If you’ve wondered why giant construction cranes are towering over the field next to Adventist Medical Center, just south of Mall 205 —  here’s the answer …

Adventist Medical Center’s Senior VP, Thomas Russell, sits with Judy Leach, Director of Marketing, upon the first steel column to be installed in the hospital’s new four-story 192,000 square foot structure.

Story and photo by David F. Ashton
Too often, worksites in outer East Portland are marred by gang graffiti.

But, at the construction site of Adventist Medical Center’s new wing and parking garage, the first steel beam to be erected on Monday bears inscriptions of hope, and dedication to serve and care.

“Our physicians and employees are really connected with our mission,” says the medical center’s senior vice president, Thomas Russell. “As we look at what they’ve written on this beam, we see that many people ask the Lord’s blessing on this project. When put in place, this beam will stand, literally, supporting our mission of providing excellent medical care.”

The new pavilion, Russell says, will increase the hospital’s emergency room capacity, add surgical suites, consolidate outpatient services and provide new center for cardiovascular care.

“We’re adding a parking garage with 403 spaces,” adds the medical center’s marketing director, Judy Leach, “making it easier for people using outpatient services to more easily access the clinics.”

The medical center’s $105 million building expansion is scheduled for completion in 2009.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

If you didn’t get to the dinner at New Copper Penny,
you’ll see right here how businesses and neighbors
came together that night to support great events
YOU can enjoy for FREE, starting on August 19 …

The neighbors and friends who came to the New Copper Penny’s Pantheon Hall to support Lents’ “Concerts in the Park” were treated to a three-course dinner, in exchange for their contribution to the cause.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
The only “Summer Concerts in the Park” concert series east of S.E. 82nd Avenue of Roses, staged in the Lents Park gazebo, has become an August tradition. The first performance is traditionally held on Lents Founder’s Day.

But the music series, partially funded by neighborhood and business donations, was in jeopardy this year because of a dip in sponsor support.

Owners of the Lents restaurant and entertainment establishment “New Copper Penny”, John and Saki Tzantarmas, hosted the event held to support the Lents “Concerts in the Park” series.

New Copper Penny hosts dinner
To make up the shortfall in funding, neighbors turned to Saki and John Tzantarmas, owners of Lents’ famous restaurant and night club “New Copper Penny” for help. The Tzantarmas family offered to host a fundraising dinner.

“The idea was to raise funds for a good cause,” said John Tzantarmas, at the fundraising dinner hosted by his restaurant on August 2. “We’ve long been a part of the Lents community. We try to help out when we can. We think the ‘Concerts in the Park’ series is good, and we’re happy to support it.”

Dewey Akers, Chair Lents NA and Clint Lenard (Safety Chair) offering raffle tickets to Rachel and Chris Slottke.

Good turnout shows support
“In addition to raising money,” said the Lents Neighborhood chair, Dewey Akers, “we’re also able to publicly thank the businesses in our area who are sponsoring the Lents Summer Concerts in the Park program.”

Akers told us he thinks the concert series is important, because “it helps solidify the identity of our neighborhood. It celebrates the diversity of the neighborhood through having diverse music playing here. It is a free event for families who can enjoy.”

Long-time Lents boosters Judy and John Welch enjoy their roast baron of beef dinner at the fund-raising banquet.

An, another benefit of the event, Akers told us, is that it provided the opportunity for businesses and neighbors to get together and meet one another. “It reminds neighbors to support their local businesses.”

Finally, Akers had high praise for the New Copper Penny. “Saki is wonderful. They provide food for Founders Day, and now they’ve put on a good dinner – 100% of the proceeds will go to support our concert series. We really appreciate their participation.”

Nearly 120 neighbors enjoyed both food and a sense of community in the Pantheon Ballroom.

Lents Founders Day this weekend
The main Lents Founder’s Day celebration takes place on Sunday, August 19.

But Saturday is the day for the “Lents Softball Showdown”, pitting the “Lents Rebels” against the “Portland City Stickers”. It’s held on August 18 at 4:30 p.m. at the Lents Little League field at S.E. 92nd Avenue and Harold Street.

Sunday’s Lents Founders’ Day Parade & Celebration kicks off with a grand parade at noon. The parade forms at SE 91st Avenue and Harold Street, at the Wattles Boys and Girls Club. The procession heads north, winding around Lents Park.

Come on into the park for FREE food, provided by the New Cooper Penny, after the parade. Experience the thrill of discovery at the hands-on Pioneer Living Exhibit and Displays.

Also, see the display of historic Lents photographs; take a shot at the free rock climbing wall; and browse the community information booths.

Then, at 2:00 p.m., enjoy the “Music in Lents Park Summer Series” – great music at the Lents Park Gazebo, located south of the baseball stadium on S.E. 92nd Avenue, south of SE Holgate Boulevard. Music by the Providence Stage Band highlights music from the swing and big-band era.

By the way, consider saying “thank you” by patronizing the sponsors of the concert series. They are New Copper Penny, Providence Portland Medical Center, Eastport Plaza Merchants, Lents Body Shop, Lansing Linoleum, Econolodge, Frank Bitar & Associates, Lents Neighborhood Association, Al’s Shoes and Boots, Kadel’s Auto Body, TriMet, Light Truck Parts and Thompson Auto Body.

Be sure to say hello, when we see you there!

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

At their training yard, we saw linemen make their death-defying work look like an aerial ballet. Take a look at this unique competition …

Cliff Campbell Zeek McCarthy of Clark Public Utilities replace an insulator

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
People driving on east Powell Valley Road might have been puzzled when they saw workers racing up and down a forest of utility poles, hanging from bucket trucks, and doing maintenance work atop high-voltage lines.

What they were seeing wasn’t a power crisis – it was 14th Annual Pacific Northwest Lineman’s Rodeo. Considered one of the most challenging lineman’s rodeos in the country, this competition takes place each year – right here – on the outer east edge of Portland.

“This event gives linemen around the Northwest the chance to show off their skills,” explains event chair Rob Wales. “The teams also get bragging rights among one another, while they show people what they do every day as part of their job.”

Not all participants are linemen. The wife of a lineman, Becky Cersovski, learns how challenging it is to climb a wooden utility pole using boot spikes.

We watch an event in which the linemen change insulators that keep live power lines from shorting out on the utility poles. They work swiftly; the events are timed. “More than speed and agility,” commented Wales, “safety is the primary thing. Judges make sure all safety procedures are followed – it’s part of the grading system.”

Specifically, contestants are judged by the following criteria: Safety; work practice; neatness and ability; equipment handling – and timely competition of the event (that one is used only as a tie-breaker).

Waiting their turn, Portland General Electric linemen Ed Hatanpa, Josh Rinard, and Adam Blackwell get ready for their next event.

Event winners from this regional competition, Wales adds, will advance to the 24th Annual International Lineman’s Rodeo & Expo World Championships, later this year, in Overland Park, Kansas.

More than 80 linemen from Oregon, Washington, Idaho and other western states participated in the event. IBEW Local 125, IBEW Local 659, PGE, Pacific Power and Clark Public Utilities sponsored the event.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

While it isn’t the dreaded “avian flu”‚ the infiltration of this virus into an East Portland neighborhood has caused concern. Learn why, here‚

Senator Avel Gordly, host of the West Nile Virus educational forum, says she hopes all residents of Multnomah County will take the steps necessary to reduce risk of this bird-borne illness.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
With all the publicity about the deadly “avian flu” coming to America, it’s not surprising that neighbors near NE 63rd Ave. and Sandy Blvd. were concerned about a dead bird that was found there on June 25.

The dead crow tested positive for West Nile Virus.

“This is the first time we’ve seen West Nile Virus (WNV) in Multnomah County this year,” stated Chris Wirth, Manager of Multnomah County’s Vector and Nuisance Control at an educational forum held on July 28, hosted by State Senator Avel Gordly.

This map shows where the dead, infected crow was found on June 25.

Joining Wirth and Gordly was Kari Lyons, Multnomah County Environmental Health Educator and Dave Houghton, Multnomah County Community Health Services Program Manager.

We learned that, in Multnomah County, the first case of WNV was found in 2006 in a bird in southeast Portland. Three additional cases were discovered last year, two in northeast Portland and one in Gresham.

Kills birds, not people
West Nile Virus, we learned, is primarily a bird infection.

Humans can contract WNV if a mosquito feeds on an infected bird, then bites a human. “Birds cannot transmit the disease to humans, nor can it be transmitted through person-to-person contact,” said Wirth.

Information presented at the forum indicated that most people infected with WNV won’t have symptoms. Less than one percent of infected individuals will develop serious illnesses, such as meningitis or encephalitis. The infection is more serious for people over the age of 50, and perhaps also for people with suppressed immune systems.

Kari Lyons, Multnomah County Environmental Health Educator, State Senator Avel Gordly, Dave Houghton, Multnomah County Community Health Services Program Manager and Chris Wirth, Multnomah County Vector Control speak present a West Nile Virus educational forum.

Asks citizens for help
Dave Houghton said the county health department was working to reduce WNV, but needs the help of individuals.

According to Wirth, mosquitoes can breed in any standing water that lasts more than four days. Even a small bucket of standing water can become home to up to 1,000 mosquitoes.

“We’re working to keep mosquito populations down, reducing the likelihood they’ll be flying into our neighborhoods, back yards and parks,” Houghton said. “But we need your help, and that of all people in the county.”

Wirth listed what individuals can do to reduce the risk of WNV, and provided this list of prevention steps:

• Eliminate all sources of standing water that can support mosquito breeding.
• Make sure gutters drain well, change birdbath water at least weekly, and get rid of old tires or buckets in your yard;
• Avoid playing or working outside at dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are most active;
• Wear long pants, long-sleeved shirts and other protective clothing when you are outdoors;
• Wear insect repellent, preferably one that contains DEET. Follow label directions when using any repellent, especially for children;
• Make sure that doors and windows have tight-fitting screens. Repair or replace screens that have tears or holes.

Dead crow watch
Health officials are testing crows, jays, and magpies that have been dead for less than 24 hours. “If people find a dead bird and are concerned about what to do with it, they should call Multnomah County’s Health Department Vector and Nuisance Control at (503) 988-NILE,” Wirth instructed.

You can find additional information about West Nile virus in the internet by clicking HERE, or call the statewide toll-free information line at 1-866-703-4636.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

Read why no one was upset by the woofs and purrs that occasionally interrupted this service at The Grotto‚

Becky Martin is holding her year-old pug, Allie, while Father Jack Topper anoints her pet during the Blessing of the Animals at The Grotto.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
At times, The Grotto sounded more like a kennel than a sanctuary on July 15 as hundreds of pet-lovers attended the annual “Blessing of the Animals”.

During the service, The Grotto’s executive director, Father Jack Topper, OSM, told those at the outdoor gathering, “Animals do something special for us; they make us a little more compassionate toward our fellow humans. Treat them with love; take care of them, so they will be happy and healthy. And, we know they will take care of us.”

“It isn’t a weasel,” says the owner. “It’s my ferret!”

Monastery’s pets
Before the service began, Topper reminded us that their order had two dogs that have since passed away. “We still have a couple of cats.”

Topper added that caring for pets gives him, and others in his order, a direct connection to this ceremony.

Cats aren’t excluded; Loren Butler holds out his malfie for a sprinkling.

This service, Topper told us, is important, because it reminds us of the value of our pets. “It helps is remember what companion animals do for us; the lessons they teach us. They bring us unconditional love, comfort, and joy. They don’t judge us. They’re always happy to see us. It is a blessing from God that we have these pets to take care of; and, another blessing, how they take care of us.”

This pooch patiently awaits his blessing at this decades-old annual service.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

Learn how the dedicated efforts of neighborhood advocates and city officials are bringing amenities to residents of outer East Portland‚

Officials from Portland Parks & Recreation, the City of Portland, neighborhood leaders, facility architects, and the building contractor break the ground for the East Portland Community Center Aquatic Center.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
The dust flew as shovels held by city officials and community representatives dug into the hard-packed dirt behind the East Portland Community Center on SE 106th Avenue, just south of Floyd Light Middle School.

Their attempt at excavation was symbolic‚ this July 3 event was the groundbreaking ceremony for the community center’s long-awaited new Aquatic Center.

“Next year, we’ll be swimming in the pool at this spot,” announced Portland Parks & Recreation director Zari Santner. “This project was a long time coming. It was challenging. But we had an incredibly dedicated group of people who made it happen.”

Two pools and play water slides will grace the new East Portland Community Center Aquatic Center.

Santner commended the efforts of 18-year outer East Portland resident, and pool activist, Michelle Winningham, for helping aid the process.

“I’ve been frustrated that when we try to go swimming at the David Douglas pool, or the Montavilla or Mt. Scott community centers; we get turned away because they were always full,” Winningham commented. “I got involved by lobbying Portland’s mayor and city council to fund this unmet need for a pool here.”

Minutes after the dignitaries and neighbors left the groundbreaking site, heavy equipment moved in and started excavating.
_____________________________________

Earl Boyles Park dedicated

1, 2, 3, CUT! — 4th & 5th graders from Earl Boyles Elementary School’s Summer Academy, and Portland Parks Commissioner Dan Saltzman, cut the ribbon that officially opened Earl Boyles Park.

Outer East Portland’s newest developed park is hidden away, just south of Earl Boyles Elementary School and Ron Russell Middle School.

“Although the park was substantially completed last November, we waited until the summertime to activate the water features,” explained George Lozovoy‚ project manager, designer, and landscape architect at Portland Parks & Recreation‚ at the “official” park opening.

This park, at SE 112th Avenue and Boise Street, said Lozovoy, was designed by neighbors and teachers to enhance the facilities already in place at the two David Douglas schools.

Barbara Rommel, Superintendent of David Douglas School District, said the park is a result of a good, connected effort between the parks and the school district. “This new park is important because, along with schools, it increases the livability of the community.”

Dignitaries on hand at the park’s dedication included Lents Neighborhood Association President Dewey Akers, Portland City Commissioner Dan Saltzman, Barbara Rommel, superintendent of David Douglas School District (speaking), and Commissioner Berta Feran, Portland Development Commission.

Portland City Commissioner Dan Saltzman greeted us when he came by for the ribbon cutting.

“As you know, East Portland is considered to be ‘park deficient’. So it is a great day when we’re dedicating a new park in outer Southeast Portland. Our goal is to have a neighborhood park within a half-mile of every resident.”

The park’s $642,000 development cost was funded substantially with PDC funds from Lents Urban Renewal, Saltzman noted.

With temperatures climbing on July 9, many of the children present were waiting to try out the water features. “On a hot day like this, the water feature is a great neighborhood attraction. The path and the lighting make it a great park for everyone, and provides increase safety in and around the park,” Saltzman added.

A touch of the controller, and kids enjoy a cool play area during the hot summer months.

As soon as the ribbon surrounding the water play area was cut by the dignitaries on hand‚ and kids from the elementary school’s Summer Academy‚ Fresh, cold Bull Run water bubbled, sprayed, and showered dozens of kids, who were more than ready for some wet summer fun.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

Discover why the city is spending $5 Million to “undo” a 1940s “creek improvement project” that experts say actually causes flooding and declining fish population, instead of preventing it‚

Bureau of Environmental Services director, Dean Marriott, pinpoints the built-up highlands which B.E.S. is now returning to wetlands.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Walking through a wooded area, just off the Springwater Trail near SE Foster Rd at SE 158th Ave., we hear the roar of heavy earth-moving equipment in the distance.

Bureau of Environmental Services director Dean Marriott is our guide, as we hike along Johnson Creek. “We’re walking into the Brownwood Site here along Johnson Creek. This represents the fourth restoration project we’ve embarked on,” he tells us.

“We’re undoing what was done in the 1940s,” Marriott explains, “in an effort to reduce flooding; WPA workers brought in a lot of fill material to straighten the creek. Their project made flooding worse.”

From creek to sluiceway‚ and back to creek
Fish don’t do well in rock-lined channel, Marriott comments. “When they altered the creek, they pushed it to the south in a rock-lined channel. It became a sluiceway, instead of a natural creek.

The new $5 Million restoration project, Marriott explains, will minimize future flooding. But more importantly, it will improve the health of the watershed, including fish habitat.

As we break through to the work area, we see a massive earth-moving effort underway. “We’re taking about 150,000 cubic yards of dirt and fill out of the historic flood plain, and recreating the natural landscape,” explains Marriott. “We’re replicating what nature intended. We’re restoring the back channels, meanderings, and crookedness of the creek. When we’re done, next year, it will look just the way Mother Nature intended it to look.”

Specifically, Marriott goes on, the project restores natural terrain features. The water will slow down and have areas that can flood without doing any damage, and recharge the groundwater.

Portland City Commissioner Sam Adams, and Lisa Libby of B.E.S., look at the creek restoration work done at the “Brownwood Site” in outer East Portland.

Walking Portland’s environmental talk
At the main work area, we meet Portland City Commissioner Sam Adams. “This is a major project to undo some anti-environmental work done by the WPA,” he confirms. “This is a major step forward; restoring the habitat for fish and wildlife, here on the East Powell Butte flood plain.”

Adams says that the $5 million cost of the project is well spent. “In spite of the fact that Portland has a ‘very green city’ self-identity, we still have major environmental issues to address‚ especially in this area of Portland. We still have two species of salmon that are endangered, because of the poor health of Johnson Creek.”

The commissioner says restoration projects like this are a “point of personal passion for me. I want to see Portland ‘walk its talk’ in terms of environmental responsibility.

“Beyond helping the environment, a practical benefit restoring the original ecosystem of the floodplain — above the more populated areas — is that it will prevent flooding in the commercial and residential districts downstream.”

J.C. Watershed Counsel grants $600,000
While touring the restoration site, we learn from the executive director of the Johnson creek Watershed Council, Michelle Bussard, that the group worked with the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board to develop a $600,000 fund for the project.

“This project really represents our values around the health and prosperity of our watershed. This is putting our money where our mouth is.”

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

Will the blistering heat wave continue? Learn what the meteorologist for the National Weather Service‚ located on NE 122nd Ave.‚ predicts for the next few weeks, right here‚

A sign of the times: The Bank of the West sign, at SE 82nd Avenue of Roses and Division Street, indicates what everyone knows‚ it’s darn hot here!

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
On July 10, the expected cell phone text message from our brother arrives: “Hot enough for ya?”

We put this inane question to Kirk Kurchel, owner of Kurchel Heating and Air Conditioning, as he arrives at the Love Boutique on SE 122 Avenue to investigate why the novelty store’s air conditioning conked out. As he sets up his ladder, he remarks, “This weather makes me a very popular guy, it seems.”

“You think it’s hot out here‚  it’s hotter up there,” Kurchel tells us. In minutes, he climbs down the ladder and reports, “The AC unit isn’t getting power from PGE; one of the phases is out.” Store owner Donna Dionne tells us that PGE crews removed a barbecued squirrel from the transformer hours later; her air conditioner again quickly floods her store with cool comfort.

Beating the heat, kids in Powellhurst-Gilbert’s Raymond Park make good use of the water feature installed by Portland Parks & Recreation in 2005. A fully-dressed parent, sitting in the shade of nearby trees, says, “I’m about ready to join them!”

Las Vegas weather moves north
We ask Dan Keirns, meteorologist with the National Weather Service‚ located here in outer NE Portland‚ if Tuesday’s temperature record-breaking heat wave would continue.

“According to our records going back well over 100 years,” Keirns tells us, “at 102 degrees, we did set a new record high temperature for July 10.”

Our sweltering heat wave was due, Keirns informs us, to a large area mass of high pressure anchored over the Pacific Northwest. “Also, there was a condition we call a ‘heat low pressure’ that developed out of the Great Basin; this allowed us to share hot weather typical of Las Vegas. The pattern of high heat extended up into Canada.”

The sign at Division Crossing, on SE 122nd Avenue at Division Street, confirms our record-high temperatures.

As the weather system shifted, it allowed rain to move northward from the south coast, adds Keirns. “Our rain on July 12 was spotty; the most reported was a tenth of an inch. There were a few [storm] cells that made pretty good rain.”

‘Normal’ summer weather to resume
“The [hot weather] ridge is moving the east, and a trough of low pressure is moving in. We’ll be moving to more seasonal temperatures, around the 80 degree mark, throughout next week,” forecasts Keirns.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

Take a look at the result of this joint garden education project that helps grade school kids from inner SE Portland gain a hands-on agricultural experience‚

Johathan Suarez, Duyle Le, and Kimberly Alvarez from Lane Middle School show off part of the crop they picked at the Learning Garden.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
As the students crossed SE 60th Avenue from Lane Middle School to the Learning Garden Laboratory for a spring celebration a couple of weeks ago, they were joining kids from Atkinson and Woodmere Schools, and from the Native Montessori Program at Richmond School.

“Today is about getting the whole community‚ all generations‚ together to celebrate,” one of the coordinators, Judy Bluehorse Skelton, told us. “As we get to know one another and share food, we connect with this land once again.”

The kids filtered through the planted rows, some cultivated the soil, and others picked vegetables they’d prepare for their lunch.

As part of their Spring Celebration, children and adults chanted a Native American song, “Haya-ha-haya”, expressing their thankfulness for the sun, the rain and the good earth as they walked around the sunflower garden.

“The Parks Bureau owns this property,” explained Jeff Milkes, SE Services Manager for Portland Parks and Recreation. “We have an agreement with the folks who created the Learning Garden with Portland Public Schools and Portland State University. It’s a great partnership, and fantastic use of the land.”

Explains the garden’s function
Asking who could best explain the program at the Learning Garden Laboratory, we were directed to Portland State University’s Prof. Pramod Parajuli.

“This is a ten-acre outreach and teaching station, located here in the heart of Southeast Portland,” Parajuli told us.

Prof. Pramod Parajuli with Sarah Goforth children from Native Montessori Program, part of PPS Native American Title VII program at the Richmond School 41st and Division.

“We’re trying to create a kind of a learning community where we not only learn about the human society, but also the ‘more than human’ society, together. We’re creating an intersection, a fusion; a kind of biological and cultural conglomeration,” continued Parajuli.

The professor said the collaboration connects PSU graduate students with the next generation of leaders and educators [grade school children].

“We are entering into an ‘ecological era’ that our educational institutions need to embrace,” added Parajuli, “to prepare future generations who will translate our ecological vision into what we do, how we teach, what we eat and drink; how we protect our food, water, and air.”

Atkinson School students Kennedy, Fiona and Saela are “picking their lunch” at the SE Portland Learning Garden.

Practically speaking, the facility provides opportunities for 250 students to learn about how the foods they grow relate to the region and to the agro-ecological and culinary cultures of Portland and the Pacific Northwest.

The students gathered for a short program, including a Native American song thanking the good earth. Then, the kids headed for the gardens and picked vegetables that were used to prepare their lunch.

As they gathered greens, the smiles on their faces were evidence that they enjoyed learning that produce comes really from the ground‚ not a plastic bag.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

See East Portland Chamber of Commerce members and friends network and learn why you may want to check out this business association‚

Steve Schopp, Dave Lister, and John Bradshaw, and tournament organizer Ken Turner, are scouting out the Eastport Plaza sponsored hole.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton|
The East Portland Chamber of Commerce is known by many for their business exchange and networking meetings, called “Good Morning East Portland”, every Wednesday morning from 7:30 to 9:00.

The group also focuses on giving its members the tools to grow their businesses, learn to be effective business leaders, and be heard by local government officials.

All of them from Riverview Community Bank, Casey Ryan, Jessica Douglas, and Dana Kelley hold a special running “Green for Green for SnowCap” event, raising more than $850 for the charity.

But, sometimes they leave their business concerns at the office and just have fun. A good example is their annual golf tournament, a couple of weeks ago at the Colwood National Golf Course.

Rain, early on June 15, threatened to dampen the spirits of the golfers headed to the course‚ but the sky cleared, and more than 90 players hit the fairways.

Scouting the putting green are Seve Ghose of Portland Parks & Recreation, Richard Kiely from Homerun Graphics, Jonathan Johansen of Complete Financial Services, and Jeff Milkes, who is SE Services Manager for PP&R.

“This is a great course,” said organizer Ken Turner, the chamber’s Government Affairs chair, and manager of Eastport Plaza. “I’m glad we had such beautiful weather, and a great turnout.”

Chamber Golf Tournament Photo Album

Annette Leoni and Dan Mills from Team Classique (as in floors!) take a break while awaiting their turn.

Frank Ryan, NW Senior & Boomer News, watches as his drive sails straight and true down the fairway

Bill Cullerton, with EPCC Membership Chair Rich Sorem of Stewart & Tuno Insurance, golfs with buddies Mike Schultz and Randy Ferch.

Keeping an eye out for a lucky (or skillful) golfer to hit a hole-in-one and win this new Ford Mustang, sponsored by Homerun Graphics, is Gail Kiley and Ginny Girotti-Sorem.

M-Bank’s chairman Rex Brittle, Kareen Cabatingan, Rob Bohannon, and Mike Czajak show their team spirit.

After playing 18 holes, hungry duffers hit the chow line.

The Envelope Please!

Putting Green Contest winner Eric Dunlap, Dunlap Mortgage. He’s getting the cash from Ambassador’s chair Pam Olson, Farmer’s Insurance.

Accepting 3rd place awards are Ken Turner of Eastport Plaza, John Bradsaw from Bradshaw Automotive, and Dave Lister, “The Eastside Guy”.

For the 2nd place team, Joe Ornduff and Scott Hendison, Search Commander, accept the award.

Sweeping into 1st place with a score of 61 are Mike Turcol, Roger Stopa and Jiles Ogles, and Chuck Garner. They aren’t Chamber members; they just heard about the tournament and decided to play!

Even though they came in at last place, Pete Moss, Taylor Sherwood, Noelle Sherwood, and Julia Farman‚ known as Team Bookkeeping Company‚ are first-class good sports.

2008 Golf Tournament date set
“We’ve already booked Friday June 20, 2008, for next year’s tournament,” Turner told us. “Plan now to come out and play!”

Turner also invited business and neighborhood folks to attend the Wednesday morning “Good Morning East Portland” networking meeting.

“The meetings are free,” Turner added. “The welcome mat is always out for business people who want to check out the chamber by visiting one of its weekly networking events.”

A different chamber member hosts the weekly meeting at various locations. For more information about the chamber or its events check online at www.EastPortlandChamber.com or call (503) 788-8589.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

Read about this Boy Scout’s project‚ it helps him earn Eagle rank, and honors his grandfather, at the same time‚

Hauling laurel tree branches and weeds are (top left) Matt Faunt, (bottom left) Jonah Mahoney, (bottom right) Kevin Sharp, (top right) Collin Faunt and (top center) Jessica Faunt.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
For many in the Brentwood-Darlington neighborhood, the recently-completed Hazeltine Park is a proud symbol of cooperation between neighbors and the City.

On this Saturday, a few weeks ago, the park is abuzz with another cooperative activity‚ a large-scale spruce-up effort‚ led by a 16-year-old young man, Matt Faunt.

Dick Hazeltine, the park’s namesake, with chainsaw in hand.

Faunt is an Eagle Scout candidate, previously Senior Patrol Leader for Boy Scout Troop 64. “I was born and raised in Westmoreland, but this park has special meaning to me. It’s named after my grandfather, Dick Hazeltine. Not only am I earning a rank for which I’ve worked; I’m doing it in a way that honors my grandfather.”

One of the requirements of becoming an Eagle Scout, Faunt tells us, is creating and successfully executing a Leadership Service Project.

Brentwood Darlington Neighborhood Association’s Gail Kiely hauls a big load.

“My main role is organizing the project and delegating tasks to other people,” states Faunt, shovel in hand. “I can help on the project when I’m needed. But my main tasks are creating the project, calling people to get them involved, and making and handing out flyers that ask neighbors to volunteer to help.”

Faunt’s recruitment campaign is successful: under a sky threatening rain, 36 volunteers show up from the neighborhood, along with members of Boy Scout Troop #64, leaders of the Brentwood-Darlington Neighborhood Association, and workers from Portland Parks and Recreation. Faunt’s troops are diligently weeding flowerbeds and spreading mulch throughout the park.

Jalal Haddad volunteers at the Hazeltine Park clean up.

“And, we’re cutting down the laurel trees in the back of the park. This will really improve the view,” supervisor Faunt explains. “We’ll be transplanting the shrub roses and planting as well.”

In the front west corner of the park, other volunteers are digging post holes, preparing to install a kiosk that will display park and neighborhood information.

Up on the truck, Jill Craig, a volunteering neighbor, helps load a PP&R truck with branches.

When you drive past the 5300 block of SE Flavel Drive, you’ll see the results the hard work of this new Eagle Scout’s volunteers‚ an improved city park in the Brentwood-Darlington Neighborhood.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

See how Portland transportation officials say they plan to make East Portland more “bike friendly”‚ and what this means for car drivers,

David Prause‚ he says he’s a daily commuter from Sellwood to NW Portland ‚Äì talks with Linda Ginenthal, Transportation Options, City of Portland.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
The Portland Office of Transportation (PDOT) is preparing a comprehensive city-wide transportation plan.

Earlier in June, the Transportation Options section of PDOT rolled out its finding regarding bicycle riding at the East Portland Community Center.

Everything we know about bicycling in Portland is illustrated on charts here,” explained PDOT’s Roger Geller. “The next phase is how we can take Portland to the next level: How we can create world-class cycling conditions in Portland.”

Geller said this is important because, “citywide, 5.4% of people use bicycles as their primary method of commuting.”

Roger Geller, PDOT, consults with full-time bikers.

“Cities around the world have recognized that bicycles, for many short trips, are an ideal vehicle,” Geller went on. “Bicycles don’t pollute, they’re inexpensive, and riding promotes health and reduces greenhouse gases.”

America has a relatively low level of cycling activities compared to the rest of the world, Geller added. “The main reason many people don’t use bicycles more here, is they’re concerned about being near motor vehicles. To that extent, safety is a huge concern.”

The next step
“We identified our target market,” reported Geller. “The majority of Portland’s population isn’t using bikes for transportation. We’re trying to figure out how to adopt good designs, and where to focus to increase biking.”

Bicycle enthusiasts look over the city’s bikeway plan, laid out for them on panels that line the room at the East Portland Community Center.

Impact on motorized vehicles
When the city’s Commissioner overseeing PDOT‚ Sam Adams‚ arrived, we asked him how making Portland more “bicycle friendly” would impact the 94% of citizens who travel by motorized vehicle.

“We are seriously looking at how these plans will impact motor vehicle traffic,” Adams told us. “The old idea to route bikeways was to stripe a bike lane down a busy street and call it good. But that doesn’t make the bike riders feel safe. A high percentage of people won’t use it.”

Their new plans call for bikeways to be routed on quieter, adjacent streets. With some “modest” improvements, these roads become “bike boulevards”.

“This strategy is actually cheaper for the city‚ and has less impact on cars; we’re taking bicycles off the main, heavily-used streets.”

Calls East Portland bikeways inadequate
Adams said he was attending the open house because the bikeway system in East Portland is inadequate.

“It is inferior compared to the rest of the city. With transportation costs for each household going through the roof, I want to offer people an alternative mode for transportation that is safe, and will get them to and from where they want to go.”

For more information, see www.pdxtrans.org; and, search for Platinum Bicycle Master Plan.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service