Neighborhood News « East PDX News

Sudden storm wreaks havoc across East Portland

This fierce, fast-moving storm tore up tents at the Parkrose Farmer’s Market, and downed trees in SE Portland. See it all, right here …

After the sudden tempest caught this tent – as folks were closing down the Parkrose Farmer’s Market for the day – this tangled, bent frame was all that remained. Steve Voorhees photo

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
The fast-moving thunderstorm that whipped up high, destructive winds and pelted the area with rain and hail during the late afternoon of Saturday, May 2, is now but a memory – but it will linger in the minds of many who were affected.

Parkrose Farmer’s Market tents damaged
Steve Voorhees, the market master of Parkrose Farmer’s Market, said the storm was a frightening experience for him and his family. The storm blew through just after they’d removed the weights from the tents and were starting to pack them, he said.

“A twister touched down for about 20 seconds in the Parkrose High School parking lot about 4:00 pm,” Voorhees told us. “My daughter, Molly, was thrown about 50 feet, while my son David held on to ‘the blimp’, standing under the Parkrose Middle School awning entrance.”

One of his son’s friends dove for cover under the family pickup truck, he added. “We lost three tents and a bunch of papers,” Voorhees added. “It comes as a kind of a blow; especially on our first day of the season.”

Wind whips trees into high-voltage line

High above the uprooted tree on SE 70th Avenue, a high-voltage line insulator dangled after the tall fir whipped into the line and broke it free.

Miles away, in Southeast Portland, the gusting wind uprooted a tree on SE 70th Avenue, between SE Harold and SE Mitchell streets.

“The real damage came from the tall tree behind it,” pointed out a crewmember on Portland Fire & Rescue’s Truck 25, who was standing by. “The tree, whipped by the wind, snapped into the high-voltage line, and broke off the top insulator.”

Officials were concerned that this high voltage line, no longer supported by the insulator, would drop into the street.

Neighbors reported a flash of light and a shower of sparks, as the wet limbs of the tree temporarily shorted out the power line. Police and firefighters stood guard until Portland General Electric crews could repair the line.

Storm brings down an Eastmoreland elm

After standing the test of time for decades, this stately Eastmoreland elm tree was uprooted by the microburst that rolled through the area.

In inner SE Portland, one of Eastmoreland’s legendary elms toppled on SE 36th Avenue at SE Ogden Street.

Homeowner Sherri Romaniello looked in stunned amazement at the giant tree that once stood majestically at her curb, now uprooted and leaning into the street. “I’ve lived here for over 40 years,” she said. “I think they put in the trees when they built the houses in 1935.”

Homeowner Sherri Romaniello said she is surprised that the tree that stood in front of her home for more than 40 years was blown over.

The event made a lot of noise, Romaniello, recalled. “But more than that, I saw a big bolt of what looked like lightning. I was in the back of the house. The whole sky lit up outside of the window. Then the power went out.”

Her first instinct was to go look out her front door. “It was hard to believe what I was seeing. At least, it didn’t hurt anyone as it fell – and it didn’t land on any houses or cars.”

The impact of the falling tree pulled Romaniello’s electric service drop line off the top of her home’s meter head. “Fortunately I have gas, so, at the least, I can warm some water on the stove,” she said.

The delightful spring weather that followed the fast-moving, unforecast storm brought out spectators who stroll through the streets of Eastmoreland, looking at the storm damage.

Meteorologist attributes damage to microbursts
It was not too late in the season to have a “cold air trough” meet a mass of warm behind it, explained National Weather Service meteorologist Tiffani Brown, when we asked about the storm.

“When we see a cold air trough – with warm air behind it – the situation causes instability of the atmosphere,” Brown noted. “We do see these weather conditions, especially during the spring when there is some daytime warming, and have a strong weather cold system in the area; this tends to develop thunderstorm activity.

Brown concluded that the damaging winds could be caused by a “microburst” or “downburst”. “A downburst occurs when fast-moving air is trapped above the storm and has nowhere to go. When it finds a weak spot through which to move downward, it does so with wind speeds measuring 50 to 60 mph.”

The weather station at the offices of THE BEE newspaper in Westmoreland, the rain gauge – observed just after the storm – measured .93 inch for the day.

As to whether or not we can expect more violent storms, Brown commented, “This is the time of year when we most expect these kinds of storms to occur.”

Hazelwood neighbors puzzle over double shooting

We may never know why the husband shot his wife of many years – and then himself. Learn the outcome of this tragic event here …

Police closed off SE 135th Avenue, from SE Main Street north to David Douglas High School, while they investigated the double shooting the left a man dead.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Neighbors of Bobby and John Clayton said they were puzzled and saddened to learn that a double shooting at their home – in the 1100 block of SE 135th Avenue, just south of David Douglas High School – had left her wounded and him dead on May 2.

While officials still say little about the case, we headed toward the scene listening to events unfold on emergency services channels.

One of the messages relayed was that, seven minutes before the shooting call came in to the emergency 911 Center, a woman, 42-year-old Bobby Clayton reportedly called her father in Vancouver, WA. The message relayed to officers on scene was she told her dad that there was a domestic dispute taking place, and that she was “being held hostage”. Her father told the calltaker that he was concerned and was on his way.

The report of a shooting brought out a large police response to this otherwise quiet street.

At 8:58 a.m., “911 operators received a call from a woman saying she was inside the house and had been shot by her husband,” reported Portland Police Bureau spokesperson Det. Mary Wheat. “When officers arrived, they went inside the house to rescue the woman. Once inside, they assisted the woman and found one deceased male who had shot himself.”

Officials later identified the deceased person as 45-year-old John David Clayton, Bobby Clayton’s husband. “It appears that John Clayton shot his wife and then shot himself,” confirmed Wheat.

Although Bobby Clayton was reportedly shot three times – in the shoulder, arm and hip, all on her left side – paramedics called OHSU Hospital saying that she was alert and conscious, and able to talk with them. “She is expected to survive,” Wheat added.

Officers and detectives compare notes after investigating a scene where they say the husband turned the gun on himself, after he had shot and wounded his wife.

As Multnomah County Animal Control arrived to take charge of the couple’s two dogs, neighbors shook their heads in dismay. “They’ve lived here since the 1980s and seemed like nice people,” said a resident who declined to identify himself. We noted a white van with a Medeco High Security Locks logo on the door. “He worked for a security firm,” confirmed the neighbor.

Another neighbor added, “This is so unusual for this neighborhood. Things are pretty quiet around here.”

After-parade Carnival and Cruise-in highlights East Portland’s diverse offerings

After the 82nd Avenue of Roses Grand Parade, see what you missed if you didn’t stop by this wonderful community event at Eastport Plaza …

Martial artist Robert Andrejco, with West Coast Taekwon Do Portland, breaks a practice board with his foot, as their members of the dojo show their skills.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
New to the 82nd Avenue of Roses Grand Parade this year was the Eastport Plaza Community Carnival and Izzy’s Cruise-in that followed on April 25.

“We wanted to have a party for all of our East Portland neighbors,” explained Dianne Gill, Manager of Eastport Plaza. “The idea was to give neighborhood and community service groups the opportunity to get their information out to citizens, provide space for commercial vendors, and host the FUNtastic Carnival here.”

East Portland parks advocate Linda Robinson tells guests about the “Gateway Green” project she’s helping to create.

Representatives from the Portland Police Bureau Mounted Division introduce their equine partners to carnival guests.

Carnival rides provided thrills for young and old at the Community Carnival.

Carnival guest Dain Gray gets a free handgun lock from Richard Bixby, who is with the East Portland Neighborhood Organization.

The idea proved to be successful; throngs of people braved brief passing showers – and later basked in the late afternoon springtime sunshine. In addition to visiting the booths, guests enjoyed live music provided by The Carolina Pump Station, Trash Can Joe, Get a Life Marching Band, and a strolling barbershop quartet.

In all, Eastport Plaza sponsored a great community event; we hope it returns next year after the parade.

Classic vehicles pack Izzy’s Cruise-In

Jeff Morrison shares his love of classic cars with his young men, Luke and Logan, as they look at the “hot metal” on display.

At the north end of the Eastport Plaza parking lot, rows of bright-and-shiny cars lined up for the Izzy’s Cruise-In. All kinds of specialty vehicles – from hot rods, to custom cars, to classic, restored vehicles were on display.

Hundreds of cars were on display at the 2009 Izzy’s Cruise-In.

Winner of the EastPDXnews Choice Award, Kirk Schulenberg, shows off his canary yellow Chevelle station wagon.

When the awards were presented Cruise-In participants, we were pleased to meet the Kirk Schulenberg, to whom we presented the “EastPDXnews Choice Award“, for his rare 1964, 2-door Chevelle station wagon.

“It is very rare, indeed,” Schulenberg told us. “They only made 1,700 of them. It’s got a big block, 396 engine with a 700 R4 transmission, 12 volt Posi-traction.”

Although it looks chopped, Schulenberg said the car body is strictly stock – and that he’s spent the past 15 years lavishing it with care and attention, rebuilding it from the tires on up.

With this kind of success, we’re sure we’ll be seeing the return of the Izzy’s Cruise-In next year.

Lents Homeownership Initiative expands horizons into outer East Portland with expanded fair

Find out how this ROSE Community Development Corp. program is reaching out, to turn more renters into homeowners …

Greeting folks as they come to the LHI East Portland Homeownership Fair are ROSE Community Development’s Amie Diffenauer, and Christine Rhoney – SUN Site Manager at Kelly Elementary School.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
When we arrived at the East Portland Homeownership Fair at Kelly Middle School on April 18, we asked co-organizer Christine Rhoney, the school’s SUN Site Manager, why they changed the name of the event from the Lents Homeownership Fair.

“This year, we’ve decided to expand into outer East Portland,” Rhoney explained. “We are encompassing all of our outer east Portland school districts, including David Douglas and Reynolds.”

Carlos Jimenez checks in guests at the front desk.

Because of this, Rhoney added, they’re already scouting for a new location for the 2010 fair. “Because we’re expanding east and north, we want to make the location next year a little more centrally located for all families in outer East Portland.”

In addition to expanding their reach, the fair has gotten bigger and better each year, Rhoney noted. “We’ve had more participants every single year. We have a lot more interpreters this year, and so we are able to connect families with an individual interpreter who will walk around the fair and assist them.”

Whether homeowners or renters, experts answer questions about homeownership.

Fair adds homeowner-oriented information
ROSE Community Development’s Amie Diffenauer, the director of the Lents Homeownership Initiative said they’ve added information of interest to those who are already homeowners.

“We’re a little surprised – and pleased – to see our workshop classes for homeowners filling up,” Diffenauer told us. “It’s as important to us to help struggling homeowners stay in their homes as it is to create new homeowners.”

Three of best-attended classes for homeowners included, “Homeownership Preservation; how to prevent foreclosure”; “Should I Re-finance?”; and, “Age-In-Place with a Reverse Mortgage”.

Neighbor Brian Johnson talks with Quyona Anderson about financing options.

Real estate bazaar offers answers
In addition to the classes, both prospective and current homeowners were able to talk with real estate experts, people who work at lending institutions, insurance specialists, and community service representatives. Here, they were able to get one-on-one help and get specific questions answered.

“I came here because I want to buy a new home,” said visitor Brian Johnson, as he talked with financial services advisor Quyona Anderson. “There’s a lot of good information here; it’s kind of overwhelming. But, I’m learning – and it looks like I could be buying a home this year.”

Johnson said he went to seminars on consumer credit and buying a first home. “I’m looking forward to having my own yard – and the tax advantages homeownership provides.”

Giving away Burgerville turkey club sandwiches are Matt Wright, manager of store #41 at SE 92nd Avenue and Powell Boulevard, and co-worker Christina Duplantis.

Event attracts 130 households
Even in this troubled economy, more than 500 folks came to the fair to learn, to ask questions – and to enjoy a free lunch provided by the sponsors.

“We were encouraged to see the attendance increase at the workshops and seminars,” Diffenauer reflected. “This year, there were 25 home-buying vendors, and 12 community organizations and government agencies at the fair. And, we couldn’t have done it without the help of our 51 volunteers.”

Beyond the numbers, what really makes it worthwhile, Diffenauer said, is when you see hope on the faces of potential homebuyers. Jack Schmidt, a visitor, summed it up nicely: “We want to put some roots down into the community. We’ve moved almost every year, trying to find the right place to live. We’re looking forward to putting down some roots here.”

Christine Rhoney and Amie Diffenauer flank the three finalists for the $4,000 Home Buyer’s Assistant Grant at this year’s fair. LHI photo

The fair was hosted by the Lents Homeownership Initiative partners: ROSE Community Development, and Kelly SUN Community School. (Impact Northwest’s SUN Community Schools are a collaboration of Multnomah County Department of Human Services, the City of Portland Parks and Recreation and Portland Public Schools.)

It’s not too late to learn more! For information about the Lents Homeownership Initiative, contact Amie Diffenauer at (503) 788-8052, x105, or see www.rosecdc.org.

‘Swine flu’ outbreak troubles outer East Portland residents and business people

As we’re learning, this isn’t a “south of the border” health concern any longer. See what we’ve learned about this potentially-deadly form of illness …

Parkrose Farmer’s Market opens May 2

Come on by and check out the freshest foods at the season! – Here’s why …

Market Master Steve Voorhees welcomes everyone to the Parkrose Farmer’s Market. This is one of our favorite photos of him from last season!

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
The Parkrose Farmer’s Market is coming back, and ready to for another great season, says Market Master Steve Voorhees – as he and the vendors gear up for another season in the Parkrose High School south parking lot, starting Saturday, May 2nd.

“Come, and you’ll see a great variety of produce, fruits, and merchandise for sale every Saturday, from 8:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.

This year’s lineup of vendors includes:

AR Moss Floral Design and Event Embellishment, Portland OR – Selling Nursery stock, small plants and seeds.

Be Bop Blooms – All natural tomato plants, 12 varieties of pepper plants, herbs and veggie plants ready for you take home!
Be Bop USA – Pet Products – Locally made dog and cat collars, leashes and specialty training aids. Benefits unwanted animals.
Bobs Elephant Ears, Portland OR – Selling Elephant ears for your tasting and cold beverages
Bridge Pottery, Portland OR – Makers of hand-crafted, original, wheel-thrown functional pottery creations, suitable for daily use or displayed as fine works of art. All pottery is “food safe”, with lead-free glazes, and may be used in a microwave, dishwasher, or conventional oven.
Dig To Be Dug Nursery, Portland OR – Proudly growing plants with love, care, and attention
Four Winds Restorative Grounds, Portland OR – Offering therapeutic and relaxation massage
Gabriel’s Bakery, Portland OR – Selling whole-grain breads, bagels, French Pastries, Peruvian Pastries, cookies, etc.
Happy Return Flowers, Portland OR – Selling Cut Flowers and Produce
Kiyokawa Family Orchards, Parkdale, OR – Selling Fresh fruits and Produce
MAVDAV Farms “The Farm”, Portland OR – Offering Fresh Picked Fruit and Produce
Old Fashioned Caramel Corn, Happy Valley, OR – Get your Processed and Prepared foods here
Pd Farms, Elgin OR – PD Farms strongly believe educating the public about the health benefits of naturally-grown produce and beef; they say it is as important as growing and marketing their products
Sage-Works, Portland OR – See a variety of semi-precious and precious stones, hand-blown glass, bone, shell, swarovski crystals, and various other earthly materials in products including Leather and Hemp.
Shell’s Jewel’s, Portland OR – Buy high-quality hand-made glass, crystal, shell, and stone jewelry for women, men, and children.
Sturms Berry Farm Inc., Corbett OR – Berries include Straw, Rasp, Black, Blue, Marion, and Black Raspberry. Also selling Jams and Syrups.
Maryhill Orchards and Vineyards; Takahashi Farms – Get the best fruit and produce of the season, as well as honey and jellies.
Traveling Coffee Kids, Portland OR – Enjoy coffees and snack foods here.
Twisted Stitches, Portland OR – aCrafts Artisan.
Unger Farms, Cornelius, OR – This family has been growing strawberries for 63 years. “Quality fruit is what we bring to the market; sustainability is how we grow our fruit.”
Wan and May’s Fresh Bloomers, Portland OR – Fresh Farm Nursery cut flowers and vegetables.
Walchli Hermiston Melon Co., Hermiston OR – Fresh melons and fresh veggies.

Look for signs, like these, pointing to the Parkrose Farmer’s Market on Saturdays, starting May 2!

The Parkrose Farmer’s Market is on NE Shaver St, a block west of NE 122nd Avenue – across the street from Parkrose Middle School.

For more information, CLICK HERE to see their website, or contact Voorhees at steve_voorhees@q.com

Help cops bust this knife-wielding bandit

See how you can pick up a $1,000 in cash for helping cops find the guy who is suspected of robbing the Ace Tavern last summer in Parkrose …

Third annual ‘Grand Parade’ on 82nd Avenue of Roses marches on April 25th

Come on out and see bands, Portland Rose Festival Princesses, classic cars and much more during the 9 AM parade – and enjoy the Eastport Plaza Carnival that follows …

Here’s how last year’s parade looked as it began and headed north on 82nd Avenue of Roses. Organizers say this year’s parade will be even bigger, better, and more exciting.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
After working all year long, the committee behind the 2009 82nd Avenue of Roses Grand Parade says they’re ready to have a great time during this year’s edition – scheduled for Saturday, April 25, at 9:00 a.m.

“We’re thrilled that the event grows every year,” proclaims Ken Turner, president of the 82nd Avenue of Roses Business Association, “and this year’s parade will be better than ever.”

Parade starts at Eastport Plaza
The 2009 82nd Avenue of Roses Grand Parade begins at Eastport Plaza, just north of SE Holgate Boulevard. It marches north on the Avenue of Roses, and finally disperses in the Montavilla Neighborhood area, Turner tells us.

New this year will be a reviewing stand at Eastport Plaza, in addition to the bleachers and public announcement area, just north of SE Division Street – hosted by Portland Community College’s Southeast Center.

Help by volunteering as a “street monitor”, like these two did last year.

Worlds’ largest ‘standing’ marching band
One of the highlights of this year’s parade will be the “One More Time Around Marching Band” – “the world’s largest standing musical organization” – regularly featured in Portland Rose Festival parades and events. Kell’s Irish Pipes & Drums Corps will also enliven the parade this year.

The parade will be led by members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1442 color guard.

You’ll see the Portland Rose Festival Court Princesses in their first official group appearance – accompanied by the dapperly dressed Royal Rosarians, and members of the Portland Rose Society.

All kinds of specialty vehicles, from antique military trucks to classic cars, will cruise up 82nd Avenue.

“Many other unique, colorful individuals and groups are making arrangements to march in this lively parade. In all, about 50 entries will grace the parade this year,” Turner adds.

Check out Carnival Days after the parade at Eastport Plaza and make a fun day of it!

Community Carnival and Bike Rodeo after the parade
Several after-parade events are scheduled at Eastport Plaza and the Montavilla/South Tabor Business District.

From April 23 through 26, Eastport Plaza hosts “Carnival Days”, featuring FUNtastic amusement rides and games. “But after the parade, we have a ton of things happening here on April 25 in addition to the thrill rides,” reports Eastport Plaza’s Sadee Daniels. They include:

Clown balloon artist and juggler;
Stilt walkers;
Pony rides;
Caricature artist and face painting;
Live music with The Carolina Pump Station, Trash Can Joe, Get a Life Marching Band, and a Strolling Barbershop Quartet;
KGON 92.3 will broadcast live, and will provide a chance to win a Ford F150 and a Harley Davidson “Rocker”; and,
There will be informational booths staffed by community service providers and civic groups.

And, on the north end of the parade, members of the Montavilla/South Tabor Business Association host a Bike Rodeo and safety clinic on S.E. Yamhill Street – where the parade disbands.

Don’t let this year’s parade pass you by! Make plans to come out on April 24 at 9:00 a.m.!

Not too late to volunteer
If you’re not content to sit on the sidelines watching a parade pass you by, consider volunteering on the day of the parade. “We need volunteers to help, by briefly closing off side streets as the parade passes,” said Johnni Jones, the event’s volunteer coordinator. “It’s easy – and you get to watch the parade!” Contact her by e-mailing: johnni.jones@gmail.com.

Registration for the parade begins at 7:30, and closes off at 8:30 am; the parade begins promptly at 9 am, Turner smiles, “Come out and enjoy the day, at this great family community event.”

Montavilla’s first-ever Farmers Market premieres July 22

If you missed it, a look at this story and you’ll see why you must come and check out the newest open-air market in outer East Portland next week

3,000 brightly colored eggs magically appear in Maywood Park

Find out how, within minutes, all of the eggs disappeared, one by one, at this city’s delightful home-spun event.

Placing some of the 3,000 Easter eggs prepared for the City of Maywood Park Neighborhood Easter Egg Hunt on the “Big Kids’ Hill” at the April 15 event is volunteer Jason Troutman. David F. Ashton Photo

While nine-month-old Garrett Bertholf, isn’t quite old enough to gather Easter egg prizes, a visit with the Maywood Park Easter Bunny seems to be OK. David F. Ashton Photo

By David F. Ashton

Some people jokingly refer to the small City of Maywood Park, nestled between I-205 and NE 102^nd Ave., as “Mayberry, USA”. The independent residents voted years ago to not become annexed by Portland ‚Äì specifically so that the area could retain its identity.

One of the two big annual events sponsored by Maywood Park is the Annual Easter Egg Hunt.

The EGGcitement begins as the kids rush to find goodies. David F. Ashton Photo

Gathering eggs, as fast as her little hands can pick them up, is Sage Lucas. David F. Ashton Photo

This time-honored tradition does more than give kids candy, said Patty Meighen, chair of the event. “This is a great way for our community to come together. Maywood is a unique community, in that we’re a city of our own. Our other big event which we hold each year is our July 4 parade and barbecue.”

She, and 30 of her neighbors stuffed about 3,000 plastic eggs with candy, small toys, and gold coins.

Camille Vushard is showing off her prized Easter eggs to her Grandma, Jan Rishel. David F. Ashton Photo

The pouring morning rain didn’t dampen the enthusiasm of parents and kids on April 15, as the kids scoured a neighbor’s yard and the city’s park hillside. Within minutes, the eggs were whisked away and opened. “We recycle our plastic eggs, and we’ll store them for next year,” explained Meighen.

By finding plastic Easter eggs containing a Lucky Gold Coin, kids got to pick gift certificates for restaurants or other prizes. The winners were Lily Mitchell, Olivia Erickson, and Noella McQueen. David F. Ashton Phot

We asked Mayor Mark Hardy for a comment; he just smiled and told us to look at the excitement on the faces of the kids. “We do have a real sense of community in our city,” he said.

3,000 brightly colored eggs magically appear in Maywood Park

Find out how, within minutes, all of the eggs disappeared, one by one, at this city’s delightful home-spun event.

While nine-month-old Garrett Bertholf, isn’t quite old enough to gather Easter egg prizes, a visit with the Maywood Park Easter Bunny seems to be OK. David F. Ashton Photo

By David F. Ashton

One of the two big annual events sponsored by Maywood Park is the Annual Easter Egg Hunt.

The EGGcitement begins as the kids rush to find goodies. David F. Ashton Photo

Gathering eggs, as fast as her little hands can pick them up, is Sage Lucas. David F. Ashton Photo

She, and 30 of her neighbors stuffed about 3,000 plastic eggs with candy, small toys, and gold coins.

We asked Mayor Mark Hardy for a comment; he just smiled and told us to look at the excitement on the faces of the kids. “We do have a real sense of community in our city,” he said.

Parkrose Labyrinth: Connecting community with high school

When it is finished, creators of Parkrose Labyrinth hope neighbors will come, and get lost‚ in thought!‚ as they walk the serpentine path. See the dedication and groundbreaking ceremony right here‚

With shovels in hand, ready to break the ground for the Parkrose Labyrinth are Dominique Blanchard, Kerina Blanchard, Michael Schilling, Sterling Arkills, Isaac Song and Elizabeth Walker.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
For as long as anyone can remember, the lawn in the far southwest corner of Parkrose High School’s property has been inaccessible. A galvanized steel cyclone fence has been the dividing line between the neighborhood and the school.

At the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Parkrose Labyrinth a couple of weeks ago, we talked with high school principal Roy Reynolds.

Parkrose High students, faculty and community members gather for a brief but poignant dedication ceremony for the new Parkrose Labyrinth.

“It is important that we’re connecting with the community by doing all kinds of projects all over the school and grounds. Each of these projects‚ like this one‚ has a way of growing, creating stronger community bonds throughout the school.”

Because the labyrinth will be a highly visible project, Reynolds said he hopes to see members of the community using it. “This is a space for thinking, meditating, and hopefully creating further connections between themselves and the school.”

Sharon DeWitt, the Parkrose High staff member who proposed the project, Dominique Blanchard, and Isaac Song share their thoughts about the new Parkrose Labyrinth at the dedication ceremony.

Parkrose High School student Isaac Song performed as the master of ceremonies, welcoming the guests to the dedication ceremony on April 21.

Another student, Dominique Blanchard, read a poem by Cesar Pina entitled “Direction“:

We see or view the word “direction” as a place on a map or a navigational device, when in fact, it is much more.
A “direction” is the will to carry on, proceed, overcome the obstacles that exist between one’s goal.
The path to one’s goal may seem tricky, curvy, swirly; yet determination is what drives us to the center of our destination.
A direction may be, in fact, four points: Whether the points be cardinal, symbolical, or spiritual‚ it really doesn’t matter.
If there is something about the word “direction” that all of us can agree with, it is this: No matter what path you take, no matter how hard it may be, no matter the challenges‚ you will eventually find yourself reflecting on the path taken, in the very end.

The school’s groundskeeper, Sharon DeWitt proposed the labyrinth.

“The labyrinth is an ancient symbol,” DeWitt told the group. “The oldest examples are found in art, dating back 3000 years. They are found in all cultures and religions, and in locations all over the world. It is a winding path that moves back and fourth into the center. Path labyrinths can be seen as a journey of life. We all enter at the same way, travel through time, and our lives take twists and turns. In the past ten years, labyrinths have increased in popularity in schools, hospitals, churches, prisons, retreat centers, and parks. When our labyrinth is completed, we will register it with the Labyrinth Society.”

DeWitt continued, “We have a really busy chaotic life. No one seems to know how to take time to be quiet. By having this labyrinth here, people can come and take a few minutes for themselves.”

Parkrose Neighborhood Chair Marcy Emerson-Peters, grant committee and school board member Alicia Reece and East Portland Neighborhood Office administrator Richard Bixby participate in the dedication.

“I’m here as the chair of the East Portland Parks Coalition, a member of East Portland Neighborhood Grant Selection Committee which approved the grant for this project,” said Alicia Reece. “The contemplative nature of this site is important, because it gives both students and members of the community the opportunity to gather and be together.”

Parkrose Neighborhood Association chair Marcy Emerson-Peters commented, “This project is the realization of a vision. And, here in Parkrose, we’re creating a vision for our community. Here, neighbors will be able to do cloud-watching, think, and play.”

Given the word to begin, the young people dig in, breaking the ground for this groundbreaking Parkrose Project.