’s rehabilitating the historic Bob White Theater on Foster Road, says he’s thrilled to be included in the event.

The streets are lined with a folks, as the happy parade makes its way north, toward SE Division Street.

Walking with the Burgerville entry is Portland Mayor Sam Adams.

Following the magic ball, a colorful, swirling and soaring dragon – animated by the Lee’s Association Lion Dance Team – is always a welcome participant.

Riding in this Gresham Ford Mustang are leaders of the East Portland Chamber of Commerce, with their president, Judy Leach of Adventist Medical Center, sitting high and waving to everyone.

Yup! It’s a real army tank – restored and driven by volunteers who say “We love seeing the looks of peoples’ faces when we roll by!”

Portland City Commissioner Amanda Fritz is welcomed warmly as she again participates in this outer East Portland event.

One of several drum lines from the Last Regiment of Syncopated Drummers again deliver a high-energy, heart-pounding performance.

Past “Spirit of Portland” award winner, and parade sponsor, Richard Kiely of Home Run Graphics, again participates in the parade – with his wife, Princess Gail, at the wheel.

Many of the many specialty vehicles to be on display at the Carnival Days Community Fair that follows, also participate in the parade.

The 2012 82^nd Avenue of Roses Parade was presented by Eastport Plaza, and was sponsored by Walmart, with a Neighborhood Small Grant from SE Uplift, by Charlie Bretz Tire Factory, by the Portland Tribune, and also by Powellhurst-Gilbert Neighborhood Association, Portland Community College, Fast Signs, S2 Imaging, Portland Chinese Times, The Support Group, and East Portland News.

For more information about the 82^nd Avenue of Roses Business Association, see their website: CLICK HERE.

© 2012 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

Here’s another example of how neighbors are doing more than simply talking about building a sense of community – and reducing crime – in this far outer East Portland neighborhood …

Volunteers use a garden tractor to rototill the grassy lawn at the Lynwood Friends Church, as the Rosewood Neighborhood Community Garden project breaks ground.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
The Rosewood Initiative – a non-profit organization dedicated to making the 15-block area around the intersection of 162nd Avenue and E. Burnside Street a desirable place to live, work, and play – has taken another step from the theoretical to the practical, as they introduced a new project not long ago.

See other stories East Portland News has covered on the Rosewood Initiative: CLICK HERE.

The latest project is the creation of a community garden space. They broke ground – literally – when they turned over sod at the Lynwood Friends Church property, on SE 162nd Avenue near SE Alder Street, on the afternoon of May 8.

“Outgrowing Hunger” Executive Director Adam Kohl holds a board, to help the tractor driver rototill neatly-laid-out garden beds.

As more than 20 volunteers prepared garden beds, Adam Kohl – Executive Director of Outgrowing Hunger – paused for a moment to speak with East Portland News.

“This garden is the result of years of interest from a lot of organizations and people in this area,” explained Kohl. “It’s the result of an overlap of interest, need, desire, and availability that has all come together, at the right place, and at the right time.”

Volunteers further turn the soil, mixing in amenities.

Kohl referred to himself as the “point of contact”, and his organization as the “convener” of the project.

“We’re the energizers, the visionaries,” Kohl said. “Specializing in gardens, we try to get ‘existing movement’ of people and groups pointed in the same direction, to create something that will benefit the community, that may or may not otherwise happen.”

Rosewood Initiative board member Rex Hollingsworth of Rex Heating & Air Conditioning, said the working with Outgrowing Hunger was a natural fit.

“People in this community have been trying to find pace to grow fresh vegetables,” Hollingsworth said. “Many of the people who live in this area are low-income; some of them nearly starving. This garden won’t solve hunger here in mid-County, but we think this is a real and meaningful step in the right direction.”

Rosewood Initiative board member Rex Hollingsworth and director Jenny Glass watch the garden come into existence, along with Adam Kohl.

Hollingsworth commended Kohl’s efforts; getting together folks from the church, other volunteers, and management and residents of the Stark Firs Apartments located immediately to the north of the garden space. “The apartment complex will provide water for the garden.”

The project is starting off with 5,000 square feet of planting space, Kohl said. If successful, the church will allow the project to expand.

Garden fees are reasonable, organizer say, and until all spaces are reserved, no one will be turned away for inability to pay.

Unlike other community gardens, this project offers “sliding scale garden fees” ranging from $30 to $120 per full season to pay for water, compost and other direct expenses. “But, nobody will be excluded for a lack of money,” Kohl said

If you live in the Rosewood area, and want a garden plot – sign up right away, before they’re all reserved. Register online at the Outgrowing Hunger’s website: CLICK HERE.

© 2012 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

If you haven’t voted – it may be too late to mail in your ballot to be counted on May 15, but you can still vote. Here’s a guide to what the candidates have said when visiting outer East Portland – and, vital information about where you can take your ballot to drop it off …

It’s probably too late to mail your ballot! Take it to this secure, handy ballot drop box at in the back of the parking lot of Midland Library, 805 S.E. 122nd Avenue, a block south of SE Stark Street.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Because all ballots must be received by 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 15, to be counted – postmarks don’t count – Multnomah County Elections Division’s spokesman Eric Sample advises, “Make sure your vote is, indeed, counted. Take your ballot to a secure drop-off site.”

Your vote matters
We hear it over and over – people say they feel that their vote doesn’t make any difference in these primary elections for City and County officials.

But, your vote really does count in these City of Portland and Multnomah County elections.

Here’s why: If every registered voter in outer East Portland cast their ballot – we would be the ones electing our next Portland City and Multnomah County commissioners – not someone living downtown or on the west side!

Even a candidate doesn’t get the “50% plus one vote” to clinch the election – requiring a runoff election in the fall for their seat – the successful candidate in each race will have direct control of how millions of tax dollars, collected from you, will be spent.

Here’s “instant background” on several of the candidates, in their own words, by reading the following East Portland News articles about recent Candidate Forums:

• Portland Mayor: Hales vs. Brady vs. Smith in Parkrose: CLICK HERE.
• Meet Portland City Council candidates who appeared in Gateway: Position #1 Fritz vs. Altizer and Position #4 Mark White: CLICK HERE.
• Multnomah County Commissioner: Shiprack vs. Burkett: CLICK HERE.

At any Multnomah County Library, such as Midland in outer East Portland, you can drop off your ballot.

Official drop-off sites
You can travel to the Multnomah County Elections Office on the north side of SE Belmont, between SE 10th Avenue and 11th Avenue, or south on SE 11th Avenue (on the east, or driver’s side). Or, just drive to your local library instead.

24-hour ballot drop sites and ballot drop-off boxes are located in all 17 Multnomah County Libraries, including one for outer East Portland residents at Midland Library, 805 SE 122nd Avenue. (Box location: parking lot).

Or, East County readers may want to use one of these libraries:

• Fairview-Columbia: 1520 NE Village Street, Fairview
• Gresham: 385 NW Miller Street, Gresham
• Rockwood: 17917 SE Stark Street
• And, East Portland readers, check out one of these libraries:
• Belmont: 1038 SE 39th Avenue
• Gregory Heights: 7921 NE Sandy Boulevard
• Holgate: 7905 SE Holgate Boulevard
• Hollywood: 4040 NE Tillamook Street
• Sellwood-Moreland: 7860 SE 13th Avenue
• Woodstock: 6008 S.E. 49th Avenue

Ballot drop boxes are official and secure places for voters to deposit ballots for receipt at the Multnomah County Elections Division. Boxes will be emptied as needed, and then for the last time promptly at 8:00 p.m. on Election Night.

© 2012 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

If you’re interested in becoming an “urban farmer”, but don’t have the land – see where you can get growing this season, in the Russell neighborhood …

Jean Zondervan of Grow Portland welcomes urban gardeners to the new outer East Portland garden site at Eastminster Presbyterian Church.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Historically, churches in outer East Portland have built their houses of worship on vast sites – perhaps planning for future expansion. Instead of additional buildings, the property instead all too often produced a crop of grass – or in some cases, weeds.

Last year, the congregation at Eastminster Presbyterian Church, at 12505 NE Halsey Street, decided to transform the unused property west of their campus buildings into a community garden site.

Not long ago, we caught up with Jean Zondervan, the community gardens coordinator for Grow Portland, a local nonprofit organization which she said is trying to expand urban gardening and urban agricultural in outer East Portland.

Long time Eastminster member Walter Lersch says the idea of providing community garden space came from listening to community members.

“Thanks to our partnership with the Eastminster Presbyterian Church,” Zondervan said, “we have here a pretty good-sized community garden space.”

In total, 100 garden plots are being opened to community members, Zondervan revealed.

The executive director of Grow Portland, David Beller, shows he’s a “hands-on manager” when it comes to helping get garden sites ready for planting.

Helping to prepare the land for gardening was 30-year Eastminster member Walter Lersch. “All of that time, this has been an empty field.

“As part of our mission study, we talked with people in our community, and asked them what they thought would be good for the church to do, and good uses for the property,” Lersch explained.

“At the top of the list was a community garden. As part of that, we continued to reach out into the community and to community organizations, and we were introduced to Grow Portland, and began to work with them,” he added. “We have a very viable and active partnership.”

Clay Osburn – some folks call him “Mr. Tomato” – says he’ll be able to grow even more of his luscious crop, which he’ll donate to SnowCap Charities, at the new Eastminster community garden site.

Looking forward to the growing season, outer East Portland’s “Mr. Tomato”, Clay Osburn, was at the Eastminster garden helping out. “We brought 750 pounds of tomatoes to SnowCap Charities last year from the Parkrose Heights Community Garden. I plan to have about 40 varieties here this year, and I’ll continue to grow food for SnowCap.”

The fees for gardening at the new site are:

• 15′x15′ Single Plot, $50
• 15′x30′ Double Plot, $90

However, they’re offering plots at a reduced rate for gardeners on disability, or who are receiving government food assistance.

To find out more, or sign up, visit the Grow Portland website: CLICK HERE to open their homepage.

• Photo on the front page: Seth Belber, “Lead Grower” at the Grow Portland Damascus, Oregon, site, helps stake out plots at the Eastminster garden.

© 2012 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

Instead of simply hoping that the Multnomah County’s Wikman Building will be put good community use, see what these volunteers were doing, at their latest open house …

This former library would make a great community space, according to Wikman Building Coalition leaders.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Instead of merely wishing Multnomah County would turn its 93-year-old “Carnegie Library” building in Arleta to community use, a coalition of organizations too, action – holding an open house and brainstorming session on last month to consider uses for the stately building.

To see our November, 2011 story about the building: CLICK HERE.

At that Sunday open house, ROSE Community Development Executive Director Nick Sauvie explained, “ROSE, Southeast Uplift, the Portland Enrichment Project, and the neighborhood and business associations are partnering, to restore the historic Arleta Library. We’re here to give information about the community effort.”

Moreover, Sauvie added, “We’re trying to get feedback from the community about how the building should be restored to community use.”

After tours and snacks during the mid-day session, visitors chose one of several breakout discussion groups in which to participate. At the meeting’s conclusion, team leaders reported ideas and thoughts that had been brought up by contributors in their group.

This cozy kitchen is one of the many smaller rooms toured by attendees at the March open house.

Allison Curtis (seated), Nick Sauvie, Leo Quin, and Nathan Jones listen – while Nancy Chapin reports on the ideas that came from the “Asset Building” breakout session group she led.

Volunteer facilitator Allison Curtis told how her group talked about bringing together many cultures and generations. “We envisioned how to bring people together in one space, creating ‘cohesion without any constraints’. It’s important for the community to create a space that enriches the lives of all the people who are living here.”

The “Imagination” group discussion led by Leo Quin showed him, he said, that “a lot of people have very different visions for this. But, one common theme in many of these ideas is food-related. One of the most profound ideas was using the space like an indoor winter’s farmers market.”

Nathan Jones moderated the topic of the local economy. “The number one thing I took away from this is that we are looking to diversify the uses of this building, in order to enhance the existing local economy – while adding value to the community where there would otherwise be gaps. Examples of this would be providing local food or child care.”

Small offices, behind the former library’s Great Room, might provide space for community organizations or small meetings.

In the “Asset Building” group, Nancy Chapin of TSG said the participants see the building as a place for meetings and events – and activities for children and seniors.  “Particularly the ideas of a food co-op kind of space – someplace where people bring, exchange, or sell food – particularly fresh produce.”

The other theme, Chapin said she had heard, was how to incorporate the surrounding area – including nearby Laurelwood Park, the SEIU building, and the soon-to-be renovated Bob White Theater. “The idea is to create a ‘community plaza’ here. Our country is one of the few in the world that don’t incorporate the ‘plaza concept’ into city planning.”

Vehicle parking is a problem at the building – it provides only three spaces in a neighborhood whose streets are already lined with parked cars. (One participant told the group she longed for a “car-less society”, thus eliminating the quandary.)

Participants were reminded that financial donations or pledges are needed to fund planning, and to act as matching funds to leverage money received from grants.

Nick Sauvie of ROSE Community Development reports that the group is working to raise seed money to obtain matching grants, and to help with the purchase application process for Multnomah County, the current owner of the historic building.

“We’re still reaching out to potential partners,” Sauvie said. “We’ve got committees working on the program for the building, the rehabilitation of the building, and the fundraising for the building.”

The organizers will meet, review what they’ve learned, and “put ideas together, and scenarios about how to restore the building,” Sauvie added. “By June this year, we need to come up with a business plan [for the building] for Multnomah County, about how to acquire the building from them.”

The coalition doesn’t yet have a website, but they can be contacted by e-mail at WikmanArleta@gmail.com.

© 2012 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

Discover what neighbors learned, about a study to add more “neighborhood-scale commercial uses” along this outer East Portland thoroughfare. You can comment, if you do so before March 16 …

These visitors, and about 70 other people, came through the open house to learn more about the “SE 122nd Avenue Rezoning Project”.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
In an effort by the Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability (BPS) to increase opportunities for neighborhood-scale commercial uses along the southern portion of the 122nd Avenue corridor and improve multi-dwelling design and compatibility, the Bureau has started an effort called the “SE 122nd Avenue Rezoning Project”.

“Tonight we are hoping to get input from the community about a proposal that we’re developing to change the zoning on some multi-family property at the south end of SE 122nd Avenue,” explained BPS Senior Planner John Cole. This open house was held on February 23, at Gilbert Park Elementary School.

This BPS illustration shows the main “nodes” being considered for commercial rezoning.

“We’re proposing that the City of Portland change from multifamily residential zones to a variety of neighborhood commercial zones,” Cole told East Portland New. “We heard from the community last year that there should be more neighborhood-serving commercial uses here, to serve the multi-family zone properties and existing single-family residences in the area.

“It’s a good opportunity for property owners to get their property rezoned,” Cole added. “Otherwise it’s a pretty expensive exercise for them to do on their own.”

BPS Senior Planner John Cole answers questions about the “SE 122nd Avenue Rezoning Project”.

Instead of advocating a wholesale rezoning effort, Cole explained, the Bureau is considering asking the Portland City Council to look at rezoning four “nodes” , each containing about 20 properties. “This would increase from 10 acres of commercial zoned property to about 14 acres, along and near the south end of SE 122nd Avenue.”

Specifically, they’re looking to rezone properties that Cole says will “add to the commercial property inventory, without conflicting with the residential uses that are going on, on the other side. It’s a bit of a balancing act. Above all, we’re trying to ‘do no harm’.”

Powellhurst-Gilbert Neighborhood Association President Mark White opined, “I think it’s great that there are a lot of people here at this event tonight, talking about what could possibly happen if these lots are rezoned.”

White added that he was disappointed BES hadn’t taken into account several of the suggestions made by the Community Working Group. “In our last meeting, BPS was emphatically told of our desire to bring in more mixed-use development. I’ve been told that they’re going to go back and do that, however.”

Jean DeMaster of Human Solutions, and Powellhurst-Gilbert neighbor James Chasse, write comments about the proposed zoning change.

After at least one more public open house, BPS is scheduled to take the matter before the Portland City Council in July – with a proposed ordinance that identifies specific properties for rezoning.

Comment before March 16

If you didn’t get to the open house, you still have the opportunity to learn about – then comment on – the zoning changes.

• First read about it at the BES website: CLICK HERE to open that page.
• Then, take their survey at this link: CLICK HERE.

For more information, contact PBS Planner Christina Scarzello at: christina.scarzello@portlandoregon.gov or call her at (503) 823-7716.

© 2012 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

See which candidates did show up at the Gateway Area Business Association luncheon, to pitch their candidacy for one of the two open Portland City Council seats …

Gateway Area Business Association president Fred Sanchez, of Realty Brokers, welcomes members and guests to the February meeting at Russellville Park West.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
While the turnout of Portland City Council candidates was disappointing, the membership of the Gateway Area Business Association (GABA) turnout was strong – when they met on February 9.

After welcoming members, introducing members of GABA’s board, and promoting upcoming events – including the revitalized Fun-O-Rama scheduled for May, and their music project with Parkrose High School – the organization’s president, Fred Sanchez, asked candidates for Portland City Council to come up for the featured portion of the meeting.

Colleen Gifford of ABC Sustainable Solutions is presented the famed GABA Rubber Chicken Award by the Keystone Kops, recognizing her volunteer work on behalf of the organization.

Attorney Bruce McCain points out that the city’s Primary Election is coming up on May 15 as he begins moderating the Portland City Council candidates’ forum.

“Three of our seven candidates for Portland City Council are here with us today,” McCain began.

McCain welcomed seated Position No. 1 City Commissioner Amanda Fritz, and noted that contender State Representative Mary Nolan couldn’t attend, because the legislature was in session. He also said that another candidate, Teressa Raiford, was “with a family member in the hospital, in dire straits, and can’t make it.”

He also introduced Bruce Altizer, observing that this candidate hadn’t yet completed his filing for the Position No. 1 City Commissioner spot. However, Altizer assured McCain and the audience that he had collected enough signatures in order to file “by nominating petition” – a claim later substantiated for East Portland News by City of Portland Auditor’s Office City Elections Director Ryan Kinsella.

In the race for retiring Portland Position No. 4 City Commissioner Randy Leonard, only Powellhurst Gilbert Neighborhood Association president Mark White was present. “We extended invitations to Steve Novick and Jeri Williams, who are not here today,” McCain said.

Portland Position No. 4 City Commissioner candidate Mark White introduces himself at the GABA meeting.

Asked to introduce himself, Mark White responded, “I am president of the Powellhurst-Gilbert Neighborhood Association, and live here in East Portland.  I am the co-chair of the Portland Charter Commission.  I’m also the creator and primary planner for the East Portland Exhibition.”

Incumbent Position No. 1 City Commissioner Amanda Fritz greets listeners at the meeting.

Portland City Commissioner Amanda Fritz followed with her own self-introduction. “I learned to stand up for working people, and be the voice for working people, ten years ago when I was on strike with OHSU nurses. I have been City Commissioner for three years.  I’m running for re-election because I did what I was going to do – and I want to keep doing that for you.

“I live in deep Southwest Portland, which like this area, was annexed about 40 years ago,” Fritz continued. “We also don’t have paved streets, sidewalks, crosswalks, and a lot of amenities.  My parents-in-law live at CherryWood Village, and my son taught at Marshall High School for two years before it closed, and is currently teaching at Madison High School.”

Position No. 1 City Commissioner candidate Bruce Altizer gives his introduction.

Bruce Altizer greeted the audience, “I live here in East Portland, in the Russell Neighborhood behind the Bi-Mart.  I own and operate two Postal Annexes in the area – one at NE 122^nd Avenue and NE Glisan Street, and one at SE 162^nd Avenue and SE Division Street. I’m running for a lot of folks out here who think we’ve been under-represented on the City Council, and would like to see that changed.”

After a retelling of outer East Portland’s political and economic history, McCain addressed the candidates and asked, “What would you do as a returning or new City Council member, to improve economic development?”

Editor’s Note: Candidate responses have been carefully edited for clarity and succinctness, preserving the content of their replies.

Mark White replied, “Some of the changes that have taken place, since the annexation of my neighborhood – these are the major catalyst for me running for office. David Douglas School District has gone from 39% of students receiving free or reduced cost lunch to about 80%. This comes from the changes in zoning to the area.”

White continued, “I’m in favor of incentivizing business development. Also, there should be a way to perhaps cut back on the permit fees – at least for a short period of time – to help jumpstart businesses. I would probably give additional emphasis to businesses that are homegrown, here in Portland.”

Amanda Fritz responded, “There is currently a representative on the Portland City Council who lives in East Portland, Commissioner Leonard – and I submit that I’ve been more of an advocate for people in East Portland over the three years, because I’ve been working with people like Linda Robinson from Hazelwood, Bonny McKnight from Russell, and Linda Bauer from Pleasant Valley, over the last 15 years.  We realize that deep Southwest and outer East Portland have similar problems.”

Fritz continued by saying she supports public education as “a means to support business”. She added “For the last two years I’ve been working to streamline ‘permitting’. I opposed Commissioner Leonard putting all the permit staff in one Bureau, which would have meant development was the only criterion that they had to judge upon – rather than on environmental issues and neighborhood issues. Instead, we co-located those Bureaus so they’re much more efficient. We did that as a pilot, and is working well, and we would like to expand that to all ‘permitting’.”

Fritz said that she supports the current PDC-operated Neighborhood Prosperity Initiative districts. She added that overall, Portland City government has “cut nearly 10% in the last three years” , but was able to get a “small stretch of sidewalks built”.

“I am currently the ‘Gateway Area Business Association Person of the Year’, a unanimous choice of the judges. I feel part of this community, very connected to all of Portland – all of Portland – and I think it’s good to run city-wide, because then when I’m on the City Council making my votes, I think about the whole city, instead of the place right where I happen to live.”

Bruce Altizer responded, “In the interest of full disclosure, I’ll say that I am a member of GABA, and have been for a number of years. In fact I’ve been a past president.

“I’m a small business owner; a lot of you know me,” Altizer continued. “I’ve had my store up at NE 122nd Avenue and Glisan Street for 13 years.  In 1998, the median household income in my trade area – you’re about three miles from the store – was just a [little] under $50,000. Last time I checked, in 2005, it was down to around $40,000, and is under $40,000 now. Those of you operating businesses here know that this [makes it] tough to operate a business.  If the revenue and money of your customers goes down, and your landlord wants to raise the rent, and health insurance premiums are going up, it squeezes you pretty hard.”

Altizer went on, “I understand, it’s not just my business or little businesses – but there are medium-size businesses out here, too.  I feed off them, and their employees. Their employees feed off larger businesses.  What I’d like to see the City doing is make it possible for larger employers to be here, and stay here.  And also, to make it work with existing and smaller sized businesses, when they’re doing planning in the area.

“A few years back, the City came up with a wonderful plan for 122nd Avenue – essentially, they wanted to put all the car dealers out of business.  Someone had to stop that.” Altizer also bemoaned the addition of curb extensions that reduced the number of right-turn lanes on major streets, “and adds to vehicle congestion”.

“The City Council spends a lot of money, millions of dollars, creating a new Bureau – and that’s money that could be spent on sidewalks and street repairs out here.  They spend money on consultants, like communication consultants, who to tell us what a great job they’re doing – and I’d like to see some of that money going to fixing things out here.”

Bruce McCain continues posing questions to candidates.

McCain commented that Portland is one of the last major cities in the nation to use the “commission” form of government, and asked candidates to share their thoughts regarding changing the City Charter so that commissioners could be elected by geographic region.

Bruce Altizer responded, “I would like to see us go to a ‘strong mayor’ form, and to see the City Council elected geographically. I think the last time it failed was because there wasn’t a good transition plan to make that happen.”

Amanda Fritz responded, “I am much less a fan of the commission form of government than I was when I was elected.  I’d like to have a different term, with a different cast of characters, to see how it could be made to work better. It is the form of government with which we have to work now. And, so we need to make the best of what we have, as we do in every session of the City budget. The advantage of the commission form of government is that it requires collaboration, or it allows collaboration.”

Mark White responded, “There is a lot of partisan politics going on within our local nonpartisan government. That creates a lot of problems. As far as the commission form of government, I think it can potentially work, if the folks who are elected are community-based.  It makes a really big difference if Commissioners’ agendas are for the good of entire city, as opposed to the people who contribute for their campaigns.”

GABA members and guests listen, as candidates express their ideas and ideals.

McCain asked next, “What role, if any, should the Portland City Council play in education? If there is a role to play, what would you do to ensure the public schools east of 82nd Avenue would be treated the same as other schools?”

Portland City Commissioner Amanda Fritz speaks about public education.

Amanda Fritz replied, “I was a Portland Public Schools mom for 17 years; my kids started kindergarten the year after Measure 5 passed. The state legislature needs to step up and fix school funding; it’s their responsibility.” Fritz added, “I have been a strong supporter of Mayor Sam Adams, and I think we are all pretty invested in education on the City Council, having had our kids in public schools.”

Fritz continued, “I was the leader in getting $200,000 for Parkrose High School, for their soccer field, recognizing the kids don’t go to school [because they enjoy taking] a math test.” She concluded, “Teachers are doing the best they can with what they have. Working together with volunteers, we can make this a good community as well as having good schools.”

Bruce Altizer talks about education.

Bruce Altizer responded, “I would agree with Amanda on a lot of it. Funding to schools is something that the State has got to fix. I was opposed to Measure 5; when it passed, I thought, ‘we are shooting ourselves in the foot with this’. It took away a lot of local control; where a local school district could raise the money to fund programs – it took it away.”

Altizer continued, “I grew up in Lebanon [Oregon]. Down there, they put the budget to voters every year.  Sometimes it took two or three times before it passed.”

Turning to local educational issues, Altizer concluded, “There’s not a lot of money within the City budget to be granting money to schools. Wherever there’s stuff that we can do outside – like GABA [at one time] offering a scholarship for a David Douglas senior.  That’s something the school boards and business associations can do. I think the City, along with the Office of Neighborhood Involvement, can support that.”

Candidate Mark White comments on education.

Mark White responds, “I’ve had the pleasure of meeting with a four school superintendents here in the outer East Portland area; I’ll be meeting with ‘All Hands Raised’ next month. I see how the lack of funding for education has impacted my neighborhood – it causes stress for teachers and our parents.”

“The things the City can do are quite limited,” White continued. “However there are things that we can do that have been mentioned. It’s important that educators serve on Commissions – like Parkrose Superintendent Karen Gray being on the Planning and Sustainability Commission.”

White concluded, “Probably the best thing the City can do is help create an atmosphere that helps create jobs, and increase economic development here.  If we can increase the per capita income of the residents in the city and state, it’s going to raise the amount of money that’s available for education. It’s kind of a win-win to create jobs, because schools benefit – it works to all of our benefit.”

Turning to public safety, McCain asked candidates to speak on the topic.

Mark White responded, “For me, I lived in North Portland for many years. It wasn’t until I moved to outer East Portland that people started getting shot. [Editor’s note: It did not seem to be White’s intent in this statement to take blame for the shootings, by his act of having moved here.] A teenager was shot in the head, in a park across the street close to my house. We had a tenant find a shotgun next to their car when there was a shooting out on 122nd Avenue. The answer is really simple and easy: Community Policing.”

White added, “When we had a ‘bike patrol’ on three streets in my area, there was no crime at all, just because there were ‘eyes on the street’. We need to make sure we can do these kinds of things. [Changes in police precinct boundaries] made it unsafe for the bike patrol to continue. So if we can move to more community policing, I think this could help quite a bit.”

Amanda Fritz responded, “One of the reasons I’m working to get reelected is that I’m working on a project with Multnomah County and Cascadia Mental Health to get mental health professionals working with the police to help people experiencing mental health crises in the City. We’re halfway through a three-year project.

“I worked at OHSU in psychiatry for 22 years; I’m the only one of the City Council who knows how both the City and the County systems work – and also, the special needs of people with mental illnesses,” Fritz continued. “We’ve made a lot of progress, and will make more. We’re changing some of the protocols in the Portland Police Bureau – instead of rushing in with guns and tasers blazing, if it’s possible, to take a step back. We’re also trying to offer care that is more compassionate.”

Bruce Altizer responded, “Amanda, when I’m elected, I’d love to have you keep working on that!”

Altizer then said he agreed with White and Fritz. “Community Policing is where it starts and ends. Cops have a difficult job. I’m an old military guy, and at the last [candidate forum] I was asked about militarization of the police department. The military and the police are different animals. Public police departments are not the same as military police. The job of our police is to keep people alive. My job, while in the service, was to keep people dead – not my job anymore, though.

“I guess we have a lot of problems with mental health issues,” Altizer continued, “and I  agree with Amanda, but we don’t have the resources right now to get people to deal with this.  I’d like to see the County have medical health officials to help respond to those [in mental crisis].”

With that, the candidates each asked attendees for their vote in the primary election on May 15.

CANDIDATES FOR CITY COMMISSIONER, POSITION NO. 1

Altizer, Bruce

• www.electbrucealtizer.com

Fritz, Amanda

• http://www.Amanda2012.com

Nolan, Mary

• www.marynolanforcitycouncil.com

Raiford, Teressa

• http://www.teressaforportland.com

CANDIDATES FOR CITY COMMISSIONER, POSITION NO. 4

Novick, Steve

• http://www.novickforportland.org

White, Mark

• http://www.markforportland.org

Williams, Jeri

• http://www.jeriforportland.com

Meet the potential mayor of Portland on March 8
On March 8, members of the Gateway Area Business Association meet, starting at 11:30 a.m. This month, the meeting serves as a Portland Mayoral Candidate Forum, facilitated by noted attorney Bruce McCain.

GABA now meets at Russellville Park West Building in the Theater – 23 SE 103rd, Portland. Lunch: $8. Directions: From SE 102nd, turn east on SE Ankeny Street towards SE 103rd, turn left into underground parking, take elevator up to Theater. For more information, see their website: CLICK HERE.

© 2012 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

Take a look at how well volunteers from the Portland Memory Garden are doing, as they build a new community garden in the Powellhurst-Gilbert neighborhood …

Outer East Portland’s newest neighborhood garden patch will be ready by May, says  PP&R Community Gardens Program Coordinator Laura Niemi – as she stands at the gate that opens into the Ed Benedict Park site.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Providing space for Community Gardens is one of Portland Parks & Recreation’s (PP&R) most popular services. In fact, the waiting list to participate in some East Portland gardens is more than 100 names long.

But now, according to PP&R Community Gardens Program Coordinator Laura Niemi, the Parks Department is now taking reservations for its newest outer East Portland location – the southeast corner of Ed Benedict Park, at SE 104th & Bush Street.

“We expect the garden to be ready for use by May,” Niemi remarked, as she surveyed the plot of land – freshly-tilled with soil amenities, and surrounded by a handsome wrought-iron fence.

This community garden, organized by the Friends of Portland Memory Garden, which is located directly to the west of the new community garden space, was part of the “Master Plan” since it was completed about a decade ago, Niemi added.

Although the ground hasn’t yet been tilled, plots have already been staked out – here, at Ed Benedict Garden, next to the Portland Memory Garden.

“In 2009, Portland City Commissioner Nick Fish started an initiative to build more community gardens, to meet the growing demand for garden plots,” said Niemi. “We currently have 39 community gardens; and another five or six are under construction.”

Like at the other sites, this garden will have about 50 plots, Niemi continued. “For those who want to grow a couple of tomato plants, we have plots as small as 5′ x 10′ – and we have other plots as large as 20′ x 20′.”

In addition to being a place to grow fresh food, community gardens provide the opportunity for urban farmers to share knowledge, seeds, and even crops. “And, it’s a great way to get to know your neighbors, and feel more at home in your own neighborhood.”

Many outer East Portland Community Garden spaces are available
Niemi said that, while the demand for community garden space continued to be high in outer East Portland, some plots are still available at these sites:

• Berrydale Community Garden, SE 90th & Taylor
• Brentwood Community Garden, SE 57th & Cooper
• Furey Community Garden, SE 117th & Reedway
• Lents Community Garden, SE 88th & Steele
• Senn’s Community Garden, NE 112th & Prescott
• Hazelwood Community Garden, NE 117th & Holladay

“Plots are assigned on a first come, first served basis,” explained Niemi. “When all of the plots in a garden are assigned, we start a waiting list.”

Raised beds, of varying heights, make gardening easier for individuals with limited mobility.

Community Garden Space fees:

• $21 for 100 ft.² Single plot
• $43 for 200 ft.² Standard plot
• $85 for 400 ft.² Double plot
• $20 for 4’x8’ ADA-accessible raised bed

Scholarship assistance is also available. To volunteer to help prepare a community garden for the growing season, to make a plot reservation, or to obtain more information, visit the official PP&R Community Garden website: CLICK HERE. Or, call (503) 823-1612.

© 2012 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

You’ll be amazed to see how much success Powellhurst-Gilbert neighborhood volunteers have had, restoring land near Johnson Creek. And, find out where you can pitch in to help the creek on March 3 …

Many volunteers make the job of planting 1,300 native trees and shrubs much easier — as these folks will attest, as they work along the Springwater Trail in the Powellhurst-Gilbert Neighborhood.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Laudably, hundreds of volunteers will turn out for the Johnson Creek Watershed Council’s (JCWC) annual “Watershed-Wide Event” coming up on Saturday, March 3^rd.

But, helping to improve their native environment is a monthly activity for volunteers from the Powellhurst-Gilbert Neighborhood Association’s (PGNA) Greening Committee.

On February 18, an energetic group of 26 volunteers were busily working away along the Springwater Trail, just east of SE 128^th Avenue.

Volunteers Scott Tye and John Brandsberg pause, during their planting spree.

“We’re at one of the upper elevations of the Johnson Creek watershed,” explained Greening Committee Chair Dolores Wood, as she paused after carrying another container of plants to volunteers.

“When it rains, the blackberry and other invasive plant species don’t retain and ‘filter’ the water as well as native plants,” Wood said. “Putting in a buffer of native plants along Johnson Creek helps improve its water quality – and, it will look nice, too.”

Their goal was to plant more than a thousand native species “starts” and seedlings, including lots of Meadowsweet, Snowberry, Swamp Rose, and Thimbleberry plants, she said.

Organizer Dolores Wood thanks JCWC Outreach Coordinator Amy Lodholz for volunteering at the planting event.

“We’ve many volunteers from the neighborhood,” Wood commented. “And, we have many students from the International School in Milwaukie. We also have volunteers from the Johnson Creek Watershed Council.”

While her group will continue improving this section of Johnson Creek again on March 10, Wood said she also supports the Johnson Creek Watershed Council’s Watershed-Wide Event on March 3.

JCWC Outreach Coordinator Amy Lodholz, who was volunteering with Wood’s group, smiled and said, “We really value the support Dolores continues to give our organization as well. Hopefully, you’ll mention something about our event in your article.”

People who volunteer to help improve the ecology of their area agree that these events are a good way to make new friends, as well.

So – here we go, Amy!…

March 3 is the annual Johnson Creek Watershed-Wide Volunteer Restoration Event. Between 9:00 a.m. and noon, consider joining in!

“It’s our 14^th annual clean-up; this year, it’s taking place at ten restoration sites,” Lodholz explained, “from Sellwood on out to Gresham. Make new friends, while participating in ecological stewardship, spring stream-cleaning, and community-building, at priority restoration sites.”

But, come dressed for the weather – that includes waterproof footwear! They’ll supply the tools and direction. Then, join your new friends for a free buffet luncheon after the work is done. Pre-registration is required. For more information, or to pre-register, CLICK HERE to visit their website, call (503) 652-7477, or email info@jcwc.org.

And, to learn more about the Powellhurst-Gilbert Neighborhood Association, see their website: CLICK HERE.

© 2012 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

Six specific areas were invited to participate in a new Portland Development Commission pilot program some call ‘Main Street Lite’. See which of them made the cut. See how it unfolded with lots of exclusive photos and much of the speakers’ remarks …

Portland Mayor Sam Adams greets participants, before the Neighborhood Prosperity Initiative announcement begins.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
The auditorium filled at Adventist Medical Center (AMC) on the morning of February 7, as City of Portland officials finished their wholesome late-breakfast treats, and turned their attention to which of the six “Neighborhood Prosperity Initiative” (NPI) districts – all of them east of the Willamette River – would be selected to participate in a new, but still relatively undefined, program.

• To read the East Portland News story published in January, for background information about this program: CLICK HERE.

Judy Leach, of Adventist Medical Center, welcomes guests.

AMC Manager, and President of the East Portland Chamber of Commerce, Judy Leach, brought the session to order: “It’s our pleasure to have you with us for this monumental announcement this morning.

“A community-driven approach to creating thriving communities, successful neighborhoods, and businesses who have long-term sustenance and equitable access to quality jobs over Portland, create what we call a ‘healthy community’,” Leach continued. “All of us are here today because we are interested in, and invested in, having a healthy community. It’s our pleasure to welcome Portland Mayor Sam Adams, to talk to us about the Neighborhood Prosperity Initiative.”

All six NPI areas did qualify to participate in the program, Mayor Sam Adams says.

Mayor Sam Adams addressed the assembled group. “In addition to neighborhood associations, Venture Portland, East Portland Chamber of Commerce, and all of you, we are finally putting investments behind our ‘good words’ about truly supporting East Portland’s best potential. This is an incredibly exciting day.”

Adams said that the day’s announcement was the next step in the program announced by himself and Multnomah County Chair Jeff Cogen several weeks ago.

“Every single one of the six ‘opportunity areas’ qualified [to be included in the NPI program] – and qualified with great enthusiasm,” Adams revealed. “It was not a guarantee [that a proposed NPI area would be included], it was an opportunity. That opportunity required a level of due diligence, and a level of good old-fashioned, roll-up-your-sleeves hard work, that we’ve never asked of you before.”

Adams glowed as he added, “I’m very excited about it.  It’s innovative, and it’s different – and that’s a good thing.”

Multnomah County’s Economic Development Director John Tydlaska says the program does more than improve buildings – it improves capacity.

Referring to Multnomah County as a “key partner” – along with the Portland Development Commission (PDC) – Adams introduced John Tydlaska, who was filling in for the out-of-town County Chair.

“From the county’s standpoint, we are beyond excited, and beyond thrilled, about this,” Tydlaska exclaimed. “To us, we see this as a new step forward in a vision toward what urban redevelopment looks like.
“We think of it as adding more resilience,” Tydlaska went on. “It’s more than the buildings. It’s building a capacity in the community. It’s giving you all the tools. We’re so thrilled to see all of you step forward. Congratulations to you and to Mayor Adams for pushing this forward.”

Portland Development Commission’s chair, Scott Andrews says the NPI provides the six business districts a “new way” to develop.

Next, Scott Andrews, the Portland Development Commission’s Chair, spoke. “On behalf of the five-member commission, this is a very, very exciting day. We’ve been looking for ways to help East Portland and the neighborhoods.  Understand that most of [PDC’s funding] money comes from the urban renewal districts. Without a district, we can’t help for the most part. About 97% of our budget is tax increment financing or TIF.”

Although “it’s not a lot of money”, Andrews added, it will “… hopefully, provide catalytic projects that will get these neighborhoods going.”

In putting together this project, Andrews concluded, “Getting each one of these neighborhoods organized around some ideas, and getting some people do talk about common problems and common ideas, it is worth a lot all by itself.”

Venture Portland board President Justin Zelner says the NPI provides a “great connection” between the business community and neighborhoods.

President Justin Zelner of Venture Portland (formerly APNBA) stepped up and commented, “A thriving, effective community requires a great connection between the business community and the neighborhoods and the residents – and the workers and the employees who work in those businesses, here within our city.”

Zelner added, “These are the types of programs we’ve been talking about for decades here. This is very exciting because, to me, this is the right approach. This is what we do to connect and to tell that story, and start building that thriving community and thriving city that we’re all really looking to achieve.”

Mayor Sam Adams presents the representatives of the Midway Business District, along outer SE Division Street, their official “Certificate of Acceptance” into the Neighborhood Prosperity Initiative program.

When Adams invited the representatives from the six districts to come forward, the auditorium nearly emptied as those representatives gathered around large map graphics which depicted their respective NPI areas:

NPI areas accepted into the program:

• NE 42nd Avenue
• Cully Boulevard
• Parkrose
• Rosewood (primarily along SE 162nd, south of E. Burnside Street)
• SE Division Street (117th – 148th Avenues)
• SE Division Street and 82nd Avenue

Portland Chinese Times Editor Rosalind Hui speaks enthusiastically about 82^nd Avenue being included in the NPI program.

Adams invited Rosalind Hui, Editor of the Portland Chinese Times, to speak.

“I am so excited!” Hui exclaimed. We got it! Coming from 82nd and Division NPI area, it’s just like home to a lot of Asian people, especially for the Chinese – we call it the new Chinatown.

“During the outreach process, I went out to talk to our community members, and they were excited to learn about this project, in their own language,” Hui said. “As well as to learn that the city really cares about them.”

Hui wrapped up by adding, “The number ‘8’ and the number ‘2’ in Chinese sound like the phrase ‘getting rich easily’. With the city’s new attention [on East Portland] and all this effort, let’s see if the businesses here can be even more successful, to match the sound of ‘82’ in Chinese.”

Closing the meeting, Adams remarked, “This is ‘Not your grandmother’s Portland Development Commission’.  They are fighting to make every part of Portland – every part of Portland – as good as it can possibly be.”

This happy group, from the Rosewood NPI area, looks forward to a brighter future, says their spokesman (far left), Moe Farhoud.

Rosewood NPI area’s Moe Farhoud, of Stark Firs Management, a company that owns eight apartment developments in the area, said, “Today, it’s a wonderful day.”

The best thing about having the Rosewood area included, Farhoud said, “is that this is a new page for outer Southeast Portland. I think that we can conquer lots of things, starting today. I mean, I’ve been in the neighborhood for 25 years.  I believe is a new day, to start the best for Southeast.”

Representatives of the Parkrose NPI listen as Mayor Adams concludes the presentations.

Speaking for the Parkrose NPI, Joe Rossi commented, “This is a great thing to help benefit all of our community. I’m excited about the project.  Just look at the people here together with me. I’m fourth-generation Parkrose, and I love my community.”

Specifically, Rossi added, “This is a great thing to help people to unify and get together. The biggest change we can expect is that we have something now to help unify a vision for our community.”

The Midway NPI district representatives are enthusiastic about the program, with their “Certificate of Acceptance” in hand, says spokesperson (second from left), Lori Boisen.

Lori Boisen, proprietor of Advertise in the Bag, and the Midway Business Association’s Secretary, listed six important things they believe the NPI program will bring to outer SE Division Street:

1. Reduced vacancies, and new business into the empty storefronts – especially near 122^nd Avenue;
2. Support and enhancement of existing local businesses within the corridor;
3. Enticing residents and businesses who are already in the community to stay here and draw people to the community;
4. Bringing into the area a grocery store with affordable food;
5. Improved mass transit transportation; and,
6. Creating ‘smart growth’ for the area.

It’s clear that expectations for the Neighborhood Prosperity Initiative districts run high among these committees. East Portland News hopes their enthusiasm and dedicated participation pays healthy dividends.

© 2012 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

Find out who has the task of taking over the duties of Rosanne Lee, now that she has departed her post …

Tom Barnes, Public Safety Chair of the Powellhurst Gilbert Neighborhood Association, thanks Crime Prevention Specialist Rosanne Lee for her service during her retirement party.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
There were many sad faces at the retirement party of well-known outer East Portland Crime Prevention Specialist Rosanne Lee on January 31. One by one, co-workers, neighborhood leaders, and friends stood up and told about their interaction with Lee.

Lightening the mood, Lee smiled, “It’s not like I’m leaving the city or country – I’m just leaving this job. It’s nice to go out on a high point.  It’s a good thing to have everyone together.”

Judy Welch, who chaired the Lents Neighborhood Association for many years, recalls how Rosanne Lee helped improve safety in that community.

Rosanne Lee accepts congratulations from Office of Neighborhood Involvement Director Amalia Alarcon de Morris.

Her boss, City of Portland Office of Neighborhood Involvement Director Amalia Alarcon de Morris, congratulated Lee.

“I thank you for all the good you’ve done. I wish you many years of doing all the things you wanted to do, but didn’t have the time to,” Alarcon de Morris said. “I wish you health and prosperity, and to be surrounded by your family.”

With her husband Gary, Rosanne Lee is served cake at her celebration.

Lee thanked her husband, Gary, for supporting her in her job over the years. “There were times I couldn’t tear myself away from doing e-mail or using the phone, even at home, in the evening or on the weekend.”

The some 50 people who attended the party mingled and many enjoyed a slice of Lee’s celebratory cake after the brief formal presentations.

About her immediate future, Lee told East Portland News, “I want to go home and clean my house. Then, I’ll reestablish my home office and craft room. Then, I plan to volunteer [at East Precinct], helping out the administrative staff and the Neighborhood Response Team with Trespass Agreements and Enhanced Safety Program.”

Rosanne Lee introduces incoming outer East Portland Crime Prevention Specialist Samantha “Sam” Freeman.

Lee introduced Samantha “Sam” Freeman, the person hired to take over her responsibilities. Lee gave this advice: “Take it one day at a time, don’t be afraid to think outside the box; if you think it’s a really good idea, go ahead and do it; and, get to know the neighborhoods.”

Saying she was proud to be associated with the program for seventeen years, Lee concluded, “Sometimes I just wonder where the time went.  Crime Prevention can do great things, when we put our mind to it. I support the program, and I want to stay robust, and grow.”

© 2012 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

Getting to use just-picked ingredients just outside the door is one reason that kids are learning to cook – during this new series of classes …

Greta Stahle chops dill for a soup garnish.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Savory smells wafted from the door of the Zenger Farm farmhouse in the Powellhurst-Gilbert Neighborhood on the cold, rainy Saturday of January 14th.

And, that delicious food being prepared was mostly cooked by youngsters.

“This is our first ‘Cooking with Kids’ class,” welcomed the instructor and chef, Christian Anayas, who trained at the Culinary Institute of America. “After I graduated in 2004, I worked in a number of restaurants; and now I’ve come to Portland, where I attend Reed College.”

Since he’s worked at Zenger Farm three years, Anayas said he’s seen the need to expand the number of workshops offered by the organization. And, one way to get people more interested in local, fresh, and sustainable food is to show them easy ways to prepare taste-tempting dishes.

Chef Christian Anayas shows Harry Shaw how to season that pot of beet borscht he’s preparing.

“And, I thought it would be especially fun and interesting to create opportunities for kids to learn to cook,” Anayas said. “Cooking together can be a fun way for families to be together.”

Cooking soups was topic of that day’s workshop. “We started by harvesting some of the vegetables we’re using today from our ‘Kids Garden’,” the chef recounted. “And, we thought it would be nice to cook soups, on a cold January day. Today, we’re preparing two different kinds of soups – a creamy clam chowder, and red beet borscht.”

Some of the kids were stirring, keeping a watchful eye on the pots. Others were cutting up garnishes and fresh bread – all too busy to comment for us, beyond: “This is fun”.

“Mmmmm” is what mom Sandy Stahle says after sniffing the borscht at the Zenger Farm cooking class.

Monthly classes continue through Spring
On February 4, “Cooking with Kids” continues, with “How to make Pasta”. From 10 a.m. until 12 noon, Chef Anayas will help kids learn how to make pasta from scratch.

“You and your child will learn to mix, knead pasta dough, and use a pasta machine,” promises Anayas. “We will harvest herbs and vegetables from the farm, and return to the farmhouse to create make two kinds of pasta – fresh noodles, and filled pasta.”

Cook, eat, and go home with the recipes! The cost is $40 for one adult and one child (additional children, $15 each). To sign up online, CLICK HERE to open their “workshops” webpage. Residents of Powellhurst-Gilbert, Lents, and Pleasant Valley are offered a 15% discount on all workshops; and scholarships are available.

Call for more information about classes, discounts, or scholarships: (503) 282-4245. Zenger Farm is located at 11741 SE Foster Road.

The classes are held different Saturdays of the month. Be sure to check our COMMUNITY CALENDAR for upcoming classes!

© 2012 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News