There’s nothing cheesy about seeing outer East Portland folks enjoying the gala Chinese New Year traditional celebrations, featuring dancing lions, and symbols designed to bring good luck – not rodents …

Martial arts demonstrations provided some of the entertainment on the stage at Midland Library for the Chinese New Year’s celebration.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Because the time allotted to celebrate the incoming Lunar Calendar year lasts several days, both of these events were official Chinese New Year celebrations.

At Midland Library
On February 17, we stopped by the Midland Library to spend a few minutes at their Chinese New Year festival.

Serving Asian refreshments at the library’s celebration are Amanda Vu, Donna Trung, and Jadine Delfin.

Making crafts at Midland Library are Chris and Hien Tang.

“Welcome to our celebration of the Lunar New Year,” we were greeted by Javier Gutierrez, manager of Midland Library. “The Chinese celebrate starting on February 8th, and it ends on the 22nd.”

The library put on the event because they endeavor to encompass all of the cultures one finds in outer SE Portland, Gutierrez explained. “In 2006, we conducted a survey to determine how our community is changing. What we’re trying to do is serve the new communities moving into Portland.”

Ngoc Nguyen is helping guests with their Chinese New Year crafts.

For many peoples from different countries, Gutierrez noted, the notion of a public library is quite foreign.  “What were doing is helping them learn that their public library is a place for them to come, learn, socialize, and find cultural enrichment.”

Donna Dionne, VP of Midway Business Association, welcomes guests to the celebration.

At PCC’s Southeast Center and Legin Restaurant

Annie Chung; Wing Kit Chung, vice president of administration; Preston Pulliams, district president for the college; and Nan Poppe, president, Extended Learning Campus, Portland Community College

The following day, on February 18, Portland Community College’s Southeast Center held their event, primarily at the nearby Legin Restaurant Ballroom.

We were welcomed by Nan Poppe, president, Extended Learning Campus, Portland Community College. “This event has grown every year – to the point that it won’t fit in our grand atrium hall. It’s the chance for the community, students, and staff to come together and celebrate Asian culture.  Every year we learn a little bit more about their cultures.”

Northwest Lion Dance Association brings three fanciful, colorful and acrobatic lions – and their percussion section – to start the Chinese New Year’s celebration at Portland Community College Southeast Center’s event.

An event organizer, Trina Hing, said the event was important, “Because we want the community to be aware of our population of students, and to share the different Southeast Asian cultures.”

In addition to the population of Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, and Laotian students, the school also provides services for students from Russia, Latin American countries, and Somalia. “Today, everyone is enjoying this Chinese custom.”

Costumed dancers from many Asian cultures performed for hundreds of celebrants.

The event started with three hours of dances, demonstrations, and speeches. Then, the tables were cleared for arts and crafts, children’s games, and some vendors.

Lisa Hayes, student government ASP chair for the event, told us a lot of planning went into this year’s celebration. “It has taken for months, at least one meeting a week, to set this up. We went out into the community and talked businesses and associations into working together and as a team.”

Although a little nervous about the outcome of the event, Hayes said, “I’m really excited, I’m really jazzed.”

What did she look forward to the most?

“The best part of the day for me is the Lion Dance,” Hayes replied, just as one of the three mighty lions awoke, and the opening ceremony began.

People filled the Legin Restaurant Ballroom as the celebration go underway.

Representatives from different Southeast Asian countries talked about the Lunar New Year traditions celebrated by their people.  This included a bowing ceremony, dances, and a lesson in how to say “happy new year” in Chinese.

This first Chinese character was shown upside down, meaning that happiness and luck is coming. When turned upright, it means that happiness and good life has arrived. “It comes from the Ming Dynasty, about 700 years ago. Now it is traditional in use all over the world.”

After the three-hour program a Chinese-style lunch was served to the happy and hungry throng.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

If you missed the Portland Classical Chinese Trio’s performance at Midland Library this week – you can still catch these outer East Portland celebrations …

Adding cultural elegance to the main hall of Midland Library is the Portland Classical Chinese Trio.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Celebrations of the Lunar New Year, celebrated by many Asian cultures, are underway in outer East Portland.

We stopped by Midland Library to take in a performance of the Portland Classical Chinese Trio on February 12.

Jerry Lin plays a two-stringed classical Chinese instrument called a derhu.

“We’ve each played our instruments for several years,” said spokesman Jerry Lin. “We’ve been playing together for three or four years.”

Emily Deng serenades playing the zheng.

Emily Deng added, “I think that we enjoy working with each other. We enjoy entertaining others as much as we enjoy entertaining ourselves, at the same time.”

Deng says her instrument is a classical Chinese zheng. “It’s very similar to a Western zither. It has it has 21 strings with movable bridges. I play it with [finger picks made from] tortoise shell fingernails. I learned to play this instrument when I was 6 years old, back in my hometown of Uhon near Shanghai.”

Henry Hung plays one of the many bamboo flutes he brought to the performance. “I have more than one, because each flute plays in a different key,” he says.

More celebrations …

February 17
> Lunar New Year — Celebrate the Lunar New Year traditions of China, Vietnam, and Korea with dance, music, games, food, and crafts. It runs from 1:30 – 5 p.m. at your Midland Library, 805 S.E. 122nd Avenue. Call (503) 988-5392 for more information.

February 18
> Celebrate the Chinese Year of the Rat – Portland Community College’s Southeast Center, in partnership with Legin Restaurant, is hosting its annual Asian New Year Celebration at 9:30 a.m. today. The event, which will be held at the Restaurant (8001 S.E. Division Street, just west of SE 82nd Avenue of Roses), features music, arts and crafts, entertainment, games, food, door prizes, and plenty of lion dancers. Food is $1, and parking is free. The Asian New Year Celebration is open to the public. Children are welcome. For more information, call (503) 788-6262.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

If you missed the event, see why so many people
came to this year’s event, held in Lents …

Jill Kolek of Portland’s Office of Sustainable Development, with Fix-it Fair staff members Wing Brabowski, Genevieve Joplin, Yvonne Garcia, and Ishah Ahumada. All, here, are welcoming folks to the fair.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
After 20 years of City of Portland sponsored “Fix-it Fairs”, one might think folks in East Portland might have tired, a bit, of the familiar event.

Not so, says the event’s organizer, from the City of Portland’s Office of Sustainable Development, Jill Kolek. “We have had a record number of visitors. We’ll see more than 800 participants today at our 21st annual Fix-it Fair. Our daycare room has filled up several times today.”

Parking was tight around Lent School on SE 97th Avenue, between SE Harold Street and SE Holgate Boulevard on January 12 – another testiment to the Fair’s success.

“The Fix-it Fair is important,” Kolek says, “because it makes great community resources available to all these folks.”

In addition to the 45 vendor booths set up in the school’s gym, two dozen classes about efficient water use, energy efficiency, the dangers of lead in the home, remodeling, gardening, recycling, and other topics are presented throughout the day.

“The whole idea,” adds Kolek, is to help direct neighbors to community resources that help them both conserve the environment – and also their money.”

Fix-it Fair photo album

Caron Kepic, Madine Lutes, Jimi Johnson talk with Rex Hollingsworth (Rex Heating & Air Conditioning) and Dave Lutes, at the Multnomah County Weatherization Program table. Hollingsworth is holding a cracked furnace heat-exchanger which allows carbon monoxide to leak into the airflow of the furnace. “It’s both inefficient and dangerous,” Hollingsworth says.

Caran Goodall, Master Recycler, at the “Remodel It Green” table, speaking with visitor James Graham. Graham commented, “The exhibits and information are really good. I’m glad I came.”

Nancy Weber, on behalf of the Oregon Construction Contractors Board, leads a seminar called “How to avoid mistakes when hiring a contractor”. How many mistakes can there be? Quite a few, it turns out. Weber handed out a thick booklet illustrating many disastrous outcomes.

Burgerville employees coming from all four outer East Portland restaurants are fixing some of the 1,000 cheeseburgers they’re handing out  – for free – at the Fix-it Fair. Jerry Otto, manager of the Burgerville at SE 122 Avenue & SE Stark Street explains, “Company-wide, we’re all about sustainability – helping the environment and giving back to our community.”

The 21st Annual Fix-It Fair season was sponsored by The City of Portland Office of Sustainable Development, as well as by Burgerville, Energy Trust of Oregon, Pacific Power, Portland General Electric, Portland Development Commission, and The City of Portland Bureau of Environmental Services.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

One of the unique treats Portland offers during the holiday season is a ride on the Holiday Express, from Oaks Park to Portland. But, read this, and learn why this piece of history may slip away …

Providing a total of 10,000 passengers a trip back into another era, the Southern Pacific 4449 roared to life at Oaks Park again this past Holiday season.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Standing seventeen feet tall, on 80-inch-high wheels, the massive, 100-foot long Southern Pacific 4449 steam locomotive is an impressive sight.

As the engineer released the brakes and the steam hissed from the pistons, the ground trembled, and the 4449 began another “Holiday Express” run from Oaks Amusement Park to OMSI and back.

Engineer George Lavacot releases the “Johnson bar”, and applies the throttle inside the Southern Pacific 4449, as another load of riders are off on a riverfront journey on the Holiday Express.

For two weeks in December, the Holiday Express allowed visitors – some traveling from as far away as Seattle – the opportunity to step back in time, and ride the rails to the chug, chug, chug sound of a steam locomotive.

As riders traveled Dick Samuels’ Oregon Pacific Railroad Company tracks along the east bank of the Willamette River, they took in unique views of the downtown Portland on one side, and the serenity of the Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge on the other.

After being donated to the city in the 1950’s, when diesel-electric locomotives replaced steam locomotives, the SP-4449 sat outside on public display at Oaks Park for many years.

Riders of the Holiday Express get amazing views of Oaks Bottom and the Portland skyline while chugging along the tracks.

Members of the Oregon Rail Heritage Foundation refurbished the locomotive, and continue to maintain and run the locomotive for the love of it. It eventually drew the “Bicentennial Train” around the United States in 1976. However, it burns about 10 gallons of fuel and uses 100 gallons of water per mile – an expensive ride.

“The Southern Pacific 4449, and other working steam engines here, don’t have a permanent home,” stated Jonathan Kromer, Director of the Holiday Express program for the Oregon Rail Heritage Foundation (ORHF). “The Holiday Express is the primary fundraising activity of the ORHF to further its mission.”

ORHF was founded in 2000, we learned, with the mission of establishing a permanent home for these three city-owned historic steam locomotives, as well as to save the Brooklyn Roundhouse, and to build a rail and industrial heritage museum. This would create a place where these mechanical marvels could be put on display for generations to come.

The problem is that the Union Pacific, which has been donating the space to house the locomotives in the old, crumbling roundhouse just north of the S.E. Holgate viaduct over the Brooklyn train yard, now needs the space to meet its own needs. It has asked that the historic locomotives and other antique railcars at the same site be moved somewhere else.

One possibility is a spot of land with rails on it just east of OMSI on the Willamette’s east bank. But, though the railroad, which owns the property, seems positive about such a use of that location, the money needed to accomplish the dream at that site has yet to be raised, and time is running out.

Without a destination, these unique, working artifacts of the nation’s past, owned by the City of Portland, may have to be parked somewhere to rust in the rain and get tagged by graffiti vandals.

New this year were rides being offered on “speeders”. These small rail vehicles once zipped workmen to remote sites along the tracks.

At this point, there is no evident solution to the problem. But if one is to be found, money will be needed. And the ORTF did make some money again this Holiday season – in all, some 10,000 tickets were sold during the train’s annual run.

To make sure you’re on their list for 2008, or to learn more about this new holiday tradition, or learn how you can support ORHF, the check their Internet website at: www.TheHolidayExpress.org.

All aboard? Maybe not for long! It’s up to you. Let City of Portland, METRO and Multnomah County leaders know you want to keep these mighty locomotives here!

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

Because his name is Ashton, we had to find out if this musician was related. Was he? – Read this and discover the answer – and why Jeffrey Ashton’s music is so well received …

Amid the stacks at Woodstock Branch Library, Jeffrey Ashton plays classical music for the enjoyment of library patrons.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
People at the Woodstock Branch Library seemed enthusiastic that a fellow by the name of Jeffrey Ashton was performing a few weeks ago.

When we met Ashton as he set up for his performance, we found he was a man of few words – but not a direct relative.

Listening to him play, we also discovered that Jeffrey Ashton is a very talented classical guitar artist; a world-class musician. Some members of his audience came because they read about his performance in our Community Calendar. As he continued to play, folks who came to the library for other reasons pulled up a chair and listened to the spirited performance of this musical artist.

The artistry of Ashton (the guitarist, not your writer) can be heard in every song he presented.

We wanted to rise and shout, “Bravo!” But, being in the library, we restrained ourselves, and now offer our tribute, quietly, in print.

From his friends at Portland Classic Guitar, we learned that Ashton has been playing guitar for over 30 years. He is an active performer, teacher, composer, recording artist, writer and arranger.

Born in Boston, Massachusetts in 1955, he began to play the guitar at the age of 10. He lived in Europe, staying in Germany, Elgin, Switzerland, in Austria, Italy and England. We’re told that this immersion into these cultures gave him a deep appreciation of early and Renaissance music.

Ashton moved to Portland in 1982, where he lives with his family and teaches at the University of Portland, as well as Portland State University, the Community Music Center, and Portland Classic Guitar.

By the way, you can enjoy Ashton’s music anytime by picking up a copy of his CD, entitled “1536“. We’ve enjoyed the copy since we purchased it!

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

If you haven’t heard the Portland Metro Concert Band, see why audiences flock to this group’s concerts …

The Portland Metro Concert Band features many professional musicians who provide great large-band music that fills the Howard Horner Performing Arts Center at David Douglas High School.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
During the Holidays, the halls of the Howard Horner Performing Arts Center at David Douglas High School rang with music, as the Portland Metro Concert Band took the stage for their 3:00 p.m. concert of great music.

In addition to Christmas selections, the program included a variety of other toe-tapping music.

The show was presented in two halves — the first directed by Jay Burchak; the second by Fev Pratt. Presented were excerpts from Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “Jesus Christ Superstar”, “Evita”, and “Phantom of the Opera”; a tribute to Bob Hope including “Thanks for the Memories” and music from his films; “Loudoun Praises”, by contemporary composer Brian Balmages; a Latin rumba; and a classical piece, “Overture in B Flat” by Giovannini.

Of course, it just wouldn’t be a band concert without a couple of rousing marches by Sousa and Fillmore, so they were represented too.

Clem Norton takes a bow for his contemporary arrangement of the holiday classic, “Silver Bells”.

All-volunteer organization
All of the musicians, including the directors, are volunteers. The band is a non-profit organization, and welcomes donations to help defray operating expenses, such as sheet music and rehearsal-space rental.

Now numbering some 40 to 50 musicians, the band includes amateurs as well as musicians who play professionally. Members represent many fields of endeavor, including medicine, education, law enforcement, and computer programming.

Under the baton of co-director Jay Burchak (shown here), and Fev Pratt, the concert band presents both contemporary and classical music.

The band rehearses weekly for 11 months of each year and performs several concerts a year – for schools, retirement centers, churches, and parks.

Keep watching our Community Calendar for the date of their next public concert!

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

Think Leach Botanical Garden is a great place only in the summertime? See why folks mark their calendars so they don’t miss this annual event ..

Kate and Liz Sullivan choose cuttings and greens they say will make great centerpieces and wreaths.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
By December 7 and 8, the Johnson Creek floods had subsided, and a steady stream of crafters and nature lovers were making their way to Leach Botanical Gardens in outer East Portland.

Karen Young, Executive Director of Leach Botanical Garden, told us, “We’re raising funds for the garden at our Annual Holiday Bazaar. It’s being going on for more than two decades.”

Guests selected cuttings, clippings, fresh greens, fir, noble fir, variegated holly, and juniper, from which to make holiday crafts and decorations.

“They buy the greens to make their own decorations,” Young added. “We also offer great baked goods, like cookies and breads, for sale. It’s a special time to come to the garden this time of year. Everyone is festive; we all enjoy a cup of our tasty mulled hot cider.”

In the patio area, we met visitors from the Mt. Tabor neighborhood – Kate and Liz Sullivan.

“We came a couple of years ago,” Liz said, “and we remembered to come again this year. We’ll be making centerpieces and wreaths. It’s nice, instead of buying it in the store.”

Garden Steward Scotty Fairchild shows off holly with berries – one of the many items sold at the Holiday Bazaar.

“Community-building is a best part about this event,” commented Scotty Fairchild, Garden Steward. “People come here for a specific purpose, the Holiday Bazaar, then find out there are lots of things going on here at the garden, even during the winter months. Then, they come back for another visit!”

Come for a visit; admission is free. Leach Botanical Garden, Portland’s only public botanical garden, is located at 6704 SE 122nd Avenue (just south of Foster Road). For further information call Nancy at (503) 823-1671.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

See how the East Multnomah County office of this oft-criticized state agency has put together an event – sponsored by donors – which provided recovering parents the chance to reunite with their kids …

At the DHS Christmas Party, Joel successfully fishes for a teddy bear, with the help of his dad Joey Sue and DHS worker Sarah Lee.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Beneath the fairy-tale image of a toys-and-tinsel Christmas depicted in the advertisements, there lies a dark and often-confusing world in which live kids who’ve been taken into protective custody.

“There has to be severe risk involved, for children to be taken into protective custody,” says Mary Boehme, DHS Child welfare Case Worker at the East Multnomah County Branch Office which serves outer East Portland and Rockwood. “It happens, if there is a genuine concern about the child’s safety.”

Many methamphetamine addicts are also parents, law enforcement officials remind us. “But there are many different drug addictions which cause parents to neglect their children and not give them the care they need. Domestic violence and mental health issues are also things that hinder a family from staying together,” explains Boehme.

The parent or parents are given up to a year, Boehme tells us, in which to remedy their situation and get their lives in order.

“Often times, these parents are thankful for the DHS process that helps them turn their lives around. This process includes parenting classes, drug and alcohol treatment, counseling, and maintaining a stable residence and job so the can support their child. If one or both of the parents have been involved in the criminal justice system, they also need to abide by the conditions of their release,” adds Boehme.

Elf Kathie Nicholas and Santa Claus encourage Anthony Dominquez to share his Christmas wishes with them.

Party brings delight, and anticipation
On December 18, both kids and adults streamed into an office building with no sign, set back in a large strip mall on SE 122nd Avenue – there to attend a Christmas Party put on by DHS case workers.

The children, if they have not in the care of a family member, have been staying with a foster care family. The adults invited to the party are parents who have dedicated themselves to changing their lives and getting their families back together.

“For parents who are working through the DHS process,” Boehme says, “it gives them a glimpse of ‘what could be’ when they complete their program and are reunited with their children. If they are engaged in the process, they welcome the opportunity to have some kind of engagement with their child.”

And, by the looks on their faces, the kids love the event from the moment they enter.

Meeting and counseling rooms offer host of crafts and games in which all the kids are winners. And, in a special room, the youngsters get to have a one-on-one meeting with jolly Santa Claus himself.

“A lot of these kids don’t have any good Christmas memories – like making cookies, playing games, getting new gifts, and seeing Santa,” observes Boehme.

Delivering hot pizza for the party, flanking Santa and the Elves, are Pizza Baron’s Jeff and Bill Dayton.

Pizza feast caps event
We meet case worker Stacey Mahler in a large room, deep in the office complex, that has been turned into a holiday luncheon café.

Looking at the smiling, giggling kids pouring in, Mahler comments, “These kinds have a lot of disruptions in their lives. Events like this provide the setting for a positive visit with their mother, father or siblings – sometimes kids are sent to different foster homes.

“We have fun activities to do. It gives back to them when most it is unpleasant and negative stuff. When they get here they have a good time together.”

Community pitches in
Kids make a beeline to the hot, bubbling pizza provided by Bill Dayton’s Pizza Baron, just up the street. Their eyes light up as they see the “Dot Cakes” provided by Saint Cupcake.

And, both parents and kids take home more than memories.

Caricature artist Sam Arneson draws ‘toon pictures of kids for 5 hours; elves take instant photos of kids visiting Santa. For the youngsters, Christmas comes early, in the form of all kinds of toys – ranging from plush animals to bicycles.

“What makes this possible is the generosity of businesses and organizations in our community,” Mahler confides.

She asks us to acknowledge the major sponsors: Pizza Baron, Safeway on SE 122nd Avenue at Powell Boulevard; N.W. Priority Credit Union; Ace Hardware on SE 122nd Avenue. at Division; Saint Cupcake; On Line Credit Union; The Vance Foundation; Portland Winter Hawks; FGG Inc.; and Plumbers and Steamfitters Local 290, which made a grant of $1,000.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

From lovers of pugs to bugs, all kinds of clubs line up to drop off toys for needy kids at Eastport Plaza …

A dozen “Bugs”, from the Portland-area Absolutely Volkswagen Club, line up – as their drivers drop off toys at the Eastport Plaza site on December 1.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
As the frenzied holiday shopping season gets under way, many vehicles pulling into shopping malls will leave packed with gifts to be placed under the Christmas tree.

But on December 1, a steady line of vehicles that pulled into Eastport Plaza, on SE 82nd Avenue of Roses just north of Holgate, arrived full of new toys – and left empty. Their drivers were participating in an area-wide toy drive.

Many of those who donated came individually. But we also saw groups of vehicles, whose drivers belong to various clubs, lining up to make donations. One set of cars sported canine companions – and many of the pug pups inside were dressed in costume.

Soon after, a squadron of “bugs” lined up outside the “NewsChannel 8 Toy Drive” collection trailer.

“We’re from the Absolutely Volkswagen Club,” explained member John Jenson who was driving his ’63 VW Bug convertible. “It’s a good thing to do.”

Volunteers Kiri Griebel and Jenna Hollinger work with NewsChannel 8’s Kelly Schweiger, telling us that this Southeast Portland location hosts one of the best toy drop-off events in all of Portland.

4th year at Eastport Plaza
“Participating in this event is one way we’re involved with the community we serve,” said Eastport Plaza’s manager Ken Turner. “Offering our site for the toy collection drive is one small way of helping our community.”

Most of the toys collected at the event will go to local nonprofit organizations on the east side, Turner added. “The Wattles Boys & Girls Club in Lents and the Meyer Boys & Girls Club in Sellwood benefit directly from the generosity of Southeast Portlanders today.”

Turner said the organizers of the toy drive say this particular toy collection event is one of the largest in the city. “It is a good indication how much people care about others in their neighborhoods.”

Kids learn joy of giving
We watch as children bring brand new toys to the volunteers at the collection truck, and we agree with Turner who observed, “When you see the smiles on the faces of little kids when the bring up a gift they know will go to a needy child warms your heart. It shows that these children are already learning the true spirit of Christmas.”

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

See how this East Portland Community Center has grown – and learn how you can help a young man fulfill his dream of representing the USA overseas …

More than fifty crafty vendors filled three rooms at the Community Center with gift ideas of all kinds.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
One of the delights of dropping in at events, such as the East Portland Community Center’s 7th Annual Holiday Christmas Bazaar, is the unexpected discovery of delightful stories.

We met the coordinators of the bazaar, Judy Collier and her sister, Barbara Aden; they said hello when we passed their tables. “The proceeds from the table rental and the raffle go to the children’s scholarship fund at the center,” Collier reminded us.

Annika Duyvestein gets a balloon from Master Twister Josh Thompson at the Community Center’s Holiday Christmas Bazaar.

“Some kids can’t afford to pay for primary classes or for sports activities here at the center. There are a lot of low income families in the area; these scholarships allow them to participate,” she said. “Counting this year, our total donations for the seven years we’ve been doing this be over $10,000.”

Carver Bolles, Vestal Elementary student, shows off one of his crafts he’s selling at the East Portland Community Center Bazaar to raise funds for his People to People Student Ambassador mission next summer

The special story we found at the Bazaar
When we toured this year’s late November event, one of the 57 vendors we met was a young man named Carver Bolles, a 5th grade Vestal Elementary student.

In a clear, professional voice, Bolles said, “I’m making and selling crafts to raise money to help me go on a ‘People to People Student Ambassador’ program next summer.”

Bolles told us that President Eisenhower started the program “Kids from schools from across the country get to go to other countries to study and learn how their government works.”

We learned that the founding of the program, inaugurated in 1956, was based on President Dwight D. Eisenhower’s belief that ordinary citizens of different nations, if able to communicate directly, would solve their differences and find a way to live in peace. Since 1963, the People to People Student Ambassador Program has taken thousands of students across international borders, to connect with people all over the world.

“I was nominated for the program, and got letters of recommendation from two teachers and an adult. Then I went to an interview, and I was accepted. I’ll go to Italy and Greece next summer.”

Portrait of a future ambassador
We probed to learn more about this enterprising young man, and discovered his favorite subject school subjects are math, science, and not surprisingly, world geography. As a 5th grader he does not receive letter grades yet but he does receive mostly all + which is the same as A’s.
Outside of school, Bolles loves to play football and baseball.  He is a very good skier as well.

When we followed up to see how his fundraising is going, Bolles said he’s done pretty well at the two craft fairs at which he’s participated. He’s currently selling raffle tickets for a beautiful Christmas quilt, and has put together a 50-recipe cookie cook book for sale.

With a little help from his mom, Carver Bolles, had this wide range of Christmas items on display at the Bazaar hoping to raise money for his trip.

You can help:
Although he’s working diligently, raising about $4,000 is a big job for a 10-year-old. “I don’t have my own [fundraising] web site set up yet, but I might do that,” Bolles told us.

His mom, Shawna, told us that people can send donation checks, made payable to “People to People”, to Carver Bolles, 311 SE 74th Ave, Portland, Or 97215.
To learn more about the Student Ambassador program, go to www.studentambassadors.org.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

We’ve covered many different kinds of craft-making sessions over the years – but here’s a new one! Take a look …

Kennedy Withers shows us her matchbox-magnet diorama.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
It’s one of the most original craft-making ideas we’ve seen in years: Making Matchbox Diorama Magnets.

When we visit artist Shanon Schollian on Nov. 11, she’s introducing the project to families at the Sellwood Branch Library.

Craft instructor Shanon Schollian gives tips on how to make a “Matchbox Diorama” to families at the Multnomah County Library Sellwood Branch.

“A diorama is a little three-dimensional picture in a box-like frame,” explains Schollian. “When they’re done, they put a magnet on the back so it will stick to the refrigerator.”

Starting with empty small matchboxes, crafters use printed images, buttons, beads, toys, ribbons, and fabrics supplied by Schollian, to make their miniature works of art.

Coming from Vancouver WA to participate in this craft session are Kenndyl, Kennedy, Kenny, Jr. and Kenny Withers

Many of the crafters present stayed and made several dioramas. “I think they’ll make nice Christmas gifts,” a girl says as she shows off her handiwork.

Asked if she originated this craft idea, Schollian replies, “I’ve never seen this before, so I think it is an original idea. What I do is making art out of little things and recycled materials.”

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

… GERMS, that is! See how tiny tots are learning critical principles of hygiene that could save their lives. Adults can learn a lesson here, also …

Using rhyming patter, Multnomah County Library Children’s Librarian at Midland Library, Sue Ciesielski, teaches little kids to wash their hands and cover their sneezes.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
With stories about deadly flu strains and killer colds circulating, the Midland Library storytime entitled “Stories About Not Sharing — Germs, that is!” was a good idea.

When we dropped in on November 8, children’s librarian Sue Ciesielski was already sharing storybooks like “Bear Feels Sick”, “Squeaky Clean”, and “Wash Your Hands”.

Ciesielski then led and twice repeated for the kids the rhyme,

Tissue, tissue, where are you?
I feel a sneeze coming through!
I cover my mouth, I cover my nose,
Look out everybody, here it goes …
Aaaaaa Chooooooooo!

Multnomah County Health Department’s Jessica Guernsey Camargo shows how “germs” can transfer, hand to hand, by sharing toys.

The big finale was a demonstration by Jessica Guernsey Camargo, MPH, a program supervisor with Multnomah County Health Department.

“When you share books or toys, here’s what happens,” Guernsey Camargo told the kids as she and Ciesielski toss a cushy toy, laden with invisible ultraviolet powder, back and forth to one another.

Guernsey Camargo turned on an ultraviolet lamp and spots and splotches become visible. She asks, “See what is on my hands?”

“Uck, GERMS!” shouted the kids.

“Tell me what to do,” Guernsey Camargo prompts.

“Go WASH YOUR HANDS!” the kids shout in unison.

Guernsey Camargo “washes” her hands while the kids serenaded her with The Birthday Song.

The best way to know how long to wash your hands, Guernsey Camargo says, is to “sing the [SESAC copyrighted] ‘Happy Birthday to You’ song twice while you’re doing it.”

Because Ciesielski and Guernsey Camargo presented their message in an age-appropriate way, the kids looked like they were having a great time. But perhaps some little ones in East Portland will suffer less from illness – or even from a worse fate – thanks to a very timely, special program.

Jessica Guernsey Camargo gives away free hygiene books to toddlers who attended the presentation.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service