Look at this and discover why energetic volunteers work hard to keep the Woodstock Community Center vital – and the doors open …
Joe Kaczyk brings Black Bean Fritters, courtesy of The Delta Caf?©, to the Woodstock Community Center Open House.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Times haven’t been easy for Friends of Woodstock Community Center recently. Time after time, the city has threatened to pull funding for the center, and shutter it forever.
Florence Dezeix plays a Celtic harp, filling the community center with the warm, lush sounds of merry melodies.
However, on February 10, the stately community center, once a city fire station, is full of life.
“There have been some “close shaves” for the center’s closing, acknowledges volunteer Terry Griffiths. “Indeed, some very, very ‘close shaves’,” Griffiths agrees.
“But today, we’re celebrating the fact that our community center is still open, thanks to the support and efforts of our neighbors. We’re here today saying ‘thank you’ to all of the neighbors who support us.”
Woodstock Community Center volunteers Randall Magahay and Terry Griffiths relax at the Open House.
Griffiths tells us this community center is important because it provides a place for the people of the Woodstock area to get together, take classes. “It’s a nice, intimate space, and close to home for a lot of people who walk here.”
Randall Magahay says he takes clock repair class on Mondays, and attends Wednesday yoga sessions. “It’s nice to do this right here where we live, instead of traveling far and wide.” As a volunteer, Magahay says he’s happy to give to the center. “I do landscape maintenance and plant growing, and donate to the plant sale.”
The kitchen counter is laden with treats. We see cupcakes brought in by Island Creamery, His Bakery scones, New Seasons’ offering of fruit and bread, Delta Caf?© fritters, and Papaccino’s coffee.
“We did this to help raise both awareness and funds for the community center,” comments one of the event’s organizers, Gary Bankston. “This is turning out to be a fun event for the whole neighborhood. We have an art show and raffle and silent auction here.”
Alison O’Donoghue exhibits her buttons and painting, sketches on her current work, and chats with passers-by.
Filled with arts and crafts
We moved into the Mirror Room, and found it filled with works of art. Proceeds from this art sale help support the community center, we’re told.
Artist George Heath offers his “sculptural cartoons” for sale at the Open House.
We meet George Heath. “I just create what comes to mind when I make my ceramics.” Asked what he calls his cheerful, colorful artworks, he first says, “Well, they’re called Earl, Bob, Ted ‚Äì and Bill! Hillary is yet to come.” He pauses, searching for a better answer to our question; then opts for the term, “sculptural cartoons”.
Making Valentine’s Day cards is Maile Baures (center), between her sons Adrian and Loic.
The basement has been turned into a children’s art workshop. Pink paper, hearts and other Valentine’s Day decorations abound, as kids make cards for family and friends.
Join the community
On the way out, Griffiths confided, “The Friends of Woodstock Community Center could use some help. We need a financial person to help us better our accounts.”
Another way one can participate is to can take classes at the center she said. “And, we always welcome volunteers. Of course, you can make a tax- deductible contribution to the Center via Southeast Uplift.”
Learn more by going to www.woodstockpdx.org.
© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service
See youngsters meet the composer of a new orchestral work, moments before it’s played at its world premiere ‚Ķ
Duncan Neilson, composer of “Heart of the Wild” takes a moment to talk with young music lovers, moments before his latest work is rehearsed for the evening world premiere concert.
Story and photo by David F. Ashton
The Portland Chamber Orchestra typically performs in the Kaul Auditorium at Reed College. But their afternoon rehearsal and evening concert were special events on January 27.
“We have two world premieres tonight,” Rosalie Neilson, vice president of the orchestra told us. “This is a special day for us. Portland Chamber Orchestra plays the classics. But, we also are bringing arts together with a multimedia presentation.”
The free afternoon dress rehearsal was special for kids. Many of the dozens of kids who came were treated to snacks and face painting.
Before the rehearsal began, the composer of “Heart of the Wild” ‚Äì a work about to have its world premiere ‚Äì Duncan Neilson talked with the youngsters about his work.
“I’d been studying bear imagery in folklore around the world,” Neilson told them, “and found the bear is frequently associated with rejuvenation. The bear sleeps in the winter, and wakes up in the spring — much like springtime awakens plants and animals.”
Neilson’s orchestral piece was accompanied by visuals projected on a screen above the orchestra, and narration.
Maestro Vaacov Bergman, Portland Chamber Orchestra music director, leads the musicians at their free afternoon rehearsal.
The other world premiere was composer Forrest Pierce’s “Great River of the West”, another composition highlighting the importance of Nature.
The youngsters were also inspired by Andy Liang, a 15-year violin student. He’s the concertmaster of the Portland Youth Philharmonic. Liang was the featured soloist performing Samuel Barber’s Violin Concerto, opus 14.
We learned that this 38-member orchestra has been a part of Portland for 60 years. Their season will continue through the spring. For more information, see www.portlandchamberorchestra.org.
© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service
There are more than books at your local branch library. See what others heard during this cultural – and entertaining – presentation …
Accomplished guitarist Alfredo Muro, accompanied by percussionist Dave Fischer, filled Midland Library with rich musical passages in December.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
As part of a continuing series featuring cultural presentations of arts from around the world, Midland Library hosted an innovative program for its patrons a few weeks ago.
Although some said his commentary was slightly over-amplified, Lynn Darroch wove tales highlighting Latin culture artistry.
Entitled “Beyond the Border: Musical Stories of Latin America”, writer Lynn Darroch presented a series of narratives about musicians, authors, and others in the Latin world.
Those stories were set to music, performed live by guitarist Alfredo Muro, and accompanied by percussionist Dave Fischer.
Check our Community Calendar listings for other free, culturally-enriching events to be found at your Midland Library.
© 2007 ~ David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service
If you haven’t seen ‚Äì and heard ‚Äì this band, read this article and find out why you should look for their next performance ‚Ķ
Under the baton of co-conductor Fev Pratt, the Portland Metro Band starts off the second half of the evening’s program.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Many people love good, live, orchestral band music – but hate the high-ticket prices charged for downtown performances. Nor are they thrilled with fighting for a parking place, after battling traffic to get there.
But, the hundreds of folks who filled the Howard Horner Performing Arts Center at David Douglas High School a couple of weeks ago enthusiastically received the holiday performance of the Portland Metro Band.
The concert, co-directed by Jay Burchak and Fev Pratt, provided a full evening of musical entertainment, ranging from marches to rhapsodies, plus Christmas music.
Trumpet-soloing “Have yourself a Merry Little Christmas” are Jay Burchak, Mike Claritzio, and Larry Demas.
Started as the Milwaukie Elks Big Band, the Portland Metro Concert Band now numbers 45 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.
All of the musicians and directors are volunteers. The band is a non-profit organization, and accepts donations at their concerts to defray their operating expenses.
© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East PDX News
He claims that music truly is the “universal language” ‚Äì see how Rich Glauber uses jokes and songs to tempt kids into the library ‚Ķ
Using the magic of music to make friends with kids, Rich Glauber brings his program to Sellwood Branch Library as part of its Fall Programs schedule.
Story and photo by David F. Ashton
Portland-area musician Rich Glauber travels the globe as a performer. Recently, he has appeared in Costa Rica, Israel, and Spain.
So, what was this classically-trained musician doing – first sitting on the floor, then dancing around the meeting room – at the Sellwood Branch Library on November 4?
“I’m doing my favorite thing,” Glauber told us, “sharing the wonder and delight of music with kids.”
Early in the program, some parents acted concerned when their little ones started sitting closer and closer to the musician. “It’s OK, we’re all having fun today,” Glauber said as he started into his next song.
It wasn’t long until both children and parents fell under Glauber’s spell.
Because he brought a large number of percussion instruments, soon listeners became performers as he played and sang original songs.
Glauber wasn’t sitting on the floor for very long. Soon, playing his Tango Accordion, he was more like the “Pied Piper”, leading both kids and adults around while they sang and did an eclectic dance.
Says libraries are ‘positive energy places’
As Glauber was getting ready for his show, we asked him why he liked performing in, of all places, libraries.
“The library is one of the last bastions of positive energy in the community. It is a place where the arts can live.” With funding problems, he added, it is difficult for schools to bring in special music programs.
“Look at these kids,” Glauber beamed. “From toddlers to young teenagers, parents and grandparents, they’re all here to enjoy the program. I look to put out positive energy into this positive place.”
At other locations, we’ve seen Glauber put on his energetic program. But, does he get anything back from his young audiences?
“Absolutely! I get energy from all these smiles I see here today. I totally get back more good energy than I give. People are moving and having fun. It is a small room, but we’ll all be moving and having fun. As you saw, we get the parents moving, too. The kids see the parents get involved, and it turns them on to participate, too!”
When he’s not trekking around the globe, Glauber shares his “Music in Action” around the Pacific Northwest area.
For more information about Glauber, see www.richglauber.com.
© 2006 David F. Ashton ~ East PDX News
See what happens when a cat lover dedicates her studio’s open house to the care of feral cats ‚Ķ
Karen Kraus, executive director of Feral Cat Coalition of Oregon helps Dorothy Steele show off a “cat platter” which the artist is raffling off to help fund the spaying and neutering of feral cats.
Story and photo by David F. Ashton
This time of year, many in Inner Southeast Portland’s creative community hold open houses and sales.
What is special about the event at the Dorothy Steele Studio on December 8?
“This year,” Steele told us without pause, “in addition to raffling off a ‘cat platter’, a percentage of our sales go to the Feral Cat Coalition of Oregon.”
Steele said she’s been making colorful cat- and nature-themed pottery for 25 years, 16 of them at her location in the Brooklyn neighborhood.
“I’m a real cat lover, and I’ve always done cat-themed pottery. And, I know that the Feral Cat Coalition volunteers do a great job of helping keep the population of feral cats down.”
The artist said her work has evolved into creating pottery decorated with impressions of plants native to Oregon. “I press them into the clay to make the design, and lots of vibrant color. My work is functional, food-safe, and you can use it in the microwave. Above all, it speaks of Oregon.” To learn more, see Steele’s Internet website: www.dorothysteelestudio.com.
Works of five artists are on display, and on sale, at the Dorothy Steele Studio in Brooklyn.
Reducing feral cat population
Steele introduced us to Karen Kraus, executive director of Feral Cat Coalition of Oregon. “Spaying and neutering is important, because there is a cat overpopulation problem. It isn’t just in Portland; all across the country there are too many feral cats. Our program is for feral and stray cats who have a caregiver kind enough to feed them, but who understands that these cats shouldn’t reproduce.”
Kraus said they’ve spayed or neutered 3,000 cats a year, and have assisted with more than 27,000 cats since they started the program.
The organization holds two neuter clinics a month near the Rose Garden. If you care about a feral, stray, or barn cat, find out more by calling (503) 797-2606, or by visiting www.feralcats.com.
© 2006 David F. Ashton ~ East PDX News
See the massive pipe organ that got a real workout when this musical artist visited Hazelwood a few weeks ago …
Dame Gillian Weir played classical music on the concert pipe organ at the Sunnyside Seventh-day Adventist church with such skill, it sounded like an orchestra.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Dame Gillian Weir, visiting Portland from England, is hailed as one of the world’s foremost musical artists. Her career as an internationally-acclaimed concert organist, performing worldwide at the great festivals and with leading orchestras and conductors, has established her as a distinguished musician.
A few weeks ago, Weir demonstrated her virtuosity and outstanding musicianship – as well as her personal charisma – as she performed at the Sunnyside Seventh-day Adventist Church in Hazelwood.
Dame Weir, at the console.
“This organ,” she told us before presenting her program of ten selections, “is an absolute delight on which to perform.” Audience members showed their appreciation with their applause as Weir played works of Bonnet, Scarlatti, Bach and others.
The event, offered free to the public, was well attended. “Hosting concerts, like this one, is our way of connecting with the community,” a representative of the church said.
Watch our Community Calendar for other great concerts – often presented without charge – at various venues throughout East Portland!
© 2006 David F. Ashton ~ East PDX News
Throughout the year, the Portland Metro Performing Arts Center helps youngsters learn theater arts. See how their performance of the “Odalisque Variations from Le Corsaire” was enhanced by the new tutus ‚Ķ
Two dancers admire the new costume worn by Meng Paulson as she prepares for the November 17th performance of Le Corsaire at Portland Metro Performing Arts Center.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Nothing lifts the spirits of performers more than great costuming. Thanks to a generous donation, Metro Dancers’ ballerinas are now dancing pretty.
“We’re excited, you bet!” exclaimed Nancy Yeamans, director of Metro Dancers and executive director of Portland Metro Performing Arts Center. “These tutus are designed and sewn by the same costumer who creates them for the San Francisco and New York ballet companies. It is like getting a ‘black belt’ in ballet, when you get to wear a costume like this.”
The young dancers agreed, as they primped and readied themselves for the performance on November 17. “I feel so professional wearing this costume,” said a ballerina, as she pinned on her small hat.
Performing the Odalisque Variations from Le Corsaire at Portland Metro Performing Center, in their new costumes, are (back row) Nadia De LaTorre, Lorianne Barclay, Krista Bennett; (front row) Meng Paulson and Emily Sevy.
“The ‘Odalisque Variations from Le Corsaire’,” Yeamans explained, “is a ballet that takes place in an Arabian pasha’s palace. It is an exotic dance. An Odalisque was a lady idolized for her beauty. The ballet is special because it has a rich variety of movement.”
Coming up in December, they’ll be holding their Nutcracker Workshop. The center’s director said, “We do the entire Nutcracker Suite in three days. The kids love it because they can learn all the wonderful parts and variations. Parents love it because it takes place on three consecutive days, December 19 through 21.”
To find out more, see www.pdxmetroarts.org or call (503) 408-0604.
© 2006 David F. Ashton ~ East PDX News
At their fall concert, the Sunnyside Symphony Orchestra brought proficiently played classical music to East Portland. Read and see who their guest artist was …
Travis Hatton conducts the Sunnyside Symphony Orchestra as it plays the Overture to “Music For The Royal Fireworks” by G. F. Handel.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Word about the world-class Sunnyside Symphony Orchestra ‚Äì a group that plays its concerts in Hazelwood ‚Äì has been spreading across the city. “They play wonderful concerts,” said Emma Blacklan as she arrived. “I drove here from Forest Grove.”
The orchestra, under the baton of conductor Travis Hatton, is a volunteer organization composed of musicians who “play for the love of music,” Hatton told us. “Many of their number are professional musicians who share their talent with us.”
The concerts are held in the Sunnyside Seventh-day Adventist Church on SE Market Street. But, these events aren’t religious meetings. “We love playing here because of the acoustics, and they support our work,” Hatton commented.
Wendy Edgar, the featured soloist, plays her viola at the Sunnyside Symphony Orchestra’s fall concert.
Violist featured
Wendy Edgar, both a professional performer and teacher, was the featured soloist at this concert. Edgar was accompanied by the orchestra, as they played “Lyric Movement for Viola and Small Orchestra” by Gustav Holst.
The major work presented at their November concert was “Symphony No. 4 in D minor, opus 120” by Robert Schumann.
As word has gotten around about Sunnyside Symphony Orchestra concerts, the group plays to full houses.
Look for their spring concert listing in our Community Calendar. By the way, the concerts ‚Äì and parking ‚Äì are free! A very, very good price to hear the world’s greatest music, played live.
© 2006 David F. Ashton ~ East PDX News
See the fun that kids had at the
East Portland Community Center’s Halloween Carnival,
and Midland Library’s “Day of the Dead” events ‚Ķ
Enjoying the Halloween Carnival are (left side) Jaime Cole with her parents Dave and Pearl, and (right side) Kamrin Yee with her parents, Karlan and Karen.
Story and lots ‘o’ photos by David F. Ashton
Before the memory of this year’s Halloween festivities get washed away by the oncoming rush toward the Thanksgiving Day holiday, we thought you’d like to see the fun kids had at two different, but similar, celebrations.
East Portland Community Center’s Halloween Carnival
“Welcome to our ninth annual Halloween Carnival,” smiled center director Abbe MacFarlane, as she continued her task of filling orange and black balloons with helium on Oct. 28. “We hold this in cooperation with the Montavilla Community Center and Portland Park Bureau.”
Shelli Stuhr encourages Aryana Henry to play and win a prize from game attendant Helen Wu.
“This carnival gives kids the opportunity to get out and have fun in a safe, clean environment. They wear costumes, have games, face painting, crafts and hear stories,” MacFarlane explained.
Hundreds of kids spend the Saturday before Halloween playing fun games for prizes at the East Portland Community Center.
In the food service area, families were enjoying three-course hot dog dinners. The craft room provided materials for kids to make Halloween decorations. Scary stories were being read in another area. And, the event wouldn’t have been complete without face painting!
John, Jasmin, Olivia and Odessa stop to say hello before they get the face- painting “beauty treatment”.
As we left, the carnival was winding down. We checked at the door; the greeter’s silver hand counter read 1,113 ‚Äì very close to the 1,120 people they had hoped for.
Midland Library’s D??a de los Muertos/Day of the Dead
Look at all the families who are having fun celebrating “Day of the Dead” at Midland Library!
On October 30, Midland Library’s large assembly room was swarming with kids, mostly in costume, as they learned the traditions of D??a de los Muertos ‚Äì translated, Day of the Dead.
“This event draws on the Hispanic tradition, D??a de los Muertos,” explained event coordinator, Brenda Detering de Lopez. “This celebration helps make Halloween also a time we can celebrate those who have gone before us.”
Youth Librarian Barbara Gorter reads a scary story with so much enthusiasm and acting ability, even some of the adults are enraptured by the tale “Under the Bed”.
Detering de Lopez continued, “In church or at home, the focus is on celebrating departed family and loved ones. But here at the library, it’s about using our imaginations and dressing up as some of our heroes or favorite story-book characters.”
Volunteer Adriana Gonzales helps kids at the event to make crafts, like paper flowers.
The event included an exposition of altars, kid’s crafts, story telling, a costume parade and games.
Helping were students from Parkrose and David Douglas High School who showed kids how to use their imaginations while they had a fun and safe time at the library.
Everyone found it difficult to sit still, as Groupo Condor played pre-Columbian music from Peru and Mexico.
© 2006 David F. Ashton ~ East PDX News
See why food samples, a pie-eating contest and musical entertainment drew a merry throng of folks to this annual event at SE Portland’s People’s Co-op ‚Ķ
In the lower part of this photo, standing next to the blue canopy, you’ll see Celtic Sheppard Creamery’s Brendan Enright (in the striped apron) visits with People’s Co-op farmer’s market coordinator Ariana Jacob (wearing the hoop skirt) amid the bustle of market’s Harvest Festival.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Drivers who were trying to cut between SE Powell Ave. and Division St. using SE 21st Ave. found a detour blocking their way between SE Tibbetts St. and Brooklyn St. on Wednesday, October 4th.
In our case, however, we were delighted, not angered, with this discovery–we’d found the location of the annual People’s Food Co-op Harvest Festival. We stopped and joined in.
When we asked to speak with People’s “boss”, we were kindly informed that this unique, full-line grocery store is owned by the community and is cooperatively run. We were introduced to the Farmer’s Market Coordinator, Ariana Jacob.
Farm and craft street party
“Today’s Farmer’s Market is special. Welcome to our Harvest Festival,” Jacob greeted us.
She told us that People’s Food Co-op provides the best, most wholesome food available at the lowest price possible. The co-op, now in its 36th year, has always supported local farmers, producers, and craftspeople.
“Some of our suppliers decided to have a Farmer’s Market; it operates on Wednesdays,” Jacob said. “Unlike other markets, the People’s Farmer’s Market operates year around.”
A fun feature of the Harvest Festival is the pie-eating contest. It looked like all entrants won – a belly full of fresh, organic pie!
Bringing people together
“Our festival brings out everybody, all at once. Neighbors who live nearby come and join in our celebration along with People’s Food Co-op member/owners for a fun time. We spend time together, eating food, and drinking cider, wine, and beer. We celebrate the bountiful harvest and the spirit of community.”
In conjunction with farmers and producers offering samples of food, produce, breads, organic cheeses, the festival annually hosts a craft fair.
The People’s Co-op Harvest Festival turned SE 21st Avenue into a festival center, featuring food vendors, crafts, and lots of entertainment.
Meet a farmer (or is he a rancher?)
Jacob informed us that consumers like the farmer’s market because they can speak directly with even the smallest food producers here. “They run their own businesses, work the land with their own hands, and sell it directly to the customers.”
One local food producer we met was Celtic Shepherd Creamery’s Brendan Enright. “I sell my sheep cheese here. This market gives us the opportunity to educate consumers about our products.”
Enright said they operate a family farm outside of Canby. On 40 acres, they heard 40 sheep, and operate their own licensed cheese-making operation. “We’re only one of two in Oregon,” he stated. “Did you know sheep milk has more calcium and protein than cow’s milk?
One of the musical acts entertaining people at the Harvest Festival’s is this duo, named “Beliss”.
Co-op open to all
While everyone is welcome to shop at People’s, Jacob told us, those who choose membership shop at a discount. Folks who become “hands-on owners” by volunteering at the co-op earn substantial reductions in their grocery bill.
The co-op is located at 3029 SE 21st Ave., between Division and Powell open daily and is from 8 a.m. until 10 p.m. The Farmer’s Market is open year-around on Wednesdays, 2:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.
For more information, see www.peoples.coop or call (503) 232.9051.
© 2006 David F. Ashton ~ East PDX News
Make plans to visit the Rossi Haunted Ghost Town this weekend
— for fun, thrills, and chills ‚Ķ
You’ll find plenty of creepy ghosts and spooks and ghouls in, around, and flying over Rossi Haunted Ghost Town this season.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
One of the best annual Halloween events in outer East Portland is the Haunted Ghost Town at Rossi Farms.
The least scary part of the ghost town is buying your ticket. Dave Kuhn, Mary Brown, Christopher Allen and Vinicio Benois check guests who have come to be scared.
Supports a good cause
“This is our biggest fundraiser for the Drug & Alcohol Free Senior All Night Party,” Mary Brown, event coordinator, told us. “Lots of kids are involved. We have members of the Parkrose High Dance Team here again this year. And, drama students put on costumes and makeup to provide a scary-but-safe atmosphere.”
Last year, Brown told is, they raised $4,000. “We’re hoping for that much again. Saturday night drew more than 400 guests.”
Our ghostly gallery
We’re not going to spoil the fun by revealing all of the surprises, but take a look at these photos for a preview of the “fun” you can expect this year!
It’s “Thriller” time again ‚Äì and these dancers will give you the creeps!
Looks like Turkey Creek Tom and his gang died and went to ‚Ķ ? From the looks of the dynamite bundle he just lit, our guess is he wants to take some new “friends” with him.
It’s Electra, the Electric Girl. In fact, we’re told every thing she has is charged!
Look out! This creepy quartet may scare the nightlights out of you! Remember their motto, “Touch nothing, and it won’t touch you ‚Ķ usually.”
It looks like one of ghouls escaped!
Rossi Farms Haunted Ghost Town
Come early, if you have young ones who may be easily frightened. The fun gets more intense later in the evening.
Come October 27, 28 and 29. It opens at 6:30 p.m. and runs until 9:00 p.m. (or so). Admission is $9.00 adults; $5.00 children under 12yrs. Rossi Farms is located at 3839 NE 122nd Ave. just south of NE Shaver St.
© 2006 David F. Ashton ~ East PDX News
