Community Resource « East PDX News

Parkrose citizens unite to plan their area’s future

Individuals from Parkrose neighborhoods, businesses, and schools are hatching a “Master Plan” for their community. Learn why they’re doing it‚ and what they hope to accomplish‚

Leading off the Parkrose Community Workshop, Parkrose Neighborhood Association Chair Marcy Emerson-Peters welcomes the diverse group of outer NE Portland citizens who came to have a part in planning their area’s future.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
While the participants of the Parkrose Community Workshop, held at the high school on April 24, came from all walks of life, they all agreed that to succeed in the future, the community needs to plan, now.

Welcoming people to the well-attended meeting, Parkrose Neighborhood Association chair, Marcy Emerson-Peters told the group why she’s involved: “I grew up here and returned to Parkrose after school.”

Because residents and business people believe Portland’s planning bureau hasn’t made a real plan for the future of Parkrose, Emerson-Peters said it is up to community members to plan for their success.

“Do we need all the porn shops? Do we need more motels? Do we need businesses that bring in family-wage jobs?” Emerson-Peters asked. “We’ll discuss these questions, and more, tonight.”

Portland Planning Bureau’s Barry Manning introduces the PSU study team.

Supported by Portland Planning Bureau
Barry Manning, Portland’s East District Planner, has helped-along the group’s process.

“I got involved in the Parkrose Vision Committee,” Manning told us. “The idea is to figure out how to make Parkrose a more successful place. Sandy is the main street of Parkrose. We’re working to discover how this area can best meet the current, and future, needs of its citizens.”

Manning enlisted the aid of Portland State University students. “They are providing technical analysis to help the community move forward.”

Wearing their green T-Shirts, PSU Masters Degree planning students listen as Todd Johnson, far right, tells how they’ve worked with the Parkrose Vision Committee and describes the activities planed for the workshop.

Student planners pitch in
Todd Johnson was the spokesperson and lead facilitator for his fellow students in PSU’s Urban and Regional Planning educational track. He, as well as the other five team members, completing their Masters degrees.

“Our ‘final assignment’ is to conduct an urban planning project in the Portland area,” commented Johnson.

He said the group of Masters-degree candidates was looking for a project that required multiple disciplines and talents. “Our group has diversity of skills, talents and interests. This community lent itself to this kind of project. It is a good fit.”

Presentation is followed by planning tasks
During a brief PowerPoint presentation, members showed the group their statistical research findings.

Demographics – Neighborhood population has grown an average of 2% a year over the past two decades. Age distribution indicates residents of Parkrose are slightly younger than in other areas of Portland. The median annual income is slightly lower in Parkrose; about $34,000, versus $40,000 in most other neighborhoods.
Economics‚ Much of the commercial property along the main business corridor, NE Sandy Blvd., is priced between $10 and 15 dollars per sq. ft. This rate is lower than in St. Johns or Alberta ‚Äì and much lower than in the Hollywood district.
Transportation‚ Streetscapes have been improved, as investment in turn lanes and other features have been added. The average daily traffic count is 12,000‚ not much higher than other major Portland boulevards.
Main Streets‚ Sandy Blvd is considered a “main street” ‚Äì this allows for business development. The area is public-transportation-friendly.
Truck Solume — Along the Columbia corridor, Sandy Blvd. isn’t considered a main freight route, as is NE Airport Way or Marine Drive. Yet, a significant amount of truck freight moves along Sandy Blvd.

Neighbors, business people and other interested citizens sit around tables in small groups and ponder three questions regarding the future of Parkrose.

After the presentation, the workshop attendees participated in a small-group exercise, answering three questions:

What would bring you to Sandy Blvd. more often?
Ten years from now, what would you like other people to think of Sandy Blvd.?
What three things would make Parkrose better?

The participants’ answers were aggregated; then attendees ranked each concept by importance.

Earl DeKay (four generations of his family have been educated in Parkrose schools) and Joe Rossi look over the “Parkrose Assets Map” being used in the planning project.

Also, participants were asked to write and post comments on an “asset map” of Parkrose‚ and along a hallway-long panorama of Sandy Blvd.

Results unveiled on June 5
Johnson told us the final result of the project will be a document. It will include goals and recommendations for the use of the Parkrose Vision Committee members.

If you are interested in discovering their findings, come to Parkrose High School on June 5 at 7:00 pm.

Portland Rose Festival’s first major event honors revitalization of the ‘Avenue of Roses’

Led off by Mayor Tom Potter, the parade some people thought would never happen‚ but did‚ was one that everyone enjoyed. In addition to seeing fun photos, learn about the dedicated group of volunteers whose diligent work turned this dream into a reality …

Lent Elementary hosts citywide Arbor Day event amidst 100 new trees

Meet the former Lent student who will care for trees; see Mayor Tom Potter accept a national award, and make a proclamation; and witness two other groups being lauded at this very green event‚

Working along with Lent School students, METRO Commissioner Robert Liberty helps plant one of the 100 new trees at the school.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
There’s a whirlwind of tree planting and award giving on April 3; a citywide Arbor Day celebration is well underway when we arrive.

We speak first with our friend, Lent School (formerly called Lent Elementary) principal Linda Ralley, who sets the stage for us.

“This activity involves Lent students making an important improvement to the school grounds, the community, and the planet,” Ralley tells us, as we look over the 100 medium-sized trees just planted around the schoolyard.

“The lesson we hope the students take away from this is that we all need to work together for our common good. It is important they know this, whether they are in kindergarten or in sixth grade‚ we’re all part of this together.”

Arborist Terrill Collier says he attended classes in the building behind him, at Lent Elementary School.

Meet the “Lents Tree Man”
We next met Terrill Collier, of Collier Arbor Care. The company was founded by his late father in 1937, and is one of Portland’s oldest tree and shrub care companies.

“I went to school here at Lent Elementary,” says Collier. Glancing over his shoulder, he continues: “I went to school in that small classroom building. I grew up in this neighborhood and have lived here all my life.”

Collier says the school is the exactly the same as he remembers it from over 30 years ago‚ including the fact there are no trees anywhere on the expansive grounds. “While it’s a shame we had to wait this long to plant these trees, we’ve now done it with the help of hundreds of students. This is the start‚ this is the time to do it. Future generations‚ my kids, and their kids‚ will enjoy the shade of the trees.”

Collier says his company seeks out an Arbor Day project in their service area each year at which to volunteer. “It is a pleasure to work with kids. It is encouraging to see their enthusiasm. It is special for me. Today we’re helping by watering the trees, and we’ll take care of them through the summer. Our company is committed to making sure they get a good start and grow strong.”

500 students plant trees
Collier had lots of help with the Lent School tree planting.

“About 500 kids planted trees today, with the help of 60 Home Depot employee volunteers,” explains Neighborhood Trees manager Brighton West, with Friends of Trees.

It is important to get youngsters involved, West tells us, “Because, in this part of Lents, there aren’t a lot of trees. We’re trying to reforest Portland.”

Kicks off 30th Portland Arbor Day — and month
Zari Santner, director of Portland Parks & Recreation, welcomes everyone to the day’s formal program. “This [Lent School planting project] is Portland’s 30th Arbor Day Celebration. This effort is creating a new neighborhood arboretum‚ the sixth in Portland.”

Mayor Tom Potter proclaims April to be “Tree Month” in Portland.

Portland’s mayor proclaims
“Isn’t this an exciting day?” Mayor Tom Potter asks of the Lent students gathered in front of him. “You’re making your school more beautiful by planting trees all around it.”

Potter continues, “As Mayor, I get to issue proclamations. This means we honor people and events that help make Portland a great city. Here is my proclamation for this day:
“Whereas‚ Portland, Oregon, known as the City of Roses, and the City of Trees, is one of America’s most livable cities;
“Whereas, this community’s livability and quality of life can be attributed, in part, to the extraordinary collection of trees along its streets and in parks and private property, including Lent School;
“Whereas, this important urban forest is the result of careful stewardship, and the commitment to the propagation and management of trees in Portland;
“Whereas‚ for the 30th year in a row, Portland has been recognized for its high quality arboricultural efforts by the National Arbor Day Foundation, designating Portland as a “Tree City U.S.A.”;
“Whereas‚ Portland, Oregon, celebrates trees year ’round, with continued planting, with special recognition on Arbor Day, April 3, 2007;
“Therefore‚ I, Tom Potter, Mayor of the City of Portland, the City of Roses and City of Trees, do hereby proclaim April, 2007, to be Arbor Month.”

Mayor Tom Potter holds aloft the award recognizing the 30th year Portland has been named a “Tree City U.S.A.”

City lauded for tree efforts
Paul Reis, Oregon Department of Forestry, Urban & Community Forestry Program Manager and Kevin Sander, National Arbor Day Foundation then present the foundation’s “Tree City USA Award” to Ed Washington, Chair, and Portland Urban Forestry Commission, commission members and Mayor Potter.

“This is a ‘pat-on-the-back’ for supporting trees here in the Portland Area,” extols METRO Commissioner Robert Liberty.

“By planting the trees, you are creating something, contributing to a better future for your area,” METRO Commissioner Robert Liberty tells gathered students. “I hope you remember this day until you are as ancient as I am.”

Next, Bob Naito steps to the microphone to present two special “Bill Naito Community Trees Awards”.

Individual Community Tree Award: Ed Kerns
The Outstanding Individual Community Trees Award, is presented to a man we’ve called “Springwater Ed” Kerns in our news coverage over the years.

A true modern-day hero, Ed Kerns is recognized for the efforts he’s organized along the Springwater Trail since 1995.

“Recognizing the uniqueness of Johnson Creek in 1995, when the Springwater Trail was built,” Naito proclaims, “Kerns realized the potential of educating students about the wonders of trees and plants. Using the trail as a tool to get students from Kelly Elementary and Marshall High School involved in the natural environment, Kerns created the Links Springwater Habitat Restoration Group.

“Since then, He’s work worked with more than 5,000 volunteers, 3,000 of them students. He’s planted over 25,000 trees and shrubs and maintained hundreds of acres of the natural environment.”

Humble, as always, Kerns tells the audience, “It’s true, together, we’ve planted over 25,000 trees and shrubs and cleaned up quite a stretch of the Springwater Corridor through the Lents Neighborhood. I coordinated most of that‚ but I, obviously, couldn’t do the hard, physical work that has been going on for 12 years. Credit must also go to the thousands of volunteers from dozens of schools around Portland, mostly around the Lents area. I want to let Lents kids ‘own’ their neighborhood. Thank you all.”

Group Community Tree Award: Eastmoreland Neighborhood Association Tree Committee
You’re not required to love trees‚ especially the American elm‚ but it certainly helps to have affection for all things arboreal to be an Eastmoreland neighborhood homeowner.

Catherine Mushel, Chair of the Eastmoreland Trees committee; Dan Dettmer volunteer and creator of the Eastmoreland Tree Walk shirt, neighborhood association president Gretchen Sperling and Eastmoreland tree liaison Karen Williams show off their engraved Community Trees Award.

Naito next recognizes the dedicated volunteers who organize and work with the Eastmoreland Neighborhood Association (ENA) Tree Committee for their efforts.

“People say that Eastmoreland is a neighborhood that is defined by its trees,” Mushel told the gathering of 200 celebrants. “There is a long list of people who deserve thanks, including Don and Darlene Carlson, who started our committees. Our Eastmoreland neighbors, working with countless groups, like the Boy Scouts, have donated time and materials. They’ve helped us serve and protect our trees.”

Mushel recognized Friends of Trees, Save Our Elms, and the City of Portland Urban Foresters, volunteers Nancy Hutchins and Tom Brown, and the thousands of volunteer hours worked by neighbors and tree-lovers.

“For those who walk in the shade of our trees during the summer,” Mushel concluded, “and wonder at the size of our Elms in winter, we share your wonder, and we enjoy the shade of our trees. We appreciate your help. For all our volunteers, The Bill Naito Award is your award, also.”

Resources:

Learn more about Friends of Trees — “We’re always looking for volunteers and places to plant trees.” at www.friendsoftrees.org.
Interested in the National Arbor Day organization? See www.arborday.org.
Come enjoy their trees, or learn more about the Eastmoreland Neighborhood Association at www.eastmoreland.org.

Homeowners flock to Eastmoreland Remodeling Faire

Why pay to visit the Convention Center or Expo, when you can meet contractors right in your own neighborhood? Looks like the Eastmoreland Neighborhood Association is on to something‚

Nearly 300 Eastmoreland neighbors came to see the exhibits and talk with the vendors at this Faire.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
While it seemed like a good idea, board members of the Eastmoreland Neighborhood Association (ENA) wondered if anyone would actually come‚ on a weeknight‚ to their first Remodeling Faire.

The organizers looked delighted on March 8, when a steady stream of homeowners poured into, and circulated around, the exhibits set up at the Duniway School cafeteria.

Steve and Mary Baker, organizers of the Remodeling Faire, say it was a success.

“A lot of remodeling and restoration goes on in Eastmoreland,” said Steve Baker, ENA, board member and webmaster. “We thought it would be good to bring the contractors here to meet with homeowners.”

Baker credited fellow board member, Bert Sperling, with hatching the concept a few years ago.

“In addition to providing a good event for the neighbors,” Baker added, “this event is helping us raise money for street trees, as well as our neighborhood garden, which needs a lot of maintenance.”

Steven Klingerman with Sovereign Construction explains his company’s services to neighbor Rosalind Schreiber.

Homeowners and contractors pleased
Taking a break from looking at exhibitors, Eastmoreland neighbor Rosalind Schreiber told us, “We did a major remodel about four years ago, but we’re looking at other projects. This is great. Having everybody in one place is convenient, but isn’t overwhelming, like the Remodeling Show.”

Most important to her, Schreiber commented, was that all of the exhibitors at the event have done work in Eastmoreland.

“This event helps us meet people who might use our work,” is how Steven Klingerman with Sovereign Construction felt about it. “Even more, it gives us the chance to meet, face-to-face, to answer questions and learn about homeowners’ needs.”

Jane Morrison, Architectural Heritage Center.

Old and new, and ice cream too
For those who needed a quick pick-me-up at the four-hour, evening event ‚Äì or wanted to appease antsy kids‚ Woodstock’s Island Creamery was on hand, providing coffee, soft drinks, ice cream, and cookies.

“This is the place to be!” exclaimed Jane Morrison, with the Architectural Heritage Center. “We have been around for a number of years helping people who like old buildings. We have classes and exhibits about old buildings. Being here with businesses in who restore and repair older buildings is a good match for us.”

What is the ENA up to next? Find out by checking their website at www.eastmoreland.org.

Homeowners flock to Eastmoreland Remodeling Faire

Why pay to visit the Convention Center or Expo, when you can meet contractors right in your own neighborhood? Looks like the Eastmoreland Neighborhood Association is on to something‚

Nearly 300 Eastmoreland neighbors came to see the exhibits and talk with the vendors at this Faire.

The organizers looked delighted on March 8, when a steady stream of homeowners poured into, and circulated around, the exhibits set up at the Duniway School cafeteria.

Steve and Mary Baker, organizers of the Remodeling Faire, say it was a success.

Baker credited fellow board member, Bert Sperling, with hatching the concept a few years ago.

Steven Klingerman with Sovereign Construction explains his company’s services to neighbor Rosalind Schreiber.

Most important to her, Schreiber commented, was that all of the exhibitors at the event have done work in Eastmoreland.

Jane Morrison, Architectural Heritage Center.

What is the ENA up to next? Find out by checking their website at www.eastmoreland.org.

Homemade stories, told in shadow and light at Sellwood Library

One look at the young lady’s face, and you’ll see why we’re bringing you this story. Take a peek! And, this great workshop comes to Midland Library on March 27 (see how to register)‚

Using her hand-made shadow puppet, Audrey tells a story to her father, Shawn Smallman, and class teacher Kathy Karbo, at the Sellwood Branch Library.

Story and photo by David F. Ashton
As part of the Multnomah County Library’s “Every Family Reads” program, a most unique workshop took place on March 10 at the Sellwood Branch Library.

“Today’s featured book,” says instructor Kathy Karbo, “is ‘The End of the Beginning’. We’re making shadow puppets, and telling stories with them.”

This kind of play, Karbo explains, helps youngsters understand the basics of storytelling. “Theater starts with light and shadow. Shadow puppets also help children realize they can create their own stories without elaborate tools or props.”

Cultures all over the world use puppets for storytelling and for children’s theater, Karbo says. “And, children get to learn shapes and patterns. It teaches them skills in learning to use tools to make things. They get to use their bodies; it shows them that storytelling and acting doesn’t only happen from the neck up.”

Comes to outer East Portland March 27
You and your kids can participate in the Shadow Puppet Workshop! You’ll explore light, shadow and movement with artist Kathy Karbo as she shows you how to make your own shadow puppet.

Registration is required; register online, in the library or by calling (503) 988-5234. The workshop runs from 6:30-8 p.m.

The place: your Midland Library, 805 S.E. 122nd Ave.; call (503) 988-5392 for more information.

Lents open house highlights Johnson Creek changes

Neighbors confess they feel a mixture of relief and concern about the changes being charted for wetlands surrounding the creek ‚Ä¶

Lents neighbor Chris Bodine is about ready to mark the location of his property with a push pin, as he talks with Marie Johnson, BES, Program Coordinator Johnson Creek Watershed program

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Most of the people coming to the Johnson Creek Wetlands open house at Lent Elementary School a few weeks ago were neighbors whose property abuts the proposed work sites.

East Lents Project
“We’re here to let folks know about the East Lents Project,” says Marie Johnson, Portland Bureau of Environmental Services, Program Coordinator Johnson Creek Watershed program. “This project will be adding flood storage and making habitat improvement south of Foster Road, between what was known as ‘Freeway Land’ property and the Brookside property that BES renovated several years ago.”

The project, Johnson tells us, will make Lents a better place to live and work. “For many years, flooding has been a problem in Lents. The East Lents project will be adding flood storage near SE Foster Road.”

A FEMA grant for $2.7 Million will fund the first phase of the project, Johnson says; and BES is kicking in almost another $1 Million to make that happen. This project is currently in its design phase.

“In addition to providing flood storage,” adds Johnson, “it will be a nicer place for the community. Having some of the flooding issues addressed makes it easier for businesses to invest in the community.”

Lents neighbor Chris Bodine tells us he came to the open house to find out what is happening to the property adjacent to his.

“I’ve been watching them buy up houses around the area and remove some of them. It is all getting overgrown with blackberries. With a lot of homeless and transient coming in and camping in the area, I’d like to see it cleaned up,” says Bodine.

Lents resident Chuck Olney talks with Jeremy Weber, Project Manager, Army Corps of Engineers, about the Johnson Creek Springwater Project, as does neighbor Tom Larson.

Army Corps’ Springwater Project
We also learn the Army Corps of Engineers is working on a project to improve the habitat all along the Springwater Corridor, between Begger’s Tick Marsh and Banger Park.

“It’s important, because it will improve habitat for wildlife,” is how Jeremy Weber, Project Manager for the Army Corps of Engineers, Johnson Creek Springwater Project, put it to us.

Weber adds, “It will give neighbors access off the Springwater Trail. It will open up a lot of things to see; it will be educational for the kids. About a third of what we do these days is environmental work. This is under our Section 206 Authority, which is aquatic ecosystem restoration.

The project that runs from SE 111th to 121st Avenue along the Springwater Trail Corridor in Lents is a shared effort between the federal government and the City of Portland’s BES.

“Currently we’re working on the feasibility study to be completed this year,” says Weber. “Construction will begin when we get federal funding.”

The object of this project is to allow more water to flow into the wetland property. “There was a lot of fill in this area,” explains Weber. “We’ll be removing a lot of that. Also, look for improvements to the area like more interpretative signage, and a parking lot to access the Springwater Trail.”

Privacy concerns
Neighbor Tom Larson says his concerns are security and loss of privacy.

“Also, I want to know when it will start. My property is adjacent to this project. I know the area on one side and behind me was designated wetland owned by City of Portland; so no one can build there.

“It will be a great project as long as they take seriously privacy and security issues ‚Äì I don’t want people who are wandering through the area to wander into my yard.”

Volunteers ‘rescue’ a ton of plastics from landfill fate

Why would volunteers work all day ‚Äì in the rain ‚Äì helping East Portlanders recycle their discarded plastic items? Read all about it right here!

Mary Leverette, one of the volunteer coordinators for the SE Portland Plastics Round-up, helps East Portlanders put discarded plastic in its place ‚Äì a recycling center instead of the landfill.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Last month, volunteers were standing in the morning drizzle overseeing plastic recycling barrels in the parking lot of Floyd Light Middle School on SE 106th Avenue.

It isn’t glamorous, but volunteer Portland Master Recyclers say their regular “Plastics Round-up” events are important.

“Many plastics never break down in a landfill,” explains Master Recycler Mary Leverette. “And ‘never’ is a very long time. But, thanks to growing markets for recycled plastics, we can keep them out of the landfills, reduce the volume, and do a good thing for the community.”

At these scheduled events, Leverette tells us, neighbors are encouraged to bring plastic nursery pots, bags and film, kitty litter containers, and all types of hard-to recycle plastic.

Rachael Berkeley and Zora, here doing their part to help by recycling their plastic goods. “The best way to help our kids become more aware of environmental issues,” Rachael says, “is to demonstrate our beliefs by putting them into action.”

Where the used plastic goes
We learned from Leverette that an Oregon company, Agri-plas, specializes in recycling plastics used at farms, greenhouses, and plant nurseries. The company has developed ways to reuse hard-to-recycle plastics.

“Agri-plas makes chips or pellets out of the materials, and then sells them to other manufacturers who make a multitude of items. Plastic Pots are mostly made back into plastic pots. Plastic bags mostly become plastic lumber. Agri-plas is known for their exceptionally well-sorted and contaminant-free plastic, making it easier for manufacturers to use.”

Next Round-up is May 19
According to what we learned, the Portland Master Recycling program’s mission is “Bridging the gap between awareness and action, by motivating people to reduce waste in their home and workplaces.”

“It’s that simple,” Leverette says. “We volunteer because we’re passionate about taking action to help our environment.”

Check our May Community Calendar for the announcement of their next event.

Or, mark down Saturday, May 19 from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. ‚Äì and take your clean, recyclable plastics to at Floyd Light Middle School 10800 SE Washington St.

For more information, see their web site at www.masterrecycler.org.

When disaster strikes, these neighbors will be ready to help

When a major disaster strikes, it could be days, even a week before “official” governmental aid reaches you. See how some neighbors learn to protect their families ‚Äì and perhaps help save YOUR life ‚Ä¶

Carol Moseley and Peter Deyoe show-and-tell class members how to be better prepared to help themselves, their household, and their neighbors, after a disaster.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Perhaps you’ve seen the listing in our Community Calendar for C-NET training sessions, and were curious to learn more.

A couple of weeks ago, we stopped in on a training session at the East Portland Community Center to get a first-hand look at why citizens take this free, valuable series of classes.

“Today, we’re holding the first of a two-part workshop to prepare citizens to deal with a disaster,” says With Peter Deyoe, Team Leader of Hazel Park NET Team. “NET stands for ‘Neighborhood Emergency Team’.”

Deyoe tells us of the many kinds of disasters that could befall citizens in Portland — such as earthquakes, terrorist events, or a disease pandemic.

Don’t count on rapid outside help
There are ways people can be prepared for disaster, regardless of the specific threat, he continues. “The object is to reduce the impact of the disaster by being prepared.”

NET training, he explains, goes on the assumption that, for the first week, individuals should be prepared to “go it alone” in a severe disaster. So, families, households and individuals should be prepared.

Many of the survival supplies are not exotic; and packed in Mylar foil, they’ll stay ready-to-use for years.

“We encourage people to first take care of themselves, and then their households. After that, they can be of assistance to friends and family members.”

Camping at home
Deyoe outlines how people can be ready to “go camping” at home. In the class, the leaders outline several disaster scenarios. “The key is to develop a ‘new mind-set’ of being prepared, instead of being afraid.”

Helping with the class is NET volunteer Carol Moseley, an area resident and a “ham radio” operator. She shows the group practical ways to prepare their household. “People don’t have to spend a lot of money to prepare; just think about it,” she said.

Moseley illustrates her point by showing essential foods and supplies, pointing out what she calls “indispensable items” to have ready for a disaster. She also gave food, water, and waste disposal pointers.

Checklists east preparation
The presenters go over checklists of common medical scenarios and first aid supplies to have on hand. “Make sure you have the wrench or key to shut off your natural gas lines,” instructs Deyoe.

The second part of the two-part class is typically offered the following week. “We hold these classes on a regular basis. Join us, and be prepared,” Deyoe recommends.

Find out more
While it isn’t easy to find, follow this link to the City of Portland web site for more for more information: www.portlandonline.com/oem/index.cfm?c=dbggh

Cop helps little kids be safe in cars

What you don’t know about correctly using “Child Safety Seats” could actually kill your child. See what dozens of East Portlanders learned from a traffic cop ‚Äìalso a father ‚Äì about these life-saving devices ‚Ä¶

Heather Hunt learns how to properly use Parker’s child safety seat from Portland Police Officer, and father, Brett Barnum.

Story and photo by David F. Ashton
As a cop assigned to the Portland Police Bureau’s Traffic Division, Bret R. Barnum sees the result of vehicle crashes nearly every day.

“We’re the officers assigned to investigate wrecks,” Barnum tells us, “so we see, first hand, the difference well-used car safety seats make.”

Walking away versus carried away
Barnum illustrates his point by telling stories of two very similar crashes.

“A car was hit in a grinding T-bone [side impact] collision by an SUV going at least 30 MPH. The truck struck right where the child was sitting. When I arrived on scene, I found the child properly secured in with a seatbelt in a ‘booster’ seat. The result: The child walked away, without a scratch, completely safe and unharmed ‚Äì not even a bruise.”

Barnum looks down, speaks in a lower voice and says the outcome was tragically different in a very similar crash, also involving a young child in a booster seat.

“In this accident, the child in the booster seat was only secured by the lap belt, not the shoulder strap. She had severe internal abdominal injuries; we thought she wouldn’t live. Fortunately OHSU’s Dornbecher hospital was able to save her.”

Putting the ‘safe’ into safety seats
We caught up with Barnum at a Child Safety Seat Clinic in Oak Grove on February 10. “Over half the folks we’ve seen here have been from Inner Southeast Portland,” he says.

The purpose of the event, held in partnership with Alliance for Community Traffic Safety, is helping parents learn how to correctly use their safety seats.

Barnum is helping Heather Hunt, a Sellwood resident. “Parker’s grown into a new car seat. We wanted to get it installed correctly.”

Officer Barnum goes over the child safety seat checklist, making sure Heather’s baby, Parker Hunt, will be safe in his new seat.

The officer makes sure the checklist is complete, as he completes his visit with Hunt: “The seat is new; the owner’s manual is with it; it conforms to safety standards; it passed the ‘pinch’ test; and the safety belt can easily be secured to the seat.”

“Things I learned today,” Hunt tells us, “are the importance making sure your child’s safety seat is secure, so it can’t slide from side to side. And, I now understand the importance of having the baby’s restraints positioned correctly around his shoulder blades.”

As she drove off, Hunt thanked Barnum, saying “This was very, very valuable for me ‚Äì and Parker.”

Barnum takes one last look to make sure this young passenger will be safe in his new seat.

83% improperly installed
We learned from Barnum that Child Safety Seat Clinic technicians report finding that 83% of all seats are not installed properly.

“Had these people not come in,” Barnum says, “they’d still be out on the road, unintentionally risking the lives of their kids. These parents have the best intentions for protecting their children. But, with car seat technology rapidly changing, properly using them can be confusing.”

Most common problem seen
The most common problem, Barnum explains, is that the harness system, in the car safety seat, tends to be too-loosely secured. “There shouldn’t be slack in the straps.”

When the straps are too loose, he shows us, the child can be ejected out of the car safety seat into the car itself, at high velocity. “The crash force dynamics take a real toll on the children who are ejected.”

A parent’s prospective
“It is up to the parents to protect their little kids who can’t protect themselves,” Barnum says.

“I have two boys myself. When I go to a crash and see a child walk away from a severe accident because they are protected ‚Äì it can bring a tear to my eye. You look at them and think, ‘Thank goodness someone cared enough to do it right’.”

Learn more
Discover vital information about using child safety seats, and future clinic locations and dates at www.ACTSOREGON.org, or call toll-free: 1-800-772-1315.

Hungry ‘ham-and-eggers’ aid Loaves and Fishes

Look at this article and you’ll learn why hundreds came out to enjoy a great breakfast ‚Äì and support the “Meals on Wheels” folks ‚Ä¶

Carolyn Williams, and her youthful charges, Evelina and Diego, enjoy a great breakfast benefiting the Cherry Blossom Loaves and Fishes Meals on Wheels center.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
A steady stream of people, with a lean-and-hungry look in their eyes, poured into the East Portland Community Center all morning long on February 3.

It didn’t take long to turn these famished folks into sated patrons, as they consumed piles of pancakes and plates of biscuits and gravy ‚Äì along with a heaping serving of scrambled eggs and ham. They washed it all down with coffee and orange juice.

And, this massive breakfast only set them back $3.75 a person.

What was the event? It was the Cherry Blossom Loves & Fishes Center’s annual Pancake Breakfast fundraiser.

Loaves & Fishes Center director Tamara Bailey works with volunteers Larry Jacobs, Susan Black, and Janis Crandell as they dish up breakfast for hundreds.

“Each center is responsible for raising part of their own funding,” explained Cherry Blossom Loaves and Fishes Center director, Tamara Bailey. “This is one of our biggest events, ever. We’ve had 200 come in to join us for breakfast today.”

Because almost all of the food, supplies and labor is donated, Bailey said, all of the funds brought in from the event will go to help feed elderly people in their homes, and at the center.

You can help
“We always need volunteer drivers and kitchen help,” Bailey told us.

If you’d like to help, stop by the Cherry Blossom Loaves and Fishes Center at 740 SE 106th Avenue, or call (503) 256-2381

Exploring unexpected winter life at Leach Botanical Gardens

Think nothing is happening, during the bleak “dead-of-winter” months, at our city’s only botanical garden? No! See what’s going on ‚Äì right now ‚Äì at this outer East Portland natural paradise ‚Ä¶

Scotty Fairchild, Steward of Leach Botanical Garden, shows us a blooming Ribes Laurilfolium (evergreen currant) before he starts his monthly Saturday morning Gardener’s Tour.

Story and photo by David F. Ashton
This time of year, most Saturday mornings are cold, gray, and damp. So, we wonder why Leach Botanical Garden holds tours ‚Äì even in the winter.

To find out, we visit the garden’s steward, Scotty Fairchild, before he begins his “Gardener’s Tour” at the outer Southeast Portland property.

“We have more things in bloom during the winter months than we do during the peak summer months,” Fairchild tells us. “This is because of our site, plant materials and ecology here at the Gardens. There are probably 30 things in bloom today.”

Fairchild greets the guests who are about to take his winter-morning Gardener’s Tour at Leach.

The gardens are open to the public every day.

But, a good reason to take the Gardner’s Tour, Fairchild says, is he can point out things of interest that are “very subtle, this time of year. If you look carefully, you’ll see a lot of things in bloom. We look at twigs, buds and the other living systems including our large bird population. We’re seeing the rodents and small mammals getting more active.”

“We let plants go through their cycle. There is very little human manipulation of the plant materials at Leach Botanical Gardens,” says Fairchild.

Next tour is March 3
Fairchild conducts the Gardener’s Tour on the first Saturday of each month.

“During this tour, I am able to share–in a little more depth–information about the horticulture and botany processes you’ll see here.”

The 90-minute walking tour begins at 10:00 a.m. “I enjoy sharing my passion for this community resource, right here, in mid-southeast Portland,” Fairchild tells us.

Admission is free, though donations are requested. Group tours are given by appointment. For further information contact Nancy at (503) 823-1671. The garden is at 6704 SE 122nd Ave, Portland (just south of SE Foster Road).