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
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
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
Even though this program didn’t get a lot of press, see how this unique‚ and successful‚ program positively influenced thousands of teenagers in the greater Portland area‚
Leandra Stanley, a 16-year-old De La Salle High junior and 18-year-old Jordan Thompson from Hillsboro touch up their makeup before they head onstage to sing in the final round of PDX Teen Idol.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Since the competition started in March, 266 talented teenagers, from four Portland area counties, have expressed themselves through music, hoping to be named Portland’s “Teen Idol”.
At the PDX Teen Idol Semifinals in May, the field of 26 entrants was narrowed to ten finalists who performed before a cheering and energized crowd that packed Reed College’s Kaul Auditorium on June 16.
Before the program, we stepped backstage and greeted the nervous contestants. A spirit of camaraderie, reminiscent of the final day at summer camp, pervaded the dressing room.
The judges, Portland City Commissioner Dan Saltzman; Michael Allen Harrison, composer, musician and record producer; Solid State Radio 970 talk show star, musician and rock historian Rick Emerson; Scotty J., Radio 970; Portland musician (Dirty Martini) Stephanie Schneiderman and Tami Milkes, judge coordinator sit before a full house at Reed College’s Kaul Auditorium.
A professionally produced show
Starting at 7 p.m., these top ten musical teens stepped on a professionally-illuminated stage and were accompanied by top-flight live band and backup singers. Only network TV cameras were missing from this expertly-produced show.
Seated along tables in front of the stage were the judges: professional musicians, radio personalities, 2006 Mrs. Oregon, and Portland City Commissioner Dan Saltzman.
After each finalist sang their first of two numbers, the judges commented on the performance and assigned scores.
Listening to her belt out “Hopelessly Devoted” and “Chain of Fools”, it was difficult to believe outer East Portland’s Da Vinci Arts School student, Samantha Hooper, is only 13 years old.
As the contestants were changing costumes after the first round, one of the judges, Stephanie Schneiderman of the regional band, Dirty Martini, rocked the house with two well-received songs.
Performers earn standing ovation
At the conclusion of the second round, runners took the judges’ scoring sheets, sealed in envelopes, to Portland Parks & Recreation accountant Cassie Chain for tallying.
Jordan Thompson made her way from tryouts in Hillsboro to become one of ten finalists in the PDX Teen Idol competition‚ did she win? Read on …
From the bleachers to the front row, the crowd gave thunderous applause during a standing ovation for the seven of ten finalists who weren’t chosen to advance to the final round.
Finally, each of the top three singers performed a song‚ composed specifically for this competition, by Portland music pros Keith Schreiner, Jen Folker, and Megan Hope ‚Äì entitled “Who I Am”.
16-year-old Josephine Woolington, hailing from Wilson High, sang “Where You Lead” and “Cry Me a River” well enough to earn her the second-place title.
Milwaukie High School’s Moorea Masa, 15, came in third place singing “Can’t Hurry Love” and “I am Ready for Love”.
The envelope, please!
After the final round, the audience members and the judges cast their votes. Milwaukie High School’s Moorea Masa, age 15, came in third; and 16-year-old Josephine Woolington, hailing from Wilson High, placed second.
The title of 2007 PDX Teen Idol went to 18-year-old Hillsboro native Jordan Thompson. “I’m so excited!” she told us, as she autographed programs for a crowd of admirers. “It was simply the best experience for all of us. We met really great people. And, I was able to do what I love‚ sing and perform.”
18-year-old Jordan Thompson took the grand prize‚ besting more than 250 other entrants‚ to be named Portland’s Teen Idol‚ with her polished performances of “Before He Cheats” popularized by Carrie Underwood, and “Alone”‚ a hit by Heart.
Her mom, Samantha Green, could hardly contain her excitement. “She deserves it. It is something she’s been working toward for a long time. She’s a special girl. Finally, her hard work is paying off for her.”
A new Parks Bureau annual event
The Portland City Commissioner in charge of Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R), Dan Saltzman, said he was proud to be part of the program.
“This event has engaged teenagers through out the city. Creating programs like PDX Teen Idol, and extending community center hours, are great examples of what we can do to engage young people in positive activities throughout the city.” Saltzman told us.
Portland Parks & Recreation Southeast Services Manager, Jeff Milkes welcomes hundreds of cheering supports and family members to the first PDX Teen Idol final competition.
PP&R Southeast Services Manager, Jeff Milkes, credited the program’s success to parks bureau coordinators Megan Hope and Natalie Caminiti. The entire list of credits, including many people who volunteered hundreds of hours, filled an entire page in the official program.
“I was amazed by the high level of talent we saw,” commented Milkes. “This will be an annual event. We look forward to even more participation as we reach out more to the communities. We hope to involve all the park and recreation agencies in the four-county area.”
Investing in the city’s youth
Milkes said the program’s budget was about $12,000. “We think the benefit is well worth the cost,” he told us after the event. “It provides positive alternatives for our young people.”
During the week following the competition, we asked Multnomah County Department of Community Justice spokesman Robb Freda-Cowie if he agreed with Milkes’ assessment.
“We know that programs that engage kids in positive activities,” commented Freda-Cowie, “helps them build connections with their community and discover positive outlets for their energies. This helps keep them out of our juvenile justices system.”
Freda-Cowie added that the PDX Teen Idol program budget cost no more than would keeping ten teens people‚ in trouble with the law‚ locked up for four days.
© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service
They call it a “thesis exhibition”‚ but it looks like a great art show, and party to us! Take a look at the work of the two graduating artists we met 
Graduating Reed College art student, Daniel Sander, shows his multi-dimensional work, “Self portrayal of Lil’ Red”.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Reed College maintains a lower profile than many major institutions. But, this liberal-arts school graduates many students who go on to national prominence in many fields, such as fine arts.
At the opening of seven graduating seniors’ “thesis exhibitions” a couple of weeks ago, we meet professor who chairs the college’s Art Department, Gerri Ondrizeck.
“The exhibition is important,” says Ondrizeck, “because it’s the culmination of each student’s year-long project. The projects come from a variety of disciplines, culminating in a body of art.”
In addition to creating works of art, the professor explains, students focus on anthropology, or philosophy or sociology as part of their project. “They write a major thesis on their body of work. Each project is unique; they design on their own. It is more than art for art’s sake.”
Art in many dimensions
As we enter one section, we meet Daniel Sander, and view his works.
Of one multi-layered artwork, Sander tells us it is entitled, “Self portrayal of Lil’ Red”.
“This piece falls within the context of the exhibition,” Sander explains. “This one deals with the trans-gendered body with the checkered mirrors, and brings in the 90’s feminism, and Lacanian psychoanalysis.”
Describing his artistic process, Sander says, “I start with the words. Then I tell the stories in a visual format. If I think of a picture, I describe it in words first. It may be a short poem. Then, I gather materials that fit those words. These could be photographs, mirrors and shapes.”
Sander says he’ll intern at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art before he decides his next career step. “I’d like to keep doing studio arts‚ or at least do work related to the ‘graphic images’ field.”
Sarah Harvey says about her thesis exhibition artwork, “My thesis is on cinematic versus photographic narrative‚ but incorporating both. It is almost like a motion picture storyboard.”
Her pictures tell the story
In another area, we meet Sarah Harvey. She’s graduating with Bachelors in Studio Art. We’re looking a large collage she calls “Caf?© Scene”.
“I knew I wanted to do something with narrative,” Harvey says. “I combined all these photographs together to make a story. It is more of an alternative kind of narrative.”
In this artwork, Harvey says she took different photographs‚ from diverse times and places — and constructed them to be read as a continuous narrative.
“The story is about the relationship between two people,” explains Harvey. “It shows how the relationship evolves, and more specifically, how it ends. It shows the characters feeling isolated because it ended.”
Harvey says she’s considering graduate school, with studies focused on art history.
© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service
Learn what it took for ten teens to pass by hundreds of musically-talented kids to get a finalist slot in this new competition. We’ll find out who the winner is on June 16 at Reed‚
SE Portland’s Mackenzie Winter performs at the PDX Teen Idol semi-finalist competition at Mt. Scott Community Center.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
One by one, 26 talented teenagers walk on the bare stage at Mt. Scott Community Center in SE Portland; pick up the microphone, and sing‚ first without, the with accompaniment‚ each one hoping to win the approval of the judges.
But, contestants in the PDX Teen Idol semi-final competition on May 20 know fewer than half of this group will progress to the finals.
A singer steps on stage
The next entrant, SE Portland’s Mackenzie Winter tells us she’s frequently been to this community center‚ but as a pool life guard‚ not a contestant in a musical competition.
“I’ve never don’t this before, but I absolutely love to sing,” Winter says. “It doesn’t matter if I win or lose. It is fun to sing.”
Winter performs, the audience applauds, the judges make their comments, and the next performer takes the stage.
“We have some major talent here in Portland!” exclaims one of the coordinators of the PDX Teen Idol competition for Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R), Megan Hope.
“This is a pilot program, funded by the City, created to help teens stay healthy, active and engaged,” Hope explains. “We started with 260 entries — the kids are really responding to it.”
With so many talented performers taking part in the competition, judges Jen Folker, Keith Schreiner and Richard Kiely have their hands full as they make the final cut.
No ‘Simon’ here
The competition is based on the hit television show American Idol. But there is clearly one exception to the TV show’s formula: no Simon Cowell.
The judges, professional musicians Jen Folker, Keith Schreiner and Richard Kiely praise the performers and give constructive advice‚ instead of verbally abusing contestants’ failings.
“We discussed this beforehand and decided not to be negative,” said Richard Kiely, himself an electric bass player of 38 years and Brentwood-Darlington resident.
“It was wonderful to see the kids living their dreams and showing their talent. They weren’t full of themselves,” Kiely reflects. “Even though only ten will go to the finals in June, they’ll all go on to do something special in their lives.”
When Jeff Milkes, SE Services Manager for PP&R asked him to be a judge at both the semi-finals and finals, Kiely said he was more than happy to invest time in the project. “Programs like this gives young people an alternative. If kids are supported by the community and their parents and their peers, positive things happen. Whether they win or lose, this is an experience they’ll remember the rest of their lives.”
PDX Teen Idol finals on June 16
Our favorite, Mackenzie Winter, was still smiling even though she didn’t make it into the finals. “I had a good time, and I’ll still keep singing. I’m really excited about going to Principia College in Illinois this fall.”
Each of the top-10 finalists won prizes‚ but more importantly‚ get a coveted spot at the PDX Teen Idol finals show on June 16 at 7 p.m. in Reed College’s Kuhl Auditorium.
“You’ll be blown away by the talent you’ll see,” recommends Kiely.
In addition to winning the of Portland’s Teen Idol, the top-rated performer will also win a $500 US Savings Bond, an 80GB iPod and the opportunity to record a song in a professional studio.
Learn more online at www.myspace.com\pdxteenidol .
© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service
See what happens when pro photographers and community members get behind a project that allows young people to explore the art and science of photography‚
Parkrose High School freshman Elena Curtin shows us one of the photos she created, while taking the extracurricular, after-school course.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
It started as project to involve students and community members in nontraditional learning process last fall.
But, the after-school photography class produced a full-fledged photo-art show this spring at Parkrose High School (PHS). Then, many of the prints went “on tour”, showcasing the students’ works around outer East Portland.
Neighborhood grant seeds program
“The Parkrose SUN School coordinator and a professional photographer met with me last fall,” explained Parkrose High program coordinator, Joanne Oleksiak, with Community Connections, OSSC/AmeriCorps.
“We worked to develop an idea that Trevor Todd, the Parkrose SUN School coordinator, and I had‚ namely, to offer an opportunity for PHS students to have a hands-on experience of learning the history, science, profession and art of photography,” Oleksiak elaborated.
Together with a professional photographer, Patrick F. Smith‚ a PHS parent and volunteer‚ the trio utilized an East Portland Neighborhood Office grant of $650 as seed money. “We leveraged those funds with generous in-kind and volunteer contributions,” added Oleksiak.
Photography 101
Smith, a City of Maywood Park based commercial photographer specializing in still-life images, provided a detailed course syllabus and handouts.
“Perhaps more important than showing the students the cameras I use and explaining technical information, was my emphasis on pre-visualizing images,” Smith told us. “To make a great photograph, the photographer must first ‘see’ the image in their mind.”
Smith said he was surprised at the young students’ ability to quickly learn how to develop good photographic visualization. “Many students demonstrated a very keen visual perspective. It was eye-opening!”
Students gain practical experience
Oleksiak told us the five-week course provided a rich learning experience for 16 budding shutterbugs. In addition to interactive classes, the students also met and saw slide presentations by two photojournalists, went on a downtown Portland photo expedition, and visited field trip to Newspace Center for Photography.
“Our series of classes was also supported by Jeffrey Simon, another PHS parent and skilled photographer,” Oleksiak added.
Parkrose through young eyes
The course leaders didn’t give specific assignments, but instead, told the kids to illustrate “their” Parkrose, letting others see their community through their eyes.
The resulting photos showed that this group of students placed a high value on relationships with their families and friends, and even their faith.
PHS freshman, Elena Curtin, created some visually stunning images‚ including the photo used on their photo show’s promotional post card. “I love flowers and still-life photos,” she told us. “It’s a fun hobby.”
She told us her idea of a good image is one with contrasts and colors. “I’m into colors.”
Abria Mitchell shows off her work.
“I like different scenes,” said freshman Abria Mitchell. “I like to capture movement in a scene. I like taking pictures. It makes me happy.”
A good photograph, to Mitchell, she said, has different things going on in the foreground and background. Holding up one of her images, she commented, “I just looked at the sky and thought this would be a good picture. Some say it is a good painting, but it is a photograph.”
Standing by her series of photos is Shante Livingston.
Shante Livingston, a sophomore, said she was pleased the community came by to admire her photographs. “I’ve just started in photography. I like taking pictures; I especially like to photograph flowers. I like their color and the texture.”
Argay neighbors Valerie Curry and Calla Marshall take in the photo art show. “I’m really impressed with the photos. I’m seeing some real talent here.”
PHS Principal Roy Reynolds moved slowly from exhibit to exhibit. “The photos are marvelous,” he commented. “This is pretty incredible.”
Reynolds said this class is a good example of how the school and community can work together successfully. “We’re working to create many events‚ of all sizes‚ that help involve students in the school and our community.”
And, Smith is already looking forward to the next school year. “I hope we can work it out so we can expose more young people to classes like this in the future.”
© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service
No one drove to this party! Learn why several organizations got together to throw a springtime bash for the newest portion of the SpringwaterTrail that links inner SE Portland to the trail leading to Gresham‚
Sisters Pat Farris, Barbara Swails and Michaele Gregg take their Saturday morning “power walk” across the McLaughlin Blvd. Bridge.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Although the inner SE Portland Three Bridges section portion of the Springwater Trail was dedicated last fall, that didn’t stop Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R) from coordinating a “Springtime Three Bridges Celebration” on May 19.
The new Three Bridges section, connects Portland to Milwaukie via bridges over SE McLoughlin Boulevard, the Union Pacific Railroad and Johnson Creek.
“With the advent of spring,” explains Beth Sorensen, PP&R media and events officer, “we wanted to have a celebration that helps people learn about national environment along the trail, bike safety, the recreational opportunities out in this area and the neighborhoods.”
The 1.5 mile celebration route soon filled with pedestrians, bicyclists and in-line skaters. Along the route, participants were treated to snacks, water and information from a variety of participants, including the Portland Office of Transportation and Bureau of Environmental Services, the City of Milwaukie, METRO, SMILE and neighborhood associations.
Oregon State Senator Rod Monroe bikes the Springwater Trail with brothers Dale and Duane.
Along the Sellwood side of the bridges, local resident, Senator Rod Monroe bicycled up to say hello, accompanied by his brothers Dale and Duane.
“I was chair of the Transportation committee at METRO,” enthuses Senator Monroe. “I was responsible for getting the federal funding for this project.”
Trails are vital to the recreational enjoyment of the area, the senator says. “These bridges were crucial to connect inner Southeast Portland to the Springwater Trail.”
The project is important, Monroe continues, “Because when we build light rail down the corridor, this trail will give pedestrians access from both neighborhoods.”
Grady Wheeler, City of Milwaukie and Bob Akers, president of the 40 Mile Loop Land Trust talk with Joe Campwall, Ardenwald Neighborhood Association’s treasurer.
Further up the trail, we meet Grady Wheeler, with City of Milwaukie. He’s showing the promotional literature produced by his city to promote the trail. “This is a great project; a real cause for celebration,” he says.
At the same stop, Bob Akers, president of the 40 Mile Loop Land Trust tells us they’ve promoted the Springwater Trail from the start. “Because of the Three Bridges project, you’ll be able to walk or ride without having to cross any major streets ‚Äì like the Tacoma Street overpass.”
Ardenwals’s Marianne Colgrove talks with Brentwood-Darlington residents Deborah and Morgan Eberley.
A big celebration site is at the SE 45th Ave. and Johnson Creek Blvd. Trailhead. Bike Gallery displays new “shiftless” bicycles, a band plays, and neighborhood associations present information about their services.
“This trail is important to Ardenwald,” says their association’s webmaster, Marianne Colgrove, “because it goes through Tideman Johnson Park here in our neighborhood. Because we’re partly in the City of Portland, and partly in the City of Milwaukie, we’re here helping people who live here learn about their neighborhood. Johnson Creek and the Springwater trail run right through it.”
Keith Ticknor, riding a Penny-Farthing High Wheeler is escorted by his sons, Scott and Alexander.
If you haven’t taken the trail, give it a try. It’s a relatively level, paved path. And, the unique views are spectacular.
Encore Brass plays rousing marches and toe-tapping tunes, conducted by Glenn Taylor.
© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service
See how more than 300 neighbors got rid of rubbish and yard debris‚ without leaving East Portland‚
Ross Monn explains the Clean Up program to arriving neighbors.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
A new location and increased promotion are credited for revitalizing the East Portland Clean-up program sponsored by East Portland Neighbors, Inc., the coalition of outer East Portland Neighborhoods.
“This event helps everyone in our neighborhoods get rid of junk and stuff that is hard to dispose of,” said coordinator Bonny McKnight, co-chair of the Russell Neighborhood Association. “This would sit in back yards and basements. Hopefully, this will keep our neighborhoods a little cleaner.”
Marco Reyes, Bob Earnest, and Jim Blatt take a short break. Look at the junk they helped folks get out of their homes and neighborhoods.
McKnight said the event also lets people in the communities see their neighborhood organizations in action. “We’re handing out a lot of information about our associations and community services.”
Neighbors Scott Noy and Adam Leibham unload their truck of yard debris.
In fact, the tally shows 300 of the 340 neighbors bringing trash picked up information regarding their neighborhood associations. “It’s a combination of outreach and service,” McKnight added.
Centennial, Glenfair, Parkrose, Parkrose Heights, Hazelwood, Wilkes, Russell, and Mill Park neighborhoods participated in this event.
Increased promotion perks participation
The volunteers distributed an increased number of flyers, promoted the event at schools, bought an ad in the Mid-County Memo newspaper, and promoted the event in their own publication, East Portland Neighborhood News.
Wilkes Community Group chair Ross Monn was one of the neighbors who helped participants check in, and directed them to the appropriate drop boxes. Instead of just dumping refuse, participants separated recyclable metal, tires, and yard debris. Everything else was pitched into general debris drop-boxes.
Stephen Jenkevice, Glenfair Neighborhood Association, helps keep traffic moving smoothly at the event.
Monn said the increase in participation did cause the occasional backup onto NE Halsey St. and 122nd Avenue, the event’s location. “But the volunteers worked to keep traffic from spilling out on to the main streets,” he commented.
Eliminated fees for drop-off
In past years, those dropping off refuse paid a small “dumping” fee to defray the costs. This year, volunteers just asked for donations from participants. “This simplified the intake process and seemed to collect a comparable amount,” we learned from McKnight.
Marianne Solheim of Parkrose Heights got rid of trash, and is writing a donation check accepted by volunteer Alice Blatt.
By the time it was all over, just past noon on May 12, 19 drop-boxes (dumpsters) were filled to capacity.
Thanks to the diligent work of 45 volunteers, 24 tons of yard debris, 44 tons of mixed waste, 197 tires, and 3 tons of scrap metal were collected from 340 neighbors happy to rid their homes of this debris.
Volunteer Joyce Rothenbucher from the Hazelwood neighborhood helps out in the tire bin.
If you live in outer East Portland, find out more about what your neighborhood association is doing for you‚ and how you can help your neighborhood‚ by visiting www.epno.org.
On top of a dumpster filled with debris, volunteer Paul Capell from Wilkes Community Group helps neighbors get rid of just one more basket of refuse.
© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service
Learn what Carolyn Schell, manager of Midland Library, shared with us as she talked about her tenure in East County, and what she says she’ll miss the most after she retires‚
One of duties Carolyn Schell, retiring manager of Midland Library, says she loves the most is “Story Stop” with young kids.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
After 17 years at the Multnomah County Library’s Midland Library in SE 122nd Ave., retiring manager Carolyn Schell said she’s seen a lot of changes‚ both in outer East Portland and in the library.
Before she shelved her last book, and gave her last “Story Stop” for little kids on May 29, Schell sat down with us to talk about her love of libraries, but most of all, helping children gain an appreciation for books.
“Although I tried teaching,” Schell related, “I soon realized it was not my calling. I was interested in books and libraries. I got an MLS [Masters in Library Science] from University of Oregon because I knew what I wanted to be‚ a librarian.”
Schell said she started her career working part-time in 1968, and worked as Children’s Librarian. “After ten years, I became a full-time librarian and worked at many different library branches.”
Librarian Schell has seen many changes in outer East Portland.
Watches Midland branch grow
In 1990, Schell was assigned to outer East Portland’s Midland Branch of the Multnomah County Library. “It was about one-third the size of our new building. It was too small for all the patrons we served.”
A few years later, the County funded a new library building on the same site as the old one. “I was part of the building committee. It was a wonderful experience. We involved the public, had a great architect and hard-working building committee.”
Observes technology’s explosion
From her “window on the world” the library, Schell says she watched as outer East Portland grew and matured.
“The biggest change has been in the use of technology,” Schell said. “In fact, this is the biggest change across the library system. When I first started here, there were no computers. Then, we installed one computer for the checkout system‚ but still had none for the public. Not even for the reference librarians had a computer.”
But, when they built the new library building, provision was made for public computer terminals. “That was in 1995,” Schell recalls. “Since that time, computer usage has taken off. The public loves them.”
The Midland Library manager says she’s proud how they’ve kept up with the changing needs of outer East Portland residents.
Meeting the needs of changing demographics
“The demographics of the neighborhoods we serve have changed somewhat,” Schell pointed out. “Now, we have many immigrant families who use the library. Russians, Spanish-speaking patrons‚ people from all over the world use the Midland Library. We now have a very diverse population, and we’re changing our programs and offerings to meet these needs.”
Considering other demographic shifts, Schell said that, in 1990, the patrons were predominantly women looking for books. “Now we see as many men as women‚ they’re using the computers. We’ve always had a lot of teenagers. And, we’ve always served many senior citizens‚ now, we even offer computer classes especially for them.”
The importance of libraries
Most important thing about being a librarian to Schell, she told us, is making sure everyone has access to all information.
“It is part of our democracy. “If people didn’t have public libraries, our citizens wouldn’t have access to free information‚ of all kinds. Where would people get it? The library is a place where people can come and find out information they want to know. This is a very powerful concept.”
But the library offers more than books and computers, Schell said. “The library system prides itself in providing educational and cultural entertainment for our patrons.
More than a librarian
During her time at Midland, Schell didn’t confine herself to the stacks and help desk. She was active in the Gateway Area Business Association‚ serving on the board, and as president. She also was a founding member of the Midway Business Association where she served as secretary.
Behind the library is Midland Park; Schell worked with the “Jane’s Park Group” to help “make the park a safe and nice place for people to enjoy.”
Through her volunteerism in association with these organizations, Schell touched the lives of many people outside the library and helped her community thrive.
“Of all my duties, I think I’ve enjoyed doing ‘Story Stop’ for young people the most,” Schell told us.
Lasting memories
After she introduced us to the library’s new manager, Javier Gutierrez, we asked Schell what memories she’ll cherish about her time at Midland.
“I enjoy the interactions with everyone,” Schell said. “But some of the most fun are with the children.
“I’m lucky I can still do ‘Story Stops’ here. I love doing them. Just today, a little boy was so excited. ‘Oh, wait! Can I tell my mother what a fun story that was!’ he exclaimed For me, that’s part of what libraries are all about‚ getting kids hooked on books and reading when they’re little. Then, you know they’ll be readers their whole lives.”
On behalf of our community, we thank you, Carolyn, for your service‚ and enduring smile.
© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service
Mayor Tom Potter was ready and willing to listen‚ but he didn’t hear much. Read this, and learn of a missed opportunity‚
Glenn Taylor, Powellhurst-Gilbert Neighborhood Association chair, host Bill Dayton of Pizza Baron, and Portland Mayor Tom Potter talk, while they wait‚ and wait‚ for citizens to come “Talk with Tom”.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Across the city Mayor Tom Potter holds “Talk to Tom” sessions, giving ordinary citizens ten-minute sessions to bend his ear about any and all topics.
Potter’s May session was scheduled in outer East Portland, at the Pizza Baron on SE 122nd Avenue at Division Street.
“It was great to be able to talk with the mayor,” said host Bill Dayton. “I got to tell the mayor that business owners within the City of Portland deserve the right to vote on city issues‚ even if the don’t live in the city.”
Dayton says he learned that the City Charter prohibits his request‚ and nothing short of a change in the charter will change that. “He told me that groups, like our business association, can make these changes, not him.”
Overall, Dayton says he felt he got a fair hearing. “I think it is great he came to outer East Portland.”
Mayor Tom Potter says he came, ready to listen. Sadly, no one from outer East Portland bothered to come speak with him.
A session observer, Glenn Taylor, chair of the Powellhurst-Gilbert Neighborhood Association, expressed his concerns about zoning that allows for “massive amounts of infill housing and high-density housing” to keep sprouting up in outer East Portland.
After a spirited exchange between Taylor and Potter, the two sat back and waited. And they waited.
Sadly, no one came to talk with Tom. Please remember this, the next time someone says, “No one at City Hall listens to us out here‚”
© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service
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