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 …
Why did a professional stage dancer from the traveling production of a Broadway hit take time to work with aspiring practitioners of Terpsichorean arts?
Find out who was given the prestigious Pennington Award – and learn about a group of kids promoting a safer Portland – right here …
Take a look, and see why you should be at the 1st Annual “Black and Blue Bowl” game coming up in a couple of weeks …
Find out why the entire student body of Portland Adventist Academy “played hooky” for a day – and in the process, worked hard helping others …
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 …
See why the American Legion Post #1 – “out SE 122nd way” – again stepped up to throw a barbeque party for United States Armed Forces personnel, after the Portland Rose Festival Grand Floral Parade …
Crewmembers from the USS Shoup (also known as the Destroyer DDG 86) step off a shuttle van at American Legion Post #1 for an afternoon of burgers, and camaraderie with veterans.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
For many years, there was an official “Hospitality Center” for visiting United States Armed Forces personnel – especially sailors whose ships were docked at the Willamette River seawall – which welcomed them to the Rose City.
Dismayed that the Hospitality Center was “decommissioned” a couple of years ago, due to the change of ownership at the hotel that had long hosted the event, the commander of American Legion Post #1 at the time – Tom Fulton – couldn’t imagine a Rose Festival without some sort of hospitality for servicemen and women.
So, although their Post is located in outer East Portland at 1830 SE 122nd Avenue, the members, with the energetic assistance of the Post Auxiliary, decided to host a barbecue party for visiting servicemen and women.
American Legion Post #1 member, Nate Gray, says he enjoys being of service to fellow sailors.
Provides all-day shuttle service
Shuttle van drivers, like volunteer Nate Gray, spent the afternoon and evening hours of June 6th driving servicemen and women from Naito Parkway out to the post – and back again.
“I’ve been a member of American Legion Post #1 – we call it ‘The Service Post’ – for a long time,” Gray revealed, while his passengers disembarked. “I’m an ex-Navy guy, so I like to volunteer to help bring in folks from the Navy every year. The Navy is a very important part of our US military.”
Restating the purpose of the day-long event, Gray continued, “Our guys and girls deserve the best – here at our post, there’s good, clean hospitality you can’t really find downtown. They all love this event; I’m happy to help.”
Hamburger chef Gene Hamann cooks up big cheeseburgers for visitors during the American Legion Post #1 Hospitality Day.
Destroyer crew welcomed
The group Gray was dropping off while we were visiting was from the Everett, Washington, based USS Shoup – an Arleigh Burke class of Aegis guided missile destroyers.
One of the first to arrive from that ship – and to succumb to the urging of Post members to fill a plate – was Sonar Tech Petty Officer 3, Michael Kisner.
“Right now, we’re doing a lot of training, and we’ll probably be deployed in October,” Kisner told us. “I’m really enjoying my experience in the US Navy.”
STG 3 Michael Kisner, a crewmember on the USS Shoup docked at the Willamette River riverwall, says he’s delighted with the chow – and the warm hand of friendship extended to his fellow crew members.
The barbecue wasn’t a surprise, Kisner noted. “When I visited an American Legion post in San Diego, I heard that the Portland Post was going to throw a party for us when we visited during Rose Festival. This is fantastic.”
Kisner took a couple more bites of his burger before he added, with evident sincerity, “I’m really grateful for all the American Legion does for us. These veterans are the ones who laid the ‘brickwork’ before us. I really appreciate them for their service to the country, and for hosting us here today.”
The general speaks, we listen
We asked to speak with the highest-ranking officer at the post, and everyone pointed to past Commander of Portland American Legion Post #1, and its chaplain, Jim Arling.
We asked Arling about his status; he told us he is a two-star general. “I’m the Western Sector Command Chaplain for the National Command Force. And, I’ve been in the American Legion for about 37 years. It’s the greatest organization in the world.”
In awe of meeting a two-star general, we paused in surprise before continuing the interview.
“Generals put on their pants the same way everyone else does,” Arling said with a broad smile. “We stand on the foot locker and jump in ’em.”
Asked about the Hospitality event, Arling told us, “This is our way of paying tribute to what the service people are doing for our country today. This post is comprised of World War II, Korea, Vietnam, and Desert Storm veterans – some served in Grenada, others in Panama. There is an unbelievable camaraderie among the veterans. The only place you’ll find it other than this, is in an active-duty military situation.”
Jim Arling, past Commander of Portland American Legion Post #1, and its chaplain, talks with CTT 2 Brian Smith and CTR 1 Wesley Travis – both from the USS Shoup.
Because of this spirit of comradeship, Arling continued, “We take care of our troops. We do everything our can to support them. More than just by patting them on the back and tell them they’re doing a wonderful job, we host events like this one, introduced by our past commander, Tom Fulton, who passed away not too long ago.”
Arling retold the story about how Fulton, a retired Navy Chief, started Rose Festival Hospitality Day. “We are determined to carry it on in his name, because it’s such a wonderful program for the troops. They get free food, a couple of beers, and have a good time. Here, they’re safe and among friends.”
© 2009 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News
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
Why were patrons pleased to see a python in their presence? Look at what was behind this zoological field trip …
Fiona McGovern, an animal trainer with the “Wildlife Live” program at the Oregon Zoo, unpacks exhibits for the Woodstock Library show.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
It’s not often that people go into a library – and, instead of books and computers, find a snake, a wild bird, and giant insects in the stacks.
But instead of fleeing in terror, or just coming to check out a book, families were crowding in to the SE Portland branch library in late March to see the critters.
The Oregon Zoo’s Fiona McGovern and Genevieve Currall introduce their traveling animal program to Woodstock Library patrons.
“Welcome to our outreach program of the Oregon Zoo,” smiled Fiona McGovern, an animal trainer with the Zoo’s “Wildlife Live”.
McGovern had brought in boxloads of exhibits, and several live animal containers. “I really enjoy doing programs like this.”
In addition to the live animals, McGovern also showed off bones, skulls, and fur pelts from many animals.
Genevieve Currall holds Rosita, as Tenaya McLeith and Prudence watch her – from a distance!
Eight-year-old Hali Bailey looks over the exhibits with her “Big Sister” pal, Elisa Walling.
“I think it is important to help young people and kids learn how important animals are to human beings and to the environment,” McGovern told us. “Especially with the young kids, we try to get them interested, involved, and personally-invested in animal kingdom. Hopefully, in the future, they’ll want to contribute to conservation efforts.”
Because the Woodstock Library’s activity room was in use, McGovern and her assistant, intern Genevieve Currall, set up the show-and-tell session on tables in the main room near the front door. By the time they had unpacked the entire exhibit, more than 60 people were already crowding around to look and listen to the brief presentation, and to enjoy a personal encounter with wildlife.
Visitor Amelia Carpenter is entranced by the ball python McGovern holds.
“With us today – we have a western screech owl, some Madagascan hissing cockroaches, and a ball python,” McGovern pointed out. “Personally I love showing our snake. I love seeing how the kids react when they touch the snake. The kids come up and they’re all fascinated, and they touch it and stroke it.”
Many adults don’t warm as quickly to the snake, she added. “In fact, about half of the grown-ups are terrified of the snake, and do not want to touch it at all. Hopefully, the kids will grow up and will not be afraid of snakes, and will pass that on to their kids.”
Way too quickly for most of the people who came to mingle with the animals, the hour was over. But, McGovern reminded them, “They don’t live far away. Come see all of us – and our other friends – at your Oregon Zoo.”
Whooo is it? It’s Rosita, the Oregon Zoo’s traveling western screech owl.
© 2009 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News
Look at this story and you’ll see why audiences are saying that this play, written by William Shakespeare, is “A hilarious tale of magic, romance and over-caffeinated treachery” …
Prospera (Yian Saechao), the former Duchess of Milan, exiled to the island, where she controls all with her magical powers. By the way, none of these photos were posed – they were all taken during a performance!
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
The Parkrose High School Thespian Troupe 1783 has just debuted their springtime presentation, William Shakespeare’s The Tempest.
Before the curtain went up, Ms. Zena, the school’s drama instructor and the director of the play, told us she’s seen her students grow as actors as they explore Shakespeare’s use of language, and the universality of his themes.
Ariel (Ashley LeCarno) a fairy servant and best friend of Prospera, revels in her master’s plan to cause a storm that drives her enemies to the Island.
Driven onto the Island, Gonzala (Haley Lusby) – a counselor who gave aid to Prospera before she was banished – and Alonsa (Kenzie Billick-Smith), Queen of Naples and mother to Ferdinand (we’ll meet him later), bemoan their fate.
Context, not language is updated
We noted that, unlike some adaptations of Shakespeare’s works, the actors use his actual words and phrasing – instead of rewriting the play into modern English.
Although the language remains true to the author, they’ve done a wonderful job updating the context of many scenes. For example, instead of portraying a trio of drunkards – few find alcoholism humorous these days – they play it as three co-conspirators, hooked on extra-strength espresso. This adaptation makes The Bard’s words timely, relatable – and laugh-out-loud funny.
“In this play, themes of love, envy, and revenge are prominent – themes which high school students really comprehend. These themes have led to some great discussions with the students about how they perceive the world,” Zena explained. “And, the actors are playing up the comedy element a lot, mostly through making strong choices about the characters as caricatures.”
Trincula (Emily Weatherford), the over-caffeinated Jester & Fool in Queen Alonsa’s Court, proclaims the virtues of the “mighty elixir” that brightens her days.
On another part of the Island, there seems to be something about the nerdy Ferdinand (Sterling Arkills) – son of Queen Alonsa – that’s hypnotically attractive to Prospera’s radiant daughter, Miranda (Belinda Washington).
About the story
The story focuses on a banished sorcerer – Prospera, Duchess of Milan – exiled to the Island. Using her substantial magical powers, Prospera – with the help of her legion of Nymphs (invisible Island servants) – manipulate her “visitors”, confusing and confounding them.
Prospera’s highly-resentful monster-like servant, Caliban, comes across the shipwrecked Trincula the Jester, and Stephania, Royal Coffee Barista to Queen Alonsa, and – believing that the two colorful ladies are from the moon – work themselves into a highly caffeinated frenzy, and attempt a coup d’état.
Others brought to the island plot, plan, and scheme to take power – but their can’t figure out why their efforts are defused at every turn.
Antonio (Oly Arellano), the Duke of Milan, Prospera’s brother and usurper of her title, and Sebastian (Grant Weston) Brother to Queen Alonsa, ineptly hatch plots to do away with all who stand in their way of their fame and royal glory.
Whipped into a Frappachino®-like* frenzy, Trincula, Stephania (Taylor Grady), the Royal Coffee Barista to the Queen, and the sorceresses’ resentful servant, Caliban (Tom Crawford), think they’re going crazy – as Ariel teases and confounds them, as she leads the jittery trio around the Island.
- Will the romance between Ferdinand and Miranda ignite, or fizzle out?
- Is it possible for Prospera that, by manipulating the course of his enemies’ path through the Island, she can win them over?
- In the end, will the audience at the Parkrose High Theater (honestly!) choose to free Prospera, by “voting her off the Island”?
Find out, by coming to see The Tempest – on stage through May 16.
Using her magical powers, Prospera “freezes” the gathering of her enemies – some with their swords (really, tennis rackets) drawn – while she considers her next actions.
Restoring calm to all in the Island, Prospera rebukes her enemies, praises those loyal to her … and wonders how the situation should be resolved.
Plan now to see The Tempest
The Tempest opened on May 7, plays again on May 8 at 7:00 p.m.
- There’s a special matinee performance (great for the family) on Saturday, May 9 at 2:00 p.m.
The program continues its run on May 14, 15 and 16; the curtain rises at 7:00 p.m.
Tickets are just $8 for adults, and $5 for those under age 18 or over 65. Tickets are available at the door, or in advance (online) at www.Seatyourself.biz/parkrose.
All shows are in the beautiful Parkrose High School Theater, 12003 NE Shaver Street, just west of NE 122nd Avenue.
Will the audience, asked to vote by their applause, allow Prospera to leave the Island – or will she be banished there forever? Come and help decide her fate!
Frappuccino® is a registered trademark of Starbucks and is the name of a blended ice beverage and of a bottled coffee beverage. The term is not used in this play – it is our attempt to convey a state of being using the term as a metaphor, recognizable by many in our modern culture.
© 2009 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News
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