Find out why this MAD Magazine writer brings his show, “The Joy of Censorship”, to outer East Portland – and, learn whether there was anything wasn’t allowed to say during this presentation …

Joe Raiola tells how his show, The Joy of Censorship came into existence.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
The title of his talk looked intriguing, so we squeezed a side trip into a busy news-covering evening in order to speak with MAD Magazine’s senior editor, Joe Raiola, at Midland Library on April 7.

Instead of doing a quick interview and moving on, we found Raiola – and his presentation – so fascinating, we missed our next two stories and stayed for his presentation.

Program started by accident
As people filled into the library’s Great Room, Raiola told us that his lecture started accidentally 18 years ago. “Many years ago, a librarian called the MAD Magazine office asking a speaker to come out and talk to young librarians.” The reason they gave: “MAD was the most-stolen publication from the library system.”

Having a background as a stand-up comic as well as being a comedy writer, Raiola said he agreed. “But I knew very little about censorship at the time, and I was woefully ignorant of MAD’s own history about being censored in the 1950s.”

The presentation at the library went well, word spread, and Raiola soon started getting calls for the show he named The Joy of Censorship. “It’s become my greatest commercial success – I’ve performed it in more than 40 states. It seems that I’ve found a niche. I’m presenting in the Pacific Northwest for the first time.”

Raiola says the words he uses during his presentation, will not be censored an any way.

A totally uncensored performance
When we asked Raiola what he liked best about touring his show, he was quick to answer: “It’s being able to be fully expressed. It’s having a forum where I can truly be uncensored. Libraries provide a great service to their community – and to me as an artist – by giving me carte blanche to do a provocative, frank, edgy, and hopefully a thought-provoking show, about ‘all things First Amendment’. And my audiences have been great, because I challenge them.”

It’s a very frank show, Raiola emphasized. “It’s a show that uses adult language. It’s ironic that, even in 2009, it’s a show I probably couldn’t do in a lot of comedy clubs. But amazingly, I’m thankful that libraries have provided a fantastic venue.”

Will the audience be shocked by Raiola’s reading from a book, banned in this country for decades?

Starts with a banned passage
The 57-year-old Raiola, now a 25-year veteran of MAD Magazine, briefly introduced himself and said, since the show was being held in a library, he’s start by reading from a well known book.

“When you are convinced that all of the exits are blocked, if you take to believing in miracles, or, you stand still like a humming bird, the miracle is that the honey is always there, right under your nose. Only that you were too busy searching elsewhere to realize it. The worst is not being deaf, but being blind – a blind to the fact that everything about life is in the nature of the miraculous.”

Lowering the book, Raiola’s expression turned to mock shock and said, “That’s pretty scary stuff, isn’t it?  It’s terrifying! This passage, this book, was written over a half-century ago. We couldn’t allow a voice this vulgar, and so subversive, to be fully expressed! It’s too dangerous; too smart – and without any socially-acceptable values!

“The voice in this book would have to be silenced! At least, here in the United States.  So, for 30 years, it was – until the United States Supreme Court finally ruled in 1964, that this book – Tropic of Cancer – was not obscene, the passionate and uniquely American voice of Henry Miller was abandoned his own country.”

Raiola noted that in 1990, a movie about Miller’s life called Henry and June was rated “X” – a position successfully challenged by the film’s director. “They dropped the “X” Rating, yes, but came up with a new rating just for his movie called NC-17 – an admission it was not obscene – but the uptight [expletive deleted] were going to try to ban it anyway.”

[Editor’s note: While we weren’t offended by Raiola’s free and colorful use of language – and not repeating his exact statements feels like we’re committing the very censorship against which he rails – we feel compelled to not repeat the expletives.]

George Carlin’s 7 Dirty Words You Can’t Say on TV routine was one of his early inspirations for the show, Raiola says, as he repeats each phrase aloud.

An unrated, uncensored show
“Here we are, 20 years after that, we still censor movies – and not just movies – but also television shows and music!” Raiola started.

“Tonight, I’m proud to tell you, this program is completely un-rated. It is presented with no parental guidance, or no advisories of any kind.

“I’ll be using all language; I’ll not be censoring myself. I’ll use nouns, proper nouns, even conjunctions and split infinitives. I made dangle a participle or two.”

“My language will not be cleaned up, toned down, or sanitized for your protection,” Raiola says.

Controlling speech controls destiny
“Here’s why: Free speech must be free. If one can control one’s speech, one may be – just may be – able to control one’s own destiny,” Raiola postulated.

He noted that on pay cable television channels and pay satellite radio, any idea or concept can be voiced – using any word in the language. “Only in this country can you have free speech – if you’re willing to pay enough for it.”

Drawing on his experiences – starting in second grade and moving forward, Raiola railed against the fact that people “edit themselves” because they “do not want to suffer the consequences of free expression.”

Raiola tells how a yearbook editor airbrushed out the finger next to his index finger – although it was a key point in show called Almost Obscene he’d presented at a college.

During the remainder of his 90 minute show, he touched on censorship the FCC, the Patriot Act, Internet filters, flag burning, indecency, and the true meaning of obscenity, in one of the most outrageous, controversial, thought-provoking – and laugh-out-loud funny – presentations we’ve seen, anywhere.

If you have an open mind, believe in the First Amendment – and have the opportunity to see Joe Raiola live – then, don’t miss him.

For more information, CLICK HERE to visit his website.

© 2009 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

If you didn’t go – take a look, here, and see what you missed …

See exclusive photos of the SERT callout that shut down a large portion of Lents and Powellhurst-Gilbert neighborhoods, and learn about the progress of the investigation …

We find every street blocked off, as SERT and district officers comb the blocks looking for suspects who officials say shot a Vancouver cop in the chest.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Not often does a crime that takes place in Vancouver, Washington, affect the lives of outer East Portland citizens.

But, on April 15, a good-sized portion of the Powellhurst-Gilbert and Lents neighborhoods were locked down as Portland Police Bureau district officers – and members of the Special Emergency Reaction Team (SERT) – searched for a gunman who they think shot Vancouver Police Sgt. Jay Alie in the chest about 9:30 p.m. that night.

According to Vancouver Police Department Public Information Coordinator Kim Kapp, the incident started in Vancouver Heights when a neighbor called 911 reporting several individuals hauling pillowcases full of loot from a home to a white, 4-door vehicle with Oregon plates.

“Sgt. Alie spotted the vehicle driving through the neighborhood at a high rate of speed,” stated Kapp, “and attempted a traffic stop.”

Illuminated by street lamps, and the lights from nearby convenience store, a member of the SERT team heads out to back up East Precinct district officers during the manhunt that continued throughout the night.

Suspected thief takes a shot
As he exited his patrol car, one of the passengers of the suspect vehicle opened fire, and shot Alie in the chest. Fortunately, he was wearing a bullet-resistant, ballistic vest, and the injury was minor.

The white sedan took off and headed south, into Oregon, on I-205.

Talking to us near a roadblock on S.E Holgate Boulevard near SE 112th Avenue, Portland Police Bureau spokesperson Detective Mary Wheat filled us in on what happened next. “Our officers followed up on information that the suspect vehicle might be in the area of S.E. Portland. They spotted the possible suspect vehicle in the area of SE 114th Avenue and Pardee Street. Two possible suspects fled on foot from the vehicle.”

The suspected thieves and cop-shooter didn’t get far; Wheat said two subjects were taken into custody a few minutes later, and detained.

Despite the arrests, police kept the neighborhoods quarantined until they removed their roadblocks about 6:30 a.m. on April 16. We learned from an official who was at the scene that police were looking for additional suspects; whether or not they were located was left uncertain.

The neighborhood was in “lockdown” until dawn of the following day.

Suspects’ identity remain a mystery
“The two individuals have been arrested and booked on charges unrelated to last night’s incidents in Vancouver,” Kapp told us at deadline. “Charges regarding the burglary and shooting will be referred to the Clark County Prosecutor’s Office for review. Due to the ongoing nature of the investigation, the names of those individuals are not being released at this time.”

Officials say the crooks took a shot at this man, Vancouver Police Sgt. Jay Alie; he has been released from the hospital, Kapp said, and did not sustain serious injuries because of his bullet-proof vest.

Wheat added, “Detectives continue to process evidence, and several search warrants are being served related to this ongoing investigation. The Vancouver Police Major Crimes team is working closely with the Portland Police Bureau. No further information is available.”

© 2009 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

Come on out and see bands, Portland Rose Festival Princesses, classic cars and much more during the 9 AM parade – and enjoy the Eastport Plaza Carnival that follows …

Here’s how last year’s parade looked as it began and headed north on 82nd Avenue of Roses. Organizers say this year’s parade will be even bigger, better, and more exciting.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
After working all year long, the committee behind the 2009 82nd Avenue of Roses Grand Parade says they’re ready to have a great time during this year’s edition – scheduled for Saturday, April 25, at 9:00 a.m.

“We’re thrilled that the event grows every year,” proclaims Ken Turner, president of the 82nd Avenue of Roses Business Association, “and this year’s parade will be better than ever.”

Parade starts at Eastport Plaza
The 2009 82nd Avenue of Roses Grand Parade begins at Eastport Plaza, just north of SE Holgate Boulevard. It marches north on the Avenue of Roses, and finally disperses in the Montavilla Neighborhood area, Turner tells us.

New this year will be a reviewing stand at Eastport Plaza, in addition to the bleachers and public announcement area, just north of SE Division Street – hosted by Portland Community College’s Southeast Center.

Help by volunteering as a “street monitor”, like these two did last year.

Worlds’ largest ‘standing’ marching band
One of the highlights of this year’s parade will be the “One More Time Around Marching Band” – “the world’s largest standing musical organization” – regularly featured in Portland Rose Festival parades and events. Kell’s Irish Pipes & Drums Corps will also enliven the parade this year.

The parade will be led by members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1442 color guard.

You’ll see the Portland Rose Festival Court Princesses in their first official group appearance – accompanied by the dapperly dressed Royal Rosarians, and members of the Portland Rose Society.

All kinds of specialty vehicles, from antique military trucks to classic cars, will cruise up 82nd Avenue.

“Many other unique, colorful individuals and groups are making arrangements to march in this lively parade. In all, about 50 entries will grace the parade this year,” Turner adds.

Check out Carnival Days after the parade at Eastport Plaza and make a fun day of it!

Community Carnival and Bike Rodeo after the parade
Several after-parade events are scheduled at Eastport Plaza and the Montavilla/South Tabor Business District.

From April 23 through 26, Eastport Plaza hosts “Carnival Days”, featuring FUNtastic amusement rides and games. “But after the parade, we have a ton of things happening here on April 25 in addition to the thrill rides,” reports Eastport Plaza’s Sadee Daniels. They include:

• Clown balloon artist and juggler;
• Stilt walkers;
• Pony rides;
• Caricature artist and face painting;
• Live music with The Carolina Pump Station, Trash Can Joe, Get a Life Marching Band, and a Strolling Barbershop Quartet;
• KGON 92.3 will broadcast live, and will provide a chance to win a Ford F150 and a Harley Davidson “Rocker”; and,
• There will be informational booths staffed by community service providers and civic groups.

And, on the north end of the parade, members of the Montavilla/South Tabor Business Association host a Bike Rodeo and safety clinic on S.E. Yamhill Street – where the parade disbands.

Don’t let this year’s parade pass you by! Make plans to come out on April 24 at 9:00 a.m.!

Not too late to volunteer
If you’re not content to sit on the sidelines watching a parade pass you by, consider volunteering on the day of the parade. “We need volunteers to help, by briefly closing off side streets as the parade passes,” said Johnni Jones, the event’s volunteer coordinator. “It’s easy – and you get to watch the parade!” Contact her by e-mailing: johnni.jones@gmail.com.

Registration for the parade begins at 7:30, and closes off at 8:30 am; the parade begins promptly at 9 am, Turner smiles, “Come out and enjoy the day, at this great family community event.”

© 2009 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

Why police won’t ticket him …

When Marvin Price fired up his hand-built racer for us, the deep-throated rumble of the powerful engine could be heard for blocks. David F. Ashton photo

By David F. Ashton

The low growl the racecar’s powerful engine attracted the attention of everyone around. Was the car’s driver about take a reckless spin around Inner Southeast Portland?

No, it was just Marvin Price, and his partner Tom Hanna, tuning up their pride and joy ‚  a bright red, 1974 “sprint car” racer.

“It was built by Grant King in Indianapolis, Indiana,” Price told us. “It was driven by, among others, Tom Sniva–who went on to win the Indy 500, become a CART champion.”

Price, a Westmoreland resident, told us he is currently the president of West Coast Vintage Racers. “Our motto is, ‘If you don’t run ’em, why have ’em?’ We race vintage oval track cars.” The league, he said, holds races up and down the west coast, from northern California to Washington.

“I always wanted to be a race car driver,” said Price. “I never had the funds to be one. A few years ago, my friend, Tom Hanna, and I were at the races and got all ‘juiced up’ hearing, watching, and smelling the races. We decided no one would hire us to drive their car. We’d have to get one of our own.”

What started as a fix-up hobby grew from there, Price told us. “It wasn’t built for show, but it really is show quality. We run it and race it.”

Depending on how it is geared, on a one-mile track, Price reported the open-wheeled racer can run as fast as 180 MPH. “Without a windshield, it would be uncomfortable at that speed,” he added. It qualified at 146 MPH on a half-mile oval.

© 2006 David F. Ashton ~ East PDX News

When gubernatorial candidate Ron Saxton toured outer East Portland this week, see what other specific comments he made about our area ‚ and why his audience seemed to like what they heard ‚

Candidate for Governor Ron Saxton, being introduced to East Portland businesspeople by Ken Turner, the East Portland Chamber of Commerce Governmental Affairs chair, and manager of Eastport Plaza.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Amidst criss-crossing the state, gubernatorial candidate Ron Saxton asked to meet with members of the East Portland Chamber of Commerce and neighbors during a stop in outer East Portland on October 31. “I came to listen to your concerns,” he said.

The theme of his remarks was that the state of Oregon has enough funds to substantially improve education and public safety and education. “A great deal of the problem is how funds are allocated.”

Saxton said the way you improve schools and services is by growing the economy, not by growing taxes. “I love Oregon, and I want to build up the state,” Saxton said. “My job as governor is to be a partner with mayors, county commissioners, and others who want to help make the economy grow.”

Ron Saxton, explains his positions to East Portland businesspeople Becky Wehrli, CLTC; Paul Ellison, Bank of the West; Dan La Grande, La Grande & Associates Public Relations; and Bill Bitar, William Frank Bitar & Associates.

Praises local schools
Parkrose and David Douglas are two districts working hard to manage their expenses and still provide a good education, Saxton said. “These two districts operate more efficiently than most, while providing a good education. Other districts could learn from them.”

There are 11 school districts, he continued, in the metro Portland area. “Each one does its own payroll and purchases its own supplies. The duplication is enormous. Without giving up local control, think how much money they could save if all the districts worked together, in a coordinated way, to save money. And, with ‘The Chalkboard Project’, all Oregon schools could pool their purchasing power, saving millions.”

Promises to encourage job growth
“As governor, I’ll work with existing businesses to help them grow ‚Äì instead of standing in their way. I’ll work with the city to encourage them to work in a more business-friendly way. I want to be a partner with people who want to help themselves ‚Äì be they in associations, companies, or municipalities.”

Saxton listens to a story told by Richard Sorem, of Stewart & Tunno Insurance Agency, Inc.

In summary Saxton said “A lot of the things that frustrate you are the same things that frustrate people across the state. Instead of widening the urban/rural divide, I’m trying to help people get together. Oregon is a fabulous state. But we’re not remotely living up to our potential here. I’m a private sector guy who is frustrated with the way things are going ‚Äì but I have optimism that we can do better.”

¬© 2006 David F. Ashton ~ East PDX News

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 – like snowboarding behind a tire-chained pickup truck – few injuries were reported in outer East Portland.

Traffic kept moving – albeit slowly – 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.

¬© 2007 ~ David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

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!

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

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.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

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.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

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.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

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.”

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service