Find out why the entire student body of Portland Adventist Academy “played hooky” for a day – and in the process, worked hard helping others …

See what this organization did to help reduce tragic problems – before they occurred – in outer East Portland neighborhoods …

Find out why officials came out, made speeches, and held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially open Portland’s new “cool” place to jump, grind – and oh, yes – skate, in outer East Portland’s Powellhurst-Gilbert Neighborhood …

Not all “community garden” projects are City-based. Learn why – and how – members of Parkrose United Methodist Church ripped up their lawn to provide garden space …

Here’s where to go – either in outer East Portland, or inner SE Portland – to find the freshest produce, fruit and meats, and very nice people …

With samples in hand, market master Steve Voorhees welcomes outer East Portland shoppers to the Parkrose Farmers’ Market.

Story and Photos by David F. Ashton
Two great farmer’s markets – located on opposite ends of our coverage area – are up and running this season.

Parkrose Farmer’s Market
This market is on every Saturday, and market master Steve Voorhees told us, on their opening day, that they were looking forward to good markets this year. “We do run a long season, it’s a total of 27 weeks.”

Their farmers and growers come from as far away as Maryhill and Elgin, Washington, Voorhees told us. “We have a wide variety of produce – obviously, what’s in season –  and beef and other meat products, and other great things.”

It’s important to have a market in Parkrose, he said, because it establishes a community meeting place. “Parkrose-area people disperse to other parts of town to do their shopping – especially for fresh foods. The money would leave the area; they’d go to other farmers markets both East and West. Those are great markets, but why spend money traveling?”

Joy Voorhees uses a new wireless debit and food stamp data machine to help make shopping easier at the Parkrose Farmer’s Market – with just a swipe of the card [inset], you can buy as many Market Tokens as you need.

Neighborhood grant helps market expand
Voorhees said they are grateful for an East Portland Neighborhood Organization grant that helped them start the market last year. “This year, a grant has helped us promote the market by sending out 10,000 flyers. Also, it helped us install a debit card system that also takes Oregon Trail Card Electronic Benefit Transfer [food stamps].

“Now, instead worrying about having enough cash, shoppers can swipe their card, and get $1 or $5 tokens to spend like cash at the market,” Voorhees noted. This really opens up the demographics of the market.”

Market shopper Mindy Durias select from the plants brought by Anita Tabayoyon, proprietor of AR Moss Floral Designs and Embellishments in Parkrose.

Special promotions in June, in Parkrose
There’s great free music every week, Voorhees said. On June 6, it’s “Will West and Friends”; and the “Good Old Days String Band” plays the following week. (See our Community Calendar for a complete listing each month.)

On June 13, the market welcomes the Lions Club’s FREE mobile Health Screening to the market; and on June 20 is the monthly Karaoke Contest.

The Parkrose Farmer’s Market is open from 8:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. at the Parkrose High School’s west parking lot on NE Shaver St, a block west of NE 122nd Avenue – across the street from Parkrose Middle School. For more information, CLICK HERE to see their website, or contact Voorhees at steve_voorhees@q.com

Moreland Farmer’s Market

The torrential downpour on opening day doesn’t stop Annie Gullion and Erik O’Banion from shopping at Creative Growers Organic Foods booth at the Moreland Farmer’s Market.

Inner SE Portland’s market, the Moreland Farmer’s Market, got off to a soggy start, when it opened for the season on Wednesday, May 13.

“It’s just the luck of the draw,” remarked Market Manager Laura Wendel. “We will have many beautiful days during this, our fourth season.”

Many of the market’s 38 regular vendors were on hand, selling fresh produce, cheese and dairy, poultry, meat, eggs, baked goods, nursery stock, planting starts, cut flowers, prepared food, and specialty items. EBT and debit cards are now accepted at the market.

“We can always use volunteers – especially big strong volunteers – to help open and close the market each Wednesday,” Wendel said.

The cool, damp weather on May 13th was just right for keeping these vegetables crisp and delicious.

The nonprofit Moreland Farmers Market is open every Wednesday afternoon from 3:30 until 7:30 p.m. on the Wilhelm’s Portland Memorial parking lot, SE Bybee Boulevard at SE 14th Avenue.

CLICK HERE to learn more by visiting their website, or call (503) 341-9350.

© 2009 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

Wondering what’s happening at Multnomah County these days? Outer East Portland’s relatively new Commissioner, Judy Shiprack, will bring you up to date, if you read this informative article …

Take a look at what you missed, if you didn’t get to their Annual Garden Sale or Children’s Nature Faire this year …

Hundreds of people shopped among thousands of plants at the annual Leach Garden Plant Sale at Floyd Light Middle School.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
For as long as most outer East Portland gardeners can remember, a highlight of their year is the Annual Plant Sale hosted by Leach Botanical Garden at Floyd Light Middle School.

“We have a number of our own plants and starts here from Leach Botanical Garden,” noted their Executive Director, Karen Young, during the April 18 event. “We actually grow the plants we sell here in the garden. We also have 20 other vendors participating – it’s a great turnout.”

Leach Botanical Garden’s Executive Director, Karen Young, and its official gardener, Scott Hoelscher, pause for a moment at their tables, during the sale.

Benjamin and Evelyn get a ride around the event, courtesy of their mom, Lana Mindra.

“This show is a great way for people to learn about all different kinds of plants,” said Young. “There are a wide variety of plants here, but this is a wonderful opportunity to help people learn about native Northwest plants. They require so much less time and cost with watering, fertilizers, and pesticides.”

In addition to decorative plants, backyard farmers were snapping up tomato and other plant starts. “We have an incredible amount of edibles for sale, including herbs,” observed Young. “There is a growing interest for people to learn to grow their own food, and using fresh natural herbs and vegetables.”

Reynolds Learning Academy teacher Meredith Griffith shows off tomato starts with student Devin McDaniel, a junior at the academy.

Many gardeners snapped up tomato starts being sold by a class at Reynolds Learning Academy. Their sponsor and teacher, Meredith Griffith, told us, “We’re doing a little fundraiser for classroom field trips. At the same time, our students are gaining customer-service skills practice. We’re selling a couple varieties of tomato plants that we started and grew in the classroom.”

If you missed it – be sure to check our Community Calendar next year! It’s usually in April.

Leach Garden Children’s Nature Faire

Andrew and Jack Grayburn and Anna O’Brian watch, as Leach Botanical Garden volunteer and “Slugmaster” Ron Goodwin see which slugs are the quickest.

Although we had a little problem the Children’s Nature Faire at Leach Botanical Garden this year – we didn’t notice the signs – scores of families had no problem locating the event. It was held in “the meadow” above the main grounds.

All day long, on May 16, kids got to explore the garden, meet local environmental groups, and celebrate spring, with hands-on activities and crafts.

“It’s important for kids to learn about nature at an early age,” said the garden’s Executive Director, Karen Young, at this event. “We feel it’s important to get them connected with the environment when they’re young, so they’ll have an appreciation for it as they grow into adults.”

Just kiddn’around: This baby goat was mistaken for a dog by many, who passed by without stopping to get a better look!

Buy the way, the garden’s Honey Bee Tours and Lady Bug Tours continue into the summer. Be sure to check our Community Calendar for more information.

Leach Botanical Garden is open Tuesdays through Sundays; they’re located at 6704 SE 122nd Avenue – a long, winding block south of SE Foster Road. For more information, call (503) 823-1671.

© 2009 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

Actually, it was more like a major remodel! If you were one of the folks who were surprised to find Midland Library closed, a couple of weeks ago – take a peek at what was going on inside …

Midland Library manager Javier Gutierrez shows us around during the week-long cleaning and remodeling project in April.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
One of the most-used public buildings in outer East Portland is, without a doubt, Multnomah County’s Midland Library.

“This library building has been open for 12 years now,” manager Javier Gutierrez told us, as we walked into the great room on April 13. “This is the first time we’ve been closed for maintenance. We’re one of the busiest libraries in the county, so it does get a lot of wear and tear.”

This is an unusual sight: Midland Library devoid of books, and without patrons.

The wall-to-wall carpeting in the public areas, about 26,000 sq. ft. of it, was starting to wear out, especially around the desks and walking areas. Workers stripped it out and replaced it with large squares of carpet tiles.

“Being closed these days is a very big undertaking,” Gutierrez. “We wish we could have kept the library open, and done this in parts and pieces, but the amount of work to be done was simply too great.”

Contractor Fred Zittleman with H&F Enterprises talks with Multnomah County Project Manager Ned Nabeta about the remodeling project.

A ‘green’ remodel
We asked Penny Hummel, the library system’s communications manager to reveal some of the specifics that went into the spruce-up program.

She pointed out that, before the work could begin, computers had to be unhooked and stored, furniture moved, and everything covered with protective plastic – a major job in and of itself.

“The new carpet contains 45 to 48% recycled material; it’s a ‘Green Label Plus’ product,” Hummel began. “It’s very durable and stain-resistant, but if a carpet tile is damaged, it can be easily replaced. And, the old carpet was recycled by the installer. All of the adhesives that were used on this project were water-based, low-VOC products.”

In addition to the replacement of the flooring, county workers replaced lights that were out throughout the building, replaced feet on the chairs, replaced some of the wooden baseboarding by the restrooms, and refinished the edges of the tables.

In total, Hummel said, the effort was budgeted at $120,000.

Sonny Garcia quickly and carefully lays replaceable sections of carpet tile on the new library floor.

Workers stay on the job
During the peak of the remodeling, as many as 30 workers were in the building, racing to meet their goal of reopening on April 20.

“Our staff continued to work, even though the building was closed to the public,” Gutierrez told us. “We’ve been processing incoming books from the drops, sorting file cards, and getting ready to re-shelve items. We circulate over 60,000 items a month.”

As patrons started returning to Midland Library, after the week-long clean-up marathon, many of them looked surprised and pleased to see the clean, renewed building that was theirs again to use and enjoy.

© 2009 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

Find out why these two rank-and-file members of their respective bureaus were selected to win the prestigious “Russ Lemmon” Award …

Come on by and check out the freshest foods at the season! – Here’s why …

Market Master Steve Voorhees welcomes everyone to the Parkrose Farmer’s Market. This is one of our favorite photos of him from last season!

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
The Parkrose Farmer’s Market is coming back, and ready to for another great season, says Market Master Steve Voorhees – as he and the vendors gear up for another season in the Parkrose High School south parking lot, starting Saturday, May 2nd.

“Come, and you’ll see a great variety of produce, fruits, and merchandise for sale every Saturday, from 8:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.

This year’s lineup of vendors includes:

AR Moss Floral Design and Event Embellishment, Portland OR – Selling Nursery stock, small plants and seeds.

• Be Bop Blooms – All natural tomato plants, 12 varieties of pepper plants, herbs and veggie plants ready for you take home!
• Be Bop USA – Pet Products – Locally made dog and cat collars, leashes and specialty training aids. Benefits unwanted animals.
• Bobs Elephant Ears, Portland OR – Selling Elephant ears for your tasting and cold beverages
• Bridge Pottery, Portland OR – Makers of hand-crafted, original, wheel-thrown functional pottery creations, suitable for daily use or displayed as fine works of art.  All pottery is “food safe”, with lead-free glazes, and may be used in a microwave, dishwasher, or conventional oven.
• Dig To Be Dug Nursery, Portland OR – Proudly growing plants with love, care, and attention
• Four Winds Restorative Grounds, Portland OR – Offering therapeutic and relaxation massage
• Gabriel’s Bakery, Portland OR – Selling whole-grain breads, bagels, French Pastries, Peruvian Pastries, cookies, etc.
• Happy Return Flowers, Portland OR – Selling Cut Flowers and Produce
• Kiyokawa Family Orchards, Parkdale, OR – Selling Fresh fruits and Produce
• MAVDAV Farms “The Farm”, Portland OR – Offering Fresh Picked Fruit and Produce
• Old Fashioned Caramel Corn, Happy Valley, OR – Get your Processed and Prepared foods here
• Pd Farms, Elgin OR – PD Farms strongly believe educating the public about the health benefits of naturally-grown produce and beef; they say it is as important as growing and marketing their products
• Sage-Works, Portland OR – See a variety of semi-precious and precious stones, hand-blown glass, bone, shell, swarovski crystals, and various other earthly materials in products including Leather and Hemp.
• Shell’s Jewel’s, Portland OR – Buy high-quality hand-made glass, crystal, shell, and stone jewelry for women, men, and children.
• Sturms Berry Farm Inc., Corbett OR – Berries include Straw, Rasp, Black, Blue, Marion, and Black Raspberry. Also selling Jams and Syrups.
• Maryhill Orchards and Vineyards; Takahashi Farms – Get the best fruit and produce of the season, as well as honey and jellies.
• Traveling Coffee Kids, Portland OR – Enjoy coffees and snack foods here.
• Twisted Stitches, Portland OR – aCrafts Artisan.
• Unger Farms, Cornelius, OR – This family has been growing strawberries for 63 years. “Quality fruit is what we bring to the market; sustainability is how we grow our fruit.”
• Wan and May’s Fresh Bloomers, Portland OR – Fresh Farm Nursery cut flowers and vegetables.
• Walchli Hermiston Melon Co., Hermiston OR – Fresh melons and fresh veggies.

Look for signs, like these, pointing to the Parkrose Farmer’s Market on Saturdays, starting May 2!

The Parkrose Farmer’s Market is on NE Shaver St, a block west of NE 122nd Avenue – across the street from Parkrose Middle School.

For more information, CLICK HERE to see their website, or contact Voorhees at steve_voorhees@q.com

© 2009 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

Learn more about the 37-unit affordable housing development – one that features a built-in day-care center – to outer East Portland …

ROSE Community Development President Jim Barrett (left, standing under the balloons) welcomes people to the lot on which Leander Court, the newest development of Rose Community Development Corp., will be built.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
While some neighborhood leaders and business people in outer East Portland question whether or not more low-income housing is good for Powellhurst-Gilbert, a new 37-unit development did break ground not long ago.

Leander Court, the new Section-8 housing, is being built on SE 122nd Avenue, just south of SE Holgate Boulevard. Amenities will include a courtyard, three play structures, two covered play areas, Energy Star appliances, and a community room with kitchen.

“We’re pleased to be breaking ground for this affordable housing development today,” Nick Sauvie, Executive Director, Rose Community Development Corporation, told us. “There are a lot of families in the area that are really scraping to get by. It’s all they can do to pay for housing, food and health care.”

Sauvie said this project was created to “keep rents affordable. It will make a big difference for families living here with income ranges are between 30-50% of median income.”

Two of the units are designed with extra space for in-home child care providers. “This provides an income-earning opportunity to two families.”

Portland City Commissioner Erik Sten welcomes guests to the groundbreaking ceremony for Leander Court, a new Section-8 housing development in outer Southeast Portland.

On his way into the ceremony, Portland City Commissioner Erik Sten told us, “This is a scarce opportunity: Building family-size units, in a good location near schools, and in a safe, new environment.”

The commissioner said that the families moving into the new residences will have the chance to build a great community here. “For me this is really exciting. We need to have this kind of development everywhere in Portland. But, land is getting so scarce and expensive. So, when a group like Rose Community Development pull it off it is really exciting.”

The $7.3 million development is expected to be completed by July, 2007.

¬© 2006 David F. Ashton ~ East PDX News

Look here to find out when, and where, your
National Night Out party is …

East Portland Crime Prevention Specialist Rosanne Lee invites everyone to participate in their neighborhood’s activities “Look for these signs to find the event in your neighborhood,” she says..

Events compiled, and photo by David F. Ashton
Other than neighborhood association meetings, the one time folks can get together to improve their immediate area is to join in a National Night Out party or event. Most of them take place on Tuesday, August 1.

The event, created reduce crime, also helps boost community spirit.

Outer East Portland Night Out Events, listed by Date and Neighborhood

Parkrose Heights – Saturday, July 29
Lou Fontana  and his volunteers at Oregon Baptist Retirement Homes put on one of the largest National Night Out events in the area. A cruse-in car show, live music and lots of food are at this great event. Note, this year it is on Saturday! It’s all happening at  1825 NE 108^th Ave., just north of NE Halsey St.

Lents – Saturday, July 29
Enjoy this Saturday block party in the area of 8940 S.E. Reedway St from noon to 3 p.m.. Call for more information: (503) 788-8052, extension 108.

Mill Park – Saturday, July 29
This Block Party is centered at 14001 S.E. Taylor today from 3 to 9:30 p.m.. Call for more information: (503) 823-2460.

Powellhurst-Gilbert – Sunday, July 30
A little early, folks are inviting neighbors to a barbecue and potluck from near 3140 S.E. 119th Ave. Call for more information: (503) 760-1684.

On National Night Out, August 1st …

Argay – Tuesday, Aug. 1
The party at Argay Park, at NE 141st Ave. and Shaver St., promises to be bigger and better than ever! Groove to themusic of the Kooltones; chow down on Burgerville Tillamook burgers, drink, chips for just $1.50; chomp into Rossi Farms fresh sweet corn on the cob; ice cream; clowns, face painting, games for the kids; visits from firemen, policemen and dignitaries.It runs from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Call for more information: (503) 256-5579.

Centennial – Tuesday, Aug. 1
Come to Parklane Park, SE 155th Ave. & Main St. from 6:15 to 8:15 p.m. for cookies, punch and fellowship with your neighbors. Call for more information: (503) 252-4302.

Glenfair – Tuesday, Aug. 1
One of the smaller neighborhoods is Glenfair, but their association’s chair, Stephen Jenkevice, makes sure there is fun (and usually lots of pizza) at their event at Glenfair Park, 15331 NE Couch Ct. (best to approach from Burnside St.) from 6 to 8 p.m. Call for more information: (503) 502-8041.

Lents – Tuesday, Aug. 1
A good, old-fashioned ice cream social is the event John and Judy Welch host for National Night Out at Lents Park Picnic Area “A”, on SE 92nd Ave., south of Holgate Blvd. It runs from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Call for more information: (503) 771-4667.

Mill Park – Tuesday, Aug. 1
This Night Out event brings Mill Park neighbors together for Chalk Art (on the street) a great pol-luck, entertainment and other fun. This Street Party is at SE 114th Plaza and Yamhill St.; it runs from 6 to 9 p.m. Call for more information: (503) 408-1465.

Montavilla – Tuesday, Aug. 1
How about meeting your neighbors while you enjoy cookout and barbecue? It’s happening in Montavilla at 6:30 p.m. at 8913 S.E. Mill St. Call for more information: (503) 735-5914.

Parkrose Heights – Tuesday, Aug. 1
Join your neighbors at Knott Park, NE 117th Ave. at Knott St. The fun and games start at 6 p.m. Call for more information: (503) 784-8076.

Powellhurst-Gilbert – Tuesday, Aug. 1
Take some goodies and enjoy the barbecue and potluck at the Montessori Franciscan Earth School, 14750 SE Clinton St. They start at 6 p.m. and run until dusk. Call for more information: (503) 703-9418.

Russell – Tuesday, Aug. 1
The other ice cream social in outer East Portland will be at 12532 NE. Knott St. from 7 to 9 p.m.. Call for more information: (503) 252-7605.

Russellville – Tuesday, Aug. 1
A potluck, held at the end of the cul-de-sac on SE Mill Ct. at 102nd Ave. starts at 6 p.m. Call for more information: (503) 808-4552.

Wilkes – Tuesday, Aug. 1
You’ll be able to smell the burgers being cooked by Ross Monn’s crew at Wilkes Park, 3655 N.E. 154th Ave. tonight! It runs from 6 p.m to 8 p.m. Call for more information: (503) 261-1010.

Woodland Park – Tuesday, Aug. 1
The tradition continues for this great, small neighborhood at the intersection of NE 101st Ave. and Bell Dr. It runs from from 6 to 8 p.m. Call for more information: (503) 257-2817.

Parkrose – Saturday, August 5
Look! Get a taste of the famous Parkrose Lions BBQ Chicken, chow down on famous Rossi Sweet Corn-on-the-Cob and rock out to blues tunes provided by Beal St. NW at this fun block party! Marcy Emerson-Peters and association volunteers are putting on their second annual event at Senn’s Dairy Park, NE 112th Ave. at Prescott St. It runs from noon until dusk. Call for more information: (503) 254-3794.

¬©  2006 David F. Ashton ~ East PDX News