How about “they sing for stands”? Take a look, and you’ll see why choir members are working hard to get new performance equipment …

The Parkrose High “A-Choir” performs at a special fund-raising concert at Parkrose United Methodist Church.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
After 35 years of use, the risers – the stands used by the choir – at Parkrose High School were carted out to the dump just a few weeks ago.

“After taking a long look at our old risers, and choral shell,” said choir and voice instructor Lesley Ann Bossert, “We all agreed they had to go. It was getting to the point where safety might be an issue.”

With that in mind, the choir has taken on a new project: Replacing this much-needed equipment. The risers allow singers to stand in rows, each higher than the last. The choral shell helps the singers’ voices project.

Standing on the far left, Kiet Tran leads a men’s ensemble at the Parkrose fundraising concert.

May concert features jazz
Their concert on May 18 took place at Parkrose United Methodist Church, and featured the big band sounds of Jazz Express.

This program also featured the Parkrose High School “A-Choir”. And, Parkrose High student Kiet Tran’s senior project – a men’s ensemble – also performed.

June Awards Concert

“A-Choir” member Jason McGhee gets a wardrobe adjustment by choir director Lesley Bossert.

One of the highlights of the past year, that choir director Lesley Bossert shared with the audience, was the Debonairs’ experience of participating in their first jazz festival – along with a bass and percussion player.

Bossert talked about the high scores the choirs made in competition, and complemented the student musicians who qualified at the State competitions.

We can’t let you hear their wonderful music – but we can share photos of these talented students with you!

The Treble Choir was up first. They sang “Fly Me to the Moon”, “Ain’t That News”, “Danny Boy” and finished up with an energetic presentation of “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy”. By the way, they’re standing on borrowed risers!

Under the direction of Parkrose High’s choir director, Lesley Bossert, many outer East Portland students have gained solid musical skills.

The Debonaires perform – with their combo – the songs “Turnaround”, “Lullaby on the Hudson” and “Down St. Thomas Way”.

The Concert Choir showed a wide range of musical skills as they performed “Song of the Sea”, “A Canon of Praise” and a toe-tapping medley: “Disney Dazzle”.

The renowned “A-Choir” performs “Arroz Con Leche”, Bogorodiste Devo”, and “Thoroughly Modern Millie”.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

Learn how this annual event delights young people, while it introduces their parents to this unique outer East Portland natural beauty spot …

Leach Botanical Garden volunteer Mary Lou Koehler helps Cian Colgrove make a bark planting – as his aunt, Marianne Colgrove, approvingly looks on.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
An annual event that signals the turn of spring into summer is the Leach Botanical Garden Children’s Nature Fair. Even with soaring temperatures and under a blistering-hot sun, the May 17 event drew record crowds.

Fair promotes new visitors
“The Nature Fair is a way to expose Leach Botanical Garden to the public,” explained its organizer, Katie Goodwin, “especially to people who live right here in Southeast Portland. I’ve had a number people say that they didn’t know about the garden they came to the event today. This is a wonderful way to broaden our support base – by having young families come and discover our garden.”

The coordinator of the Nature Fair, Katie Goodwin, says she’s pleased at the turnout for the event.

As we stood under the lush and green canopy of trees, Goodwin, a volunteer on the education committee and chair of the Nature Fair, beamed about the event’s success. “Today we’ve had over 300 people come to our ‘home’; that’s a record for us. About half of the visitors were children.”

Activities included making wooden “cookies”, sun catchers, and bookmarks. Kids got to dig in the dirt and do planting. The more hearty youths enjoyed the spider and insect displays.

Deena Townsen visiting from Vancouver, Washington, shows us her drawing of the Zenger Farm “visiting chicken”.

“A popular activity was going on a fossil dig with a Portland Parks & Recreation specialist,” Goodwin added. “We even had a chicken visit us here,from Zanger Farms.”

Next event: English Tea
As we were leaving, Goodwin reminded us that, although the Leach gets some support from Portland Parks & Recreation, volunteers must hold events to raise money to keep improving the grounds.

“On July 16 and 17, there’s an English Tea at Leach Botanical Garden. Visitors will enjoy a three-course English Tea served on the east terrace. This tea is elegantly served by volunteers on antique dishware and table linens. It features premium tea, scones, sandwiches, and desserts,” Goodwin promised.

Treat your friends, or take a young person to enjoy a bit of historical culture here in outer East Portland. Reserve now for July 16th or 17th; seating is at noon or 2:30 pm. Just $25 per person – and it all goes to help further the work of the Friends of Leach Garden. This event usually sells out, so call Jean at (503) 771-2486 now to reserve your place.

Doing some planting at the Nature Fair are Bode (sitting on the table), his sister Corinna, and his mom Tanya Petrich.

Tours every Saturday
You need not require a special event to enjoy Leach Botanical Garden; it is open daily. And, at 10 a.m. every Saturday morning, they host a tour of the grounds.

Leach Botanical Garden is located at 6704 SE 122nd Avenue (just south of Foster Road).

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

Looks like their second season will be a “barn buster” – read this, and see what you’ll find – including their new barn …

Thanks to material donors – and volunteer labor provided by Stark Construction Services – this barn is now finished, in time for the opening of Montavilla Farmer’s Market’s second season.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Coming off their premiere season last year, the Montavilla Farmer’s Market is set to open on June 8.

This season, Montavilla’s market will feature its own landmark – a custom built barn.

Roger Stark, Jesse Stark, and Greg Anderson with Stark Construction Services here work to complete a custom-built barn, on the farmer’s market site.

Builders host ‘barn-raising’
“We’re volunteering our time to help out here at the Montavilla Farmer’s Market, by building the storage barn,” said Jesse Stark, between hammering nails. “They need a place to store the tents and shares on site.”

His wife, Tonia Stark, president of Stark Construction Services, is also the volunteer coordinator for the market. “We pulled together a [building] crew and some volunteers to get the site ready for another season.”

The crew built the barn from scratch. “Mr. Plywood donated about $500 worth of materials,” Stark said, noting that that New Seasons Markets also donated $1,000 toward the project, and that neighboring Flying Pie Pizzeria fed the volunteers who were preening the lot.

Nancy Yates works with Tonia Stark to clean up the Montavilla Farmers Market lot.

Grooming the grounds
“We’re also cleaning up the lot for opening day,” Stark added. “We’re weeding, and filling in the gravel and empty spots, so there won’t be puddles when it rains.”

Laboring with her was volunteer Nancy Yates. “I live nearby, and thought it was time for me to get out and help. I love the community aspect of having a farmer’s market here.”

Vendors on parade
Folks who go to visit the market will find a wide variety of vendors waiting for them. Scheduled to be there

Produce:

• Groundwork Organics, Junction City OR
• Deep Roots Farms, Albany OR
• Maryhill Orchards, Goldendale WA
• Kiyokawa Family Orchards, Parkdale OR
• Tamiyasu Orchards, Hood River OR
• Baird Family Orchards, Dundee OR
• Herr’s Family Farm, Troutdale OR
• Spellbound Farm, Portland OR
• PD Farms, Elgin OR
• Liepold Farms, Boring OR

Flower/Plant:

• Herr’s Family Farm, Troutdale OR
• American-Asian Quality Farm, Oregon City OR
• Maple Valley Nursery, Dayton OR
• Old House Dahlias, Portland OR (in Montavilla)

Bakery:

• Fleur de Lis Bakery, Portland OR
• Gabriels Bakery, Portland OR

On-Premise Ready-To-Eat Foods:

• Asian American Food-Chinese
• Hacienda-Tamales
• Wild Wild West BBQ
• Buns on the Run

Beverages:

• Cellar Door Coffee Roasters
• Liquid Sunshine

Processed Foods:

• Crabapple Company, Beaverton OR
• Must Love Dogs, Portland OR

Opening day entertainment
Organizers of the market say they’ll have live entertainment every Sunday. This week, Southern Skies – a folk music duo from Olympia, Washington – will entertain. And, a certified Master Gardener will be on hand to demonstrate sustainable growing techniques.

Kicking off the season on Sunday, June 8, the market will be open every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. until Sunday, October 5, except on July 6th, Independence Day weekend. The market takes place on the 7600 block of SE Stark Street in the gravel lot across from Mr. Plywood.

For more information, CLICK HERE to see their web site!

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

Even though they are 1/10th scale models, see these hand-made watercraft zip around the Westmoreland Casting Pond at speeds up to 50 mph at this new Portland Rose Festival event …

These model racers, running on the Westmoreland Casting Pond, travel actual speeds of up to 50 mph.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
While it wasn’t the hoped-for return of the famed Milk Carton Boat Races – a watercraft competition of a different sort did return to inner SE Portland at the renovated Westmoreland Casting Pond on May 24, as part of the Portland Rose Festival.

“We’re racing 1/10th scale models of unlimited hydroplanes today,” explains Nelson Holmberg, the event’s Race Director for their club, Electric Radio Controlled Unlimiteds.

The drivers of the scale model boats pilot their craft standing on scaffolding on the west side of the pond.

“We love the Westmoreland Casting Pond,” Holmberg says. “It’s one of those places that is, in a sense, made for model boat racing. It’s shallow enough that the water stays calm; it’s perfectly shaped and sized.  It’s proving to be user-friendly for both the competitors and spectators.”

Proud to be a Rose Festival event
Although he grew up in, and still lives in, Vancouver, Holmberg tells us the Portland Rose Festival as always been “near and dear” to him. “It’s just great, bringing down members from our club – largely based in the Seattle area – to participate in a Rose Festival event located here at this facility – man, I just love it!”

While we speak, we hear Holmberg’s voice professionally and calmly counting down to the start of the next race. “That voice is recorded on our computerized timing system; it assures that every racer is given an equal opportunity to start the race in the correct position.”

SE Portland resident David Reiser prepares his scale racer, a replica of the 1958 “Breathless II” unlimited hydroplane for the next race.

Men with toy boats
While many members are from the Puget Sound area, we learn the club has about 20 active members in the greater Portland area.

Working under a canopy we meet long time inner SE Portland resident David Reiser, working on his boat – a replica of the 1958 “Breathless II” unlimited hydroplane. “In boat racing circles, it’s quite famous,” Reiser says. “It ran for three years under this name. I saw a photo of it, got ahold of the original plans, and built it.”

The race boats kick up their signature “rooster-tail” as they make the turn on the north end of the course.

As he inspects the boat, he points out that his model is crafted from wood, like the original. He points out how he’s painted the deck to simulate the 4′ x 8′ sheets of plywood used to build the original boat. We learn these scale-model speedboats cost about $2,000 to build and equip – the battery packs alone run up to $150 each. “It allows me the experience the thrills and speed of racing, without risk of injury and the expense of full-size craft.”

Having been involved with the hobby since the early 1990s, Reiser tells us the best thing about it is associating with friends who also like model boating. “It’s grown men playing with toy boats. I also enjoy the technical and engineering challenges of building and driving them.”

Considered an originator of this hobby and sport, Roger Newton shows us his winning racer, a scale model of “Miss Bardahl”.

Scale boat racing originator
People at the event told us to meet Roger Newton from Renton, Washington – acclaimed as one of the originators of model boat racing.

“I started racing scale boats back in 1968,” says Newton, “I’ve been doing it ever since.” He’s working on his model of “Miss Bardahl” at the meet. “It’s one of the most famous boats in racing history.”

Battery powered scale electric powered boats are relatively new, Newton informs us. “The electrics go pretty fast, probably close to 50 mph – it would equate to 150 mph if it were full scale.”

Newton comments that, while he enjoys running the battery-powered boats, he still likes the 1/8th scale “nitro” craft that run on a combination of white gas and nitro-methane fuel. “They do make a lot of noise; I’m pretty sure the neighbors wouldn’t be appreciative.”

About the Westmoreland Casting Pond, Newton comments, “Like it? I love it! I wish I had this in my backyard! It’s a good size, good location, and it’s got … water!”

Scale model race boats enthusiasts say this hobby gives them all of the thrills of the sport – without associated cost or danger.

Get racing here
If you’d like to know more about scale model boat racing, check out the clubs web site by CLICKING HERE.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

If you haven’t made your thoughts known about the City’s project to reduce Johnson Creek’s flooding – read this, and learn how to respond …

It was only a few months ago when winter storms flooded homes and businesses along SE Foster Blvd. This program aims to reduce flooding when it is completed in two years.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Although City of Portland Bureau of Environmental Services (BES) previously said they would stop taking comments at the end of May, they’ve now extended the public comment period on the East Lents Floodplain Restoration Project Pre-Design Report until June 23, 2008.

To read about this report — and neighbors’ reactions so far  — CLICK HERE.

This is one of the two diagrams that details how the City of Portland plans to improve the floodplain in Lents, just south of SE Foster Rd.

According to Marie Johnson, on the BES Johnson Creek Watershed Team, the bureau extended the comment period in the hope that more citizens in the area might respond to the design reports.

The project, designed to reduce flood damage in Lents by improving floodplain functions and wildlife habitat on BES property, is slated for construction in summer 2010.

Do you prefer this alternative? Let the folks at the bureau know by registering your comments!

Comment by June 23
You can view the Pre-design Report and a supporting technical memo – and register your comments directly with the BES by CLICKING HERE.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

See what planners learned when they checked in with residents – including kids – while drawing up plans for the 15-acre Beech Park site …

Park consultant Aaron Abrams writes down neighbors’ suggestions, as Sally McIntyre facilitates the meeting at Shaver Elementary School. Both are from MIG, Inc.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Until neighbor volunteers talked the City of Portland into allowing them to build the small Senn’s Dairy Park on NE Prescott St., the Parkrose neighborhood was entirely devoid of developed parks.

Although the actual creation of an expansive, nearly 16-acre park is still way off in the future, Portland Parks & Recreation has hired a firm to gather input about how the uniquely-situated Beech Park will look when it is improved.

Park on two parcels
The Beech Park site is unusual; it consists of two separate parcels adjacent to Shaver Elementary School.

The 10.07-acre southern parcel is bordered by the school on the east side, and by homes on the south and west sides. Directly north of the school is a second 5.64-acre parcel; bordered on the north and west by houses, on the south by the school and more houses, and on the west by a working urban farm.

This diagram, including an aerial view of the parcels, shows the two sections of land that will make up Beech Park. NE Shaver Street is at the top if the diagram, and Shaver Elementary School is at the bottom right.

Diverse, but harmonious, views expressed
In May, a series of workshops were conducted to solicit ideas and concerns from neighbors, business people – and children.

“There were diverse cultures present at the workshop,” Sally McIntyre, of the parks consulting company, MIG, Inc., told us. “It looked like everyone felt free to participate; and they all seemed to get along very well. We’re hoping that kind of participation continues.”

The consensus gathered from workshops, and questionnaires distributed throughout the surrounding area, showed that folks are “Looking to create a place for neighbors to enjoy, plus have a place that can be used by the school for educational programs,” commented McIntyre. “Our mission is to make sure the designs reflect what people want; that it fits in with the nature of the neighborhood.”

We stopped in at one workshop (on May 19). The back wall of the Shaver Elementary School gym was covered with design ideas which the school’s kids had submitted earlier in the day. About 35 adults were there, sharing their dreams for the park’s development.

“The kids were really interested in having ‘water features’ on the site,” noted McIntyre.

Comments and concerns raised
Al Garre – he farms land to the west of the park parcels – posed questions about access within and around the park. “I hope there’s some way of discouraging vehicles from entering and damaging the park – then hopping a barrier and damaging the farmland.”

A neighbor voiced the opinion that there should be a building for arts and crafts and for both child and adult education. Other folks chimed in, saying they hope for collaboration between the school and the Parks Bureau to develop joint-use areas.

Wondering out loud of there could be a way for kids to “take some ownership” of the park, Argay Neighborhood Chair Valerie Curry wanted youths to feel sufficiently possessive of the park that if they were to see vandalism or illegal activities taking place there, they would report it.

“Who is going to be there to clean up the mess?” questioned Curry. “In Argay Park there is a constant cleanup of messes visitors leave in the park.”

Children were given the opportunity to have a say in the design of Beech Park. These are a few of the diagrams annotated by kids during the public input process.

Consultant addresses issues
“Our recommendations will consider the concerns of the farmers, as well as the neighbors directly surrounding the park,” McIntyre informed us after the meetings. “The best way to create a safe park is to design one that attracts many people throughout the day. It discourages people from misusing the park. We’ll look at sight-line issues as well.”

For the past few weeks, McIntyre and the staff of Portland-based MIG, Inc. – a consulting firm that specializes in park planning and design and in public involvement in design projects – have been conducting this sort of ascertainment process in the area.

“Both adults and kids have been interested in contributing to the ‘art element’ of the space,” McIntyre told us this week. “It’s not so much having separate art objects, as simply having areas artistically designed. There could be ways to incorporate children’s art and other kinds of art in that way. There may be some ways to reflect different cultures in the neighborhood.”

The next steps
Working with Portland Parks & Recreation, the consultants will develop three alternative plans.

“We’ll be working on this through the month of July,” McIntyre said. “We’ll have a booth at the Parkrose Farmer’s Market on July 26. We hope everybody comes out and takes a look at the alternatives.”

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

Traditional high school settings don’t meet the needs of all students. See how this unique school gives young people skills – and pays them while they go to school …

Not your ordinary teachers, Carly Boynton (on the mini-track backhoe) and Bill Kowalczyk say their classrooms are at building sites like this one, on SE Schiller Street.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
For many young people in outer East Portland, college is out of the question; for some, even getting a high school diploma seems like nearly unreachable goal. Without marketable skills, the future for these youth seems bleak.

“Our school, Portland YouthBuilders (PYB), is both a high school and a pre-apprenticeship program. All of our students are kids who dropped out of high school,” explained PYB’s construction manager, Bill Kowalczyk, as we visited him at his “classroom” – a house construction site in Lents.

“This program is an opportunity for them to change their lives by taking on the challenge of being successful academically – as well as preparing for the working world – when they complete our program,” Kowalczyk said.

Two-year school & work program
Portland YouthBuilders offers young people, ages 17 to 24, a two-year program. The first year is primarily in the classroom; then they work on a jobsite for 12 months. After that, the PYB staff provides follow-up mentoring, counseling and guidance services, guiding the students to whatever secondary education direction they choose.

“This program isn’t for a fixed period of time where they graduate from high school, and things are over and done,” Kowalczyk told us. “We look at training as a process. We develop the tools to help students develop incrementally, and move toward success.”

Molly Yong, Julia Vosmik, and Ryan Marr work to prepare the area inside the structure’s foundation, where the slab will be poured.

Learn and earn
Another unusual feature of the PYB program is that the students don’t pay for their specialized training; they actually get paid to participate.

“They don’t get paid wages,” Kowalczyk clarified, “they get paid a stipend to help them get through. A lot of our students already have children; some of them several children. Having a stipend means, for a lot of our students, the difference of being able to participate in this program or not. They’re really working hard to develop strategies to be successful in life.”

As many as 40 percent of these students will go directly into construction, the instructor said. Others will get a GED and go on to some form of secondary education. “We use a construction format as a means of teaching job-readiness skills, and teaching about the industries,” Kowalczyk went on.

Partner with ROSE and Land Trust
At the site of their current project on SE Schiller Street and SE 104th Avenue, the students poured the concrete footings for what will eventually be a two-story, four-bedroom home. Then, working with a professional concrete finisher, they poured the foundation and started framing the home.

PYB construction trainer Carly Boynton hopped down from the backhoe she was operating, and told us that she and the students have been working on this jobsite for about three months. “This project is a great opportunity for our students to work on an Energy Star certified house from foundation to finish.”

The home is being built for ROSE Community Development Corporation, and will be sold to a low-income buyer through the Portland Community Land Trust. The new house will be ready for a family to move into later this year, Boynton added.

Since we first reported this story, we revisited the site – the house is really taking shape!

Calls it a ‘life changing experience’
“For me, PYB is a life-changing experience,” said student Julia Vosmik. “It’s giving me a career and helping me change direction to where I want to go in life. It’s like the family you’ve never had.”

In addition to construction, PYB also offers a computer maintenance educational track.

If you know of a student who might qualify for the program and could be interested in checking out the program, contact Portland YouthBuilders in person at 4816 SE 92nd Avenue (a block south of SE Holgate Boulevard), or call (503) 771-2309. To visit their web site, CLICK HERE.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

Cops use the PIT technique to spin-out fleeing crooks – but learn what happens when a careless driver tags a delivery truck near Airport Way …

We don’t know why the driver didn’t make the eastbound Airport Way exit off I-205; we did see the results of her trying to pull back onto the freeway. At the bottom, you can see gouged earth where the truck hit after it got knocked off the freeway.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
All in all, 18-year-old Jake Council seems to be taking his harrowing experience rather well, as he sits on the back ledge of the delivery truck he was driving on around 9 a.m. on May 28.

“I was going [north] along on freeway, and just past the [eastbound] Airport Way exit, my truck started skidding out of control,” Council tells us. “That exit drops way down, you know. I tried to keep it under control, but I could see I was going over the top, down into the exit. I thought for sure the truck was going to roll, but it stopped on the other side of the ramp.”

Traffic backed up as tow trucks and rescue gear cleared the accident.

Indeed, the elevation drops off steeply at the exit; and we see where his truck’s tire marks end at the top – and begin again at the bottom of the drop off.

Even though it is well after the morning rush, traffic is backing up, as a towtruck removes a wrecked car from the freeway; the off ramp – where Council’s flying truck came to rest – is closed off.

This car won’t be driven on the freeway – or anywhere else – any time soon.

Executes the PIT maneuver
The official report says that the collision occurred at 9:03 am, when 19-year-old Olga Brichak swerved to attempt to take the Airport Way East exit northbound from I-205.

“The report says Brichak was past the exit when she attempted to merge onto Airport Way. When Brichak realized she could not take the exit, she was forced to re-merge with the freeway traffic,” police spokesman Sgt. Brian Schmautz tells us.

As she did so, Schmautz says, Brichak inadvertently tapped the bumper of a truck Council was driving. “Officers are trained in the ‘Pursuit Intervention Technique’ – we call it the PIT maneuver. A rather small ‘tap’, if it’s in the right place, and send a large vehicle out of control.”

Brichak received a citation for Careless Driving.

Jake Council says he tried to regain control of his delivery truck – as it flew over the embankment and landed 20 feet below on the Airport Way East offramp. You can clearly see where the front of the truck gouged out the hillside of the exit – stopping it and keeping it from rolling over.

Called ‘Careless Driving’
Portland Fire & Rescue workers on scene tell us they’re amazed that that Council’s truck didn’t roll. “But, there were no injuries,” confirmed one of the crew members.

“This could have been a deadly accident,” confided a police officer.

With his foot still in a walking cast, Council continues to sit on the back ledge of his flying truck and says, “Today was my first day back at work. Maybe I should have waited another day.”

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

… At least on opening day! Even though our County Commissioners want NOTHING to do with it, see how volunteers and Oaks Amusement Park are keeping this century-old tradition going …

Haylie Graham, visiting Multnomah County Fair from Troutdale, has fun feeding the sheep at the free petting zoo.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
With gas prices shooting past $4 a gallon, many folks decided to have a “day-vacation” close to home, during the Memorial Day weekend. Folks even came out and had fun, sometimes dodging raindrops on the last two days of the event.

“We’re thrilled that we can provide a place for families to go,” said Mary Beth Coffey, Senior Manager of historic Oaks Amusement Park. “We’re seeing a very high turnout this year.”

In the Oregon Dairy Women booth is Heidi Larson, the 2008 Dairy Princess Ambassador; and, Deanna Lenire, 2008 Columbia County Dairy Ambassador serving the thousands of folks coming to the Multnomah County Fair.

In times of economic uncertainty, Coffey said, the amusement park and County Fair make a great combination. “With free parking, and free admission to the park and the fair, it’s a great value. And, there are a lot of free activities: Humphreys Farmyard Frolics are back, with their magic shows and activities for kids; so is the petting zoo.”

As we walked through the park, we find some other traditional County Fair activities.

Pat Swonger, superintendent of the Floral Department holds her cup for which she won the “Best Tea Cup” award; fair helper and consummate backyard gardener, Larry Smith, shows off one of his entries “Best of Fair Herbs”.

Craft and produce exhibits flourish
In the Dance Pavilion, handcrafts, homemade foods, and plants were judged and put on display.

Pat Swonger, superintendent of the Floral Department, said she was surprised by this year’s large number of entries. “There were hundreds, even though we’ve had a peculiar spring so far.”

Perennial entrant, and winner of ribbons at all of the area fairs, Larry Smith, had items on display and also helped with the setup. “This year’s weather has been odd. Just after I finished planting my radishes, it snowed,” he commented.

ARBA certified rabbit judge George Germaine is evaluating an English lop-ear. “Obviously, the breed is known for its large ears.”

Bunnies on parade
Although cows and chickens weren’t judged at the fair, a substantial rabbit show, sanctioned by the American Rabbit Breeders Association, was underway when we visited on opening day.

“This is a ‘Double Crown’ event,” explained the rabbit show manager, Miriam Keyes. “This means each of the 300 rabbits is judged twice, by two different ARBA-certified judges.”

One of judges, George Germaine, traveled from Vader, Washington, to participate in the show. “The rabbits I see today are excellent,” remarked Germaine. “For a small show, there’s a lot of really nice rabbits here today. The good thing about a spring show is, because it’s been cooler, the rabbits have kept their coats, and they’re really in good condition.”

The Wiener Dog Races have become a favorite at the fair.

This year’s canine events expanded to include Fly-Ball, in which dogs demonstrate their agility and speed. And, how fast can a “wiener dog” run? Wiener Dog races were held several times during each of the three days of the fair.

Food and shopping opportunities abound
“In addition to all of the free entertainment for both kids and adults,” Coffey said, “we’re thrilled to have 61 vendors here this year.”

They’re being turned into ‘Toons! Hailey and Hanna Tolson get immortalized by caricature artist Mike Morley.

As we walked the midway, we could smell the savory foods of many nationalities and styles wafting through the air. Unlike some other fairs, the prices were reasonable – and several folks said the quality of the food exceeded their expectations.

As the unforecast sun shined on opening day, the line at the Oregon Dairy Women’s booth grew with folks lined up for ice cream treats. “Coming to fairs is our way of thanking people for buying Oregon-produced dairy foods,” explained Heidi Larson, 2008 Dairy Princess Ambassador.

In the amusement park, this little “easy rider” is Jadyn Smith – she traveled all the way from Hillsboro to attend the fair, her parents say.

If you missed it this year, circle Memorial Day weekend on your 2009 calendar, for the annual return of the volunteer-operated, nonprofit, Oaks-Park based Multnomah County Fair.

But, even without the fair, Oaks Amusement Park is a great family destination throughout the summer.

“Oaks Park has been making family fun for 103 years – it’s everybody’s park,” Coffey smiled.

OK, it wasn’t all sunshine and blue sky. The clouds opened up and it rained quite a bit on Sunday and Memorial Day! Still, many families came to visit.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

Take a look, and discover the creativity and artistry demonstrated by these talented kids …

Friends, family members, folks from the community – and members of the DDS School Board all came by to take a look at this outstanding art show.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
The quality of artistic work on display in the breezeway at the David Douglas School District office was stunning, as we sauntered among the displays on May 15.

“Welcome to our annual student art show,” greeted Gayla Buyukas, one of seven art teachers at David Douglas High School.

“The art on display is created from all of our students, from ninth grade to seniors,” Buyukas explained. “The forms of art range from painting and drawing to ceramics, jewelry and metals, calligraphy, crafts, glasswork.

David Douglas High art teacher Gayla Buyukas shows us a decorated brass box, created by student Celeste Hunter as part of the “Heroes Project”.

Heroes Project highlighted
Buyukas took us over to a locked glass case in which very small, delicate pieces – such as jewelry and memory boxes – were ensconced. “This case contains some of the works of art students created for what we call the ‘Heroes Project’.”

Students were asked to identify people – either folks they know, or personalities in popular culture – who are important to them, she said. “It could also be a philosophical concept in which they believe. Then, they design and create symbolic piece that represents that person or idea.”

As an example, Buyukas pointed out a small, elegant brass box. “This work was done by a junior, and near-4.0 student – Celeste Hunter. It represents her family; each side depicts one of her relatives who symbolize the story of her African-American tradition.”

Students tell about their works
Many of the works of art we saw in the gallery looked as if they were painted by professional artists. We enjoyed talking to several of the student artists about their projects.

Freshman Ricky Adams, with his portrait of actor McCauley Calkins.

A freshman, Ricky Adams, presented a pencil drawing of child actor McCauley Calkins. The photorealistic drawing clearly captured the image of the youthful actor starring in the “Home Alone” series of motion pictures. “It’s fun to learn about art,” Adams said. “I’m glad to have my drawing in the show.”

Lupe Diaz, 9th Grade, shows off her treasure boxes.

Another ninth grader, Lupe Diaz, showed us her “treasure boxes”, made for an art class. “I picked up colors that I liked and put them all together, and made patterns,” she commented.

This portrait of Snoop Dogg was drawn – in pencil – by junior Juan Diaz.

Juan Diaz, a DDHS junior, presented his drawing of rap artist Snoop Dogg. “It’s a drawing in pencil. The challenging thing is to get the dark and light shading contrast just right when you’re doing a pencil illustration.” Diaz added that he planned to pursue a career in art.

Bruce Ross, a senior, says he enjoys creating art in different media.

“The best thing about the show is that it means I’m about to graduate,” quipped a senior, Bruce Ross. “I’m known for my calligraphy; I won a blue ribbon for a work at last year’s Oregon State Fair. With calligraphy, you can express a concept by using both words and artistic style.”

But the work Ross chose to show us was a ceramic dish. “With ceramics, you can create a lot of texture.” The talented young man said he planned to attend the Art Institute of Portland, and go into art direction and graphic design as a career.

The artists who designed and created theses fused glass artworks weren’t around, but they did produce some beautiful pieces.

Showcasing school’s talent
The show was substantial; the works of nearly 800 students are represented in it.

“It’s one of the rare times when students can actually showcase their pieces before the school and their family and members of the community,” commented Buyukas. “In addition to students, parents, and community members, our school district’s board members also get the opportunity to look at what our kids have done during the year.”

We were delighted to have had the opportunity to be among those enjoying these works of art, created by outer East Portland students.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

A couple of weeks ago, you heard about the suspected crook that cops chased away from the 82nd Ave. MAX station – now learn the REST of the story …

Police closed off this street along which the suspected MAX station drug dealer ran, after he dodged through the Elmer’s Restaurant parking lot. He gave the cops the slip not once, but twice!

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
While their efforts often don’t make headlines or the evening news, Portland Police Bureau (PPB) officers – from the precincts, and those specifically assigned to TriMet – wage a daily battle against crime along the steel-railed highway called MAX Light Rail.

It’s so easy for thugs and drug pushers to hop on and off the MAX trains. But many of the stations, like the MAX stop at NE 82nd Avenue of Roses, are difficult to police. It is set down, away from street, accessible only by stairs and an elevator.

About 6:30 p.m. on May 14, PPB Transit Division officers spotted a familiar-looking character, and kept an eye on him.

“Officers developed probable cause to arrest an individual,” police spokesman Sgt. Brian Schmautz told us that evening. “It looked to them like he was engaging in drug trafficking activity.”

When officers started closing in on him, the suspect dashed off, and a foot pursuit began. “They try to catch the guy as he ran into the through Elmer’s Restaurant parking lot; then into the [nearby neighborhood] blocks west of 82nd Ave.,” confirmed Schmautz.

Searching the blocks west of NE 82nd Avenue of Roses near NE Multnomah Street, the police came close to nabbing the suspected drug-dealing runner; but he slipped away.

Tries to hide in the neighborhood

A search by officers – and a K-9 unit – couldn’t locate the suspect in the area where they thought he might be hiding.

“Then, a citizen in one of the homes within the perimeter realized there was a stranger in his house, and confronted the suspect,” Schmautz told us as the situation was unfolding that evening. “It startled the suspect as much as the neighbor – and the suspect took off again, heading westbound.”

Police dogs were soon hot on the suspect’s trail; the chase led to a home on NE 78th Avenue.

With the potential for a hostage situation on their hands, the SERT unit is activated, and takes a position near the home where they think the suspect may be holed up.

SERT unit activated
“We had information from neighbors that there was someone home,” Schmautz said. “We didn’t want to take any chances, in case this turned into a potential hostage situation; the Special Emergency Response Team (SERT) was activated.”

After a couple of tense hours of waiting, police learned that the suspect had again fled; the SERT officers disbanded.

Police get their man
“Officers knew the man they were chasing as 35-year-old Detrick Griggs,” Schmautz said. “Our bureau’s Drug & Vice Division (DVD) officers helped track him down.”

Police say this man, Detrick Griggs, was the suspect who ran – but, from our cops, he couldn’t hide for long.

Two days later, on May 16, they located Griggs. “Again, he ran from officers and there was a little foot pursuit with him. A K-9 police dog persuaded him to give up,” added Schmautz. “He was taken into custody on the 4800 block of N. Williams Avenue.”

Griggs probably won’t be riding the rails soon; records show he was arrested for Trespass, Escape, Failure to Appear, Resisting Arrest – and he also had an outstanding warrant. In addition, he had failed to register as a sex offender.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

It was more than the grilled burgers and hot dogs that brought out prospective students to this BBQ! See what students and their parents really hunger for …

Dr. Richard O’Connor, Jon Taylor, and Evan Pine, here are cooking up hot dogs and burgers at the Ace Academy BBQ.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
The air was filled with the scent of grilling hot dogs and hamburgers at the Willamette Carpenter’s Training Center in Northeast Portland not long ago, as the ACE Academy, opening in September, held an open house for future students and parents.

“This is the home of the Academy for Architecture Construction and Engineering – we call it the ‘ACE Academy’,” said Dr. Richard O’Connor, president of the newly-organized academy’s board of directors.

“ACE Academy is a charter school that is sponsored by four school districts: Parkrose, Centennial, Reynolds and Gresham/Barlow,” O’Connor said. “The Oregon Building Congress, and the construction and engineering and architectural industries, have worked together to create the school.”

When the school bell rings in September, O’Connor says they’re on track to open with 150 students. “We’re starting with students who are in their junior year of high school. They’ll continue on as seniors next year, when we’ll bring in a new group of juniors to the program.”

By the end of the second year, they expect to have as many as 400 students in the program, O’Connor told us.

Michel Taylor, educational director for the school, introduces the ACE Academy staff (seated to our left) to 150 parents and prospective students who attended the BBQ event in May.

Blends technical training with traditional high school
Michael Taylor, the educational coordinator at the school, explained to students and their parents that the ACE Academy isn’t just a glorified “shop” class.

“At the Academy, you’ll learn from experts in the industry on some days; but on alternate days, you’ll continue your high school experience – participating in educational and social activities,” Taylor said.

“For a project to be successful, it’s not only up to the architect designing it; it’s up to engineers who make sure it will be structurally sound. And, their designs can be realized only with the work of skilled carpenters, sheet metal workers, electricians, plumbers, and every kind of labor that make sure that the building is constructed properly.”

Creating pathways to construction trades
At the event, we asked Bob Strader, chief financial officer for Associated General Contractors, why their organization supports the new, start-up school.

“It’s critically important that we start creating pathways for young people to find a career in construction, plain and simple,” Strader stated.

AGC is a trade association representing commercial contractors throughout Oregon and Southwest Washington,” continued Strader. “Our #1 objective has been to identify our future workforce, and to create pathways for them into the industry. We have millions of baby boomers who are retiring; leaving a big void behind them. Those industries which see this turnover in the workforce coming – and which prepare for it – are the ones which will prosper in the future.”

Taylor says the area in which the group now sits will have classrooms and an atrium built overhead by the time the ACE Academy opens this fall.

Check it out today
If you are the parent of an interested student who will be a high school junior in September – or know of one, who lives in one of the participating school districts – now is the time to check out this program. Each district is allocated a limited quota of students – so check it out now.

You can find out more information at their web site by CLICKING HERE.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News