See why this fire burned so hot, quickly destroying the roof and putting the building’s structure in jeopardy …

This fire at VeloTech burned fast and hot, officials say.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Early Sunday morning, August 3, the alarm bells rang at one, then two – and finally three – Portland Fire & Rescue (PF&R) stations in outer NE Portland, as firefighters scrambled into their gear and headed to a commercial fire at VeloTech, located at 6150 NE 92nd Drive.

About 12:45 a.m., crews rolled through the industrial park, near the Columbia Slough, and found thick black smoke, and plenty of it.

“There was heavy smoke showing from the south end of the structure,” reported PF&R spokesperson, Kim Kosmas. “Firefighters were unable to locate the fire initially, due to the heavy black smoke. The fire quickly burned through the roof, due to the heavy fire load inside the building.”

Battalion Chief Mark Gift (in the white helmet and shirt) makes a plan for overhauling – taking out burned debris from – the burnt-out business.

We learned that clothing, bicycle tires, and CO2 cylinders were involved in the fire. “Crews were forced to go to a defensive attack, and quickly gained control of the fire,” noted Kosmas. “In total, 10 Engines, two trucks, one squad, two investigators, and three chiefs fought the fire, which they got under control at 1:43 am.”

Firefighters stayed on watch throughout the night, and into the next day.

From the building’s rear, the fire damage – including the missing room – is clearly evident.

At the fire scene later in the day, we saw crews preparing to shore up the sides of the building. Firefighters were standing by, but not yet entering the structure.

We asked Battalion Chief Mark Gift, then in charge of the scene, to describe the firefighting effort. “Our firefighters did a good job fighting a very intense blaze. This was a substantial fire.”

Gift noted that most of the roof was destroyed. “In this kind of building, the roof helps provide structural integrity to the building. We’re taking a close look at the structure – and making sure the outer walls are shored up – before we attempt to finish the overhaul along the edge of the roof.”

A welder prepares steel beams that will be used to shore up the walls, and keep the “tilt-up” structure from collapsing, while firefighters, investigators, and a clean-up crew work in the building.

Pointing to the northern portion of the building, Guest added, “These units have a one-hour firewall. It saved the other businesses.”

At the time of publication, no amount of loss had been determined for the building or contents. The fire was still under investigation.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

Oregon’s Governor didn’t stay long – but find out what he, Sam Adams, and Oregon Senator Rick Metsger had to say …

FuBonn Grocery’s Jenny Liu meets Governor Ted Kulongoski, as does FuBonn Shopping Center’s manager Michael Liu; they’re joined by Portland City Commissioner and Mayor-elect Sam Adams.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Two weeks ago, Governor Ted Kulongoski made a brief stop in outer East Portland to pitch the concept of developing a strategic statewide transportation plan.

The appearance was held on SE 82nd Avenue of Roses, in front of the FuBonn Shopping Center.

The center’s manager, Michael Liu, warmed up the crowd before introducing the Governor, telling how the neighborhood has changed since FuBonn was opened in 2008. “Since our arrival, the avenue has been transformed into the 82nd Avenue of Roses, highlighted every year by a parade for the community. With additional funding and support from the state, the sky is the limit.”

Governor Ted Kulongoski says he’ll work to get state-level funding to help improve 82nd Avenue of Roses, which is actually a state highway.

Kulongoski speaks
Governor Ted Kulongoski complimented the developers of FuBonn, transforming the former PCC campus into a shopping center. He also acknowledged Portland City Commissioner and Mayor-elect Sam Adams.

“My own Department of Transportation is collaborating with the City of Portland to increase safety for all the users along 82nd Avenue of Roses. We’re showcasing how, by working together, we can provide safer streets for our communities across the state.”

Kulongoski said Oregon citizens need a sound and safe transportation infrastructure, regardless of whether one drives, uses public transit, rides a bike, or walks. “We need a safe and sound infrastructure for our economy, so commerce and goods can more effectively and efficiently move from point of distribution to destinations such as this beautiful shopping center.”

Noting that the avenue is a city arterial street as well as a state highway – crossing through many neighborhoods, including the Madison South, Montavilla, Foster Powell, and Lents neighborhoods – Kulongoski said that Portland’s Office of Transportation has made him aware of the high crash areas along 82nd Avenue.

“Now that we’ve identified the need, it’s even more important that we continue to work together to leverage local, state, and federal funds to turn these plans into projects, and expedite improvements along the 82nd Avenue corridor,” Kulongoski concluded.

Mayor-elect and Portland City Commissioner Sam Adams tells why safety improvements are needed to cut down on the number of accidents along 82nd Avenue.

Adams cites crash statistics
Mayor-elect and Portland City Commissioner Sam Adams then stepped up to the podium and thanked the governor for taking note of the need for roadway improvement.

“We’re here to announce the culmination of a new partnership between the Portland Office of Transportation, the Oregon Department of Transportation, neighborhood groups, and the business people who have invested along this corridor,” Adams began.

“In 2007,” he continued, “29 Portlanders were killed on streets and highways, more than were murdered. It’s a gruesome but important comparison. The national safety Council estimates the cost of transportation fatalities and injuries in the City of Portland over the past decade has been $3.9 million, to the economy. In addition, congestion caused by crashes accounts for up to 40% of the congestion.”
Adams added that during the past decade, 1,360 drivers, 40 pedestrians, and 98 bicyclists were injured along 82nd Avenue. “We want to see safety improvements, but we need resources to fulfill the vision. We have cobbled together some money to fulfill that safety improvement plan, but it’s not enough.”

Oregon State Senator Rick Metsger says he hopes the federal government will reauthorize the Federal Transportation Act.

State senator hopes for federal funding
The Chair of Senate Transportation Committee, Rick Metsger, arose to tell the assemblage that he hopes for help from the federal government.

“In the next year, the Congress is going to work on reauthorizing the Federal Transportation Act – generally a six-year authorization. The fact is, over the last number of years, we have failed as a country to invest in the infrastructure of our own country. But now, with the new Congress, and leadership coming right here from our own community, I believe we have an opportunity to look at major reinvestment in our own communities across this country, and that includes the city of Portland, in transportation infrastructure to benefit our citizens.”

Visit pleases local concerned citizens
Ken Turner, President of the 82nd Avenue of Roses Business Association, commented, “This visit highlights the cooperation among governmental agencies, neighborhoods, and business districts.”

Pointing out that 82nd Avenue of Roses is indeed a state highway, Turner said he’s glad that ODOT is taking an active role in making the thoroughfare safer. “This is a case of one positive step leading to another positive step.”

Also present was Portland Police Bureau East Precinct Commander Michael Crebs, who said he saw the Governor’s visit as a positive indication for outer East Portland.

“The Governor is the most powerful man in Oregon,” Crebs said. “By Kulongoski coming here, it brings a lot of energy to the 82nd Avenue safety project. This brings people hope that good things are coming to 82nd Avenue.”

Jenny Liu, manager of the FuBonn Supermarket, afterwards told us that she was pleased that the Governor and Portland’s Mayor-elect came to visit. “It brings a lot of goodwill to our area, and it will help to improve 82nd Avenue of Roses.”

Ted Kulongoski learns from Sam Adams about the improvements that have already been made along 82nd Avenue.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

The Division-Clinton Parade and Fair gets better every year.
Take a look at our photo album of this mid-summer event …

Darice Robinson, President of DCBA, Nancy Chapin, festival coordinator; Rin Carroll Jackson, parade coordinator register parade participants.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
SE Division and Clinton Streets took on a carnival atmosphere on July 26 as the neighborhood’s parade and community fair got under way.

“Our parade started and ended with a band,” said Jean Baker, Past President of the area’s business association. “Sandwiched in the middle was a pageant of politicians, those who would be politicians, a church pew rolling westward, the devil on a bicycle blowing bubbles, and neighbors in artistically creative costumes.”

Folks lined SE Division St. to watch the colorful procession.

The big, bold “Get A Life Marching Band” was a hit at this year’s parade.

“Miss Communication” (and festival coordinator) Rin Carroll Jackson skates westward.

From SE 50th Avenue west to the end of the parade at SE 26th Avenue at SE Clinton Street were neighbors who cheered the parade’s participants.

They were treated to music on the move, played by the offshoot of the “One More Time Around Again Band” – namely the “Get A Life Marching Band”. And, the “Last Regiment” syncopated drummers’ lively beat helped move the marching pageant down the street.

Portland City Commissioner and Mayor-elect Sam Adams once again strolls down the street during this annual event.

A Portland Police Bureau Traffic Division officer looks bemused to see a pew from the Richmond Community Church rolling down the street – with parishioners still seated!

A candidate for Portland City Council Position #1 greets folks along the route, and asks for their support.

Mark Strek holds Hannah who, along with Shari Sokel, enjoy the parade.

Street fair follows parade
Along the route, merchants held sidewalk sales, and restaurants sold food and beverages to those watching the parade – and others who came afterward to stroll around the area.

Along SE Division Street, vendors set up to “show and sell” their goods.

Folks from the OHSU team offered $5.00 bike helmets for children and adults. About 100 vendors peddled their wares, and nonprofit groups pitched their programs, under colorful canopies on the closed avenues along SE Division Street after the parade.

Kids’ activities abounded, including bounce rooms, face painting, cookie decorating, and games.

The Clinton Street business district turned into a street fair for the day – and into the evening.

Action moves to SE Clinton Street
Festival producers closed off SE Clinton Street at SE 26th Avenue turning a block into a street party.

Restaurants, lounges and coffee shops did a big business as neighbors enjoyed live music – and each other’s company – well into the evening.

“Safety Jack” chauffeurs Chelsa Cain and Eliza Mohan in his PediCab.

Adults, but mostly kids, danced to the beat of vintage music, played off a DJ’s 8-track tapes – and later, to the music of a live band.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

See why hundreds of everyday citizens converged on the police station, on this lovely summer Saturday afternoon …

Portland Police Bureau East Commander Precinct Michael Crebs welcomes citizens to the annual open house.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
One of the favorite summertime events we cover is the East Precinct Open House and Barbeque.

When we arrived at the police station on SE 106th Avenue, we were greeted by Portland Police Bureau East Commander Precinct Michael Crebs.

“Welcome to our open house,” Crebs said with a smile.

Joelle, Naomi, Rebekah and Hannah and Amanda Whitlock try out an ATV at the East Precinct Open House.

Jordyn Wolford tries his hand at the remote-control police robot, while his dad, Clay, looks on. “It’s just like a video game, but real,” Jordyn exclaims.

“We’re inviting people to come check out what were doing here at the Police Bureau. We want people to get to know us, and let us have the chance to get to know them,” Crebs explained.

Oftentimes, the commander noted, the only time citizens interact with police is when they’re stopped for a traffic violation, or have a home visit due to a “difficult situation. But, we like people to meet and talk with us when things are going good, so that we’ve established a relationship before something bad happens. That makes for a lot less tension.”

East Precinct and SERT Officer Larry Wingfield shows some of the tactical equipment he uses, to the East Precinct Involved Citizens chair, Dave Smith.

Checking out the police motorcycle is Emma, Melanie, and Leah Zallee, with Sgt. Erin Smith from the Portland Police Traffic Division.

All bureau departments present
At this, the precinct’s third annual open house, Crebs said all of the bureau’s major departments brought displays, including the Mounted Police, Traffic Division, SERT, Bomb Squad, and Robotics.

“Citizens pay the taxes that fund the police bureau – here, they can come and see how their money is being spent firsthand. We also have our crime prevention specialists here, helping people learn how to reduce crime and the fear of crime in their neighborhoods.”

Renee Fischer-Green holds Kylie as they meet Officer Craig Mack’s trusty mount, Merlin “the magnificent“.

Cadet James Trendell and Cadet Greg Buduy man the grills, as they help feed 500 hungry lunchtime visitors.

Police car trunk supply volunteer (a/k/a “a trunk lady”) Mary Walker pauses for a moment with Portland Police Chief Rosie Sizer, while awaiting lunch.

Bernie Bretz-Erdmann watches, as her grandchild Cole Frascone is fitted with a bike helmet by Officer Kristin Watt.

About 500 people took the precinct up on the offer to meet, and have lunch with, their police; no one was arrested.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

These slime-buckets broke in and stole the family goods and car. Then, they went on a spending spree with their credit cards. Help us bust these crooks by taking a look …

Annie Diess and her son Max show us where their TV, video games, and other home electronics used to sit, before they were stolen while they were in church on July 20.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
It was a typical Sunday morning for the Diess family. They got ready and left for church on July 20 just before 8:00 am, as they typically do.

Sadly, criminals were watching their departure as they walked to their church.

When the family returned to their NE Portland home, just off E. Burnside Street, at 9:10 am, they found that crooks had broken into their home.

The thieves stole cell phones, a laptop computer, an Ipod, video equipment, jewelry, and even worse, credit cards. The crooks even stole the little girl’s piggy bank! The family’s big television was too tempting to leave behind, and they stole a family car, also.

The burglars didn’t get Max’s piggy bank, but they did steal the one that belonged to his sister.

Joy ride and spending spree
According to some reports, their stolen SUV was seen joy-riding around town – in areas from inner SE Portland to Gresham. Within hours, three people were seen in outer East Portland going on a spending spree – with credit cards belonging to the Diess family.

“Police received information from the Fred Meyer store at 14700 SE Division Street,” reported the bureau’s spokesman, Sgt. Brian Schmautz. “Three subjects attempted to use the victim’s credit card to buy about $700 worth of clothing. Store personnel became suspicious when they saw the suspects quickly stuffing merchandise into shopping carts. When they asked for identification, the subjects took off.”

It is obvious where the Diess family computer once sat on the desk in their home office.

Crime makes them feel suspicious
Reflecting back on the break-in, when she talked with us on July 31, the burgled homeowner, Annie Diess, said the family is still not sleeping well.

“I feel afraid, bad, and suspicious,” Diess told us. “We’re suspicious of every car that drives by or parks near home; we look at people who walk by the house. We’re constantly resetting our alarm system. It has changed our whole lives.”

She, and her son Max, show us most obvious result of the burglary – the gaping space where their widescreen television used to be, in the family’s media room. “Things like the TV can be replaced,” she commented. “There are a few sentimental pieces we really care about. More than that, I want the people who did this to know how much they hurt people by doing this. I hope they don’t get away with it.”

Max added, “It feels weird and bad because we won’t get to play games on the Wii for a long time. They also went into my room and took my pocket knife, and some rare coins I got from the Tooth Fairy.”

The young lad added he was sad because the crooks also stole presents from his First Communion.

Put the heat on these crooks and get cold cash
Fortunately, the Fred Meyer store surveillance system caught three individals on tape while inside “shopping” with the stolen credit cards. Take a look at this trio but note: the police call them “credit card fraud suspects” — they are not necessarily accused of being the persons who broke into the home.

Here are two looks at Suspect #1 – a white male in his 20’s, 5’10”, 170 pounds, short or possibly shaved head, goatee, and multiple tattoos on both arms and on the back of his neck. He was wearing a white baseball cap, awhite short sleeve T-shirt with “Hurley” on the front, and plaid shorts.

Suspect #2, seen here with the first suspected crook, is a white male, in his 20’s, short dark hair, wearing a short-sleeve striped polo shirt.

Suspect #3 is a white female in her 20’s, with long straight brown hair. She was wearing a dark-colored short sleeve top, and dark-colored pants.

By the way, the stolen vehicle, a 2005 blue Toyota Highlander, was recovered in the 5400 block of NE Hoyt Street, parked and left on July 25th.

Your tip can be anonymous
Crime Stoppers is offering a cash reward of up to $1,000 for information, reported to Crime Stoppers, which leads to an arrest in this case, or in any unsolved felony, and you can remain anonymous. If you have a tip, call Crime Stoppers at (503) 823-HELP (4357), or visit the website, www.crimestoppersoforegon.com.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

See how many neighborhood groups are celebrating the 25th annual “National Night Out against Crime” …

Rosanne Lee talks up “National Night Out” parties, at a recent outer East Portland event.

Story and photo by David F. Ashton
“America’s Night Out Against Crime” will be celebrated locally at several events in outer East Portland as they celebrate the 25th Annual “National Night Out” (NNO), a unique crime/drug prevention program on Tuesday, August 5.

“We have many events going on this year,” said Crime Prevention Specialist Rosanne Lee, who works with the East Portland Neighborhood Organization.

“These neighborhood parties were created to heighten crime and drug prevention awareness, and to generate support for, and participation in, local anti-crime programs,” Lee explained. The events tend to strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships, she added; “They send a message to criminals – letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back against crime.”

Last year, the Argay/Russell event attracted nearly 300 guests.

This year’s major events include those put on by these associations:

• Argay Neighborhood Associations BBQ – It runs from 6 until 8:30 pm at Argay Park, NE 141st & Beech Street. There’ll be live music, games, face painting, visits from police and firefighters, information booths, and much more.  Burgerville cheeseburgers, chips, and a drink – for only $2!
• Centennial Community Association – It runs from 6 until 8 pm at Parklane Park, SE 155th & SE Millmain. They say the community is invited for refreshments. Meet police, firemen, crime prevention and the volunteers from Centennial Community Association.
• Glenfair Neighborhood Association – This one will be from 6 until 9 pm at Glenfair Park, NE 154th & Davis Street. Free pizza for Glenfair residents (please don’t mooch!). Enjoy clowns, face painters, games, a fire truck, and other surprises.
• Lents Neighborhood Association Ice Cream Social – Their event is from 6 until 8 pm at Lents Park Picnic Area A, SE 92nd & SE Holgate. Come meet Lents residents, Police Officers, Lents Firemen, and find out what’s happening in the neighborhood! Information will be available on homeownership, crime prevention, the Neighborhood Emergency Team, and the Lents Neighborhood Association. Free ice cream and prize raffle.  Contact Amie at 503-788-8052 x105 or amie@rosecdc.org. Ice Cream is available on a first come, first served basis.
• Wilkes/Russell Neighbors’ Celebration – These folks put on a big event from 5:30 until 8:00 pm at Wilkes Park, NE 154th just south of Sandy Boulevard.  Come and enjoy an evening with your neighbors, police, fire, & crime prevention representatives. Complimentary BBQ burgers with all the fixin’s, pop, watermelon & children’s prizes!
• Woodland Park Neighbors’ Luau/Block Party – The small neighborhood with the big heart runs their event from 6 until 9 pm. This year, it’s in front of 1737 NE 101st. A Hawaiian Luau theme is planned for Woodland Park’s celebration. Come enjoy good food, music, children’s activities, raffle prizes, and meet your local neighborhood police officers, crime prevention reps, & neighbors.
• Mill Park Neighborhood Association BBQ — This event runs from 5:30 until 9:00 pm at SE Yamhill Street and SE 113th Avenue. These folks get together for family fun, barbecue and music.

Find one in your area
Whereever you are in the Portland area, you can find an event near you by visiting the Portland Office of Neighborhood Involvement directly by CLICKING HERE.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

What a great summertime festival! See why more folks are setting aside the second Saturday in July to attend this event …

Tyler Whitmire, president of the Portland International District Business Association strings up the welcoming banner.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
The second annual International Festival on July 14 – a community program of the Portland International District Business Association – was again gifted with sunny weather and blue skies.

And, the event grew this year, with more than double the attendance of the first one.

The An Daire Academy of the Celtic Arts – based in Portland and now with a school in Corvallis – energetically performed “Riverdance”-style Irish Step Dancing to the delight of the audience.

Making a ‘culturally inclusive’ area
“We are creating a culturally inclusive zone in Portland,” Tyler Whitmire, the president of the district association explained. “It’s where people can come and learn to understand one another. When understanding increased, people can benefit from the enlightenment that comes from exchanging ideas and culture.”

This event, Whitmire continued, helps do that by bringing people together to explore and celebrate their cultures.

Portland City Commissioner and Mayor-elect Sam Adams visits the festival. Here, he’s checking in at the Lions Club Health Screening van with volunteer Jan Wilson.

Adams congratulates fest organizers
“This festival is important in terms of what we want for our neighborhoods and our city,” said Mayor-elect Sam Adams, speaking to folks at the event. “I’ve been here both years, and it is amazing at how much it’s grown this year.”

Adams thanked Whitmire, Dr. Thomas Wright, and Eileen Stoker, and other organizers of the event. “I see lots of volunteers here, doing a lot of work to help keep this neighborhood get safe and friendly. I thank everyone who helps put this on.”

Entertainment abounds
The main stage at the Festival was the focal point for the event, as act after act entertained attendees.

Among the musical acts: Sam Bamboo played with steel drums; Love Pyle played American classics, and featured a young lady who really could belt out the blues; Allen Mathews sat in to play a solo set of Brazilian classical guitar music; and Haldaman’s Ooompa Boys finished the day with rousing Germanic songs – including the famous “Chicken Dance”.

Our International Festival Photo Album

The streets along Roseway Park are lined with public service providers, community group representatives and lots of great food booths.

The Roseway Neighbors Players Chauntey Cruz, Terrie Quinteros, Kieu-Oanh Nguyen, and Morris McClellan are introduced by the play’s author and director, Jeannie LaFrance, before they present “This Place is Home”.

Ronda Johnson of Central Northeast Neighbors hands out literature.

Artist Carol Hamilton paints a fine likeness of Spongebob Squarepants on Jakob Smith’s leg.

Demonstrating dances of the Pacific Isles is Kanani O Ka Aina. Kanani is on the left.

Again this year, it was your reporter’s pleasure to serve as Master of Ceremonies for the event. Special thanks to our audio producer, Mo McClellan.

Find out more
Want to find out more about this association, that works with business and neighbors along NE Sandy Boulevard? “Find out more information by going to www.pdxid.com, to find other ways we bring businesses and neighbors together,” invited Whitmire.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland New

Even during the summer months, see how “Dave’s Can Clan” works to turn recycle-for-credit bottles and cans into cash to help student programs – and how you can help …

The Parkrose High School Varsity Cheerleaders help out with can and bottle collection efforts, during their July Saturday morning event.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
The Parkrose Bronco Boosters’ “Can Collection Drive” continues throughout the summer months, on the first Saturday of every month – with the exception of July 12, when we caught up with them.

As we pull up, members of the Parkrose High School Varsity Cheerleaders look dejected that we don’t have a trunk full of returnable bottles and cans – but they say they’re happy to help promote the fundraising effort.

The money collected from this first-Saturday-of-the-month can drive at Parkrose Middle school is evenly divided between the Parkrose Bronco Boosters, and the sports team or club that helps out.

Dave, the Parkrose Can Man – can — and does!
“Last year we generated $6,000 here from our 12 monthly can drives,” said Parkrose’ “king of cans”, Dave Luce. “This is all from people who bring us their returnable-for-credit cans and bottles. And, we then help them by sorting them, and taking care of their non-refundables as well.”

He does this, Luce said, because his kids went to Parkrose Schools. “And, I’m retired and I don’t fish as much as I used to,” he says with a smile.

With the help of area businesses and neighbors, Luce places barrels and collects cans to raise money for Parkrose Senior All-night Parties.

Supports All-night Party
Additionally, Luce also raised $9,000 for the ’07-’08 Senior All-night Party. “I’m starting on next year’s event already,” he says.

Luce gets the cans by gaining permission to place 55-gallon plastic barrels or drums in various locations, he revealed. “I have 194 of them out at people’s businesses, and some homes.  They fill them and give me a call, and I come take ’em home and sort them. At the same time, I drop off a clean and empty barrel. It keeps me busy year-round.”

You can help
If you generate a substantial number of deposit-return cans and bottles at your home or business, give Dave Luce a call at (503) 255-3745, and help him help our community.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

The Metro Dancers present a summer program showing some of the city’s most talented folks that rehearse here. Take a look …

Lobster Emilie Larison, tweedle Sophie Gunz, dancers Karin Schulz and Tamara Larison, flower Violet Lane-Ruckman, and tweedle Annie Willis, take direction from volunteer and long-time Metro Dancer Len Mills. The weed, Orianna O’Neill, Riley Willis, and “Alice” Emily Sevy listen in.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Taking their show on “the road” – the Metro Dancers from Portland Metro Performing Arts Center (PMPA) are presenting a repertory concert, “Under the Summer Sky”, at the Washington Park Amphitheatre next to the International Rose Test Gardens, at 6:30 p.m. on August 1.

“This is an opportunity to showcase the talents of Metro Dancers and other local dancers in a variety of different dance styles and engaging choreography,” said PMPA’s director, Nancy Yeamans about the show. “The combination of rising pre-professionals and former professional dancers gives this company its exuberant style and polish.”

Volunteer Len Mills and PMPA director Nancy Yeamans position lobsters, as they rehearse for their upcoming show at Washington Park.

Develops well-rounded citizens
While the dancers went through their steps, dancer with the organization since 1986 and volunteer Len Mills talked about his experience with Metro Dancers and PMPA.

“Most dancers won’t go on to work and dance in a national company,” Mills observed, “Instead, they go into everyday life. But, especially for ones who get a start at an early age, they’ll go into life being a more well-rounded human being.”

Additionally, dance helps individuals gain self-confidence and good health. “When one feeds their soul with the arts, they’ll have a more interesting life, there are more enjoyable to be with, and will conduct their lives better,” says Mills.

The lobsters alive! They jump and jive!

Variety of dance numbers performed
On the bill for the Metro Dancers’ repertory concert are:

• “Controposto” choreographed by Deanna Carter; a jazz work,
• “Nightsong”, is choreographed by Linda Kuchera;
• Excerpts from “Alice in Wonderland” highlight the Tea Party, Garden of Live Flowers and Land of Cards (some of whom are real characters!);
• “Recherche'” choreographed by Joan Scott;
• “Khatanga” choreographed by Traci Castleberry Wojack, a hauntingly beautiful work set to a vocal score with Arabic influences;
• “Bluegrass” choreographed by Nancy Yeamans, with twanging banjoes and rollicking beat; and,
• “Swing Thing” choreographed by Nancy Yeamans, providing a fun romp through the Swing Era.

Three decades of dance
Wills told us that Metro Dancers was formed in 1977 to create an avenue for gifted advanced dancers to perform traditional full-length ballets, as well as modern, jazz, character and contemporary ballet pieces.

PMPA is currently located at 9933 SE Pine Street. You can learn more by going to their web site at www.PDXMetroArts.org.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

Most dental patients only get a toothbrush and check-up reminder card from their provider. See why “Doctor Dave” does more – by hosting a family-style picnic …

Dr. David Carothers – his practice is in the medical office building, just north of Adventist Medical Center – serves his patients a hot BBQ lunch at Oaks Park.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
As the sun peeked out from behind the morning clouds on Sunday, July 27, a goodly-sized group gathered in a picnic area at Oaks Amusement Park.

Under the tent were folks – ranging in age from elderly to tykes – enjoying hot dogs, hamburgers, and BBQ chicken. The one thing they all had in common was a beautiful, gleaming smile.

“I’m hosting a patient-appreciation picnic,” explained Dr. David Carothers DDS. “Been doing this for ten years.”

Carothers said he expected 350 folks at the summertime event.

Patient and dessert chef Kathy Fant shows us some of the homemade cookies she brought to the event.

“Really, it’s a big, big family picnic. All of my staff members are here helping out, as are my wife and her parents,” Carothers said. “This year, Delbert, the husband of a staff member, is singing and entertaining; later we’ll play bingo. And, everyone gets a wrist-band to ride the rides here at Oaks Park.”

The dentist said his only motivation for hosting the event was to “return the favor” to his patients. “I have a lot of loyal patients who see me and my staff for their dental needs. This is a way to give back to those who trust and support our practice.”

If you want to learn more about Dr. Carother’s practice, just CLICK HERE.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

In the mood for ice cream? Read this and discover chef Rachel Goebert’s secret recipe for making his version of this delicious cold treat. It’s easier than you may think …

Rachel Goebert of Caprial’s Westmoreland Kitchen, shows her abilities go beyond being a professional pastry chef. She demonstrates how to make custard-style ice cream.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
In addition to all of the vendors who provide foods ranging from fresh fruit and produce to prepared meals, the Wednesday afternoon Moreland Farmer’s Market offers cooking demonstrations each week.

The market operates on the Portland Memorial parking lot at S.E. Bybee Boulevard at 14th in Westmoreland. To learn the secrets of making premium vanilla ice cream, we stopped by on July 16th.

“Making ice cream at home isn’t as difficult as many folks think,” Chef Goebert says.

“You’re just in time,” said Rachel Goebert of Caprial’s Westmoreland Kitchen. “Today, we’re demonstrating how to make custard style ice cream.  And when we’re done, we’ll top it with fresh berries from the farmers market.”

As the crowd gathered, Goebert told us she graduated from Western Culinary Institute in Portland. “My specialty for the past five years is being a professional pastry chef. I’ve been cooking pretty much all of my life, ever since I had an ‘Easy-Bake Oven’ when I was a little girl.”

Chef Goebert scoops up some of her freshly made ice cream at the Moreland Farmer’s Market.

Cool demo on a hot day
Getting her ingredients together, Goebert began, “On a nice hot day, teaching people how to make ice cream, well, there can’t be anything better. Hopefully some kids here will learn how to make one of their favorite foods. And, it’s fun here hanging out in my neighborhood, meeting and teaching my neighbors.”

Although she didn’t have a stove on which to cook the ingredients, Goebert went through the recipe step-by-step. She explained that she’d already made a big batch – and it was churning in the ice cream maker as she spoke.

By the end of her demonstration, market volunteers had scooped up dozens of cups of her custard ice cream, and were topping the frozen confection with a sauce made from fresh blue and raspberries.

Recipe cards flew from the rack, cups of ice cream were whisked away, and the only sound was that of smacking lips. It was delicious.

“It’s good!” says Maya Adams-Pastor, as she samples some of Rachel Goebert’s freshly made ice cream while sitting on Andrea Pastor’s lap.

The Chef’s recipe
Custard-style Vanilla Ice Cream

• 7 egg yolks
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 2 cups of half-and-half or whole milk
• Pinch of salt
• 1 Vanilla bean, split
• 3 tbs vanilla extract

In a medium saucepan, bring cream, with the vanilla bean in it, to almost a boil. Turn off heat; let stand for about 30 minutes.

In a small bowl, whisk together sugar, egg yolks, and salt. Bring cream and half-and-half almost to a boil. Temper egg yolk mixture by adding about a cup of the boiling liquid into the bowl, while whisking.

Turn off heat and add tempered egg/sugar mixture to the saucepan and whisk briskly. Strain and refrigerate overnight or until completely cooled. Follow the directions on your ice cream making machine.

Volunteers Elaine Harper and Kathy Kreipe scoop the ice cream, and ladle on the fresh berry sauce.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

There’s a lesson to be learned from this wreck …

It’s unclear who caused this accident – but the result is crystal clear: Two vehicles are totaled, and people were injured…

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
In many ways, the smash-up on SE 82nd Avenue of Roses at SE Duke Street was unremarkable.

No one was killed, nor were there serious injuries, in this accident which took place at high noon.

What we learned from Portland Police Bureau spokesman Sgt. Brian Schmautz was that witnesses at the scene disagreed on who had the red light, so no citations were issued.

Everyone walked away from this one, but a moment’s inattention can cost drivers more than just a wrecked vehicle.

“75-year-old Jean Baggs was ia blue PT Cruiser northbound on SE 82nd, and was in the process of turning westbound on SE Duke Street, when she collided with red Honda being driven southbound on SE 82nd Avenue by 50-year-old Deborah Steimer,” Schmautz reported.

No matter who was at fault the result was the same: Two smashed cars, and two injured drivers. Schmautz advises to drive defensively, and to assume the other drivers might make a mistake that could cost you. That’s the best way to make sure you arrive at your destination.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News