Why did hundreds of people navigate their way to a hidden industrial complex in Lents in April? Learn about this outer East Portland event here …
Major, Marlene Azar’s Moluccan Cockatoo, shows off for guests at the spring Bird Festival.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Twice each year, on a Saturday, a long line of vehicles can be seen turning north on SE 111th Avenue, off SE Foster Road, in Lents – and driving into an industrial park.
Although the long blue steel building says Quality Cage Company on it, on these weekends folks are coming to see birds, not the small animal and avian cages this local manufacturer makes and ships all over the world.
The company’s manager, Guy Cone, makes a new feathered friend during the event.
“It’s become more difficult for bird breeders to find places to gather for a bird event,” said the company’s manager, Guy Cone. “In 2005, these local breeders asked if we could hold a one-day event at our plant. We did, and that was the start of the Bird Festivals.”
Labor of love
To create space for the Bird Festivals, Cone’s crew clears out the warehouse portion of their building, using fork lifts to stuff all of their raw products and inventory into the rafters and move it over to the manufacturing floor. This creates a clean well-lit space large enough to allow 25 breeders to showcase their finest birds.
“We have to shut down manufacturing for a couple of days to accommodate the Bird Festival,” Cone noted. “But, to see the smiles on the faces of our guests and breeders makes it all worthwhile.”
With the cloth drape sidewalls in place, the warehouse is transformed into an avian wonderland.
Best birds in the Pacific Northwest
Visitors – nearly 700 of them – came to the April 5 Bird Festival. Some of those who come bring along their families, just to look at the wide variety of birds on display at this fun, free event.
When visitors enter, they’re greeted by sound of chirps, squeaks, and squawks made by hundreds of birds on display. Most visitors don’t know they’re in a space that’s usually a warehouse; colorful cloth trade show curtains around the room’s perimeter transform the space an avian wonderland.
While some folks come to gawk, most of the guests come because they’re interested in buying a bird – or two. They’ve learned this is a good place to go bird shopping; feathered friends from small tweetie-birds – to the largest varieties – are on display. The “serious shoppers” arrive before the doors open at 10 a.m., to be assured of having the best selection.
“There isn’t any other bird event this spring between Seattle and San Francisco,” remarked Jack Sutton. “I’m looking for a particular breed of finches; there’s a great selection here. It’s well worth the drive up from Albany to this show.”
An event guest “test-handles” a bird that may become part of the family.
Matching birds with owners
Marko Juarez from Gresham brought his family to the event; they looked at colorful smaller birds, he told us. “All of the breeders are so friendly and happy to tell us about their birds. You learn all kinds of things here you’d never learn by going to a big pet store.”
It’s true; we learned that some of the larger, more intelligent bird breeds can outlive their owners – and require a great deal of care and attention. Many smaller birds are colorful, provide good company, and require only a minimum of care.
Event supports youth sports
Providing hot lunches for the bird breeders and guests were volunteers from TNT Softball, a David Douglas baseball league. Located just across way in a building west of the festival, these dedicated workers cooked up sizzling chili cheeseburgers and hot dogs all day. The funds they raised help support youth sports in outer East Portland.
And, “The Bird Nerd”, Deborah Velardi, was also on hand, dispensing advice on birds – and providing grooming services onsite.
Birds, birds and more birds! The Bird Festival is the only regularly-scheduled bird event of its kind in the region.
Festival returns in October
By the time we visited Quality Cage Company a couple of days later to talk with the staff about this unique event, the Bird Festival space was once again a very industrial-looking warehouse, filled with cages, sheet metal and supplies.
From what we learned, the Bird Festival will return to outer East Portland the first Saturday in October. For more information – or to see photos of the event, CLICK HERE.
© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service
A Pine Box Derby racer may look like a block of wood with wheels, but see why these youngsters take pride in crafting the fastest – and most unusual- looking – gravity-powered race cars …
There’s no spinning tires – but still plenty of excitement – as this Pine Box Derby’s gatemaster, Bryan Bolster, releases the racers to run another heat.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
As the 2008 Pine Box Derby gets underway on a couple of weeks ago, there’s no smell of burning rubber or racing fuel in the Holy Family Catholic Church’s social hall.
But there is excitement in the air, as Cub Scout Pack 64’s members “race for the gold” not long ago.
At the top of a long, steeply inclined track, racemaster Bryan Bolster carefully centers each of four hand-made racers – each a carved, painted block of wood with wheels – on the track. “This track was made by Rob Freund,” says Bolster, “he owns Father & Sons Hardwood Floors on SE 13th Avenue in Sellwood. I store it where I work.”
Cub Scout Matthew Young carefully places his hand-made racer on the Pine Box Derby track before the final, deciding race. He went on to win this year’s derby.
Anticipation increases each time Bolster reaches for the large lever that releases the cars and triggers a precise, electronic timing system.
Everyone claps and cheers as cars zip down the track, picking up incredible speed before they pass under the timing gate near the bottom, and crash into a huge, soft pillow at the end of the run.
Carefully adjusting the wheels on his car in the “pits” is Mitch Bolster.
Hand-made speedsters
“This event goes way back,” says Tom Armstrong, Scoutmaster of Pack 64. “It is one of the traditional, annual events done by Cub Scouts.”
The kids don’t just go to a store and buy a race car, we learn. “They’re all made it home,” Armstrong explains. “The kids all start with the same kit: Basically, a block of wood, and the wheels. They craft their own shapes, and come up with their own designs.”
The only restriction, he adds, is the racecar must meet certain weight requirements.
“The best thing about the event,” adds Armstrong, “is that the boys get to work with their hands. They learn basic shop skills – how to work with tools. Then, they get to see how well their car does, when they run the race.”
This year’s Cub Scout Pack 64 winners are: (back row, left to right) 1st place, Matthew Young; 2nd place, Zack Durst; 3rd place, Ben Rutter; 4th place, Peter Kurtz; (front) Grant Parsons, Best of Show; Kieran Armstrong, Most Original Car; and Ugliest Driver: Willis Schubert.
The winner is …
Heat after heat, cars with the fastest runs are pitted against one another, until there is a winner. This year, Matthew Young takes the first place trophy.
Even after the derby is over, kids continue to run their cars down the track – simply for the love of the race, not for any further hope of winning the race.
© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service
Learn more about the all-new festival slated for August – and, why a faith group turned a drug-infested, crime-ridden flophouse into luxury accommodations – in this article …
Gail Bash holds the prototype of a new “street banner” that will adorn utility poles along NE Sandy Blvd. proclaiming the expanded Parkrose Festival & Cruise-in scheduled for August 2.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Taking a “field trip” away from their usual meeting place, Steamers Restaurant, members of the Parkrose Business Association (PBA) held their March meeting a few blocks east, at the Quality Inn & Suites. Here are some of the highlights:
Estelle Fuller of Bob Brown Tires, and Denise Smoke of Bank of America, sample the delicious food provided by Quality Inn & Suites.
Old Cruise-in cancelled; new event announced
After dealing with a recent string of soggy June Saturdays the Portland Rose Festival Parkrose Cruise-in, the steering committee for the event has announced its demise.
But, in its place, they’re producing an entirely new event – in a new location – and, in a much more weather-friendly month: August.
“It is like we’re staring over,” said Michael Taylor, educational director of the newly-formed ACE Academy, and President of the PBA. “This change brings new challenges and opportunities. We’ll be bringing in new businesses to participate this summertime event.”
Taylor said the new event, called the Parkrose Festival & Cruise-in, is scheduled for Saturday, August 2. Instead of being on the Parkrose High School grounds, it will take place in “downtown” Parkrose on NE Sandy Boulevard – a state highway.
Festival on the boulevard
“Working in cooperation with Oregon Department of Transportation, and the Portland Police Bureau,” explained Taylor, “we’ll be shutting down half of NE Sandy Boulevard between NE 105th Avenue and NE 112th Avenue for the day, and into the evening.”
The event will start with the traditional pancake breakfast; vendors will be on hand to provide food at lunchtime, and “perhaps a beer garden and music festival in the evening, all in cooperation with local restaurants. All day long, there will be family events, in addition to a great cruise-in.”
The idea, Taylor said, is to pull traffic into the downtown Parkrose area without shutting down the street. “This is a great opportunity to showcase our business center here in Parkrose, and enrich an event that has been very successful.”
Pastor, and manager of Quality Inn Suites and Rodeway Inn, David Walmer, tells why they transformed the rundown hotel they now own.
From flophouse to first class hotel
Hosting the meeting was Quality Inn Suites and Rodeway Inn on NE Sandy Boulevard, located almost directly over the I-205 freeway.
This lodging is unusual, members learned from its manager, David Walmer – because it is now owned by a church.
“When the Eastside Foursquare Church took over the property,” Walmer began, “the police called the hotels (they’re co-located on the same piece of land) the biggest crack house in Portland. The cops joked that they’d let us know which rooms they were busting so we could rent them out again that evening.”
During the two-year, $7.7 Million renovation, starting in June 2004, their business dropped by half, revealed Walmer. “We turned away the hotel’s former ‘cash-paying, no-ID, no-tell’ customers. But, we kept working at it, and transformed one of the community’s largest ‘problem properties’ into a first-class lodging. Our business is growing by at least 30% per year.”
Church means business
“Many faith groups and churches want to help their community,” Walmer went on, “but because they’re small, they lack the resources to do so.
Walmer says that, instead of “begging for money”, faith groups should find practical ways to fund their missions through running legitimate businesses.
“Most churches complain they need more money. But, most churches are notoriously bad at business. They want to challenge societal problems like prostitution and homelessness, but don’t have the money. Businesses know how to make money. They can teach the churches how to make money – instead of begging for it. The self-funding model allows a church to make a substantial difference in their community.”
Walmer summarized, “We’ve looked to government to solve problems. But government can’t drive the agenda. Churches can’t do it alone, they don’t have the resources. But a partnership of government, business, and faith community can transform an area.”
In closing, Walmer expressed his concern about the still-vacant former Parkrose Glass building – almost directly across the street from their facility. “The owner has been actively marketing it to the ‘adult’ [sex] industry. While perfectly legal, we’d prefer to have a business or community project in the building across the street. We don’t need another strip club here.”
Denise Smoke tells why she loves working for Bank of America, during her PBA Member Moment.
Member Moment features Smoke
The featured PBA member this month was the Parkrose branch of Bank of America – represented cheerfully by Denise Smoke.
“14 years ago, I joined the bank, worked hard and eventually became assistant manager,” Smoke stated. “This bank has given me what I need for my family and my career. And we have great services for our customers, including a mortgage product.”
She applauded the bank’s willingness to let her volunteer at her daughter’s school and help out with community projects. “Check out our banking products. I’m so proud to be part of the bank, and part of the PBA.”
PBA’s “new” president, Michael Taylor (standing), gives outgoing exec, Jon Turino, (seated, right side of photo next to past PBA president Mark Eves) some good-nature ribbing about his two-month stint.
President’s farewell
PBA’s “new” president, Michael Taylor, thanked Jon Turino – he was president for two months before being drafted to be the Executive Director of the Alliance of Portland Area Business Associations (APNBA) – and thanked Turino for his support of the organization.
Meet the PBA members
You’ll always find smiling faces greeting you at the Parkrose Business Association. While they take their commitment to their community – they sponsor thousands of dollars in scholarships each year – they love having fun.
Come on by on Thursday, April 17 and meet this group of fun, energized business people. You’ll get the best business lunch at town at Steamers Restaurant & Lounge, 8303 NE Sandy Blvd. (east of NE 82nd Ave.); reservations are NOT required. For more information, see their newly-updated web site by CLICKING HERE.
© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News
Regardless whom you may support in the upcoming presidential election – seeing an internationally-known personality up-close created an entertaining event …
Alta Gaylord of the Portland Police Bureau, East Precinct Commander Michael Crebs, and Jacqueline Johnson talk about community issues, while awaiting the arrival of President Bill Clinton.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Even though lunch isn’t served at the Cherry Blossom Loaves & Fishes Center until noon, by 10:00 am hundreds of hopeful diners were already crowded into the East Portland Community Center’s long hallway on Monday, March 31.
Many of those cued up said they were puzzled by the waiting line. “I usually come here on Mondays for lunch here,” said Mildred Frankel. “I’m surprised by the all the people; I didn’t know that [President] Clinton was coming here today.”
Regulars get priority seating
Hillary Clinton for President campaign workers were at the head of that line, screening media personnel and guests. Center volunteers, stationed at the entrance of the dining room, did their best to make sure their regular clients got a seat for lunch; visitors were put on a waiting list.
“In addition to our regular clients,” explained Bennett Bailey, Cherry Blossom’s manager, “we worked to accommodate a large number of guests. Some of them were invited by Hillary’s campaign staff.”
Typically, Bailey said, they serve 120 clients on an average Monday. “But today, we served 202. We had to turn away quite a few guests for the safety of our clients. They come first.”
Lunch waits for no one
By 10:45 am the dining room was filled, as those seated waited for President Clinton’s scheduled 11:00 am arrival.
“I think it’s great,” commented Alta Gaylord, as she waited for lunch. “It’s time – or maybe a little past time – that a political candidate takes us seriously. People in our age group vote. Therefore, why not come and talk to the older people?”
When the kitchen was notified that Clinton would be delayed, the center’s volunteers and workers began lunch service just before noon.
Former Oregon Governor Barbara Roberts attempts to rally the crowd before former President Bill Clinton arrives.
Barbara Roberts’ warm-up
After the roasted turkey main course was served, and when most diners had finished their meal, there was stir of activity as former Oregon Governor Barbara Roberts walked to the podium on the east end of the room.
Roberts gave the warm-up speech and filled time as President Clinton traveled from a meeting with Democratic Party “super-delegates”.
“I’ve campaigned all over the state,” Roberts began, extolling the virtues of her chosen presidential candidate hopeful. “I know what it is like to be on a campaign. Hillary Clinton has demonstrated in her political campaigns it takes determination; it takes perseverance.”
Roberts wound down her speech when two Secret Service agents entered the room – followed by former President Bill Clinton.
Flashing his trademark smile, former President Bill Clinton arrives at his only East Portland campaign stop.
Bill pitches for Hillary
Wasting no time, Clinton dove into his stump speech: “I’m here campaigning on behalf of my wife, Senator Hillary Clinton. I am hoping you’ll vote for her. I hope you’ll vote for her for several reasons.”
Clinton wastes no time asking attendees to vote for Hillary Clinton.
Clinton said that his wife has a record of supporting health care and senior citizen issues. Drawing applause was his statement, “Supporting the senior centers, supporting the integrity of Social Security, supporting the idea that we should constantly work to improve the quality of life and health care of our citizens who cannot.”
During his presentation, Clinton weaves in his wife’s campaign slogans.
From our vantage point in the back of the room, we watched the diners’ responses to the President’s comments. The majority of those present appeared simply to be politely interested; a few appeared to be enthusiastic Hillary Clinton supporters.
The former President used each of Hillary Clinton’s campaign slogans, artfully woven into his remarks, during his 14-minute stump speech.
The Cherry Blossom Center served 202 meals on this occasion – a capacity crowd – up from their typical seating of noontime 120 diners.
Clinton meets and greets
Instead of being whisked away at the end of his talk, Clinton lingered to shake hands, sign autographs, and talk with citizens for twenty minutes following his formal presentation.
Members of the press were sternly advised to say inside their fenced-off “corral” at the far end of the room. However, within minutes, President Clinton was facing half-dozen TV cameras, answering questions posed by local television reporters, as the crowd pressed in.
After his talk, Bill Clinton meets and greets attendees, before being mobbed by TV reporters and cameras.
During and after Clinton’s talk, campaign workers refused to allow diners to exit the room, citing security issues.
“I feel like were used as ‘extras’ on a movie set to help promote Hillary’s campaign,” groused Jack, who declined to give his last name. “We had two choices: Participate, or skip lunch today. Now, they won’t let us out of the room to use the bathroom until Clinton leaves.”
However, many of those who came to dine said the inconvenience caused by Clinton’s visit was balanced by the thrill of seeing an international figure come to speak – even if only to make a campaign talk. The best part, they said: Meeting Bill Clinton in person.
Good publicity for Cherry Blossom
From his standpoint, Bailey said the event went well for the staff and volunteers at the Cherry Blossom Loaves and Fishes Center. “In addition to the dining room, we also prepared 250 lunches for Meals on Wheels clients.”
He added, “I hope the publicity will attract volunteers who will help deliver meals. We’ve had a 20% growth in Meals on Wheels clients this year. We are in big need of drivers.”
If you have a couple hours a day, a couple of days a week, consider being a volunteer driver. Call (503) 256-2381 or e-mail bbailey@lfcpdx.org to get involved!
Behind the scenes
Having been in the “media pen” for over two hours, some members of the press grow restless (including us!).
When we arrived, we were asked to sign in and given a colorful press credential that we were asked to keep visible at all times.
Members of the press were relegated to a 9-foot-deep section along the far end of the room. We were separated from the diners by a large heavy steel barrier fence, but members of the press corps were polite and amiable, ducking and dodging to allow one another to take photos and record information in the small, crowded space.
Because he arrived after noon, several TV stations simultaneously take their “live shot”, breaking into their noon news program when Clinton arrives.
About a half-hour before President Clinton arrived, the media supervisor for the “Hillary Clinton for President Campaign” laid down strict rules: “You must stay behind the fence at all times. You may not leave at any time during the President’s visit for any reason. You must stay behind the fence after his talk, when he’ll be shaking hands with people in the front of the room.”
Amazingly, the campaign supervisor also requested that we send what we are going to write about this event to “the campaign office”. This is almost never done, or requested, in news gathering.
From the length of more than half a football field away, reporters and photographers record the occasion of a presidential visit.
It was wryly comical to watch as several people attempted to leave the dining room – either use the restroom or to go home – only to be briskly rebuffed at the exit doors by campaign workers. Not to be denied, a group of seniors walked briskly across the room to doors leading to the Community Center’s patio and made a successful escape. We followed them!
© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service
See why this group, which usually performs at their studio in the Gateway area, is now heading to the Newmark Theater on April 5 …
The White Rabbit (Riley Willis); two Tweedles (Annie Willis and Sophie Gunz); and the Cheshire Cat (Emily Sevy) suspect they might be late to a very important date!
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
The Metro Dancers, part of Portland Metro Performing Arts Center (PMPA), have been rehearsing and polishing their parts as they get ready for their production of “Alice in Wonderland” this weekend.
All of Lewis Carroll’s beloved characters from his two marvelous books, “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” and “Through the Looking Glass”, will be on stage in this unique music and ballet production.
The White Queen (Meng Paulson) dances her part with grace and ease.
“Remember the busy White Rabbit, the mysterious Cheshire Cat, and the domineering Queen of Hearts?” asks PMPA’s executive director, Nancy Yeamans, as we watch some of the production numbers being rehearsed.
“They’re all here! It’s an absolutely wonderful, fun visual feast for kids and adults. It’s got spectacular music, and it has outrageously wonderful costumes done by fabric artists.”
Red Queen is played by grade school teacher Karin Schulz; her class will be coming to see her. Her dancing partner is the Red King (Dave Larison).
Audience members will go on a visit to the Tea Party, the Chess Game, the Nursery Book, and the Garden of Live Flowers. Watch as Alice tries to play her way through a game of croquet with flamingoes for mallets, and some uncooperative playing cards as wickets. Winning is losing, in the illogical logic of Wonderland.
There are still seats available, but this show isn’t at the PMPA hall in Gateway.
This production will be presented onstage April 5 at the Portland Center for the Performing Arts, Newmark Theatre, 1111 SW Broadway St. at 2:00 pm & 7:00 pm. Tickets are $20 for high school age kids and adults; $14 for children
For more information, see www.pdxmetroarts.org or call (503) 408-0604.
Who is winning this dizzy chess game? In Wonderland, it makes no difference – it’s all for fun!
© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News
Visual stimuli abounded at this year’s SE Area ARTwalk! Come along; we’ll introduce you to some of the colorful artists we met …
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
There’s been a virtual explosion of talented artists – working in widely divergent media – in inner SE Portland within the last decade.
In 2002, artist Rin Carroll Jackson created the Southeast Area ARTWalk – now an annual event – to help artists connect with one another. The idea caught on, and now this first-of-March exhibition showcases the work of many area artists for patrons and regular folks who enjoy the creative stimuli of meeting the creative artisans.
This year’s Southeast Area ARTwalk included exhibits and demonstrations of 80 artists. The public participated by obtaining a free map, and embarking on a self-guided tour of the artists’ creative spaces, or their homes and businesses in the area.
If you didn’t take the tour this year, we’ll introduce you to some of the artwork we viewed on our tour and share notes from journal about the artists:
Amid the hustle and bustle of this popular coffee shop, stained glass artist Donald Leedy exhibits his colorful, reflective works.
Artist: Donald Leedy
Location: K&F Coffee, SE 26th Ave
Medium: Stained Glass
Contact: www.brokenglass12.com
“I love working with stained glass,” said Richard Leedy, “because I enjoy working in three dimensions. I recover both art and industrial glass to use in my projects.”
“I’ve always had affection for stained glass windows of all kinds,” explained Leedy. “There’s always been stained glass in my house. One day I picked up the tools and started creating it; and it’s worked out pretty well. Portland is a great place to be doing this work; people here are very receptive.”
After 12 years of experience, Leedy said he gets commissions for both fine art and for industrial stained glass works.
The multitalented Bonita Davis shows her oil on canvas paintings, hand-woven goods, and unique cards.
Artist: Bonita Davis
Location: K&F Coffee, SE 26th Ave.
Media: Oil on canvas; knitted handbags
Contact: www.bonitadavis.com
At the same bustling coffee shop, we also met Bonita Davis, an artist who creates stunning paintings that catch the eye.
“I’ve been involved with painting the longest,” relates Davis. “Oil painting on canvas is my passion; I’ve been pursuing it continuously for the past 15 years.”
Although Davis works full time providing rehabilitation services, she’s also learning how to create in a new medium – knit art. “Knitting is a relatively new skill for me. I really enjoy it, and it’s portable,” she said as she continued knitting a new purse. “The main attraction for me is the wide variety of beautiful yarns that are available.”
Richard Fung makes gallery-quality images using cameras that cost him from only $1.50 to thousands of dollars.
Artist: Richard Fung
Location: Bara Sushi House, SE 21st Ave.
Medium: Photography
Contact: www.richardfung.com
Moving westward, we were met by photographer Richard Fung in this home-turned-Sushi-bar.
“My medium is all types of photography,” said Richard Fung as he exposed his passion for taking pictures. “I work with all photographic media – including color, black and white, digital, and film. I’m photographically eclectic.”
For fine art photography, Fung said he likes to use a plastic camera from the ’50s trademarked the “Diana”. “These originally sold for $1.50, but the cameras now sell on E-Bay for $150. I like it because it produces kind of an ethereal effect; ‘Diana’ photos almost look like paintings.”
From portraits to urban settings and landscapes, Fung said photography has been a passion for him since he was five years old. “While I do commissioned photography, and sell my work at galleries, photography is an avocation. I’m also a recruiter for the City of Gresham Police Bureau.”
Painting as she talks, Penelope Culbertson says she loves expressing herself through art.
Artist: Penelope Culbertson
Location: Clinton Corner Café, SE 21st Ave.
Media: Watercolors and collage
Contact: culbertfam@aol.com
In addition to viewing her displayed artwork, we enjoyed watching Penelope Culbertson as she painted.
“I’ve been working with watercolors for about 25 years,” explained Culbertson. “I learned to paint in the tropics, in Hawaii – an area very well suited for the bright, fluid nature of watercolors.”
In addition to producing artwork and calligraphy, she’s also a teacher, offering both private classes and at a studio on SE 42nd Avenue.
“The best thing about painting is that I get to express myself,” Culbertson said colorfully. “My art allows me to exploit what I see, so I can share it with others.”
There wasn’t a good way photographically to capture Joel Barber’s perspective mural of the Roseland Theater; but all of his paintings – like this jolly bear – are colorful and imaginative as this one.
Artist: Joel Barber
Location: Cadenza Academy, SE 21st Ave.
Media: Painting and collage
Contact: www.joelbarber.com
A man known for his abstract figurative and surreal pop paintings, Joel Barber had stepped out for a moment when we visited. We admired his works on display.
The realistic perspective of a full-wall mural in one room almost caused us to lose our balance. The forced perspective of Barber’s painting made it appear as if we’d stepped on stage at the Roseland Theater – magically turning a short, wide room into a captious music hall.
Barber soon arrived. He said he’d been painting – and selling his work – since childhood; but professionally, for 25 years.
“My mom just sent me a series of pastels I painted as a child,” Barber related. “I was trying to sell plain rocks to our neighbors, without success. She suggested I do paintings and sell them. She and my grandmother purchased them all.”
Although Barber said he didn’t remember much about those paintings, he was surprised to see the “canvas” was painted edge-to-edge, and each painting bore a price tag, as in a gallery.
Barber calls art his “full-time job”, but admits, “I punch a clock three days a week. It helps the bills get paid on time. Working at Columbia Art Supply is great; instead of just ringing up sales, I get to share my knowledge, and teach.”
According to the artists with whom we spoke, this year’s ARTwalk was the best ever, in terms of the number of visitors and their level of interest. Look for this event again on the first weekend in March, 2009.
© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News
Just in time for Easter, see (in LOTS of photos) how two SE Portland neighborhood groups bring their communities together with traditional Easter Egg Hunts …
Kaitlin and Jack Nelson get a real “two carrot” treat from the Easter Bunny at Westmoreland’s Easter Egg Hunt.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
There’s no better sign that springtime has arrived than seeing hundreds of kids in two neighborhoods running – baskets in hand – at the start of annual Easter Egg hunts on March 22.
Waiting as patiently as possible, families wait for the “tiny tots” section to be opened for the big Sellwood-Westmoreland hunt.
Sellwood-Westmoreland’s Easter Egg Hunt
It was promoted as “come rain-or-shine”, and the brilliant sunshine drew hundreds of families to this annual event.
The event was free, but many folks brought canned goods for the FISH Food Bank, some gave cash donations.
In minutes, hundreds of kids get about the business of gathering their eggs.
Phoebe Diamond has great success finding chocolate eggs.
“We love helping SMILE put on this event,” said Edwina Swart, President of Oaks Bottom Lions Club. “It’s just great; the kids are having lots of fun.”
At 10 a.m. sharp, the ribbons cordoning off areas in the southern part of Westmoreland Park were lifted and the kids took off on their hunt. Actually, the colorfully foil-wrapped milk-chocolate were plentiful – making the kids’ mission more “gathering” than “searching”.
Leasa Wiebke appears to enjoy the Westmoreland Easter Egg Hunt as much as her daughter, Julia!
Because three football field-sized areas were swept clean of candies in minutes, the organizers made sure no one went home empty handed. They thoughtfully withheld a small bucket of treats for those too timid to grab their share.
10th Annual Woodstock Easter Egg Hunt
Some of the more than 200 kids at Woodstock Park await the start of their Easter Egg Hunt for some 1,700 candy-and-prize filled plastic eggs.
We had just enough time to head east to this event, now in its tenth year.
Set more as a “hunt”, families and kids gathered in the central portion of Woodstock Park. Tom Vice counted down the minutes, and at precisely 10:30 a.m., kids fanned out in three searching areas, each assigned to an age group.
“Ready, set go!” says Tom Vice. The kids didn’t need to be egged on.
Gale and Michael Budde tag along as Jill sets off to find her eggs.
At their event, the kids searched for plastic eggs containing candy, a toy, or a coupon good for a larger toy or sheet of stickers. See how many folks had come out on the sunny morning, organizers asked that each kid take only five eggs – most everyone complied and shared – so all were satisfied.
The “man with the megaphone”, Tom Vice, said the event was hosted by the Woodstock Business Association, and sponsored by Safeway, BiMart, The UPS Store, Papa Murphy’s, Hollywood Video, and Life House Church.
With a little help from mom and dad, Amy and Jeff Loney, Lucy quickly collected her Easter eggs.
“We prepared 1,700 Easter Eggs,” Vice recounted. “They were all gathered in about seven minutes. It’s incredible to see the great energy here. We easily have over 200 children participating.”
Jill Budde is exploring the contents of her newly-found Easter eggs as her parents, Gail and Michael look on.
Darren Almli and his little bunny-girl Shayla wait to redeem their tickets for prizes.
While their event features candy and prizes, Vice said, “The important thing is this event brings families, who live in the Woodstock area, together. We’re focusing on finding ways to help build community, and the best way is events like this that brings people together. Look around! So many people are here having a great time!”
Elise Nettle getting her treats directly from the Woodstock Easter Bunny.
© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service
Take a look and see how this inner SE Portland dance school is training young people who will be competing in the upcoming International Irish Step Dancing competition …
Four An Daire Academy students show off their Irish Step Dancing skill – which may take them to the international competition.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Behind the An Daire Academy of Irish Dance, hidden away in an industrial area of inner SE Portland, is a story of passion, romance, dedication – and Irish Step Dancing.
The international show theatrical production “Riverdance” popularized traditional Irish Step Dancing, in which dancers take rapid and sometimes acrobatic steps, while their torsos and arms remain motionless.
But the proprietors of this unique Portland-based dance school, Jim Mueller and Lauren Crowe-Mueller, started perfecting their dancing technique long before Riverdance-styled shows became all the rage.
Owners of the dance academy, Jim Mueller and Lauren Crowe-Mueller, tell how the love of Irish dance brought them together both in love and in business at an East Portland Chamber of Commerce networking event.
Portland natives, but strangers
Both members of this husband-and-wife team grew up in Portland and attended rival high schools – but in those days, they never met.
At an East Portland Chamber of Commerce function in March, Jim told the group he learned his first Irish steps as a postgraduate hobby, took to dancing, and started instructing.
A 1988 Portland Rose Festival Princess, Lauren studied nursing and musical theater, before moving to Nashville, Tennessee, where she took up Irish dance. She progressed, finally dancing with The Chieftains, and performing at renaissance festivals throughout the United States.
“We met in a class taught by Tony Comerford in Seattle,” Lauren said; “We became engaged at his Feile na Nollaig (Irish dance event) in December of 1999, and were married in our hard [dance] shoes in May of 2000.”
Jim added, “Thanks to the Comerford School, we became successful open champions, competing at the North American, All-Ireland, and World Championships, in both solos and teams.”
Opens studio in Portland
Under Comerford’s direction, the Muellers opened a dance studio in Portland in 2000.
“In 2005, Tony said we were ready to, and able to, operate our own school; and, with his blessing, in 2005 we opened the An Daire Academy of Irish Dance,” explained Lauren.
She informed us that instructors must be certified in Irish dance if their students are to compete. “The examination process was difficult, but we were both certified before we opened our school.”
Wee dancers Kate, Emilie, and Kendal admirably perform a “Three-hand Reel”.
Armless dancing explained
“Why don’t you use their arms when you dance?” is the question they’re most frequently asked, Jim said.
“It started with the church movement in Ireland,” he related. “When St. Patrick brought Christianity to Ireland, the church was very tied into the state. As the British came into the Emerald Isle, their magistrates tried to suppress the Irish; getting them to submit to their will.”
Because the Irish are such a celebratory people, he continued, they tried to break their spirit by decreeing that dancing was an offence to God. “The Irish learned to dance with her hands at their sides. So, if a church magistrate walked past the window, appeared as if they were listening to music and having a good time.”
It wasn’t long until competitions arose to see who could dance the best steps – with their arms at their sides.
These fast-stepping An Daire dancers demonstrate the speed, precision, and skill required to enter and win Irish Step Dancing competitions.
Workout on the dance floor
It’s only been within the last decade that the Irish dance form has come on par with jazz and ballet, Jim mentioned. “Irish dance technique is very young. Over in Ireland, it’s still ‘Shut up, put your shoes on, and dance’.”
Lauren explained that they realized, early on, that poor technique will limit the life of a dancer, due to injuries. “We want to help dancers enjoy a lifetime of dance, without injury. So, we’ve created special warm-up exercises and strength training, based on the ballet and jazz. It’s a great workout.”
This top ranked Irish Step Dancer, Allie Lewis, traveled to Ireland in March, to enter in the 2008 dance competition.
Dancing for fun, and prizes
“This year has been especially wonderful,” Lauren beamed, “because not only do we have dancers going for solo competitions, we also have three teams of dancers going to the 2008 international competition in Ireland.”
Jim added, “We’ve got our fingers crossed; we’re hoping we can get a team on the [winners] podium in Belfast.”
Wide variety of skills taught
Visiting their studio, we learned they also teach Highland dance, and offer music lessons on Celtic and medieval eclectic instruments as well.
“We do a lot of fun things here at the studio,” Lauren concluded. “All told, we have just shy of 300 dancers throughout the Northwest. If you know anyone who wants this type of musical education, please tell them about us.”
This dance troupe appeared more than a dozen times at various St. Patrick Day observances around the greater Portland area this year.
© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service
See how this SE Portland high school’s boosters show their spirit by throwing a grand luau that raises $100 grand …
Debbie Greene checks in Clara and Paul Cook; Paul’s Cleveland High’s Principal.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
The Warrior’s benefactors at Cleveland High School topped last year’s “007 License to Spend” spy-themed shindig by taking the annual fund-raiser in a laid-back, tropical direction this year.
“We’re having a Hawaiian luau,” said event chair Vikki Melrose as patrons filed into the sold-out event on March 1. “The theme of our annual auction this year is ‘Hula for Moola’. We’re raising money to help support academics, performing arts, and athletics at Cleveland.”
Over 100 volunteers associated with the school’s Parent Teacher Association volunteered hundreds of hours to produce the evening’s event, Melrose noted, along with four chairs and a formal committee of 40.
Welcoming folks into the fundraising party are two of the four event chairs and their Cleveland High School students: Darcy Wente, Natalie Wente, Michael Wente, Danielle Melrose, Vikki Melrose, and Brianna Melrose.
Relaxing for a moment in the silent auction tent are Sally Shuey, Pre-event Chair, and Kennedy Wolfe, Procurement Chair.
Supports school’s programs
“Even though it’s a public school, we don’t have enough funding,” Melrose said. “If we don’t help raise money, the school will be forced to cut programs we think are necessary and important, here at Cleveland.”
The event, held at the Oaks Park Pavilion – in a huge heated tent that more than doubled the size of banquet room – was a sell-out, with 430 guests attending.
Ann Gray, Debra Meyer, and Sho and Loen Dozono pause, while hunting for bargains at the benefit silent auction.
Cleveland boosters, like Betsy and Steve – dressed appropriately in their Hawaiian shirts – circulate around the silent auction tables, looking for treasures on which to bid.
After the silent auction, the casually-dressed group sat down to a meal of island delicacies catered by Noho’s Hawaiian Café, and enjoyed the music and hula dancing provided by Roland Espy.
Then, the action picked up, as auctioneer Chris Sheik got top dollar for vacation home rentals at the Oregon Coast, Central Oregon, and Mexico; tickets and passes to cultural events; dinners at leading restaurants; sports memorabilia; and VIP tickets to local sporting events. Between the two auctions, revelers bid on a record 500 items and packages.
Selling raffle tickets are Cleveland High Hula Gals (and students) Lauren Krueger, Liza Gray, Stephanie Welch, and Natalie Wente.
Bringing live “music and dance from the enchanted Hawaiian Isles” are Roland Espy and his dancers.
After the event, Melrose reported, “It went really well. We met our goal of netting $100,000. The chairs thanks all of our dedicated volunteers who worked to make this event a big success; and, all of our supporters who attended and bid so generously.”
In the silent auction tent, lots of moola was bid on great items and packages ranging from vacations to objects d’art.
© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service
Two East Portland schools select their ambassadors
– see who won …
Marshawna Williams reacts to hearing her name being announced as Cleveland High School’s Portland Rose Festival representative.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
The student bodies of Cleveland and Franklin High Schools chose their representatives for the 2008 Portland Rose Festival Court in March.
At Cleveland High School, Marshawna R. Williams was selected to represent their school.
With the Cleveland High School court is 2008 Princess Marshawna Williams.
Looking like she’s ready to sit on the Portland Rose Festival thrown is Cleveland High’s 2008 Princess Marshawna Williams.
Williams is the Co-President of Black Student Union, Student Body Vice President, and active member of National Honors Society, and she enjoys volleyball and being of service to the community. Her hobbies include “singing, writing, poetry, and babysitting neighborhood kids.”
About her future, Williams said, “I plan to attend University of Portland and earn a Bachelors degree in Engineering.”
Franklin High School
Surrounded by her Franklin High School court is their 2008 Portland Rose Festival princess, Diamond Symone Zerework. Photo: Portland Rose Festival
Franklin High School’s chosen representative was Diamond Symone Zerework.
For the past two years, Zerework has been part of Franklin High’s Leadership Program and a S.T.A.R.S. teen Leader/counselor. She’s been the President of the Black Student Union for 3 years. “I have also been dedicated to the Mock Trial and Advanced Mock Trial program for the past two years. I will receive my Law course completion Certificate from Franklin High School this year.”
Introducing 2008 Portland Rose Festival princess, Diamond Symone Zerework, representing Franklin High. Photo: Portland Rose Festival
Looking ahead, Zerework added, “I intend on receiving my B.A. in Psychology, then attending Law School before becoming a Corporate Attorney.”
The 2008 Portland Rose Festival Queen’s Coronation takes place on June 7, before the Grand Floral Parade. For tickets, or more information, see www.rosefestival.org, or call the hotline: 1-877-789-ROSE.
© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News
See photos of this moving show, which ends this weekend! There may be a few seats still unclaimed …
Rather than be split up in Nazi “relocation camps”, Anne (Marissa Hanson), along with her father, Otto (Sam DeRoest), sister Margot (Kaila Munay), and mother Edith (Laura Leonard) take up residence in the hidden attic of the family business for nearly two years.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Before the show opened, we told our readers that the David Douglas High School Theater Department’s intimate, small-box production of “The Diary of Anne Frank” would probably sell out – and it has.
The school’s Small Box Theatre, located under their massive theater’s main stage, seats 74 audience members. “It’s almost like you’re right there, with the Frank family, as they hide from the Nazis in an attic during the Holocaust,” comments director Judy LeCoq.
Anne and her sister, Margot, wonder what lies ahead as they first walk into the small attic that will become their new home.
About the story
The central character of “The Diary of Anne Frank” actually kept a diary of her life and experiences, starting the week before the thirteen-year-old girl and her family went into hiding in 1942. The play, drawn from the pages of Frank’s diary, tells how she, her family, and four other people went into hiding in sealed-off upper rooms of her father’s office building in Amsterdam – until they were betrayed.
LeCoq says, “Anne has been recognized as a tremendous writer. And, this newly-adapted version of the award-winning play reveals the stress of confinement, awkward teenage relationships, and the tension and fear of betrayal.”
Thanks to the realistic set that focuses the audience’s attention on the dozen players, the work of Mark Taylor’s Theater Arts class significantly adds to the quality of the production – as does the student crew running lights, sound, and taking care of stage management duties.
While some critics might say the production is an extreme departure from their ensemble’s usual musical-comedy fare, LeCoq responds, “The book, on which the play is based, is required reading for most middle-school students. And, the story of Anne Frank is one that should never be forgotten.”
Because Anne Frank was a young teenager when her family went into hiding, she never got to experience life as most kids do. In this scene, she and friend-in-hiding Peter Van Daan (Zeke Fetrow) wonder if they’ll ever have a normal life, outside the confines of the attic.
Show ends Saturday night
“The Diary of Anne Frank” ends on March 15. There may be some last-minute seats available. Call the David Douglas Box Office at (503) 261-8270 to check.
The DDHS Small Box Theater is located on the lower level of the Howard Horner Performing Arts Center, 1400 SE 130th Avenue, Portland, OR 97233. This theater is handicapped-accessible.
Thinking they are about to be rescued, the families hiding from the Nazis feel joy for the first time in two years. Minutes later, they realize that a Nazi sympathizer has reported them – and they are moments away from being marched off to concentration camps – and certain death.
© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service
Within a couple of days of each other, Parkrose High School’s library unveiled permanent student artwork – and the school’s Swim Center held a movie night in their beautiful pool. You’ll learn about both, here …
Parkrose High School artists Jazzy Koczian and Heather Aplington, both juniors, show off their art, decorating the end of the Reference Section book rack.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
The Parkrose High School library is modern and well stocked with books. In fact, the least attractive part of the spacious room has been the shelves – until librarian Stephanie Thomas got an idea.
“The hospital-gray shelves are very sturdy and functional, but they’re just not very attractive,” Thomas said, as parents and student artists gathered for the unveiling of a major art project two weeks ago.
“We talked to art students, and their teacher, Bev Cordova, and we decided what we can do with the shelving,” Thomas told us. “We decided to decorate them by asking students to create works of art for the ends of the shelves.”
Parkrose High School librarian Stephanie Thomas thanks the student artists for their contribution.
Art, by topic
The artwork is inspired by the topic of books on the shelf, noted Thomas.
Your reporter was puzzled looking at the tall panel on the Library’s east end, decorated by juniors Jazzy Koczian and Heather Aplington – when trying to guess the content of those shelves.
“If it looks random,” explained Aplington, “well, it is. That’s because this is the reference section of the library. There’s everything here from National Geographic Magazines to encyclopedias.”
Koczian added, “That’s why it looks like outer space – with the nebula, and the apple and chicken. Almost every topic in the universe is in these books.”
It looks as if books, we surmise, which are about art, are on the shelves for which Cesar Pina painted an end cap. He says we’re correct.
Color coordinated panels
“As the panels go from one end of the library to the other,” Thomas pointed out, “the colors flow and blend.”
Now getting the idea, we met student Cesar Pina, a talented Parkrose High student artist.
“Yes, they’re books about art,” Pina affirmed. “They’re both about historical art, and cartoons. So I thought we could incorporate both styles of art in the drawing. I have a Salvador Dali ‘Melting Clock’, ‘The Thinker’, and ‘Scream’.”
Up to the challenge
“The project was a pretty big challenge,” admitted art instructor Bev Cordova. “Finding some kind of theme to turn into an image can be pretty difficult, when there are as many 500 books in a section.
“Finally, we projected the final images onto the panels, traced them out, and started painting,” concluded Cordova. “It took a lot longer than we expected, because we are working for equality. The kids love the idea that these will be up for 20 to 30 years.”
During the six-week-long project, some of the students didn’t finish their panels. “Students Cesar Pina and Isaac Song spent many hours, five or six days after school, getting them ready for display,” Cordova commended.
Valerie Robinson, a senior, calls her panel, “Stairway to the Unknown”. It represents the mystery and horror fiction which are on these shelves, she says.
Terry Franceschi, the school’s Theater Operations Manager, was credited for suggesting that the shelves could be capped with wood. “More than that,” Thomas said, “he cut the wood to size, and mounted each of the works of art for us.”
Everyone present agreed that the project turned out well.
“I feel like the panels create a warm and inviting environment,” said Thomas. “When students come in they feel more welcome here.”
Parkrose Swim Center hosts “Dive-in Movie” night
It was unclear whether the draw was the movie they planned to show in the Swim Center – or the attraction of a free community swim night – but the facility was packed to capacity at the event.
The last day of February, just a couple of days after the library’s art project was unveiled, the school hosted another event.
“I’m the coordinator for the ‘Dive-In Movie Night’ at Parkrose High School,” said Brendan Gill, the school’s program developer for its Community Connections Program.
“It was the idea of Career Center Coordinator, Meg Kilmer,” explained Gill. “We agreed it would make a big impact on the school; it would be a great after-school activity, because we have a great pool here.”
Brendan Gill, an AmeriCorps member assigned to the school, says he’s happy the event was such a “splashing” success.
The event, Gill said, was the kickoff for other Community Nights in the upcoming weeks. “They’ll be held in the Parkrose High Theater.”
As workers prepared to run the movie, more and more families poured into the Swim Center. Soon, the facility was at capacity. The event drew a crowd that topped out at 150 folks.
While some of the organizers seemed peeved that not many of those present settled down to actually watch the movie, it was clear that a swim in pool was the event’s main attraction.
The lights dimmed, but few people could hear the soundtrack of the movie over the ambient noise of folks having fun in the pool.
It was clear the kids and adults were having too much fun to settle down and watch a movie. Movie-goers may have been annoyed by the splashing ruckus, but we didn’t hear any complaints. It looked as if everyone was having a great evening.
© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service
