See the smiles on their faces as these kids learn the importance of growing food in their very own garden space …

In the Lents Children’s Garden are (Back row) Saige Keikkala; Bailey Schweitzer; Sarah Goforth–Children’s Gardening Educator; Mara Reynolds, Assistant ‚Äì (Middle row) Row: Joshua Keikkala; Madison Keikkala; Josh Ashbaugh; Grace Vu ‚Äì (Front row) Krista Ashbaugh (the young man with the squash); Jacob Ashbaugh.

Story and photo by David F. Ashton
Instead of scolding their children for getting their clothes soiled, some parents in outer East Portland are encouraging their kids to go out and “dig in the dirt” this summer.

Although it’s an annual event, see why this, the first Pancake Breakfast held by the Thelma Skelton “Loaves and Fishes” Center at their new location, was important to their continued success ‚Ķ

Joie Xiali, Lisa and Hank Barnett enjoy a great, hot breakfast on a rainy, wintery day – and, at the same time, support the agency that helps their parents by giving them hot meals.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
The hundreds of individuals, couples, and entire families who braved the cold, driven rain along SE Milwaukie Avenue were rewarded with a hot, toothsome breakfast a not long ago.

Toxic levels of lead is often found in older homes. But you may be surprised to learn where lead can hide in newly-remodeled residences. Read this, and learn how to easily protect yourself — and your loved ones — from the avoidable tragedy of lead poisoning ‚Ķ

Perry Cabot, workshop coordinator of the Portland’s Lead Poisoning Prevention Program, tests a harmless looking dish ‚Äì and discovers toxic levels of lead.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Right now, you may have a very dangerous “heavy metal” in your home, out where your kids can play in it.

The first parade of the season‚ this one’s a Portland Rose Festival Centennial event‚ takes the avenue on April 28. Read all about the organization behind it in our weekly series about East Portland Business Associations‚

Backed by the Royal Rosarians, 82nd Ave. of Roses Business Association President Ken Turner officiates at the grand opening of Joann’s Superstore.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
This association of businesses as started in 1987, and now has a strong membership that includes business members from all sections of the association’s boundaries. They are also very proud to count as members several neighborhood representatives; government representative; non-profit organizations and educational facilities.

Members of the East Portland Chamber of Commerce meet at different businesses across their area. Read this and catch up on a couple of their more interesting meeting locations‚

Doug Miller, president of Modern Color, shows off his new flatbed, full-color sign printer to members of the East Portland Chamber of Commerce.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
The East Portland Chamber of Commerce is focused on giving its members the tools to grow their businesses, learn to be effective business leaders, and be heard by local government officials.

Multnomah County health officials say the Avian Flu is undoubtedly coming. There’s no vaccine for it. People will die from it. And there’s nothing the government can do to help you. Read and learn what steps you must take to protect the life and health of your family ‚Ķ

Jessica Guernsey Camargo, MPH, Project Supervisor, Pandemic Influenza Community Engagement, telling a SE Portland group there is no cure, nor prevention, for the coming Avian Flu. “The fact is, the only real way of managing the pandemic is through citizens taking personal responsibility.”

Take a look at another great East Portland farmer’s market, as it opens its doors …

Giving away cookies on opening day at the Moreland Farmer’s Market are Beatrice Matin, market manager Laura Wendel, and Elaine Harper.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Beautiful weather may have been one factor for the great turnout at the Moreland Farmer’s Market opening day on May 14. But the wide variety of vendors and upbeat feeling for the nonprofit market, as it begins its third season, may have contributed to the lively day.

If you don’t know Ross Monn, Chair of Wilkes Community Group, see why sixty folks showed up at to honor this man and wish him well, as he moves to Spokane …

Bonny McKnight, co-chair of the nearby Russell neighborhood, welcomes guests to the farewell celebration for Ross Monn.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Never has the East Portland Neighborhood Office (EPNO) building, in Hazelwood, hosted such a well-attended event, as was the farewell event honoring Wilkes Community Group Chair, Ross Monn, on May 30.

One local political race is still in progress this summer – Fritz and Lewis are each hoping to win the runoff for Portland City Commissioner Seat #1 in November’s election. Read what they had to say this week in Gateway …

Story by Watford Reed and David F. Ashton, photos by David F. Ashton
Portlanders know that Sam Adams will take over the Mayor’s Office in January, and that Nick Fish decisively won the Portland City Council seat vacated by the early retirement of Erik Sten.

But one race remains in city government – for Portland City Council Seat #1, currently held by Mayor-elect Sam Adams.

It’s more than just a Cruise-in – Parkrose business folks are getting ready for a day-long festival! See why they’re working so hard to make this event happen …

Parkrose Business Association Past President Wayne Stoll, of Century Associates, shows off the street banners about to be hung along NE Sandy Boulevard to promote the August 2 Parkrose Festival and Cruise-in.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
As we’ve been telling you – the “Rose Festival Parkrose Cruise-in” has been put to rest.

There aren’t any broncos to bust or calves to rope – but see what these electrical workers DO compete in, when they go to the region’s ‘lineman’s rodeo’ …

At this PGE training station on outer SE Powell Boulevard, linemen from all over the region gather to compete at the Pacific Northwest Lineman’s Rodeo.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Some of the toughest guys you’ll meet are at this all-day rodeo – but you won’t find any bull-riding, roping, or herding at the Pacific Northwest Lineman’s Rodeo, held annually out on SE Powell Boulevard on the last weekend in July – this year, on the 26th.

At one time or another, it seems most people in East Portland use the Sellwood Bridge to get to the West Side. Learn why Multnomah County is using “superglue” to prolong the life of the bridge …

Injection ports, affixed to the concrete directly over the cracks, allow the contractor to force high-strength epoxy into Sellwood Bridge cracks under high pressure.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
It isn’t a joke that the Sellwood Bridge – dedicated in 1925, and considered to be in the poorest condition of all major Oregon bridges – is now held together with glue.