What is the building project on the triangle of land at the corner of SE 72nd and Woodstock? Read this and learn about the Arleta Triangle Project …
Helping build the Arleta Triangle project are Sarah Iannarone, Meghan Humphreys (behind black starwars shirt), Jerry Harmon, and Scott Bala.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
The small triangle of land at the corner of SE 72nd and Woodstock is a remnant of the old trolley system. About three years ago, a group of neighbors got together and decided to build an architectural wall there, and add a canopy overhead.
“I live in this neighborhood,” volunteer and neighbor Meghan Humphreys told us. “In addition to slowing down traffic a little, we’re also providing a space for people to gather together. And, I think it makes the corner much more inviting. We hope people will enjoy coming into our neighborhood as a result of this project.”
This fall, the “Arleta Triangle Project”, as they’ve named it, will adding an custom canopy. Artist Brian Borrello, who has created art for the Rose Garden MAX Light Rail station, is overseeing construction of the canopy. “This canopy is the most ambitious piece of this project – and this is where we need everyone’s help,” said Humphreys.
While the group has secured a grant from the Regional Arts and Culture Council for part of the work, the group needs to raise $4,000 ‚Äì and they need it now. “We’re hoping our neighbors in Southeast Portland will make cash donations, or perhaps give us donated materials.”
How to help
You can make a donation online, at www.arleta-triangle.org. Or contact them at (503) 774-3631 for more information. “Donations are 100% tax-deductible,” Humphreys said.
© 2006 David F. Ashton ~ East PDX News
See how this service club is helping kids in the Philippines – and local organizations – by cooking up a storm …
A sign of good taste – and the chicken dinner tasted mighty good!
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
We could smell the delicious aroma of barbecued chicken as we drove along SE Stark Street a couple of weeks ago. Then, we noticed the sign — showing us the way to the Filipino American Association building at 8917 SE Stark St.
John Lewis, president of Montavilla Kiwanis met us at the door, and explained how this chicken dinner benefited the Mt. Hood Kiwanis Camp for Disabled Children and Adults. “Also, we’re helping an organization that supports a village in the Philippines.”
Bob Dimick, past president of the club, and former Lt. Governor of the district helped cook the chicken. Here, he shows off his handiwork.
Third annual event
It turns out they have practice putting on charity dinners – this was their third annual dinner. The dinner served was delicious barbequed chicken, salads, beans and homemade rolls.
“We sold around 100 dinners,” Lewis said. “We feel pretty good about this. And, some of our members made up some meals and took them to the Ronald McDonald house, to help the families there.”
An illustrious gathering of club officials were at the dinner, including John Lewis, president MK, Marilyn Schultz, Past Lt Governor of Division 62; and Dick Tracy, past Lt Governor, member of the Rockwood Kiwanis club; and Oscar Domingo, past president the Montavilla Kiwanis and Lt. Governor of Division 62.
Meet them in person
The Montavilla Kiwanis Club meets every Tuesday at 12:10 p.m. at Chinese Village Restaurant, at SE 82nd Avenue of Roses and Stark St.
© 2006 David F. Ashton ~ East PDX News
See what progress has been made to turn Wake-Up Drive-Thru on SE Division St. into Atkinson/Tabor Community Commons; plus how long they expect the transition to take …
Kristin Heying, Caf?© au Play, and Southeast Uplift volunteer board chair Paul Leistner, here looking at plans for the new Atkinson/Tabor Community Commons.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Plans are moving forward to turn a one-time illicit-drug drive-through across SE Division St. from Atkinson Elementary School into a family friendly coffee house and community center.
On October 16, community members streamed into the Atkinson gym to learn about the project’s progress since taking ownership of the property in June ‚Äì and since the federal the Drug Czar’s award presentation in July.
Community members told us they were excited by the progress being made, and enjoyed the great presentation made by the architecture/design team of Jim Kalvelage and John Shorb with Opsis Architecture, and Mike Abbate and Tim Strand with Greenworks.
Design boards, a fully-constructed model, and a 3-D computer simulation that allowed community members to fly over and through the site and different proposed designs helped attendees get a better understanding of the improvements proposed.
Progress reported
Southeast Uplift volunteer board chair Paul Leistner started the meeting, telling the group, “We’re all very excited to be reviewing designs for the long-hoped for coffee house/community center. The project continues to receive valuable support from a wide array of local individuals, organizations, public agencies, and companies. This project is a testament to the power of community members to join together and accomplish great things.”
Sara Gilbert and Charles Heying, board members of Cafe au Play, the non-profit organization that will provide a kid/community friendly coffee house operation on the site, described their program.
Jacqueline Villnave announced that the City of Portland’s “Safe Routes to Schools Program” would bring traffic engineers to Atkinson Elementary School on Monday, October 30, from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. to look at ways to improve pedestrian and bike safety at the 57th and Division crossing.
Jim Kalvelage and Mike Abbate then walked the group through the design options:
Phase 1: renovate existing building for coffee/house community center; and,
Phase 2: construct additional larger building on the site to house large community meeting rooms, kitchen and storage space.
Showing off a model of the proposed community center is Jim Kalvelage, partner in Opsis Architecture.
Key decisions made
The group decided to retain the existing building. The steel structure is in good condition, and ready to be renovated for use as a coffee house/community center to be operated by Cafe au Play.
Other ideas were floated, including the addition of a terrace, space for farmer’s market and outdoor events, and perhaps space for a community garden.
Most on-site parking to be eliminated
Past community input showed a strong desire for the center to have a pedestrian/bike focus. The group learned that eliminating parking significantly broadens ways to use the site.
Community comments
Community member’s comments showed strong support for:
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A south-facing terrace along Division St., eliminating most of the parking;
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Phase 2 building on the west side of the existing structure;
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Constructing a storm water garden that would channel stormwater runoff from 57th St. through the site and into a water garden and flow-through planters along S.E. Division St.;
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Creating new on-street parking on Division by removing the existing driveways;
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Improvements to the crosswalk across Division; and,
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Creation of a “teaching circle”.
Next steps
During the fall and into the winter months, the group will designs based on input from the meeting, create a sustainable economic plan, continue remodeling the existing building and preparing to remove the unused underground fuel tanks.
According to Leistner, the Atkinson/Tabor Community Commons will be open for use late next summer.
© 2006 David F. Ashton ~ East PDX News
If you didn’t come and enjoy a complete dinner while being serenaded with live music at this benefit, see what you missed ‚Äì and how you can help this worthy cause ‚Ķ
Volunteers serving up the meals at the 7th Annual Benefit Turkey Dinner for Loaves & Fishes Center are Seth Young, Angie Boyd Stephen Pletka, and Randi Holberg.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
About to take our friends to dinner on October 8, we remembered it was time for the Benefit Turkey Dinner for Loaves & Fishes Center.
We headed over the East Portland Community Center and tucked into a traditional turkey dinner, with all the trimmings.
“You can have ‘seconds’ if you want,” our volunteer server, Jennifer Lewis, told us. We were hungry, and took them up on their generous offer. Our meal was made complete with servings of pumpkin pie for dessert.
We were joined at dinner by Bruce and Margery Davis who moved here in 1952. They told us fascinating stories about outer East Portland, long before it was developed, then annexed into Portland. That’s our wonderful, cheerful volunteer server, Jennifer Lewis.
After dinner, we spoke with the lady who sold us our dinner tickets.
“We’re having this turkey dinner as a fundraiser,” explained Tamara Rochester, Center Manager CherryBlossom Loves & Fishes, Meals-on-Wheels.
“All proceeds from this community event will go to help feed our seniors. Much of the food was donated, the balance of the food and supplies were provided, at cost, by their vendors.”
She said 25 volunteers cooked, served and cleaned up after serving 250 dinners. The effort raised about $1,500 for their organization.
“We love our volunteers,” Rochester said. “They are great. Many of our volunteers here today help us provide hot, nourishing meals to seniors in their home, and here, at the center.”
Serenading the diners with her keyboard styling on the piano is Kay Robbins. She told us, “I get pleasure for playing for those who enjoy my music. It makes it more festive. I can communicate the music I love with the people who come and enjoy the event at Loaves & Fishes.”
You can help
This center serves 225 seniors in their homes, and 120 more in the dining room, Rochester said. “We always are looking for drivers. But we can use kitchen help as well.”
To learn how you can help, contact the center directly at (503) 736-6325 or the citywide number, (503) 256-2381 or see their website www.loavesandfishesonline.org.
© 2006 David F. Ashton ~ East PDX News
Earlier this year, the Portland Sea Scouts took first place honors at the regional regatta. Read this article and you’ll learn how one Gresham youth has grown, as a result of this distinctive program ‚Ķ
Sea Scouts Steven Adams, Andrew Hazell, and James Hoffman aboard their 44-foot motor life boat, VIKING.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
In April, the Portland Sea Scouts participated in their annual Nor’Wester Sea Scout Regatta. The crews took part in 25 competitive events at the regatta, and the crew of one Portland vessel, CITY OF ROSES, was the overwhelming winner with 19 first places awards.
When we learned three of the Portland Sea Scouts’ craft were on public display recently, we decided to check in on the progress of the troop.
The Portland Sea Scouts crafts CITY OF ROSES and VIKING, on display at the Jantzen Beach Red Lion hotel.
On the dock, we became reacquainted with Andrew Hazell, a crew member of the Portland Sea Scout’s 44-foot motor life boat, VIKING ‚Äì sister ship of CITY OF ROSES.
With an air of authority one would expect of a naval officer, Hazell told us their ship, an former Coast Guard 44-foot motor life boat, was built in 1967. “The Coast Guard ran it until 1998. When it was decommissioned, we applied for the ship.”
It wasn’t a smooth sail, Hazell said. When they first got the VIKING, the starboard engine had a lot of problems. “The crew and officers hauled it out, and made all necessary repairs to put it in ‘ship shape’ condition.”
Gains discipline, respect and leadership
“I joined because I wanted to get on the water,” Hazell explained. “If you don’t own a boat, it is a rare opportunity to go on the water, basically for free.”
More than simply being a fun time on the water, Hazell said his Sea Scouts experience has taught him discipline, respect and leadership. “These concepts are integral parts of the program. The crewmembers dip the tanks, fuel the boat, check the oil, check the transmission. It’s not only learning to take responsibility for one’s self, but also for the boat and sharing responsibility with your crew members.”
Hazell said he’s grown as a leader during his four years in the program. “When I first came, I felt very unsure of myself and my skills. Over time, with training and learning skills, I feel confident, more able. Also, I feel a lot more confident in being able to talk to people.”
Sea Scout Andrew Hazell says he’s gained confidence from being in this program.
As an example, Hazell told us he’s joined the Speech and Debate Team at Gresham High School. “It turns out I love it. Now, partially thanks to the Sea Scouts, I can speak in front of people and state my views. I can reason out a position and present it.”
Community service
Each of the Sea Scouts maintains the shore of the Columbia River around their base. Also, to become a Quartermaster, every Sea Scout has to create and complete a community service project.
Oh yes, there is lots of boating
In addition to evening and weekend work parties, Sea Scouts enjoy boating. A lot of boating, Hazell told us! “Every year, we go on a long cruise and to the Regatta. We won first place every year! It felt great to be part of a winning team.”
Want to hit the waves? The Portland area Sea Scouts are actively seeking new members. Both young men and women, from those who have graduated from eighth grade this spring through high school age, are eligible for membership now.
For information on joining, and meeting schedules, call Pat Kelley at (503) 667-7835 days or evenings, or e-mail him at sss650@comcast.net.
© 2006 David F. Ashton ~ East PDX News
While they long for a permanent home, founders of the Ladybug Theater still play to full houses in Sellwood, and spark imaginations …
Michele Earley and her son, Matt Pipes start the show with Baby Bear in their production of “The Three Little Pigs”. Wait!..Baby Bear? “He wanted to be in our show, and the kids agreed it was a good idea,” Earley explained.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Many of Portland’s professional “Equity” actors started their careers sharing the stage with a ladybug. So did National Public Radio’s Ari Shapiro.
No, they weren’t doing scenes with insects, but with Ladybug–the hand puppet who is the mascot of the famous Portland children’s Ladybug Theater.
Introducing kids to theater
Back in 1959, the Ladybug Theater was formed, performing for two decades at the Oregon Zoo in a building shaped like, you guessed it, a ladybug.
“There is nothing like it anywhere,” the theater’s director Michele Earley, told us. “We have audience participation in every show. But more importantly, kids learn that theater isn’t frightening.”
Pat Carter, Tyler Mapes, and Renee Carter said they had been looking forward to seeing the Ladybug Theater’s September production.
Because children who come to Ladybug Theater shows are encouraged to use their humor and imagination, Earley said, they are more likely to attend, or even participate in, live theater.
Kids also learn theater manners and etiquette. “In a TV generation, it is important for kids to learn how to behave in a public setting. We help young parents learn how to teach their children how to enjoy live programs and theater.”
According to Earley, all of their shows are created in-house. “We start by making a scenario; an outline for how the storyline will progress. Then the actors take the scenario and create the play and story.”
Ladybug without a home
Earley was upbeat as she and her son, Matt Pipes, prepared for their September 13th show. But, she admitted that not having a permanent home for the theater was difficult for her.
“After the Zoo, we were in Multnomah Village for three years, and then at Oaks Park for 15 years. But, for the past six years, we’ve been ‘homeless’.
“This means we can’t do larger, family shows on weekend dates. But, we’re keeping the Ladybug Theater tradition alive by doing smaller shows here at the SMILE Station, at S.E. 13th and Tenino in Sellwood. This is the building of the Sellwood-Moreland Improvement League neighborhood association; they let us use it. Thank You SMILE!”
Young actors consult Pig about the roles they are about to play
It’s showtime!
As opening music played, about 50 parents and kids filtered into the hall. Older kids sat in front of the puppet stage.
As Pat Carter came in with her son Tyler, she said, “We’re here because we like puppet shows. The interactive programs put on by the Ladybug Theater helps him learn — not just be entertained. He starts preschool later this week ‚Äì so we won’t be able to come for a while!”
Earley and the kids get into the show, talking with none other than Ladybug.
The lights were dimmed. Soon, everyone’s attention was on Ladybug’s introduction. Another production of the Ladybug Theater was underway.
Don’t miss these shows on October 11-12, Ladybug Theater presents “The Three Silly Goats Gruff and the Troll is Enough”. This show features silly fun and lots of audience participation.
October 18-19 and 20-25, see their Hallowe’en tradition, “The Ghost Catcher”, featuring Boo Hoo Ghost. This show is rated “Absolutely NOT Scary”!
See the shows at the SMILE Station, 8210 SE 13th Street, 1 block south of Tacoma in Sellwood. Showtime is 10:30 am; tickets are $3 each. Call (503) 232-2346 for your reservation, or more information
© 2006 David F. Ashton – East PDX News
From Gresham to inner SE Portland, a group of dedicated volunteers work to clean and keep up the 26 miles of Johnson Creek. Read this article and see why their work is important … and how you can help …
Jeff Uebel, Chair of the Johnson Creek Watershed Council, shares a moment with the organization’s executive director, Michelle Bussard, in the silent auction room at their annual meeting.
Story and photo by David F. Ashton
From Gresham to inner SE Portland, a group of dedicated volunteers work to clean and keep up the 26 miles of Johnson Creek.
The leaders of the effort to restore the creek say their acts continue to pay off in measurable ways.
“We can quantify the result of our programs,” Michelle Bussard, Executive Director of the Johnson Creek Watershed Council (JCWC), tells us, “with scientific measurements: The improvement in Johnson Creek’s water quality, and an increase in fish counts. Beyond this, we’re also gratified to see also see the ways land owners, with property along the creek’s bank, better steward their property.”
We are checking the progress of the JCWC at their annual open house and silent auction. “We invite the community in our watershed to come in and look at all the wonderful work we do as a result of the community’s investment in our work,” Bussard tells us as we glide through a room with banquet tables laden with exquisite dishes, like poached salmon, mounds of hummus, and salads.
In another room, in which patrons are bidding on a wide variety of items up for silent auction, we speak with Jeff Uebel, JCWC’s chair: “The proceeds of our silent auction support the on-the-ground work in the watershed.”
Uebel says they’ve expected to raise $5,000 ‚Äì funds they’re able to leverage with matching and in-kind contributions.
The Foghorn Duo keeps the atmosphere lively at Johnson Creek Watershed Council’s annual open house and auction.
How contributions pay off
Two of the group’s major projects this year, Bussard tells us as we look a large, colorful maps in their project room, have provided big and positive payoffs.
“First is the work we’ve done at Eastmoreland Golf Course,” Bussard continues. “We’ve removed invasive species in Johnson Creek, especially the Yellow Flag Iris. It crowds out the native plants. And we done really significant wetland restoration there.”
The other really big project, Bussard points out, was their “In-stream, Watershed Event” mounted in July. “Our objective was to remove trash, do a reconnaissance of the banks, and remove fish passage barriers.” 60 people worked on this project at four different sites.
“At these and smaller projects, it is very gratifying to see the stuff we’re able to pull out of the creek, and to see all that we are able to learn about its condition,” Bussard enthuses.
Importance of their mission
As their keynote speaker, Metro Chair David Bragdon, checks in, and as guests fill the facility, Bussard talks about JCWC’s mission. “It is all about the community investing in being good stewards of this watershed. It is about valuing this resource, Johnson Creek, in perpetuity. Ten years ago, the creek was decimated in many ways. Today, because of the work done by the community, organized by the council and our partners, we’ve seen some really positive changes.”
It is important, Bussard adds, to recognize their “partners” in their efforts to improve the creek’s hygiene. “We can’t do anything without the help of the cities of Portland, Milwaukie, Happy Valley, and Gresham ‚Äì and the two counties.”
Your invitation …
Metaphorically speaking, Bussard asks east Portlanders to consider “getting your feet wet” with the council. “We’re a fun group of caring people. Whether you’re an intern in our office, or you want to be involved in a volunteer group doing invasive removal and riparian plantings, there is no end of opportunities in which you can get involved here. There are so many ways individuals with many interests and areas of expertise can help.”
So here’s your invitation: “Let us take you on a tour of the watershed,” Bussard entreats. “You will be amazed when you travel the 26 miles of Johnson Creek’s main stream, and venture out around its tributaries. The treasures that exist are unimaginable. We really enjoy showing and sharing these treasures. Come join us.”
Find out more information by calling (503) 652-7477, or visit www.jcwc.org on the Internet.
© 2006 David F. Ashton ~ East PDX News
Although it lost county funding years ago, see how the Portland Metro Performing Arts Center keeps on helping youngsters learn a love of theater and dance …
Some of the young dancers getting ready to perform Glazunov’s “Four Seasons” before family and friends.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Looking rather like a warehouse, the building housing Portland Metro Performing Arts Center is, to say the least, unpretentious. But, within those walls, many a child has turned into a seasoned performance artist.
“We’re kicking off our new season,” Executive Director Nancy Yeamans tells us on September 9. “We’ve invited dancers here from all over Portland. These kids are great. They’ve learned the choreography for “Four Seasons” in an hour! Earlier today, we had the preschoolers participating in an art workshop.”
Center director Nancy Yeamans helping a young performer get ready for the performance.
Yeamans says Metro Performing Arts is important because it provides a teaching center for dance, theater and art instruction and performance opportunities. “There is no place like this on the east side. And, we’re here in the Gateway district, close to the freeways and bus lines, so we’re very accessible.”
A little extra practice always helps!
Specifically, Yeamans tells us, PMPA offers dance, music, theatre and visual arts classes, camps, workshops and performances, for kids from 6 to 14 years of age and all skill or experience levels. “New classes are starting, and registration stays open, on a space available basis.”
The PMPA studios are at 9933 SE Pine St. in the Gateway District, near Mall 205, a couple blocks north of Stark/Washington Streets.
To find out more about us visit their website at www.PDXMetroArts.org.
© 2006 David F. Ashton ~ East PDX News
Why on earth would government officials allow such a thing? Read on, and discover a special program helps keep kids – and families – safe from toxic materials …
1 This school was a hazardous waste collection site. Read on, and learn why bringing hazardous chemicals to school – on special occasions – can be a GOOD thing …
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
It may seem crazy to encourage people to bring their toxic household chemicals and leftover paint to a school ‚Äì but that’s exactly what they did on August 25.
On that afternoon, Theresa Fielch drove to Alice Ott Middle School, just of SE 122nd Ave. in Powellhurst-Gilbert, with her car loaded with nasty stuff. “It is important to me that we don’t have this toxic waste around our house! And, I sure don’t want to dispose of it by dumping it where it shouldn’t go.”
No, Fielch wasn’t putting kids in danger by taking her toxic materials to a grade school. She was participating in a “Hazardous Waste Round-up” held by METRO.
Debbie Humphrey, Hazardous Waste Specialist with METRO, helps Teresa Fielsch a neighbor from Parkrose unload unused paint and other household chemicals, with the help of METRO worker Margaret Slate.
Nasty gunk round-up
Folks who came by the school were directed to drive into a tented area, the ground under which was completely covered with thick plastic.
“We’re collecting household hazardous waste from people in outer East Portland today,” explained Debbie Humphrey, Hazardous Waste Specialist with METRO.
“This is important because it reduces the stockpiles of products and chemicals, leftover paint, and other hazardous materials from people’s houses. It makes homes safer for both people and pets.”
Sometimes–Humphrey told us–people don’t know what to do with wastes that could hurt them. “We’re providing a simple, free method to dispose of them. Dumping them in the backyard or putting it in the trash is the worst thing anyone could do for the environment.”
There is no charge to homeowners for this service, Humphrey explained. Small businesses can also participate, she said, for a small fee.
Painting the town
“We do great things with the latex paint we collect. At our facility on Swan Island, we recycle used paint into good quality, inexpensive paint,” Humphrey told us. “The money we make from selling paint helps us fund programs like these.”
METRO worker Laura Brokaw is suited up to handle highly hazardous and toxic chemicals and wastes dropped off at the round-up events.
Last chance for East County
If you missed this event, it isn’t too late to rid your home or small business of hazardous materials. Check into one of these two remaining events:
Parkrose
Oct. 6 – 7
K-Mart store parking lot
at 12350 NE Sandy Blvd.
Rockwood/Gresham
Oct. 27 – 28
Rockwood United Methodist Church at
17805 SE Stark St.
For more information, call Metro Recycling Information at (503) 234-3000 between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday; or see www.metro-region.org .
© 2006 David F. Ashton ~ East PDX News
If you haven’t been in to visit, come to their open house and see why people come to Midland Library for much more than simply to read books ‚Ķ
One of the most recognizable landmarks along 122nd Avenue is Midland Library’s clock tower.
Story and photo by David F. Ashton
Come to this “birthday party” and you get the gifts! All the folks at Midland Library hope you’ll drop by to celebrate their tenth year of operation in their “new” building.
Midland’s director, Carolyn Schell, told us that the original library serving outer East Portland was first opened in 1958. “It was three times smaller than this facility,” she said. “In fact, this new building occupies the space once taken up by the old building plus the parking lot.”
At 24,000 square feet, Midland Library is the largest branch of the Multnomah County Library. Customers enjoy its landmark clock tower, and its spacious interior with views of Midland Park.
Midland Library is the third busiest in Multnomah County library system, Schell continued. “We’re celebrating the diversity of the people we serve here through a variety of programs. The library provides free information to everyone in the area. One can get information on all kinds of information, on all kinds of topics. Midland is also a teaching center, including computer classes for adults.”
Come party on September 16
The library’s open house celebrating ten years of service runs from 1 – 5 p.m. on Sept. 16.
A colorful Chinese Lion Dance kicks off the event, followed by Library Director Molly Raphael’s welcome, and a cake-cutting ceremony.
Stay and see multi-cultural performances — including a Vietnamese Dance Team, Ballet Popotle performing Mexican folk dancing, and Americanistan presenting music from the Middle East.
WANT MORE? Read on! There will be crafts during the day, and participants can build their own birdhouse with the Jane’s Park Committee from 1-3 p.m. Refreshments and other activities will also be provided throughout the celebration.
The Midland Library is located at 805 SE 122nd Ave., a block south of SE Stark Street. Midland Park is located behind the library’s parking lot ‚Äì be sure to see the Jane’s Park Group there while you visit. For more information, call the library at (503) 988-5392 or visit the library’s website at www.multcolib.org.
We’ll see you then!
© 2006 David F. Ashton ~ East PDX News
See why the new Lents International Farmer’s Market is drawing shoppers to SE 92nd Ave. and Foster Rd. on the last Sunday of each month …
Don Lief came down from Mt. Tabor to buy fresh produce. He met market manager Hilary DuBose and Tenino Farms’ Meagan Freed.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
In past years, the Lents Farmer’s Market provided slim pickings. Typically, it consisted of one or two small stands, if any‚ on the corner of SE 92nd and Foster Road.
This year, “less is more”: Instead of operating every weekend, the market is held only on the last Sunday of the month. But, more than a dozen vendors are now on hand, selling everything from vegetables to fresh-baked bread.
New name, new vitality
“We’ve renamed it the ‘Lents International Farmer’s Market’,” project manager Hilary DuBose told us when we visited. “We’re doing this as a pilot project this year. We’ll see what works and what customers like. Then, we’ll put full energy into perhaps a larger project next season.”
As many as 18 vendors display their goods at the outdoor market. “We have a great variety of produce, cut flowers, African arts, Hispanic food, fresh eggs, potted plants, and a craft baker,” DuBose said.
This new version of the Lents Farmer’s Market was created in response to a neighborhood survey conducted last year. “The research showed that Lents residents have the least access to quality food sources,” DuBose continued. “We’re providing a new resource for healthy, affordable eating.”
Lissa and Russell Pfandler of Russell’s Bread bring fresh baked goods from their own wood-fired European-styled hearth oven located in Vancouver, WA. This home-based business offered their goods exclusively at the Hollywood Market until coming to Lents this season.
“By stressing the ‘international’ aspects of the market, we’re trying to bring people together here in Lents,” commented Judy Welch, past chair, Lents Neighborhood Association, as she helped out at the market. “Having a place the community can come together to buy home-grown foods and home-made crafts is terrific. People are coming from all over to visit the market‚ it isn’t just a market, it’s a great event.”
Jeff Rose, a neighborhood association board member and market volunteer told us, “I just bought a house here in Lents Town Center. I’m doing everything I can to promote good things like this. I’d like to see Lents regain the vitality it had in the past. We need neighbors to get back together and interact with one another. I see this as a positive step.”
Last market date: September 24
Plan to spend some time at the Lents International Farmer’s Market on Sunday, September 24. It’s open from 9:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.
Is it truly International? Yes: Hmong, Hispanic, Turkish, and Mien farmers are represented. You’ll also enjoy live music, prepared food, cooking demonstrations, and community-information booths.
The market is located next to Crossroads Plaza on SE 92nd Ave. at Foster Rd. There’s plenty of street parking, and additional free parking is provided by the Lents Masonic Lodge at 5811 SE 92nd Ave. WIC and senior coupons are welcome.
For more information, contact at http://lentsfarmersmarket@gmail.com.
© 2006 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News ™
Spend a day paddling on the “Columbia Sewer?” Read this article and see how we got a close-up look (and smell) of how Slough clean-up efforts have paid off ‚Ķ
Lynn Youngbarr, interim executive director of the Columbia Slough Watershed Council, prodded us to take a “closer look” by going for a paddle on this unique inland waterway.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
For decades, the Columbia Slough was the repository of raw sewage, rainwater runoff, and liquid industrial waste.
Thus, in years past, we’d covered the “Columbia Slough Regatta” from a distance‚Ķon land.
This year was different. At the July 30 event, interim executive director of the Columbia Slough Watershed Council (CSWC) Lynn Youngbarr suggests we take a paddle to get “closer” to the story.
“We’re celebrating this fabulous resource for residents of Portland and the whole region,” Youngbarr began, coaxing us into going for a canoe ride. “This is one of the most diverse natural areas in the whole state. The slough’s ecosystem ‚Äì here along the Columbia River from the Sandy River to the Willamette ‚Äì has both heavy industry and residential areas. Since we’ve taken steps to clean the Slough up, there is also an abundance of wildlife here.”
These are a few of the 500 adults and kids getting ready to paddle the Slough in nearly 250 non-motorized watercraft during the Regatta.
Youngbarr says the purpose of the Regatta was to raise awareness of the Slough. “I was born and raised here. For all the times I’d driven on Sandy and Airport Way, it never occurred to me to see what was under the overpasses. When I started working with the Council, I learned what a fabulous resource this is to the region. I think people come here to explore this interesting natural setting, within the city of Portland.”
Some of the Columbia Slough is naturally-occurring. Louis and Clark reported camping along the slough. But, they couldn’t stay more than a night before moving inland. They reported that the din of the birds and animals kept them awake!
For decades, Youngbarr tells us, it has been greatly impacted by human endeavor. The Slough is important because it prevents the low-lying areas along the Columbia from flooding. “It is now a carefully managed waterway.”
Long-time nature advocate, and Wilkes Community Group resident, Alice Blatt shows paddlers where to go. If you’ve ever seen “Alice Springs” on the map ‚Äì yup, it’s named after her!
We edge closer to the dock, located in the “Big Four Corners” site, said to be the fourth largest natural area in Portland. Individuals in kayaks, and families in canoes, look like they’re having fun. At the dock, we’re introduced to Ry Thompson, Portland Bureau of Environmental Services, Slough Group. He’s offered to be our guide.
Ry Thompson, was our intrepid guide as we paddled through channels making up the northern part of the Slough.
Handing me a flotation device to strap on, Thompson says, “This is truly a special place. It’s a hidden gem in the city of Portland. It is accessible to families ‚Äì people of all ages. And, this is a great place to experience nature in one’s own back yard.”
We climb into a canoe and push off from the dock. Within moments, we feel safe and confident, even with our camera. Our guide was doing the paddling, and we were snapping photos.
Even though there were dozens of craft on the Slough, it didn’t seem crowded as we explored this inland waterway.
Feeling more confident, we pick up the second paddle and start rowing. Guide Thompson doesn’t mind we’re helping out.
As our strokes synchronize, we pick up speed. “At this rate, we’ll be able to see quite a bit,” he says.
Using a parasol as a sail, Cherry Ann and Wayne Low use wind power for part of their journey on the Columbia Slough.
“The Slough has a long history of industry and farming,” says Thompson. “Things used to be pretty bad, but things have turned around dramatically. It is much cleaner.”
We had expected to have our olfactory senses assaulted with nasty odors. However, there is no bad smell, even though we are cruising inches above the water.
The family Hume–Rebecca, Sarah, Linda and Richmond–explore a side channel of the Columbia Slough during the Regatta.
Our guide continues, “We’ve planted over a million trees and shrubs to keep the water cool. And, as we continue to reduce pollutants that come into the Slough, the water quality gets better and better.” However, he advises against swimming in the water just yet.
After what seems like only a few moments, we realized we’ve been out nearly a half-hour. “Time to turn back,” Thompson advises. “But we have time to take a look at this side channel.” We both paddle, and slip swiftly along the waterway.
Rob Dolphin was first introduced to the Slough as part of his job. Now, he says he’s “fallen in love with it” as he paddles by us.
One of the many people we meet along the way is Rob Dolphin, an employee of the Owens Illinois Glass Company located on the Slough at Johnson Lake.
“Part of my work assignment,” Dolphin says, pulling up along side, “is to work with environmental issues having to do withour plant. But, I became fascinated with the Slough to the point where I love coming out here.”
CSWC board chair Chuck Harrison glides up, and talks with us about the Slough.
Soon, we’re able to hold another on-the-water interview. This time, it’s with Chuck Harrison, the chair of CSWC.
“I work for an employer that has properly along the Slough. They wanted to be aware of what was going on at the Council, and also, to be a good steward to the waterway. What started as a job function as grown into a love of the water.” After the third Regatta, Harrison tells us, “I decided to get my own kayak. Now, I come out often just to unwind. Isn’t it relaxing out here?”
The most important thing for people to know, Harrison says, is that “it’s not as bad as people remember it being. As you can see, it’s beautiful here. You’d never know you are in the city of Portland, except for the planes flying overhead.”
Too soon, it was time to return to the dock, as this couple was doing, so others could enjoy their own canoe ride in the Columbia Slough.
Looking at the time, we notice we are a little overdue getting the canoe back to the dock, so others can enjoy the Regatta. As we both paddle, our craft slips swiftly through the water; we soon glide up to the dock.
Want to explore the eastern of the Columbia Slough for yourself? The canoe launch we used is located at 16550 NE Airport Way, but there are others available.
For more information, go online to www.portlandonline.com/bes/index.cfm?c=dccac.
And, to learn more about the CSWC, see www.columbiaslough.org.
Here’s a secret: If you don’t own a canoe, you can borrow one from the Council! It’s another good reason to check out the CSWC, and check into your Columbia Slough.
© 2006 David F. Ashton ~ East PDX News
