Watch ’em blow up cars ‚Äì just for the fun of it! See RC race cars blast around the track at 100 mph! View hundreds of the best classic, special interest and hot rod vehicles assembled in one place. Beeeee there ‚Ķ
Hundreds of all kinds of specialty vehicles are on display at the Parkrose Rose Festival Cruise-in on June 24.
Story and archive photos by David F. Ashton
What’s the ONLY officially-sanctioned Portland Rose Festival event located east of the 82nd Avenue of Roses?
It’s the 5th Annual Rose Festival Cruise-in, on June 24. It runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the grounds of Parkrose High School Community Center, 12003 NE Shaver, just west of NE 122nd Avenue.
Gail Bash’s “Blow Up” car competition is always a gas! They run ’em without coolant until they ‚Ķ blow up!
Come see the Parkrose High grassy lawn filled with:
Hotrods – Classic Import Cars
Motorcycles – Special Interest Vehicles
Trucks – Low Riders
… And much more
Wait! There’s more ‚Ķ
In addition to the hundreds of cars on display, vying for trophies in over fifty categories, you’ll find food booths (including wonderful offerings from Chef Edgar of Steamers Restaurant), booths showcasing community services and PBA members’ wares and services.
You’ll find great food, like dishes served up by Chef Edgar of Steamers Restaurant.
Remote Control cars race at speeds of up to 100 mph throughout the day. And, you don’t need a Pit Pass to talk with the drivers and see their cars!
Back again this year is the high performance Remote Car Races. You’ll be amazed to see these cars tear around the track at actual speeds of over 100 mph. Also, there’s an area especially for kids, making this a great family event.
Event provides for scholarships
Each year, the Parkrose Business Association (PBA) uses the Rose Festival Cruise-in to help fund scholarships given by the Parkrose Business Foundation to help area students continue their education after high school.
The foundation grants several $1,000 scholarships each year to deserving Parkrose Area High School students, to help further their college education.
Rex Hollingsworth, Rex Heating and Air Conditioning, is the Event Sponsor. Beyond his financial assistance, he and his team help set up the Cruise-in, run it, and have given the association a trailer to store the event’s supplies!
The Cruise-in receives major financial and logistical support from many PBA members, including the Official Event Sponsor, Rex Heating and Air Conditioning, and major sponsors Bank of America, Parkrose True-Value Hardware, and West Coast Bank. And, Craig Mendenhall of American Sani-Can makes sure there are plenty of their spotless special blue booths, when duty calls.
For more information about the Rose Festival Cruise-in, contact Marsha Lee at (503) 257-3229.
© 2006 David F. Ashton ~ East PDX News ~ with help from Jon Turino
You will be enlightened, when you read this jurist’s candid comments on courthouses, crooks, and business cases ‚Ķ
The Honorable Thomas M. Ryan, Multnomah County Judge, frankly shares his views to members of the Midway Business Association. Club president, Donna Dionne is in the background, listening intently.
Story and photo by David F. Ashton
Business people in southern outer East Portland are staying connected with their community when they come to meetings of the Midway Business Association.
The action-packed May 9 meeting got off to a good start as Midway’s president Donna Dionne, Love Boutique, discussed housing and commercial development in the area; noting the number of lots that are being split. She also told the group about the hazardous waste collection (seen elsewhere here on East PDX News) a special women’s self-defense class being offered by the Community Center.
State of the courts
Guest speaker Judge Thomas M. Ryan talked with the group. Ryan said he was a public defender until he was named a Judge Pro Tem since 2004.
“This means I wasn’t elected, I am an employee, hired by a judge, to hear cases of all kinds. There are 38 elected judges in the Oregon Circuit Court. But the Oregon legislature budgeted ten additional judges pro-tem [“for the time being”] to help move cases through the court system.”
There are five locations where Multnomah County has courtrooms. “My office, at the Main Courthouse at SW Salmon and Main St., is 80 years old. The building has outlived its usefulness,” Ryan said.
The chamber he occupies has suffered from a broken sewer pipe: “at one time, there was two inches of raw sewage on the floor.”
Not all judges have a courtroom. One county judge holds “settlement conferences” before cases come to trial. “She resolves many cases; this frees up an enormous amount of time and resources.”
Making a case for a Gresham Justice Center
“To serve most of East County,” Ryan explained, “there is a one-room courthouse in Gresham. It is in bad shape. Would like to see some of the county’s excess property sold; with the proceeds used to build a Justice Center with four courtrooms, expandable to six. This concept would provide ‘one-stop’ service, allowing people will be able to file paperwork there ‚Äì instead of having to drive to downtown Portland.”
While some criminal procedures would be held at the Gresham location, criminal trials would still be held in downtown Portland, where the court has “holding facilities”.
Judges’ role in crime prevention
What is the court’s role in community safety?
“We help keep the community safe by dispensing a fair, firm, and practical application of the law,” Ryan said. “Judges find the facts, apply to the law, and give the result ‚Äì the verdict. We enforce state laws as well as city, county and, yes, even TriMet laws.”
He also reported that judges supervise probation. “Each judge has several hundred probationers under their watch.”
Drugs, crime and jail beds
More than 75% of the people coming through the courts because of crime admit to using methamphetamine (meth), Ryan told the group. “Here in East Portland, meth is a real problem that extends far beyond family court. Jail beds are part of the solution for meth-related burglaries here.”
And, we’re doing better in terms of the number of available jail beds, commented the judge. “Downtown and Inverness are fully opened. Wapito isn’t. The county decides how many beds are open at any given time.”
Ryan said many judges find useful the STOP [“Success Treatment Opportunity”] program run by the courts. “It isn’t for dealers. But first-time offenders get treatment, are regularly [drug] tested and appear in court. If they are clean, stay clean, work their program, then can eventually have their case dismissed. One ‘slip’ doesn’t ace them out.”
Judges’ tools
Ryan advocated for using a wide variety of judicial “tools” when working with criminals. “We need work release programs, in addition to drug treatment. Punishments need to be fair, firm and swift ‚Äì but also smart. You can’t just lock ’em up and throw away the key. This wouldn’t be fair to county taxpayers. Community Court works well for small-time offenders.
“At the same time, we do our best to see there aren’t any more victims created by a given defendant.”
Business law 101
There’s a lot of business litigation, Ryan said. “Last year, 7,245 cases filed, not including evictions, were filed. This doesn’t include torts, slip-and-fall cases, or litigation arising from car wrecks.”
Some times the speed at which cases travel through the system ‚Äì or the lack of speed ‚Äì can be frustrating. “The court has only partial control till after the case is filed. Most cases have to be filed within two years. So, we encourage litigants to mediate and arbitrate. Cases dealing with amounts of less than $50,000 must go first to arbitration.”
If one party doesn’t approve the result of the arbitration, they can still go to court, the judge said; “But if you don’t ‘improve your position’, you’ll pay the other party’s court costs.”
Visit the Midway Business Association
Guests are welcome. Stop by on June 13 ‚Äì you never can tell what you’ll learn! The group meets at noon at Bill Dayton’s Pizza Baron, on SE 122nd Ave. at Division St.
© 2006 David F. Ashton ~ East PDX News Click Here to read more East Portland News
While planting roses along the 82nd Avenue of Roses is a new event for many businesses and homes, learn which outer East Portland school has had this tradition since 1955‚ and why‚
Standing with her court, Jalah Reid, Jaimie Taber and Brittany Ades, Rose Festival Ambassador Katrina Holland poses for photos with the Royal Rosarians before planting a rose bush at Madison High School.
Photo and story by David F. Ashton
Seeing members of the Royal Rosarians in their dapper suits and jackets has become a more common site along 82nd Avenue of Roses these days.
Why?
Planting and maintaining roses along the storied 82nd Ave. of Roses are a part of the transformation‚ renaissance, if you will‚ of this thoroughfare.
But the planting ceremony, that took place on a sunny afternoon outside Madison High School on April 25, was different. It was an official part of the 2006 Portland Rose Festival.
“We’ve been doing this rose planting for the Rose Festival Court Ambassador since 1955,” is what the Prime Minister of the Royal Rosarians, Dennis Brookshire, told us.
Another rose bush is planted at Madison High.
“This predates the Avenue of Roses plantings,” Brookshire continued. “The principal of the high school, back then, was a Royal Rosarian and started the tradition.” If you haven’t noticed as you zip past the school, a large, circular rose garden is directly in front of the main building.
“But, today’s planting takes nothing away from the Avenue of Roses program. It’s terrific.” Brookshire reminded us that the Royal Rosarians lent their support when the group was proposing changing the name to 82nd Avenue of Roses before Portland City Council. “We were pleased to see it developed. We’re big supporters of it. This is an important aspect of the community.”
©2006 David F. Ashton ~ East PDX News
The owners of Truax Builders supply watched their showroom burn to the ground. See how this family-owned company has bounced back …
After the Thanksgiving Day fire a couple of years ago, there wasn’t much left of the company, except a bit of the awning.
Standing in front of a case containing “accidental sculptures” — aluminum extrusions that melted during the intense 2004 Thanksgiving Day blaze — Truax Builders Supply president Joe Sidey is company 11-year veteran, Dan Piluso.
Story and Photos by David F. Ashton
The last time we spoke with Joe Sidey was about a year-and-a-half ago, on the chilly Thanksgiving Day morning of 2004. We stood quietly together for a few minutes, looking at a huge pile of smoldering rubble – the remains of the family business he heads – Truax Builders Supply on SE Division St.
At that time, we asked Sidey if he wanted to share his thoughts. With wafts of smoke partially obscuring his face, he told us that, after all, the building was insured, and no one was injured. His concern was for his workers. “We’re a family company,” he said, “I hope we don’t have to lay off too many workers.”
Those who regularly drive outer SE Division Street have seen the rubble being removed and the ground being leveled. Eventually a concrete pad was poured, and a new building started taking shape.
Looking through the doors and windows manufactured and sold by Truax Builders Supply, company president Joe Sidey was proud to show off their new building during the reopening party.
Truax Grand Reopening
When we revisited the scene of that fire, this April 22, Sidey had a big smile on his face. “Welcome to our grand reopening,” he greeted us. “We’re having a celebration today to thank our customers ‚Äì and neighbors ‚Äì who stood with us while we rebuilt our building and our business.”
At the party, KXL Radio’s “Mister Barbeque” was grilling bison dogs, a coffee barista was making java drinks, and the staff was giving tours of the new building that serves as the headquarters for this family-owned business started in 1946.
Sidey, who said he married into the family, and then the company, is its president.
We reminded Sidey how his primary concern, the day of the fire, had been for his employees. “We had to let a couple of guys go,” he responded. “But, we were back in limited production within a week. And, we put our showroom in a modular building behind the burned building. We’ve staffed up again, and just hired another worker last month. I feel very good about this, indeed.”
Sidey added that working through the rebuilding process was difficult. “It has taken longer than anticipated. I was hoping to be completely rebuilt within a year. Maybe I was too optimistic.
“But look, a year and five months after the fire, we’re celebrating our reopening.”
© 2006 David F. Ashton ~ East PDX News
Years ago, Dan Graham had a dream – to create a school that trained people for the construction trade. See how his dream became a reality on April 17
Hundreds turned out for the opening ceremonies of a college dedicated to teaching people building skills.
Story and Photos by David F. Ashton
How do you build things ‚Äì bridges, homes, office buildings and supporting infrastructure like water, sewer and electric power ‚Äì if there’s a shortage of trained workers?
The President of the new construction college, Dan Graham, speaks at the ceremony marking the opening of the new school in Parkrose.
More than three years ago, Dan Graham, then Director of Workforce at Associated General Contractors (AGC), had an idea. “It seemed logical,” Graham said, “to bring together the diverse training programs operated by the construction and contracting groups under one roof.” Through Graham’s efforts, the Home Builders Association of Metropolitan Portland, the Associated Builders and Contractors, and the National Utility Contractors Association of Oregon and Southwest Washington joined with AGC to start a comprehensive “building arts school” in Parkrose called Northwest College of Construction (NWCC).
On April 17, NWCC officially opened its doors. About two hundred people attended the grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony.
Representatives of Associated Builders and Contractors, Northwest Chapter; Oregon-Columbia Chapter; Home Builders Association of Metropolitan Portland; and the National Utility Contractors Association of Oregon and Southwest Washington join Dan Graham, president of the new Northwest College of Construction at the ribbon cutting ceremony.
Officials speak
Speaking on behalf of the National Utility Contractors Association of Oregon and Southwest Washington, Bill Martinak of Emery & Sons told the gathering, “Training our future workforce is not only a local, but also national concern for all construction industries. We are extremely excited to have this college in place to help with training. No one will do this for us. If we don’t step up and put something like this college in place, no one will do it for us.”
Talking about AGC’s role, the organization’s vice president, Todd Hess, told the gathering, “Workforce development is one of our greatest needs. This school fills that need. AGC contributed a lot to this program, including giving up training director, Dan Graham, to make this happen. Dan showed how it would help us all to have a combined training program.”
In an exclusive interview after the ribbon cutting ceremony, Graham told us, “The most important thing about this day is how such a diverse industry to agree to work together to make this happen. It took a lot of work by a lot of people to make this day possible. I’m so glad we were able to make this happen.”
Partnering with local schools
This college plans to expand beyond its walls, according to Graham. “Schools in Portland Public, Parkrose, and David Douglas districts have expressed interest in having a building arts program partnership with us,” he told us. Additionally, NWCC is creating partnerships with education-to-work services like SE Works.
Community training available
If an individual wants to learn basic constructions skills, he or she should check out NWCC’s community educational programs, said the school’s director of employment services, Guy Crawford. “Whether you want a career in construction, or just want to learn how to build a deck on your home ‚Äì you can learn it here at NWCC.”
Learn while you earn
“NWCC brings together many apprentice programs under one roof,” Crawford added. “Anyone who wants to work and learn can get into our work/study programs.” Often, he said, students will work on a jobsite during the day, and take classes in the evening.
The NWCC campus is located at 8111 NE Holman St. The easiest way to get there is by going north from Columbia Blvd. on Holman ‚Äì the “access road” that runs on the west side of NE 82nd Ave. Learn more: Call the school at (503) 256-7300, or see www.nwcc.cubemanagement.com for more information.
© 2006 David F. Ashton ~ East PDX News
See why their April celebration attracted Commissioner Sam Adams, along with many members old – and new …
Midway Business Association board member, Dr. Norbert Huntley, DC, shares a light moment with Portland City Commissioner Sam Adams at the April celebration. David F. Ashton photo
By David F. Ashton
For years, business people in outer East Portland – that is, south of Stark St. to Foster Rd., from I-205 to Gresham – have felt left out and left behind. A couple of years ago, a group of shop keepers, service providers and professionals got together and created the Midway Business Association.
Since the start-up, the group has become involved in civic activities, helped with the library’s Summer Reading Program, aided DHS volunteer programs and published a complete directory of all businesses within their area.
Bill Dayton gives a brief history of the association as members and guests introduce themselves. David F. Ashton photo
Enjoying a variety of pizza provided by Bill Dayton’s PIZZA BARON are members and guests who attended April’s meeting. David F. Ashton photo
On April 11, the association met to celebrate their growth, and invite new members to join with them.
Even though his schedule packed that day, Portland City Commissioner Sam Adams took time to stop by and congratulate the association for their progress.
Commissioner Sam Adams spends a moment with MBA president, Donna Dionne, Love Boutique. David F. Ashton photo
The Midway Business Association meets the second Tuesday of the month (next meeting is May 9) at Bill Dayton’s Pizza Baron ‚Äì located on SE 122nd Ave. at SE Division St. Come and see how this organization can help your business ‚Äì and community ‚Äì grow stronger.
© 2006 David F. Ashton ~ East PDX News
See why the East Portland Chamber of Commerce is growing larger and better every week
By David F. Ashton
For a group that meets at 7:30 a.m. on Wednesday mornings, the East Portland Chamber of Commerce (EPCC) sure has a lot of fun. While the group doesn’t have a “no grouches” policy, it seems to attract delightful business people who enjoy supporting both their business and neighborhood communities.
Chamber grows again
East Portland Chamber of Commerce’s Bob Bonnel of Sid Dorn’s Car Buying Service welcomes Tom Davenport with Waddell & Reed, Sandra Sprague with Care Givers NW, Alicia Pons and Shaunne McNamee with Mill Park Acupuncture Herbal Clinic, Steve Karm of Steve’s PC Repair. David F. Ashton photo
Not available for the photograph were new East Portland Chamber of Commerce members Maggie Terrell of Home Capital Funding, Kathy Wertz of Lotus Rising Publishing, a job-changing Lisa Upshaw (a member, and Chair of the EPCC Ambassadors) now with Bay Bank, Ed Bejarana with Acme Scenic & Display, Inc., and Brian Dazey with Avenue Mortgage, Inc.
Richard Keily, Home Run Graphics, is hosting a chamber meeting at Cherrywood Village on April 12. David F. Ashton photo
At a typical “Good Morning East Portland” meeting, members and guests have time to mingle, have a cup of java (or juice) and do business. To start things off, the “host” of the meeting tells the group about his or her business. Then, everyone has a brief moment to introduce themselves to the group, hear announcements and get a “Two-minute Tip” to help their business. It’s a great way to start the day.
On the Avenue of Roses
EPCC President Greg Zuffrea takes part in another official planting ceremony held by the Royal Rosarians at Bank of the West and Portland Community College SE Center at SE 82nd Ave. of Roses and Division St. on April 7.David F. Ashton photo
Fools Bowl
It isn’t an athletic competition – the Fool’s Bowl is one of two bowling events the group holds “for the fun of it”. This year’s tourney was held at the Hollywood Bowl on – you guessed it – April 1st. David F. Ashton photo
Take 43 adults and 5 kids; put them in a bowling alley and you’ve got another fun social event held by the EPCC. Richard Keily of Home Run Graphics was the main sponsor. Tom Rich of Mt Hood Computers was an awards sponsor, and volunteered during the event and Elan Chance of Cartridge World РHawthorne was also an awards sponsor.
After having his photo published in a newspaper, Multnomah County Chair candidate Ted Wheeler declined to be photographed; Portland City Council candidate Dave Lister said, “Sure! Why not? Nothing can hurt my bowling score!” David F. Ashton photo
Top Team FOOLS BOWL Award: Team LazerQuick won the trophy, and each member got a medal and a $25.00 STAPLES gift certificate. The winners: Steve Mansell, Stephanie Mansell, Bruce Womack, Jan Womack. David F. Ashton photo
Top Individual FOOLS BOWL Award: A fun, “fool’s” pair of glasses, and a box of delectable truffles from Baskets of Joy went to Bruce Womack. David F. Ashton photo
Fool’s Award: OK, they didn‚Äôt bowl so good, but holy cow ‚Äì they had fun! Getting the Schnoz Glasses and a giant size Hershey‚Äôs kiss are Team STUFF members Inga and Hal Halmark (Ceasar Villaea and Chip Hosan split before the photo was taken). David F. Ashton photo
Prizes and Giveaways were donated by Dave Lister for Portland City Council; Sue Eastman of SE Works; Lila Simms of Baskets of Joy; Dan LaGrande of LaGrande Public Relations; Michael O’Leary of Pre-Paid Legal; Gary Marschke of Portland Wrestling; The Gals at The Bookkeeping Company; State of Oregon.com and Scott Hendison of PDXtc.com
Check out this great business group at www.eastportlandchamber.com – the Wednesday AM meetings are held at various locations in East Portland.
?ì 2006 David F. Ashton ~ East PDX News
