Look at this story and you’ll see why audiences are saying that this play, written by William Shakespeare, is “A hilarious tale of magic, romance and over-caffeinated treachery” …

Prospera (Yian Saechao), the former Duchess of Milan, exiled to the island, where she controls all with her magical powers. By the way, none of these photos were posed – they were all taken during a performance!

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
The Parkrose High School Thespian Troupe 1783 has just debuted their springtime presentation, William Shakespeare’s The Tempest.

Before the curtain went up, Ms. Zena, the school’s drama instructor and the director of the play, told us she’s seen her students grow as actors as they explore Shakespeare’s use of language, and the universality of his themes.

Ariel (Ashley LeCarno) a fairy servant and best friend of Prospera, revels in her master’s plan to cause a storm that drives her enemies to the Island.

Driven onto the Island, Gonzala (Haley Lusby) – a counselor who gave aid to Prospera before she was banished – and Alonsa (Kenzie Billick-Smith), Queen of Naples and mother to Ferdinand (we’ll meet him later), bemoan their fate.

Context, not language is updated
We noted that, unlike some adaptations of Shakespeare’s works, the actors use his actual words and phrasing – instead of rewriting the play into modern English.

Although the language remains true to the author, they’ve done a wonderful job updating the context of many scenes. For example, instead of portraying a trio of drunkards – few find alcoholism humorous these days – they play it as three co-conspirators, hooked on extra-strength espresso. This adaptation makes The Bard’s words timely, relatable – and laugh-out-loud funny.

“In this play, themes of love, envy, and revenge are prominent – themes which high school students really comprehend. These themes have led to some great discussions with the students about how they perceive the world,” Zena explained. “And, the actors are playing up the comedy element a lot, mostly through making strong choices about the characters as caricatures.”

Trincula (Emily Weatherford), the over-caffeinated Jester & Fool in Queen Alonsa’s Court, proclaims the virtues of the “mighty elixir” that brightens her days.

On another part of the Island, there seems to be something about the nerdy Ferdinand (Sterling Arkills) – son of Queen Alonsa – that’s hypnotically attractive to Prospera’s radiant daughter, Miranda (Belinda Washington).

About the story
The story focuses on a banished sorcerer – Prospera, Duchess of Milan – exiled to the Island. Using her substantial magical powers, Prospera – with the help of her legion of Nymphs (invisible Island servants) – manipulate her “visitors”, confusing and confounding them.

Prospera’s highly-resentful monster-like servant, Caliban, comes across the shipwrecked Trincula the Jester, and Stephania, Royal Coffee Barista to Queen Alonsa, and – believing that the two colorful ladies are from the moon – work themselves into a highly caffeinated frenzy, and attempt a coup d’état.

Others brought to the island plot, plan, and scheme to take power – but their can’t figure out why their efforts are defused at every turn.

Antonio (Oly Arellano), the Duke of Milan, Prospera’s brother and usurper of her title, and Sebastian (Grant Weston) Brother to Queen Alonsa, ineptly hatch plots to do away with all who stand in their way of their fame and royal glory.

Whipped into a Frappachino®-like* frenzy, Trincula, Stephania (Taylor Grady), the Royal Coffee Barista to the Queen, and the sorceresses’ resentful servant, Caliban (Tom Crawford), think they’re going crazy – as Ariel teases and confounds them, as she leads the jittery trio around the Island.

• Will the romance between Ferdinand and Miranda ignite, or fizzle out?
• Is it possible for Prospera that, by manipulating the course of his enemies’ path through the Island, she can win them over?
• In the end, will the audience at the Parkrose High Theater (honestly!) choose to free Prospera, by “voting her off the Island”?

Find out, by coming to see The Tempest – on stage through May 16.

Using her magical powers, Prospera “freezes” the gathering of her enemies – some with their swords (really, tennis rackets) drawn – while she considers her next actions.

Restoring calm to all in the Island, Prospera rebukes her enemies, praises those loyal to her … and wonders how the situation should be resolved.

Plan now to see The Tempest
The Tempest opened on May 7, plays again on May 8 at 7:00 p.m.

• There’s a special matinee performance (great for the family) on Saturday, May 9 at 2:00 p.m.

The program continues its run on May 14, 15 and 16; the curtain rises at 7:00 p.m.

Tickets are just $8 for adults, and $5 for those under age 18 or over 65. Tickets are available at the door, or in advance (online) at www.Seatyourself.biz/parkrose.

All shows are in the beautiful Parkrose High School Theater, 12003 NE Shaver Street, just west of NE 122nd Avenue.

Will the audience, asked to vote by their applause, allow Prospera to leave the Island – or will she be banished there forever?  Come and help decide her fate!

Frappuccino® is a registered trademark of Starbucks and is the name of a blended ice beverage and of a bottled coffee beverage. The term is not used in this play – it is our attempt to convey a state of being using the term as a metaphor, recognizable by many in our modern culture.

© 2009 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

© 2009 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Classic vehicles pack Izzy’s Cruise-In

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

© 2009 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

The announcement startled many readers. Find out “who” will be “where” starting on May 11, right here …

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

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

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

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

Carlos Jimenez checks in guests at the front desk.

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

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

Whether homeowners or renters, experts answer questions about homeownership.

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

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

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

Neighbor Brian Johnson talks with Quyona Anderson about financing options.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

© 2009 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

Discover what people at the Foster Area Business Association learned – what it takes to get a loan or line of credit, these days ….

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

It wasn’t gang activity that shut down East Burnside Street, just a block away from Ventura Park School. Could this tragic death been avoided? See what happened here …

Police say the residents of this small Hazelwood bungalow never gave them any problems — until a single shotgun blast ended the life of one of its residents.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
The house at 11750 E. Burnside was the perfect bachelor dwelling for the two 18-year-olds who lived there. Now, it sits empty – one young man is dead; the other is in jail charged with his death.

Officials say turned deadly for the pair of teenagers, said to be long-time friends, a little after 2:30 p.m. on April 28. Neighbors heard a gunshot ring out and saw one of the roommates, Andrew Gabriel Perez, run out the door, shouting that someone had been shot.

“Portland Police Officers responded a call about a shooting that had just occurred,” stated Portland Police Bureau spokesperson Detective Wheat. “When officers arrived, they found 18-year-old Chance Domingo Caron deceased inside the residence.”

Portland Police Bureau homicide detectives confer outside of the home where one roommate apparently accidentally shot the other.

Detectives executed a search warrant for the residence, Wheat continued, and found the gun they believed was used in this incident. “The cause of death appears to be one gunshot wound.”

While neighbors reported there been troubles at the house next door to where the shooting occurred, Wheat said, there had been no problems at that residence itself. “It wasn’t gang-related; investigators believe that Perez accidentally shot Caron,” explained Wheat at the scene.

Police charge this man, Andrew Gabriel Perez, with accidentally shooting his friend and roommate – thinking his shotgun was unloaded.

Northbound E. Burnside Street was blocked off at SE 117th Avenue, while homicide detectives conducted their investigation.

According to police and court records, Perez was handling his shotgun, inserting and ejecting shells. Apparently, not all of the shells were ejected when Perez triggered the weapon; the blast struck Caron in the head, killing him.

“Andrew Perez was charged with one count of Criminal Negligent Homicide and was lodged at the Multnomah County Detention Center,” Wheat added. Perez was arraigned on Manslaughter in the Second Degree, we learned, and will be back in court on May 7.

Behind the scenes: Ever wonder how the TV stations are able to “go live to the scene”? They use mobile production trucks; their tall masts beam the TV picture to the station.

© 2009 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

How was it that the Shakespearean play, The Tempest, was chosen for a springtime high school theatrical offering? Read this, and see why you should plan to attend this romantic and light-hearted show, starting on May 7 …

Find out why outer East Portland musicians – ranging from teenagers to those in their 90s – got together, for this first-time-ever musical event …

Kiwanians Carol and Jewell Bailey welcome guests to “An Evening of Music”, benefiting Kiwanis charities, at David Douglas High School.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
With charitable giving on the decline, members of Peninsula Kiwanis in North Portland started of looking for new ways to raise money for the causes they support.

“A young man in our club, Harold Stoffer, a retired professor out of the University of Portland, came up with idea of a concert, and organized the event,” explained greeter Jewell Bailey, a Kiwanian for 47 years, at the April 5 program.

“Did I mention that Stoffer is 95 years old?” Bailey added. “He’s still playing clarinet in the East County Community Orchestra. It is his project, and we’re here to make it work.”

“The two charities receiving funds are the Dornbecher Children’s Cancer Program and the Kiwanis Camp for Disabled Children and Adults,” Carol Bailey told us, as we spoke in the lobby of the David Douglas High School Howard Horner Performing Arts Center.

Event organizer Harold Stoffer prepares to play his clarinet with the East County Community Orchestra, at the charity concert.

As the orchestra lined up for its entrance, we spoke with Harold Stauffer, and asked what inspired him to create this fundraising event. “A concert by the orchestra and the concert choir just seemed like the logical thing to do.”

Before the evening program began, video presentations illustrated the good being done for the community by the Dornbecher Children’s Cancer Program and the Kiwanis Camp for Disabled Children and Adults. Audience members were encouraged to generously contribute.

Jack Mahoney conducts the East County Community Orchestra.

Two concerts in one
During the first half of the program, presented by the East County Community Orchestra, the audience of about 300 people was first treated to a splendid rendition of The Star Spangled Banner. Moving on to the classics, Richard Wagner’s Suite from Tannhauser was next. Then, moving from the past to the distant future, the orchestra performed the Theme from “Star Trek Generations“.

The East County Community Orchestra plays tunes both old and new, composed both near and far.

An Irish Tune from County Derry and Shepherd’s Hey and Florentiner Grande Marche Italiana completed their warmly-received program.

After a brief intermission, the David Douglas High School Concert Choir took their turn on the stage.

The choral program began with Hark I Hear the Harps Eternal, under the baton of conductor Christopher D. Silva, accompanied by Marcia Thomas. They continued with If Music Be the Food of Love.

The David Douglas High School Concert Choir sounded as professional as they looked, as they sang in this benefit concert.

Next, they offered Veniki, a song that Silva told the audience is a Russian tongue-twister, the text of which is nearly meaningless: “Brooms, brooms, yes broom-sweepers, yes on the hearth laid about, you from the hearth were torn off …” The presentation was upbeat, rhythmical and fun.

A classical offering composed by Robert Schumann, Zigeunerleben, is a romantic tale of a Gypsy’s life told to music; it featured the quartet of Amanda Pred, Leigh Callahan, Keith Stokoe, and Corey Taylor-Cedarleaf. They ended their program with Ride On, King Jesus.

Christopher D. Silva conducts the choir through the tongue-twisting Russian song, Veniki.

At the conclusion of the event, Bailey said they’d raised about $1,000 from the concert. “Can you tell your readers about the 13th Annual Kiwanis Dornbecher Golf Tournament on July 17 at Gresham Golf Course? It’s a shotgun start at 10 am.”

Of course we can, Mr. Bailey! And, you can find out more, or register online for the golf outing, by visiting their website: www.kdccp.org/golf.

© 2009 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

Find out why it’s important that we take this opportunity to recognize these diligent public safety workers as they toil, locked away in their Lents Neighborhood headquarters …

The 2009 Bureau of Emergency Communications awards banquet provides an upbeat, social evening for 9-1-1 Center team members.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Every hour of every day, Bureau of Emergency Communications (BOEC) team members are on the job, at a bunker-like building in the Lents neighborhood, just east of the I-205 freeway.

These employees of the “9-1-1 Call Center” take incoming emergency calls; they dispatch police, fire, and medical responders all over the City of Portland.

But, these serious-minded people (at least, the ones who aren’t at that time on duty) get together each year to celebrate their successes and honor outstanding coworkers.

“Thanks for coming to our Sixteenth Annual Employee Awards Banquet,” welcomed BOEC’s director, Lisa Turley, on April 13 at the Gray Gables Estate in Milwaukie. “I think everyone who works here has an attitude of public service; they’re really interested in helping the public. All of us have a ‘call to serve’ the public. It’s a challenging job. I firmly believe none us would stick around, if we didn’t believe in the value of the work we do.”

Turley added that, at this event, the 140 people who work behind the scenes at BOEC – in fact, who are typically never seen on the job – are publicly recognized for the service they perform.

Rebekah Conklin, BOEC’s Telecommunicator of the Year, receives her award from Lisa Turley, Director of Bureau of Emergency Communications.

Telecommunicator of the Year
This year, her peers chose seven-year BOEC veteran Rebekah Conklin, an emergency communications lead operator, as the Telecommunicator of the Year.

“I take calls and dispatch,” Conklin said of her work. “I also am a trainer, helping new team members learn the various positions in BOEC.”

Conklin said she originally considered a career in law enforcement. “I heard that the BOEC was tiring, and thought that might be a nice ‘foot in the door’. Once I started, I realized I didn’t want to be a police officer, I wanted to be a dispatcher.”

Learning how to run the emergency communications equipment is challenging, but Conklin said the most important thing that she helps new team members to learn is how to psychologically adjust to the work.

“The most important thing is to ‘let the calls go’ when you go home. I tell them to be professional and caring with the callers – but, at the end of the day, don’t let the calls affect your personal life.”

Conklin said she was flattered to be selected for the honor. “It’s really nice to earn the respect of your peers and to be recognized.”

Looking back, Conklin said, she still think BOEC was a great career choice for her. “If you’re okay with shiftwork; if you like working with a team – and the people we work with are outstanding – this is a great career, with good job security and benefits.”

Portland City Commissioner Amanda Fritz is flanked by BOEC Supervisor of the Year Murrell Morley and Outstanding Team Member of the year, Britt Kramer.

A self-funded event
Portland City Commissioner Amanda Fritz, who oversees BOEC, noted that the event is totally self-funded. “Everyone pays for their own ticket; sponsors donate the prizes.”

Fritz said that she’s learned a great deal since BOEC was assigned to her portfolio of agencies “The people here are fantastic. They take care of people on the worst day of their lives, and make sure that they’re getting the services they need. Their work involves matters of life and death; they are willing to do a very difficult job day in and day out.”

With Commissioner Fritz were two additional award-winners, the 2009 Supervisor of the Year, Murrell Morley, and Outstanding Team Member of the year, Britt Kramer.

“I’m dedicated to my employees,” said Morley, a 10-year veteran of BOEC. “I just go to work and do my job as well as I can every day.”

And Kramer said that, although she’s been with the agency for only about a year, she was pleased that her work in timekeeping and payroll has been noticed and appreciated.

Representing Portland Fire & Rescue, bureau spokesman Lt. Allen Oswalt, chief of operations Mark Schmidt, and Chief John Klum are ready to celebrate the work done by the team members at the 9-1-1 Call Center.

Find out more
If you think you’d be a good emergency telecommunicator, find out more about what’s required by visiting their page on the City of Portland website: CLICK HERE.

© 2009 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

Actually, it was more like a major remodel! If you were one of the folks who were surprised to find Midland Library closed, a couple of weeks ago – take a peek at what was going on inside …

Midland Library manager Javier Gutierrez shows us around during the week-long cleaning and remodeling project in April.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
One of the most-used public buildings in outer East Portland is, without a doubt, Multnomah County’s Midland Library.

“This library building has been open for 12 years now,” manager Javier Gutierrez told us, as we walked into the great room on April 13. “This is the first time we’ve been closed for maintenance. We’re one of the busiest libraries in the county, so it does get a lot of wear and tear.”

This is an unusual sight: Midland Library devoid of books, and without patrons.

The wall-to-wall carpeting in the public areas, about 26,000 sq. ft. of it, was starting to wear out, especially around the desks and walking areas. Workers stripped it out and replaced it with large squares of carpet tiles.

“Being closed these days is a very big undertaking,” Gutierrez. “We wish we could have kept the library open, and done this in parts and pieces, but the amount of work to be done was simply too great.”

Contractor Fred Zittleman with H&F Enterprises talks with Multnomah County Project Manager Ned Nabeta about the remodeling project.

A ‘green’ remodel
We asked Penny Hummel, the library system’s communications manager to reveal some of the specifics that went into the spruce-up program.

She pointed out that, before the work could begin, computers had to be unhooked and stored, furniture moved, and everything covered with protective plastic – a major job in and of itself.

“The new carpet contains 45 to 48% recycled material; it’s a ‘Green Label Plus’ product,” Hummel began. “It’s very durable and stain-resistant, but if a carpet tile is damaged, it can be easily replaced. And, the old carpet was recycled by the installer. All of the adhesives that were used on this project were water-based, low-VOC products.”

In addition to the replacement of the flooring, county workers replaced lights that were out throughout the building, replaced feet on the chairs, replaced some of the wooden baseboarding by the restrooms, and refinished the edges of the tables.

In total, Hummel said, the effort was budgeted at $120,000.

Sonny Garcia quickly and carefully lays replaceable sections of carpet tile on the new library floor.

Workers stay on the job
During the peak of the remodeling, as many as 30 workers were in the building, racing to meet their goal of reopening on April 20.

“Our staff continued to work, even though the building was closed to the public,” Gutierrez told us. “We’ve been processing incoming books from the drops, sorting file cards, and getting ready to re-shelve items. We circulate over 60,000 items a month.”

As patrons started returning to Midland Library, after the week-long clean-up marathon, many of them looked surprised and pleased to see the clean, renewed building that was theirs again to use and enjoy.

© 2009 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News