If you miss this musical theater retelling of “The Ugly Duckling” – you’ll miss a fun production replete with fowl puns, feathered frolics, and a purrr-fectly sinister Cat …
Dot, (Maya Houston), based on the bad information provided by Cat (Jordon Beck), a sly, cunning – and generally hungry – feral feline, helps her husband, Admiral Goose Graylag (Sam Bennett), get ready for Ugly’s search-and-rescue mission. It isn’t easy, because Graylag is a really bad navigator.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Taking a turn away from traditional musicals, the Cleveland High School Thespians are now presenting – through March 16 – a relatively new, but award-winning, show simply entitled “HONK!”.
“We thought a contemporary musical would be a nice change from the traditional musical shows we’ve been doing for the last six years,” said the show’s director, Jane Ferguson, Cleveland High’s drama instructor.
“Yes, ‘HONK!” is a cute show,” Ferguson continued, “but, more than that, this is a story about accepting people who are different from you. And, we have a very diverse population of students here at Cleveland High School.”
The central character of the story is Ugly (Michael Chafee), the ugly duckling. Although the others think he’s gawky and odd-looking, he turns out to be a good swimmer with a heart of gold.
Ida (Joellen Sweeney), Ugly’s mother, seems to be the only one who thinks her awkward, honking duckling will ever amount to anything.
About the story …
This retelling of Hans Christian Andersen’s “The Ugly Duckling” mixes in a theme of tolerance for others.
The British songwriting duo of George Stiles and Anthony Drewe aimed their book and score, originally titled “The Ugly Duckling, or the Aesthetically Challenged Farmyard Fowl”, at children and their parents. Since it first premiered in 1993, its name was changed to “HONK!” and it has won numerous awards, including the 2000 Olivier Award for Best Musical, beating “The Lion King”.
Dot (Maya Houston), wife of the Admiral Goose, gets the air squadron (actually, geese) ready for a mission to find Ugly.
“Our musical director, Sam Barbara, recently starred in this same show at the University of Portland,” noted Ferguson.
“HONK!” is set in rural England. As the story unfolds, Ugly – gawky and odd-looking as he is – finds he simply doesn’t fit into life around the duck pond.
Ida, his tearful mom, does her best to defend Ugly, while his dad Drake ‘ducks’ his fatherly responsibilities.
Along the way, Ugly meets a purrr-fectly cunning, sly – and hungry – stray Cat, who sings of the joys of “playing with food”, and wants to have Ugly over for lunch or dinner, literally.
Ugly stumbles into the house of the Farmer’s Wife while trying to escape the ridicule, and encounters into the sophisticated, domesticated Cat, as well as Queenie (Eleanor Bray), and house-frau hen, Lowbutt (Liza Cortright), who exclaims, “A feather pillow must have burst” when she sees Ugly.
Honk is a pun-filled backwoods romp that includes a wisecracking bullfrog, a snide house-hen, and other comical barnyard creatures.
Will Cat “cook Ugly’s goose”? Can Ugly survive the rejection he faces, a blizzard, and the farmer’s carving knife, and fulfill his destiny of becoming a graceful swan? And in the end, will Cat go insane, and scream “Take me to the Betty Fuur Clinic!”?
It looks like Cat, poorly disguised as Ugly’s father, finally has his paws on the duckling he wants to have over for lunch – as Duck à l’Orange, that is.
About the production
“We hope the community will enjoy this unique musical,” Ferguson said. “This show is a new, hot musical that is being presented in many schools and community theaters.”
The cast of 50 students is aided by a professional choreographer, Aerin Shannon, and a set designer from Lewis and Clark College, John Gerth.
The cast of “HONK!” draws from all grade levels at the school, Ferguson added. “It looks like we have a great group of underclassmen who will be here to continue in our future productions.”
It is love at first sight for Queenie and Cat – they dance a purrrr-fect tango of romance, causing Cat to forget his dastardly luncheon plans for Ugly. But, Ugly’s problems are far from over!
“HONK!” runs through March 15
This show opened to an enthusiastic audience on March 6, and continues on March 7 and 8 at 7:00 p.m. Or, you can catch the show next weekend, March 14 or 16; again with a 7:00 p.m. curtain time. The final showing is a special matinee performance at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 16.
Tickets are only $10 for adults and $8 for students at the door. Advance tickets available online at: www.clevelandhighmusical.com, or call Brown Paper Tickets at (800) 838-3006.
Cleveland High School is located at 3400 S.E. 26th Avenue, just north of SE Powell Boulevard.
© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service
Had the fire gone unnoticed, it could have been much worse. See what else you can learn about fire safety by reading this one …
-1 Portland Fire & Rescue firefighters, arriving minutes after the fire was reported, quickly extinguish a fire in the upper level of this home.
Story and photo by David F. Ashton
Just four minutes after the alarm sounded at 2:18 p.m. on March 2, the crews of Portland Fire & Rescue (PFR) Station 25 rolled up to a house on the 6400 block of SE Duke St.
They saw what their neighbor had reported – smoke rolling out of a vent in an attic area in the house, according to the Battalion Chief on scene, Terry Munro.
“Our crews got right up there and put it out with a portable fire extinguisher,” Munro explained. “They had their water lines ready, just in case the fire grew larger.”
As it was, the prompt response of the crews kept the fire small. “They’re doing overhaul [removing burnt material, and looking for remaining embers] with just one pan,” added Munro. “And, they’re removing bits of insulation and other materials, to make sure they can get a good look at the source of the fire.”
We noted engines from Stations 11 and 20 were standing by, and asked why the bureau responded with so many crew members and equipment.
“It’s our standard response to a house fire,” explained Munro. “We don’t know if it will be a large or small fire until we get there. It’s better to have resources there, and not need them, then not have them and need them. It keeps a smaller fire smaller.”
Thanks to the firefighter’s prompt response, only one pan was needed to remove burned debris from the home’s attic.
Fire due to overloaded circuits
When we talked with PFR spokesman Lt. Allen Oswalt about the fire, later this week, he said inspectors had found that the fire started in a branch electrical circuit, not sheathed in metal, in the ceiling and roof of the house.
“The report says there was a failure in the power circuit where it went through structural members of the house,” commented Oswalt. “Two space heaters, plugged into the same circuit, caused the overloaded wiring to arc.”
Total loss was about $1,000.
Update your smoke alarm
Oswalt reminded us that, with the coming of Daylight Savings Time on March 9th, fire departments suggest folks check their smoke alarm batteries.
“With the new available technology,” Oswalt said, “we’re now suggesting that when you ‘change your clock’ you install a new smoke alarm with a ten-year lithium battery.”
In 1998, the fire bureau spokesman reminded us, an Oregon law required that any new smoke alarm installed contain a 10-year lithium battery. “The ten years are up. If you installed a new one back then, it’s time for buy a new unit.”
The new smoke alarms also have a “hush button”, he added. “This button silences the alarm when nuisance smoke or shower steam accidentally sets it off.”
New alarms cost about $15. “But remember, smoke alarms continue to provide the most important protection against death in a fire,” Oswalt reminded.
© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service
See why one of our favorite local musical groups, Captain Bogg & Salty’s Pirate Band, most recently dropped their anchor in Westmoreland …
Arrrr, Mates! Shiver me timbers! We spy Captain Bogg & Salty’s Pirate Band’s a-playing again in East Portland!
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Instead of plundering inner SE Portland for their own gain, the sea dogs of Captain Bogg & Salty’s Pirate Band dropped off a chest of gold – to benefit Llewellyn Elementary School Foundation not long ago.
“This event shows real community spirit,” said the co-coordinator of the benefit concert, Robin Johnson. “Two New Seasons Markets and Wallace Books sold tickets, and the Moreland Presbyterian Church loaned the risers. And, volunteers Eileen Stone and Pete Diamond helped put the stage together.”
The co-organizers of the concert, Robin Johnson and Julie Wright, welcome the 300 fans that came to see Captain Bogg & Salty’s Pirate Band.
In their front row seats in the Moreland Theater, Captain Bogg & Salty fans Zaib, Jillian, Maggie, Winnie are giving us the secret pirate sign (a hooked finger) – showing they are ready for a good time.
The organizers said they appreciated the owners and staff at the Moreland Theatre. “We appreciate them having us back this year; they very kind to us,” said organizer Julie Wright.
Captain Bogg welcomes the crowd of pirate fans to the show.
As a couple hundred young fans and their parents filed in, and the group was about to come on stage, the band’s spokes-pirate – First Mate McGraw – commented, “It’s a strange and wonderful feeling of playing pirate songs in an old movie theater like this. It can’t be replicated elsewhere.”
With a mighty “yar”, and the sign of the hook, another rollicking concert was underway, featuring songs that included “Pegleg Tango”, “I’m A Pirate”, and “Pieces of 8ight”.
The pirate band opens the show with “Weigh Anchor”.
© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service
Outer East Portland citizens have been given two more opportunities to have their photo taken – for only $245 per picture. See where these handy “outdoor photo booths” are now working …
Drivers who speed through this intersection on a yellow light had better take heed! By late August, police will issue tickets to those who blow the read light!
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Lead-footed, red-light-running drivers in the Gateway shopping area: beware! The City of Portland has installed two new “red-light cameras” along SE Stark Street. And, they’re up and running.
The new red-light cameras are on SE Stark at 99th Avenue, and on SE Stark at 102nd Avenue.
The system camera systems were put into operation on August 7, according to Portland Office of Transportation’s Greg Raisman.
SNAP! This car didn’t heed the traffic control signal – and will be sent warning ticket while the red-light photo system is being tested.
“During a two-week test period,” Raisman told us, “Portland Police will be checking the violation photos and mailing warning letters to vehicles and drivers that would have been issued a citation.”
But, don’t press your luck. Beginning August 21, scofflaws will receive a $245 fine when the newly-installed cameras flash drivers’ photographs as they run red lights. The photos will generate a citation.
“Basically, the camera cannot take a picture unless a vehicle enters the intersection after the light is red,” assured Raisman. “Each photograph is reviewed by a Police officer to ensure there is evidence of a violation before a citation is issued.”
The red-light camera program is administered jointly by the Portland Police Bureau and the Portland Office of Transportation.
For all the details about how the system works – and why the City of Portland believes these devices will increase safety – CLICK HERE to read our February, 2008 article about outer East Portland’s first red-light camera.
© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News
Some call them “City of Portland ATMs”, set up to withdraw $245 from your wallet. But see why officials say these automatic camera systems now being installed in outer East Portland might just save your life …
No, it won’t be technician Tony May looking at you through the center window in this box at SE Washington St. at 103rd Avenue on March 3 – it will be a high-resolution film camera, snapping photos of red light running scofflaws.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
When it comes to mangled vehicles being towed away from an intersection, this outer East Portland crossroads in the Gateway area didn’t win top prize – it’s in third place.
The intersection of SE Washington St at 103rd Avenue racked up 35 traffic smash-ups in the past four years – every one of them caused by a driver running a red light.
However, this outer East Portland intersection does have the honor of being the first to receive a brand new red light camera system that automatically snaps photos of vehicles running a red signal.
“Portland uses red light cameras because they are an important tool for improving traffic safety,” says Sergeant Dan Costello of the Portland Police Bureau’s Traffic Division. “Angle crashes are more than two times more likely to result in serious injuries and fatalities than rear-end crashes.”
Traffic specialists say that when red light violations occur, they most often result in an angle or turning collision. These broadside – or T-bone – collisions are especially dangerous, because the sides of vehicles offer the least protection to their occupants.
It takes a large crane to lift and position the pole that will hold the new Gateway red light camera.
Caught on film
On February 27, we watch as foreman Jeff Yost of Electrical Construction Company, and his apprentice Jason Rickford, hoist the new camera-bearing pole and secure it to the sidewalk in front of the Old Chicago restaurant.
Soon, Tony May, an installation specialist from Affiliated Computer Services, Inc. (ACS), the company contracted to install and operate Portland’s red light cameras, arrives to oversee the final installation of the box and hardware.
“This won’t be a video camera; we’ll be installing what we call a ‘wet film’ camera,” explains May. “A magazine holding enough high-resolution Fuji film to take at least 200 shots is attached to the camera. A technician comes and physically changes out the film magazines.”
How often the technician will have to change them depends on traffic, May adds. “Looking at the traffic right here, I think it’ll get quite a bit of business.”
The heavy steel box Jason Rickford and Tony May are mounting will contain a high-resolution film camera, and an industrial-strength photo flash that’s synchronized with the traffic control signal circuitry at the intersection.
A computerized, impartial witness
While Yost and Rickford wrestle the heavy camera pole – made from steel and aircraft-quality parts – into place, May points out parts of the system, including detection loops buried in the pavement, and photo flash units mounted on poles near the intersection.
We learn that the system activates based on the timing of the traffic light. When a vehicle runs a red light, the system takes two pictures.
Loops of wire, buried in these pavement cuts, determine a vehicle’s speed as it zips through a red light – and helps capture the moment on film.
The first photo snaps only if the traffic light is red and a vehicle crosses the detection loops located behind the wide, white “stop line”. Using a time-distance calculation, system’s computer determines when to take the second photo – one that shows the vehicle traveling through the middle of the intersection.
“The photo flash units [synchronized with the system] are powerful; they’ll light up the area at night,” May says. “And you’d be surprised at how clear the photos are. You can see drivers doing all kinds of things, like drinking a beer, while they are running the red light.”
Warnings issued through March 16
According to Cheryl E. Kuck at the Portland Office of Transportation, they’ll fire up the new camera on Monday, March 3. “During a test period that continues for two weeks, Portland Police will be checking the violation photos and mailing warning letters to vehicles and drivers that would have been issued a citation,” advises Kuck.
“Beginning Monday, March 17,” cautions Kuck, “motorists who run a red light at this intersection may receive a $245 fine. Each photograph is reviewed by a Police officer to ensure there is evidence of a violation before a citation is issued.”
Now that the construction crew is gone, you probably won’t notice the red light camera – unless you run the red light and see a brilliant flash as it takes your portrait.
Three more red light cameras to come
Outer East Portland’s #1 crash spot, SE Foster Road at 96th Avenue – with 53 red light crashes in four years – isn’t likely to see a red light camera soon; the project is “beginning the design phase”.
However, the second-place intersection at SE Stark Street at 102nd Avenue, with 44 red-light crashes logged – located just a block north of the first installation – will have the unblinking eye of the law snapping scofflaw’s photos in just two months.
Also in the neighborhood, at SE Stark Street at 99th Avenue, because of 19 red light crashes, another system will be installed before summer.
“No matter how pressed you are for time, please stop for a red light,” says Portland’s traffic Commissioner, Sam Adams. “Gambling on saving a minute or two by running a red light could kill or seriously injure you or someone else. Red light running has very serious consequences.”
© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service
Some call them “City of Portland ATMs”, set up to withdraw $245 from your wallet. But see why officials say these automatic camera systems now being installed in outer East Portland might just save your life …
No, it won’t be technician Tony May looking at you through the center window in this box at SE Washington St. at 103rd Avenue on March 3 – it will be a high-resolution film camera, snapping photos of red light running scofflaws.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
When it comes to mangled vehicles being towed away from an intersection, this outer East Portland crossroads in the Gateway area didn’t win top prize – it’s in third place.
The intersection of SE Washington St at 103rd Avenue racked up 35 traffic smash-ups in the past four years – every one of them caused by a driver running a red light.
However, this outer East Portland intersection does have the honor of being the first to receive a brand new red light camera system that automatically snaps photos of vehicles running a red signal.
“Portland uses red light cameras because they are an important tool for improving traffic safety,” says Sergeant Dan Costello of the Portland Police Bureau’s Traffic Division. “Angle crashes are more than two times more likely to result in serious injuries and fatalities than rear-end crashes.”
Traffic specialists say that when red light violations occur, they most often result in an angle or turning collision. These broadside – or T-bone – collisions are especially dangerous, because the sides of vehicles offer the least protection to their occupants.
It takes a large crane to lift and position the pole that will hold the new Gateway red light camera.
Caught on film
On February 27, we watch as foreman Jeff Yost of Electrical Construction Company, and his apprentice Jason Rickford, hoist the new camera-bearing pole and secure it to the sidewalk in front of the Old Chicago restaurant.
Soon, Tony May, an installation specialist from Affiliated Computer Services, Inc. (ACS), the company contracted to install and operate Portland’s red light cameras, arrives to oversee the final installation of the box and hardware.
“This won’t be a video camera; we’ll be installing what we call a ‘wet film’ camera,” explains May. “A magazine holding enough high-resolution Fuji film to take at least 200 shots is attached to the camera. A technician comes and physically changes out the film magazines.”
How often the technician will have to change them depends on traffic, May adds. “Looking at the traffic right here, I think it’ll get quite a bit of business.”
The heavy steel box Jason Rickford and Tony May are mounting will contain a high-resolution film camera, and an industrial-strength photo flash that’s synchronized with the traffic control signal circuitry at the intersection.
A computerized, impartial witness
While Yost and Rickford wrestle the heavy camera pole – made from steel and aircraft-quality parts – into place, May points out parts of the system, including detection loops buried in the pavement, and photo flash units mounted on poles near the intersection.
We learn that the system activates based on the timing of the traffic light. When a vehicle runs a red light, the system takes two pictures.
Loops of wire, buried in these pavement cuts, determine a vehicle’s speed as it zips through a red light – and helps capture the moment on film.
The first photo snaps only if the traffic light is red and a vehicle crosses the detection loops located behind the wide, white “stop line”. Using a time-distance calculation, system’s computer determines when to take the second photo – one that shows the vehicle traveling through the middle of the intersection.
“The photo flash units [synchronized with the system] are powerful; they’ll light up the area at night,” May says. “And you’d be surprised at how clear the photos are. You can see drivers doing all kinds of things, like drinking a beer, while they are running the red light.”
Warnings issued through March 16
According to Cheryl E. Kuck at the Portland Office of Transportation, they’ll fire up the new camera on Monday, March 3. “During a test period that continues for two weeks, Portland Police will be checking the violation photos and mailing warning letters to vehicles and drivers that would have been issued a citation,” advises Kuck.
“Beginning Monday, March 17,” cautions Kuck, “motorists who run a red light at this intersection may receive a $245 fine. Each photograph is reviewed by a Police officer to ensure there is evidence of a violation before a citation is issued.”
Now that the construction crew is gone, you probably won’t notice the red light camera – unless you run the red light and see a brilliant flash as it takes your portrait.
Three more red light cameras to come
Outer East Portland’s #1 crash spot, SE Foster Road at 96th Avenue – with 53 red light crashes in four years – isn’t likely to see a red light camera soon; the project is “beginning the design phase”.
However, the second-place intersection at SE Stark Street at 102nd Avenue, with 44 red-light crashes logged – located just a block north of the first installation – will have the unblinking eye of the law snapping scofflaw’s photos in just two months.
Also in the neighborhood, at SE Stark Street at 99th Avenue, because of 19 red light crashes, another system will be installed before summer.
“No matter how pressed you are for time, please stop for a red light,” says Portland’s traffic Commissioner, Sam Adams. “Gambling on saving a minute or two by running a red light could kill or seriously injure you or someone else. Red light running has very serious consequences.”
© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service
See this moving story about families – hiding from the Nazis for two years, during World War II – up close in this special presentation in the DDHS Small Box Theater …
Sitting in the moonlight, Anne Frank (Marissa Hanson) and Peter Van Daan (Zeke Fetrow) ponder how life would be if they were “normal” teenagers, not living in hiding.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Audiences have come to associate the David Douglas High School Theater Department with great productions of larger-than-life musicals and broad comedies. But their winter show this year, “The Diary of Anne Frank”, is thought-provoking, presented in their intimate theater.
“This is the first major show we’ve done in our Small Box Theatre downstairs for ten years,” says director Judy LeCoq. “In this theater, the 74 audience members sit up-close to the actors. It’s almost like you’re right there, with the Frank family, as they hide from the Nazis in an attic during the Holocaust.”
For a few moments, the families hiding out in the attic from the Nazis are joyful when they learn of the successful Normandy invasion. Their joy is short-lived.
About the story
“The Diary of Anne Frank” is drawn from a thirteen-year-old girl’s diary she started writing in 1942. She, her family, and four other people went into hiding in sealed-off upper rooms of her father’s office building in Amsterdam. Her father’s trusted colleagues helped them remain hidden for two years and one month – until their betrayal.
“It’s about Anne’s desire to live, beyond her situation, as a normal teenager,” says LeCoq about the story. “Anne has been recognized as a tremendous writer. And, this newly-adapted version of an award-winning play reveals the stress of confinement, awkward teenage relationships, and the tension and fear of betrayal.”
Working on a scene from the play, Judy LeCoq directs the David Douglas High School thespians.
Members of Mark Taylor’s Theater Arts class built a realistic set that focuses attention on the 12 cast members. A student crew runs the lighting and sound system and provides stage management.
“It’s not intended for a very young audience because it’s dark material,” cautions LeCoq. “It’s appropriate for young people aged nine and above; the book is required reading for most middle-school students.”
Two weeks only
David Douglas High School Thespians production of “The Diary of Anne Frank” debuts on March 6 at 7:30 p.m.
Evening shows follow on March 7 and 8, and again on March 13, 14 and 15. On March 9, the offer a 2:30 p.m. matinee performance.
The DDHS Small Box Theater is located on the lower level of the Howard Horner Performing Arts Center, 1400 SE 130th Ave., Portland, OR 97233. This theater is handicapped accessible.
Tickets are $5 for students and $7 for adults. For ticket information, call the David Douglas Box Office at (503) 261-8270.
© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service
These parishioners demonstrate their belief that, sometimes, helping their community means volunteering for hard work with a rake and shovel …
Pastor Vance Hays of Parklane Christian Reformed Church and Dave Koetje of Koetje Tree Service take a moment to rest from their work on the Harold Oliver Elementary School Global Garden.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
More and more, civic groups and businesses are “adopting” programs and outer East Portland schools. Churches are usually focused on loftier pursuits.
But members of Parklane Christian Reformed Church say they were looking for a tangible way to help the community – and they didn’t have to look far. They found their opportunity for service right next door to the church.
A couple of weeks ago, we caught up with volunteers from the church as they toiled in the soil at Harold Oliver Elementary School’s Global Garden.
Andrea Covey is sprucing up the heather patch.
“We decided to clean up and maintain the garden,” explained Parklane member – and owner of Koetje Tree Service – Dave Koetje.
“We decided to do this because – well, it needs it,” Koetje elaborated. “The opportunity is right here, next to our church. We decided to ‘adopt’ this garden so the school doesn’t have to worry about it.”
Justin Koch, Nathan Koetje, Paul Covey, and Fred Lawer say thinning and moving a stand of bamboo is a big task, but they’re up to the challenge.
Plants from around the world
After being established several years ago, the school’s Global Garden, located between its primary and intermediate education buildings had fallen into disrepair.
“This garden is a great idea,” commented Vance Hays, Parklane’s pastor. “As you wander up and down here, you’ll see different plans from different parts of the world. It’s like a living plant encyclopedia. We wanted to make it attractive again.”
Hays credited Koetje with idea for the church to adopt the school’s garden. “During Christmas break, he and my son came over here and raked fallen leaves. We saw the garden needed more work, and decided to pitch in. We’ve decided, as a church, to actively help improve our neighborhood – and here we are.”
Dave Koch and Mike Vander Veen leveling out outdoor tables in the Harold Oliver Global Garden.
Long term commitment
We watched as associate pastor Mike Vander Veen and parishioner Dave Koch leveled tilting picnic tables by terracing the ground on which they sit.
“This is a continuing effort for us,” said Vander Veen as he paused from his labors. “We’re not going to just clean and run. Although the Global Garden has been adopted by the church, we do invite folks from our community join us in the work. You don’t have to be a member of the church to come help out.”
Keep an eye out; Vander Veen said he’ll let us know when they’ll be holding their next work party. Bring your gloves and pitch in!
If you live in outer East Portland, and want to help the school’s Global Garden thrive, watch for this group’s next work party date.
© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service
If you like locally-grown and newly-picked produce, you won’t find it fresher than what comes from this fellow’s organically-grown ‘mini-farms’, scattered throughout SE Portland …
Kollibri Sonnenblume, the bike farmer, is weeding a garlic patch in one of his 18 SE Portland vegetable garden plots.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Kollibri terre Sonnenblume is a proficient organic farmer. Throughout the growing season, dozens of families come to Sonnenblume every week, selecting newly-picked produce.
But, unlike traditional growers, Sonnenblume doesn’t own a tractor, nor does he raise his crops on the outskirts of town.
“I’m what you’d call an urban farmer,” said the soft-spoken Sonnenblume as he wiped soil from his hands after weeding a patch of winter crop. “And I like to get around by bicycle. I’m a bike-based urban farmer.”
He didn’t create the concept, Sonnenblume said. “Look at cities all over the world, and you’ll see the urban gardening is typical, rather than being the exception. And you’ll find they get around by bicycle. It may be odd here in the United States – but as oil prices keep going up, it seems very practical.”
Finds local ‘acreage’
Instead of farming acres of land out in the country, Sonnenblume’s “farm” is distributed throughout inner SE Portland. Homeowners allow him plant and care for a crop in a portion of their property in exchange for produce during the season.
“Right now I have 18 plots of different sizes going. The largest one is just under one third of an acre. The smallest one is, maybe, 5′ xk 10′. I tend my crops by going from plot to plot on my bicycle. I use a trailer attached to my bike to carry tools and supplies, and to carry harvested crops,” he said.
With the cost of fuel rising, Sonnenblume says bike-based farming makes more sense now than ever.
Community-Supported Agriculture proponent
He’s been a “bike farmer” in Portland since 2005; and this season is second year as a Community-Supported Agriculture (CSA) producer.
“CSA started in Japan in the 1980s,” comments Sonnenblume, “and moved to Europe and the United States in the 1990s. With CSA, people in the community give resources – usually money – to a farmer in the spring, when most of the expenses are incurred for seeds and equipment, in exchange for a share of crops that are produced throughout the season.”
Instead of driving to a farm, or farmer’s market, “people come to my house right here in inner SE Portland. For many folks who purchased winter crop CSA shares that live close by, I make deliveries by bike.”
Web developer to farmer
Sonnenblume told us he’s always enjoyed gardening. “Even when I was in an apartment, I had a small garden on my porch.”
In his 20s, Sonnenblume recalled, he owned 75 neckties and “worked in tall glass buildings in the Bay Area. I made more money in Internet web design than I ever thought possible. But after the big Internet bust, I started looking around. I thought to myself ‘agriculture is a growth industry’. It is recession proof.”
Inspired by Katrina
What inspired him to become a full-time urban farmer, he stated, was watching events unfold after Hurricane Katrina.
“It occurred to me that we all need to be taking care of each other. We can’t count on help coming from the outside. There are lots of needs: Housing, clothing, medicine, and food. I’m doing food.”
Speaking before a packed house at People’s Co-op, Sonnenblume shares his experiences with a very receptive audience.
Shares his ‘secrets’
When we first met him, Sonnenblume was giving an illustrated talk about his vocation at Peoples’ Co-op, north of the Brooklyn neighborhood, on January 30. The store’s meeting room was packed with 58 people who peppered him with detailed questions. He looked happy to answer them all.
“There aren’t any trade secrets,” Sonnenblume said about the meeting. “I enjoy sharing this experience I’m having with everyone.”
Asked why he thought so many people showed up on a windy and rainy night – mostly on bicycle – he counted off three reasons. “Portlanders support local and organic agriculture. Secondly, people learning about the CSA model think it’s cool to have a personal relationship with their farmer. The third aspect is that people in Portland are fairly well-read and well-informed, and want to see different ways that we can do things.”
Pollinating SE Portland
After getting to know this “bike farmer”, we noted that he is doing more than growing crops – he’s also spreading a sustainable idea.
“In fact,” he replied, “my first name, Kollibri, is ‘hummingbird’ in Norwegian. Like they pollinate flowers, I definitely feel that part of my work is being an example, inspiring others. There’s room for a lot of other people in town to do and I’m doing.”
Season shares available
If you want fresh organically-grown produce all summer, grown just down the block from you, now is the time to buy a share and participate. Learn more by visiting his web site at www.trashfactory.net/sunrootgardens, e-mail him at Kollibri@riseup.net, or call him at (503) 686-5557.
© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service
Why would crew members from Portland Fire & Rescue volunteer don their full gear, and prepare to race to the top of a 69-story building that is NOT on fire? Take a look, and find out …
Portland Fire & Rescue firefighter Marc Ham takes his turn on the stepping exerciser, as firefighter Tim Spring “passes the boot”, asking shoppers for a donation to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
Story and photo by David F. Ashton
Even though the firefighters of Portland Fire & Rescue stay in shape by working out and training – and responding to emergencies – several of them spent February 23 on a stair-stepping exercise machine at Costco’s Airport location.
When we arrived, we found a resident of the Sellwood neighborhood for fifteen years, firefighter Mark Ham, working up a sweat. In full gear – 70 pounds of it, including his breathing apparatus, he was vigorously working out. “I’m getting ready for the ‘Scott Firefighter Stairclimb for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’,” said the firefighter, who works at the bureau’s Training Academy on NE 122nd Avenue.
The stairclimb event, held on March 2 at Seattle’s Columbia Center, is the largest individual firefighter competition in the world, we learned. More than 1,300 firefighters from across the Pacific Northwest – including 25 Portland-area firefighters – will compete in this timed race to the top of the building.
Firefighter Tim Spring, a crew member of Station 25, on SE 52nd Avenue, said he was encouraging people to help “fill the boot” he carried with donations.
“The proceeds go to help find a cure for cancer,” Spring explained. “We’ve had several people in the department that have had cancer in the last five or six years. We’re trying to get out in the community and show our support for cancer research.”
Ham agreed, “We’re volunteering our time because cancer has affected quite a few of our firefighters; this fundraiser is close to our hearts.”
You can still help: Drop off cash or a check for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society at any PF&R station.
© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service
As night falls, see how Portland Fire & Rescue crews use a modern conveyance to rescue an injured horseback rider …
Firefighter Bruce Linson, a team member attached to PF&R Utility Truck 22, stationed at the St. John’s firehouse, drives the ATV carrying the injured horseback rider down Powell Butte.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
A beautiful, late afternoon horseback ride with friends on Powell Butte went awry on February 18, when one rider’s horse lost its footing, and threw its rider.
Because after the fall he couldn’t ride or walk, his friends called 9-1-1 asking for help.
At 5:30 p.m., a Portland Fire & Rescue (PF&R) Station 29 crew scrambled to locate and rescue the man — said to be on the South side of Powell Butte. The injured rider’s friends met firefighters at the trailhead, and together they hiked about a mile back up the trail with their medical equipment in hand.
Firefighters and paramedics prepare the injured rider to be moved off the ATV and onto the waiting gurney.
Soon, twilight turned into darkness on the Butte.
“The firefighters realized they couldn’t carry the patient down the steep trail,” PF&R spokesman Lt. Allen Oswalt told us at the scene, as we stood near the waiting ambulance at the trailhead. “They asked that Utility Truck 22 (stationed at the St. Johns Fire Station) be dispatched to assist with transporting the patient down the trail.”
When we asked why they asked for a truck to drive all the way from St. Johns, Oswalt said, “This rig carries our two four-wheeler all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) – the same ones we used during the Powell Butte and Oaks Bottom controlled burns last summer.”
He explained that specialized equipment allows the ATVs to be adapted for many uses, including patient transport. “We have Utility 22 Units stationed at the St. Johns firehouse, primarily for use in Forest Park.”
While we awaited the arrival of the crew, Oswald told us that St. Johns Honda helped arrange a special deal, allowing PF&R were able to purchase two identical ATVs, instead of the single unit for which they originally budgeted.
Preparing the injured man for his trip to the hospital, rescue workers make sure the patent is secured and in stable condition.
Slowly, the headlights and emergency lights of the ATVs came into view as the crew, and patient, came down the trail.
As the crew carefully moved the patient, his leg already splinted, from the back of the ATV to the gurney, he looked to be in good spirits. His only comment was made to the firefighters, “Thank you. You guys are great.”
The patient was said to be in satisfactory condition as he was transported to Sunnyside Kaiser Hospital at 7:21 p.m.
The rescue of this rider was more swift and certain thanks to the crew trained to use the PF&R ATVs under a variety of conditions.
Precise location prompts faster rescues
“Rescues in the many wild spaces, even inside the city limits, often seem to take a long time,” commented Oswalt.
“A primary challenge is finding the exact location of the patient,” the PF&R spokesman continued. “Although firefighters have maps of all of the trails in every park, many times the signs marking the trail are vandalized, or people are unsure of their location. The best way for the public to help the rescuers is to send someone out to a main trail, to guide firefighters to the patient.”
A cell phone is an indispensable tool, since most of the wild areas in the City of Portland have cell phone coverage, Oswalt added.
© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service
There’s nothing cheesy about seeing outer East Portland folks enjoying the gala Chinese New Year traditional celebrations, featuring dancing lions, and symbols designed to bring good luck – not rodents …
Martial arts demonstrations provided some of the entertainment on the stage at Midland Library for the Chinese New Year’s celebration.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Because the time allotted to celebrate the incoming Lunar Calendar year lasts several days, both of these events were official Chinese New Year celebrations.
At Midland Library
On February 17, we stopped by the Midland Library to spend a few minutes at their Chinese New Year festival.
Serving Asian refreshments at the library’s celebration are Amanda Vu, Donna Trung, and Jadine Delfin.
Making crafts at Midland Library are Chris and Hien Tang.
“Welcome to our celebration of the Lunar New Year,” we were greeted by Javier Gutierrez, manager of Midland Library. “The Chinese celebrate starting on February 8th, and it ends on the 22nd.”
The library put on the event because they endeavor to encompass all of the cultures one finds in outer SE Portland, Gutierrez explained. “In 2006, we conducted a survey to determine how our community is changing. What we’re trying to do is serve the new communities moving into Portland.”
Ngoc Nguyen is helping guests with their Chinese New Year crafts.
For many peoples from different countries, Gutierrez noted, the notion of a public library is quite foreign. “What were doing is helping them learn that their public library is a place for them to come, learn, socialize, and find cultural enrichment.”
Donna Dionne, VP of Midway Business Association, welcomes guests to the celebration.
At PCC’s Southeast Center and Legin Restaurant
Annie Chung; Wing Kit Chung, vice president of administration; Preston Pulliams, district president for the college; and Nan Poppe, president, Extended Learning Campus, Portland Community College
The following day, on February 18, Portland Community College’s Southeast Center held their event, primarily at the nearby Legin Restaurant Ballroom.
We were welcomed by Nan Poppe, president, Extended Learning Campus, Portland Community College. “This event has grown every year – to the point that it won’t fit in our grand atrium hall. It’s the chance for the community, students, and staff to come together and celebrate Asian culture. Every year we learn a little bit more about their cultures.”
Northwest Lion Dance Association brings three fanciful, colorful and acrobatic lions – and their percussion section – to start the Chinese New Year’s celebration at Portland Community College Southeast Center’s event.
An event organizer, Trina Hing, said the event was important, “Because we want the community to be aware of our population of students, and to share the different Southeast Asian cultures.”
In addition to the population of Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, and Laotian students, the school also provides services for students from Russia, Latin American countries, and Somalia. “Today, everyone is enjoying this Chinese custom.”
Costumed dancers from many Asian cultures performed for hundreds of celebrants.
The event started with three hours of dances, demonstrations, and speeches. Then, the tables were cleared for arts and crafts, children’s games, and some vendors.
Lisa Hayes, student government ASP chair for the event, told us a lot of planning went into this year’s celebration. “It has taken for months, at least one meeting a week, to set this up. We went out into the community and talked businesses and associations into working together and as a team.”
Although a little nervous about the outcome of the event, Hayes said, “I’m really excited, I’m really jazzed.”
What did she look forward to the most?
“The best part of the day for me is the Lion Dance,” Hayes replied, just as one of the three mighty lions awoke, and the opening ceremony began.
People filled the Legin Restaurant Ballroom as the celebration go underway.
Representatives from different Southeast Asian countries talked about the Lunar New Year traditions celebrated by their people. This included a bowing ceremony, dances, and a lesson in how to say “happy new year” in Chinese.
This first Chinese character was shown upside down, meaning that happiness and luck is coming. When turned upright, it means that happiness and good life has arrived. “It comes from the Ming Dynasty, about 700 years ago. Now it is traditional in use all over the world.”
After the three-hour program a Chinese-style lunch was served to the happy and hungry throng.
© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service
Here’s a good way to get more participation in a neighborhood association! Discover how a special meeting, at the New Copper Penny, came about …
New Copper Penny owner Saki Tzantarmas, is slicing up roast beef for guests at the Lents Neighborhood Association dinner.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
The City of Portland has challenged all neighborhood associations to increase ethnic and socioeconomic diversity at their meetings.
With the help of New Copper Penny (NCP) owner Saki Tzantarmas, and his son John, the Lents Neighborhood Association has found a way to do it. For the second time this year, the Lents landmark restaurant and lounge put on a free “Community Dinner” – the latest, on December 19.
The NCP’s Pantheon Ballroom was decorated as a winter wonderland for the “Lents Dinner” event.
Everything about Lents is good
The New Copper Penny’s Pantheon Ballroom, where SE Woodstock Boulevard and Foster Road split at SE 92nd Avenue, was colorfully decorated for the Holiday season – as more than a hundred residents filed in.
To be as inclusive as possible, the neighborhood association’s invitations were printed in four languages: English, Russian, Spanish, and Vietnamese. A grant from the City of Portland’s Office of Neighborhood Involvement (ONI) paid for printing and distributing the invitations, and for incidental costs. Longtime Lents community supporters the Tzantarmas family – owners of the New Copper Penny – provided the room and the banquet.
NCP manager John Tzantarmas and Judy Welch, past chair of the neighborhood association, enjoy the evening.
“Saki always does a nice dinner, and really supports our neighborhood,” said Judy Welch, past Chair of the Lents Neighborhood Association. “I saw many new people at the dinner; perhaps they’ll start coming to the association meetings. We want – and need – to include all people, as we work to improve our area.”
As neighbors started filing in, John Tzantarmas said he and his father were proud to be able to help their community. “Today is a happy day for us; we’re celebrating together as a neighborhood. I’m glad that everyone is having a good time. Everything is good about Lents. It is growing and getting better.”
Dewey Akers, Chair of Lents Neighborhood Association, addresses the guests at their dinner event
Nourishing the neighborhood
“It is important that the neighborhood association is doing this,” Dewey Akers, Chair of Lents Neighborhood Association, told us: “Because we are sincerely trying to reach out and include all of our neighbors. It isn’t easy on a limited budget. This event gives us an opportunity to reach out to people who don’t traditionally participate in the neighborhood activities. We want to include everyone, and seek out their ideas.”
Akers thanked the Tzantarmas’ for catering the dinner – a three-course meal featuring salads, spaghetti & meatballs, and freshly sliced roast beef.
Lents resident, and associate delegate to East Portland Neighbors, Inc., Raymond Hites, enjoys the evening with his parents, Elena and John Hites.
During his brief presentation, Akers brought guests up to date on topics ranging from actions in the Lents Urban Renewal District, the new soon-to-open corporate office for Assurety Northwest, and the impact which the I-205 MAX line will have on the area.
The dinner must have been good – many guests went back for second helpings!
Providing holiday-themed entertainment were a half-dozen kids from the Waddles Boys & Girls Club, who sang Christmas carols.
In addition to the dinner (and second servings), guests were also treated to door prizes donated by TriMet, Pacific Seafood, and Portland Development Commission – as well as www.eastPDXnews‘ own handmade chocolate!
© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service
