Neighborhood News « East PDX News

Happy throng takes over SE Division St. for annual parade

The Division-Clinton Parade and Fair gets better every year.
Take a look at our photo album of this mid-summer event …

Darice Robinson, President of DCBA, Nancy Chapin, festival coordinator; Rin Carroll Jackson, parade coordinator register parade participants.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
SE Division and Clinton Streets took on a carnival atmosphere on July 26 as the neighborhood’s parade and community fair got under way.

“Our parade started and ended with a band,” said Jean Baker, Past President of the area’s business association. “Sandwiched in the middle was a pageant of politicians, those who would be politicians, a church pew rolling westward, the devil on a bicycle blowing bubbles, and neighbors in artistically creative costumes.”

Folks lined SE Division St. to watch the colorful procession.

The big, bold “Get A Life Marching Band” was a hit at this year’s parade.

“Miss Communication” (and festival coordinator) Rin Carroll Jackson skates westward.

From SE 50th Avenue west to the end of the parade at SE 26th Avenue at SE Clinton Street were neighbors who cheered the parade’s participants.

They were treated to music on the move, played by the offshoot of the “One More Time Around Again Band” – namely the “Get A Life Marching Band”. And, the “Last Regiment” syncopated drummers’ lively beat helped move the marching pageant down the street.

Portland City Commissioner and Mayor-elect Sam Adams once again strolls down the street during this annual event.

A Portland Police Bureau Traffic Division officer looks bemused to see a pew from the Richmond Community Church rolling down the street – with parishioners still seated!

A candidate for Portland City Council Position #1 greets folks along the route, and asks for their support.

Mark Strek holds Hannah who, along with Shari Sokel, enjoy the parade.

Street fair follows parade
Along the route, merchants held sidewalk sales, and restaurants sold food and beverages to those watching the parade – and others who came afterward to stroll around the area.

Along SE Division Street, vendors set up to “show and sell” their goods.

Folks from the OHSU team offered $5.00 bike helmets for children and adults. About 100 vendors peddled their wares, and nonprofit groups pitched their programs, under colorful canopies on the closed avenues along SE Division Street after the parade.

Kids’ activities abounded, including bounce rooms, face painting, cookie decorating, and games.

The Clinton Street business district turned into a street fair for the day – and into the evening.

Action moves to SE Clinton Street
Festival producers closed off SE Clinton Street at SE 26th Avenue turning a block into a street party.

Restaurants, lounges and coffee shops did a big business as neighbors enjoyed live music – and each other’s company – well into the evening.

“Safety Jack” chauffeurs Chelsa Cain and Eliza Mohan in his PediCab.

Adults, but mostly kids, danced to the beat of vintage music, played off a DJ’s 8-track tapes – and later, to the music of a live band.

Police picnic welcomes neighbors to East Precinct office

See why hundreds of everyday citizens converged on the police station, on this lovely summer Saturday afternoon …

Portland Police Bureau East Commander Precinct Michael Crebs welcomes citizens to the annual open house.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
One of the favorite summertime events we cover is the East Precinct Open House and Barbeque.

When we arrived at the police station on SE 106th Avenue, we were greeted by Portland Police Bureau East Commander Precinct Michael Crebs.

“Welcome to our open house,” Crebs said with a smile.

Joelle, Naomi, Rebekah and Hannah and Amanda Whitlock try out an ATV at the East Precinct Open House.

Jordyn Wolford tries his hand at the remote-control police robot, while his dad, Clay, looks on. “It’s just like a video game, but real,” Jordyn exclaims.

“We’re inviting people to come check out what were doing here at the Police Bureau. We want people to get to know us, and let us have the chance to get to know them,” Crebs explained.

Oftentimes, the commander noted, the only time citizens interact with police is when they’re stopped for a traffic violation, or have a home visit due to a “difficult situation. But, we like people to meet and talk with us when things are going good, so that we’ve established a relationship before something bad happens. That makes for a lot less tension.”

East Precinct and SERT Officer Larry Wingfield shows some of the tactical equipment he uses, to the East Precinct Involved Citizens chair, Dave Smith.

Checking out the police motorcycle is Emma, Melanie, and Leah Zallee, with Sgt. Erin Smith from the Portland Police Traffic Division.

All bureau departments present
At this, the precinct’s third annual open house, Crebs said all of the bureau’s major departments brought displays, including the Mounted Police, Traffic Division, SERT, Bomb Squad, and Robotics.

“Citizens pay the taxes that fund the police bureau – here, they can come and see how their money is being spent firsthand. We also have our crime prevention specialists here, helping people learn how to reduce crime and the fear of crime in their neighborhoods.”

Renee Fischer-Green holds Kylie as they meet Officer Craig Mack’s trusty mount, Merlin “the magnificent“.

Cadet James Trendell and Cadet Greg Buduy man the grills, as they help feed 500 hungry lunchtime visitors.

Police car trunk supply volunteer (a/k/a “a trunk lady”) Mary Walker pauses for a moment with Portland Police Chief Rosie Sizer, while awaiting lunch.

Bernie Bretz-Erdmann watches, as her grandchild Cole Frascone is fitted with a bike helmet by Officer Kristin Watt.

About 500 people took the precinct up on the offer to meet, and have lunch with, their police; no one was arrested.

Westmoreland REX Project house ready for new owners

‘House Recycling’ Progress Report – They didn’t destroy the old house on their lot – they actually recycled it into a totally new home. Find out why, right here …

Some of the old house’s flooring was made into cabinets; the best boards were laid in the new bathrooms.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Board by board, the old ramshackle Westmoreland house on SE Rex Street that Shannon Quimby purchased last year has now been recycled into a brand new home.

During our latest inspection, we found a beautiful, functional home getting the finishing touches. What we didn’t see was a Dumpster – that huge metal box typically found at most construction or remodeling sites.

Quimby, the star of the “Q-Renew” programs on HGTV, reminded us of her premise for this house: “We call it the ‘REX Project’ – it stands for the ‘Reuse Everything eXperiment’. The rule here is that we don’t throw anything away. We’ve successfully dismantled the old house, and reused the parts and pieces – we didn’t need a Dumpster,” she says.

“You haven’t thrown away anything?” we questioned her.

“What we couldn’t use was the plaster; it had lead paint on it,” Quimby answered. “The plaster filled up the back of a pickup truck. Beyond that, we fill up about one large garbage bag with things like calking tubes and product packaging about every 10 days. It’s amazing the amount of material that we can recycle.”

New home a showplace
As we toured the house, workers were doing “finish” carpentry work, painting, and sealing.

Quimby pointed out a built-in cabinet in the dining room. “It was originally a corner cabinet in the old house’s kitchen,” Quimby observed. “We really like the leaded glasswork. And, we’re using all of our old cabinetry and infusing it into the house.”

Shannon Quimby says she fell in love with the leaded glass in this cabinet – they saved it intact, and it is now in their new dining room.

New room features old flooring
In a tiled bathroom, Quimby pointed out the flooring. “This is one of the rooms where we were able to salvage the old tongue-and-groove flooring. Even after decades of use, it is still in great shape. When it’s sanded and finished, it will look like new – but it’s not!”

Some of the other recycled flooring is being used as backing on walls, and for manufacture of cabinetry. “We’re using the flooring in a variety of ways to reincorporate in the house and save money,” she said. “We’re not throwing away the scrap pieces; they’ll be burnt in the outdoor fireplace in our backyard.”

This mud grate was formerly a furnace vent cover. Quimby says it symbolizes the REX Project perfectly.

House has grate entrance
On the way out, Quimby pointed out the “mud trap” on the front porch near the door. “It was the main furnace grate in the old house,” she explained. “We wanted to reuse it, instead of it becoming just another piece of scrap metal dumped into a landfill.”

Although it is a steel floor grate, Quimby said it’s a fitting “welcome mat” for their new home. “It’s the first thing you’ll see you when you step into our house. It embodies the principles of the Rex Project.”

Watch for our next installment: The finished REX Project home. For more information, check her web site: www.ShannonQuimby.com .

Kulongoski promises state aid for 82nd Ave., at FuBonn appearance

Oregon’s Governor didn’t stay long – but find out what he, Sam Adams, and Oregon Senator Rick Metsger had to say …

FuBonn Grocery’s Jenny Liu meets Governor Ted Kulongoski, as does FuBonn Shopping Center’s manager Michael Liu; they’re joined by Portland City Commissioner and Mayor-elect Sam Adams.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Two weeks ago, Governor Ted Kulongoski made a brief stop in outer East Portland to pitch the concept of developing a strategic statewide transportation plan.

The appearance was held on SE 82nd Avenue of Roses, in front of the FuBonn Shopping Center.

The center’s manager, Michael Liu, warmed up the crowd before introducing the Governor, telling how the neighborhood has changed since FuBonn was opened in 2008. “Since our arrival, the avenue has been transformed into the 82nd Avenue of Roses, highlighted every year by a parade for the community. With additional funding and support from the state, the sky is the limit.”

Governor Ted Kulongoski says he’ll work to get state-level funding to help improve 82nd Avenue of Roses, which is actually a state highway.

Kulongoski speaks
Governor Ted Kulongoski complimented the developers of FuBonn, transforming the former PCC campus into a shopping center. He also acknowledged Portland City Commissioner and Mayor-elect Sam Adams.

“My own Department of Transportation is collaborating with the City of Portland to increase safety for all the users along 82nd Avenue of Roses. We’re showcasing how, by working together, we can provide safer streets for our communities across the state.”

Kulongoski said Oregon citizens need a sound and safe transportation infrastructure, regardless of whether one drives, uses public transit, rides a bike, or walks. “We need a safe and sound infrastructure for our economy, so commerce and goods can more effectively and efficiently move from point of distribution to destinations such as this beautiful shopping center.”

Noting that the avenue is a city arterial street as well as a state highway – crossing through many neighborhoods, including the Madison South, Montavilla, Foster Powell, and Lents neighborhoods – Kulongoski said that Portland’s Office of Transportation has made him aware of the high crash areas along 82nd Avenue.

“Now that we’ve identified the need, it’s even more important that we continue to work together to leverage local, state, and federal funds to turn these plans into projects, and expedite improvements along the 82nd Avenue corridor,” Kulongoski concluded.

Mayor-elect and Portland City Commissioner Sam Adams tells why safety improvements are needed to cut down on the number of accidents along 82nd Avenue.

Adams cites crash statistics
Mayor-elect and Portland City Commissioner Sam Adams then stepped up to the podium and thanked the governor for taking note of the need for roadway improvement.

“We’re here to announce the culmination of a new partnership between the Portland Office of Transportation, the Oregon Department of Transportation, neighborhood groups, and the business people who have invested along this corridor,” Adams began.

“In 2007,” he continued, “29 Portlanders were killed on streets and highways, more than were murdered. It’s a gruesome but important comparison. The national safety Council estimates the cost of transportation fatalities and injuries in the City of Portland over the past decade has been $3.9 million, to the economy. In addition, congestion caused by crashes accounts for up to 40% of the congestion.”
Adams added that during the past decade, 1,360 drivers, 40 pedestrians, and 98 bicyclists were injured along 82nd Avenue. “We want to see safety improvements, but we need resources to fulfill the vision. We have cobbled together some money to fulfill that safety improvement plan, but it’s not enough.”

Oregon State Senator Rick Metsger says he hopes the federal government will reauthorize the Federal Transportation Act.

State senator hopes for federal funding
The Chair of Senate Transportation Committee, Rick Metsger, arose to tell the assemblage that he hopes for help from the federal government.

“In the next year, the Congress is going to work on reauthorizing the Federal Transportation Act – generally a six-year authorization. The fact is, over the last number of years, we have failed as a country to invest in the infrastructure of our own country. But now, with the new Congress, and leadership coming right here from our own community, I believe we have an opportunity to look at major reinvestment in our own communities across this country, and that includes the city of Portland, in transportation infrastructure to benefit our citizens.”

Visit pleases local concerned citizens
Ken Turner, President of the 82nd Avenue of Roses Business Association, commented, “This visit highlights the cooperation among governmental agencies, neighborhoods, and business districts.”

Pointing out that 82nd Avenue of Roses is indeed a state highway, Turner said he’s glad that ODOT is taking an active role in making the thoroughfare safer. “This is a case of one positive step leading to another positive step.”

Also present was Portland Police Bureau East Precinct Commander Michael Crebs, who said he saw the Governor’s visit as a positive indication for outer East Portland.

“The Governor is the most powerful man in Oregon,” Crebs said. “By Kulongoski coming here, it brings a lot of energy to the 82nd Avenue safety project. This brings people hope that good things are coming to 82nd Avenue.”

Jenny Liu, manager of the FuBonn Supermarket, afterwards told us that she was pleased that the Governor and Portland’s Mayor-elect came to visit. “It brings a lot of goodwill to our area, and it will help to improve 82nd Avenue of Roses.”

Ted Kulongoski learns from Sam Adams about the improvements that have already been made along 82nd Avenue.

‘National Night Out’ activates outer East Portland neighbors

See how many neighborhood groups are celebrating the 25th annual “National Night Out against Crime” …

Rosanne Lee talks up “National Night Out” parties, at a recent outer East Portland event.

Story and photo by David F. Ashton
“America’s Night Out Against Crime” will be celebrated locally at several events in outer East Portland as they celebrate the 25th Annual “National Night Out” (NNO), a unique crime/drug prevention program on Tuesday, August 5.

“We have many events going on this year,” said Crime Prevention Specialist Rosanne Lee, who works with the East Portland Neighborhood Organization.

“These neighborhood parties were created to heighten crime and drug prevention awareness, and to generate support for, and participation in, local anti-crime programs,” Lee explained. The events tend to strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships, she added; “They send a message to criminals – letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back against crime.”

Last year, the Argay/Russell event attracted nearly 300 guests.

This year’s major events include those put on by these associations:

Argay Neighborhood Associations BBQ – It runs from 6 until 8:30 pm at Argay Park, NE 141st & Beech Street. There’ll be live music, games, face painting, visits from police and firefighters, information booths, and much more. Burgerville cheeseburgers, chips, and a drink – for only $2!
Centennial Community Association – It runs from 6 until 8 pm at Parklane Park, SE 155th & SE Millmain. They say the community is invited for refreshments. Meet police, firemen, crime prevention and the volunteers from Centennial Community Association.
Glenfair Neighborhood Association – This one will be from 6 until 9 pm at Glenfair Park, NE 154th & Davis Street. Free pizza for Glenfair residents (please don’t mooch!). Enjoy clowns, face painters, games, a fire truck, and other surprises.
Lents Neighborhood Association Ice Cream Social – Their event is from 6 until 8 pm at Lents Park Picnic Area A, SE 92nd & SE Holgate. Come meet Lents residents, Police Officers, Lents Firemen, and find out what’s happening in the neighborhood! Information will be available on homeownership, crime prevention, the Neighborhood Emergency Team, and the Lents Neighborhood Association. Free ice cream and prize raffle. Contact Amie at 503-788-8052 x105 or amie@rosecdc.org. Ice Cream is available on a first come, first served basis.
Wilkes/Russell Neighbors’ Celebration – These folks put on a big event from 5:30 until 8:00 pm at Wilkes Park, NE 154th just south of Sandy Boulevard. Come and enjoy an evening with your neighbors, police, fire, & crime prevention representatives. Complimentary BBQ burgers with all the fixin’s, pop, watermelon & children’s prizes!
Woodland Park Neighbors’ Luau/Block Party – The small neighborhood with the big heart runs their event from 6 until 9 pm. This year, it’s in front of 1737 NE 101st. A Hawaiian Luau theme is planned for Woodland Park’s celebration. Come enjoy good food, music, children’s activities, raffle prizes, and meet your local neighborhood police officers, crime prevention reps, & neighbors.
Mill Park Neighborhood Association BBQ — This event runs from 5:30 until 9:00 pm at SE Yamhill Street and SE 113th Avenue. These folks get together for family fun, barbecue and music.

Find one in your area
Whereever you are in the Portland area, you can find an event near you by visiting the Portland Office of Neighborhood Involvement directly by CLICKING HERE.

Outer East Portland dance troupe entertains at Washington Park

The Metro Dancers present a summer program showing some of the city’s most talented folks that rehearse here. Take a look …

Lobster Emilie Larison, tweedle Sophie Gunz, dancers Karin Schulz and Tamara Larison, flower Violet Lane-Ruckman, and tweedle Annie Willis, take direction from volunteer and long-time Metro Dancer Len Mills. The weed, Orianna O’Neill, Riley Willis, and “Alice” Emily Sevy listen in.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Taking their show on “the road” – the Metro Dancers from Portland Metro Performing Arts Center (PMPA) are presenting a repertory concert, “Under the Summer Sky”, at the Washington Park Amphitheatre next to the International Rose Test Gardens, at 6:30 p.m. on August 1.

“This is an opportunity to showcase the talents of Metro Dancers and other local dancers in a variety of different dance styles and engaging choreography,” said PMPA’s director, Nancy Yeamans about the show. “The combination of rising pre-professionals and former professional dancers gives this company its exuberant style and polish.”

Volunteer Len Mills and PMPA director Nancy Yeamans position lobsters, as they rehearse for their upcoming show at Washington Park.

Develops well-rounded citizens
While the dancers went through their steps, dancer with the organization since 1986 and volunteer Len Mills talked about his experience with Metro Dancers and PMPA.

“Most dancers won’t go on to work and dance in a national company,” Mills observed, “Instead, they go into everyday life. But, especially for ones who get a start at an early age, they’ll go into life being a more well-rounded human being.”

Additionally, dance helps individuals gain self-confidence and good health. “When one feeds their soul with the arts, they’ll have a more interesting life, there are more enjoyable to be with, and will conduct their lives better,” says Mills.

The lobsters alive! They jump and jive!

Variety of dance numbers performed
On the bill for the Metro Dancers’ repertory concert are:

“Controposto” choreographed by Deanna Carter; a jazz work,
“Nightsong”, is choreographed by Linda Kuchera;
Excerpts from “Alice in Wonderland” highlight the Tea Party, Garden of Live Flowers and Land of Cards (some of whom are real characters!);
“Recherche'” choreographed by Joan Scott;
“Khatanga” choreographed by Traci Castleberry Wojack, a hauntingly beautiful work set to a vocal score with Arabic influences;
“Bluegrass” choreographed by Nancy Yeamans, with twanging banjoes and rollicking beat; and,
“Swing Thing” choreographed by Nancy Yeamans, providing a fun romp through the Swing Era.

Three decades of dance
Wills told us that Metro Dancers was formed in 1977 to create an avenue for gifted advanced dancers to perform traditional full-length ballets, as well as modern, jazz, character and contemporary ballet pieces.

PMPA is currently located at 9933 SE Pine Street. You can learn more by going to their web site at www.PDXMetroArts.org.

Outer East Portland dentist serves his patients … barbecue!

Most dental patients only get a toothbrush and check-up reminder card from their provider. See why “Doctor Dave” does more – by hosting a family-style picnic …

Dr. David Carothers – his practice is in the medical office building, just north of Adventist Medical Center – serves his patients a hot BBQ lunch at Oaks Park.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
As the sun peeked out from behind the morning clouds on Sunday, July 27, a goodly-sized group gathered in a picnic area at Oaks Amusement Park.

Under the tent were folks – ranging in age from elderly to tykes – enjoying hot dogs, hamburgers, and BBQ chicken. The one thing they all had in common was a beautiful, gleaming smile.

“I’m hosting a patient-appreciation picnic,” explained Dr. David Carothers DDS. “Been doing this for ten years.”

Carothers said he expected 350 folks at the summertime event.

Patient and dessert chef Kathy Fant shows us some of the homemade cookies she brought to the event.

“Really, it’s a big, big family picnic. All of my staff members are here helping out, as are my wife and her parents,” Carothers said. “This year, Delbert, the husband of a staff member, is singing and entertaining; later we’ll play bingo. And, everyone gets a wrist-band to ride the rides here at Oaks Park.”

The dentist said his only motivation for hosting the event was to “return the favor” to his patients. “I have a lot of loyal patients who see me and my staff for their dental needs. This is a way to give back to those who trust and support our practice.”

If you want to learn more about Dr. Carother’s practice, just CLICK HERE.

Inferno at Parkrose roofing contractor seen for miles

Smoke from the blaze at Buckaroo Thermoseal Roofing and Insulation could be seen all over the greater Portland area. See why firefighters had their work cut out for them, at this industrial fire …

As we approach from NE Sandy Boulevard at NE 112th Avenue, Portland Fire & Rescue firefighters on this aerial ladder truck were often obscured by thick, dark smoke produced by the furiously burning roofing material.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
As Parkrose Neighborhood Association chair Mary Walker was leaving work on Sunnyside Road and coming home, on the morning of July 23, she noticeed a column of thick, dark smoke rising up in the north.

“As I drove north and got closer to home,” Walker told us as we watched the blaze from her front yard, “I thought it was coming from the airport or from Vancouver. But when I arrived in Parkrose, I could clearly see the fire and smoke coming up from the industrial area, a block north of NE Sandy Boulevard.”

Firefighters pour two streams of water on the fire from the same ladder rig.

Smoke seen for miles
Walker wasn’t the only one who noticed the smoke from the fire that broke out at Buckaroo Thermoseal, a 40-year-old roofing and insulation installation company on NE 109th Avenue near NE Marx Street about 10 a.m. that morning.

The conflagration grew so quickly that, as the smoke boiled into the cool, overcast sky, it formed a partial mushroom cloud, darkening the area. Freeway traffic on I-205 slowed to look at the growing commercial fire.

Heavy damage was sustained by the roofing firm, but Portland Fire & Rescue (PF&R) crew members worked diligently to keep an affiliated company, A and B Sheet Metal, from also going up in flames. On either side of the lot were stories-high piles of wood chips, also spared from burning.

From the air, on the roof and on the ground, firefighters battle this industrial blaze.

Goes to three alarms
“The smoke everyone saw was generated by a free-burning fire in several different types of roofing materials,” explained PF&R spokesman, Lt. Allen Oswalt.

The first Battalion Chief on scene immediately called a second alarm to bring in more firefighting equipment and personnel. Shortly thereafter, a third alarm was called.

By 10:30 a.m., 13 engines, five trucks, six Chief Officers, and 80 firefighters from PF&R as well as the Gresham Fire Department were on scene, battling the inferno.

So many units were called to the scene; “reserve rigs” were called to provide service from stations vacated by this three-alarm fire.

“No evacuations were ordered, except for the areas immediately surrounding the fire,” Oswalt said. “Neighboring businesses were temporarily shut down, to allow firefighters access to the burning structure.”

“There were semi-trucks parked at the loading dock, and a 5,000 gallon diesel tank near the burning building,” Oswalt reported. “Another concern was keeping the fire from spreading, due to embers falling from the smoke column.”

Portland City Commissioner Nick Fish (in the white helmet) looks on as Fire Bureau Chief John Klum confers with the Battalion Chief managing the fire-fighting effort.

City Commissioner marvels at command structure
Portland City Commissioner Nick Fish, now in charge of overseeing PF&R, donned a turnout and helmet to get a first-hand look at how his bureau tackles a major conflagration.

As Fish walked into the fire scene with Chief John Klum, he said it seemed like being on the set of a Hollywood movie.

“All of the firefighters were moving into position, calmly and rapidly,” the newly-elected City Councilman recalled. “Observing the command structure in action is a marvel. The Chief and Deputy Chief were there as a resources, but the Battalion Chief was organizing and coordinating the effort.”

With piles of shredded wood three stories high on either side of the warehouse, firefighters have their hands full to keep this “kindling” from catching fire.

Fish also said he gained an appreciation of how well city bureaus and utilities work together. “The police provided traffic control, the Portland Water Bureau rerouted water to make sure firefighters had enough pressure, and Pacific Power promptly arrived to cut power to the site.”

The Commissioner said he met the company’s owner at the site. “Naturally, he was distressed by the fire, but said he, too, was impressed firefighting effort. We tend to take our fire bureau for granted – but this is another example of why Portland Fire & Rescue is best in the country.”

So is the fire, this steel warehouse is melting like plastic.

Smoke fills the air as firefighters use all available water, piped in through miles of hoses, to douse the flames and keep the fire from spreading.

Pro baseball team contemplates new home in Lents

It’s possible you could be seeing the Portland Beavers play at Lents Park? See who’s behind the idea and how it might a reality …

Greg Peden tells an audience of Rotarians why the plans of Portland Timbers owner, Merritt Paulson, to gain a Major League Soccer franchise here could result in his AAA baseball team, the Portland Beavers, moving to a new baseball stadium in Lents.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
In the not-too-distant future, when you hear the umpire cry, “Play ball!” followed by the crack of a bat hitting a baseball – it may not be city league teams playing at Charles Walker Stadium in Lents Park on SE 92nd Avenue at Holgate Boulevard – it could be Portland’s AAA minor-league Portland Beavers.

That’s the picture painted by Greg Peden, of Gallatin Public Affairs, who represents Henry Merritt Paulson III – owner of the Portland Timbers professional soccer team and the Portland Beavers minor league baseball team. Peden spoke at the SE Portland Club Rotary meeting on July 14.

Paulson is the son of Henry Paulson, the U.S. Secretary of the Treasury; he moved here in 2006 to buy and operate the Beavers and the Portland Timbers minor league soccer team.

Pro soccer franchise sought
Paulson plans to bring Major League Soccer to Portland within the next two years, Peden explained. “Major League Soccer (MLS) currently has 16 teams around the country and is expanding to 18. Professional Soccer is booming in the US right now – both Philadelphia and Seattle have acquired teams in the last 12 months. Seattle sold 12,000 season tickets within 6 months after acquiring their team.”

If Paulson gets the franchise, MLS would require upgrades to PGE Park, Peden told the group – and those upgrades would require the Beavers baseball team to find a new home. Because of seating changes, PGE Park would become a soccer-specific stadium; making it impossible to share the venue with the baseball team, although PSU football could still take place there.

Peden says whether or not the neighborhood gets behind the idea of a minor league baseball stadium in Lents will be a deciding factor.

Seeking new ball park location
“We have identified two locations in the city that would work for a new minor league baseball stadium with about 8,000 seats,” revealed Peden.

Port of Portland’s “Terminal 1”, off Naito Parkway on the west side of the Willamette River, is one proposed location for the new ballpark. No longer a freight facility, it’s currently being used by the City as an industrial staging area for the Big Pipe program.

“Overlooking the Willamette River, this could be an attractive location,” Peden said. “However, it is an industrial area, and there transportation access issues.”

Top choice: Lents Park
The ball club’s ideal location for a new stadium would be the northeast corner of Lents Park.

“To put it into perspective, Charles Walker Stadium [now on the site] has a capacity of 1,000 fans,” Peden explained. “We propose building a stadium with seating for 8,000 to 9,000 people. It may seem large, but it’s much smaller than Seattle’s Safeco Field, where the Mariners offer 40,000 seats.”

The ball club’s spokesman said there are challenges at Lents Park – namely, finding 1,500 on-site parking spaces. However, with the new MAX light rail station mere blocks away, access may not be a major issue, and the team would explore arranging to use some parking areas at nearby Eastport Plaza.

“The park will have a positive economic impact on the area,” Peden continued. “If we find the majority of people in the Lents community were opposed to the idea, we wouldn’t try to shoe-horn it in. But so far the response has been very positive.”

Although the 1,000-seat Charles Walker Stadium in Lents Park on SE 92nd Avenue at Holgate Boulevard is used daily during the season, few fans fill the bleachers.

Neighbor’s views
The Lents Neighborhood Association hasn’t yet taken a stand, said its Chair, Dewey Akers. “We’re forming a committee to discuss the issue.”

Long-time Lents-area booster, and president of the 82nd Ave. of Roses Business Association, Ken Turner, said he personally endorses the idea.

“Aside from my life-long passion for baseball,” Turner said, “I see the possibility of the Portland Beavers into the area as a positive move for redevelopment.”

Turner added that while a baseball team cannot be considered a keystone for redevelopment, he feels it will bring positive improvements to Lents by showcasing the area as a good, family-oriented neighborhood.

“I see this as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Lents to gain a major attraction. There’s a lot to be discussed; but this is an opportunity – regardless of the outcome – should be pursued.”

Could this area be the new home of the Portland Beavers? It’s depends …

Hinges on obtaining a franchise
Whether or not the Portland Beavers will move – anywhere – is contingent upon Major League Soccer approving Paulson’s application for a franchise.

“We’re looking at a three month time line for approval,” Peden said. “There is competition from owners in other cities for a major league soccer team.” If there is no soccer franchise here, then the Beavers would stay put in PGE Park.

Obtaining the soccer franchise would cost $40 million dollars, all of which Paulson is prepared to pay. But he would require some public assistance with the stadium.

At that point it would be up to the sports team owner to convince members of the Portland City Council that there is a sufficient fan base to make participating in the investment to improve PGE Park – and to build a new stadium at Lents park – worthwhile.

Fresh ice cream sampling a hit at Moreland Farmer’s Market

In the mood for ice cream? Read this and discover chef Rachel Goebert’s secret recipe for making his version of this delicious cold treat. It’s easier than you may think …

Rachel Goebert of Caprial’s Westmoreland Kitchen, shows her abilities go beyond being a professional pastry chef. She demonstrates how to make custard-style ice cream.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
In addition to all of the vendors who provide foods ranging from fresh fruit and produce to prepared meals, the Wednesday afternoon Moreland Farmer’s Market offers cooking demonstrations each week.

The market operates on the Portland Memorial parking lot at S.E. Bybee Boulevard at 14th in Westmoreland. To learn the secrets of making premium vanilla ice cream, we stopped by on July 16th.

“Making ice cream at home isn’t as difficult as many folks think,” Chef Goebert says.

“You’re just in time,” said Rachel Goebert of Caprial’s Westmoreland Kitchen. “Today, we’re demonstrating how to make custard style ice cream. And when we’re done, we’ll top it with fresh berries from the farmers market.”

As the crowd gathered, Goebert told us she graduated from Western Culinary Institute in Portland. “My specialty for the past five years is being a professional pastry chef. I’ve been cooking pretty much all of my life, ever since I had an ‘Easy-Bake Oven’ when I was a little girl.”

Chef Goebert scoops up some of her freshly made ice cream at the Moreland Farmer’s Market.

Cool demo on a hot day
Getting her ingredients together, Goebert began, “On a nice hot day, teaching people how to make ice cream, well, there can’t be anything better. Hopefully some kids here will learn how to make one of their favorite foods. And, it’s fun here hanging out in my neighborhood, meeting and teaching my neighbors.”

Although she didn’t have a stove on which to cook the ingredients, Goebert went through the recipe step-by-step. She explained that she’d already made a big batch – and it was churning in the ice cream maker as she spoke.

By the end of her demonstration, market volunteers had scooped up dozens of cups of her custard ice cream, and were topping the frozen confection with a sauce made from fresh blue and raspberries.

Recipe cards flew from the rack, cups of ice cream were whisked away, and the only sound was that of smacking lips. It was delicious.

“It’s good!” says Maya Adams-Pastor, as she samples some of Rachel Goebert’s freshly made ice cream while sitting on Andrea Pastor’s lap.

The Chef’s recipe
Custard-style Vanilla Ice Cream

7 egg yolks
1 cup granulated sugar
2 cups heavy cream
2 cups of half-and-half or whole milk
Pinch of salt
1 Vanilla bean, split
3 tbs vanilla extract

In a medium saucepan, bring cream, with the vanilla bean in it, to almost a boil. Turn off heat; let stand for about 30 minutes.

In a small bowl, whisk together sugar, egg yolks, and salt. Bring cream and half-and-half almost to a boil. Temper egg yolk mixture by adding about a cup of the boiling liquid into the bowl, while whisking.

Turn off heat and add tempered egg/sugar mixture to the saucepan and whisk briskly. Strain and refrigerate overnight or until completely cooled. Follow the directions on your ice cream making machine.

Volunteers Elaine Harper and Kathy Kreipe scoop the ice cream, and ladle on the fresh berry sauce.

Parkrose Community Peace Labyrinth dedicated

The project isn’t over – but it’s completed. Take a look, to find out what’s next with this neighborhood community monument project …

The originator and architect of the Parkrose Community Peace Labyrinth, Sharon DeWitt, welcomes guests to the project’s dedication.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
More than a year in the making, the Parkrose Community Peace Labyrinth has been completed.

Not long ago, we attended the its dedication. The person who hatched the idea, Sharon DeWitt, who is in charge of Parkrose High School grounds, led the brief dedicatory program.

“I’ve always thought it would be wonderful to part of the high school’s grounds, creatively,” DeWitt began.

Many volunteers who worked on the labyrinth came to celebrate the project’s completion – and its future.

“When I started this project, the first thing I did was go to our Principal, Roy Reynolds. He encouraged me to find my own support system. He didn’t assume that either my project, nor I, was crazy!

“I did find a great support system – all of you who helped: With your time, your effort, and your support. Support systems are pretty amazing thing. Here’s a perfect example: When we built this labyrinth for our community, people stepped up to build the fabulous gate that welcomes the neighborhood into it.”

Asks for ongoing support
DeWitt continued, “The labyrinth itself now needs its own support system. We’re organizing ‘Friends of the Labyrinth’. If you’re interested in being part of this, I encourage you to sign up.”

Next for the labyrinth, DeWitt said, was performing plantings around the outer circumference, adding a park bench or two, and finding a way to secure the paving bricks in place.

Gives thank-yous
“Thank you, my own support system, Roy Reynolds, for encouraging me to make this project a reality.” She also thanked all the other people who wrote the grants, put together the slate of donors, and those who offered other efforts.

Lily Heller and Cynthia Hoff – half of the group called Sheer Blue – provide music for the dedication celebration.

She also thanked Mike Taylor, former Superintendent, who gave permission to the project and the current Superintendent, Karen Fisher Gray, who “graciously accepted the project midstream”.

Additionally DeWitt thanked the East Portland Neighborhood Organization the Toolbox for Education and Vicky of Copper Moon Design for all of her documentation and promotional help.

To get involved, contact DeWitt by e-mail: sharondewitt@parkrose.k12.or.us.

Through this gate, you’ll find a labyrinth to walk – as you contemplate, meditate or just relax.

After a slow start, new Parkrose Farmers Market finds fame

If you haven’t checked it out, look at the all the fresh fruit and produce coming to this market, located at Parkrose High School …

Market master Steve Voorhees, of Parkrose Farmers Market, samples some of the fresh cherries now on sale.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
The newest farmers market to open in outer East Portland – the Parkrose Farmers Market – has only been open for 12 days now.

So says market master, Steve Voorhees, who adds, “Of course, we’re only open on Saturdays!”

While the market got off to a good start, attendance briefly lagged, Voorhees tells us, “due to the poor early growing season. Our numbers are now strong.”

Kevin Herbst and Dru Gorman of Maryhill Orchards urge market visitors to sample their luscious fruits.

Halfway through new season
Now that crops are coming in, the number of vendors – 47 of them, including nine produce growers – are up, and so are the number of shoppers.

“We’re about halfway through the season,” Voorhees says. “Right now, the hearty produce is starting to pick up now and the crowds are coming in. We hope for a thousand visitors today,” he predicts at the July 12 market.

Maria Theresa Gonzalez and Sandra Deleon are serving up corn and chicken tamales.

“We got the hearty produce coming in like the zucchini squash,” the market master grins. “We also are seeing radishes, and hopefully peppers will be coming in next week. Apricot season has started, and cherries are coming in – so are raspberries, blackberries and blueberries. Hermiston melons will be coming in soon, too.”

Jammin’ at the market are The Rewinders – they’re great and back in August playing a mix of folk, blues and rock music, from the 50s up to today’s music.

Entertainment – and contests – for all
In addition to produce and hand-made items, Voorhees mentions that the market continues to feature live music every week: Zimba Marimba play during the July 19 market he says. Plus, there are always children’s activities provided for the little shoppers that come along to the market.

“Be sure to mention this,” Voorhees interjects. “We’ve got our First Annual Baking Contest coming up on August 16. The entry is free, and you could win a $20 gift certificate if you bring the winning bread, cake or pie.”

You’ll need to be at the market at 10 a.m. to participate; the entries will be judged by Portland Fire & Rescue “calendar guys”, he adds.

Look for this sign at the Parkrose Festival & Cruise-in on August 2.

Market moves on August 2
For one Saturday only, on August 2, the market will move to downtown Parkrose, and will be part of the Parkrose Festival & Cruise-in. “Instead of competing with this great community event, we are becoming part of it. Come check out your local farmers market.”