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

In this story, you’ll learn the message this TV network, carried on cable and satellite TV, is delivering to students across the nation …

Inside their mobile production studio, C-SPAN marketing representative Jennifer Curran shows students some of the programs carried on the twin-channel network.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
The tour bus, turned into a mobile TV production studio for the C-SPAN TV network, looked impressive as it rolled into Parkrose High School’s west parking lot on April 7. It was the only Portland high school stop on its current west coast tour.

As groups of eight or nine students followed each other on board, they sat in comfort and learned more about C-SPAN programs from one of two marketing representatives.

Between sessions, Jennifer Curran told us, “C-SPAN is based in Washington, DC. This is a community outreach program. We’re teaching students media literacy skills and critical television viewing skills as well. Hopefully, students will become more aware of the programs available to them through C-SPAN.”

Promoting her network, Curran said the content of the twin channels is “commercial-free, unbiased, and unfiltered. It lets people see their government in action. We provide gavel-to-gavel coverage of the US House of Representatives and Senate.”

The networks are funded by cable and satellite networks, she added, and are offered to the community as a public service.

Stepping off the bus, Parkrose High student Matt Riley says he’s impressed with what he has learned.

After the formal introduction to the network, Curran pointed out the robotically-operated television cameras and production equipment on board. “Some of the programming during the last election cycle was done using this mobile production facility.”

“I thought was really awesome,” opined Parkrose High School senior Matt Riley. “It’s really a nice tool. I think I might stop for an extra second take a look at C-SPAN now.” Riley said he especially enjoyed watching the debate in England’s House of Commons.

© 2009 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

We’ve already added more events! We’re up to 89 listings so far — and add more as they come in during the month. Copy to a file – or print out – our Community Calendar and keep it handy! Or check back to sure you can enjoy great community events – and help your neighborhood.

Among these listings, you’ll find ways to get involved with your community, help the environment, participate in your government, learn valuable information – and have a lot of fun. Most activities are free!

Get your event seen by millions (actually about 66,000 readers per week) by sending your calendar information to David@eastPDXnews.com. Deadline? There isn’t a deadline! We update information during the month!

April 27
> Partners for a Safe & Livable Portland (PSLEP) – This group meets tonight from 6:30 until 8:30 pm at the East Portland Neighborhood Office, 1017 NE 117th Ave. Contact Arlene Kimura via e-mail at arlene.kimura@kraft.com for more information.

> Citywide Land Use Forum – This group meets from 7 pm until 9 pm downtown tonight at 1900 SW 4th Avenue, Room 2500B. For more information, contact Bonny McKnight at 503-253-6848 or bonnymck@comcast.net.

April 28
> Lents Neighborhood Association – Their general meeting starts at 7:00 PM at Lents Adventist Church Auditorium, 8835 SE Woodstock St. Contact their Chair, Damien Chakwin at damien@ilovelents.com or LNA Vice-Chair Wes Wolfe at weswolfe@uci.net for more information.

April 29
> East Portland Chamber of Commerce – “Good Morning East Portland” networking meeting is hosted by different chamber members each Wednesday morning from 7:30 to 9:00 a.m. Meetings are free and guests are welcome. Today’s host is Ken “Bear” Cole, Fishing With Bear at Warner Pacific College, 2219 SE 68th Avenue. For more information, see www.EastPortlandChamber.com or call (503) 788-8589.

> Lents Food Co-op – They’ll be planning for a public forum, from 6 until 8 pm at Pilgrim Lutheran Church basement, 4244 SE 91st Ave.

> Honey Bee Hikes at Leach Botanical Garden – This is a weekly event for preschoolers and parents to explore the garden and the creatures that live in it. Come any Wednesday, from 10 until 11am, through May 27. Cost is $2 per child. Contact Kate Sheridan at 503-823-1671 or ksheridan@leachgarden.org. Leach Botanical Garden is at 6704 SE 122nd Ave. – a long, winding block south of SE Foster Road.\

> Russell Neighborhood Association – Their meeting was postponed until tonight and it runs from 7 until 9 pm at Western States Chiropractic College, 2900 NE 132nd Ave. For more information, e-mail RNA Co-Chair Bonny McKnight writes, “This meeting is vitally important” — contact her at bonnymck@comcast.net.

> Pleasant Valley Neighborhood Association – General meeting starts at 7:00 p.m. at Pleasant Valley Grange Hall, 17115 SE Foster Road. For more information, contact PVNA Chair Linda Bauer at lbauerpvna@aol.com.

Look ahead at these events in May!

May 1
Last day to order DDHS Flower baskets – Don’t wait until today! The David Douglas High School Class of 2009 is offering beautiful hanging baskets for sale! All proceeds benefit the Class of 2009 DDHS Drug and Alcohol Free Graduation Party. To order, go to http://hs.ddouglas.k12.or.us and click on “Spring Flower Order Form” at the top of the page.  Print out the form and mail your order with payment to: DDHS All Night Party, c/o David Douglas High School, 1001 SE 135thAve., Portland, OR 97233. Note: Prepaid orders for baskets must be received at the High School Main Office by Friday, May 1. Pickup information is located on the order form

Eastmont Church Women United – They meet this morning at First Church of Christ, Scientist, 1525 W. Powell Blvd., Gresham. The meeting begins at 10:00; program follows at 11:00 a.m. – it’s their May Friendship Day Celebration. Following the program at noon, is POTLUCK lunch, with salads and desserts. There will be a “Least Coin Offering” taken, and donations are for Human Solutions. Women of all ages, faiths or denominations, are invited and welcome to join them.

May 2
Parkrose Farmer’s Market — Today is their season’s GRAND OPENING! Come by from 8:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. and check out what’s new in the marketplace. It’s located in the Parkrose High School west parking lot on NE Shaver St., a block west of NE 122nd Avenue. While you’re there …

> Huge Parkrose Schools Rummage Sale – Come to their “Super-Fabulous” Rummage Sale, a fundraiser for Parkrose Middle School from 9:00 am until 3:00 pm. By the way, they’re accepting donations of “Gently Used” clothing, household items & small furniture. Drop off your items at the Middle School on Friday, May 1, from 1:30 pm until 5:30pm. Where’s Parkrose Middle School? It’s at 11800 NE Shaver St.; a block west of NE 122nd Avenue. For questions or more information, call Erica at (503) 408-2645.

> Trough Making Class at Leach Gardens – Come and make your own custom hypertufa planter. This class runs from 1 pm. until 3 pm today. Bring a box or rigid container (roughly the size of a dishpan) and rubber gloves. Dress for the weather; this class is taught outdoors. The cost is $20.00 or $17.00 for Garden Friends members. It’s at the Leach Botanical Garden Annex workshop area; 6704 SE 122nd Ave. – a long, winding block south of SE Foster Road. To register or for more information, contact Kate Sheridan at 503-823-1671 or ksheridan@leachgarden.org.

> Metro Dancers present Coppelia – The producers say this interpretation of Coppelia combines both great dancing but also great theatre. Coppelia is the comedic story of an eccentric inventor, the animated doll he creates and the havoc they cause in their small village. Music, costumes, sets and the dancers’ skill combine to make this a performance event you will not want to miss. There are two performances today, at 2 pm and 7 pm. Pre-Sale tickets are $10/Children & $15/high school students and adults; at the door: $12/Children & $18/HS & Adult. It’s at Portland Metro Performing Arts Center, 9933 SE Pine Street, in the Gateway area. For tickets or more information call (503) 408-0604; email at info@PDXMetroArts.org or www.PDXMetroArts.org.

May 5
> Inner SE Portland Combined Open Houses – Come by between 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and get updated on two timely, transportation topics: the Bicycle Master Plan Update project and the Portland Streetcar System Plan. Tonight’s open house is at Franklin High School Cafeteria (5405 SE Woodward St.). For more information, contact Ellen Vanderslice, project manager for the Bicycle Master Plan Update, at (503) 823-4638 or email ellen.vanderslice@pdxtrans.org.

May 6
> East Portland Chamber of Commerce – “Good Morning East Portland” networking meeting is hosted by different chamber members each Wednesday morning from 7:30 to 9:00 a.m. Meetings are free and guests are welcome. Today’s host is Kevin “Not your ordinary beancounter” Mincoff, CPA, LLC at their offices, high atop (Suite 250) the Gateway Washington Mutual branch building at 1515 NE 112th Avenue. For more information, see www.EastPortlandChamber.com or call (503) 788-8589.

> OUTER East Portland Combined Open Houses – Come by between 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and get updated on two timely, transportation topics: the Bicycle Master Plan Update project and the Portland Streetcar System Plan. Tonight’s open house is at David Douglas High School North Cafeteria, at 1500 SE 130th Ave. For more information, contact Ellen Vanderslice, project manager for the Bicycle Master Plan Update, at (503) 823-4638 or email ellen.vanderslice@pdxtrans.org.

May 7 – 8 – 9
> Shakespeare’s The Tempest at Parkrose High – The spring offering of Theater Department and Parkrose Thespian Troupe #1783 is this early play by William Shakespeare. The TV series “LOST” has nothing on this show! See how a banished sorcerer uses his magical powers to punish and forgive his enemies when he raises a tempest that drives them ashore. This work has been called both a comedy and a romance story. It runs tonight and tomorrow at 7:00 p.m.; and there’s a matinee on May 9 at 2:00 p.m. The show also runs May 14,15 and 16; the curtain rises at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are just $8 Adults and $5 those under age 18 or over 65. All shows are in the beautiful Parkrose High School Theater, 12003 NE Shaver St., just west of NE 122^nd Avenue.

May 8
> Family Friendly Friday concerts – This series of concerts, designed for the entire family to enjoy together, continues. These short musical programs, by popular local musicians, are designed for the entire family to enjoy music together once a month. Tonight’s program runs from 7:00 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. It features The OREGON RENAISSANCE BAND, directed by CMC faculty members Philip Neuman & Gayle Neuman, an 8 to 12 member ensemble dedicated to performing and recording music of the Renaissance, playing on faithful reproductions of historical instruments. Admission: $5 individuals/$15 families at the door only. A tip: Come early! These shows sell out quickly! CMC is located at 3350 SE Francis Street. For more information, visit www.portlandparks.org or the CMC website at www.CommunityMusicCenter.org, or call the Center at (503) 823-3177.

May 16
> Leach Garden Children’s Nature Faire – From 10:00 am until 3:00 pm today, bring your family to Leach for the day to explore the garden, meet local environmental groups and celebrate spring with hands-on activities and crafts! Suggested donation is $2 per child. Leach Botanical Garden is at 6704 SE 122nd Ave. – a long, winding block south of SE Foster Road. For more information, contact Kate Sheridan at 503-823-1671 or ksheridan@leachgarden.org.

> Rain Gardens 101 – Rain gardens are a great way to add beautiful landscaping to your yard and protect overloaded urban sewers and streams at the same time. Join us at this free workshop to learn how to build a rain garden on your property to keep our streams clean and healthy! It runs from 9 am until 1 pm at Portland Nursery, 9000 SE Division St. Advanced registration is required – AND SPOTS FILL FAST! Do NOT delay: register online at www.emswcd.org/workshops-events. For more information, call: (503) 935-5368.

Find out why these two rank-and-file members of their respective bureaus were selected to win the prestigious “Russ Lemmon” Award …