Find out why officials say the game of chess helps disadvantaged youth to enter life on a level playing field …

These young chess-masters don’t wiggle or squirm while their game is in play – they appear to be completely focused on the chess board.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
In the gymnasium at Duniway Elementary School, 80 kids sit at tables and play games on a Saturday morning. But this cavernous room isn’t ringing with playful outbursts or giggles; there is no whirl of youthful exuberance.

Instead, forty pairs of young people are sitting across from one another at tables on March 1, nearly motionless, gazing at a chess board.

Just outside the gym’s doorway, Julie Young, executive director for “Chess for Success”, whispers to us in the hushed tones of a TV golfing commentator, “We’re holding our regional tournaments today.”

In the hallway, Young explains this event is one of 25 regional tournaments being put on by their organization. “Kids are competing for titles within their age category. The winners will go on to the final playoffs.”

“Chess for Success” officials Ed McVicker – assistant tournament director and program director – Christopher Maguire, and executive director Julie Young track statistics and keep time during the tournament at Duniway Elementary School.

Four decades of chess
“Chess for Success” was formed in 1992 as a nonprofit organization dedicated to setting up chess clubs in low-income Portland schools, Young tells us. It now support chess clubs in 73 Title I schools.

“This tournament has a 41-year history,” says Young. “It started at the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI). By 1998, it grew until it became too large for a volunteer organization to run. ‘Chess for Success’ began to provide the logistics and administrative support, but the tournaments are still staffed by many of those volunteers who started the event.”

The players of the next game quietly listen to instructions from the tournament officials.

Lessons in personal responsibility
On the grade school level, Young continues, volunteers and staff of “Chess for Success” teach more than just how move figurines around on a checked board.

“These chess clubs are important, because it brings together children from all different backgrounds to play with one another. Beyond that, when children learn how to play chess, they learn how to sit still, concentrate, and think ahead.”

And, kids also learn personal responsibility, adds Young. “They get the credit for their successes. And, they can’t blame their losses on their family’s situation – or even on what they had for breakfast. The ‘field is level’ for every child. Winning at chess doesn’t take any special physical or mental skill – it takes concentration, and a will to succeed.”

This young lady is focused only on her next move.

Chess breeds success
Their program goes far beyond developing young chess mavens, Young continues. “As soon as a child joins the chess club, other students – and even some teachers – often think, ‘my gosh, they’re brilliant’. It really increases their self-esteem when they get good at playing chess.

“Whether they achieve mastery of chess or not, kids who learn to play tend to do better in school. As they improve at the game, many of them start taking their studies more seriously.

“We’re not really interested in making chess masters in our after-school program. Our goal is to teach children skills that will carry forward in life.”

At the Franciscan Montessori Earth School, just off outer SE Division Street in the Centennial neighborhood, players from the eastern region are concentrating on their tournament.

Outer East Portland tournament
Indeed, this chess tournament really is spread across the city. Later that morning, we visit another sponsored tournament, this one at the Franciscan Montessori Earth School.

“We have 52 kids playing today, says Melissa Light, development and communications director for the organization. “We have 12 schools represented at this tournament.”

In schools supported, Chess for Success is open to all children in the school, without cost. “Fortunately, we have strong support from parents, teachers, public school districts, and the community.”

You can learn more by going online to and visiting www.chessforsuccess.org.

In outer East Portland, Melissa Light, development and communications director at “Chess for Success”, helps officiate other players in the early March tournament.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

See how this SE Portland high school’s boosters show their spirit by throwing a grand luau that raises $100 grand …

Debbie Greene checks in Clara and Paul Cook; Paul’s Cleveland High’s Principal.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
The Warrior’s benefactors at Cleveland High School topped last year’s “007 License to Spend” spy-themed shindig by taking the annual fund-raiser in a laid-back, tropical direction this year.

“We’re having a Hawaiian luau,” said event chair Vikki Melrose as patrons filed into the sold-out event on March 1. “The theme of our annual auction this year is ‘Hula for Moola’. We’re raising money to help support academics, performing arts, and athletics at Cleveland.”

Over 100 volunteers associated with the school’s Parent Teacher Association volunteered hundreds of hours to produce the evening’s event, Melrose noted, along with four chairs and a formal committee of 40.

Welcoming folks into the fundraising party are two of the four event chairs and their Cleveland High School students: Darcy Wente, Natalie Wente, Michael Wente, Danielle Melrose, Vikki Melrose, and Brianna Melrose.

Relaxing for a moment in the silent auction tent are Sally Shuey, Pre-event Chair, and Kennedy Wolfe, Procurement Chair.

Supports school’s programs
“Even though it’s a public school, we don’t have enough funding,” Melrose said. “If we don’t help raise money, the school will be forced to cut programs we think are necessary and important, here at Cleveland.”

The event, held at the Oaks Park Pavilion – in a huge heated tent that more than doubled the size of banquet room – was a sell-out, with 430 guests attending.

Ann Gray, Debra Meyer, and Sho and Loen Dozono pause, while hunting for bargains at the benefit silent auction.

Cleveland boosters, like Betsy and Steve – dressed appropriately in their Hawaiian shirts – circulate around the silent auction tables, looking for treasures on which to bid.

After the silent auction, the casually-dressed group sat down to a meal of island delicacies catered by Noho’s Hawaiian Café, and enjoyed the music and hula dancing provided by Roland Espy.

Then, the action picked up, as auctioneer Chris Sheik got top dollar for vacation home rentals at the Oregon Coast, Central Oregon, and Mexico; tickets and passes to cultural events; dinners at leading restaurants; sports memorabilia; and VIP tickets to local sporting events. Between the two auctions, revelers bid on a record 500 items and packages.

Selling raffle tickets are Cleveland High Hula Gals (and students) Lauren Krueger, Liza Gray, Stephanie Welch, and Natalie Wente.

Bringing live “music and dance from the enchanted Hawaiian Isles” are Roland Espy and his dancers.

After the event, Melrose reported, “It went really well. We met our goal of netting $100,000. The chairs thanks all of our dedicated volunteers who worked to make this event a big success; and, all of our supporters who attended and bid so generously.”

In the silent auction tent, lots of moola was bid on great items and packages ranging from vacations to objects d’art.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

Two East Portland schools select their ambassadors
– see who won …

Marshawna Williams reacts to hearing her name being announced as Cleveland High School’s Portland Rose Festival representative.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
The student bodies of Cleveland and Franklin High Schools chose their representatives for the 2008 Portland Rose Festival Court in March.

At Cleveland High School, Marshawna R. Williams was selected to represent their school.

With the Cleveland High School court is 2008 Princess Marshawna Williams.

Looking like she’s ready to sit on the Portland Rose Festival thrown is Cleveland High’s 2008 Princess Marshawna Williams.

Williams is the Co-President of Black Student Union, Student Body Vice President, and active member of National Honors Society, and she enjoys volleyball and being of service to the community. Her hobbies include “singing, writing, poetry, and babysitting neighborhood kids.”

About her future, Williams said, “I plan to attend University of Portland and earn a Bachelors degree in Engineering.”

Franklin High School

Surrounded by her Franklin High School court is their 2008 Portland Rose Festival princess, Diamond Symone Zerework. Photo: Portland Rose Festival

Franklin High School’s chosen representative was Diamond Symone Zerework.

For the past two years, Zerework has been part of Franklin High’s Leadership Program and a S.T.A.R.S. teen Leader/counselor. She’s been the President of the Black Student Union for 3 years. “I have also been dedicated to the Mock Trial and Advanced Mock Trial program for the past two years. I will receive my Law course completion Certificate from Franklin High School this year.”

Introducing 2008 Portland Rose Festival princess, Diamond Symone Zerework, representing Franklin High. Photo: Portland Rose Festival

Looking ahead, Zerework added, “I intend on receiving my B.A. in Psychology, then attending Law School before becoming a Corporate Attorney.”

The 2008 Portland Rose Festival Queen’s Coronation takes place on June 7, before the Grand Floral Parade. For tickets, or more information, see www.rosefestival.org, or call the hotline: 1-877-789-ROSE.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

Without a doubt, the fire that tore through one unit of this four-plex could have done far more harm – had the smoke alarms not been working that night …

Firefighters report seeing flames “blowing out the back door” of this wood-frame, three-story unit when they arrived. *Dick Harris photo

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
There was a bit of panic in the voice of a caller when the 9-1-1 Center operator took a call about a fire on SE 119th Avenue, just north of SE Harold Street, on March 7.

“There’s a fire! Stuff is blowing up!” are the words that were recorded at 9:05 p.m.

Three minutes later, Portland Fire & Rescue Engine 29’s Captain Mike Glenn was on-scene, sizing up the situation. He grabbed his radio and reported, “There is a working fire on the back side of a wood frame three- story four-plex.”

From both the front and rear of the unit, firefighters attack the fire in a unit that appeared to be unoccupied.

According to Battalion Chief C3 Chris Babcock, the crew of Engine 29 pulled the fire hose hooked up to their rig, and began their attack on the fire as Engine 7’s crew provided back-up. “We had heavy fire showing on the back of the building when we arrived.”

The smoke detectors in the building were still shrieking as we arrived on-scene; smoke was pouring from the second unit from the end. Hoses snaked from SE Harold Street to the engines that responded to the fire.

Babcock told us the fire was knocked down by 9:15 – at which time they’d completed a primary search of the structure for people; a secondary search was completed six minutes later.

Prompt response by all Portland Fire & Rescue units kept a potentially disastrous fire relatively small; no one was injured in the fire.

“In a wood structure like this, the fire could have been much worse if we hadn’t been promptly called,” Babcock said.

The fire remains under investigation, according to PF&R spokesman Lt. Allen Oswalt. “The smoke detector alerted the occupants next door who called in the fire. Again, working smoke detectors saved lives, and property.”

* Special thanks to Dick Harris, photographer for Portland Fire & Rescue, for taking the EXN camera behind fire lines to snap the rear-of-building action photo us!

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

Meet the new executive director of the Alliance of Portland Neighborhood Business Associations, East Portland’s Jon Turino …

Newly-named Executive Director of the APNBA Jon Turino shakes hands in front of Portland City Hall with Commissioner Sam Adams and APNBA president Jean Baker.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Having been a volunteer organization since it was organized, the Alliance of Portland Neighborhood Business District Associations, Inc. (APNBA), a nonprofit coalition of over thirty local business district associations, took a step forward this month, by naming a full-time executive director and establishing an office.

“Our organization was able to take this step,” said Jean Baker, the current President of the association, “having recently received a grant to improve its capacity and its ability to serve the business districts.”

The APNBA, Baker explained, helps neighborhood business districts cross-pollinate ideas, and work together to solve mutual problems.

Association hires local businessman
There were some concerns among APNBA members that the talent search to fill the position might bring in an individual from out-of-state who was unfamiliar with Portland’s politics and business climate.

However, their search led them to Jon Turino, a Parkrose-based business person who has been active in many civic organizations and has served on the boards of the Gateway and Parkrose business associations.

In his office at City Hall, Portland Commissioner Sam Adams says Turino’s leadership skills will help the organization develop a stronger voice for neighborhood business districts.

Commissioner Adams commends choice
“I’m very exciting that Jon Turino was named executive director,” commented Portland City Commissioner Sam Adams. “In addition to being a successful business person in East Portland, Turino has demonstrated the ability to help diverse groups of business people to work together. He’s been active in the APNBA, and will help take the organization to the next level of effectiveness.”

We asked Adams why he felt it was important to spearhead the effort to find funding that dedicated to helping the APNBA develop into a stronger organization.

“Small, neighborhood, local businesses are the economic spine of the city,” replied Adams. “84% of Portland businesses employ 10 or less employees.  Most of them are outside of the downtown Portland area. Portland’s distinctive neighborhood business districts make our city truly unique. It would be a missed opportunity to not support them.”

As the newly-named APNBA Executive Director prepares for his role, Adams admonishes Turino to listen carefully to the organization’s constituents, develop clear goals and strategies and communicate positively with officials and city and county government.

Full time office
Instead of the APNBA’s organizational materials, records and equipment being kept in boxes held by the current president and board members, the grant also permits the association to establish an office.

“In addition to our new office,” commented Baker, “we’ve hired a full-time administrative coordinator. “Working together with our board and membership, we’ll be better able to achieve our organization’s mission: Making business district associations, and the businesses that make up their membership, even more successful.”

For more information, contact the APNBA at 107 SE Washington St, Suite 244, Portland, OR  97214; telephone (503) 234-7642 or e-mail info@apnba.com.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

The startling, daylight take-over robbery took place a month ago – and police need your help finding the criminals who terrorized this popular outer East Portland restaurant …

The Refectory, a well-known dining and meeting establishment, was taken over by armed robbers on February 15. See if you can help the cops bust these dangerous crooks.

Story and photo by David F. Ashton
The Friday morning – one month ago, on February 15 – was a crisp winter day that started to warm as the sun came out.

Workers were going about their routine of setting up for their lunch crowd at The Refectory, 1618 NE 122nd Avenue, just north of NE Halsey Street, across from the parking lot from the outer Gateway Winco grocery store.

At 9:14 a.m., two thugs strolled in, forced employees to the ground, and stole money from the safe. Additionally, the suspects stole an employee’s 2005 gray Jeep Liberty to use as their getaway vehicle. On Saturday, February 16, Fairview Police recovered the vehicle in the 2700 block of Northeast 205th Avenue.

Suspect #1 is described as a white male in his 30’s, 5’8 -5’10”, 200 pounds, light brown hair, stubble on his face, and wearing a blue hooded jacket.

Suspect #2 is described as white, possibly a female, in the 30’s, 5’8, 180 pounds, wearing an orange and blue jacket with a white stripe across the chest and back.  The suspect’s face was covered during the robbery.

Crime Stoppers is offering a cash reward of up to $1,000 for information, reported to Crime Stoppers, that leads to the an arrest in this case, or for any unsolved felony, and you can remain anonymous. Call Crime Stoppers at (503) 823-HELP (4357).

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

See why some were disappointed when the Regional Arts & Culture Council director gave discouraging news about helping secure public art for the new Parkrose landmark …

Regarding funding for public art in the Parkrose Triangle, Eloise Damrosch, Executive Director, Regional Arts & Culture Council (RACC), tells the group, “We don’t have money sitting around looking for opportunity.”

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Parkrose business people and neighbors have worked diligently over the past year to clean up the overgrown – and, frankly, unsightly – large traffic island where NE Sandy Boulevard crosses NE Killingsworth Street.

After days of back-breaking work, these volunteers transformed this plot of land into the beautifully landscaped “Parkrose Triangle”. And, they prepared a large, concrete pad on which they plan to mount a display of public art – such as a statue or sculpture – that would be changed out every year or so.

With this in mind, members of the Parkrose Business Association (PBA) welcomed Eloise Damrosch, Executive Director of the Regional Arts & Culture Council (RACC), to their general membership meeting not long ago.

Commission brings culture to greater Portland
Damrosch began by telling of the organization’s mission to “integrate arts and culture in all aspects of community life”.

The RACC, Damrosch added, was formed in 1995 when Multnomah County “transitioned” the Metropolitan Arts Commission into a not-for-profit organization. “Existing arts organizations asked that we not solicit money from their donors, so we came up with a unique funding plan.”

About that time, Damrosch said, Multnomah County passed the “1% for Art” plan, under which one percent of municipal capital building budgets had to be set aside for art.

Damrosch tells the group how the city and county commit at between 1.5% and 2% of every capital building project to public art.

Tax-supported art program
“The beauty of this plan is that it assures that art will be involved in every capital project built with public money,” Damrosch stated. “There is local input on the art projects; artists, citizens, and users of the building agree on the artwork.”

The downside, she conceded, is that RACC is primarily funded, and restricted, by the 1% mechanism. “The good news is that we’ve been able to bump that up. Multnomah County is 1.5% and the City of Portland has committed 2%. Our maintenance funding has grown, as well. We don’t want the [public] art to look awful; it needs to be maintained.”

Over the years, Damrosch added, the RACC and its funding model has achieved a degree of national recognition. “We consult around the country for communities who want to set up a program like ours.”

Additionally, the RACC’s “Work for Art” program encourages individual and corporate donations. “We realize that individuals care about arts and culture. They may not be used to writing a check to an art organization. This makes it easy, by working with workplace-giving programs, to encourage them to put aide $5 a month.”

Supports a variety of art programs
The RACC supports 35 art programs throughout the three-county area. “These include project grants and grants to schools’ artist-in-residency programs. We also offer smaller artist education grants.”

When times get tough, Damrosch emphasized, arts are the first to be cut from schools. “There are still arts programs, but it is inequitable. Kids in less affluent schools suffer the most from inequity. We want to bring arts education back, K-8, in all three counties.”

It looks as if the space created here on the Parkrose Triangle will go without art – unless Parkrose folks raise money to buy it. PBA photo

Art on the Parkrose Triangle
Turning to the local issue, public art on the Parkrose Triangle, Damrosch told asked, “You have a spot here in Parkrose for public area. What are the options? Do you have in mind that you would like a permanent art piece?”

Several members spoke up and said, “The plan is for a rotating display of art.”

Damrosch responded, “In Lake Oswego, every two years, the downtown business foundation changes out the artwork on the pedestals they’ve built.”

Damrosch says she doesn’t have encouraging words for the Parkrose Triangle art project for the PBA members.

Artists don’t favor plan
“The downside we hear from artists is that the chances it [their artwork] will be sold is remote, after has been on display. It is out of their control; they don’t know if it will be in good condition when it is returned to them,” Damrosch explained, adding that most artists say the honorarium they receive for “loaning” the artwork isn’t sufficient to cover having the work unavailable for sale, and having to install and remove it.

“We don’t have money sitting around looking for opportunity,” cautioned Damrosch. “We provide a service to help people go through a process to set up a program. We can help you with that. But, we may not be able to help cover the cost of finding art and installing it.”

For more information, see www.racc.org.

The PBA’s Member Moment spotlights NICKEL ADS’ Jeanie Alpert. “We put out about 1 Million papers up and down the I-5 corridor,” she says. “Locally, we are a sponsor of the new Parkrose Farmer’s Market. We have a sincere commitment to promote your business and community events.”

Special “field trip” meeting on March 20
Instead of their usual locale, the PBA members will be heading east this month, to Quality Inn & Suites at 9727 NE Sandy Blvd (97220).

Come see for yourself how a faith group took a run-down, seedy “no-tell motel” and turned it into a first-class lodging facility that has become the pride of the neighborhood.

The meeting on March 20 will be at 11:30 a.m. Because this is a catered event, they ask that your RSVP: marsha@copyexpresspdx.com — and let them know how many will be attending. Next month, they’ll be back at outer East Portland’s top dining spot, Steamers Restaurant and Lounge.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

After commending this outer East Portland shopkeeper for taking down a petty thief, police tell the steps you should take if your home or car is burglarized …

By David F. Ashton
Because those involved chose not to meet with us, we don’t have photos of this solved crime – but the story which we uncovered, and what you can learn from it, are important.

Pawn gone wrong
On February 28, a man stomped out of the Money Market Pawn Shop, near SE 169th Avenue on SE Division Street – angry because the pawn keeper, Peter Lim, didn’t buy the bicycle he was selling.

“Lim recognized the man,” said Portland Police Bureau spokesman Sgt. Brian Schmautz, “and suspected the bike might be stolen. But, he took down information on the bike, and 0n the man, before he turned him away.”

Then, Lim picked up the phone and talked with detectives from the Police Bureau’s Special Property Investigations Unit. That led to a search of Sutton’s residence, which uncovered yet another stolen bicycle – a bike which police say was the victim’s only means of transportation to and from work.

They didn’t have to go far to arrest the man who officials say is a repeat thief, 31-year-old William Sutton; he was already in jail for Probation Violation.

Sutton subsequently was charged with Attempted Theft in the First Degree, two counts of Attempted Theft in the Second Degree, one count of Theft in the First Degree, and one count of Theft in the Second Degree in connection with the stolen bikes.

Police say this man, William Sutton, makes money by selling and pawning things – namely, other people’s property that he’s stolen.

Sticky-fingered Sutton
Schmautz reminded us that, in September of last year, Sutton was arrested when he tried to pawn a widow’s stolen wedding ring at a Portland pawnshop.

“That arrest occurred after alert pawnshop employees, acting on information provided by the police, recognized Sutton and the ring, and then called the police while Sutton was still in the store,” said Schmautz. “Months later, police learned that Sutton was out of custody and selling property again.”
Something stolen?

Many people believe they’ll find their stolen goods on sale at a pawnshop or secondhand store immediately after being stolen.

But, Schmautz explained, “What many don’t realize is that property sold to one of these locations is kept in a ‘police hold area’ for 30 days – and for 90 days, if it was pawned and not redeemed.”

During this “hold” period, he added, the Police Bureau’s Special Property Investigations unit works to identify any of the property that might be stolen. “One of the best ways to help law enforcement recover your stolen property is to document all serial numbers, photograph valuables, and give this information to the police if you are victimized.”

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

See photos of this moving show, which ends this weekend! There may be a few seats still unclaimed …

Rather than be split up in Nazi “relocation camps”, Anne (Marissa Hanson), along with her father, Otto (Sam DeRoest), sister Margot (Kaila Munay), and mother Edith (Laura Leonard) take up residence in the hidden attic of the family business for nearly two years.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Before the show opened, we told our readers that the David Douglas High School Theater Department’s intimate, small-box production of “The Diary of Anne Frank” would probably sell out – and it has.

The school’s Small Box Theatre, located under their massive theater’s main stage, seats 74 audience members. “It’s almost like you’re right there, with the Frank family, as they hide from the Nazis in an attic during the Holocaust,” comments director Judy LeCoq.

Anne and her sister, Margot, wonder what lies ahead as they first walk into the small attic that will become their new home.

About the story
The central character of “The Diary of Anne Frank” actually kept a diary of her life and experiences, starting the week before the thirteen-year-old girl and her family went into hiding in 1942. The play, drawn from the pages of Frank’s diary, tells how she, her family, and four other people went into hiding in sealed-off upper rooms of her father’s office building in Amsterdam – until they were betrayed.

LeCoq says, “Anne has been recognized as a tremendous writer. And, this newly-adapted version of the award-winning play reveals the stress of confinement, awkward teenage relationships, and the tension and fear of betrayal.”

Thanks to the realistic set that focuses the audience’s attention on the dozen players, the work of Mark Taylor’s Theater Arts class significantly adds to the quality of the production – as does the student crew running lights, sound, and taking care of stage management duties.

While some critics might say the production is an extreme departure from their ensemble’s usual musical-comedy fare, LeCoq responds, “The book, on which the play is based, is required reading for most middle-school students. And, the story of Anne Frank is one that should never be forgotten.”

Because Anne Frank was a young teenager when her family went into hiding, she never got to experience life as most kids do. In this scene, she and friend-in-hiding Peter Van Daan (Zeke Fetrow) wonder if they’ll ever have a normal life, outside the confines of the attic.

Show ends Saturday night
“The Diary of Anne Frank” ends on March 15. There may be some last-minute seats available. Call the David Douglas Box Office at (503) 261-8270 to check.

The DDHS Small Box Theater is located on the lower level of the Howard Horner Performing Arts Center, 1400 SE 130th Avenue, Portland, OR 97233. This theater is handicapped-accessible.

Thinking they are about to be rescued, the families hiding from the Nazis feel joy for the first time in two years. Minutes later, they realize that a Nazi sympathizer has reported them – and they are moments away from being marched off to concentration camps – and certain death.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

No, it isn’t a Flintstones-like vehicle – a bus with no floorboard!
ake a look, and you’ll get the idea …

Where’s the bus? The idea, we’re told, is simply that kids walk to school as a group, with parents strolling alongside.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
When the City of Portland’s Office of Transportation announced that its “Safer Routes to School (SR2S) program” had received a $599,515 grant from the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) – and they were spending the money programs like a “Walking Bus” – we had to check it out.

What we found was that a Walking Bus isn’t an odd, kid-powered vehicle. Instead, it is a simply a plan that, PDOT officials say, “Enables fun, healthy, and safe ways for students to walk and bike to school.”

Kelly Elementary Principal Sharon Allen and Portland Mayor Tom Potter welcome kids to Kelly Elementary School as they get off their “Walking Bus”.

We asked Portland Mayor Tom Potter, present to celebrate the kickoff of the program at Kelly Elementary School in Lents, to clarify.

“Well, what’s important is that obesity is a national, state, and local problem.  By having kids walk or ride their bikes to school, they actually are healthier, and also are coming to school better-prepared, because their minds are clear. It also reduces traffic [-caused] pollution – because now, many parents drive their children to school. Plus, the children seem to enjoy doing it.”

Kelly Elementary School organizer Diane Galvez explains the program to us – and to KOIN-6 News.

“The ‘walking bus’ idea is that the group moves together,” explained Diane Galvez, the organizer of the Kelly Elementary School program. This is for safety reasons, primarily. They move together – as if they were a bus – but instead, they are on foot or on their bikes.”

Parents come along for the “ride”, said Galvez. “We make sure that kids stay on the path and don’t get hit by a car, or hurt other people’s property. We keep them close to us, and make sure they’re okay.”

Echoing the Mayor’s sentiment, Galvez added, “Exercise and good health are the primary issues. We have a huge number of kids that are a little bit overweight, and we try to make them realize that there is an easy and healthy way for them to get in shape and get to school.”

The program’s organizer, Diane Galvez, is joined by volunteers Christina Helvie, Cher Bengard, and Cece Mills – just some of the 50 parents who share responsibility in the program.

The Kelly “Walking Bus” covered a mile, on the morning we visited a couple of weeks ago. “Today we had 22 kids on our school bus, and seven or eight parents,” noted Galvez. “This is the biggest one we’ve ever had.  It’s very rewarding.  It makes you feel good, just thinking about it.”

If you want to volunteer for the Kelly Elementary School “Walking Bus”, call the school at (503) 916-6350.

Behind the news: We weren’t the only medium covering the event! We hope the Walking Bus concept continues after this media event was staged. But, we always enjoy working with our friends at the TV stations!

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

Within a couple of days of each other, Parkrose High School’s library unveiled permanent student artwork – and the school’s Swim Center held a movie night in their beautiful pool. You’ll learn about both, here …

Parkrose High School artists Jazzy Koczian and Heather Aplington, both juniors, show off their art, decorating the end of the Reference Section book rack.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
The Parkrose High School library is modern and well stocked with books. In fact, the least attractive part of the spacious room has been the shelves – until librarian Stephanie Thomas got an idea.

“The hospital-gray shelves are very sturdy and functional, but they’re just not very attractive,” Thomas said, as parents and student artists gathered for the unveiling of a major art project two weeks ago.

“We talked to art students, and their teacher, Bev Cordova, and we decided what we can do with the shelving,” Thomas told us. “We decided to decorate them by asking students to create works of art for the ends of the shelves.”

Parkrose High School librarian Stephanie Thomas thanks the student artists for their contribution.

Art, by topic
The artwork is inspired by the topic of books on the shelf, noted Thomas.

Your reporter was puzzled looking at the tall panel on the Library’s east end, decorated by juniors Jazzy Koczian and Heather Aplington – when trying to guess the content of those shelves.

“If it looks random,” explained Aplington, “well, it is. That’s because this is the reference section of the library. There’s everything here from National Geographic Magazines to encyclopedias.”

Koczian added, “That’s why it looks like outer space – with the nebula, and the apple and chicken. Almost every topic in the universe is in these books.”

It looks as if books, we surmise, which are about art, are on the shelves for which Cesar Pina painted an end cap. He says we’re correct.

Color coordinated panels
“As the panels go from one end of the library to the other,” Thomas pointed out, “the colors flow and blend.”

Now getting the idea, we met student Cesar Pina, a talented Parkrose High student artist.

“Yes, they’re books about art,” Pina affirmed. “They’re both about historical art, and cartoons. So I thought we could incorporate both styles of art in the drawing.  I have a Salvador Dali ‘Melting Clock’, ‘The Thinker’, and ‘Scream’.”

Up to the challenge
“The project was a pretty big challenge,” admitted art instructor Bev Cordova. “Finding some kind of theme to turn into an image can be pretty difficult, when there are as many 500 books in a section.

“Finally, we projected the final images onto the panels, traced them out, and started painting,” concluded Cordova. “It took a lot longer than we expected, because we are working for equality. The kids love the idea that these will be up for 20 to 30 years.”

During the six-week-long project, some of the students didn’t finish their panels. “Students Cesar Pina and Isaac Song spent many hours, five or six days after school, getting them ready for display,” Cordova commended.

Valerie Robinson, a senior, calls her panel, “Stairway to the Unknown”. It represents the mystery and horror fiction which are on these shelves, she says.

Terry Franceschi, the school’s Theater Operations Manager, was credited for suggesting that the shelves could be capped with wood. “More than that,” Thomas said, “he cut the wood to size, and mounted each of the works of art for us.”

Everyone present agreed that the project turned out well.

“I feel like the panels create a warm and inviting environment,” said Thomas. “When students come in they feel more welcome here.”

Parkrose Swim Center hosts “Dive-in Movie” night

It was unclear whether the draw was the movie they planned to show in the Swim Center – or the attraction of a free community swim night – but the facility was packed to capacity at the event.

The last day of February, just a couple of days after the library’s art project was unveiled, the school hosted another event.

“I’m the coordinator for the ‘Dive-In Movie Night’ at Parkrose High School,” said Brendan Gill, the school’s program developer for its Community Connections Program.

“It was the idea of Career Center Coordinator, Meg Kilmer,” explained Gill. “We agreed it would make a big impact on the school; it would be a great after-school activity, because we have a great pool here.”

Brendan Gill, an AmeriCorps member assigned to the school, says he’s happy the event was such a “splashing” success.

The event, Gill said, was the kickoff for other Community Nights in the upcoming weeks. “They’ll be held in the Parkrose High Theater.”

As workers prepared to run the movie, more and more families poured into the Swim Center. Soon, the facility was at capacity. The event drew a crowd that topped out at 150 folks.

While some of the organizers seemed peeved that not many of those present settled down to actually watch the movie, it was clear that a swim in pool was the event’s main attraction.

The lights dimmed, but few people could hear the soundtrack of the movie over the ambient noise of folks having fun in the pool.

It was clear the kids and adults were having too much fun to settle down and watch a movie. Movie-goers may have been annoyed by the splashing ruckus, but we didn’t hear any complaints. It looked as if everyone was having a great evening.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

See why one of our favorite local musical groups, Captain Bogg & Salty’s Pirate Band, most recently dropped their anchor in Westmoreland …

Arrrr, Mates! Shiver me timbers! We spy Captain Bogg & Salty’s Pirate Band’s a-playing again in East Portland!

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Instead of plundering inner SE Portland for their own gain, the sea dogs of Captain Bogg & Salty’s Pirate Band dropped off a chest of gold – to benefit Llewellyn Elementary School Foundation not long ago.

“This event shows real community spirit,” said the co-coordinator of the benefit concert, Robin Johnson. “Two New Seasons Markets and Wallace Books sold tickets, and the Moreland Presbyterian Church loaned the risers. And, volunteers Eileen Stone and Pete Diamond helped put the stage together.”

The co-organizers of the concert, Robin Johnson and Julie Wright, welcome the 300 fans that came to see Captain Bogg & Salty’s Pirate Band.

In their front row seats in the Moreland Theater, Captain Bogg & Salty fans Zaib, Jillian, Maggie, Winnie are giving us the secret pirate sign (a hooked finger) – showing they are ready for a good time.

The organizers said they appreciated the owners and staff at the Moreland Theatre. “We appreciate them having us back this year; they very kind to us,” said organizer Julie Wright.

Captain Bogg welcomes the crowd of pirate fans to the show.

As a couple hundred young fans and their parents filed in, and the group was about to come on stage, the band’s spokes-pirate – First Mate McGraw – commented, “It’s a strange and wonderful feeling of playing pirate songs in an old movie theater like this. It can’t be replicated elsewhere.”

With a mighty “yar”, and the sign of the hook, another rollicking concert was underway, featuring songs that included “Pegleg Tango”, “I’m A Pirate”, and “Pieces of 8ight”.

The pirate band opens the show with “Weigh Anchor”.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service