East PDX News

Three-inch snowfall shuts down outer East Portland

While weather forecasters hem-and-haw, the ‘surprise’ snow storm closes schools and businesses, but not most East Portland streets …¶

Mom, Gail, and big brother Neal help little sister Jill Budde experience her first big snowstorm by trekking through their white-blanketed neighborhood in SE Portland.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Last week’s promise of a big winter storm fizzled out. But this week’s winter weather came as a surprise to many ‚including city and county road officials.

It’s easy to blame the TV weather folks for missing our “blizzard”. But, NOAA’s National Weather Service January 15 “weather discussion” was indecisive. They guessed there wouldn’t be much snow ‚Äì but pointed out that their computer-simulated models indicated we should prepare for a white winter event.

Looking south from the offices of East Portland News Service, seeing the clean blanket of snow made us want to sip hot cocoa by the fireplace. Instead, intrepidly, we bundled up, headed out, and covered the winter storm.

All of our area’s school districts (except for Reynolds High) cancelled classes; many businesses didn’t open or closed early, and essential transportation and safety providers scrambled to chain-up the tires on their vehicles.

Outer East Portland landmarks, like 111th Square, were blanketed by the snow that came, to many, as a surprise.

As the snow fell throughout the morning of January 16, there was an amazing amount of traffic braving the snowstorm.

Slickness and snow slows traffic
Carefully motoring out SE Powell Blvd., we saw Tri-Met busses, creeping along at 20 MPH ‚Äì without tire chains in place. When the busses stopped at SE 92nd Ave. to pick up passengers, starting up again, their rear tires whined as they slipped on snow–now packed into ice.

Car and SUV drivers illustrated various levels of skill as they slipped, slid, and skidded along the flat terrain of outer East Portland.

The driver of this Bronco, bustin’ into the Castellano Custom Furniture on NE Halsey at 107th Ave., had more confidence in his 4-wheeler than skill, cops said at the scene.

Much of the highway havoc on our streets, according to the observation of Portland East Precinct officers, was due overconfident pilots of 4-wheel- drive vehicles.

“Just because people own 4-wheel-drive vehicles makes them think they’re invincible,” an officer quipped as she looked at a vehicle that had plowed into the front of a retail business in the Gateway district.

Out in the neighborhood, enjoying the “snow day”, are Glenn Parris, Una Kim and sledders Lana and Yena with Tickles the Snow Dog.

By early afternoon, the steady fall of large, fluffy snowflakes diminished, but the winter storm had produced enough snow to make yards, parks and streets winter playgrounds.

Kids of all ages used anything on which they could slide to take advantage of gravity, on even the slightest inclines. While others engaged in foolhardy behavior ‚Äì like snowboarding behind a tire-chained pickup truck ‚Äì few injuries were reported in outer East Portland.

Traffic kept moving ‚Äì albeit slowly ‚Äì along I-205 throughout the day, as de-icing and sand truck crews worked diligently to keep the freeway and ramps open. But, slick ramps at the west end of I-84 caused a traffic jam that extended to Gateway.

Sub-freezing temperatures kept the snow around on the ground days longer than expected. Many schools stayed closed as a precaution, and most all banquets, neighborhood functions, and government events were cancelled.

However, as the daytime temperatures continue to creep back into our normal 45-degree range, the only reminders of The Winter Storm of ’07 will soon be the sand on the streets ‚Äì and longer-than-usual lines at the auto-body repair shops.

Workshop teaches teens acting tips

See young people as they take this unique class, and learn the thespian’s secrets from professional actors.

John Armor and Cecily Overman lead the class “Acting Workshop for Teens”. Here, Cecily is demonstrating an emotion.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
While many parents would like their teenagers to learn how to “act better”; a class at Midland Library showed kids how to become better actors.

“Our two-hour class is more than a teaching session,” explained John Armor of the group Actors-to-Go, part of Portland’s Artists Repertory Theater. “First, we teach a concept, and then we demonstrate the concept to illustrate the point. Finally, the teens act out a scene, to demonstrate what they learned.”

As part of the class, teen actors Paula Urban and Jeremy Schmidt improvise a scene. The exercise is to demonstrate who their characters are, by acting — instead of merely telling the audience of their characters’ intent.

Whether or not these kids become great actors isn’t important, Armor told us. “Learning some improvisation and role-playing techniques helps young people learn how to project confidence, build creativity and find their inner voice.”

Students talk about the scene they just watched, and try to describe unspoken messages acted out by Urban and Schmidt.

The framework for the class was based on the acronym “CROW” defining

Character, describing Relationships, moving toward an Objective and giving a sense of Where (location).

There’s a lot more than books, at your Midland Library. Check our Community Calendar and see what you can learn this month!

Woodstock church gives clothing … and hope

Read this, and learn why an East Portland church finds it more satisfying to help people in need, instead of just preaching at them.

Tremont Evangelical Church members Vivian O’Day, Pam DuClos, Pastor Ed Kelly, and Margie Bean prepare the clothing they give to the needy each month.

Story and photo by David F. Ashton
Many long-established congregations have moved out of inner East Portland, following their parishioners’ flight to the suburbs.

“Before we built our current ‘new’ church 30 years ago,” senior pastor Ed Kelly says, “our congregation decided we’d stay here in Woodstock instead of moving. Even though many of our members have moved away, they’ve stayed attached to our church.”

In addition to ministering to the needs of their members, Kelly says their goal is to be community minded. “We are a faith-based community partner with Rose Development, schools, and anyone would like to work with us.”

Sharing their surplus
We visited the church in February to see the kickoff of their free clothing distribution program.

“We’re using our resources to help our community,” explains program director Pam DuClos. “There are a lot of people in need; and we have a lot of surplus. We want to connect our bounty with the needs of the community.”

Top quality clothing
DuClos said their volunteers examine every item of clothing to make sure it isn’t ripped or soiled ‚Äì and that it is usable.

The variety we see laid out of the tables in the church’s recreation area is astonishing. “We have sizes fitting newborns to adults for both men and women.”

Kelly explains their charity program, saying, “We provide free clothing to anyone who needs it. With no questions asked, we’ll help you, and you can go. You aren’t going to be preached at.”

Eventually, church plans to increase their “food closet” program as well. “We already have a ‘Helping Hands’ program that is done by request. Our committee delivers food to those who need it,” Kelly says

Open second Saturdays
The free clothing program will be open again on March 10, and will continue to operate on the second Saturday of every month between 10 am to noon. For more information, see www.tremontchurch.org, or call (503) 774-6689.

Traffic-jamming crowds fail to materialize at IKEA opening

The vehicular pandemonium for which cops and NE Portland businesses braced just didn’t materialize. But, store executives still say they’re pleased with their opening-day crowd‚

Gresham residents Laurel and William Herrada camp out at the new Ikea store hoping to win a new chair, and the some of the first to shop new retailer.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Because of the limited access, and the perceived popularity of the home furnishing store, 40 police officers were standing by to unsnarl a traffic jam that didn’t materialize when the IKEA store opened on July 25.

The evening before the grand opening, we visited the store, and talked with some of the approximately 80 people ‚Äì who had come from as far as McMinnville‚ camped out, awaiting the store’s opening the following day.

Son urges campout
Gresham resident Laurel Herrada, said her boy had the idea for them to be one of the first in line. “My son, William, saw this new store was opening, and got all excited about coming here. He brought the tent up from the basement. I thought to myself, ‘Let’s give it a shot’, and we drove out here today.”

Their timeliness paid off: Store officials handed official “first-in-line” slips; the Herrada family held Number 11.

“Bookcases are something we need,” Herrada told us. “I’m looking for storage containers and stuff for decorating the kids’ rooms.”

Todd Barney of McMinnville passes time talking with a SE Portland resident, Jack Allen from Ladd’s Addition, as they wait in line for the store to open.

Sidewalk couch surfing
“I didn’t come from as far as some of these people did,” commented Portland resident Jack Allen, indicating the campers around his spot. “I live in Ladd’s Addition. I have a few days off. I figured I can come lie on a couch here as well as I can at home. I’ve always been curious about IKEA. And, I’m Swedish!”

Allen said, in addition to the chance to win prizes, he was shopping for bookcases and a new bed.

Daniel Silva, Connie Linthicum, Amanda Calvert, Quintin Dow, Shonda Dow (from Beaverton) and Aaron Calvert (in front) await the store’s opening at their “camping site”.

McMinnville campers
Connie Linthicum and several friends had their spot staked out just north of the store’s main entrance. “We came here from McMinnville, but I talked some of my friends from Beaverton into coming with us. They’d never heard of IKEA.”

Linthicum said she was a “huge fan” of the retailer because “You can decorate your whole house for low cost. They have stuff that nobody else has. And, I enjoy the whole shopping experience. I used to drive up to Renton [Washington] to go shopping!”

Fans flock to store for “love”, not prizes
One might think those who were “camping out” might have been intent on winning some giant prize ‚Äì but they weren’t. The store gave away 100 gift cards, ranging in value from $10 to $250; armchairs and “I Love IKEA” cushions. Any and all visitors through July 29 are eligible to win a $1,000 gift card.

“It’s nice to win something, but I came because I’m just nuts about IKEA,” Linthicum said.

Joseph Roth, US director of public affairs for the retailer, told us that three main concepts make their stores distinctive. “We have a unique product offering; all of our products are expressly designed for IKEA. The shopping experience is unique; our stores feature a restaurant and play area. And, the fact that our stores are in limited locations makes IKEA different and special.”

This knock-down furniture and home furnishings store’s restaurant isn’t a lunch counter ‚Äì it is a 250-seat restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. They also sell packaged, prepared food items.

Wins $10, and a free shower
We talked with Linthicum after she’d returned to McMinnville‚ she was still ecstatic about her NE Portland adventure, even though she says their party got an unscheduled early-morning shower.

“About 2:00 am, the sprinklers came on,” Linthicum related. “We got wet. But, people from the store came out and gave us new towels to dry off with and blankets.”

After the store’s opening ceremony that included speeches, log-sawing, and raising the American flag, the doors were opened.

“People were cheering us on,” said Linthicum. “We got a gift card for $10, our chair and a heart pillow.”

The devotee said she didn’t leave empty-handed. “I bought a mirror, table, bedding, dishes and big coffee mugs,” Linthicum recounted.

Not even the fire-department response to a report of someone trapped in an elevator at the new store, shortly before 6 pm of its first day, seemed to diminish the excitement.

This photo, taken on the store’s opening day from the EastPDXNews ‘copter (OK, actually, Rocky Butte), shows traffic moving smoothly along Interstate 205 and NE Airport Way ‚Äì and the IKEA store’s parking lot nearly full.

Calls it a successful store opening
“Things are still going well,” Roth told us about an hour before the store closed after its first day. “Our main parking lot is still quite full; we’ve had a steady stream of customers visiting us all day.”

Asked how many visitors they counted, Roth stated, “We don’t release those figures. But I can say I’m thrilled with the reception we have here in Portland.”

Apparently, a lot of home furnishing shoppers share the sentiment.

‘High Tea’ supports Leach Garden activities; Master Plan revealed

Look in on Portland’s only public botanical garden’s high-brow fundraiser, and learn what the city plans for this outer East Portland natural wonderland‚

Enjoying their first course at the Leach Botanical Garden’s High Tea are Marki James and Jana Wahl.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Volunteers at Leach Botanical Garden aren’t sure exactly when the summertime tradition of holding a High Tea began.

But volunteer event coordinator, Sandy Dixon, says the original Friends of Leach Gardens started it as fundraiser. “It started small. The husbands were the dishwashers. Now, it’s one of our biggest events.”

Preparing the courses to be served at the Leach Gardens’ High Tea are Wanda Cogswell, Karen Young, Sylvia Foss, Ingrid Wehrle, and Heather Welch.

Dixon, says she and her friend, Wanda Cogswell, love holding the teas. “[Leach] is a beautiful, lovely garden spot, just right for a tea. It is a good public relations event; it brings more people into the garden.”

Each table has unique settings; all the English China and linens have been donated to the group, Dixon explains.

Volunteers Bette Strietmatter, Fae Lowe, Sharon Goodwill, Marg Lyseng, and Dorothy Sahr stand ready to serve the next course at the tea.

The dainty meal consists of three courses, starting with scones served with Devonshire creme and jams. Second course is a plate with five petite sandwiches‚ including the traditional cucumber sandwich. The third course is the dessert plate.

“Many times we have families join us‚ it’s always delightful to welcome three or four generations for a seating at our Tea,” Dixon tells us. Between the two seatings on July 12, the volunteers served about 320 guests and raised about $8,000.

Leach ‘Master Plan’ revealed

Karen Young, executive director of Leach Botanical Garden and Portland Parks & Recreation planner Dave Yamashita discuss the new Master Plan being developed for the garden.

A 20-year vision for Leach Botanical Garden, Portland’s only public botanical garden is being laid out; the “Master Plan” prepared by Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R) for the 16 acre park was unveiled on July 21.

“This plan offers exciting ideas for the park; what it needs to thrive; and how it can better benefit the residents of the city,” PP&R planner Dave Yamashita tells us.

This hand-drawn plot indicating improvements to Leach Botanical Garden is part of the 20-year Master Plan being developed for the park.

“A major idea is to improve the educational potential of Garden, through additions to the collection,” continues Yamashita. “Another idea is creating a children’s garden.”

Other additions being considered include a “gardening lab” where people can learn how to better garden at home. “They’ll be able to see the actual plants they can use. And, they’ll learn how to develop sustainable gardens, and plants that express the environmental sustainability desired by Portlanders,” explains Yamashita.

Funding questions remain
Asked about funding, Yamashita comments, “That needs to be worked out. Clearly, funding will need to come from a variety of sources‚ grants, donations and foundation. We’re also exploring the idea of initiating an admission fee at some point, to help develop a broader funding base.”

Scotty Fairchild, Garden Steward at Leach, looks at a feature on a detailed drawing. “I’m exited. In our stewardship over the property, we’ve only done minimal maintenance. This will give us a blueprint for expanding collections, exploring educational possibilities, and providing more reasons why people want to come to the garden,” he says.

A ‘business plan’ for the garden
We’ve done fairly well being volunteer-driven for 25 years,” observes Karen Young, executive director of Leach Botanical Garden. “But, it is time to make plans. We’ve never really had a business plan; the City is helping us make one.”

One of Young’s goals is to create more public awareness about the garden, “especially right here in our area. Many people here [in outer East Portland] don’t know we exist. Often times, East Portland is considered not to have attractions‚ nice places to take visitors and friends. This is one of those places of which we can be proud.”

For more information, see www.leachgarden.org, or call (503) 823-9503.

REACH volunteers help out a less able Lents volunteer

Although this Lents resident helps the less fortunate every day, learn why he’s says he’s glad to accept a helping hand from REACH Volunteers …

Project REACH team leader Kathye Partridge helps to haul yard debris for Lents homeowner Ron Knox – himself, a volunteer.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Every day, Lents resident Ron Knox volunteers at the St. Vincent DePaul food pantry. “I love to volunteer, and help my community,” says Knox.

But, today, Knox is getting some help of his own from volunteers at REACH Community Development on their summer clean-up day.

“My hedge had grown so tall, I was afraid I’d have to put lights on it so airplanes don’t hit it,” Knox jokes. “When my yard gets out of hand, it means so much to me that REACH helps come and get back in control. It shows how much people help each other.”

Volunteers from Starbucks #15, at SE Milwaukie Avenue & Bybee Boulevard, including barista Juanita Kolbe and her daughter Zoe, lend a helping hand by trimming bushes during the August 4 area-wide event.

Will work for food
“We all volunteer because we feel it is important to help members of community,” says team leader for Project REACH, Kathye Partridge.

“All the people working here on Mr. Knox’ yard are volunteers,” Partridge tells us. “We feed them and give them beverages. We’re better able than some of the folks we’re helping clean up their houses and yards.”

Volunteer Mike Thomas works up a sweat hauling branches – a lot of branches!

Not only does the work help the homeowner, Partridge says their efforts also improve the look of the street, neighborhood, and community.

“I’m so thankful for Project REACH,” praises Knox. “Their help lets me help in my home. It allows me to be independent.”

Internationally-known Russian musical group plays at Midland Library … again!

While songs by Trio Voronezh haven’t made it to the pop music charts here, see why these professional musicians received ovation after ovation at their outer East Portland appearance. If you missed them – you’ve got another chance to see them, FOR FREE, on October 20 …

Playing their traditional instruments, the members of Trio Voronezh create lively arrangements of “world music”, including classical compositions and folk tunes.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Two kinds of audience members filled in nearly every seat in the large community room at Midland Library a few weeks ago: fans of Trio Voronezh and curious music lovers.

Before the three musicians picked up their instruments – a domra, a double base balalaika, and a bayan – they spoke with us about themselves and their music.

“We play ‘world music’,” Valerie Petrukhian told us. “We play classical and Russian folk music. We play because this music is our life, our soul. I hope you enjoy it.”

Petrukhian said the group took the name of town where they met, Voronezh. “It’s about 300 miles south of Moscow.”

‘World music’ played by global travelers
We learned Trio Voronezh started their career 1993 playing in small concert halls in Germany, France, and the Netherlands.

They made their U.S. debut three years later at the Oregon Bach Festival. They’ve played to a national audience on National Public Radio’s “A Prairie Home Companion”. Now, this talented trio plays as featured artists with orchestras across the United States.

Vladimir Volokhin passionately plays his domra.

The artists; their instruments
Vladimir Volokhin plays the domra, a three-stringed, long-necked mandolin used as a solo instrument in Russia since the sixteenth century. Having played since the age of six, Volokhin was the 1986 Russian National Champion of the “All Russia Domra Competition”.

Valerie Petrukhin plays his double-bass balalaika like a guitar, but it sounds like a plucked string bass.

Playing a large, triangular three-stringed instrument – he referred to it as the “Russian national instrument” – is Valerie Petrukhin on the double-bass balalaika. He started playing the accordion at age six, and the balalaika when he was nineteen. He also has studied the piano and trombone.

Playing his bajan with his fingers, arm – and chin – is Sergei Teleshev.

The third member is Sergei Teleshev. On his lap is his bajan, a chromatic-button accordion with various registers. Unlike Western-style accordions, Delechev changes registers by depressing levers on the bajan with his chin. He, too started his musical education when six years old.

Standing room only
Before he introduced the group to the awaiting crowd, Multnomah County Library program specialist Sergei Kozlov told us, “There are a lot of Slavic people here. We invited these special guests for them. I think you’ll like it.”

The room was about three-quarters filled as Trio Voronezh began their performance.

The spirited sounds of these expert musicians emanated from the room enchanting library patrons – previously unaware of the concert – like a tune played by the pied piper. By the end of their third song, every seat was filled; there was standing room only.

The daughter and wife of the domra virtuoso, Aloyoln and Oksana Volokhin, proudly show (and sell) one of the group’s CD albums.

See them October 20
See and hear Trio Voronezh when they return to Midland Library from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 20. Come early – this show will “sell out”!

You’ll enjoy classical, Russian, European and American music. This program is made possible through the support of The Library Foundation. Space at programs is limited. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Midland Library is located at 805 S.E. 122nd Ave., call (503) 988-5392 for more information.

And, if you miss this concert – one of the many free activities at your Midland Library – you can learn more about the group, or obtain one of their CD albums by visiting www.triovoronezh.com.

Plastics recyclers gather refuse, and gather new friends

If you haven’t participated in a “Plastics Round-up”, see why this volunteer activity is important for the environment – and also a great place to meet environmentally-concerned folks …

Bag man” and Sellwood resident Bill Steimer helps out the Plastics Round-up at Floyd Light Middle School in Hazelwood.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Several times a year, Portland Master Recyclers hold “Plastics Round-ups” throughout the community.

At the Round-up at Floyd Light Middle School in Hazelwood, we were surprised and pleased to meet Bill Steimer, a Sellwood resident, helping out this outer East Portland event a couple of weeks ago.

“We moved to Portland a two of years ago,” Steimer says as we introduce ourselves. “These recycling events are a good way to meet a lot of nice people while we help the environment.”

Steimer tells us he grew up in the Midwest, and spent 30 years as an attorney in Charlotte, NC.

“We rented a house, our first year, to make sure we could spend a winter here, and found we could,” comments Steimer has he hauls another full bag of plastics to the pick-up point. “We bought a house in Sellwood; it’s a great community. Portland is so far ahead of the rest of the country when it comes to recycling. It is really fun to be a part of it.”

Master Recyclers, and Plastics Round-up coordinators Vanessa Herald and Dion Glisan help Harlan and Keigh Thomajan from Mt. Tabor.

Keeps plastics out of the dumps
We check in with the event co-coordinators, Portland Master Recyclers volunteers Vanessa Herald and Dion Glisan.

“We do this because we don’t want people to throw away plastics,” explains Herald. “For the most part, plastics are recyclable. At most locations, folks can only recycle bottles with necks on them. But here, we collect plastics labeled #1 through #7, and plastic bags. We also recycle large plastic items like laundry baskets and old play equipment.”

The Plastics Round-up is a good way to reduce waste in the landfills, Glison adds. “Our landfills are filling up, and plastics don’t break down – even after hundreds of years. It’s great to give plastic items a second life as a new product.”

Don’t miss out on the fun! Go to www.masterrecycler.org to learn more about this great group of environmental-conscious volunteers.

PDX Teen Idols wind up their tour in SE Portland

Ending where they started, see where performers on the PDX Teen Idol tour closed out the season – and what’s next for this competition …

Portland’s 2007 Teen Idol, Jordan Thompson, takes the stage one last time at Oaks Park.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
It seemed fitting that the PDX Teen Idol Tour came to an end in the area of Portland that hosted the semi-finals and final competition – Southeast Portland.

After being narrowed to a field of ten singers, Jordan Thompson was named PDX Teen Idol this spring at Reed College. But that event didn’t mark the last performances of this talented group of young musicians.

“PDX Teen Idol finalists have been on tour this summer,” explains Portland Parks & Recreation SE Zone Manager Jeff Milkes. “They’ve done 15 shows at venues including ‘Movies in the Park’ and the Oregon State Fair.”

Jordan Thompson, with competition organizers Tami Milkes, son Maleia, and Jeff Milkes – and finalists Meagan Hope, Samantha Hooper, Calli-rae Erz, and Asha Bernard – plan their last show together.

At the conclusion of their summer concert tour, at Oaks Park, Milkes tells us that the tour gives the participants the opportunity to further hone their singing and performing skills. “They’ll become the ambassadors for next year’s competition.”

Auditions for 2008 PDX Teen Idol will begin at various locations all over the greater Portland area, beginning the first of February, Milkes adds – with the finals being scheduled for next May.

For more information, see www.myspace.com/pdxteenidol.

HOT TICKET: For great evenings of entertainment, you can’t beat this season’s two Mt. Hood Repertory shows

Why are there six (6) working doors on the set of “Lend Me A Tenor”, the American Classics Theater Festival’s offering by Mt. Hood Repertory Theater Company? Read on and find out why you should be buying tickets.

In the Main Theater at Mt. Hood Community College, Maggie (Eleanor Cohn-Eichner) is the girlfriend of Max (Kirk Mouser), who is the assistant to the manager of the opera company that finds itself suddenly without a star tenor in the hilarious Broadway comedy, “Lend Me A Tenor”.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
We’ll tell you about the six (6) doors on the set of “Lend Me A Tenor” in a moment. But, if you’re looking for a touching, thought-provoking show, read below and learn about their second production, “Sea Marks”.

“Lend Me A Tenor” a comedic farce

Farce: Circus, a charade, a mockery, a ridiculous situation.
Comedic Farce: A very, very funny play based on situational comedy.

Mt. Hood Rep’s Artistic Director, Tobias Andersen, told us he chose Ken Ludwig’s “Lend Me A Tenor” because “this award-winning comedy is one of the funniest farces to play Broadway.”

We’ll miss seeing Andersen’s consummate acting skill on stage in this, the tenth anniversary season of the American Classics Theater, hosted by Mt. Hood Community College. But, he directs a top-notch cast through a laugh-out-loud funny, fast-paced show.

Julia, (MaryAnne Glazebrook) the chairman of the Opera Guild calls on Bellboy (Matt Preston) for a spot of tea with Saunders (Alan H. King), Maggie’s father, and General Manager of the Cleveland Grand Opera Company.

Max finds out he must go on stage to stand-in for Tito Merelli, world-renowned tenor and expresses his terror to his boss, Saunders.

The story: As the Cleveland Grand Opera prepares for one of its biggest nights in history, world famous tenor Tito Merelli’s appearance on stage seems highly unlikely. But as we all know, the show must go on – under any circumstances, even if it means sending a replacement on stage: Max, a petrified-with-fright production assistant.

Diana (Beth McShane), an operatic soprano, makes Max an offer he, well, what do you think?

Wife Maria (Sarah Dresser) shares a moment with her husband, Tito Merelli (David Maier), the world-famous tenor known as “Il Stupendo”.

The six (6) doors
Why are there six doors? The characters are coming and going with split-second timing and keep “missing” one another. Without the six doors, the play wouldn’t work!

We’re not going to give away the “curtain call” at the play’s conclusion. But from what we saw, this could be the most hilarious two minutes you’ll ever see on in a live stage production.

“Sea Marks”

In the Mt. Hood Community College Studio Theater, you’ll find the moving story of Colm (Patrick Wohlmut) a fisherman/poet as he meets pen-pal Timothea Styles (Amanda Soden) in the next step of their complex relationship in “Sea Marks”.

In the more intimate Studio Theater, associate artistic director, Trisha Pancio-Armour directs “Sea Marks.”

This is a tale of a simple fisherman who discovers a poetic inner voice when he begins writing to a publisher’s assistant he meets at a cousin’s wedding. But when she decides to publish his intimate letters about life on the sea as a book of poetry, he is made into an instant celebrity. Suddenly, their simple love affair becomes very complex.

When and where:

Mt. Hood Repertory Theater Company Presents
10th Annual American Classics Theatre Festival

MHCC Main Stage
“Lend Me A Tenor”
opens Friday, July 28, 2006 and runs through August 20

MHCC Studio Theatre
“Sea Marks”
opens Saturday, July 29, 2006 and runs through August 20

Friday and Saturday evening performances at 8:00 p.m.
Sunday Matinee performances at 2:00 p.m.

General Admission – $20.00, Seniors/Students $15.00
Festival Pass – $34.00 General Admission, $28.00 Seniors/Students

Mt. Hood Community College Theaters are located on SE 257th Ave (Kane Rd.); the driveway is south of SE Stark St. in Gresham. From I-84, take Exit 17 (Troutdale) and go east.

Information and tickets are available by calling The Rep at (503) 491-5950, on line at www.mthoodrep.org.

July 4 celebrated early – with big parade for little kids at community center

Enjoy this outer East Portland Independence Day tradition by talking a look at these exclusive photos (and even a low-resolution movie!)‚

Photo story by David F. Ashton
This Independence Day parade isn’t the biggest in the nation. And, it takes place the day before the national holiday, July 3.

But talk with any of the participants in the East Portland Community Center’s annual parade‚ young or old‚ and they’ll tell you it’s the best.

We enjoy going to the parade, and sharing these photos with you,

David Sayre fuels up for the big parade with $1 hot dog served up at the East Portland Community Center.

Joey Nichols and Alyssa have fun working together to create haberdashery fit for an Independence Day celebration parade.

From infants in strollers, to senior citizens riding a golf cart, participants in the East Portland Community Center Parade line up in the parking lot.

Off they go! The route takes the marching throng from the community center, to Cherrywood Village two blocks away, and back again.

Honored members of American Legion Post #1 are the official Color Guard for the parade.

Although there wasn’t a marching band, live, lively music was provided courtesy of Haldeman’s Oom-pa Boys.

Wanna see the movie? It’s low resolution, but it gives you the feel of the event! To see it, CLICK HERE!

Montavilla’s first-ever Farmers Market premieres July 22

If you missed it, a look at this story and you’ll see why you must come and check out the newest open-air market in outer East Portland next week

At the new Montavilla Farmers Market, Mary and Frank Culbertson buy veggies Denison Farms Organic Produce from Corvallis.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Six months ago, a dedicated group of volunteers agreed that the Montavilla area needed its own farmers market. On July 22, their dream was successfully realized when crowds of neighbors flooded into the market and sales were brisk.

Volunteers “pull off amazing feat”
“We were told that it takes a year to plan and open a new market,” said co-manager of the brand-new Montavilla Farmers Market, Gretchan Jackson. “We have a dedicated crew; we’ve pulled off an amazing feat getting it ready to open in this short amount of time.”

Jackson said that adding a farmers market is the next evolution for the neighborhood, as Montavilla continues to redevelop itself. “We’re changing for the better. It started with a coffee shop; now we have restaurants, the Academy Theater. We’re hopeful people will support local food.”

Tom Thorson sells fresh greens to area resident Amanda Welker

Meeting a need in central, outer East Portland
Starting a market seemed obvious to Jackson, and her co-manager Elaine Friends. “There isn’t an [East County] farmers market west of Mt. Tabor,” Jackson told us. “If anyone wants to source their fresh food, they have to go into downtown, or to the East County farms. Montavilla is right in between. It will help our area if we can provide fresh, local food right here.”

Neighbors say market is a welcome neighborhood amenity
“I live just a few blocks away, right here in Montavilla,” Dan Kelly told us. “I’m very excited about it. It’s great to be able to walk from my home and get fresh fruits and vegetables. I like to interact with the community here at the market.”

Picking perfect peaches is Dan Kelly offered by Rob Rutledge, Baird Family Orchards in Dayton and Maryhill, WA.

Although Amanda Welker said she lives 20 blocks up SE Stark St., she says the Montavilla Market is the closest to her, and added, “I’m so excited we’ve finally got a farmers market here!”

Debi Houghton said she lived in the area, in Mt. Tabor, specifically, for 17 years. “Montavilla used to be pretty seedy. But look at it now; new businesses keep opening. This market adds even more vitality to the Montavilla neighborhood. It brings people out of their homes, and gives them a place to shop and meet, like a town square.”

Mt. Tabor resident Debi Houghton gets fresh pastries from Jessica Killops of Gabriel’s Bakery

Mary and Frank Culbertson were picking organic vegetables when Mary us, I love it! I don’t have to go to a store and buy veggies packed in plastic.” Frank added, “We like the idea of getting really fresh food, and supporting our local farms.”

A success by all measures
“It’s going great,” co-manager Franz said enthusiastically. “We’re having a fabulous turnout. The venders are happy their spot and with number of people who have come by. The response from neighbors has been unanimously positive. They stop by the Market’s booth say we’re needed here.”

Jackson added, “We found out that many people are coming from outside the neighborhood. In the first hour, we had about 600 visitors stop by to shop from our 17 vendors.

Montavilla Farmers Market co-managers Elaine Franz and Gretchan Jackson say their opening day attendance indicates that neighbors appreciate having this market in outer SE Portland.

See you on Sundays
Be sure to check out the Montavilla Farmer’s Market for yourself. If you drive west from SE 82nd Ave. of Roses on SE Stark Street, you’ll see it along the south side of the road at SE 77 Avenue‚ right across the street from Mr. Plywood.

“Look for our big sign, when you are driving west on Stark Street,” Jackson reminded us. For more information, check online at www.montavillamarket.org.