UPDATE: Learn about the “Stark Street Stroll” on August 8 — See why volunteers installed new benches and planters to invite the harried to relax and enjoy the merchants and restaurants in Montavilla ‚Ķ
One of the teams installing benches and barrel planters in the revitalizing downtown Montavilla area are Maria Sworske, Sandra McDaniel, Jennifer Tamayo, Sarah Selden.
Story and photo by David F. Ashton
When Montavilla was incorporated 100 years ago, it was a bastion of civilization as one headed out ot town east of Mt. Tabor. Stark Street was one of the heavily-traveled roads which connected the city with the countryside.
But, in the past few decades, drivers went whizzing west on Stark on their way to downtown ignored the businesses that made up a once-thriving community.
One by one, the stores began to close. The movie theater shut down, and became a printing plant for a weekly shopper.
Revitalizing Montavilla
Last year, several merchants got together and formed the Montavilla/Tabor-East Business Association. Their goal is to buff up this century-old neighborhood business district.
They’re not working alone; they’ve recruited the neighborhood association to help.
On July 8, we caught up with Jennifer Tamayo, chair of the Montavilla Neighborhood Association. “Today we partnering with the Montavilla/Tabor-East Business Association. We’re installing four benches and eight whiskey barrel planters. We’re provide the man-power; they purchased all of the materials.”
Eight volunteers worked on the improvement project that morning.
“The idea is to create a better community on SE Stark St. When it looks better, and more inviting, we feel it will make people ‚Äì both shoppers and potential merchants ‚Äì stop and really consider all the potential of our area,” Tamayo said.
So, next time you’re about to head from the Mall 205 area up over the hill–drive a bit more slowly, and take a look. You’ll see these volunteers are making a visible difference.
UPDATE: “Stark Street Stroll”
The neighborhood will be alive with fun, sidewalk sales and activities on Saturday, August 5. Be sure to stop by and be part of the 100th Anniversary Celebration of Montavilla.
© 2006 David F. Ashton ~ East PDX News
UPDATE: Learn about the “Stark Street Stroll” on August 8 — See why volunteers installed new benches and planters to invite the harried to relax and enjoy the merchants and restaurants in Montavilla ‚Ķ
One of the teams installing benches and barrel planters in the revitalizing downtown Montavilla area are Maria Sworske, Sandra McDaniel, Jennifer Tamayo, Sarah Selden.
Story and photo by David F. Ashton
When Montavilla was incorporated 100 years ago, it was a bastion of civilization as one headed out ot town east of Mt. Tabor. Stark Street was one of the heavily-traveled roads which connected the city with the countryside.
But, in the past few decades, drivers went whizzing west on Stark on their way to downtown ignored the businesses that made up a once-thriving community.
One by one, the stores began to close. The movie theater shut down, and became a printing plant for a weekly shopper.
Revitalizing Montavilla
Last year, several merchants got together and formed the Montavilla/Tabor-East Business Association. Their goal is to buff up this century-old neighborhood business district.
They’re not working alone; they’ve recruited the neighborhood association to help.
On July 8, we caught up with Jennifer Tamayo, chair of the Montavilla Neighborhood Association. “Today we partnering with the Montavilla/Tabor-East Business Association. We’re installing four benches and eight whiskey barrel planters. We’re provide the man-power; they purchased all of the materials.”
Eight volunteers worked on the improvement project that morning.
“The idea is to create a better community on SE Stark St. When it looks better, and more inviting, we feel it will make people ‚Äì both shoppers and potential merchants ‚Äì stop and really consider all the potential of our area,” Tamayo said.
So, next time you’re about to head from the Mall 205 area up over the hill–drive a bit more slowly, and take a look. You’ll see these volunteers are making a visible difference.
UPDATE: “Stark Street Stroll”
The neighborhood will be alive with fun, sidewalk sales and activities on Saturday, August 5. Be sure to stop by and be part of the 100th Anniversary Celebration of Montavilla.
© 2006 David F. Ashton ~ East PDX News
Read this article and learn how one business association is participating in Mayor Tom Potter’s visionPDX program; and why you should, also ‚Ķ
Jean Baker and David Ashton “pick the brains” of business people as part of the mayor’s visionPDX process, discovering the values and desires of business people in the Gateway Area
Story by Watford Reed; photos by Frank Ryan
Answers poured out, when members of the Gateway Area Business Association were asked to tell what they think of Portland, and what they’d like to see changed.
David F. Ashton, a local newsman and communications consultant, was the facilitator of this “visionPDX” session, co-hosted by Jean Baker, vice president of the Alliance of Neighborhood Business Associations and president of Division-Clinton Business Association. Because of Baker’s diligent efforts, Ashton said, businesspeople had the opportunity to participate in this city-wide program.
Ashton asked participants to keep their “druthers” short, and registered about 40 of them as he, and Jean Baker, solicited views from businesspeople in this outer East Portland community.
At the meeting, Ashton began by asking those attending what they valued most about Portland–and why. The answers ranged from the climate and the people, to diversity of geography, individuals and businesses. “People are warm and friendly,” one member said.
Others said Portland is a “clean-looking city”; it has a “small town feeling” and good schools; “if a neighborhood goes down, people work to build it up again”.
When one member said he likes the parks and green spaces in Portland, Ashton asked how many others felt that way. About three-fourths of the crowd raised hands in agreement.
Immediate changes requested
His next question sought their wishes for changes in Portland.
Cleaner rivers were mentioned first, along with lower prices for gasoline. More support for schools and more light rail and other modes of transportation followed, then training for city and county officials ‚Äì “they don’t seem to have much business experience.”
One man urged “no more taxes or fees” without approval in an election; another called for more jail space to hold lawbreakers.
Ashton then asked what Portland should “be like, if all our hopes and dreams come true, in 20 years”.
Less traffic congestion, and lower pollution of streams, were among the answers. Others said that when “government asks for a new program, revenue sources are specifically identified.” Others demanded zero-based budgets; “no fat children”, lower crime, shutting down drug trafficking, and less prostitution.
Several members agreed that sounder economic development programs should be in place.
Action steps
The climax of the session came when Ashton elicited the most important steps that needed to be taken to reach the lofty dreams put forth for the city.
Less crowding of housing, and more space between houses, were the first items mentioned. A “fairer tax system” and “election of business operators to public office instead of politicos” were urged. So was accountability for city officials.
In closing, members were invited to tell others they knew, that they can also participate in “visionPDX” by going online to www.apnba.com, and following the link to the on-line questionnaire.
On their way out, members of the business association made it clear that they were pleased their answers to these vital questions would be included in the mayor’s vision plan.
© 2006 – East PDX News
Read this article and learn how one business association is participating in Mayor Tom Potter’s visionPDX program; and why you should, also ‚Ķ
Jean Baker and David Ashton “pick the brains” of business people as part of the mayor’s visionPDX process, discovering the values and desires of business people in the Gateway Area
Story by Watford Reed; photos by Frank Ryan
Answers poured out, when members of the Gateway Area Business Association were asked to tell what they think of Portland, and what they’d like to see changed.
David F. Ashton, a local newsman and communications consultant, was the facilitator of this “visionPDX” session, co-hosted by Jean Baker, vice president of the Alliance of Neighborhood Business Associations and president of Division-Clinton Business Association. Because of Baker’s diligent efforts, Ashton said, businesspeople had the opportunity to participate in this city-wide program.
Ashton asked participants to keep their “druthers” short, and registered about 40 of them as he, and Jean Baker, solicited views from businesspeople in this outer East Portland community.
At the meeting, Ashton began by asking those attending what they valued most about Portland–and why. The answers ranged from the climate and the people, to diversity of geography, individuals and businesses. “People are warm and friendly,” one member said.
Others said Portland is a “clean-looking city”; it has a “small town feeling” and good schools; “if a neighborhood goes down, people work to build it up again”.
When one member said he likes the parks and green spaces in Portland, Ashton asked how many others felt that way. About three-fourths of the crowd raised hands in agreement.
Immediate changes requested
His next question sought their wishes for changes in Portland.
Cleaner rivers were mentioned first, along with lower prices for gasoline. More support for schools and more light rail and other modes of transportation followed, then training for city and county officials ‚Äì “they don’t seem to have much business experience.”
One man urged “no more taxes or fees” without approval in an election; another called for more jail space to hold lawbreakers.
Ashton then asked what Portland should “be like, if all our hopes and dreams come true, in 20 years”.
Less traffic congestion, and lower pollution of streams, were among the answers. Others said that when “government asks for a new program, revenue sources are specifically identified.” Others demanded zero-based budgets; “no fat children”, lower crime, shutting down drug trafficking, and less prostitution.
Several members agreed that sounder economic development programs should be in place.
Action steps
The climax of the session came when Ashton elicited the most important steps that needed to be taken to reach the lofty dreams put forth for the city.
Less crowding of housing, and more space between houses, were the first items mentioned. A “fairer tax system” and “election of business operators to public office instead of politicos” were urged. So was accountability for city officials.
In closing, members were invited to tell others they knew, that they can also participate in “visionPDX” by going online to www.apnba.com, and following the link to the on-line questionnaire.
On their way out, members of the business association made it clear that they were pleased their answers to these vital questions would be included in the mayor’s vision plan.
© 2006 – East PDX News
Hot enough for ya…? Pools and water features help folks stay cool when the thermometer spikes upward …
Even the temperature sign at SE 122nd Ave. on Division St. Crossing seemed to scream, “It’s TOO HOT!”
Story and photo by David F. Ashton
Looking up, the Division Station tower in the Midway Business Association district, the sign indicated 106 degrees.
So, how hot was it? Most people with whom we spoke said, “Way too hot!”
“It’s sweltering out here,” commented Mary Jenkins, as she crossed SE Division St. at 122nd Avenue. “You can feel the heat coming up from the pavement as well as down from the sun.”
Four-year-old Chance McKiney found a way to beat the summer heat. He’s using the new “water feature” at Raymond Park, hidden away in the Powellhurst-Gilbert Neighborhood.
George Furman, noting the arrival of an unexpected cloud cover, told us, “It’s the humidity. It makes the heat seem hotter.” He was on the way to catch a bus.
A worker at Pizza Roma in Woodstock said, “The air conditioning must be working overtime. It’s pretty cool in the restaurant, but it is really hot back here by the pizza ovens.”
Being out and about, we noticed the temperature difference as we went from an air-conditioned car out into the heat ‚Äì then into an air-conditioned building. It was cool inside Rhino Digital Graphics at SE 12th Ave. and Division Street. The one-minute journey from their offices back to our car was wilting. We cooled off as we drove out to Lents, to check the heat at Quality Cage Company on SE 111th Ave., north of Foster Rd. This manufacturing company, housed in a steel building, was heating up. “We keep drinking lots of water,” said QCC’s president, Guy Cone, as he wrapped another Chinchilla Mansion for shipping. “We’ve got air conditioning at home. I can’t hardly wait.”
For us here at East PDX News, things aren’t so bad. Our office is in a daylight basement; a great air conditioner keeps it cool and delilghtful while producing and posting news stories for you!
Be of good cheer ‚Äì out “summer” is half over! Soon, we’ll be able to complain about the overcast skies and drizzle.
© 2006 David F. Ashton ~ East PDX News
See why one of the best places to hear music is
in a park this summer …
Sitting on the grass, down by the river, more than 1,000 gathered for the swinging sounds of Stolen Sweets.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
With a light, cooling breeze blowing in off the Willamette River, more than 1,000 folks came out for the opening of the concert season at Sellwood Riverfront Park on July 10.
This program featured Stolen Sweets, ’30’s swing jazz band from Portland who have just released a new CD.
Many food vendors were at the concerts. Making hot, fresh kettle corn at the concert is Caroline Barron; sampling her wares are Dan McCarthy and his son Rydan.
The smell of fresh kettle corn filled the air, vendors provided beverages and snacks. But many just brought their picnic baskets loaded with their favorite outdoor treats.
“Having a concert in your neighborhood helps all of us feel connect with our neighborhood,” explained Kristin Knapp, Summer Concerts coordinator, Portland Parks & Recreation. “Music connects people. And these concerts help us ‘claim’ our parks for ourselves and our families, and allow us to be proud of our neighborhood.”
Just one of the groups having family fun at Sellwood Riverfront Park, flanked by Sydney and Paige, is Rachel Schubert with Willis and David Schubert; friends Andy Fisher and Madison joined them for the concert.
From a practical standpoint, the music programs help improve park safety, Knapp said. “When we have events here, it helps people not feel afraid to come to the park. The park is a safe place to go. When we create good events in the park, it chases out the undesirable activities.”
The concerts, every Monday evening in July, were presented by Portland Parks and Recreation, SMILE, and several local businesses.
© 2006 David F. Ashton ~ East PDX News
Looky here, pardner: This ain’t no little ole’ barn dance! See how much fun folks had when they came to the 9th Annual Barn Bash ‚Ķ
Just below, see our photo album of this great East Portland event!
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Regular readers already know about the Barn Bash put on by the Rossi family (and friends), to raise money for the Parkrose Youth Activities Fund.
If you haven’t yet gotten the word, take a look at the photos below and you’ll see why we think this is such a wonderful event.
This year’s Barn Bash attracted 1,800 folks to the most unique and fun party in Portland at Rossi Farms on July 8. When the dust settled, the Posse (sponsors and organizers) said the event raised $14,000, which will help eleven youth groups and organizations in the community.
2006 Rossi Farms BARN BASH Photo Album
Joe Rossi is ready to ice down hundreds of cold water bottles for the event.
Looks like nearly everyone in Outer East Portland is coming to the 2006 Barn Bash.
Parkrose High School ASPIRE director Teena Ainsley is one of 1,800 to pass through the Barn Bash entry gate.
Volunteers Clarence and Sharon Fode keep busy serv’n up the chicken.
The Zieglers (and friend) sit down to a plate of bodacious barbecue.
Portland Commissioner Sam Adams is served some of that delicious, tender Parkrose Lions BBQ chicken. Sam told us, “I’ve heard about the Barn Bash for years. It’s great to see this community come together to have a great time ‚Äì and support a good cause.”
The generosity of Widmer Brothers – and the thirst of the crowd – provided additional proceeds for the Parkrose Youth Activities Fund.
Multnomah County Commissioner Lonnie Roberts and his wife sit down to a great barbecue chicken dinner grilled by the Parkrose Lions Club, and served up by dozens of hard-working volunteers.
It takes a whole crew of hard-working volunteers to serve more than 1,500 freshly-made strawberry-shortcake desserts.
Folks look forward to the action of the Wild West Show and Civil War Reenactment.
As evening falls, the Barn Bash Corral fills with folks having a great time.
After dinner, hundreds take to the barn dance floor and kick up their heels into the night, to the music of “The Last Rodeo Band”.
The “clean, blue suites” provided by Craig Mendenhall’s American Sani-Cans were a big relief to Barn Bash party-goers.
Mark your calendar now!
Looking back on the 2006 Barn Bash, Joe Rossi told us, “We certainly couldn’t have this event without the dozens of volunteers who help in so many ways. Look for next year’s Barn Bash; it’s July 14, 2007.”
Foundation sponsors include the Parkrose Lions Club; Hasson Realtors, Nick Rossi PC Principal Broker; Widmer Brothers; Reser’s Fine Foods; Aldo Rossi; Tonkin Auto Group; Elmer’s Restaurants; Mid-County Memo; Oliveros & Obrien, PC; Graziano Foodservices, Inc.; William Frank Bitar & Associates ‚Äì and of course, Rossi Farms.
© 2006 David F. Ashton ~ East PDX News
See Mayor Tom Potter join the merry throng as this great summer festival comes back to life, thanks to dedicated volunteers …
Grand Marshal Mayor Tom Potter and his wife, Woodstock Neighborhood residents, ride down the boulevard. (See our photo album below!)
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Because 2005 saw no Woodstock Festival, many people in that neighborhood thought the ten-year-old tradition was forever gone.
But, thanks to the efforts of Woodstock Community Business Association board member Cristy Landers and many volunteers, fun and frivolity filled the boulevard as the festive event returned on July 15.
The eclectic parade began at 11:00 am; the procession of people on foot, stilts and bikes, as well as riders of Segues and other motorized conveyances, pleased the large crowd gathered along the sidewalks of the boulevard. Handfuls of wrapped candy thrown by the participants kept the attention of the children from lagging.
The fun didn’t end after the parade passed by. Four stages along the Woodstock business district provided music, crafts, and entertainment for revelers of all ages. The scent of all kinds of food, cooked and served outdoors, filled the afternoon air.
“This is the best festival ever,” said 6-year-old Breanne Walker. “But, this is the first one I’ve attended,” she confessed. Judging the smiles seen on almost everyone’s face, the return of the Woodstock Festival and Parade was a very good idea.
2006 Woodstock Parade and Fair Photo Album
Gary, Lindsey, Kob, and Denise Lamb say they didn’t have to travel far to enjoy the parade ‚Äì only from SE 48th and Knight St.
These colorful bicyclists say that today, they are called the Tetanus Awareness Society – subject to change, by the end of the route!
Bystanders were amazed to see how these Reed College students nimbly danced on stilts.
Mother Goose, one of the festivals’ entertainers, encourages people to come see her magic show by having them repeat a silly nursery rhyme.
The Segue Drill Team dazzled folks lining the streets by performing spontaneous- looking patterns – the success of which appeared to amaze even the riders.
3-8P Supporting the fair and parade are Woodstock Neighborhood Association members Lonnie Port, Moshe Lenske, Helen Jones, Jan Elliott, and Mike Rocheleau.
Don Renda and Geneva get their freshly-grilled hot dog from Kikki King, in front of Mickie Finn’s Restaurant.
Brent Stephens of “Pacific Rainbow Shave Ice” presents a colorful, cool treat to Karen MacKnight.
© 2006 David F. Ashton ~ East PDX News
While the gunman’s motives were unclear, taking aim at a Portland Police Bureau officer and cadet led to returned fire. But, it appears, the shooter actually died at his own hands ‚Ķ
Detectives say they learned that issues with his girlfriend led 37-year-old Jerry Goins to approach the Armed Forces Recruiting Station at Eastport Plaza with a loaded gun.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
The tranquility of a hot, summer afternoon was broken at 4:17 p.m. on July 19 when shots rang out in front of the Military Recruiting Facility, located in the 4000 block of SE 82nd Ave.
“When I came out of the Eastport Post Office, I heard someone shouting, ‘Drop it! Put it down’. Then, there were several shots,” eyewitness Bill Stapleton told us. “I was quite a distance away, but I could see the smoke from gunshots and what looked like a guy going down. Cops were shouting to people in the area, ‘get down, get down’.”
The man who died on the sidewalk was 37-year-old Jerry Goins. Police detectives said Goins was in the Navy, stationed in California. They added that Goins had traveled to Portland because he was emotional over his relationship with his girlfriend. At the time of his death, Goins was carrying a loaded pistol and binoculars.
9-1-1 call summons officer
On this sunny afternoon, a 19-year-old Portland Police Cadet was learning about police work, riding along in a patrol car driven by Portland Police Officer Richard Steinbronn.
A moment before 4:00 pm, the officer and cadet were dispatched to the recruiting facility. Someone called 9-1-1 and reported that an armed, suicidal man was coming to see his girlfriend.
Once inside the recruiter’s office, Officer Steinbronn didn’t find the man ‚Äì but he did talk with an individual, reported to be Goins, calling from a cell phone.
The officer and cadet got in their car, preparing to go on their next call. Then they spotted a man who matched Goins’ description walking up to the recruiting facility. And, he was carrying a gun.
Police officers protect the crime scene while investigators work to uncover the exact sequence of events that lead to 37-year-old Jerry Goins’ coming to Eastport Plaza with a loaded gun on July 19.Autopsy confirms suicide
Witnesses told investigators the officer exited his car and repeatedly ordered Goins to drop the handgun. Ignoring the officer’s orders, Goins turned and raised the weapon toward the officer and cadet. Officer Steinbronn then shot Goins four times, striking him in the mid-section.
After an autopsy, Multnomah County Deputy State Medical Examiner Dr. Clifford Nelson confirmed that none of the wounds from the officer’s gun were immediately fatal. Instead, Nelson said, Goins took his own life with a gunshot wound to his head. Detectives said evidence indicated, and witnesses also attested, that the fatal shot was self-inflicted.
Portland Police Bureau Chief of Police Rosie Sizer confers with a city attorney.
Eastport Plaza manager Ken Turner said he was called back to the shopping center by his security personnel. “We express our condolences and sympathy to relatives, friends and loved ones of Mr. Jerry Goins. And, we appreciate Chief Rosie Sizer and the officers of the police force for how they handled this tragic situation. The officers assured that the public was safe and out of harms way.”
Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Barry Renna at (503) 823-0255 or Detective Mike Geiger at (503) 823-0768.
© 2006 David F. Ashton ~ East PDX News
See how a group of dedicated neighbors worked with local, regional and national public safety organizations to turn a run-down SE Portland eyesore into a community center …
It wasn’t just coffee and groceries sold here ‚Äì police say it was a front for illegal drugs.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Neighbors thought it was odd ‚Äì the Wake Up drive-through coffee shop at 5633 SE Division St. didn’t seem to serve coffee; the deli didn’t stock much food.
This building isn’t in a seedy part of town. It stands directly across the street from the Atkinson School.
“There was no regular business here,” neighborhood leader Paul Leistner told us, “so neighbors knew there was something shady going on. Eventually police and drug enforcement officers started surveillance, sometimes using the grade school’s teacher’s lounge.”
The police and sheriff’s office did take notice when they observed the owners of the shop selling large amounts of pseudoephedrine, a key ingredient of methamphetamine.
Eventually, the shop was raided and closed down, and the property was seized by the US Federal Marshall’s office.
Neighbors conceive take-over plan
In November of 2004, neighbors hatched an idea to turn this property into a community center. That dream came true when the building, renamed Atkinson/Tabor Community Commons, was transferred to the control of Southeast Uplift, the neighborhood coalition for the area on June 6.
Digging weeds to beautify the outside of the former Wake Up Deli is Laurie Schaefer.
“Southeast Uplift is administering this building on behalf on Mt. Tabor Neighborhood Association, South Tabor Neighborhood Association, and Atkinson Elementary PTA,” Leistner said, at a clean-up work-party held at the building on July 8.
Respected neighborhood activist Paul Leistner helped clean up the former Wake Up Deli with neighbor John Laursen and Justin Leonard, president of Mt Tabor Neighborhood Association.
Pausing a moment from his chore of pulling out a broken sheet glass window, Justin Leonard, newly-elected president of Mt Tabor Neighborhood Association, he said that Leistner is great inspiration. “I’m here to support this effort. I think it is unprecedented how our community has come together behind this project. Collectively, we presented the plan for turning this former drug property into a community center to local, state and federal governmental agencies. With their support, we’ve done it. It’s going to be a community center; a community hub.”
Federal ‘Drug Czar’ gets first-hand look
Cece Hughley Noel, Executive Director, SE Uplift, Katherine Anderson, Crime Prevention Coordinator tell the story of Wake Up Deli to visiting dignitary, John Walters, Director, National Drug Control Policy, along with Portland Police SE Precinct Commander Derrick Foxworth, (standing) Brian Santo, outgoing president of the Atkinson PTA and Portland City Commissioner Sam Adams.
At their July 20 open house, the old building had been cleaned out, painted and made ready to receive its first guests. With the trash removed, the building seems surprisingly roomy; and, with the walls painted, it is bright and cheery.
Representatives from the community, city, and law enforcement gathered for a community conversation led by Southeast Uplift executive director Cece Hughley Noel, as they welcomed John P. Walters, Director, National Drug Control Policy.
We asked Walters why he’d traveled from Washington D.C. to tour a little building in southeast Portland.
He replied, “This is an important example of what a community, committed to a goal, can do. I’m here to learn lessons of what you think worked well. We’d like to make this project an example of how a former neighborhood problem can be turned into a potential asset. We’ll show what you have done to others, who will benefit by replicating your efforts in a way unique to their community.”
Paul Leistner recounted problems at the site dating back to the 1980s — including drug- dealing, laundering food stamps, incidents of violence, and selling cigarettes to minors. “The most recent owner tried to get a liquor license so he could put in video poker machines, and perhaps nude dancers. When that didn’t work out, he realized he could get pseudoephedrine from Canada, and resell it locally. It was his undoing.”
Neighbors told Walters how happy they were that they could make this former eyesore and crime den into a place that will both help the community and improve the quality of life in the neighborhood.
‘Angel’ helps volunteers raise $45,000
These neighbors didn’t simply get the keys handed to them. Even with the back taxes on the property forgiven, they still needed to raise $45,000 to refund the U.S. Marshall’s costs, to provide insurance, to pay utilities, and to cover other expenses. Portland’s Bureau of Environmental Services is working with the group to reduce potential problems created by five large buried tanks that remain on the site from the time the place was a gas station.
Leistner told us Pearl Bakery, New Seasons Market, and Mt. Tabor Realty donated substantially to the project, as did neighbors — but that only raised half of funds required. “Then, Brad Mersereau wrote a check for $24,000 to make up difference.”
At the community meeting, Mersereau told the Walters, “I considered this an opportunity to honor the memory of my sister, who died of alcohol. For the past six years, I’ve been doing a number of matching opportunities that raise awareness of drug and alcohol prevention, sobriety, and resources. We can do a lot to make an impact against something that is pernicious in society: Drugs and alcohol.”
Local leaders laud the community effort
“The federal government did something right here!” exclaimed Multnomah County Sheriff Bernie Giusto. “This is a reinvestment that will help the community for years to come.”
Brian Santo, outgoing president of Atkinson’s PTA said, “With the school right across the street, it’s great to have this place for kids.”
Portland’s new Southeast Precinct Commander Derrick Foxworth said, “This is a good example of how community policing works. Working together, community members, businesses and organizations are reducing crime and fear of crime and improving livability.”
“This is the fruition of a public/private partnership,” added Portland City Commissioner Sam Adams. “Together, they not only shut down a meth distribution and stolen property center ‚Äì but also provided for a great community use. I’m really happy for the successful outcome of this project that will help these great Inner Southeast Portland neighborhoods.”
Walters’ commendation
As the community discussion wrapped up, Walters finished by telling the group, “This is an example of how citizens can turn a threat it into an asset. In reality, it isn’t the government that makes us safer in our communities ‚Äì it is each of you here today.”
How you can help
There is still work to be done to finish this new community center. To learn how you can help, contact SE Uplift at (503) 232-0010 or contact Paul Lesitner at paulamy@teleport.com.
© 2006 David F. Ashton ~ East PDX News
See lots of photos of this great event, put on by the Parkrose Business Association, which raised enough money to fund three scholarships for Parkrose High seniors next year …
On a hot day like this, everyone thanked Parkrose School District (Michael Taylor, Superintendent) for providing a grassy field – instead of a sizzling asphalt tarmac, for the event.
Photos and story by David F. Ashton
Almost any kind of unique vehicle one could imagine was at the 2006 Rose Festival Cruise-in in Parkrose on June 24. There were tricked out contemporary cars and motorcycles, vintage racers, trucks, and military vehicles on display.
Some said the scorching hot weather kept the attendance down slightly, at this –the only Rose Festival sanctioned event held in outer East Portland. But it was clear, from the faces of the participants and attendees alike, that this event was a success by all measures.
“I’m so happy to be here,” said Sarah Lang, a winner of a 2006 Parkrose Foundation Scholarship. “I’m going to Pacific University next year. And it’s wonderful that our event raised enough money to fund three scholarships for Parkrose High seniors next year, too!”
Those who love cars weren’t disappointed. The wide array of vehicles was second to none. And, look at the photos below, and see why people in Parkrose are already looking forward to next year’s event!
Cruise-in “Pit Boss” Marsha Lee gets Portland Commissioner Sam Adams ready to give out one of many awards.
Gail Bash, starts up a “Blow-Up” car ‚Äì a vehicle drained of oil and coolant. For $1 a guess, participants estimate how many minutes and seconds it will take for the car’s engine to seize up.
Climbing the wall at the Kids Play Center is Alan Schmidt – he and his folks came to the Rose Festival Cruise-in from Beaverton.
Remote control racer Richard Donovan working on his Low-C JRSX 10th Scale Electric, 10-turn. Donovan’s comment: “I’m not winning, but I sure am having fun!” (Learn more about this great hobby at www.RoseCityRacing.com)
Working the Parkrose Rose Festival Cruise-in’s “Company Store” are Cheryl Boud, Deidre Bond and Debbie Hollingsworth.
Eric Johansson, and Rob Kleyla of Davey Tree Service/OrganiCare give us an up-high view of the Cruise-in.
Here’s Keth Lewis with his yellow ’66 Shelby Cobra replica. “I always wanted one,” Lewis said. We asked if it was fun to drive. “It’s more fun than it looks. Much more.”
Kellie and Duane Caseday show off the 1911 White dump truck that they say has been in the family since it was brand new.
With many food vendors on hand, no one went hungry. Chef Edgar and Eileen Stocker brought great Steamers Restaurant food to the Cruise-in patrons.
To the music of the rockin’ band, Kelton McElhaney and Sadie McElhaney try doing the Hula Hoop.
A 2006 Parkrose Foundation scholarship winner, Sarah Lang, handing out an award. Lang will attend Pacific University next year.
For the third time, Lyle Davis wins “Best of Show 2006 Rose Festival Cruise-in”. He’s standing in front of his red ’39 Chevy Sedan, with name sponsor, Rex Hollingsworth of Rex Heating and Cooling.
© 2006 David F. Ashton ~ East PDX News
click here to subscribe
