See why this particular “tiny church” was the perfect venue for this special evening of cabaret entertainment …
Earlier in November, accordionist Kathy Fors, Barbara Bernstein on violin, singer Lisa Berksom Platt string bass player Jamie Leopold, as “Padam Padam” bring an evening of French cabaret music to the Oaks Pioneer Church.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Although music frequently accompanies weddings and other social events held at historic Oaks Pioneer Church in Sellwood – built in 1851, and now perched on a grassy hillside within view of the Willamette River – it’s never been the venue for a concert.
“I’ve been told it’s been their dream to host live music here,” said composer, and musician with the group “Padam Padam”, Barbara Bernstein, “it’s never happened until tonight.”
Bernstein, nationally known as a radio documentary producer and locally as a talk show radio host, told us she lives just around the corner and has walked three different dogs of hers past the church and down to the trail below. “I always thought this would be a really sweet place to play.”
Barbara Bernstein says each member of the group adds to the diversity of the music they perform.
Group has Inner SE Portland ties
Although the group has performed together for only about three years, it has gained a national reputation. And three of the four current members of Padam Padam are, or have been, East Portland residents.
The group’s accordionist, Kathy Fors, lives the Brooklyn neighborhood. The utility player, Jamie Leopold, featured on keyboard, string bass and guitar, grew up in Buckman, and now lives in Irvington. “Our vocalist, Lisa Berksom Platt, lives in the West Hills,” quipped Bernstein, “but we forgive her for that!”
While Barbara Bernstein plays, Lisa Berksom Platt sings the song for which their group is named, “Padam Padam”.
Performing songs of passion, with passion
“Padam, Padam”, which roughly translated means “the sound of the clock in the little French salon”, is the title of a sad, haunting song written and performed by a famous French cabaret singer who performed from the 1930s to 1960s, Edith Piaf.
“It’s one of our main songs,” Bernstein explained. “It’s fitting for us, because we perform songs of passion, in a European cabaret style. We mix in tangos, Mexican and klezmer music with our original songs.”
Picking up her guitar, Barbara Bernstein and Lisa Berksom Platt sing one of Bernstein’s original songs.
Essence from another universe
The group agreed that on “bad days”, playing music feels like a mechanical job. “But when we’re playing together, especially with a good group like this, it’s like we merge into a single soul,” rhapsodized Bernstein. “It’s like you’re channeling the music from someplace else; someplace special.”
But it’s not magic, she continued – there is lot of work involved, and the group puts in quite a bit of rehearsal time and “wood-shedding”. “But when things are working; the harmonies are right, and you’re locked in rhythmically and in phrasing, it feels like it’s an essence from another universe that’s landed here.”
Indeed, at the Oaks Pioneer Church, November 7 must have been one of those “good nights” – the music of Padam Padam was harmonious and soulful, and enchanted the audience well into the evening hours.
Hear some of their music, and learn more about the group, by visiting their web site by CLICKING HERE.
© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News
Why did 400 dexterous artists come from around the globe to converge in SE Portland for a weekend of throwing things around? Take a look, and discover what we learned from our visit …
Award-winning 11-year old juggler Rachel Leshikar, from Kennewick, Washington, shows her skill at five-ball juggling. (To see her perform on YouTube: CLICK HERE)
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
The director of one of our favorite annual events – the 16th annual Portland Juggling Festival – Daniel Peterson, didn’t travel far to the event – he lives in SE Portland. But, some of the 400 participants trekked half way around the world to attend this annual event.
“We’ve brought in performers from Germany and Japan,” says Peterson, a Brooklyn neighborhood native. “But we have performers come from Canada, California, and points east.”
The performers converge on Reed College for a long weekend of juggling to see new “patterns” and equipment, reunite with old friends.
Portland Juggling Festival Director Daniel Peterson (left) “passes clubs” with friends Jennifer Noll and Borg Norum.
Reed College a juggling hub
Another reason Reed College is a juggling nexus is that the school has offered juggling as a physical education course for 30 years.
“I took juggling when I attended Reed College my freshman year, about 20 years ago,” Peterson relates. “But, I really got into it about 10 years ago.”
Asked about his favorite style of juggling, Peterson replies that it is “passing clubs”.
“Two or more people juggle clubs, and pass them back and forth among one another,” he explains. “There are standard, internationally-known ‘patterns’ or sequences for passing clubs; partners don’t need to speak to do it. And, people are always generating new, challenging patterns.”
Daniela Künster teaches new patterns to a class learning ways of passing clubs.
Although it might look like martial-arts mayhem, no one was injured in this – or any – juggling classes at the Festival.
Build mind, body, and friendships
Peterson says most jugglers he knows like the activity because it is challenging, both intellectually and physically. “There’s something new to learn and make a connection to what I’ve figured out in the past. It’s part of my lifelong continuing learning program.”
All of the jugglers with whom we speak also commented that – unlike magicians, who keep the secret of their tricks hidden – “There’s always somebody in the juggling community who has something amazing to show that I want to learn. Sharing juggling tricks builds friendships.”
Class is in session
In one room during the festival, I find two long rows of participants facing each other, ready to pass clubs. “Pass-self-self-pass-self-self,” chants German instructor Daniela Künster, as clubs start to fly through the air in orchestrated pandemonium.
“This is just one of many classes offered at the Juggling Festival,” says Peterson, as we watch advanced jugglers help novices learn how to juggle and pass clubs.
“And, over here, we have a ‘Stilt-walking 101’ class going on. We even offer a class dedicated to picking up dropped juggling equipment,” the event’s host added.
Rob Brown shows off while riding his seatless “Ultimate Wheel”.
Just how many rings is Matthew Knight, who hails from SE Portland, juggling?
Allied arts welcomed
We ask why there are folks at the festival performing related arts such as unicycling, diabolo, devil stick, poi, footbag, and Rolla-Bolla.
“All these arts are affiliated with one another; all ‘circus arts’ are welcomed,” replies Peterson. “Our participants are folks who like to work with props. We all learn from one another.”
Whizzing around the perimeter of the lower gym, in perfect control, is unicyclist Rob Brown. “When I was in sixth grade, I asked for a unicycle for Christmas. About three months after Santa brought it, I was unicycling to school. That was 32 years ago!”
Michael DeBuhr quickly learns how to walk on stilts. “I have a really good sense of balance.”
When he moved to Portland in 1990, Brown looked for a place to ride his unicycles during the rainy winter months, and found that jugglers welcomed him into their midst.
We see that the unicycle Brown was “riding” has no seat – it’s simply a spoked bicycle wheel with pedal cranks. “It’s called ‘The Ultimate Wheel’; I’ve been riding one for 20 years,” Brown explains. “I kept lowering the seat on my unicycles until finally I just took it off. You won’t find many people riding this.”
The best part of unicycling, Brown says, is feeling success after he works at learning difficult tricks. “And let’s face it – I like to show off. Ask anyone here; it’s one of the reasons we do this!”
Peterson smiles and nods his head in agreement. “No matter what a performer may say, we all love to show off.”
© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News
If you haven’t walked through a “Clown Garage Sale” – you’ve missed an interesting experience. The clowns didn’t buy squirting lapel flowers with their proceeds – find out about the virtuous charity they were supporting instead …
Physical comedian, clown, and street performer Angel Ocasio juggles an armful of merchandise with which he says he’s willing to part.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
At the bazaar held at Portland Habilitation in outer NE Portland, one almost expected to see a real elephant – not a white one – as the annual Clown and Street Performer’s Garage Sale got underway on November 8.
Looking around the room, we saw tables laden with red rubber noses, trick flowers clown costumes and makeup, magic props, and juggling apparatus.
But more entertaining than the merchandise were the individuals offering them for sale.
You might recognize the event’s organizer, Angel Ocasio – he heads the Portland Rose Festival’s Clown Character Corps. “There is a lot of wonderful stuff here. We’ve had many new performers come and get good buys on all kinds of props,” he said.
Albert Alter, an SE Portland resident, demonstrates (and reluctantly offers for sale) his valuable merchandise at the clowns’ bazaar.
Another well-known physical comedian and circus-arts teacher, Albert Alter, said he wasn’t sure if he’d sold more items than he’d purchased. “It a way, it’s like a swap meet. One performer’s discards are another’s delights,” Alter said.
This bizarre bazaar had a special purpose, Ocasio said. “Our table sales are donated to a group called Clowns Without Borders. They provide laughter to relieve the suffering of all people, especially children, who live in areas of crisis – including refugee camps, conflict zones, and territories in situations of emergency.”
The group sponsors professional entertainers to travel and bring cheer, contemporary clown/circus oriented performances, and workshops into communities “so that they can celebrate together, and forget for a moment the tensions that darken their daily lives,” Ocasio said.
- For more information about Clowns Without Borders, CLICK HERE.
- To learn more about the wacky world of Angel Ocasio, CLICK HERE.
- And, to discover the physical comedy of Albert Alter, CLICK HERE.
© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News
It’s time for the annual dance festival at Portland Metro Performing Arts. See what’s in store for you – at this great outer East Portland cultural event …
Metro Dancers (Back row) Emilie Larison, Sophie Gunz, Riley Willis, Julia Manning, Sarah Stanton, and (Front row) Beth Barnhart, Angelia Biornstad, Violet Lane-Ruckman, Michaela Martens, and Kylee Martens, rehearse a number from the Dance Mosaic show on November 22 called “Bluegrass”.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
If you haven’t been to a performance of the Portland Metro Performing Arts (PMPA) dance company called the Metro Dancers, your opportunity is coming up next week.
“We call the program ‘Dance Mosaic’, explained PMPA’s Director Nancy Yeamans, as we watched a group of young ladies rehearse a number from the show. “It’s an exciting repertory dance concert, featuring works ranging from classical ballet to cutting-edge modern.”
Guests artists to perform
Metro Dancers will be joined by guest companies Kinetic Images Dance Company, Western Oregon University Dancers, Anne Kemer Dance and Skylark Tappers, performing the works of dynamic choreographers.
“This program gives the guest artists the chance to be seen by our audience,” Yeamons told us. “And, they bring some of their audience to see what we are doing. There aren’t enough venues and events in Oregon for companies to be seen.”
Dinner helps raise funds
In addition to the afternoon and evening shows, PMPA is hosting an Italian dinner, the organization’s director said. “We’re hoping people will come to support our non-profit organization by joining us for the dinner we’ve scheduled between shows, whether or not they also come for a performance.”
It’s important for PMPA to continue because, as Yeaman’s pointed out, “We’re the only people who do what we do – provide education in dance, music, and theater, all under one roof. And, being a nonprofit organization, it means that every dollar we raise goes into our educational programs – and thus back into the community.”
Two shows on November 22
Showtimes are at 2:00 pm and 7:00 pm on Saturday, November 22 at Portland Metro Performing Arts, 9933 SE Pine Street – just a couple of streets north of SE Stark Street.
Advance tickets are $15.00, or at the Door $18.00. The Italian Dinner featuring food from Pizza Baron, Olive Garden, Flying Pie Pizza, and Bridges Café, is on from 4:30 p.m. until 6:00 p.m., and the modest charge is $10 for high school and adult; $5 for grade school kids, and $2.50 for preschoolers.
For tickets, call PMPA at (503) 408-0604.
© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News
See the fun we found at several Halloween celebrations this year …
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Lots of treats, and few tricks, highlighted the [three] Halloween events we attended this season.
Westmoreland Union Manor hosts party
As they have in years past, the Westmoreland Union Manor welcomed trick-or-treaters to their facility with a long table, laden with candy.
Peggy Lewis, Joy Irons, and Mary Lou Combs welcome guests to Westmoreland Union Manor on Halloween evening.
Inside the Manor, master magician Bob Eaton entertains a crowd that included many kids – such as butterfly Ariel, and good witch Tara.
“Inside our great room, the Manor’s entertainment committee also put on a party, featuring master magician Bob Eaton,” reported the event’s organizer, Mary Ann Muldoon. “It’s our way of welcoming in our neighborhood community, and providing camaraderie for our residents.”
Woodstock Community Center’s spooky soirée
This second annual event was a combined effort of the Woodstock Community Business Association and Woodstock Neighborhood Association.
“We started off with a story-time at Woodstock Library,” explained the event’s organizer, Gina Ballard. “Then, kids trick-or-treated their way west along ‘Candy Corn Lane’ (a/k/a Woodstock Boulevard), here to the Woodstock Community Center.”
Here, welcoming visitors to the second annual Halloween event at the Woodstock Community Center, is event organizer Gina Ballard.
The Krill family – Robin, little Amalea Krill and Jim – work on Halloween crafts at the Woodstock Community Center.
Upstairs was a room dedicated to making seasonal arts and crafts. Downstairs, volunteers made sure even the littlest kids won candy prizes while playing the offered games. The Center’s kitchen counters were laden with healthy treat – like sliced apples, crackers, and cheese.
And she wasn’t alone in this year’s effort, Ballard pointed out. “Twenty-five volunteers pitched in to make this event fun and safe for everyone. I think it’s great that many of our helpers are young people, including Read College students. It’s really wonderful to live in a neighborhood that cares about community.”
This little Woodstock bee, Ryan Dash, tries the ring toss game, with the help of volunteer Josh “Bobo” Hobson.
Decorations at the Woodstock Community Center let families know that they were in for a fun, not-so-spooky time.
By the end of the evening, the Community Center had welcomed about 375 people to the community event; about 200 of them were children.
The LifeHouse Church was another major sponsor,” Ballard said. “And, we really appreciate our business sponsors: UPS Store, Otto’s, Laughing Planet, First Cup, Papaccino’s, and Hair Styles Unlimited.”
Lents Harvest Festival provides food, music and fun
On the lookout for more fun, we made our way out to the Harvest Festival put on by the Lents Lutheran Community, at Pilgrim Lutheran Church on SE 92nd Avenue, north of SE Holgate Boulevard.
“Welcome to our wonderful sixth annual Harvest Festival,” was how we were greeted by one of the event’s organizers, Jean Ferguson.
The Muller family and friends come to party at the Harvest Festival.
One of the Lents event’s organizers, Jean Ferguson, serves up a hearty meal of spaghetti and meatballs.
Kids were playing games; “Laughing Moose” – the event’s musical professor – was playing and singing tunes; and everyone was enjoying a hearty Italian dinner.
Couples, families and groups drifted in and out of the celebration throughout the evening, Ferguson said. “The idea is to provide a very safe and enjoyable place for the community to gather.”
“Professor of Music” Laughing Moose (also known as Bruce Kjeldsen) jams with his little buddy, Aspen Bouma at the Lents celebration.
Caleb and Eliana Eby enjoy the Lents Harvest Festival.
Judging from the warm, friendly atmosphere that prevailed there, they succeeded.
© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News
If you didn’t see this fun new show – here’s what you missed …
One of the 19 acts in the “Bronco Cabaret” was Me & My Shadow, performed by Grant Weston and Chris Davis.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
In Parkrose, Bronco Cabaret! this week provided a musical voyage through time with songs from musicals – old and new – blended loosely together into the story of couples and families going through time, as narrated by Ciera Willis.
The students from Parkrose High School’s theater and music departments joined forces for three shows, October 23 thru 25.
“This is a new kind of show for us,” said the school’s theater department instructor, Ms. Zena, of the production. “This revue features songs from the past century of theatrical musicals and the pop music world, woven together by an endless tale of love.”
Including the live Parkrose High Band and technical crew, 75 students have been involved in the production of this stage-filling show. And if you are reading this before the evening of October 25th, it’s not too late to enjoy it for yourself!
See Saturday night’s show
Till showtime, tickets remain available at the door for the Saturday night, October 25th, show: $8 adults – $5 for seniors 65+ and for students 18 and under.
The curtain goes up at 7:00 p.m. Saturday evening at the Parkrose High School Theatre, 12003 NE Shaver Street, just west of NE 122nd Avenue.
Scenes from Bronco Cabaret!
Kerina Blanchard shows she’s got Fascinating Rhythm.
Actors show couples – and families – in love through the decades, as part of the show.
Taylor Grady performs I Cain’t Say No from the show, OKLAHOMA.
Jackson Singleton tells [not in shown order] Paris Mayhew, Ciera Willis, Nicole Horsley, Brianna Lewis and Taylor Grady why there’s Trouble! (right here in River City) from the show THE MUSIC MAN.
Matchmaker is performed by Judy Dan, Brianna Lewis, and Amanda Coalwell.
Paris Mayhew and Grant Weston sing A Whole New World.
The show includes comedy, including the Monty Python sketch, Bring Out Your Dead!
Moving forward to the music of the 1990s, Jessica Davison sings Don’t Know Why.
After the ensemble sings Seasons of Love, from the Broadway show RENT, the cast takes its bows.
© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News
Take a look and see why you don’t have to
travel far to enjoy a genuine Oktoberfest …
Emily MacKay, promotion director for Historic Oaks Amusement Park leads the famous “Chicken Dance” in the Main FestHalle.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Again this year, historic Oaks Amusement Park was teeming with men dressed in lederhosen and ladies in dirndl dresses, as the 18th annual Oktoberfest was in full swing.
“Of course, we have lots of German sausage and beer,” said the promotions director for the 103 year old park, Emily MacKay. “But we also have a Kinder Plaza for kids, wiener dog races, cooking demonstrations, craft vendors, and all of our great midway rides.”
Sara and Nick Vaday drink in the fun at the Oaks Park Oktoberfest.
Strongman John Romero shows off his muscles by ringing the bell at the Oaks Park Oktoberfest.
MacKay said what makes their Oktoberfest different from many others is its family-friendly nature. “This is the celebration where everyone can bring the kids, grandma, and grandpa, and everyone has a wonderful time!”
With two bands playing into the evening, attendees danced, talked, and ate bratwurst, chicken schnitzel, and smoked-chicken dinners.
Chad Siegel, proprietor of Family Tree Nut Company, shows off his product, freshly-made in this genuine German-manufactured roaster.
Mt. Scott residents Jessica and Steve Eckhardt dance up a storm to the toe-tapping tunes of the Greg Meier Alpine Quartet.
And, it wouldn’t be an Oktoberfest without repeated rounds of the famous Chicken Dance. From the very young, to old codgers, everyone got up and clacked their beaks, flapped their wings, wiggled their tail feathers, and clapped their hands.
Grilling the finishing touches on delicious-looking smoked chicken is Kate Lambo.
Fraulines Ali Burgess and Kim Grady say they’re enjoying the Oktoberfest celebration.
“We’re so happy that Zenner’s Quality Sausage & Smoked Meats is working with this year and next,” MacKay mentioned. It’s wonderful to find a local company who not only provides meats, they also help out with the décor, and design the activities of our event.”
© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News
Learn why Asian folks came from all over the greater Portland area to celebrate this ancient Chinese celebration …
Performers from the Northwest Lion Dance Association usher in the good times at the 9th annual Mid-Autumn Festival.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
One of the largest Mid-Autumn Festivals – also known as the Moon Festival, a popular East Asian tradition of Chinese origin — didn’t take place in downtown Portland. Instead, nearly 3,000 people did come to celebrate their second-favorite holiday in outer East Portland, on S.E. 82nd, on September 13.
“The Mid-Autumn Festival is traditionally celebrated outdoors, in mid- to late September,” explained the event’s coordinator, Nanette Tran. “Farmers celebrate the end of the summer harvesting season on this date.”
Thousands of visitors from all over the greater Portland area came to visit the Moon Festival at Eastport Plaza.
Event coordinator Nanette Tran, and main event sponsor, Charles Hui from the Portland Chinese Times, tell us the significance of their event.
This festival is nearly as important a holiday in the Chinese calendar as is the Chinese Lunar New Year, Tran noted. “It’s a legal holiday in many countries. Traditionally, family members and friends will gather to admire the bright mid-autumn harvest moon, and eat moon cakes and pomeloes together.”
Although the Chinese are credited with starting this tradition 3,000 years ago, many East Asian cultures have adopted the festival to their traditions.
These young musicians from the Portland Cultural Center serenade visitors with melodies as classical as are their instruments.
Brings community together
Although few celebrants are farmers nowadays, explained Tran, “This event is significant in that it helps the Chinese community feel stronger and closer to one another. It is especially important that we include our children so they may learn our traditions.”
Events at the festival, held again this year at Eastport Plaza on SE 82nd Avenue of Roses, included Chinese folk dance, a children’s choir, martial arts demonstration and a concert by the cutest little kids expertly playing classical Chinese instruments.
Additionally, an “Asian & Pacific Islander Home Buying Fair” provided attendees with educational materials, exhibits and information.
Linda Leman, of Prudential NW Properties, talks up home-buying at the Asian & Pacific Islander Home Buying Fair, held in conjunction with the Mid-Autumn Festival.
© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News
If you didn’t make it to this community fair and music festival a couple of weeks ago, see what you missed, right here …
Alex Hall, a Parkrose High sophomore and “PDX Teen Idol” finalist, performs at a summertime music festival and community fair held at Mt. Scott Park.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
A new event this summer was a festival featuring family activities focusing on the arts and entertainment at Mt. Scott Park.
We came to see Parkrose High School’s Alex Hall, a “PDX Teen Idol” finalist, perform as part of the day-long show a few weeks ago.
“I’ve had a lot of fun performing this summer with the Teen Idol finalists,” Hall told us. The already-accomplished vocalist is a sophomore this year, and will continue her musical education as a member of the school’s Treble Choir and A-Cappella Choir.
Scotty Fairchild, the garden steward at Leach Botanical Garden, offers advice, tells people about gardening, and sells plants at the event.
Elizabeth Phan, Christina Armstrong, and Julia Karell share information about the Multnomah County Library system – specifically, Holgate Library – with visitors to the event.
The event showcased neighborhood diversity and featured social-service resources available to residents in the Mt. Scott-Arleta, Brentwood-Darlington, and Foster-Powell neighborhoods.
Many of Portland’s city bureaus were represented, as were local businesses and fraternal organizations. Wrapping up the day was a concert by the Oregon Symphony.
These musicians – from the new “Six-String Central School of Music” opening in the former Day Music building of SE Foster Boulevard – played and sang the blues convincingly. Surprisingly, they are all between 13 and 16 years of age!
A wide variety of community and commercial exhibitors provided information for folks coming to the park.
“I hope they do this again next year,” said John Wilkins. “The park is the perfect place for this kind of event.”
© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News
We braved downtown traffic to bring you this story.
Come on! Take a look …
SE Portland’s Patrick Horsley says he hasn’t been to an art fair in 25 years, but is happy to be at twelfth annual Art In The Pearl, the Pearl District’s annual Labor Day weekend arts festival.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Although SE Portland potter Patrick Horsley hasn’t exhibited his works at a public show for 25 years, he put some of them on display at the twelfth annual “Art in the Pearl”, the Pearl District’s annual Labor Day weekend arts festival.
Horsley explained he’s usually too busy working as a professional artist who creates bowls, envelopes, slips – and teapots – that are sold in galleries, and used by commercial interior decorators.
“It’s a great job,” said Horsley. “I’ve been doing this for about 40 years and I love doing it. It’s a great job.”
The brilliant hues of blue don’t come from cobalt, as many visitors were guessing – the bluish color comes after a copper glaze has been fired.
The vivid colors of his works, and the unique shapes, stopped visitors in their tracks as Horsley talked about his art. “My work is strongly influenced by architecture, both primitive and contemporary. I base the work on the idea of the container vessel, and at times utilitarian forms – such as tea pots and lidded jars.”
So well known is he for his teapots, he often departs his studio – located next to his SE Portland residence – to offer seminars on the topic elsewhere. In late September, for example, he’ll be teaching a two-day, hands-on class in Las Vegas called “Tea Bowls & Teapots”.
If you’re interested in learning more about this artist and his work, see his web site: www.PatrickHorsley.com.
Puttering around Art in the Pearl …
This budding potter is Annika Baglien.
Thousands viewed the work of 100 artists during the three-day art fest.
This family said they were happy to find art on which they could sit and rest.
No one went hungry! Lots of great food was available at the event.
Not all of the art demonstrations were dainty. These blacksmiths attracted a crowd as they hammered iron into both utilitarian and artistic objects.
© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News
See why many folks came for the party –
and stayed to see the game …
He’s the “Parkrose Can Man” – he runs returnable container drives that support Parkrose school activities the first Saturday morning of each month at Parkrose Middle School. It’s Dave Luce, who prepares to enjoy the buffet dinner served at the Tailgate Party.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
School spirit was running high on September 5 at Parkrose High School, before the Parkrose Bronco’s football team took on their first opponents of the year.
In addition to family and friends supporting the team’s first outing, about 100 community members and school district supporters also gathered near the athletic field for the annual “Tailgate Dinner.”
Jon Taylor, Parkrose High’s offensive coordinator for the Broncos football team, enjoys the evening with event organizer Mary Larson, Principal Roy Reynolds, and District Superintendent Dr. Karen Fischer Gray.
“Each year, we sell tickets to this fund raiser at our annual education foundation auction,” explained event coordinator Mary Larson.
“The district office administrators sponsor this evening’s event. The money we raise goes directly to Parkrose Education Foundation,” Larson continued. “The funds help supplement supplies, services, and programs for the district.”
For example, the foundation, we learned, has purchased playground equipment and Parkrose Middle School band instruments. “We’re estimating that were serving a hundred people tonight, and will raise about $2,500,” she added.
Jeff Vigue and Julie Frangipani from Chartwell School Dining Services do a masterful job grilling up steaks and chicken. Asked how where he trained to be a chef, Vigue smiled and replied, “Actually, I’m the sales account representative.”
Gourmet three-course dinner served
The meal, laid out buffet style, was a complete dinner – not just weenies, nachos and popcorn. Under canopies, guests sat at cloth-covered tables decorated in the school’s colors.
The feast started off with a platter of grilled vegetables and fresh green salad. The entrees were freshly-barbequed lean, tender, and perfectly-cooked steak and succulent chicken, accompanied by freshly-mashed potatoes and fresh corn-on-the-cob. Large slices of strawberry-covered cheesecake wrapped up the meal.
Everyone with whom we spoke characterized the repast as delightfully toothsome, and gave kudos to the foodservice staff and volunteer servers.
The Parkrose High Cheer Squad teaches folks at the Tailgate Dinner a traditional cheer.
Connecting with the community
The high school’s Principal, Roy Reynolds, smiled as he looked over the lively setting.
“It’s important that this event raises money for a good cause. But that’s secondary to providing a connection between our schools and our community and extended communities,” commented Reynolds.
Kathy Keim-Robinson, director of student services at the Parkrose School District, helps Dr. Gray sell Score Pool slots.
Calls football a ‘marquee sport’
“I’m absolutely delighted to see the support we’re getting this year,” Parkrose School District Superintendent Dr. Karen Fischer Gray told us, sitting down for a moment after she finished selling mid- and end-game score pool raffle.
“I love seeing so many people wearing their green Parkrose T-shirts, learning a cheer from the Parkrose Cheer Squad, and meeting guests from our opposing team from The Dalles. Our players and coaches look sharp in their uniforms – its like were serious and were ready to win.”
The Broncos get last minute instructions from their coaches before the game.
Ready, HIKE! The Broncos defend on a second down.
The Parkrose Cheer Squad works up the fans in the stands.
Gray said she’s encouraged the school to build their football program. “There are two main ‘marquee sports’ – football and basketball. People love to go to football games; it brings them together, and promotes a culture of working together.”
The energy these activities can engender in a community can’t be underestimated, Gray added. “It’s more than the sport itself; it’s more than the score. But, winning would be great!”
Broncos footballers put the big hustle on the visiting team from The Dalles.
Perhaps next game …
By game time, fans started filling the grandstand, as the Parkrose High Band played rousing tunes. The Cheer Squad changed, danced, and one young squad member demonstrated this athletic prowess by doing backward handsprings the length of the stadium.
As the sun lowered in the sky, giving Mt. Hood an alpenglow in the distance, the non-conference game against The Dalles High School team kicked off.
Although Parkrose High put up a valiant effort, they were bested by the visitors 32 to 6. Why not check in, under the Friday night lights, and cheer on this hardworking team next week?
© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News
You haven’t missed them all! Look here and discover
the great line-up of acts you’ll see on Sunday …
Henry Weeks and Moggy Vanderkin play and sing Americana style music at the first Lents Music in the Park concert on September 7.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Carrying a folk-music theme, this Lents Music in the Park series is pleasing folks with top musicians.
This concert series runs through September. This year, it’s produced in cooperation with the Portland FolkMusic Society.
On September 7, folks who came by the Lents Park Gazebo (SE 92nd Avenue & Holgate Boulevard) at 3:00 p.m. were treated to an all-star lineup, including “River City Folk” radio show host and musician Tom May. Sharing the stage will be Mary Flower, considered one of the finest proponents of acoustic blues in the country; LynnAnn Hyde and Stu Kinzel, “guardians of traditional Acoustic Blues”; and the Ragtime music of Henry and Moggy.
Lents Neighborhood Association chair Dewey Akers introduces the concert series acts in Lents Park.
Still more great music to come
The series continues on Sunday, September 14 from 3 p.m. until 6 p.m.
Enjoy the sounds of Woody Guthrie Tribute Concert. Woody Guthrie lived in Lents while he wrote for the BPA in 1941. Also, enjoy The Wanderers – Murlin Allen, Ken Vigil, Joe Seamons; and Renegade Minstrels.
Follow the music to the Lents Park Gazebo, SE 92nd Ave & Holgate Blvd. this Sunday!
© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News
