Although this Lents resident helps the less fortunate every day, learn why he’s says he’s glad to accept a helping hand from REACH Volunteers …

Project REACH team leader Kathye Partridge helps to haul yard debris for Lents homeowner Ron Knox – himself, a volunteer.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Every day, Lents resident Ron Knox volunteers at the St. Vincent DePaul food pantry. “I love to volunteer, and help my community,” says Knox.

But, today, Knox is getting some help of his own from volunteers at REACH Community Development on their summer clean-up day.

“My hedge had grown so tall, I was afraid I’d have to put lights on it so airplanes don’t hit it,” Knox jokes. “When my yard gets out of hand, it means so much to me that REACH helps come and get back in control. It shows how much people help each other.”

Volunteers from Starbucks #15, at SE Milwaukie Avenue & Bybee Boulevard, including barista Juanita Kolbe and her daughter Zoe, lend a helping hand by trimming bushes during the August 4 area-wide event.

Will work for food
“We all volunteer because we feel it is important to help members of community,” says team leader for Project REACH, Kathye Partridge.

“All the people working here on Mr. Knox’ yard are volunteers,” Partridge tells us. “We feed them and give them beverages. We’re better able than some of the folks we’re helping clean up their houses and yards.”

Volunteer Mike Thomas works up a sweat hauling branches – a lot of branches!

Not only does the work help the homeowner, Partridge says their efforts also improve the look of the street, neighborhood, and community.

“I’m so thankful for Project REACH,” praises Knox. “Their help lets me help in my home. It allows me to be independent.”

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

While songs by Trio Voronezh haven’t made it to the pop music charts here, see why these professional musicians received ovation after ovation at their outer East Portland appearance. If you missed them – you’ve got another chance to see them, FOR FREE, on October 20 …

Playing their traditional instruments, the members of Trio Voronezh create lively arrangements of “world music”, including classical compositions and folk tunes.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Two kinds of audience members filled in nearly every seat in the large community room at Midland Library a few weeks ago: fans of Trio Voronezh and curious music lovers.

Before the three musicians picked up their instruments – a domra, a double base balalaika, and a bayan – they spoke with us about themselves and their music.

“We play ‘world music’,” Valerie Petrukhian told us. “We play classical and Russian folk music. We play because this music is our life, our soul. I hope you enjoy it.”

Petrukhian said the group took the name of town where they met, Voronezh. “It’s about 300 miles south of Moscow.”

‘World music’ played by global travelers
We learned Trio Voronezh started their career 1993 playing in small concert halls in Germany, France, and the Netherlands.

They made their U.S. debut three years later at the Oregon Bach Festival. They’ve played to a national audience on National Public Radio’s “A Prairie Home Companion”. Now, this talented trio plays as featured artists with orchestras across the United States.

Vladimir Volokhin passionately plays his domra.

The artists; their instruments
Vladimir Volokhin plays the domra, a three-stringed, long-necked mandolin used as a solo instrument in Russia since the sixteenth century. Having played since the age of six, Volokhin was the 1986 Russian National Champion of the “All Russia Domra Competition”.

Valerie Petrukhin plays his double-bass balalaika like a guitar, but it sounds like a plucked string bass.

Playing a large, triangular three-stringed instrument – he referred to it as the “Russian national instrument” – is Valerie Petrukhin on the double-bass balalaika. He started playing the accordion at age six, and the balalaika when he was nineteen. He also has studied the piano and trombone.

Playing his bajan with his fingers, arm – and chin – is Sergei Teleshev.

The third member is Sergei Teleshev. On his lap is his bajan, a chromatic-button accordion with various registers. Unlike Western-style accordions, Delechev changes registers by depressing levers on the bajan with his chin. He, too started his musical education when six years old.

Standing room only
Before he introduced the group to the awaiting crowd, Multnomah County Library program specialist Sergei Kozlov told us, “There are a lot of Slavic people here. We invited these special guests for them. I think you’ll like it.”

The room was about three-quarters filled as Trio Voronezh began their performance.

The spirited sounds of these expert musicians emanated from the room enchanting library patrons – previously unaware of the concert – like a tune played by the pied piper. By the end of their third song, every seat was filled; there was standing room only.

The daughter and wife of the domra virtuoso, Aloyoln and Oksana Volokhin, proudly show (and sell) one of the group’s CD albums.

See them October 20
See and hear Trio Voronezh when they return to Midland Library from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 20. Come early – this show will “sell out”!

You’ll enjoy classical, Russian, European and American music. This program is made possible through the support of The Library Foundation. Space at programs is limited. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Midland Library is located at 805 S.E. 122nd Ave., call (503) 988-5392 for more information.

And, if you miss this concert – one of the many free activities at your Midland Library – you can learn more about the group, or obtain one of their CD albums by visiting www.triovoronezh.com.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

If you haven’t participated in a “Plastics Round-up”, see why this volunteer activity is important for the environment – and also a great place to meet environmentally-concerned folks …

Bag man” and Sellwood resident Bill Steimer helps out the Plastics Round-up at Floyd Light Middle School in Hazelwood.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Several times a year, Portland Master Recyclers hold “Plastics Round-ups” throughout the community.

At the Round-up at Floyd Light Middle School in Hazelwood, we were surprised and pleased to meet Bill Steimer, a Sellwood resident, helping out this outer East Portland event a couple of weeks ago.

“We moved to Portland a two of years ago,” Steimer says as we introduce ourselves. “These recycling events are a good way to meet a lot of nice people while we help the environment.”

Steimer tells us he grew up in the Midwest, and spent 30 years as an attorney in Charlotte, NC.

“We rented a house, our first year, to make sure we could spend a winter here, and found we could,” comments Steimer has he hauls another full bag of plastics to the pick-up point. “We bought a house in Sellwood; it’s a great community. Portland is so far ahead of the rest of the country when it comes to recycling. It is really fun to be a part of it.”

Master Recyclers, and Plastics Round-up coordinators Vanessa Herald and Dion Glisan help Harlan and Keigh Thomajan from Mt. Tabor.

Keeps plastics out of the dumps
We check in with the event co-coordinators, Portland Master Recyclers volunteers Vanessa Herald and Dion Glisan.

“We do this because we don’t want people to throw away plastics,” explains Herald. “For the most part, plastics are recyclable. At most locations, folks can only recycle bottles with necks on them. But here, we collect plastics labeled #1 through #7, and plastic bags. We also recycle large plastic items like laundry baskets and old play equipment.”

The Plastics Round-up is a good way to reduce waste in the landfills, Glison adds. “Our landfills are filling up, and plastics don’t break down – even after hundreds of years. It’s great to give plastic items a second life as a new product.”

Don’t miss out on the fun! Go to www.masterrecycler.org to learn more about this great group of environmental-conscious volunteers.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

Ending where they started, see where performers on the PDX Teen Idol tour closed out the season – and what’s next for this competition …

Portland’s 2007 Teen Idol, Jordan Thompson, takes the stage one last time at Oaks Park.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
It seemed fitting that the PDX Teen Idol Tour came to an end in the area of Portland that hosted the semi-finals and final competition – Southeast Portland.

After being narrowed to a field of ten singers, Jordan Thompson was named PDX Teen Idol this spring at Reed College. But that event didn’t mark the last performances of this talented group of young musicians.

“PDX Teen Idol finalists have been on tour this summer,” explains Portland Parks & Recreation SE Zone Manager Jeff Milkes. “They’ve done 15 shows at venues including ‘Movies in the Park’ and the Oregon State Fair.”

Jordan Thompson, with competition organizers Tami Milkes, son Maleia, and Jeff Milkes – and finalists Meagan Hope, Samantha Hooper, Calli-rae Erz, and Asha Bernard – plan their last show together.

At the conclusion of their summer concert tour, at Oaks Park, Milkes tells us that the tour gives the participants the opportunity to further hone their singing and performing skills. “They’ll become the ambassadors for next year’s competition.”

Auditions for 2008 PDX Teen Idol will begin at various locations all over the greater Portland area, beginning the first of February, Milkes adds – with the finals being scheduled for next May.

For more information, see www.myspace.com/pdxteenidol.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

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

Multnomah County health officials say the Avian Flu is undoubtedly coming. There’s no vaccine for it. People will die from it. And there’s nothing the government can do to help you. Read and learn what steps you must take to protect the life and health of your family ‚Ķ

Jessica Guernsey Camargo, MPH, Project Supervisor, Pandemic Influenza Community Engagement, telling a SE Portland group there is no cure, nor prevention, for the coming Avian Flu. “The fact is, the only real way of managing the pandemic is through citizens taking personal responsibility.”

Story and photo by David F. Ashton
Those listening to the project supervisor of Multnomah County’s Pandemic Influenza Community Engagement center, Jessica Guernsey Camargo, MPH, looked stunned when she said that there is little government can do if Portland is struck with a pandemic of Avain Flu.

Speaking calmly, Camargo was in SE Portland on June 6, sharing information about Avian Flu, the county’s preparation, and how people can protect themselves.

The good news: its not here … yet …
At this time, nowhere in the world, is there an area yet experiencing a epidemic of Avian Influenza ‚Äì known as H5N1scientifically and “Bird Flu” commonly.

Right now, the H5N1 bird flu strain is commonly carried by wild birds. It does spread to domestic birds like chickens and ducks, Camargo told us. When the virus mutates so it can transfer among humans, we’ll have a pandemic. “There is no H5N1 bird flu in our country; but we do expect it to arrive at some time. We don’t know when.”

Currently, bird flu rarely spreads from person to person, she said. “When it does spread to humans, it is from very close, ‘beak to cheek’ contact. People who work with birds, or are in close contact with them, have a higher likelihood of infection.”

Thus far, the reported cases of the virus transferring from human to human have centered in Indonesia. “But, if something changes, there is a potential for a serious pandemic or plague.”

Pandemic defined
Camargo said “pandemic influenza” is a worldwide epidemic of flu. “Pandemics result from new flu strains emerging, rapidly spreading around the world, and infecting large populations very quickly. The most severe pandemics have been in 1918, 1957, and 1968.”

The reason the health department takes this so seriously is because, in humans, H5N1 progresses rapidly into organ and respiratory failure. And, the virus mutates as it gets passed person-to-person.

Health Department preparations offer little personal aid
“Our 2006 assumption is that we can’t prevent it,” continued Camargo. “It can’t be avoided. Vaccine for the virus is unlikely to be available in adequate supply. Antiviral drugs will have a limited role in easing the epidemic.”

Before and during the pandemic, she added, there will be open, continuous, and uncensored media coverage, because managing a flu pandemic will require broad community involvement.

“Specifically, we’re increasing public information–how you can prepare yourself. We’re working with hospitals to prepare their facilities for a large increase in seriously ill patients.”

No vaccine available
“We’re trying to increasing community education and dialog because we don’t have a vaccine for H5N1. We will most likely not have one early on in a pandemic. When we do, It will be given to responders, police and health care workers first,” Camargo warned.

Asked about using face masks, she replied, “We’re not endorsing using any kind of mask to prevent illness.”

Watchful waiting
“Right now, we are doing disease surveillance. We work with the state labs in Alaska; they are the entry point for birds on the Pacific flyway through Oregon,” Camargo explained.

Short notice warning
“We’re also doing emergency response exercises with our community partners and official responders, to prepare for when pandemic strikes.”

How long a notice will we have once such a pandemic arises? “A few weeks”, she predicted. “Most people will just think they have a cold, and won’t realize how ill they truly are. They’ll spread the illness.”

Our best hope:
Community-level prevention programsIf a pandemic were to strike now, the health department official said, “Local response would rest, largely, on community-level prevention programs.”

Specifically, help your family and community by:
> Covering your face when you cough;
> Wash your hands regularly;
> Protect others by staying home when sick;
> Use medical prevention and treatments appropriately.

If a pandemic worsens to the level of requiring community-level intervention, Camargo said the officials will begin to “enforce ‘social distancing’ such as patient isolation, focused contact notification, quarantine of small groups, cancellation of specific events, closure of specific facilities, communitywide “slow downs” — stay at home days; as well as broad closure of businesses, schools, events, and transportation; finally, strict communitywide quarantine.”

Be aware and prepare
We asked Camargo for her bottom line on surviving the Avian Flu.

“Multnomah County is helping people prepare for it; we’re doing all we can to prepare for it from the governmental side. But people put too much reliance on vaccines and medication. The fact is, the only real way of managing a pandemic is through citizens taking personal responsibility.I urge everyone to set aside an evening with their friends and families to begin to prepare for the possible pandemic.”

Instead of getting scared — get prepared!For more information, see www.mchealth.org, or call (503) 988-4454 for a recorded message.

¬© 2006 David F. Ashton ~ East PDX News

How did this outer East Portland market fare this year? We’ll dig to the root of the truth for you, in this fascinating article …

Take a look at another great East Portland farmer’s market, as it opens its doors …

Giving away cookies on opening day at the Moreland Farmer’s Market are Beatrice Matin, market manager Laura Wendel, and Elaine Harper.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Beautiful weather may have been one factor for the great turnout at the Moreland Farmer’s Market opening day on May 14. But the wide variety of vendors and upbeat feeling for the nonprofit market, as it begins its third season, may have contributed to the lively day.

About 1,850 adults – the organizers don’t include kids in their traffic count – visited 32 vendors offering plants, fresh vegetables and fruits, and a wide variety of prepared and ready-to-eat foods.

Heidi Perry, Marimba teacher at Sellwood Middle School, leads the student band in a lively number at the Moreland Farmer’s Market.

Matthew Hall sells fresh produce to Jane Crowley.

A neighborhood crossroads
Laura Wendel, the market’s manager, said she was pleased that so many folks turned out to visit the vendors and be entertained by the Sellwood Middle School Marimba Band and Jazz Band.

“We think of our market as a neighborhood crossroads,” said Wendel. “You can come out and see people, and sample a lot of terrific products. And, it’s wonderful to be able to come and get freshly grown and picked produce and fruit – and talk with the person who grew it.”

Ella Jones gets a balloon toy made for her by Alfie the Clown.

Making a crêpe is Meg Vogt, of the Village Crepery — a treat, in this case, for market customer David Monnie.

New features this year
In addition to the new and returning vendors, Wendel told us that the market will feature chef demonstrations and special food-tasting events almost every week.

“Also, the last Wednesday of every month, Judy Wallace of Wallace Books is providing block Styrofoam recycling,” noted Wendel.

Back after surviving a devastating flood at her farm and cheese factory, Meg Gregory of Black Sheep Creamery says she’s glad to be back at the Westmoreland market.

Vendor survives severe storm
Meg Gregory of Black Sheep Creamery has always been a vendor of choice at the market. But this year, market organizers wondered of she’d be back after experiencing storm damage last winter.

“We had quite a winter, but we’re back,” Gregory told us. “During what they call a ‘500 year flood’, we lost 75% of our flock. We ended up with 30 inches of water in the house – even worse; the water was up to 54 inches deep in our cheese facility. But we had 50 volunteers every weekend who helped us get back on our feet.”

“Hip Chicks Do Wine” winery’s Danna Hall pours samples of her wine at the Moreland Farmer’s Market.

More of everything good
Every Wednesday afternoon, the market offers local fresh produce, nursery stock, cheese, baked goods, flowers, prepared food, specialty items, and more. “This year, we also have specialty products like hand-made chocolates, fresh local honey, and real boiled bagels,” Wendel said. “And, there’s lots of prepared food, like freshly-made crêpes, grilled sausages, and food from Canby Asparagus Farm.”

There’s fun for the kids, too! Ruthie Jones has her face decorated by Mia Long.

Volunteers needed
Willing hands are needed to set up, operate, and take down the market. “Please call me, or see our web site,” Wendel requested.

The Moreland Farmer’s market is held on the Portland Memorial parking lot on S.E. Bybee at 14th, with free parking across the street at SE 14th and Glenwood. It’s open on Wednesdays 3:30 to 7:30 pm through Sept 24th.

For more information, see www.morelandfarmersmarket.org, or telephone (503) 341-9350.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

If you don’t know Ross Monn, Chair of Wilkes Community Group, see why sixty folks showed up at to honor this man and wish him well, as he moves to Spokane …

Bonny McKnight, co-chair of the nearby Russell neighborhood, welcomes guests to the farewell celebration for Ross Monn.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Never has the East Portland Neighborhood Office (EPNO) building, in Hazelwood, hosted such a well-attended event, as was the farewell event honoring Wilkes Community Group Chair, Ross Monn, on May 30.

The gathering came about when Monn announced that he will be moving to Spokane to rejoin old friends, and start the next phase in his life.

Known for being a direct-speaking, no-nonsense neighborhood activist, Monn heard a parade of politicians, government workers, volunteers, and friends praise his generous and nurturing nature.

In addition to championing land-use, natural area preservation, and density issues within his neighborhood, Monn also volunteered for tasks ranging from building Portland Rose Festival floats to dealing with land-use issues – and even helping reinvigorate the neighborhood coalition’s newspaper.

Bonny McKnight, co-chair of the nearby Russell neighborhood, started off the tribute saying, “Working with Ross, I felt encouraged to work with my neighborhood, and encouraged about the citywide neighborhood system.” She enumerated the many accomplishments that led to Monn winning the “Spirit of Portland Award” in 2004.

Mayor-elect and Portland City Commissioner Sam Adams says how Monn inspired him to be a better public servant.

Inspires Portland’s Mayor-elect
Portland City Commissioner and Mayor-elect Sam Adams told the group, “Ross advocates for his neighborhood with such precision and effectiveness, that he is not a person that you can ignore. And he does it with such charm.”

Noting that he’d worked with Monn on issues since he’d simply been a staffer for Mayor Vera Katz, Adams added, “You are a testament to the difference that one person can make. You’ve been inspiring to me. You helped me become a better public servant.”

Portland’s newly-minted City Commissioner, Nick Fish, gives Monn the hat given to him when he was assigned to oversee Portland Fire & Rescue earlier that day.

Drawn together by public service
After McKnight read a letter in which Portland City Commissioner Randy Leonard expressed his own appreciation for Monn, she introduced Nick Fish, recently elected to take Portland City Commissioner Erik Sten’s post on June 13.

“Public service is what draws all of us here together,” Fish began. “It’s part of what makes Portland great. Ross is a treasure; an unsung hero. I say that both as someone who aspires to public service, and as someone who has volunteered in our community.”

Metro Commissioner Rod Park thanks Monn for his leadership regarding natural-space issues.

Stepping up to tell of Monn’s efforts to improve the Wilkes Creek area, Metro Commissioner Rod Park noted, “It was his efforts, as he pushed and pushed to get help from Metro, that led to our developing a program that allows citizens to participate in improving green-spaces across the region. Ross, you are great advocate for the neighborhood, the city, and the region.”

Oregon House of Representatives Speaker and Democratic Party candidate for US Senate, Jeff Merkley greets departing neighborhood activist Ross Monn at a celebration held in his honor.

Advocated for many issues
Oregon House of Representatives Speaker, and Democratic Party candidate for US Senate, Jeff Merkley stepped up and said his partnership with Monn spans a decade.

“When there was an issue, he would call. I heard from Ross about issues including housing density, traffic congestion, public safety, and getting funding to complete Wilkes Park,” Merkley lauded. “People in government can only do their job well when you have people working in the field channeling your awareness to the issues that need attention. No one has done that better than Ross. We will profoundly miss you.”

Jefferson Smith, Oregon House of Representative candidate, he’s know – and appreciated – Monn for many years.

Oregon House of Representative candidate Jefferson Smith, who aspires to Merkley’s seat, added, “Recognizing the principles of volunteerism, and being a friend, and a valuable member of the community, is worth convening for; worth talking about. Ross stands out because he took on many tasks that were ‘nobody’s job’ – but ones necessary to building a strong community.”

Searching for “just the right words” is Amalia Alarcón, director, City of Portland’s Office of Neighborhood Involvement.

Searches for descriptive words
The City of Portland’s Office of Neighborhood Involvement director, Amalia Alarcón, talked about people in her office sought out exactly the right words to describe Ross Monn.

“We could say he works to move a program forward; but ‘move’ is too passive,” Alarcón mused. “‘Compels us forward’ is pretty good. How about ‘propels us’, or ‘catapults us forward’?  Whatever words are used, he is a person for whom we are grateful. We serve the city in a better way, largely because of Ross, and the work he’s done.”

Lise Glancy, with the Port of Portland, presents to Ross Monn a certificate recognizing his “hard work and dedicated service for representing East Portland neighborhood interests, and the port planning process.”

Monn’s nurturing nature revealed
Valerie Curry, Argay neighborhood Chair, said she appreciated how Monn nurtured and guided her when she got involved with her neighborhood’s association.

The Parkrose Heights neighborhood Chair, Carol Williams, told how, throughout her husband’s illness, and subsequent passing, Monn sent her light and cheerful messages and messages of support. “He cares so much, he gets involved.”

Arlene Kimura, Chair of Hazelwood’s association, remarked that Monn was instrumental in working with Commissioner Leonard to get the under-utilized Hazelwood Water Bureau building named for use as EPNO’s new offices.

Richard Bixby, EPNO’s executive director added that, “Any time when something needed to done, Ross would step in.”

Alison Stoll, Bixby’s counterpart at Central Northeast Neighbors, related a story about how Monn sought out resources to help a neighborhood child who needed dental work. “It was a kindhearted thing to do.  Ross, you’ll be remembered for the things that you do that bring people, throughout Portland, together.”

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

One local political race is still in progress this summer – Fritz and Lewis are each hoping to win the runoff for Portland City Commissioner Seat #1 in November’s election. Read what they had to say this week in Gateway …

Story by Watford Reed and David F. Ashton, photos by David F. Ashton
Portlanders know that Sam Adams will take over the Mayor’s Office in January, and that Nick Fish decisively won the Portland City Council seat vacated by the early retirement of Erik Sten.

But one race remains in city government – for Portland City Council Seat #1, currently held by Mayor-elect Sam Adams.

Fritz and Lewis in runoff race
Neighborhood control and interaction were the themes of both candidates, when Amanda Fritz and Charles Lewis stood to seek votes at a meeting in Gateway on July 10, as their runoff race begins.

Formally asked the same sets of questions, the two finalists showed more agreement than dispute as they spoke before the 40 people present at the Gateway Area Business Association (GABA) meeting.

Portland City Counsel Seat 1 Candidate Amanda Fritz

Fritz: Provide basic services
Fritz, a registered nurse, began by saying she won every precinct east of 82nd Avenue in the primary election for the city council seat.

In her opening statement, Fritz said, “I’m running to provide basic services for all 95 neighborhood associations. In the runoff, you’ll hear me talking a lot about all 35 business districts as well. We need to pay attention to both the business districts and the neighborhood associations – something I am very committed to doing.”

As the economy gets tighter, Fritz said, government needs to use taxpayer money more wisely. “I will make sure we are spending wisely. We need to remember that it comes from taxpayers – it’s not ‘fun money’ for politicians to spend as they wish.”

The first step, Fritz said, is to make sure the city is allocating funds to the core services — like “public safety, streets and infrastructure, and economic development.”

Portland City Counsel Seat 1 Candidate Charles Lewis

Lewis: Necessity of ‘affordable housing’
Lewis, who is a candidate for public office for the first time, started off by complementing his opponent on her ability and dedication.

He stated his credentials, including having earned a Masters degree in Public Policy, adding that he and his family are 30-year residents of the Gateway area. Lewis illustrated his ability and business acumen by recounting how he started Ethos Music Center with three volunteer helpers – and grew it to an organization with 78 employees.

“Affordable housing is absolutely critical, fairly distributed,” Lewis campaigned. “It is unfairly distributed into some neighborhoods. In the Hillsdale neighborhood they want more affordable housing; in some areas of outer Southeast Portland there’s too much affordable housing.”

Shifts in housing patterns affect school systems, he said; “Inner city schools are running at quarter capacity while outer East Portland districts are burgeoning at the seams. We need to do something to allow people to live and work in the same neighborhood, and go to school.”

Questions and Answers
Both candidates interjected their personal qualifications into their answers; we’ve edited the responses below for brevity.

Q: Which bureau would you like to have assigned to you — and what would you do differently with it?

A:
Lewis: The Bureau of Housing and Community Development. Affordable housing, appropriately distributed, is absolutely critical to everything we do.

Fritz: The Office of Neighborhood Involvement. If I am assigned that bureau, I’ll make sure we’re asking the right questions at the right time to best serve all of our communities.

Q: How do you feel about having specific and different zoning codes and land use reviews for each neighborhood or community?

Candidate Amanda Fritz.

A:
Fritz: Yes. There should be different zoning codes in different areas. We need to involve the community, businesses, and neighbors in setting [the codes] so we keep Portland ‘that special place’ with 95 distinct neighborhoods and 35 business districts, each with their own distinct character.

Candidate Charles Lewis.

Lewis: Neighborhoods are, and should be, different; we should celebrate those differences.  The cookie-cutter approach does not make sense for every single urban renewal area [such as Gateway]. We need to gain the input of community leaders as we move forward, to make sure that [zoning] is the right fit in every community.”

Q: Do you support increased density in Gateway?  Why or why not?

A:
Lewis: Density does not make sense in every community. The ’20 minute community’ [being discussed in the Portland Plan] – where you can walk and get everything you need within 20 minutes of your home – makes economic sense, it makes environmental sense, and I think it makes sense for our community.

Fritz: We need to be careful, as Gateway expands, so that existing businesses are supported and not squeezed out by exorbitant rents. Whether [residents are] walking or going by light rail, we need to make sure there is transportation for people to get to where they want to go – realizing that not everyone is going to walk [to their destinations].

Q: Are you in favor of “more affordable housing” in Gateway that is off the tax rolls [subsidized]?  Please explain!

A:
Fritz: We have a lot of affordable housing here. The question tax subsidies and affordable housing is complex. We want to make sure that people who have lived here for generations, and their children, can afford to buy homes here in outer East Portland. We also want to make sure that we have higher-end housing available [to house people who can afford] to support businesses.

Lewis: We have a heck of a lot out here right now. I’d like to see more affordable housing in the South Waterfront and Pearl District. We need to recognize that people need to be able to work and live in the same place; it’s going to be a focus of mine. The 35% set-aside in the urban renewal areas [for affordable housing] could be better used by the PDC to help businesses.

Q: How will you help grow existing businesses, bring in new business – and provide economic development – to Gateway?

A:
Lewis: We are in an urban renewal area. We’ve got the funds from PDC we can direct toward business development. It’s an incredibly powerful tool.  We need to focus on small to medium-size businesses.  I think too often the urban renewal money is used for humongous projects that benefit a very few wealthy people.

Portland City Counsel Seat 1 Candidate Amanda Fritz.

Fritz: Part of what I very much enjoy [about campaigning] is coming here [and experiencing a] sense of community: Parades, community events, and concerts in the park. I’ll be a cheerleader for Gateway. Grants for neighborhood business associations are also worthwhile; I’ll advocate for funding those grants.”

In the wrap-up statements, Fritz told how her years of community service – working with city and county governmental agencies, and being on the Portland Planning Commission for many years – make her uniquely qualified for the position.

Portland City Counsel Seat 1 Candidate Charles Lewis.

Lewis restated his business experience – starting, operating, and growing an organization in the City of Portland. He also stressed that, because he lives in outer East Portland’s Cully neighborhood, would give better geographic representation on the Portland City Council.

Timothy Mahar, who won a place in the Ambassadors of Music to seven European countries next year, received a $250 scholarship from GABA to be put toward his trip.

Gateway grant winner entertains
As a prelude to this political debate, GABA members heard music by Timothy Mahar, who won a place in the Ambassadors of Music to seven European countries next year.

Mahar, who will be a senior at David Douglas High School, plays the guitar and sang gospel and Johnny Cash songs.  He won a $250 scholarship from the Association, to be put toward the $6,000 cost of the trip next year.

He explained that the Oregon Ambassadors of Music are an honor band and choir, made up of top-notch students chosen by music teachers.  They will visit several countries in 16 days and perform in London and Paris, and sites in Switzerland, Austria, and Germany, as well as other countries.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

It’s more than just a Cruise-in – Parkrose business folks are getting ready for a day-long festival! See why they’re working so hard to make this event happen …

Parkrose Business Association Past President Wayne Stoll, of Century Associates, shows off the street banners about to be hung along NE Sandy Boulevard to promote the August 2 Parkrose Festival and Cruise-in.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
As we’ve been telling you – the “Rose Festival Parkrose Cruise-in” has been put to rest.

Traditionally poor early June weather led the sponsoring group, the Parkrose Business Association (PBA), to replace it with a brand-new event – the Parkrose Festival and Cruise-in on August 2.

Amy Salvador, of Century Associates, tells how flower baskets will hang from lamp poles along NE Sandy Boulevard to give the area some color – the sample basket is displayed here by the event’s originator, Gail Bash of Lucky Corp., and Mark Eves of Eves & Wade LLP.

Sprucing up Sandy Blvd.
Volunteers are asking city and agencies to spruce up NE Sandy Boulevard in preparation for the new Parkrose Festival and Cruise-in.

One project, Amy Salvador revealed at the group’s June meeting, is putting hanging baskets along Sandy Boulevard. “Many people have volunteered to help with this project,” Salvador said. “Rex Hollingsworth and his crew from Rex Heating & Air Conditioning (the title sponsor for the Festival) manufactured the brackets that will hold the plants – they will hang them. Joe Rossi is storing them until they go up; Freedom House is watering and maintaining them, and Century Associates is paying for the fertilizer and amenities.”

Other projects include street and bus stop cleaning and window washing along the boulevard.

Gordon Boorse, of Compaction & Recycling Equipment, and Marsha Lee, with Copy Express, tell the story of how the original Cruise-in program was started to support scholarships for local high school graduates.

Event sponsors scholarships
The reason the PBA started the event seven years ago was to raise a fund that would provide scholarships for graduating Parkrose High School seniors, explained Marsha Lee.

Lee introduced this year’s benefiting scholars – all of whom will be on hand to give out awards at this year’s Parkrose Festival & Cruise-in. Each of the scholars was vetted by a committee from the association consisting of herself, Mary Brown, Alison Stoll, Nancy Murphy, and Craig Mendenhall. Each scholar was awarded a $1,000 check.

Nancy Murphy gives Natasha Rose her award. Natasha will attend Mt. Hood Community College, working toward a degree in Secondary English, to become a high school English teacher.

Mary Brown presents her award to Renae Brown (no relation). Renae will attend Mt. Hood Community College, majoring in Psychology, with the goal of becoming a social worker.

Toyin Oyemaja gets her scholarship check from Mary Brown. Toyin will attend Portland State University, to major in Nursing, with the goal of becoming a Nurse Practitioner.

Alison Stoll presents a scholarship check to Tru Tran. Tru will attend Beloit College, studying Political Science and Pre-med.

Marsha Lee hands off a check to artist and scholar Cesar Pina. Cesar will attend Mt. Hood Community College, working toward his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, with the goal of becoming an animator.

Representing the “Dollars for Scholars” program that provides a matching grant, Carley Brown awards Justin Garvin. Justin will attend Oregon State University.

Meg Kilmer, higher-education counselor at Parkrose High School, accepts the plaque listing all of the benefiting scholars – past and present. You can see that they started out by sponsoring a single scholar!

Parkrose Festival and Cruise-in is August 2
What can you expect at this event? It’s a street fair on NE Sandy Boulevard, between NE 105th and NE 112th. It’s one the largest cruise-ins in the region. And, there’s fun for the entire family! It includes:

Cruise-in:

• A wide variety of antique, specialty, and classic cars, trucks, and motorcycles
• Over 55 trophies awarded to participants – including the giant 5-foot Grand Prize trophy
• Goodie Bags for first 300 cars in the Cruise-in Show & Shine
• Parade of Cars

Food:

• Authentic Swedish Pancake Breakfast prepared by the Harmoni Club
• Parkrose Lions’ BBQ Chicken Dinner
• Bad Ass Barbeque favorites
• Boss Hawg’s Beer Garden
• PBA Chuck Wagon’s Burgers, Dogs, & Snacks

Activities:

• Kids’ Area and Activities
• Community Resource Booths
• “Blow-up Car” contests – Guess how long a car can run without oil!
• The Big Parkrose Raffle – Grand prizes are: A $1,500 barbeque center, sponsored by Rex Heating &  Air Conditioning; and a set of four tires & wheels, sponsored by West Coast Bank & Bob Brown Tires. Plus, there are hundreds of other great prizes to be given away
• Fun activities within businesses along Sandy Boulevard

The Title Sponsor for this event is Rex Heating & Air Conditioning; the main sponsors include West Coast Bank and Pacific Northwest Credit Union.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

There aren’t any broncos to bust or calves to rope – but see what these electrical workers DO compete in, when they go to the region’s ‘lineman’s rodeo’ …

At this PGE training station on outer SE Powell Boulevard, linemen from all over the region gather to compete at the Pacific Northwest Lineman’s Rodeo.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Some of the toughest guys you’ll meet are at this all-day rodeo – but you won’t find any bull-riding, roping, or herding at the Pacific Northwest Lineman’s Rodeo, held annually out on SE Powell Boulevard on the last weekend in July – this year, on the 26th.

Instead, electric utility workers – some from as far away as Alaska – who climb utility poles to help repair wires or replace burned out transformers for a living, demonstrate their skills, as they compete against one another.

Rob Wales, a Portland General Electric lineman foreman, says that safety is more important than speed in their events.

East Portland was well represented at the event, said the event’s spokesman, Rob Wales, a Portland General Electric lineman foreman. “This is the 15th annual event,” Wales told us. “We’ve got 16 teams competing. Each one consists of three journeymen and a judge.”

Safety more important than speed
This rodeo’s events mirror tasks that electrical linemen perform in their daily work. “The key thing in each of our events,” Wales explained, “is safety above all else.”

Adam Blackwell, a journeyman from East Portland, races up a utility pole …

… and comes back down with the raw egg in his mouth still unbroken.

Wales pointed to Adam Blackwell, a journeyman from his facility, who was racing up to the top of a wooden utility pole in the “Speed Climb” event. The participant was climbing rapidly using a strap around the pole and spikes on his boots.

“Blackwell is climbing as quickly as he can. But he – and all of the linemen in this competition – holds a raw egg in his mouth. This assures he’s not overstepping his own natural abilities. If he breaks the egg, he loses the contest.”

After showing that his egg was intact, Blackwell paused a moment to talk with us about the rodeo. “The best part for me is winning!” he said. “It’s fun, and it’s great for the family to come see what we do, and to be with your friends and talk with other linemen you haven’t seen in a long time.”

The rodeo also provides these high-climbers with educational opportunities, Blackwell added. “Although there is a standard way of performing tasks, we get to learn techniques from others; everyone does things a little differently.”

As we walked to other event areas, Wales reemphasized that safety is paramount at the rodeo. “Yes, the object is to work as swiftly as possible. But when the teams are scored, their attention to safety is measured first, and quality of workmanship is second; finally, ranking third, speed. And, because swiftness plays a part in the events, the electric lines here are de-energized.”

MAX light rail electrician Chad Morrison helps his daughter try climbing a pole.

Nine-year-old Cassey Morrison climbs her first utility pole at the Lineman’s Rodeo.

Budding linemen try out
Not all of the events are for the linemen. Their spouses and children participate in hay-mound cash-grab, and other games.

And, the more daring family members were offered the opportunity to climb utility poles. Chad Morrison, an electrician who works on the MAX light rail system, helped his daughter, Cassey, strap into a safety harness and go for a climb.

“It’s hard work,” the little girl said, “But it was fun.”

Play with a purpose
In addition to providing camaraderie and showcasing skills, the event is also a fundraiser. “We have developed a relationship with the Oregon Burn Center; our proceeds go to support them. We have a lot of fun, but also get to support a good cause with the rodeo.”

One of the favorite family events is the hay-mound dash-for-cash.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News