After the 82nd Avenue of Roses Grand Parade, see what you missed if you didn’t stop by this wonderful community event at Eastport Plaza …

Martial artist Robert Andrejco, with West Coast Taekwon Do Portland, breaks a practice board with his foot, as their members of the dojo show their skills.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
New to the 82nd Avenue of Roses Grand Parade this year was the Eastport Plaza Community Carnival and Izzy’s Cruise-in that followed on April 25.

“We wanted to have a party for all of our East Portland neighbors,” explained Dianne Gill, Manager of Eastport Plaza. “The idea was to give neighborhood and community service groups the opportunity to get their information out to citizens, provide space for commercial vendors, and host the FUNtastic Carnival here.”

East Portland parks advocate Linda Robinson tells guests about the “Gateway Green” project she’s helping to create.

Representatives from the Portland Police Bureau Mounted Division introduce their equine partners to carnival guests.

Carnival rides provided thrills for young and old at the Community Carnival.

Carnival guest Dain Gray gets a free handgun lock from Richard Bixby, who is with the East Portland Neighborhood Organization.

The idea proved to be successful; throngs of people braved brief passing showers – and later basked in the late afternoon springtime sunshine. In addition to visiting the booths, guests enjoyed live music provided by The Carolina Pump Station, Trash Can Joe, Get a Life Marching Band, and a strolling barbershop quartet.

In all, Eastport Plaza sponsored a great community event; we hope it returns next year after the parade.

Classic vehicles pack Izzy’s Cruise-In

Jeff Morrison shares his love of classic cars with his young men, Luke and Logan, as they look at the “hot metal” on display.

At the north end of the Eastport Plaza parking lot, rows of bright-and-shiny cars lined up for the Izzy’s Cruise-In. All kinds of specialty vehicles – from hot rods, to custom cars, to classic, restored vehicles were on display.

Hundreds of cars were on display at the 2009 Izzy’s Cruise-In.

Winner of the EastPDXnews Choice Award, Kirk Schulenberg, shows off his canary yellow Chevelle station wagon.

When the awards were presented Cruise-In participants, we were pleased to meet the Kirk Schulenberg, to whom we presented the “EastPDXnews Choice Award“, for his rare 1964, 2-door Chevelle station wagon.

“It is very rare, indeed,” Schulenberg told us. “They only made 1,700 of them. It’s got a big block, 396 engine with a 700 R4 transmission, 12 volt Posi-traction.”

Although it looks chopped, Schulenberg said the car body is strictly stock – and that he’s spent the past 15 years lavishing it with care and attention, rebuilding it from the tires on up.

With this kind of success, we’re sure we’ll be seeing the return of the Izzy’s Cruise-In next year.

© 2009 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

Find out how this ROSE Community Development Corp. program is reaching out, to turn more renters into homeowners …

Greeting folks as they come to the LHI East Portland Homeownership Fair are ROSE Community Development’s Amie Diffenauer, and Christine Rhoney – SUN Site Manager at Kelly Elementary School.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
When we arrived at the East Portland Homeownership Fair at Kelly Middle School on April 18, we asked co-organizer Christine Rhoney, the school’s SUN Site Manager, why they changed the name of the event from the Lents Homeownership Fair.

“This year, we’ve decided to expand into outer East Portland,” Rhoney explained. “We are encompassing all of our outer east Portland school districts, including David Douglas and Reynolds.”

Carlos Jimenez checks in guests at the front desk.

Because of this, Rhoney added, they’re already scouting for a new location for the 2010 fair. “Because we’re expanding east and north, we want to make the location next year a little more centrally located for all families in outer East Portland.”

In addition to expanding their reach, the fair has gotten bigger and better each year, Rhoney noted. “We’ve had more participants every single year. We have a lot more interpreters this year, and so we are able to connect families with an individual interpreter who will walk around the fair and assist them.”

Whether homeowners or renters, experts answer questions about homeownership.

Fair adds homeowner-oriented information
ROSE Community Development’s Amie Diffenauer, the director of the Lents Homeownership Initiative said they’ve added information of interest to those who are already homeowners.

“We’re a little surprised – and pleased – to see our workshop classes for homeowners filling up,” Diffenauer told us. “It’s as important to us to help struggling homeowners stay in their homes as it is to create new homeowners.”

Three of best-attended classes for homeowners included, “Homeownership Preservation; how to prevent foreclosure”; “Should I Re-finance?”; and, “Age-In-Place with a Reverse Mortgage”.

Neighbor Brian Johnson talks with Quyona Anderson about financing options.

Real estate bazaar offers answers
In addition to the classes, both prospective and current homeowners were able to talk with real estate experts, people who work at lending institutions, insurance specialists, and community service representatives. Here, they were able to get one-on-one help and get specific questions answered.

“I came here because I want to buy a new home,” said visitor Brian Johnson, as he talked with financial services advisor Quyona Anderson. “There’s a lot of good information here; it’s kind of overwhelming. But, I’m learning – and it looks like I could be buying a home this year.”

Johnson said he went to seminars on consumer credit and buying a first home. “I’m looking forward to having my own yard – and the tax advantages homeownership provides.”

Giving away Burgerville turkey club sandwiches are Matt Wright, manager of store #41 at SE 92nd Avenue and Powell Boulevard, and co-worker Christina Duplantis.

Event attracts 130 households
Even in this troubled economy, more than 500 folks came to the fair to learn, to ask questions – and to enjoy a free lunch provided by the sponsors.

“We were encouraged to see the attendance increase at the workshops and seminars,” Diffenauer reflected. “This year, there were 25 home-buying vendors, and 12 community organizations and government agencies at the fair. And, we couldn’t have done it without the help of our 51 volunteers.”

Beyond the numbers, what really makes it worthwhile, Diffenauer said, is when you see hope on the faces of potential homebuyers. Jack Schmidt, a visitor, summed it up nicely: “We want to put some roots down into the community. We’ve moved almost every year, trying to find the right place to live. We’re looking forward to putting down some roots here.”

Christine Rhoney and Amie Diffenauer flank the three finalists for the $4,000 Home Buyer’s Assistant Grant at this year’s fair. LHI photo

The fair was hosted by the Lents Homeownership Initiative partners: ROSE Community Development, and Kelly SUN Community School. (Impact Northwest’s SUN Community Schools are a collaboration of Multnomah County Department of Human Services, the City of Portland Parks and Recreation and Portland Public Schools.)

It’s not too late to learn more! For information about the Lents Homeownership Initiative, contact Amie Diffenauer at (503) 788-8052, x105, or see www.rosecdc.org.

© 2009 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

In this story, you’ll learn the message this TV network, carried on cable and satellite TV, is delivering to students across the nation …

Inside their mobile production studio, C-SPAN marketing representative Jennifer Curran shows students some of the programs carried on the twin-channel network.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
The tour bus, turned into a mobile TV production studio for the C-SPAN TV network, looked impressive as it rolled into Parkrose High School’s west parking lot on April 7. It was the only Portland high school stop on its current west coast tour.

As groups of eight or nine students followed each other on board, they sat in comfort and learned more about C-SPAN programs from one of two marketing representatives.

Between sessions, Jennifer Curran told us, “C-SPAN is based in Washington, DC. This is a community outreach program. We’re teaching students media literacy skills and critical television viewing skills as well. Hopefully, students will become more aware of the programs available to them through C-SPAN.”

Promoting her network, Curran said the content of the twin channels is “commercial-free, unbiased, and unfiltered. It lets people see their government in action. We provide gavel-to-gavel coverage of the US House of Representatives and Senate.”

The networks are funded by cable and satellite networks, she added, and are offered to the community as a public service.

Stepping off the bus, Parkrose High student Matt Riley says he’s impressed with what he has learned.

After the formal introduction to the network, Curran pointed out the robotically-operated television cameras and production equipment on board. “Some of the programming during the last election cycle was done using this mobile production facility.”

“I thought was really awesome,” opined Parkrose High School senior Matt Riley. “It’s really a nice tool. I think I might stop for an extra second take a look at C-SPAN now.” Riley said he especially enjoyed watching the debate in England’s House of Commons.

© 2009 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

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

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

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

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

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

This year’s lineup of vendors includes:

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

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

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

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

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

© 2009 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

 

If you didn’t go – take a look, here, and see what you missed …

Come on out and see bands, Portland Rose Festival Princesses, classic cars and much more during the 9 AM parade – and enjoy the Eastport Plaza Carnival that follows …

Here’s how last year’s parade looked as it began and headed north on 82nd Avenue of Roses. Organizers say this year’s parade will be even bigger, better, and more exciting.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
After working all year long, the committee behind the 2009 82nd Avenue of Roses Grand Parade says they’re ready to have a great time during this year’s edition – scheduled for Saturday, April 25, at 9:00 a.m.

“We’re thrilled that the event grows every year,” proclaims Ken Turner, president of the 82nd Avenue of Roses Business Association, “and this year’s parade will be better than ever.”

Parade starts at Eastport Plaza
The 2009 82nd Avenue of Roses Grand Parade begins at Eastport Plaza, just north of SE Holgate Boulevard. It marches north on the Avenue of Roses, and finally disperses in the Montavilla Neighborhood area, Turner tells us.

New this year will be a reviewing stand at Eastport Plaza, in addition to the bleachers and public announcement area, just north of SE Division Street – hosted by Portland Community College’s Southeast Center.

Help by volunteering as a “street monitor”, like these two did last year.

Worlds’ largest ‘standing’ marching band
One of the highlights of this year’s parade will be the “One More Time Around Marching Band” – “the world’s largest standing musical organization” – regularly featured in Portland Rose Festival parades and events. Kell’s Irish Pipes & Drums Corps will also enliven the parade this year.

The parade will be led by members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1442 color guard.

You’ll see the Portland Rose Festival Court Princesses in their first official group appearance – accompanied by the dapperly dressed Royal Rosarians, and members of the Portland Rose Society.

All kinds of specialty vehicles, from antique military trucks to classic cars, will cruise up 82nd Avenue.

“Many other unique, colorful individuals and groups are making arrangements to march in this lively parade. In all, about 50 entries will grace the parade this year,” Turner adds.

Check out Carnival Days after the parade at Eastport Plaza and make a fun day of it!

Community Carnival and Bike Rodeo after the parade
Several after-parade events are scheduled at Eastport Plaza and the Montavilla/South Tabor Business District.

From April 23 through 26, Eastport Plaza hosts “Carnival Days”, featuring FUNtastic amusement rides and games. “But after the parade, we have a ton of things happening here on April 25 in addition to the thrill rides,” reports Eastport Plaza’s Sadee Daniels. They include:

  • Clown balloon artist and juggler;
  • Stilt walkers;
  • Pony rides;
  • Caricature artist and face painting;
  • Live music with The Carolina Pump Station, Trash Can Joe, Get a Life Marching Band, and a Strolling Barbershop Quartet;
  • KGON 92.3 will broadcast live, and will provide a chance to win a Ford F150 and a Harley Davidson “Rocker”; and,
  • There will be informational booths staffed by community service providers and civic groups.

And, on the north end of the parade, members of the Montavilla/South Tabor Business Association host a Bike Rodeo and safety clinic on S.E. Yamhill Street – where the parade disbands.

Don’t let this year’s parade pass you by! Make plans to come out on April 24 at 9:00 a.m.!

Not too late to volunteer
If you’re not content to sit on the sidelines watching a parade pass you by, consider volunteering on the day of the parade. “We need volunteers to help, by briefly closing off side streets as the parade passes,” said Johnni Jones, the event’s volunteer coordinator. “It’s easy – and you get to watch the parade!” Contact her by e-mailing: johnni.jones@gmail.com.

Registration for the parade begins at 7:30, and closes off at 8:30 am; the parade begins promptly at 9 am, Turner smiles, “Come out and enjoy the day, at this great family community event.”

© 2009 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

Why are there six (6) working doors on the set of “Lend Me A Tenor”, the American Classics Theater Festival’s offering by Mt. Hood Repertory Theater Company? Read on and find out why you should be buying tickets.

In the Main Theater at Mt. Hood Community College, Maggie (Eleanor Cohn-Eichner) is the girlfriend of Max (Kirk Mouser), who is the assistant to the manager of the opera company that finds itself suddenly without a star tenor in the hilarious Broadway comedy, “Lend Me A Tenor”.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
We’ll tell you about the six (6) doors on the set of “Lend Me A Tenor” in a moment. But, if you’re looking for a touching, thought-provoking show, read below and learn about their second production, “Sea Marks”.

“Lend Me A Tenor” a comedic farce

Farce: Circus, a charade, a mockery, a ridiculous situation.
Comedic Farce: A very, very funny play based on situational comedy.

Mt. Hood Rep’s Artistic Director, Tobias Andersen, told us he chose Ken Ludwig’s “Lend Me A Tenor” because “this award-winning comedy is one of the funniest farces to play Broadway.”

We’ll miss seeing Andersen’s consummate acting skill on stage in this, the tenth anniversary season of the American Classics Theater, hosted by Mt. Hood Community College. But, he directs a top-notch cast through a laugh-out-loud funny, fast-paced show.

Julia, (MaryAnne Glazebrook) the chairman of the Opera Guild calls on Bellboy (Matt Preston) for a spot of tea with Saunders (Alan H. King), Maggie’s father, and General Manager of the Cleveland Grand Opera Company.

Max finds out he must go on stage to stand-in for Tito Merelli, world-renowned tenor and expresses his terror to his boss, Saunders.

The story: As the Cleveland Grand Opera prepares for one of its biggest nights in history, world famous tenor Tito Merelli’s appearance on stage seems highly unlikely. But as we all know, the show must go on – under any circumstances, even if it means sending a replacement on stage: Max, a petrified-with-fright production assistant.

Diana (Beth McShane), an operatic soprano, makes Max an offer he, well, what do you think?

Wife Maria (Sarah Dresser) shares a moment with her husband, Tito Merelli (David Maier), the world-famous tenor known as “Il Stupendo”.

The six (6) doors
Why are there six doors? The characters are coming and going with split-second timing and keep “missing” one another. Without the six doors, the play wouldn’t work!

We’re not going to give away the “curtain call” at the play’s conclusion. But from what we saw, this could be the most hilarious two minutes you’ll ever see on in a live stage production.

“Sea Marks”

In the Mt. Hood Community College Studio Theater, you’ll find the moving story of Colm (Patrick Wohlmut) a fisherman/poet as he meets pen-pal Timothea Styles (Amanda Soden) in the next step of their complex relationship in “Sea Marks”.

In the more intimate Studio Theater, associate artistic director, Trisha Pancio-Armour directs “Sea Marks.”

This is a tale of a simple fisherman who discovers a poetic inner voice when he begins writing to a publisher’s assistant he meets at a cousin’s wedding. But when she decides to publish his intimate letters about life on the sea as a book of poetry, he is made into an instant celebrity. Suddenly, their simple love affair becomes very complex.

When and where:

Mt. Hood Repertory Theater Company Presents
10th Annual American Classics Theatre Festival

MHCC Main Stage
“Lend Me A Tenor”
opens Friday, July 28, 2006 and runs through August 20

MHCC Studio Theatre
“Sea Marks”
opens Saturday, July 29, 2006 and runs through August 20

Friday and Saturday evening performances at 8:00 p.m.
Sunday Matinee performances at 2:00 p.m.

General Admission – $20.00, Seniors/Students $15.00
Festival Pass – $34.00 General Admission, $28.00 Seniors/Students

Mt. Hood Community College Theaters are located on SE 257th Ave (Kane Rd.); the driveway is south of SE Stark St. in Gresham. From I-84, take Exit 17 (Troutdale) and go east.

Information and tickets are available by calling The Rep at (503) 491-5950, on line at www.mthoodrep.org.

¬© 2006 David F. Ashton ~ East PDX News

Enjoy this outer East Portland Independence Day tradition by talking a look at these exclusive photos (and even a low-resolution movie!)‚

Photo story by David F. Ashton
This Independence Day parade isn’t the biggest in the nation. And, it takes place the day before the national holiday, July 3.

But talk with any of the participants in the East Portland Community Center’s annual parade‚ young or old‚ and they’ll tell you it’s the best.

We enjoy going to the parade, and sharing these photos with you,

David Sayre fuels up for the big parade with $1 hot dog served up at the East Portland Community Center.

Joey Nichols and Alyssa have fun working together to create haberdashery fit for an Independence Day celebration parade.

From infants in strollers, to senior citizens riding a golf cart, participants in the East Portland Community Center Parade line up in the parking lot.

Off they go! The route takes the marching throng from the community center, to Cherrywood Village two blocks away, and back again.

Honored members of American Legion Post #1 are the official Color Guard for the parade.

Although there wasn’t a marching band, live, lively music was provided courtesy of Haldeman’s Oom-pa Boys.

Wanna see the movie? It’s low resolution, but it gives you the feel of the event! To see it, CLICK HERE!

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

If you missed it, a look at this story and you’ll see why you must come and check out the newest open-air market in outer East Portland next week

What does the Midway Business Association have to do with “Reptile-Man”, ice cream treats, and a lawyer? Take a look at this 3-in-1 story (with great photos) and find out …

At the Midland Library, the Oregon Reptile Man – Richard Ritchey – shows his alligator, which he says can tell if kids have been good – or bad. This young man one was deemed by the ‘gator to be “good”.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
The small-but-growing Midway Business Association, a group of business people in southern outer East Portland, does more than just promote their own enterprises – they also promote goodwill in the community.

For example, to support the summer reading program at Midland Library, they hosted an ice cream social, following an appearance by Oregon’s Reptile Man at the library.

You’ll learn more about the Midway Business Association later in this story. But first, Oregon’s Reptile Man …

Richard Ritchey’s Puff Adder takes a strike at him during the show.

Ritchey’s reptiles captivate kids
The reptiles Richard Ritchey brings to Midland Library are more than toads and tadpoles. They include rattlesnakes, a King Cobra, and a pet alligator that “pets” good little boys.

More than just showing off his pets, Ritchey tells the captivated kids about the reptiles, where they live, and how they behave in the wild.

“This snake gives birth to live babies – each is capable of killing prey on its first day in the world,” says Ritchey. “He’s very calm today.”

The snake coils and lunges for Ritchey. “That was a false strike. He had no intention of striking me – he just wanted to scare me. He did; he’s going back in his condo.”

We could clearly hear the rattle of his Western Diamondback before we could see the snake.

“Hear the rattle?” Ritchey asks before he carefully brings his Western Diamondback rattlesnake out of its box. “It senses heat. Over 1,000 people are bitten by rattlesnakes each year. Only two out of ten were ‘accidental’ bites; the other eight people bitten were trying to kill or capture the snake. If you see a snake, don’t run. Just turn around and walk away.”

Ritchey invites his young audience members to come pet his python. Surprisingly, many take him up on his offer.

Midway Business Association sponsors ice Cream Social

Talay and Lavonne Larson are two of a hundred kids (and adults) served ice cream by Midway Business Association’s Donna Dionne and other association members.

After Reptile Man’s program, Midway Business Association’s President, Donna Dionne, and treasurer, Tammy Williams, handed out ice cream cups in Midland Library’s lobby.

“More than operating businesses in the community,” says Dionne, “we want to actively help support our area. That’s why we volunteer to help with the library’s summer program and other area events.”

Free legal advice dispensed at Midway Business Association

Lawyer Scott Nielson helps business people get a better understanding of laws passed in Salem, and how it affects their businesses.

But, when not handing out ice cream at the library, the Midway Business Association gives a “voice” to people running businesses in the southern portion of outer East Portland.

What do they do at their monthly meetings?

For example, at the last meeting before summer vacation, members got their usual update of happenings at regional meetings and events. And, they heard from a guest speaker who spoke about how legislation and litigation affect business people in the area.

The guest speaker, Scott Nielson J.D., Attorney at Law, started by commending the organization for how effectively they’ve communicated their needs to city and county representatives.

Turning to the past state legislative session, Nielson covered the expansion of the Oregon Bottle Bill; and how legislators hotly debated the meaning of “bottled water”.

He told how those who purchase scrap metals must now start keeping accurate records of those from whom they buy; he went on to explain the implications of price increase limitations put on businesses, if a natural disaster causes an “abnormal disruption of the market” as certified by the Governor; and he related the new penalties in store for business owners who – even inadvertently, because of a computer security breach – disclose customer information.

Turning to personnel matters, Nielson covered new regulations that allow mothers to breastfeed on the job. He went on to tell how “family leave” now even extends to the care of grandparents, parents, and grandchildren – not simply direct family members. He also pointed out new regulations that require accommodation of workers’ religious garb and celebrations.

Nielson also answered questions on issues ranging from elder law to contracts.

Accounting to be demystified at next meeting
On Tuesday, September 11, come and meet with the members of the Midway Business Association.

Kevin Minkoff, CPA, will share the latest IRS rules, and give practical tips on how to tune up your bookkeeping procedures. Kevin – “not your ordinary bean-counter” – always gives an upbeat, lively, and informative presentation.

Visitors ARE welcome, and the presentation is free (but you must pay for your own lunch). Their meeting runs from 11:45 AM until 1 PM at Bill Dayton’s PIZZA BARON Restaurant on SE 122nd Ave., just south of Division St. For more information, go to www.midwayba.com.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

Here’s your invitation to look in on the party thrown by, and for, volunteers who have worked for 25 years to make this unique outer East Portland park into a natural wonderland …

Leach Garden volunteer Ernie Francisco, tells executive director Karen Young how she recruited Bette Howard to help with the garden 25 years ago.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Leach Botanical Garden is the site of many events during the year. It’s often rented out for receptions, meetings and private parties.

But on August 25, the merriment was due to volunteers celebrating two and a half decades of service at this unique Portland park.

“Tonight, we are celebrating the 25th anniversary of the formation of Leach Garden Friends,” says Karen Young, executive director, as she welcomes us to the party, now in full sway.  “This is the group that got together and saved this garden.”

The property, located just south of SE Foster Road, on SE 122nd Avenue, was willed to the City of Portland by Mr. and Mrs Leach. “They had no heirs,” explains Young. “They wanted it to be used as a botanical garden and museum. If the city would not use it, it would go to the YMCA.”

Enjoying the evening during the 25th Anniversary “Leach Garden Friends” party are outer East Portland parks advocate Linda Robinson with Sharon and Andy Szolnoki.

“The garden wasn’t tended, and the property languished for several years,” continues Young. “A group got together and worked to save it; forming the Friends group in the process. They urged the city to support the Garden. The Parks Director at the time, Charles Jordan, listened to them. They put the organization together, and got it open to the public 25 years ago.”

Since then, although it is owned by Portland Parks & Recreation, Leach Friends have continued to operate the property.

Guitarist Margaret Slovak shares her musical gift by providing an acoustical soundtrack for the evening’s festivities.

A well-attended gathering
The patio swirls with activity and pleasant conversation, accompanied by acoustical music by guitarist Margaret Slovak.

Graphic displays of Leach history and past and present volunteers line the walls of the main room. Guests graze on refreshments amidst good company, in a beautiful setting.

Garden volunteer Nick Gianopoulos serves fellow volunteer Gabriel Weiss, a mason who helped build the brick patio, a glass of wine.

One of the celebrants we meet is long-time Lents resident Ernie Francisco. “Charlene Holsworth, who has since passed away, visited every neighbor in the area and recruited me,” she tells us. “I recruited my friend here, Bette Howard. We still love working at the Garden.”

Looking ahead
“We’re working on a master plan for the Garden,” Young says. “We hope to take this to the Portland City Council by November. The plan will involve how the property will be interpreted – as a museum. Also the upper property – we have about ten additional acres to be developed. We are working on making decisions about how we will develop that.”

Volunteer George Taylor looks at the historical display posted in the Leach house.

Some the concepts under consideration include developing an education center and children’s garden, and more demonstration sites. Also, they are studying moving the entrance east to a spot near SE 122nd and Foster Road, to make it more accessible.

You can join the 300+ active volunteers at Leach Garden and help continue the legacy of this fine natural outer East Portland attraction. Contact the office by calling (503) 823-9503 or e-mailing info@leachgarden.org.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

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