Take a look at the pint-size vehicles on display, at this outer East Portland cruise-in that took place in Gateway …
At the SABA Cruise-in, all of the cars and trucks on display are really souped up – and really small. They’re scale models!
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Judging by the turnout we see at many of the cruise-in events we cover each year, many folks enjoy seeing fancy cars and trucks on display.
The first cruise-in of the season we covered, not long ago, was in the activity room at the Gateway Elks – it was a meeting of Scale Auto Builders Association (SABA).
“Welcome to our annual Northwest Scale Auto Fest,” greeted Michael Pearsall, one of the organizers of the show and sale. “This is a meeting of modelers from all over the Pacific Northwest. We have people from as far away as Canada and Northern California attending here today.”
This “gathering of the faithful” is important, Pearsall told us, because “it brings together people who love model cars; and, it helps people become aware of this hobby. A lot of us grew up building scale models as kids. We grew up, moved on to full-size cars, had kids and families and careers. But some of us still love building models”.
Car-show organizer Michael Pearsall, with some of his favorite vehicles.
Pint-size stress relief
Working for “one of the largest beverage companies in the world”, Pearsall said he has a high-stress, challenging job. “This allows me to escape. I enjoy cars; this hobby allows me to own, in miniature, cars I would not otherwise be able to own and full-size.”
SABA provides a sense of community for modelers, he added. “Some guys felt they were doing this all by themselves. Coming to an event like this, or to a club meeting, they get to feel ‘at home’ with others who have the same interest.”
Video games replaced modeling
The club has about 40 members, Pearsall reported. “We are trying to get more kids involved in it. It could give them a creative alternative to being on the Internet all day, or playing video games.”
Club President Ron Martinolich agreed, looking sad as he said, “This hobby has had its ups and downs. If we could get some kids under the age of 15 to get more into modeling – using their hands – I’d sure be happy.”
But Martinolich’s face brightened, as he showed us a couple of his favorite models.
SABA president Ron Martinolich shows us two of his treasures – a 1956 Chevrolet; it’s been modified from a Nomad into a two-door station wagon – and a 1962 Ford Fairlane, a work-in-progress.
“This 1962 Ford Fairlane is extremely rare. One like this would probably sell for $300 on eBay,” Martinolich said. “I’ve got 25 hours in it so far, and probably [it will take] another 10 hours to finish it.”
The best part of this hobby, he said, is meeting the people involved, who “are as nutty about it as I am.”
Models, models, and more models! Edward January brought 1,500 kits to this event held in Gateway.
Dealer brings 1,500 vehicles to show
In addition to showing their completed model vehicles, many club members also offered un-built parts kits for sale.
The largest sale display was a “wall of models” – still in their original cellophane-covered boxes – brought in by “Mr. Models”, Edward January of Springfield, Oregon. “We brought about 1,500 model kits. At home, I have four times as many.”
We asked January why he decided to go into this business. He replied, “This is a full-time hobby. It’s all fun and games. If it were a business, it would take all the fun out of it.”
January said he brought mostly standard model kits for sale. “Today, my ‘parts cars’ have been the best sellers. People use them for customizing their models. Other than that, we sell a lot of Mopar, GM, and Ford Motor models.”
Meet other modelers
If you enjoy making models, the SABA might be the place for you. The club doesn’t have a web site, Pearsall said. “There are flyers available at most hobby shops around the area. They know how to get hold of us. Or, e-mail me at pearsall74@comcast.net, to find out more.”
© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News
We don’t know why the alleged murderer shot a man in the head – with a witness present. But, we do know that then greeting the police with a gun in hand is a very bad idea …
Throughout the night – and most of the next day – NE Glisan Street was closed to traffic for blocks west of the I-205 freeway, as police tried to unravel both a murder and an officer-involved shooting.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
You wouldn’t notice the house at 9124 NE Glisan Street if you drove past it – other than that the weeds in front of it are knee-high, nearly obscuring a realtor’s “for sale” sign posted near the street.
But, this house became the scene of two deaths – and a fire – on May 13.
The bizarre incident started when a woman called 9-1-1 at 8:26 p.m., reporting she had just witnessed a murder.
Police approached the house cautiously. They spotted a 27-year-old man, later identified as Jason Spoor, walking outside, and then quickly running back indoors.
Police investigators brought all their gear in to process this crime scene.
Comes out, gun in hand
The officers called for backup when, several minutes later, they saw Spoor reappear in the doorway.
“When he opened the front door,” reported Portland Police Bureau spokesman Sgt. Brian Schmautz, “he walked outside holding a handgun.”
Based upon officers’ statements, and confirmation by independent witnesses, said Schmautz, the officers repeatedly told the man to drop the gun. At the same time that the officers were confronting the armed subject, other officers heard snapping and crackling sounds, and saw smoke starting to come from the house.
Inside and out, investigators and detectives gather evidence at the scene.
“The armed subject ignored the officers’ repeated commands to drop the gun, and began to approach additional officers at the scene. During the confrontation, two officers discharged their weapons, and the subject fell to the ground and died,” explained Schmautz.
Police say when they searched the house, they found this man, 29-year-old Dwayne Hampton, dead of a single gunshot wound.
After the shooting, a Portland Fire & Rescue crew rushed in and extinguished the fire inside the residence.
Officers then entered the residence and found a dead man there, whom the Multnomah County Medical Examiner identified as 29-year-old Dwayne Hampton. “The cause of death has been determined to be a single gunshot wound to the head,” Schmautz said. “Jason Spoor has been identified as the suspect in connection with this homicide.”
Two officers fired at Spoor, but only one struck and fatally wounded the man suspected of murdering the dead man found in the house.
Killed with one shot
The Medical Examiner conducted an autopsy the following day, and determined that Spoor was killed by a single gunshot to the head.
Although many media outlets have focused their attention on one officer involved in the shooting, Schmautz tells us two cops fired at Spoor.
“During the confrontation, two officers discharged their weapons,” Schmautz stated. “The officers are identified as 45-year-old Timothy Bacon, a 14-year veteran of the Police Bureau currently assigned to Southeast Precinct, and 32-year-old Officer Scott McCollister, a 7-year veteran, currently assigned to East Precinct.”
Motive still unclear
As this investigation continues, officials haven’t released information about why they suspect Spoor of killing Hampton, nor any information provided by the woman who claimed to have witnessed the murder.
© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News
He drank, drove recklessly, wrecked his car, and got a trip to the hospital. You won’t believe what happened to the car he hit …
The fancy wheels and low-profile tires on this Mitsubishi won’t be going ’round and ’round – perhaps ever again – after its accused drunken driver flipped it, on NE 82nd Avenue of Roses.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
The party ended on Sunday, May 11, at precisely 9:26 pm, for a man police identified as 35-year-old Rogers Miranda.
The youthful-looking driver of the Kia SUV which Miranda hit filled us in, from his own point of view: “We were sitting in the [northbound] left-turn lane on 82nd, waiting for the green light, to turn [west] on NE Fremont Street. This car came through the intersection of really fast, hit me, and rolled over.”
It appears as if Miranda’s 1998 Mitsubishi – seen here with its doors pried open, so he and his passenger could get out – won’t be speeding around outer East Portland anymore.
Pried out with rescue tools
“We pulled up we had one car on its top,” reported Portland Fire & Rescue’s Lt. Erik Oatfield, attached to Station 12. “There were two people inside, unable to get out of their seat belts. Both of them were hanging from their seat belts.”
The doors were jammed, Oatfield said, so the crews used a Hurst Tool [“Jaws of Life”] to pop one door open, and a Halligan [steel pry-bar] to open the other. Both occupants were transported by ambulance for medical evaluation, he added.
We were surprised at how little apparent damage the Kia suffered when it was hit. The inset shows the bent wheel.
Victims walk away
The Kia SUV seemed to sustain little damage in the collision – although the front driver-side tire was pushed in at a 45° angle, making the vehicle undrivable. All of its occupants walked away the wreck.
As for the driver of the car that hit the Kia, “Miranda was charged with DUII and Reckless Driving,” said Portland Police Bureau spokesman Sgt. Brian Schmautz, after looking at the official reports.
© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News
See why two city bureaus teamed up to hold an open house – and learn what you can expect about development along our Light Rail lines …
About 100 neighbors came – to contemplate plans for further development along the Eastside MAX light rail line – at this open house, held at the Glenhaven Building.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
As the eastside MAX celebrates about 25 years of operation, city officials are working to plan how areas around the light rail line should be further developed in the future.
To this end, the Portland Office of Transportation (PDOT) and the Bureau of Planning held a joint open house a couple of weeks ago to roll out the “Eastside MAX Station Communities Project”.
The stated goal of the project is to “To create active Station communities where a wide range of housing, retail, services, and job opportunities are immediately available within a pedestrian-friendly, 20-minute walk of six, [outer East Portland] MAX light rail stations.”
City planner Tom Armstrong, with the City of Portland’s Bureau of planning, listens to neighbors’ comments at the Eastside MAX Station Communities Project’s kick-off open house.
Kickoff of long-term project
“We’re in the early stages of our process,” commented Tom Armstrong, a city planner with the Portland Bureau of Planning. “This open house is the kickoff public meeting. We’ve done our policy and inventory work; we know what we can see on the maps. Now, we’re learning from neighbors what their day-to-day experiences are and what their ideas are for these station communities.”
Asked why they were teaming up with PDOT, Armstrong explained, “We learned long ago that it is best to do land use and transportation planning together. We do it simultaneously so all the pieces fit together. We also saw this as a real opportunity to look at how we can encourage more ridership through the MAX transit centers. And, we’re also looking at what’s going on in the neighborhoods, and see how we can support development to make [these areas near the MAX centers] better places.”
PDOT planner, Stuart Gwin, points out features near one of the eastside MAX Stations.
Developing compatibility plans
Stuart Gwin, a planner with PDOT, spoke with us about the project from the City’s transportation perspective.
“We’re here looking for ways to make the surrounding community more compatible with light rail,” Gwin began. “This means we would like to enhance the pedestrians’ connections to the Light Rail Station. Every transit trip starts as a pedestrian. You don’t drive your car onto the train.”
In the future, Gwin said, they hope to create Station-area communities – areas within a half-mile of the Light Rail line – into locations where citizens can take care of all their daily needs without the use of a vehicle.
Richard Glenn fills out a questionnaire at the open house. “I think there’s a lot that we can do to have better planning and an overall goal, instead of it being haphazard,” he told us.
No cars needed
“We look to some point in the future,” forecast Gwin, “When you will come home from work via Light Rail, and walk to your home or apartment. Then, if you need to go shopping or access services, you can easily walk to get what you need without having to reach for your car keys and drive.”
We turn to Armstrong and ask, “Do you really see a world without personal vehicles?”
“Times are changing,” he replied. “It’s becoming more expensive to drive. And there are a lot of serious environmental consequences to driving. If we can think about our communities as being multipurpose, as they were 50 years ago, we really reduce the need for people to drive to get around.”
A one-year process
The planners noted that they are under contract with the state to complete this project by April, 2009. “The work product will be a series of actions that the city Council and Mayor can evaluate and implement. Some of them probably have high prices. We need to start the dialogue with the Mayor and City Council.”
Chris Yake, on the project’s consulting team, writes comments. If you didn’t attend and voice your opinions, you can go online and make comments.
Your input is welcomed
If you couldn’t make it to the open house, you may check in the progress of the Eastside MAX Station Communities Project by CLICKING HERE.
© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News
Circle May 17 on your calendar! Why? They say this year’s parade and community fair will be better than ever …
At an organizing meeting on April 29, Gateway Area Business Association president Alan Sanchez outlines duties for various volunteers.
Story by Watford Reed, photos by David F. Ashton
Planning for what some consider to be the biggest event of the year in outer East Portland – the Gateway Fun-o-Rama – was the main topic, when the Gateway Business Association met on May 8.
The 13th yearly Fun-o-Rama will begin May 16 with a golf tournament at the
Glendoveer Golf Course, and continue the next day with a parade down NE Halsey Street, followed by the Community Fair at 111th Square.
GABA member Greg Zuffera helps Portland Police Traffic Division Sergeant Robert Voepel hold a map – showing where volunteers will be stationed, during the May 17 Fun-O-Rama Parade.
Fun-O-Rama Parade
The parade will begin at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 17. It will form at the St. Therese Parish grounds on Northeast 132nd Avenue, head west along NE Halsey Street, and disband at northeast 105th Avenue.
At least three high school bands – Parkrose, David Douglas, and one from Vancouver, Washington – will march in the parade. The 2008 Portland Rose Festival princesses will ride in convertibles and greet the crowds along the route. And awards await the best groups participating in the parade.
Giant banners like this one – so big it took all of the GABA board members to hold it up – will welcome folks to the annual Gateway Fun-O-Rama celebration.
Community Fair follows parade
After the Fun-o-Rama Parade, the Community Fair at 111th Square will begin. The largest American flag in the area, measuring 25 feet wide, will be raised at noon by the Portland Police Bureau Honor Guard.
Then, visitors will be invited to browse 40 booths set up for individuals, companies, nonprofit organizations, and civic groups. Again this year, the Portland Police Bureau East Precinct Cadets will be serving up hot, fresh fast food.
The Portland Rose Festival Princesses will entertain at the fair. Children will be delighted with free balloons, as well as the live Ronald McDonald music and comedy show, presented during the afternoon event.
Bicycle helmets will be provided for children, fitted by Cadets and Emanuel Hospital personnel. Although a five dollar donation is requested for the helmets, they will be given free to those who cannot afford the donation.
The Gateway “Citizen of the Year” – Superintendent Barbara Rommel, of the David Douglas School District – will be honored, and musicians from the school will perform.
The fair, which will end at 3 p.m., started with “six or eight families” in 1996, said Fred Sanchez, of Realty Brokers, one of the main sparkplugs of the organization. By comparison, last year more than 2000 visitors came to the fair, he said.
Democratic candidate Jefferson Smith promotes his bid for a seat in the Oregon legislature.
Candidate Smith pitches
Also at the meeting, the only candidate for the Democratic nomination for the Oregon House from the district – Jefferson Smith – campaigned.
Smith inferentially joined a recent chorus of political voices which have said that eastern Portland is neglected.
Stressing the need for education, Smith said that, nationally, “the biggest thing to make kids safer” is to make sure that they can read when they are in the third grade.
The famous GABA Rubber Chicken award for service to the Gateway area – presented by Gateway Keystone Kop Brad Sanchez – this month goes to “Not your ordinary bean-counter” (and GABA board member) Kevin Minkoff, CPA.
© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News
We agree with Portland Commissioner Randy Leonard, who calls the May 6th Mt. Tabor reservoir vandalism “stupid”. See what it takes to clean it up – and get a unique view Reservoir 6 like few others have seen it – from the bottom up …
Looking down the side, it’s easy to see where a vandal dumped latex paint down in North Reservoir 6 – and threw other trash into OUR drinking water.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
On May 6, Portland Water Bureau (PWB) workers discovered a gallon milk jug containing latex paint, a vertical, orange construction barricade, a bundle of informational fliers and 5 tennis balls floating in its Mt. Tabor North Reservoir 6.
“The reservoir has been taken off-line and is no longer supplying area residents with water,” advised PWB spokesperson Jennie Day. “Customers are receiving their water directly off the conduit line from Bull Run.”
If you’ve walked around this reservoir, along SE 60th Avenue, a few blocks north of SE Division Street, you’ve probably seen the reservoir – it’s divided into two large “tanks” – with a “fountain” spray on the side that is in use.
Few people have seen the south basin of Mt. Tabor Reservoir 6 from 20 feet below the water line. Soon, as much as 40 million gallons of Bull Run water will be held here before it runs out to neighborhoods around Portland.
The south tank is used to store water for 6 months each year, and the north side stores water the other six months. Unfortunately the vandal polluted the north side – the tank currently in use.
Accelerates anjual cleaning
Because the south side hasn’t been used for months – it was scheduled to be cleaned in June – between 8 and 10 million gallons of water was drained “as quickly as possible” to get it ready for cleaning.
“We have to be careful how quickly we release water into the sewer system,” a PWB worker told us as they power-washed the southern basin. “If we just dumped the water, it would certainly cause a Combined Sewer Outfall into the Willamette River.”
Then, the worker said, the approximately 30 million gallons of water will be drained from the north side of the reservoir to make it ready for cleaning.
A PWB worker uses a jet of water – powered by gravity – to blast away a year’s worth of accumulated debris.
Blasting clean the big basin
It’s difficult to grasp the enormity of a tank designed to hold up to 40 million gallons of water – even when one is standing in the bottom of the basin!
With the permission of the foreman, we walked down the steep ramp that leads to the bottom of the southern basin and watched the crew of 7 workers as they sprayed down the concrete pool.
“We don’t need to use a powered pump power washer,” a worker told us as they wrangled a 1½” diameter “fire hose” on the floor of the reservoir. “Because of our gravity water-feed system, the water shooting out pushes back with about 80 pounds of pressure.”
These two adult PWP workers are dwarfed by the enormous size of the basin.
‘Just plain stupid’
Portland City Commissioner Randy Leonard, the commissioner in charge of the water bureau, talked with us on May 9 about the incident.
“This act is just plain stupid,” Leonard commented. “If it was done by kids, they were acting thoughtlessly. I can’t imagine adults throwing paint into our water system.
“You don’t have to tell responsible people not to throw things into our drinking water. For those who aren’t responsible, we will prosecute them to the full extent of the law. We have a pretty good track record of finding people who endanger our water supply system.”
Installing new surveillance systems
Leonard told us their video system provided images too poor to be useful in the case. “We’ve been planning to install new high-resolution, low-light-capable surveillance systems; it’s now been moved up to top priority.”
Apparently Leonard’s edict for action worked; during our visit to the reservoir, we noticed electricians installing new gear.
After workers clean out the basin, they’ll disinfect it before filling it with drinking water.
High cost of thoughtless action
“I believe the bureau’s administrator, David Shaff, says the expense to deal with quarantining and cleaning the reservoir is around $100,000,” reported Leonard. “It is a shame to think of all that great Bull Run water having to be flushed down the sewer. Someone knows something about this. We hope they do the right thing by coming forward.”
Anyone with any information is encouraged to call Water Bureau Security at (503) 823-6084.
© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News
The victim’s car was damaged so badly; rescuers had to use the “jaws of life” to free her. The young man accused of causing the wreck says he’s not guilty. Read this story, and see what you think …
The first responders on scene couldn’t get the victim out – but the crew from PF&R Truck 2 popped the door quickly – just before we arrived on scene – using the “Hurst Tools” their rig always carries. The two tools are on the ground, on the right side of this photo.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Just after high noon on Wednesday, May 7, a car hurtles south on NE 82nd Avenue of Roses, down the hill from Madison High School. It nears the intersection at NE Tillamook Street, and doesn’t show signs of slowing.
Another car, driving on eastbound of NE Tillamook Street, along the Banfield complex, enters the intersection. It is broadsided, in what cops call a “T-bone” crash, and momentum carries it to the southeast corner of the intersection, up the curb, and into a tree and street lamp post.
Before firefighters remove the victim from the vehicle, they make sure she is stabilized.
Rapid emergency response
On the police radio, we hear Portland Fire & Rescue (PF&R) Truck 12 being dispatched to the wreck. “It looks pretty bad,” a dispatcher’s voice crackles on the radio.
As we head toward the scene, we hear, “This is going to be a pin-in situation.” This means a vehicle is so badly damaged, the PF&R crew can’t reach the accident victim using the hardened-steel pry-bars all of the rigs carry. “It looks like the victim is doing OK, but we can’t get her out,” a firefighter reports on the radio.
“Truck 2 has been dispatched and is on the way,” radios back the 9-1-1 Center operator. This is good news for the victim – Truck 2 is one of the rigs that carries the “Hurst Tool” – also known as the “Jaws of Life”. It’s a hydraulic machine that can snip through the metal frame of a vehicle. With another attachment, it can spread metal pieces – like the car door and door frame – apart quickly, with thousand of pounds of pressure.
After using one of two Hurst Tool attachments, a firefighter carries it back to the truck.
Victim released in minutes
By the time we arrive on scene, we hear the Hurst Tool power pack running – and the distinctive “pop” of a door being pried off the vehicle. In the hands of skilled PF&R firefighters, the Hurst Tool has done its job.
Firefighters first prepare the victim for transport to a hospital; then carefully ease the victim from her vehicle, place her on a gurney, and lift her into an ambulance bound for the hospital – and a medical evaluation.
A Portland Police Bureau East Precinct officer points out how the “side curtain airbags” had popped open – perhaps saving the victim’s life.
Police officers say this car was originally heading the opposite way on NE 82nd Ave. of Roses – it spun around after t-boning other car in the intersection
Driver claims innocence
A 19-year-old man – he says he’s the driver of the car that struck the cross-bound vehicle – tells us his story. “I was just driving down 82nd Avenue and I went to a green light. As I was going through [the intersection at NE Tillamook Street], this car pulled out and I hit the car on the side. It pulled out in front of me.”
After taking statements from witnesses to the wreck, a police officer disagrees with the young man’s assessment of the situation.
“I took witness statements that say the young man, driving the green car, ran a red light,” says as she continues writing her official report. “When he ran the red light, he side struck the silver car as it traveled eastward, through the intersection on Tillamook Street, on a green light.”
Both police officers and firefighters agreed that this driver wouldn’t be going to the hospital had the driver of the other car stopped for the red light.
Take time to stop
A PF&R lieutenant from Station 2 talks with us – off the record – and says, “I’m glad the victim’s car had the new side-wall airbags. It may have saved her life. I’m glad there wasn’t any trauma injury here today – but I sure can’t understand why people are in too great a hurry to stop for red lights.”
Because this wreck isn’t categorized as a “trauma crash” – the PPB’s Crash Team isn’t called to scene – according to current city policy, there won’t be an official investigation.
© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News
See how successful the ‘Every Family Reads’ event at Midland Library was this year – and discover their motives behind running this program …
Pat Mora (center), featured author of the 2008 “Every Family Reads” program, reads to the children from the book she wrote and now has donated to the Portland library system, entitled, “Yum! ¡Mmm! ¡Qué Rico! America’s Sproutings”.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
We’ve brought you stories about a wide variety activities that take place at your Midland Library. Now we can tell you about a special event that took place not long ago which actually featured – reading!
“Thanks for coming to our 2008 ‘Every Family Reads’ day at Midland,” welcomed Branch Manager Javier Gutierrez.
The event, Gutierrez explained, is sponsored by the American Library Association, and is called Day of the Children. “It’s all about early literacy, and promoting literacy with an intergenerational, intercultural event.”
7-year-old Liezie Lopez gets her own copy of “Yum! ¡Mmm! ¡Qué Rico! America’s Sproutings”.
Author donates 10,000 books
As we spoke, noted children’s author Pat Mora was on stage at the west end of the library’s grand atrium interacting with kids.
“She’s a writer of many children’s books and poems,” explained Gutierrez. “Even more, she’s the sponsor of our ‘Every Family Reads’ program. To help promote reading she donated her book, ‘Yum! ¡Mmm! ¡Qué Rico! America’s Sproutings’ to support our effort.”
In support of the multicultural program, the author and the library first translated the book into Spanish. “We have about 10,000 copies of this bilingual book; and we’re the only library system that offers it.”
The library manager said when a child comes in – and the parent signs a pledge that they will read with them – the youngster gets a copy of this colorful book.
Rita Jimenez, Multnomah County Manager of Libraries with Javier Gutierrez, manager of Midland Library, holding copies of the book they’re giving to kids to promote reading.
Serving a multicultural community
At the event, we met Rita Jimenez, the Multnomah County Manager of Libraries. “This program – and the book – is a wonderful gift in our community. We’re doing our best to serve the part of our community which communicates and reads in many different languages, including Spanish, Russian, Chinese, and Vietnamese. This is a great celebration for everyone.”
Promoting early literacy
In addition to the author’s interactive reading, the library’s large meeting room was turned into a craft workshop, that day. Kids were also treated to snacks and treats. And, there were regular “story-times” held throughout the day.
“The bottom line is,” underscored Gutierrez, “that this event is important to our core mission of promoting literacy, and the importance of parents reading to their children. My big thing is this: It’s hard to ‘teach an old dog new tricks’; that’s why we teach them as pups!”
Kids have fun with crafts at the celebration.
© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News
This was the second year for the “82nd Avenue of Roses Parade” – take a look at our photo album of this great community event …
Members of the famous “Get a Life Marching Band” warm up (and it was cold!) for their march in the 82nd Avenue of Roses Parade.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
The Second Annual 82nd Avenue of Roses Parade has the distinction of being the earliest civic pride procession this year, as it took to the streets on April 19.
“This year, there were more parade entries,” said parade organizer Ken Turner, president of 82nd Avenue of Roses Business Association. “This, being our second parade, generated a lot more interest in both the neighborhood and business communities.”
Ken Turner, chief organizer of the parade and president of 82nd Avenue of Roses Business Association, is on the run, checking to make sure entries are ready to roll as they stage in the Eastport Plaza parking lot.
Mike Haldecker and Lauren Kuhn, both volunteers from Portland Community College, close a side street before the parade begins.
“The most rewarding aspect,” continued Turner “is the acceptance of the parade by the business and neighborhood community. Not much attention has been drawn to the positive improvements along this avenue. This event showcases the good things that are happening on the east side.”
Turner said that one of the significant challenges for him, and for the core dozen volunteers who worked on the event for eleven months leading up to the parade, was to make sure the parade represented the large collection of communities along the route.
Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1442’s Color Guard leads the parade.
“Another indication of its success this year was the higher number of volunteers we had,” related Turner. More than 85 people pitched in on the day of event – and throughout the year – to make it happen, he said. “This is a way of showing acceptance of this event.”
Participation, he added, wasn’t limited to neighbor volunteers. “City, county, and state agencies that have a connection with – or responsibility for – 82nd Avenue have been really supportive of our event.”
Following the Title Banner, many community, civic, business and governmental groups march in this second annual parade.
Asked about highlights, Turner observed that the “Get a Life Band” was an incredible addition to the parade. “They love to entertain and make people laugh.” After the parade, the band gave a concert Eastport Plaza – complete with majorettes dancing to the beat of lively music.
“It’s going to grow to becoming a major eastside tradition,” Turner predicted. Volunteers are already hard at work on the third annual edition – it’s scheduled for Saturday, April 25, 2009.
Our 82nd Ave. of Roses Parade Photo Album
The Madison High School Drum Corps.
Richard Kiely of Home Run Graphics was one of the core volunteers who worked throughout the year to promote the parade – and co-sponsored the great “Get a Life Marching Band” along with Eastport Plaza.
Playing as they pass, the “Get a Life Marching Band” is a highlight of this year’s parade.
Animated veggies from the Lents Farmer’s Market remind us that the fresh food season is just around the corner. The Montavilla and new Parkrose markets also had entries into the parade.
East Portland Chamber of Commerce president Rich Sorem of Stewart & Tunno Insurance Agency and chamber VP, Pam Olson, Farmer’s Insurance, extend their greetings on behalf of the organization.
A parade favorite is the Dragon Dancers in the parade.
Portland Police Bureau East Precinct Commander Michael Crebs cruises up the avenue.
The parade comes to an end – but look for it again on Saturday, April 25, 2009.
Ready to have even more fun, members of the “Get a Life Marching Band” reassemble at Eastport Plaza and play an impromptu concert for their sponsors, Eastport Plaza and Home Run Graphics.
© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News
Officials say this stabbing wasn’t drug related; but sources tell us violence may escalate, as drug dealers – not gang members – fight to protect their distribution areas …
Portland Police Bureau detectives erected this tent at the murder site, while they investigate the stabbing death that took place here – near the dividing line between Multnomah and Clackamas Counties.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Just before 10 p.m. on May 8, two men get into a scuffle on SE Flavel Street, a block east of SE 82nd Avenue of Roses.
Angry words are exchanged – and, in full view passengers riding in a passing TriMet bus, one man attacks the other with a knife. A teenage girl tries to intervene and gets slashed, while trying to stop the knife-wielding suspect from stabbing the wounded man to death.
One man walks away from that fight; the other crumples to the street, dying.
Police detained a bus-load of witnesses for interviews following the stabbing.
“When officers arrived, they saw 28-year-old Jason Manuel Adams collapsed on the ground,” says Portland Police Bureau (PPB) spokesman Sgt. Brian Schmautz. “Officers called for an ambulance, but Adams died at the scene. A 17-year-old female was transported to Portland Adventist Hospital with non-life threatening injuries.”
Detectives and criminalists from the PPB’s Identification Division set up a tent over the dead man’s body, and spend several hours processing the scene and interviewing witnesses.
Police say they suspect that this man, 18-year-old Sean Michael Lagrew, stabbed Adams to death – even though a friend tried to stop him.
Schmautz tells us officers and detectives contacted several individuals in the area, including 18-year-old Sean Michael Lagrew. “An autopsy conducted by the Multnomah County Medical Examiner confirmed that Adams died of a stab wound. Detectives arrested Lagrew on one count of Felony Murder, and booked him into the Justice Center Jail.”
Bravado beef or turf war?
While at the scene just before midnight, we speak with a confidential source who suggests that this fight was the result of “turf war” among drug dealers in the area.
Saying that SE Flavel Street has become the dividing line for street-drug dealing territories, the source tells us, “I expected violence to erupt in this area. And, now it’s happened.”
We ask the source if this is gang-related. “No, it’s drug dealers protecting their sales area.”
Later, we ask Sgt. Schmautz if detectives had determined the reason for the confrontation.
“I don’t see anything in the suspect’s history dealing with drug trafficking,” replies Schmautz – adding that he can’t comment on what may, or may not, have been on the suspect’s record as a juvenile. “From what I understand from detectives, the fight was the result more from misplaced bravado than anything else.”
This investigation is continuing.
© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News
The first performances of the school’s spring musical were met with enthusiasm. Take a look at this story and photo album and see why your family – even little kids – will enjoy this show …
Bagheera a wise black panther (Jacob Pratt) and the sleepy, easy-going Baloo the Bear (Steven Ennis) help Mowgli the human “cub” (Jacquelle Davis) learn the “Law of the Jungle” in their production of “The Jungle Book” that runs through May 17.
Story and photo by David F. Ashton
At a time when the arts are struggling just to stay part of local schools’ curricula, Parkrose High has a vigorous and imaginative drama program, and one example of that is about to appear on stage – open to the public – and you are invited!
Audience members laughed and cheered Parkrose High School Thespian Troupe #1783 at opening show of their production of “The Jungle Book”, this week.
“Am I a frog?” Mowgli wonders.
Featuring a cast of 41 student actors, singers and dancers – this lively, fast-paced show is unites songs, dance numbers, and audience interaction, and plays out in a colorful setting. Little kids will enjoy this show as much as adults.
“This isn’t the Disney cartoon version,” said Ms. Zena, theater instructor at Parkrose High. “In fact, this original adaptation of Rudyard Kipling’s ‘Mowgli’ story, by Mila Johanson, is truer to the author’s original short stories. Although Kipling wrote the stories on which this show is based more than century ago, our production brings in modern elements that connect with today’s audiences.”
Are these hyenas laughing at Mowgli – or with her?
The story …
The Jungle Book follows the story of a child, Mowgli (played by Jacquelle Davis), who is raised in the jungles of India by Bagheera, a wise black panther (played by Jacob Pratt), and a sleepy, goofy bear named Baloo (played by Steven Ennis).
Mowgli runs away with a band of monkeys – only to be held captive by them. Will the cunning rock python Kaa (played by Vctoria Kerr) help rescue Mowgli? Will all of the animals in the jungle learn they are truly “brothers of one blood”? Come see this show and find out!
The sly rock python, Kaa (played by Vctoria Kerr) tells Mowgli it is safe to be around here – she only eats once a week. “It’s only been five days …”
An interactive show
During the performance, some folks watching the show said they were both surprised and delighted to see the characters go out into the theater and interact with the audience.
“This is a fun show, with original, catchy music – people will walk away singing songs. It’s very bright and upbeat, and has positive messages for people of every age,” Zena added.
The monkey tribe promises to make Mowgli their leader if she comes with them – but instead, they hold her prisoner.
The “The Lion Sleeps Tonight” production number showcases acrobatic dance steps by many cast members.
Show for all ages
The full-stage set is beautiful – transforming the Parkrose High School Theater into a jungle wonderland. It was built and decorated by 40 students working or theater operations manager Terry Franceschi. Lighting effects effectively highlight the story as it unfolds.
The live musical score, played under the baton of the school’s band instructor, Michael Tolon, helps move the story along. And, appropriately-chosen recorded music effectively punctuates a dance number featuring an awakening jungle lion.
“While it is a sophisticated production,” said Zena, “this truly is a show for the entire family. We hope our community will come out and have a wonderful time with our cast and crew.”
You’ll never see more jazzy frogs than these!
Runs through May 17
There is a special matinee performance on Saturday, May 10 at 2:00 p.m. (no evening show on this date).
Or, plan to come early to get your tickets for the 7:00 p.m. curtain time on May 15, 16 or 17 for these evening performances.
The price is right; tickets at the door are: adults are $8; $5 for those 18 & under or 65+. It’s at the Parkrose High School Theater, 12003 NE Shaver St., near NE 122nd Avenue.
This colorfully staged production of a classic story has elements that appeal to audience members of all ages.
© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service
Take a look at our preview of this great show – many say it’s better than the cartoon version …
Rehearsing their parts for their production of “The Jungle Book” are Parkrose High student actors Jacob Pratt, Victoria Kerr, Steven Ennis and Jacquelle Davis. The show runs May 8th through the 17th.
Story and photo by David F. Ashton
It’s Spring Musical time … and Parkrose High School Thespian Troupe #1783 presents “The Jungle Book” starting this week.
This adaptation of Rudyard Kipling’s “Mowgli” story, by Mila Johanson, is more true to the author’s original short stories written more than 100 years ago than was the 1960s Disney cartoon version by the same title.
Based on watching the cast rehearse their parts, we’ve seen that this will be a fun, fast-paced musical. It’s loaded with songs, dance numbers, audience interaction, a colorful setting and lots of family fun. Little kids will enjoy this show as much as adults.
Story in a nutshell
The Jungle Book follows the story of a child, Mowgli (played by Jacquelle Davis), who is raised in the jungles of India by animals: Bagheera, a wise black panther (played by Jacob Pratt), and sleepy, goofy bear named Baloo (played by Steven Ennis).
Mowgli runs away with a band of monkeys – only to be held captive by them. Will the cunning rock python Kaa (played by Vctoria Kerr) help rescue Mowgli? Will all of the animals in the jungle learn — and act as if — they are truly “brothers of one blood”?
An interactive show
“Some the characters go out in the audience at different times, meeting and interacting with them,” said Ms. Zena, Parkrose High’s drama instructor.
“This is a fun show, with original, catchy music – people will walk away singing songs. It’s very bright and upbeat; it’s loaded with positive messages,” Zena added.
With lively songs, and spirited dance numbers, “The Jungle Book” will please all members of the family.
Show for all ages
The full-stage set is beautiful – the stage is transformed into a jungle wonderland. The scenery was built and decorated by students working under the direction of theater operations manager Terry Franceschi. Lighting changes effective depict changes in locations and time of day.
The live musical score, played under the baton of the school’s band instructor, Michael Tolon, helps move the story along. And, appropriately chosen recorded music effectively punctuates a dance number featuring an awakening jungle lion.
“While it is a sophisticated production,” said Zena, “This truly is a show for the entire family. We hope our community will come out and have a wonderful time with our cast and crew.”
Runs May 8 through May 17
Opening night is Thursday, May 8 and continues on May 9 with a 7:00 p.m. curtain time (please come early). and, there is a special matinee performance on Saturday, May 10 at 2:00 p.m. (no evening show on that date).
If you can’t make it this week, plan to see the show May 15, 16 or 17 – these are all evening performances.
The price is right; tickets at the door are: adults are $8; $5 for those 18 & under or 65+. It’s at the Parkrose High School Theater, 12003 NE Shaver St., near NE 122nd Avenue.
© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service
