See what neighbors learned about public safety, the future of Powell Butte, and the long-awaited East County Justice Center, at this special meeting‚

Centennial Community Association welcomes Multnomah County Commissioner Lonnie Roberts, Portland City Commissioner Randy Leonard, Portland Fire & Bureau’s Chief Dave Sprando, and Gresham Deputy Fire Chief Jim Klum, to their first-of-summer meeting.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
It has become a tradition for the Centennial Community Association to invite city and county officials to the June meeting they hold at the Mobile Estates community room on SE Division Street.

This year, some 50 citizens came to hear the distinguished panel, which featured Multnomah County Commissioner Lonnie Roberts, Portland City Commissioner Randy Leonard, Chief Dave Sprando from Portland Fire & Bureau, and Gresham’s Deputy Fire Chief Jim Klum.

Roberts discusses County issues
“To fill you in on the Justice Center,” began Lonnie Roberts, “Under state law East County must have a courthouse. And, it has to be located within the City of Gresham. We do have a one-room courthouse; the ceiling leaks, and it violates the Disabilities Act.”

Roberts promoted the idea of building a long-delayed “Justice Center” that would include four courtrooms, offices for the District Attorney, other services, and a holding cell.

Lonnie Roberts talks about opening the Wapato Jail‚ and talks about the slow progress getting the new Justice Center project going.

“We started by considering 50 sites; my choice has been the Rockwood site at SE 190th Avenue and Stark Street. It meets the qualifications, including being within 800 feet of mass transit. And, I’d like to see it built by the time I get out of office next year.”

The funds to build the EC Justice Center would come from selling off some of the county’s “surplus” property, as well as the “sick” Hansen Building, housing the Sheriff’s office at SE 122nd Avenue at Glisan Street.

Sings the Wapato blues
Asked about the new-but-unused Wapato Jail, Roberts recalled, “Citizens voted to build it in 1996. In 2002, we opened it,  then closed it‚ within a half hour. We have a $59 Million jail we spend $30,000 a month to keep in mothballs. When we took the key, the clock started running on the guarantee. That clock has expired. We’ll now have to eat any deficiencies we find when we do actually open it.

The commissioner said Clark County will rent 150 beds if it is opened. “Commissioner Wheeler says, although Multnomah County is experiencing a $25 Million shortfall, we will open it.”

Using part of Wapato to treat drug-addicted criminals makes financial sense, Roberts added. “We’re spending $300 per year, per household, for theft, damage, and problems caused by drug addicts in the community. The criminals know there is no room in jail. I’d like to send a message to drug dealers that we now have ‘a room for them’ at the jail.”

Randy Leonard talks about the changes on Powell Butte and public safety issues.

Leonard on Powell Butte
Portland City Commissioner Randy Leonard ‚Äì head of the Portland Water Bureau (PWB)‚ talked about plans for Powell Butte.

“All Portland water goes through Powell Butte,” Leonard began. “Portland Parks has been taking care of Powell Butte; but PWB is taking over the management of the top area. We’re replacing the decrepit mobile home there with a log cabin; it’s more fitting for the area. We’re hiring a full-time person to be the caretaker. And, we’re focusing on the trail, and making it one of the best parks it can be. It has astounding views of the area around us.”

Reducing drug crime
Turning to drug-related crime, Leonard continued, “Two years ago, I helped get the city to fund 57 beds, to have city jail beds and to provide $500,000 for drug treatment for prisoners. When we look at the arrest statistics of our ‘top 300 offenders’, the number of arrests has dropped 71%. Having these jail beds is money well spent.”

Portland Fire & Rescue Chief Dave Sprando and Gresham Deputy Fire Chief Jim Klum agree that the new staffing plan for Fire Station 45 will provide more effective response. Ron Clemenson, vice-chair for the association, acts as moderator for the meeting.

Outer East Portland fire & rescue issues
Portland Fire & Rescue Chief Dave Sprando once again commended Centennial neighbors for lobbying for funding to keep Station 45‚ located near the Gresham city line‚ in service.

This fire station is unique, in that it is shared by both Gresham and Portland fire crews.

“July 1, we will switch crews, and Portland will be moving in,” Sprando said. “We were successful in getting funding to get a different staffing model for Station 45. Instead of switching crews every few months, we have three crews each working 24 hours. Portland will take two shifts, and Gresham will take one shift. I don’t know where else this is done.”

Gresham Deputy Fire Chief Jim Klum agreed, saying, “Sprando didn’t want me to tell you this, but if you look from Sacramento to Seattle, the three busiest [fire & rescue] stations are here in Portland‚ and Station 45 is one of these. Firefighters like to get to know their area, schools and facilities. This plan of co-locating will help. We’ll have better consistency with this new staffing plan. We appreciate the support to the Gresham Council.”

Councilors call for more mental health care
Asked to comment on the state of mental health care in the community, Leonard commented, “There is a real connection between being mentally ill and drug abuse. This is a challenge; cities and counties don’t have the money to fund mental health care. The police have to deal with individuals who are acting out. It is hard to deal with, when we have a lack of resources.”

Roberts said a countywide public safety study is being considered. “We need to train public safety officers to recognize when individuals have problems. Early treatment is the least expensive way to go. Prevention is a lot cheaper than dealing with problems.”

Meet your neighbors
On July 9, if you live in the area served by the Centennial Community Association, come by their meeting. Topics to be discussed are the Centennial Graffiti Cleanup on July 14th, planned development for four duplexes on 14639 SE Rhine, and their enlarged National Night out Picnic with SUN Schools on August 7th. Please note that this meeting, at 7:00 PM, is at their new “summertime” location: Parklane Christian Reformed Church, 16001 SE Main St.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

Find out what neighborhood leaders say about the new Southeast Uplift’s plan for the coming year‚ and how they introduced the new board to neighbors‚

SEUL’s chair, Paul Leistner, Mt. Tabor neighborhood, and executive director Cece Hughley Noel say they are enthusiastic about the organization’s prospects this year, at their early July ice cream social.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
The organization serving many inner and outer SE Portland Neighborhoods, Southeast Uplift (SEUL), shared hot news‚ and cool treats‚ at an “Ice Cream Social” on July 2.

Upon exiting their executive committee meeting, Paul Leistner, Mt. Tabor Neighborhood representative, and the reelected SEUL chair, told us he’s pleased with coalition’s progress.

“We have wonderful momentum here at Southeast Uplift,” enthused Leistner. “There is a lot of good energy here. We’re looking for ways to expand the impact of neighborhood and other community groups, giving a greater voice to individuals concerned about local decision-making.”

Allowing citizens greater input into governmental affairs is important, added Leistner, because, “This is a time of great change here in Portland. Neighbors need to be heard.”

Coalition runs on budget
SEUL’s executive director, Cece Hughley Noel, said that she felt encouraged by the meeting. “This has been a good year. We were able to come in under budget. We’re running a leaner, more efficient office.

We passed a realistic budget for the coming year, and reorganized our programs to better serve our neighborhoods.”

About the organization’s new executive committee, Hughley Noel commented, “We had good feedback from our leadership. And, we’re really glad to have the continuity of executive leadership on the board.”

Kristen Wiener, SEUL staffer, serves up ice cream to John Rechlein, newly-elected secretary of the Brentwood-Darlington Neighborhood Association

Executive Committee introduced at Ice Cream Social
“We organized this Ice Cream Social to provide an opportunity for the newly-elected neighborhood officers to be able to meet each other, the board, the staff and neighbors,” explained Hughley Noel. It’s great to see we have business district leaders here as well.”

The current executive committee for SEUL consists of: Chair Paul Leistner, Vice Chair Marianne Colgrove, Treasurer Kurt Krause, Secretary Michelle Isbell, and, Past Chair Linda Nettekoven.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

Thanks to quick action by water workers, you’ll be amazed to learn how quickly they turned that river into a trickle – and restored full service to residents …

Lou Tayler talks with neighbors as they watch water pour out of the pavement at SE 42nd Avenue and SE Henderson Street in Woodstock, before the water was shut off.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
A cracked eight-inch water main break turned several inner SE Portland residential streets in the Woodstock neighborhood into torrential rivers on September 12. But, prompt and professional action taken by Portland Water Bureau workers limited the damage to homes and roads.

“I was on my way home for work just after 4 p.m.,” neighbor Lou Tayler tells us on scene. “As I drove east on SE Henderson St. from SE 39th Ave., I saw yellow tape across the road. When I first arrived, there were torrents of water, with high, rolling waves, going down both Henderson and 42nd. The water was starting to get deep down by the church.”

As a Portland Water Bureau worker turns off water valves, the amount of water flowing out of the pavement is reduced to a trickle.

Water gushes from pavement
The street’s pavement had heaved up to a considerable height, adds Tayler. “A neighbor told me a SUV drove up the street before the police arrived and literally sunk down, pushing the asphalt back down. Then, the water really started gushing out of the street.”

Gordon Weiler walks up the street and looks on, as Portland Water Bureau crews assess the situation. “I knew it was serious when we saw dirt, gravel, and then rocks being washed down past my home at SE Henderson St. to SE 39th Avenue. As a retired pipe-fitter, I had a pretty good idea of what was happening.”

Water worker stems the flood
Within minutes, the raging river turns into a steady stream; moments later, water now merely trickles down the street.

“I was on SW Barbor Boulevard when I got the call at 3:50 p.m.” says Jonathan Georgeades, as 16-year Portland Water Bureau (PWB) veteran, wiping the sweat from his brow. “I started cranking shut-off valves [in the street] immediately.”

By 4:30 p.m., Georgeades had closed eight valves in the affected area. “On an 8-inch water main, each valve takes about 27 turns. It’s a real workout; they haven’t been turned in a while. But, they did what they were supposed to do.”

“The intersection is buckled,” Georgeades explains, “because the paved street holds the water beneath it. As the water flows downhill, it lifts the asphalt, and it cracks open. Under those buckles, sinkholes and other damage can occur, if the street isn’t properly repaired.

Tricia Knoll, PIO for Portland Water Bureau, and Portland Commissioner Randy Leonard get a first-hand report on the incident from neighbor Gordon Weiler.

Randy Leonard, Commissioner of the Portland Water Bureau, came by to take a look at the crew’s progress on his way home from downtown Portland. Leonard refers us to PWB spokesperson, Tricia Knoll, saying, “She’s the best P.I.O. in the city. I’m just here for moral support!”

“The first thing we do, after shutting down the water flow,” Knoll explains, “is call for a ‘utility locate’. We must locate all under-street utilities, so we don’t hit gas lines or interrupt other utilities when we dig.”

Within the hour, a full PWB crew is ripping into SE 42nd Avenue’s pavement, about 100 feet north of Henderson. The only water flowing down the streets now is from the pump that evacuated the hole being carefully dug by the bureau’s back-hoe operator.

“There is a horizontal crack in an 8-inch cast-iron water main,” confirms Knoll. “This main was installed in 1944. A lot of the pipe installed at that time was a little bit thinner than what was installed before WW2. We may never know the reason the pipe broke today.”

Water service restored within hours
At first, about 25 homes were affected by the shutdown, Knoll reports. “We’re now having ‘dirty water’ calls. If this happens in your home or business, see www.portlandonline.com/water/blog. It has a direct link about what to do if there is main break in your area.”

By 6:30 p.m., the crew restores water to all but four houses in the area. By 1:00 a.m., the water main is repaired, and service is restored.

Dig we must! The PWB crew has full service restored within nine hours.

Not so with the affected intersection. How long the road there will remain closed is unknown at this time.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

Take a look at another great East Portland farmer’s market, as it opens its doors …

Giving away cookies on opening day at the Moreland Farmer’s Market are Beatrice Matin, market manager Laura Wendel, and Elaine Harper.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Beautiful weather may have been one factor for the great turnout at the Moreland Farmer’s Market opening day on May 14. But the wide variety of vendors and upbeat feeling for the nonprofit market, as it begins its third season, may have contributed to the lively day.

About 1,850 adults – the organizers don’t include kids in their traffic count – visited 32 vendors offering plants, fresh vegetables and fruits, and a wide variety of prepared and ready-to-eat foods.

Heidi Perry, Marimba teacher at Sellwood Middle School, leads the student band in a lively number at the Moreland Farmer’s Market.

Matthew Hall sells fresh produce to Jane Crowley.

A neighborhood crossroads
Laura Wendel, the market’s manager, said she was pleased that so many folks turned out to visit the vendors and be entertained by the Sellwood Middle School Marimba Band and Jazz Band.

“We think of our market as a neighborhood crossroads,” said Wendel. “You can come out and see people, and sample a lot of terrific products. And, it’s wonderful to be able to come and get freshly grown and picked produce and fruit – and talk with the person who grew it.”

Ella Jones gets a balloon toy made for her by Alfie the Clown.

Making a crêpe is Meg Vogt, of the Village Crepery — a treat, in this case, for market customer David Monnie.

New features this year
In addition to the new and returning vendors, Wendel told us that the market will feature chef demonstrations and special food-tasting events almost every week.

“Also, the last Wednesday of every month, Judy Wallace of Wallace Books is providing block Styrofoam recycling,” noted Wendel.

Back after surviving a devastating flood at her farm and cheese factory, Meg Gregory of Black Sheep Creamery says she’s glad to be back at the Westmoreland market.

Vendor survives severe storm
Meg Gregory of Black Sheep Creamery has always been a vendor of choice at the market. But this year, market organizers wondered of she’d be back after experiencing storm damage last winter.

“We had quite a winter, but we’re back,” Gregory told us. “During what they call a ‘500 year flood’, we lost 75% of our flock. We ended up with 30 inches of water in the house – even worse; the water was up to 54 inches deep in our cheese facility. But we had 50 volunteers every weekend who helped us get back on our feet.”

“Hip Chicks Do Wine” winery’s Danna Hall pours samples of her wine at the Moreland Farmer’s Market.

More of everything good
Every Wednesday afternoon, the market offers local fresh produce, nursery stock, cheese, baked goods, flowers, prepared food, specialty items, and more. “This year, we also have specialty products like hand-made chocolates, fresh local honey, and real boiled bagels,” Wendel said. “And, there’s lots of prepared food, like freshly-made crêpes, grilled sausages, and food from Canby Asparagus Farm.”

There’s fun for the kids, too! Ruthie Jones has her face decorated by Mia Long.

Volunteers needed
Willing hands are needed to set up, operate, and take down the market. “Please call me, or see our web site,” Wendel requested.

The Moreland Farmer’s market is held on the Portland Memorial parking lot on S.E. Bybee at 14th, with free parking across the street at SE 14th and Glenwood. It’s open on Wednesdays 3:30 to 7:30 pm through Sept 24th.

For more information, see www.morelandfarmersmarket.org, or telephone (503) 341-9350.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

If you don’t know Ross Monn, Chair of Wilkes Community Group, see why sixty folks showed up at to honor this man and wish him well, as he moves to Spokane …

Bonny McKnight, co-chair of the nearby Russell neighborhood, welcomes guests to the farewell celebration for Ross Monn.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Never has the East Portland Neighborhood Office (EPNO) building, in Hazelwood, hosted such a well-attended event, as was the farewell event honoring Wilkes Community Group Chair, Ross Monn, on May 30.

The gathering came about when Monn announced that he will be moving to Spokane to rejoin old friends, and start the next phase in his life.

Known for being a direct-speaking, no-nonsense neighborhood activist, Monn heard a parade of politicians, government workers, volunteers, and friends praise his generous and nurturing nature.

In addition to championing land-use, natural area preservation, and density issues within his neighborhood, Monn also volunteered for tasks ranging from building Portland Rose Festival floats to dealing with land-use issues – and even helping reinvigorate the neighborhood coalition’s newspaper.

Bonny McKnight, co-chair of the nearby Russell neighborhood, started off the tribute saying, “Working with Ross, I felt encouraged to work with my neighborhood, and encouraged about the citywide neighborhood system.” She enumerated the many accomplishments that led to Monn winning the “Spirit of Portland Award” in 2004.

Mayor-elect and Portland City Commissioner Sam Adams says how Monn inspired him to be a better public servant.

Inspires Portland’s Mayor-elect
Portland City Commissioner and Mayor-elect Sam Adams told the group, “Ross advocates for his neighborhood with such precision and effectiveness, that he is not a person that you can ignore. And he does it with such charm.”

Noting that he’d worked with Monn on issues since he’d simply been a staffer for Mayor Vera Katz, Adams added, “You are a testament to the difference that one person can make. You’ve been inspiring to me. You helped me become a better public servant.”

Portland’s newly-minted City Commissioner, Nick Fish, gives Monn the hat given to him when he was assigned to oversee Portland Fire & Rescue earlier that day.

Drawn together by public service
After McKnight read a letter in which Portland City Commissioner Randy Leonard expressed his own appreciation for Monn, she introduced Nick Fish, recently elected to take Portland City Commissioner Erik Sten’s post on June 13.

“Public service is what draws all of us here together,” Fish began. “It’s part of what makes Portland great. Ross is a treasure; an unsung hero. I say that both as someone who aspires to public service, and as someone who has volunteered in our community.”

Metro Commissioner Rod Park thanks Monn for his leadership regarding natural-space issues.

Stepping up to tell of Monn’s efforts to improve the Wilkes Creek area, Metro Commissioner Rod Park noted, “It was his efforts, as he pushed and pushed to get help from Metro, that led to our developing a program that allows citizens to participate in improving green-spaces across the region. Ross, you are great advocate for the neighborhood, the city, and the region.”

Oregon House of Representatives Speaker and Democratic Party candidate for US Senate, Jeff Merkley greets departing neighborhood activist Ross Monn at a celebration held in his honor.

Advocated for many issues
Oregon House of Representatives Speaker, and Democratic Party candidate for US Senate, Jeff Merkley stepped up and said his partnership with Monn spans a decade.

“When there was an issue, he would call. I heard from Ross about issues including housing density, traffic congestion, public safety, and getting funding to complete Wilkes Park,” Merkley lauded. “People in government can only do their job well when you have people working in the field channeling your awareness to the issues that need attention. No one has done that better than Ross. We will profoundly miss you.”

Jefferson Smith, Oregon House of Representative candidate, he’s know – and appreciated – Monn for many years.

Oregon House of Representative candidate Jefferson Smith, who aspires to Merkley’s seat, added, “Recognizing the principles of volunteerism, and being a friend, and a valuable member of the community, is worth convening for; worth talking about. Ross stands out because he took on many tasks that were ‘nobody’s job’ – but ones necessary to building a strong community.”

Searching for “just the right words” is Amalia Alarcón, director, City of Portland’s Office of Neighborhood Involvement.

Searches for descriptive words
The City of Portland’s Office of Neighborhood Involvement director, Amalia Alarcón, talked about people in her office sought out exactly the right words to describe Ross Monn.

“We could say he works to move a program forward; but ‘move’ is too passive,” Alarcón mused. “‘Compels us forward’ is pretty good. How about ‘propels us’, or ‘catapults us forward’?  Whatever words are used, he is a person for whom we are grateful. We serve the city in a better way, largely because of Ross, and the work he’s done.”

Lise Glancy, with the Port of Portland, presents to Ross Monn a certificate recognizing his “hard work and dedicated service for representing East Portland neighborhood interests, and the port planning process.”

Monn’s nurturing nature revealed
Valerie Curry, Argay neighborhood Chair, said she appreciated how Monn nurtured and guided her when she got involved with her neighborhood’s association.

The Parkrose Heights neighborhood Chair, Carol Williams, told how, throughout her husband’s illness, and subsequent passing, Monn sent her light and cheerful messages and messages of support. “He cares so much, he gets involved.”

Arlene Kimura, Chair of Hazelwood’s association, remarked that Monn was instrumental in working with Commissioner Leonard to get the under-utilized Hazelwood Water Bureau building named for use as EPNO’s new offices.

Richard Bixby, EPNO’s executive director added that, “Any time when something needed to done, Ross would step in.”

Alison Stoll, Bixby’s counterpart at Central Northeast Neighbors, related a story about how Monn sought out resources to help a neighborhood child who needed dental work. “It was a kindhearted thing to do.  Ross, you’ll be remembered for the things that you do that bring people, throughout Portland, together.”

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

It’s more than just a Cruise-in – Parkrose business folks are getting ready for a day-long festival! See why they’re working so hard to make this event happen …

Parkrose Business Association Past President Wayne Stoll, of Century Associates, shows off the street banners about to be hung along NE Sandy Boulevard to promote the August 2 Parkrose Festival and Cruise-in.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
As we’ve been telling you – the “Rose Festival Parkrose Cruise-in” has been put to rest.

Traditionally poor early June weather led the sponsoring group, the Parkrose Business Association (PBA), to replace it with a brand-new event – the Parkrose Festival and Cruise-in on August 2.

Amy Salvador, of Century Associates, tells how flower baskets will hang from lamp poles along NE Sandy Boulevard to give the area some color – the sample basket is displayed here by the event’s originator, Gail Bash of Lucky Corp., and Mark Eves of Eves & Wade LLP.

Sprucing up Sandy Blvd.
Volunteers are asking city and agencies to spruce up NE Sandy Boulevard in preparation for the new Parkrose Festival and Cruise-in.

One project, Amy Salvador revealed at the group’s June meeting, is putting hanging baskets along Sandy Boulevard. “Many people have volunteered to help with this project,” Salvador said. “Rex Hollingsworth and his crew from Rex Heating & Air Conditioning (the title sponsor for the Festival) manufactured the brackets that will hold the plants – they will hang them. Joe Rossi is storing them until they go up; Freedom House is watering and maintaining them, and Century Associates is paying for the fertilizer and amenities.”

Other projects include street and bus stop cleaning and window washing along the boulevard.

Gordon Boorse, of Compaction & Recycling Equipment, and Marsha Lee, with Copy Express, tell the story of how the original Cruise-in program was started to support scholarships for local high school graduates.

Event sponsors scholarships
The reason the PBA started the event seven years ago was to raise a fund that would provide scholarships for graduating Parkrose High School seniors, explained Marsha Lee.

Lee introduced this year’s benefiting scholars – all of whom will be on hand to give out awards at this year’s Parkrose Festival & Cruise-in. Each of the scholars was vetted by a committee from the association consisting of herself, Mary Brown, Alison Stoll, Nancy Murphy, and Craig Mendenhall. Each scholar was awarded a $1,000 check.

Nancy Murphy gives Natasha Rose her award. Natasha will attend Mt. Hood Community College, working toward a degree in Secondary English, to become a high school English teacher.

Mary Brown presents her award to Renae Brown (no relation). Renae will attend Mt. Hood Community College, majoring in Psychology, with the goal of becoming a social worker.

Toyin Oyemaja gets her scholarship check from Mary Brown. Toyin will attend Portland State University, to major in Nursing, with the goal of becoming a Nurse Practitioner.

Alison Stoll presents a scholarship check to Tru Tran. Tru will attend Beloit College, studying Political Science and Pre-med.

Marsha Lee hands off a check to artist and scholar Cesar Pina. Cesar will attend Mt. Hood Community College, working toward his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, with the goal of becoming an animator.

Representing the “Dollars for Scholars” program that provides a matching grant, Carley Brown awards Justin Garvin. Justin will attend Oregon State University.

Meg Kilmer, higher-education counselor at Parkrose High School, accepts the plaque listing all of the benefiting scholars – past and present. You can see that they started out by sponsoring a single scholar!

Parkrose Festival and Cruise-in is August 2
What can you expect at this event? It’s a street fair on NE Sandy Boulevard, between NE 105th and NE 112th. It’s one the largest cruise-ins in the region. And, there’s fun for the entire family! It includes:

Cruise-in:

• A wide variety of antique, specialty, and classic cars, trucks, and motorcycles
• Over 55 trophies awarded to participants – including the giant 5-foot Grand Prize trophy
• Goodie Bags for first 300 cars in the Cruise-in Show & Shine
• Parade of Cars

Food:

• Authentic Swedish Pancake Breakfast prepared by the Harmoni Club
• Parkrose Lions’ BBQ Chicken Dinner
• Bad Ass Barbeque favorites
• Boss Hawg’s Beer Garden
• PBA Chuck Wagon’s Burgers, Dogs, & Snacks

Activities:

• Kids’ Area and Activities
• Community Resource Booths
• “Blow-up Car” contests – Guess how long a car can run without oil!
• The Big Parkrose Raffle – Grand prizes are: A $1,500 barbeque center, sponsored by Rex Heating &  Air Conditioning; and a set of four tires & wheels, sponsored by West Coast Bank & Bob Brown Tires. Plus, there are hundreds of other great prizes to be given away
• Fun activities within businesses along Sandy Boulevard

The Title Sponsor for this event is Rex Heating & Air Conditioning; the main sponsors include West Coast Bank and Pacific Northwest Credit Union.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

At one time or another, it seems most people in East Portland use the Sellwood Bridge to get to the West Side. Learn why Multnomah County is using “superglue” to prolong the life of the bridge …

Injection ports, affixed to the concrete directly over the cracks, allow the contractor to force high-strength epoxy into Sellwood Bridge cracks under high pressure.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
It isn’t a joke that the Sellwood Bridge – dedicated in 1925, and considered to be in the poorest condition of all major Oregon bridges – is now held together with glue.

Earlier this year, Multnomah County bridge crews examined every inch of the bridge. They documented cracks in its concrete superstructure, particularly on the ramp approaches to the bridge on both sides of the river.

The epoxy is being pumped through these plastic tubes, into the injection ports, under high pressure.

During the last two weeks in August, contractors completed a $100,000 project that involved cleaning 450 lineal feet of cracks and filling them with an epoxy cement.

“The process prevents water from corroding the steel rebar in the concrete, and slows the growth of cracks,” explained county spokesman Michael Pullen.

The ports are sealed with a red cap after the crack is filled.

Epoxy injected under pressure
Drivers who ignored the “Bridge Closed” signs, drove up to the foot of the bridge, and then had to make a U-turn, couldn’t see the workers as they injected the epoxy into cracks during the evening hours.

A crewmember of the Leewens Corporation, the Seattle-based company contracted to do the injection work, showed us the “mixing head” with which the two-part epoxy is mixed, ready to be pumped into the cracks.

This superglue isn’t just smeared into the cracked concrete. Workers first clean out the fissures, then install “ports” into which the epoxy mixture is pumped. Then, the mixture, now a high-strength bonding agent, is used to seal the cracks and ports.

A supervisor charts the progress of the epoxy treatment as the project continues.

We watched as a worker on a high-lift, 60 feet above the ground, attached two epoxy-filled tubes to the ports, and then injected the glue under 50 pounds of pressure till it oozed from an adjacent port. The ports were then capped, and the worker moved on.

According to information provided by the contractor, “a full depth permanent repair is achieved by injecting a high-strength epoxy grout, under pressure, into the crack”.

Below the bridge ramp, a supervisor charted the progress of each injection, as the crew moved from site to site.

Although most of the epoxy injection work was completed during the twilight hours on each of the days the bridge closed just before 6:30 pm, the bridge remained closed all night – to all but cyclists and pedestrians – to allow the epoxy to cure without vibrations from traffic.

The bridge is now open to motorists, but it remains closed to vehicles weighing 10 tons or more.

Weight restriction stays in place
The per-vehicle weight limit on the Sellwood Bridge was reduced to 10 tons in 2004, after cracks were found in the concrete girders that support the bridge ramps.

“This summer’s repairs will not allow those weight limits to be increased,” Pullen conceded. “But the project should extend the life of the bridge at its current service level, until a long-term solution is implemented.”

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

See why Jerry Leggett’s Peace Bubble show gave special meaning to the word “peace” at this summertime event …

Singer, songwriter, and entertainer Jerry Leggett tunes up for his Peace Bubble Café show at the Parkrose Peace Labyrinth, with the help of event organizer Camie Pugsley.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
From groundbreaking to construction to the dedication, we’ve brought you the story of the “Parkrose Peace Labyrinth” on the grounds of Parkrose High School.

“This seemed like the ideal place to hold our event, the Peace Bubble Café,” explained event organizer Camie Pugsley.

“It’s important to bring the community together, to provide a comfortable and safe place to talk about peace,” Pugsley told us. “A lot of times people think that you’re ‘way out there’ if you talk about peace. We’re creating a ‘safe space’ to hold conversations about peace without controversy.”

There are all kinds of peace, Pugsley went on. “There is internal peace, peace in the community, in the neighborhood, in our households, and peace in the world. We’re respectful of what peace means to each individual here.”

A portable water slide proved a popular attraction during this event, held on a hot August Saturday afternoon.

Invites nationwide traveling peace advocate
Pugsley said the event was centered on singer, songwriter, and entertainer Jerry Leggett. “He’s been across the country with his travel trailer, the ‘Peace Bubble’. This year he added the ‘Peace Bubble Café’, which is a metaphor for a place to gather and visit and chat about peace.”

Before the start of his show, Leggett himself spoke with us about his mission and full-time vocation.

“I think it’s a positive way to show that you love your country,” explained Leggett. “And also, that you care about peace. I believe we’ll all benefit if we talk with one another about ideas to make peace. And when I say everyone, I mean everyone: Peaceniks, soldiers, old people and young people, people of different cultures and different ideologies.”

Parked near the stage was his “Peace Bubble” – a vehicle that’s logged 80,227 and made 230 stops – as of his trip to Parkrose.

“I think that the Parkrose Peace Labyrinth is something that people can do as individuals or together,” commented Leggett. “I think this is one way of bringing some good energy to the community; people will remember this event here for a long time.”

Taking advantage of the shade are the folks awaiting the start of Leggett’s Peace Bubble Café show.

Music and interactive play
As the show began, the peace troubadour sang songs about peace, and engaged members of the audience of about 50 in interactive activities as the evening advanced.

Pugsley thanked volunteers from Parkrose Community United Church of Christ, Zion United Church of Christ, and others, for their help with the event.

Learn more about Leggett and the Peace Bubble by CLICKING HERE.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

Discover why this faith-based group once again practices the ‘Theology of the Hammer’ in Southeast Portland …

With a “1, 2, 3, Heave”, workers lift a wall in place as a new SE Portland Habitat for Humanity residence starts to take shape.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
With the worldwide banking meltdown, and the current economic downturn, very few new residential homes are being built right now. The exception is in SE Portland, a block south of SE Woodstock Blvd. where, before long, seven families will be moving into new homes.

“Because Habitat for Humanity Metro Portland East serves as the banker, mortgage broker and the homebuilder,” explained their executive director Steve Messinetti, “we’re able to provide low-income homeowners with no-interest mortgages that allow them to buy a home, develop equity, and become part of the community.”

Habitat for Humanity executive director Steve Messinetti, standing with the development’s new homeowners, says providing good-quality housing for folks of modest means is more important now than ever.

‘Theology of the Hammer’ in action
Habitat for Humanity is unashamedly a Christian-based organization, Messinetti reminded us, which also works with corporate partners to provide home ownership to hard-working folks who want to permanently join the community as neighbors.

“We have people from eight different faith-based groups here working side-by-side,” Messinetti said at the “wall raising party” on not long ago. “This is because of what we call our ‘Theology of the Hammer’.  We can disagree on which church to attend or which political party to support – but we all agree on the common mission of swinging a hammer to build housing for families who need it.”

Bill Gates, pastor of Parkrose United Methodists Church, tells why he believes in the “theology of the hammer”.

Helpers come from greater East Portland
When we saw Pastor Bill Gates from Parkrose United Methodists Church take a break, we asked why his group comes to inner SE Portland to help out.

“I believe in the theology of a hammer,” Gates told us. “We have a team of 14 of us from our fellowship here today. It’s wonderful to be able to work in our community, and help in a tangible way.

Development manager, Shannon Tennant, says new homeowners must work alongside of volunteers as a condition of purchasing a new home.

Lisa Timmerman – she volunteers one Saturday each month – tightens the first bolt that will hold the wall to the foundation of the new building.

Not a hand-out program
“We’ve never been a handout program,” noted the organization’s development manager, Shannon Tennant. “We provide a helping hand up to hard-working families. Each new homeowner must contribute at least 500 hours of ‘sweat equity’ to this or other projects.”

When the projects are built, added Tennant, the participants will purchase their home with a zero-interest, 1%-down mortgage. The principal from those payments will be used to help build more homes in Portland area.

At the SE Martins Street building site, seven town homes – a triplex and a quadplex – will be standing when the project is completed.

Hundreds of volunteers turn out to “raise the walls” of each new Habitat for Humanity project.

“These are roomy houses,” Tennant stated. “The two-bedroom units are 900 square feet each, and the four bedrooms are 1,400 square feet each. We are thankful for the many contributors who support our work, and make it possible to provide high-quality housing.”

If you want to learn more, to contribute – or to swing a hammer, CLICK HERE to visit their website.

Representing Stanford’s Restaurants, providing delicious box lunches for all of the volunteers, are Henry and Monica Marcum, Rick, Tina, Madison and Taylor Brady, and Chris Hein.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

Discover why – thanks to a whole lot of folks, including a Portland City Commissioner – outer East Portland’s tree canopy expanded during one January morning …

One of the event’s prime organizers, Powellhurst/Gilbert’s John McDonald, finishes bracing a newly planted tree with Friends of Trees crew leader Rachel Larson at Gilbert HydroPark.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
For the first time ever, the Powellhurst/Gilbert and Lents Neighborhood Associations sponsored a two-neighborhoods-wide planting event with Friends of Trees on January 17.

“We’ve planted 15 trees at the Gilbert HydroPark alone,” said Friends of Trees crew leader Rachel Larson. “Overall, throughout the neighborhoods, we’ve planted 50 trees.”

Friends of Trees is important to Larson, she said, “because the activity provides a sense of community. People working on tree-planting projects together get to know their neighbors. It gives people a feeling that they can do something positive for their city, for their neighborhood, and for their block.”

Additionally, getting kids involved “helps encourage the younger ones to think about how they can help, and be part of their community in the future,” Larson added. “It’s exciting. I love it.”

“Hurry up and take the picture,” urged many of the happy, energetic, and cold volunteers who planted trees on this clear – but freezingly chilly – Saturday morning.

John McDonald, the Powellhearst/Gilbert board member and land use chair, said he contacted Friends of Trees and arranged for the planting. “This has been quite successful, almost more than I expected. We’re already planning to do it next year.”

In all, McDonald said, about 50 volunteers showed up on a crisp, cold, and windy-but-sunny morning.

Better together
Portland’s newest City Commissioner, Amanda Fritz, helped out at the Gilbert HydroPark planting. “I love Friends of Trees plantings. This is the 17th or 18th that I’ve participated in.”

Fritz said, in spite of the cold weather, she came out because “During my campaign, I promised this neighborhood association that I would come back to help out in their community. This is a wonderful project, especially near the park.”

Her other reason for coming out to help, Fritz said, was to participate in Mayor Sam Adams’ “Better Together” program.  “Mayor Adams encourages everybody to see what they can do to help out their community and help out their neighbors.”

The newly-planted trees will improve the appearance of the park – and the neighborhood in general, Commissioner Fritz said.

© 2009 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

Don’t pass up seeing this powerful story presented
by the Parkrose High School Thespians, now playing.
It closes March 7 …

Slave girl Tituba (Kylie Simmons) tends her witch’s brew, as village girls dance with wild abandon – in defiance of their parents wishes.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
The Parkrose High School Thespian Troupe 1783 winter season production is the dramatic classic written by Arthur Miller, The Crucible.

The sparsely-decorated sets and evocative lighting focus audience members’ attention on the story, based on actual historical events surrounding the 17th Century Salem Witch Trials.

When Senator Joseph McCarthy set about “blacklisting” people like Miller, who were accused of being (or associating with) communists, during the infamous House of Representatives’ Committee on Un-American Activities hearings in 1956 – Miller said he wrote this story as an allegory as a response.

The sly and deceitful Abigail Williams (Taylor Grady) tells John Proctor (Olimpio Arellano), a man with whom she had an affair, that she will make sure his wife is charged with witchcraft.

About the story …
Teenage girls are caught cavorting around a pot of witch’s brew in the forest outside of a small Massachusetts hamlet in 1692. To keep from being hanged for practicing witchcraft, the girls, led by their cunning and devious friend Abigail Williams, start accusing other villagers of instigating devil worship.

Tituba admits she did little more than just dabble in the occult. To escape the gallows, she professes her faith in God – and accuses other village women of witchcraft – to Reverend John Hale (Jason Newman), a self-proclaimed expert in occultist phenomena.

The astute, yet weak of character, Ezekiel Cheever (Caesar Santizo), a onetime friend of Proctor, “finds” a doll planted by Abigail Williams with the aim of implicating Proctor’s wife in witchcraft, as an astonished Reverend Hale looks on.

Accusations start flying, as a visiting, well-meaning preacher – a self-professed expert in witchcraft – tries to find the truth. Instead, he accidentally fans the flames of deception. Some lie to advance in wealth; others tell falsehoods out of fear.

In the end, magistrates prosecute more than 150 townsfolk accused of witchcraft in colonial Massachusetts between February 1692 and May 1693 – and, sadly, many of the falsely-accused are put to death.

In the vestry of the Salem, Massachusetts, court, citizens and the accused make charges and countercharges of trickery, witchcraft and land theft.

Deputy Governor Thomas Danforth (Tom Crawford) is gulled by the performance of three of the girls caught dancing around the witch’s caldron, Margaret Parker (Amariah Moran), Lydia Foster (Amanda Coalwell), Betty Parris (Shannon Webb), when the treacherous Abigail Williams pretends to be plagued by spirits.

• Is it possible that Abigail Williams will get John Proctor all to herself, using her treacherous and deceptive means?
• Can “expert occultist” Reverend Hale find the truth – and convince magistrates of his findings – before innocent people hang at the gallows?
• Will Thomas Putnam get away with “appropriating” John Proctor’s land and animals while John languishes in jail?

Who will die? Who will be set free? Will slave girl Tituba really find her way back to her home in Barbados?

Come see The Crucible and find out!

“Miller’s demons were wrapped up in the McCarthy-era hearings,” noted Ms. Zena, the show’s director. “This story still resonates today; we still face prejudices based on a lack of knowledge – and sometimes on selfish actions based on a desire to make ourselves feel better or safer. This makes The Crucible a timeless play.”

Even though he seems to know that the witch trials in Salem are a sham, Deputy Governor Danforth (Tom Crawford) fears of being seen as weak – and of having his high government position undermined – if he releases any of the prisoners falsely accused of witchcraft.

John Proctor (center, blue shirt) professes his innocence, and holds to his convictions – but will this act cost him his life?

Production values add to the drama
Well-thought-out set design and decoration, period costumes, and dramatic lighting increase the realism of the story, as the drama builds throughout the evening.

The show features a cast of 30 students, and a production crew of 20 more. This production of The Crucible promises to be a great evening of theater. However, due to the dramatic adult themes (but not the content), it might be uncomfortable for very small children.

The cast assembles for a low-key curtain call at the end of this moving performance.

The Crucible runs through March 7
Opening night was on February 26; it plays on the evenings of February 27 and 28 – then again on March 6 and 7. Curtain time is 7 pm for all shows.

Tickets will be available at the door, and are only $8 for adults, $5 for students 18 and under, and $5 for honored citizens 65+. Come early to assure yourself a good seat.

The production is staged at the Parkrose High School Theatre, 12003 NE Shaver Street, just west of NE 122nd Avenue.

© 2009 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

See how long it took kids to swoop in and collect fields full of Easter eggs at these two traditional events …

The Easter Bunny presents Poppy and Finnegan Friel with … fresh carrots!?!

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Volunteers prepared for days, for the April 11 Easter Egg Hunts – and then spent hours sowing parks with foil-covered chocolates and plastic-shelled eggs at two East Portland parks. We were fortunate to witness them both!

“This is a really fun event,” grinned Edwina Swart, President of the Oaks Bottom Lions Club, at Westmoreland Park, a few minutes before their 10:00 a.m. start time. “This is our sixth year doing this, and we always look forward to it.”

Westmoreland Park egg hunt organizers Edwina Swart and Fran Shaw, with the Oaks Bottom Lions Club, pause after all the eggs have been distributed.

At exactly 10:00 a.m., kids rush out to start gathering candy at this event.

Ten volunteers planted the south lawn of the park with thousands of foil-covered chocolate Easter Eggs, supplied by the Sellwood Moreland Improvement League neighborhood association (SMILE), while the Easter Bunny, as usual, gave kids real carrots, provided by New Seasons Markets.

Parents lined up their kids behind one of three section tapes, marking off areas for toddlers, little kids, and older youth.

Audrey Morris is looking for her next nest of Easter eggs to collect.

Alana, dad Tom Keepes, Andrew, and Olivia show off their Easter Egg collection.

Anticipation ran high, as kids – restrained by their parents – awaited the appointed moment to dash out and gather the goodies set out for them. Within minutes of the start, the whirlwind of children picked the lawns clean of goodies.

Easter comes to Woodstock
When we next arrived at Woodstock Park, organizers were minutes away from their own 10:30 a.m. start time.

“It’s the 11th Woodstock Park Easter Egg Hunt,” said event chair Tom Vice, as he kept a careful watch on the time using his cell phone. The hunt, originated and run for years by realtor Janis Wigg, was recently assumed by the Woodstock Neighborhood Association (WNA).

Tom Vice, one of this year’s organizers of the Woodstock Easter Egg Hunt, counts down to the start time of the 11th annual event.

Boys, girls, moms, and dads make a dash for the eggs and prizes at Woodstock Park.

Vice said that volunteers stuffed 1,900 plastic eggs with toys, a coupon good for merchandise or candy; they also distributed another 1,500 foil covered chocolate eggs on the lawn in the park.

“We’ve divided our hunt into two sections: one for older kids, and one for the little ones. Hopefully everyone will go away happy,” Vice told us.

Some run to the far corners of Woodstock Park; others start gathering nearby eggs as the Hunt begins.

Logan Hancock, Cedrus Barrett, and mom Samantha Hancock say they’ve got what they came for – Easter Eggs loaded with treats!

“This event helps connect our neighbors with each other,” Vice said about the egg hunt. “And, it involves area businesses with the neighbors. We have lots of sponsors this year, and we especially thank those who donated food: First Cup, Papaccino’s, Space Monkey, His Bakery, Sweetness, and Mehri’s Café and Bakery for helping out.”

The elapsed time between Vice calling “Go!” and the lawn being picked clean was about four minutes.

But, neighbors spent a good portion of the rest of the morning opening and recycling the plastic eggs, and networking. The kids? They were happily munching on the candy!

Volunteer Jodi Smith shows lucky ticket-holders the prizes they’ve won in the drawing, complements of Woodstock-area businesses.

© 2009 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News