Why did 400 dexterous artists come from around the globe to converge in SE Portland for a weekend of throwing things around? Take a look, and discover what we learned from our visit …

Award-winning 11-year old juggler Rachel Leshikar, from Kennewick, Washington, shows her skill at five-ball juggling. (To see her perform on YouTube: CLICK HERE)

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
The director of one of our favorite annual events – the 16th annual Portland Juggling Festival – Daniel Peterson, didn’t travel far to the event – he lives in SE Portland. But, some of the 400 participants trekked half way around the world to attend this annual event.

“We’ve brought in performers from Germany and Japan,” says Peterson, a Brooklyn neighborhood native. “But we have performers come from Canada, California, and points east.”

The performers converge on Reed College for a long weekend of juggling to see new “patterns” and equipment, reunite with old friends.

Portland Juggling Festival Director Daniel Peterson (left) “passes clubs” with friends Jennifer Noll and Borg Norum.

Reed College a juggling hub
Another reason Reed College is a juggling nexus is that the school has offered juggling as a physical education course for 30 years.

“I took juggling when I attended Reed College my freshman year, about 20 years ago,” Peterson relates. “But, I really got into it about 10 years ago.”

Asked about his favorite style of juggling, Peterson replies that it is “passing clubs”.

“Two or more people juggle clubs, and pass them back and forth among one another,” he explains. “There are standard, internationally-known ‘patterns’ or sequences for passing clubs; partners don’t need to speak to do it. And, people are always generating new, challenging patterns.”

Daniela Künster teaches new patterns to a class learning ways of passing clubs.

Although it might look like martial-arts mayhem, no one was injured in this – or any – juggling classes at the Festival.

Build mind, body, and friendships
Peterson says most jugglers he knows like the activity because it is challenging, both intellectually and physically. “There’s something new to learn and make a connection to what I’ve figured out in the past. It’s part of my lifelong continuing learning program.”

All of the jugglers with whom we speak also commented that – unlike magicians, who keep the secret of their tricks hidden – “There’s always somebody in the juggling community who has something amazing to show that I want to learn. Sharing juggling tricks builds friendships.”

Class is in session
In one room during the festival, I find two long rows of participants facing each other, ready to pass clubs. “Pass-self-self-pass-self-self,” chants German instructor Daniela Künster, as clubs start to fly through the air in orchestrated pandemonium.

“This is just one of many classes offered at the Juggling Festival,” says Peterson, as we watch advanced jugglers help novices learn how to juggle and pass clubs.

“And, over here, we have a ‘Stilt-walking 101’ class going on. We even offer a class dedicated to picking up dropped juggling equipment,” the event’s host added.

Rob Brown shows off while riding his seatless “Ultimate Wheel”.

Just how many rings is Matthew Knight, who hails from SE Portland, juggling?

Allied arts welcomed
We ask why there are folks at the festival performing related arts such as unicycling, diabolo, devil stick, poi, footbag, and Rolla-Bolla.

“All these arts are affiliated with one another; all ‘circus arts’ are welcomed,” replies Peterson. “Our participants are folks who like to work with props. We all learn from one another.”

Whizzing around the perimeter of the lower gym, in perfect control, is unicyclist Rob Brown. “When I was in sixth grade, I asked for a unicycle for Christmas. About three months after Santa brought it, I was unicycling to school. That was 32 years ago!”

Michael DeBuhr quickly learns how to walk on stilts. “I have a really good sense of balance.”

When he moved to Portland in 1990, Brown looked for a place to ride his unicycles during the rainy winter months, and found that jugglers welcomed him into their midst.

We see that the unicycle Brown was “riding” has no seat – it’s simply a spoked bicycle wheel with pedal cranks. “It’s called ‘The Ultimate Wheel’; I’ve been riding one for 20 years,” Brown explains. “I kept lowering the seat on my unicycles until finally I just took it off. You won’t find many people riding this.”

The best part of unicycling, Brown says, is feeling success after he works at learning difficult tricks. “And let’s face it – I like to show off. Ask anyone here; it’s one of the reasons we do this!”

Peterson smiles and nods his head in agreement. “No matter what a performer may say, we all love to show off.”

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

The City of Portland overlooked this rainy-weather trouble spot – discover why they may have caused the problem …

Long-time Lents Neighborhood resident Joyce Beedle put on her hip waders and cleared storm drains of debris she believes came from land owned by the Portland Bureau of Environmental Services. Hours later, it’s still draining!

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
We certainly didn’t get the hurricane-like conditions predicted by the forecasters on November 12 – but many of the outer East Portland streets that are prone to flooding were again underwater for hours.

Police simply closed SE 92nd Avenue, between SE Foster Road and SE Division Street – a perennial trouble spot.

Foster Road floods, but not Johnson Creek
We were surprised to learn that Johnson Creek was flowing well below flood stage, even with the heavy rainfall.

Yet, for hours, all lanes but one eastbound on SE Foster Road, just west of SE 111th Avenue, was flooded.

“This morning my son couldn’t bicycle safely to school, because all of the westbound lanes, the turning lane, and one of the eastbound lanes were completely underwater,” reported long-time Lents Neighborhood resident, Joyce Beedle.

Calls it a ‘predictable problem’
By the time we arrived, the water had receded, and only one westbound lane – and the bike lane – were underwater. That was thanks to the intrepid Beedle.

She said she put on her hip-waders, grabbed a pitchfork, and pulled leaves and grass out of the storm drain grates. “It was clear to me that the City of Portland wasn’t going to do it,” she explained.

The water from the leaf-and-grass choked storm drains backed up – and also flooded SE 111th Avenue.

The worst part, she added, is that this flooding was totally predictable – and not because of problems with Johnson Creek.

“Two days ago,” Beedle noted, “the City of Portland’s Bureau of Environmental Services mowed the property they own along Foster Road. The storm water drains were clogged with fresh grass clippings and leaves. There aren’t any trees or grass near the storm drains. I would prefer that they take care of the property in such a way that traffic is not impeded on SE Foster Road.”

So, if you drove along SE Foster Road on Wednesday, please know that it was a neighbor who helped drain the water from the street, and provided you with a safer trip!

No homes or businesses were damaged due to the flooding.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

It’s time for the annual dance festival at Portland Metro Performing Arts. See what’s in store for you – at this great outer East Portland cultural event …

Metro Dancers (Back row) Emilie Larison, Sophie Gunz, Riley Willis, Julia Manning, Sarah Stanton, and (Front row) Beth Barnhart, Angelia Biornstad, Violet Lane-Ruckman, Michaela Martens, and Kylee Martens, rehearse a number from the Dance Mosaic show on November 22 called “Bluegrass”.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
If you haven’t been to a performance of the Portland Metro Performing Arts (PMPA) dance company called the Metro Dancers, your opportunity is coming up next week.

“We call the program ‘Dance Mosaic’, explained PMPA’s Director Nancy Yeamans, as we watched a group of young ladies rehearse a number from the show. “It’s an exciting repertory dance concert, featuring works ranging from classical ballet to cutting-edge modern.”

Guests artists to perform
Metro Dancers will be joined by guest companies Kinetic Images Dance Company, Western Oregon University Dancers, Anne Kemer Dance and Skylark Tappers, performing the works of dynamic choreographers.

“This program gives the guest artists the chance to be seen by our audience,” Yeamons told us. “And, they bring some of their audience to see what we are doing. There aren’t enough venues and events in Oregon for companies to be seen.”

Dinner helps raise funds
In addition to the afternoon and evening shows, PMPA is hosting an Italian dinner, the organization’s director said. “We’re hoping people will come to support our non-profit organization by joining us for the dinner we’ve scheduled between shows, whether or not they also come for a performance.”

It’s important for PMPA to continue because, as Yeaman’s pointed out, “We’re the only people who do what we do – provide education in dance, music, and theater, all under one roof. And, being a nonprofit organization, it means that every dollar we raise goes into our educational programs – and thus back into the community.”

Two shows on November 22
Showtimes are at 2:00 pm and 7:00 pm on Saturday, November 22 at Portland Metro Performing Arts, 9933 SE Pine Street – just a couple of streets north of SE Stark Street.

Advance tickets are $15.00, or at the Door $18.00. The Italian Dinner featuring food from Pizza Baron, Olive Garden, Flying Pie Pizza, and Bridges Café, is on from 4:30 p.m. until 6:00 p.m., and the modest charge is $10 for high school and adult; $5 for grade school kids, and $2.50 for preschoolers.

For tickets, call PMPA at (503) 408-0604.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

What did Mayor-elect Sam Adams have to say about Portland’s economic outlook, at this meeting with businesspeople held east of the Willamette River? And what did they tell him? Learn all about it, and why it drew business people from all over East Portland, right here …

Before the meeting, Sam Adams listens to comments by John Perkins of the Hollywood Boosters.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Although it was a dreary fall morning, about 80 business people from all over Portland filtered into the Portland Community College Central Portland Workforce Training Center in Inner SE Portland early on November 7 for a “conversation” with Mayor-elect Sam Adams regarding the region’s economic outlook, and the Economic Stimulus Package being prepared by the City.

President of the Alliance of Portland Neighborhood Business Associations (APNBA), Jean Baker of the Division/Clinton Business Association, introduces the program.

Debbie Kitchin, with the Portland Small Business Alliance, introduces Mayor-elect Sam Adams.

Adams told the group he accepts the fact that the nation is in a depression, and thanked business leaders for gathering to talk about key issues.

“Portland city government is going to be cutting its budget,” Adams announced. “We face a shortfall created by reduced revenue and increased costs.” He said that his eleven years as Chief-of-Staff for former Mayor Vera Katz familiarized him with the process. “This is an exercise with which I have some experience.”

Portland Mayor-elect Sam Adams welcomes businesspeople to a conversation about improving Portland’s business climate.

Seeks to define prosperity
Adams decried the lack of interest in creating a durable economic plan for the City, telling how he’s sought to define economic success among all sectors of business and society.

“I think that we suffer mightily as a region, and as a community, when key partnership groups do not agree on what we mean by ‘business success’, and by what we mean by ‘personal and family prosperity’. Lacking that agreement means you get rather muddled economic development efforts.”

Mayor-elect Adams describes the current state of Portland’s economic condition.

Challenges faced in the business community
While the region has fared quite well in comparison to other areas so far, Adams said that, in the recent past, 26,000 living-wage jobs went unfilled. “Yet, we have 84 agencies in the region and spend $125 million a year to educate and train folks. That’s fairly mismatched.”

The Mayor-elect pointed out that the City of Portland has revised its licensing fee structure, shifting some of the burden from small businesses to large firms, grossing more than $20 Million annually, which pay only $100 each year. He also announced the City is streamlining the license fee system, eliminating estimates, and going to an after-the-fact tax. “I’m apologizing to all of the accountants who will lose business from the simplification.”

Decries rampant poverty-level wages
While there is nothing wrong with service-wage jobs, Adams continued, he stated that 21% of Portlanders earn poverty-level wages – earning less than what is necessary to provide for their basic necessities. “Compared to the 9% who earn low wages in Seattle, we’re in lot more vulnerable a position.”

Speaking of his personal background, Adams said he is the son of a single mother who “got by on subsidized housing and government support. I came from a family who couldn’t always get a good job. So, although I have never owned or run a business, we come to similar points of passions from different paths.”

Nearly 100 businesspeople came to Inner SE Portland to hear about the City Council’s plans, and to give their own ideas for economic improvement.

Looks to better educational system
Adams said, as Mayor, a primary focus for him will be improving education. “47% of our eighth-graders do not graduate from high school. 47% of our eighth-graders drop out before they finish high school on a standard-length timeline. It’s no wonder we have a high percentage of people working at poverty wages.

“If you look at the data for our region, you’ll see they we’re a highly educated city, but we’re ‘importing’ most of the talent who work at high-end jobs.”

Working on an economic stimulus package
Being the Mayor-elect of just one city in the world economy, Adams said he had no illusions about our ability to change global economic trends.

“I’ve always wanted to have city government positioned to be less self-absorbed about the impact of a recession on its functions; and more externally focused [on] helping our businesses and workers through tough times.”

While Adams suggested that the term “stimulus package” has become tarnished because of current federal programs, he announced that the Portland City Council is developing a program to aid Portland businesses. “I’d like to see city government to be proactive, trying to locally forestall the worst impacts of a national recession. There are things that we can do to make things better on the local level.”

Specifically, Adams said they’ve requested funds for economic revitalization from the federal government. “We wanted to be first in line, so we submitted our request two weeks ago.”

Also, he said the City is “moving up” construction project start dates for which money has already been earmarked. “Say a project is three years out. Construction inflation is running 7% to 8%. We save money by beating inflation; and, because the construction industry is down right now, we’re getting more competitive prices for our projects.”

Other programs include fast-tracking housing projects, expanding the city’s property tax investment program, and a 12-point small business and start-up business program.

Adams listens to comments during the morning’s conversation.

Business leaders comment
Businesspeople at the meeting praised Adams for his past and present efforts – yet at the same time took the city to task on a variety of issues.

The praise was offered by past-President of the Alliance of Portland Neighborhood Business Associations (APNBA) Patrick Donaldson, who summarized the positive sentiments expressed by many at the forum: “You [Sam Adams] have under-promised and over-delivered. You are the voice of small business on the Portland City Council.”

But Donaldson warned that fees, fines, and permit costs can “whipsaw” small business owners into closing. He suggested the City carefully use incentive plans. “We’d all like to pay employees a good living wage. At the same time, remember that business owners themselves are struggling to earn a living wage and gain benefits for their own families.”

Adams listens to complaints and suggestions about the City’s management.

Complaints and suggestions aired
Answering a complaint regarding System Development Charges (SDC), used to pay for infrastructure improvements in conjunction with new development, Adams responded that Portland’s SDCs rank in the lower third nationally, and have not been increased.

Dan Yates commented, “I’d love to see the Portland Development Commission get out of the housing business. It’s supposed to be an economic development agency.”

Tony Fuentes suggested that a micro-loan program would help spur local growth. He also suggested creating a local “manufacturing brokerage program” that would help local manufacturers more easily connect with area suppliers.

School improvement suggestions
Returning to the City’s high-school drop out rate, Adams suggested businesses find ways to hire interns and provide summer jobs. “When I worked as a dishwasher, I realized I wanted to get better educated.”

The historic Mississippi Business District’s Bryan Steelman told of their youth employment program, funded by businesses, in which ten youths from charter schools worked summer jobs and paid internships.

Amy Salvador and Wayne Stoll, of Century Associates and the Parkrose Business Association, listen intently to the plan Adams outlines.

Wayne Stoll challenged other business districts to match what they do in Parkrose – giving five $1,000 sponsorships to seniors graduating high school.

Promises to keep citizens informed
In conclusion, Adams promised that on November 19 the Portland City Council would be announcing a detailed plan for boosting the City’s economy.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

It is unclear why he stabbed his sister to death – especially because the two siblings lived in the same apartment complex. Here are the details of this sad and troubling story …

Both the accused and the victim of the sororicide lived in different units of this same apartment complex on SE Division Street.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Friends of 52-year-old Theresa Ann Rockwood were just concerned about her at first. When no one could reach her for a week, some went to check on her.

Her dog, which friends said she dearly loved, was unfed. Neighbors said her car, parked in the complex lot, hadn’t moved in seven days. It was suggested they call police and ask them to check with her brother, 54-year-old Joseph F. Rockwood, who also lived at Stonehenge Apartments in a different unit.

Police immediately suspect foul play
“Officers from East Precinct were dispatched for a ‘welfare check’ at Joseph Rockwood’s apartment at 11:39 a.m. on November 7,” reported the Portland Police Bureau spokesman, Sgt. Brian Schmautz.

“When Rockwood answered the door, they noted a strong odor of decomposition that led the officers to investigate further,” Schmautz told us. “They found his sister, Theresa, in Joseph’s bathroom with multiple stab wounds. He was arrested on probable cause of murder.”

The medical examiner confirmed the woman had met an untimely death, and then confirmed her identity with dental records.

Police suspect this man, 54-year-old Joseph F. Rockwood, stabbed his own sister to death.

Thought to be mentally ill
According to police records, Joseph Rockwood suffers from mental illness. What led up to the suspected murder, however, remains unclear.

Rockwood was arraigned on November 10 on one count of murder.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

This fundraiser was successful – but, see why
they really need your help in the coming weeks …

Cassie Goulart, Chef Curt Martin, and Patricia Tarkington help serve up turkey dinners at the CherryBlossom Loaves & Fishes Center in an outer East Portland fundraiser.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
There’s nothing better than a hot meal featuring roast turkey or ginger ham – served with potatoes, yams, and all the trimmings, on a cold, blustery day – to lift the spirits and cheer the soul.

That’s what visitors to the CherryBlossom Loaves & Fishes Center got, for a small donation, on November 2, when more than 200 diners attended the organization’s annual fundraising dinner at the East Portland Community Center.

Donated food and labor
“It’s our 11th year doing it here at the Center,” said Director Bennett Bailey when we stopped by to donate to the cause. “Because the food is donated, and volunteers help prepare and serve it, all of the money from our event goes directly into supporting our meals program.”

Even though Loaves and Fishes is a nonprofit agency serving seniors in need, less than 25% of their budget comes from public sources, Bailey reminded us. “So, in addition to our generous corporate and private sponsors, we’re left with a substantial amount of fundraising to do, to keep our centers going. This is one of our big fundraisers for the year – supporting the meals we serve both here at the center, and those we deliver to seniors at home.”

Bennett Bailey, director of the CherryBlossom Loaves & Fishes Center, serves guests at the annual Turkey Dinner benefit.

Nutritional support served with side order of kindness
The CherryBlossom Center is one of several Loaves & Fishes operations in the greater Portland area, but this one puts out about 600 meals per day. “Our service is important, because we provide about 60% of our home-bound clients’ daily nutrition,” Bailey said.

Almost as important as the food delivered, Bailey added, is the social interaction the delivery volunteers provide when they drop off meals. “When they talk with the senior for a moment, and give them a smile, they give the client a human connection with their community.”

Although they aren’t a full-service social service agency, volunteers also check on the seniors they visit. “They make sure their house is warm, and safe, and that the senior isn’t living in an unhealthy or dangerous environment,” Bailey added. “Occasionally they have found an at-risk senior unconscious on the floor. So, it’s not just the meal.  It’s making sure that there is some social interaction, and finding out what their other needs are, other than the hot meal we bring every day.”

More than 200 diners tucked into a hot turkey dinner to support the efforts of their outer East Portland Loaves & Fishes Center.

Volunteers needed, especially during the holidays
We’re happy to report that this year’s Turkey Dinner Fundraiser was indeed a success – seeing an increase of about 50% over the previous year, we learned.

“We really appreciate the support of our community members. But now, especially during the Holidays when our regular volunteers take time off for their families, we need more volunteers in the kitchen and as drivers,” Bailey said.

If you can spare a couple of hours a week, brighten a senior’s life by helping out. Call Bailey at (503) 256-2381 to volunteer, or e-mail him at bbailey@lfcpdx.org.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

Why did so many law-abiding citizens turn their weapons at this event? We’ve got the answer right here …

Portland Police Bureau East Precinct Sgt. Tim Sessions checks out a gun being turned in at the Lents Neighborhood Association event.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
The Lents Neighborhood Association, in cooperation with Ceasefire Oregon and the Portland Police Bureau, provided citizens the opportunity for citizens to turn in working handguns and rifles on November 1.

“I guess the word got out,” said Dewey Akers, the immediate past chair of the neighborhood association. “We had people coming here, from as far away as Canby and Gresham, from the hour we opened.”

Akers said that Ceasefire Oregon made a presentation to the neighborhood association, at which time they agreed to sponsor the turn-in program.

Gets guns off the street
In charge of the day’s program was Portland Police Bureau East Precinct Sgt. Tim Sessions, who talked with us about the event, as he made sure guns were made safe and ready for transport.

“The number one reason do this is to help keep us all safe,” Sessions began. “And, we encourage people who don’t want guns they inherited or have to bring them to events like these. It gives them a safe way to turn in a gun to be destroyed without any questions asked.”

Sessions said gun turn-ins help “keep us all safe” because, “When you think about it, if a person doesn’t know how to be responsible for a gun doesn’t know how to secure the weapon, there is the possibility of an accidental shooting. Add to that is the potential of a theft or burglary that can put the gun ‘on the street’, and in the wrong hands.”

Portland Police Bureau East Precinct Cadets Houck and Cisneros help at the event.

Said most successful ever
“Ceasefire Oregon”, we were told, collects donations used to buy gift certificates which are then given to citizens who surrender a “workable firearm weapon”. At this event, each citizen turning in a working weapon received a $75 Fred Meyer certificate, with a maximum of two certificates for two guns turned in.

“We started out with 375 certificates, and gave out 100 IOUs after we ran out,” commented Akers. “I didn’t think anyone would leave their name and address on the envelope, but they did.”

We observed some citizens deciding to keep their gun after they learned the supply of gift certificates was exhausted.

534 guns were surrendered at the Lents turn-in; organizers said it was their most successful event ever.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News.

Area residents were worried when reports of a teenage girl being raped surfaced last week; see how alert Portland Police Bureau officers got the man they say is the perpetrator …

Usually Lents Park is a place of fun and recreation for families. Neighbors started getting worried when they heard a girl had been raped here.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
A broad daylight rape on October 20 left the residents who live around Lents Park – in the area of SE 92nd Avenue and SE Holgate Boulevard – feeling uneasy.

“We have some bad characters running through there,” said Lawrence Brookmeyer, a retired Lents neighborhood resident whose house overlooks the park. “I hope they catch the guy – we’ll all feel a lot better.”

Portland Police Bureau spokesman Sgt. Brian Schmautz told us that, based on information from an interview with the teenage victim, detectives believe she was walking through the park and saw the suspect crouched against a tree. The victim approached the suspect to ask him a question. As she walked towards the suspect he stood up.

“As the suspect stood up,” Schmautz reported, “the victim observed that the suspect’s pants were partially open and his penis was exposed. Before the victim could escape, the suspect grabbed and sexually assaulted her. The victim physically resisted the suspect, who walked out of the area after completing the assault.”

Schmautz said the victim was able to give police a detailed description of the suspect, and helped the bureau’s sketch artist make a drawing of the suspect.

Police say they suspect this man, 26-year-old Andrea Tito Pascua, is the one who sexually assaulted the teenager in Lents Park.

Officer checks transient camps
East Precinct Officer Rian Hamby got on the case and checked several locations frequented by transients in southeast Portland. His work paid off; three days later, on October 23, Hamby found his man.

“In the area of SE 87th Avenue and SE Powell Boulevard, Hamby found and detained 26-year-old Andrea Tito Pascua,” Schmautz said. “Pascua was later positively identified as the suspect by the victim.”

Pascua was arrested and charged with one count of Sex Abuse in the First Degree and one count of Unlawful Sexual Penetration in the First Degree in connection with the sexual assault in Lents Park, Schmautz stated.

This investigation is continuing. Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Mary Wheat at (503) 823-0885.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

Discover how and why these two SE Portland artists are giving this former gas station and coffee shop an entirely new – and delightful – appearance …

A board member of the non-profit Cafe au Play – located at Tabor Commons – Charles Heying prepares the exterior for painting.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
The building on SE Division Street, across from Atkinson Elementary School, that started out as a gas station 50 years ago, and ended up being  a coffee shop that was actually an illegal drug dispensary, is a step closer to becoming a community center.

The former “Drive-thru Wake-up and Deli” is getting an exterior makeover as part of its transformation into the Tabor Commons Community Center.

“When you drive past now, you’ll see a colorful design covering three walls of the building,” said Paul Leistner, a board member of the Southeast Uplift neighborhood coalition. “The public art is a combination of geometric elements with garden and bird motifs.”

Sees building as a canvas
The design was created by John Early and Laura Bender of Site Painters, a local firm that’s been doing murals and commissioned public artwork for 25 years. You’ve seen their work around town – at the former Nature’s Market on SE Division Street, for example.

“We live in the neighborhood, and have been following the progress of this project,” Early told us, while taking a brief break. “This nondescript little box of a building seemed like the perfect place for community art treatment.”

Grant funds local muralists
Early and Bender created a design, and then prepared a grant application to the Regional Arts and Culture Council’s neighborhood mural program.

“Thanks to the support of the community – and in-kind donations from companies like Powell Paint Company – we were awarded the grant. Volunteers prepared the exterior by sealing, sanding, and priming the surface.”

SE Portland residents, and professional mural painters, John Early and Laura Bender transform the former drug-dealing storefront into a work of public art.

Center to create a ‘sense of neighborhood’
“This is our neighborhood – we love this area,” smiled Bender, as the husband-and-wife duo mounted the scaffolding to continue their work. “I like the idea of helping to create art that promotes a sense of neighborhood.”

When they’ve completed their work, Early said, they’ll coat the exterior with an ultraviolet-shielding varnish that will also help fend off potential graffiti vandals.

Working to fulfill their goals
Leistner reminded us that the main goal for the project is to create a community gathering place. “One way the Tabor Commons is achieving this goal is through partnership with a local non-profit, Café au Play,” he said “They’ll create a family-and-community-friendly coffeehouse program to support children and families, by nurturing connections among caregivers and empowering people of all ages to see themselves as both givers and receivers of resources.”

Community members hope to finish the building and site renovation this winter.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

Although she’ll represent all of Portland – find out why so many East Portland folks threw their support behind Portland’s newest City Commissioner …

Moments before the election results were posted, Amanda Fritz watches the coverage – with a couple hundred close friends and supporters – to see how her second attempt at gaining a seat on the Portland City Council would resolve.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Portland City Commissioner-elect Amanda Fritz became an “instant success” this week – after 17 years in the making – as she won Seat #1 on the Council this year by a wide margin over her opponent, Charles Lewis.

A 17-year journey
Just before the first results were posted, Fritz stepped in front of about 200 friends and supporters – including Mayor Tom Potter, and Portland City Commissioner Nick Fish – and talked briefly about her latest campaign.

“This journey started for me 13 months ago,” Fritz began.

“Actually, I started this journey 17 years ago when a neighbor left a flyer in my mailbox saying trees were about to be chopped down and I needed to come to the neighborhood Association meeting.

“At the time, I had children – ages five, three, and one – I like to describe it as being ‘knee deep in babies’.  I went to that neighborhood Association meeting; I’ve been going to them ever since.”

Fritz concluded saying, “If you ever wonder about being a neighborhood activist – whether or not you can make a real difference in your neighborhood and city – the answer is yes. Yes, you really do.”

Outer East Portland neighborhood leaders – and Fritz supporters – Arlene Kimura, Alesia Reese, and Linda Robinson, say they’re cheered by the election of Amanda Fritz.

Outer East Portland volunteers recognized
One of the many supporters Fritz went on to recognize was Linda Robinson, current Chair of the Citywide Parks Team. When asked if she would help in the campaign, Robertson outlined four different ways that she could help, and then suggested a few more, Fritz commented.

We asked Robinson why she so actively supported a candidate who lives in deep Southwest Portland – when she, herself, hails from the outer East Portland neighborhood of Hazelwood.

“Where she lives,” Robinson responded, “There are many infrastructure deficiencies, like we have in East Portland. Her neighborhood was also annexed within the last 20 years.”

But what really made Fritz stand out as a potential leader, she said, were her group interaction skills. “I’ve watched how she carefully thinks things through and how she communicates with people. But most of all, she really understands citizen advocacy and has actively participated in government. She both ‘gets it’ and ‘does it’.”

Popular in East Portland precincts
Fritz opined that she won the election because she’s worked with neighborhood and business groups all over East Portland for ten years.

“My support and interest is issue-based,” Fritz told us after the election. “The problems and challenges in outer East Portland are the same ones in deep Southwest Portland. The City made promises to many neighborhoods that have never been fulfilled.”

During her two campaigns for office, Fritz said she found that both neighbors and businesspeople all across Portland expressed similar concerns. “I found that ‘most every group considers themselves unheard and uncared for.”

Portland City Counselor-elect, Amanda Fritz, thanks her supporters after elected to Position #1 by a landslide margin. Her son, Luke, sits in the background.

When we asked how she’ll use her office to remedy this situation, Fritz responded, “When people come to the City – that will be me – to express their concerns, I’ll let them know I’ve heard them, and will respond with practical solutions.”

Because Fritz was already meeting with city officials and civic groups, she was pressed to move to her next appointment.

We asked if she’d enunciate how she’ll use her soon-to-be invested authority.

“As one of five members, I’ll do my best to help the City Council work together for the common good. Bringing people together is what I’ve done for the last 17 years,” replied Fritz.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

See why firefighters were delayed in helping this tree-trimmer down, after the tree in which he was working became electrified …

An arborist waits until a PGE crew arrives to untangle a rain-soaked branch from the tree in which he was working from a high-voltage power line.

Story by David F. Ashton; PF&R/Dick Harris photos
A project that started as a simple tree-trimming job turned into a harrowing rescue on November 6 in the Hazelwood Neighborhood.

“The call came in from the homeowner at 9:52 a.m.,” reported Portland Fire & Rescue (PF&R) spokesman Lt. Allen Oswalt. “Firefighters from PF&R Truck 7 responded to the 500 block of SE 130th Avenue on the report of a man that had been electrocuted – and that the man was still hanging in a tree.”

Hangs in electrified tree on fire
Oswalt said a branch of the tree in which the arborist was working was wet with rain, and had fallen into the power line. “When the crew arrived, the branch was arcing, sparking, and starting to catch fire.”

The treed man appeared to be a professional arborist, reported PF&R’s Lt. Jeff Klug. “He told us if he touched anything got a severe shock. We kept talking with him to keep him calm, and let him know our plan of action.”

Klug noted that the arborist’s boots were insulating him from the tree, and that he was not getting a jolt of electricity as long as he didn’t touch anything. He added that this arborist’s proper use of safety gear kept him from taking a nasty tumble from this electrified tree.

Apparently the whole tree was energized with electricity, and an immediate rescue attempt would have exposed firefighters to electrocution, explained Klug. Although the arborist was cold and tired, and hanging in midair in the rain, he had to wait for a crew from Portland General Electric (PGE) to de-energize the power lines – or come up with another solution.

Instead of shutting down the entire power grid, a PGE worker uses an insulated pole to dislodge the branch from the live power lines.

PGE to the rescue
“Within minutes, PGE workers were on-scene,” Oswalt told us. “Working from a boom rig on a truck, and using an insulated pole, the PGE lineman was able to pull the fallen tree limb free of the power line. This broke the circuit that was allowing electricity to run through the entire tree.”

Once the power was shut off the arborist was able to climb down, and was checked by paramedics. He had no injuries from the harrowing incident, and he refused transport to the hospital.

“Several things worked together that helped this event have a good conclusion,” summarized Oswalt. “The arborist had good safety equipment and used it, the neighbor called 9-1-1 promptly – and PGE arrived quickly.”

PF&R’s Lt. Jeff Klug checks with the arborist after he climbed down tree to determine if the man has been injured. It seemed the tree-worker was more embarrassed than anything.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

See the fun we found at several Halloween celebrations this year …

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Lots of treats, and few tricks, highlighted the [three] Halloween events we attended this season.

Westmoreland Union Manor hosts party
As they have in years past, the Westmoreland Union Manor welcomed trick-or-treaters to their facility with a long table, laden with candy.

Peggy Lewis, Joy Irons, and Mary Lou Combs welcome guests to Westmoreland Union Manor on Halloween evening.

Inside the Manor, master magician Bob Eaton entertains a crowd that included many kids – such as butterfly Ariel, and good witch Tara.

“Inside our great room, the Manor’s entertainment committee also put on a party, featuring master magician Bob Eaton,” reported the event’s organizer, Mary Ann Muldoon. “It’s our way of welcoming in our neighborhood community, and providing camaraderie for our residents.”

Woodstock Community Center’s spooky soirée
This second annual event was a combined effort of the Woodstock Community Business Association and Woodstock Neighborhood Association.

“We started off with a story-time at Woodstock Library,” explained the event’s organizer, Gina Ballard. “Then, kids trick-or-treated their way west along ‘Candy Corn Lane’ (a/k/a Woodstock Boulevard), here to the Woodstock Community Center.”

Here, welcoming visitors to the second annual Halloween event at the Woodstock Community Center, is event organizer Gina Ballard.

The Krill family – Robin, little Amalea Krill and Jim – work on Halloween crafts at the Woodstock Community Center.

Upstairs was a room dedicated to making seasonal arts and crafts. Downstairs, volunteers made sure even the littlest kids won candy prizes while playing the offered games. The Center’s kitchen counters were laden with healthy treat – like sliced apples, crackers, and cheese.

And she wasn’t alone in this year’s effort, Ballard pointed out. “Twenty-five volunteers pitched in to make this event fun and safe for everyone. I think it’s great that many of our helpers are young people, including Read College students. It’s really wonderful to live in a neighborhood that cares about community.”

This little Woodstock bee, Ryan Dash, tries the ring toss game, with the help of volunteer Josh “Bobo” Hobson.

Decorations at the Woodstock Community Center let families know that they were in for a fun, not-so-spooky time.

By the end of the evening, the Community Center had welcomed about 375 people to the community event; about 200 of them were children.

The LifeHouse Church was another major sponsor,” Ballard said. “And, we really appreciate our business sponsors: UPS Store, Otto’s, Laughing Planet, First Cup, Papaccino’s, and Hair Styles Unlimited.”

Lents Harvest Festival provides food, music and fun
On the lookout for more fun, we made our way out to the Harvest Festival put on by the Lents Lutheran Community, at Pilgrim Lutheran Church on SE 92nd Avenue, north of SE Holgate Boulevard.

“Welcome to our wonderful sixth annual Harvest Festival,” was how we were greeted by one of the event’s organizers, Jean Ferguson.

The Muller family and friends come to party at the Harvest Festival.

One of the Lents event’s organizers, Jean Ferguson, serves up a hearty meal of spaghetti and meatballs.

Kids were playing games; “Laughing Moose” – the event’s musical professor – was playing and singing tunes; and everyone was enjoying a hearty Italian dinner.

Couples, families and groups drifted in and out of the celebration throughout the evening, Ferguson said. “The idea is to provide a very safe and enjoyable place for the community to gather.”

“Professor of Music” Laughing Moose (also known as Bruce Kjeldsen) jams with his little buddy, Aspen Bouma at the Lents celebration.

Caleb and Eliana Eby enjoy the Lents Harvest Festival.

Judging from the warm, friendly atmosphere that prevailed there, they succeeded.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News