When a local talk show host hammered educators at Parkrose High School for‚Äîin effect ‚Äì cramming Al Gore’s ideology down the throats of students, we talked with Principal Roy Reynolds to see what was up ‚Ķ

Is this school a hotbed for political propaganda – or a place of rigorous education? It was difficult to tell if you listened to talk radio this week.

Story and photo by David F. Ashton
The fact that Lars Larson dwells on a topic for two days doesn’t make his issue a news story. But when we got calls from parents about it, we thought we needed see what was happening.

The topic: Screenings of Al Gore’s motion picture, “An Inconvenient Truth” to students taking science classes at Parkrose High School.

Some people say Al Gore produced the film “An Inconvenient Truth” to rally the world’s population to stop global warming. Others say it is merely his attempt to advance his political agenda, not provide a science lesson. (Publicity Photo)

Depending on one’s point of view, this movie is either brilliant reportage of critical scientific facts which reveal the nature of global warming and its imminent disastrous effects. Or, it is merely Al Gore’s method of putting forth his political agenda.

Science is less unanimous on the matter than the film may suggest.

For example, Dr. Robert C. Balling Jr., a professor in the climatology program at Arizona State University, specializing in climate change and the greenhouse effect, is one scientist who disputes some of the film’s facts, and conclusions.
See: http://www.tcsdaily.com/article.aspx?id=052406F.

The superintendent’s view
We asked Michael Taylor, Superintendent, Parkrose Public Schools, for his own view regarding the controversy.

“When our teachers create a lesson plan, they are tasked to focus on meeting the State standards, keeping in mind the ‘three R’s’ of Relevance, Rigor and Relationships. This motion picture is continuously in the media and newscasts, and playing at the movie house ‚Äì it is certainly relevant.”

Taylor said the school system doesn’t have an agenda nor point of view regarding the topic. “Once the students are engaged, we can ask questions of them, such as, ‘What are the basic assumptions that are made here?’ or ‘What are the actual facts that are presented here?’ Critical analysis, research and study are what make up a good part of the educational process.”

Principal Reynolds speaks
Parkrose High School principal Roy Reynolds spoke to us about his decision to allow the science department to show the film. He restated the importance of relevance, rigor, and relationships as we began our conversation.

“I was a teacher long before I was a principal,” Reynolds told us. “I found that controversial subjects that are covered widely by the media are often the most relevant to students. I see this film as a jumping-off point for research and discussion.”

Reynolds referred to the text of a letter he wrote to parents which reads:

“The purpose of the movie is to educate the public about the science behind global warming. While it is done by Al Gore, it has a largely non-partisan message (though he does make several references critiquing the Bush administration’s environmental policy).

“The movie will be shown to students enrolled in several of our science teachers’ classes.  Because of the potential for controversy, I have reminded the teachers to follow Parkrose School District Policy, ‘Studying Controversial Issues.’ This Board Policy requires that teachers provide for impartiality and insure that all sides of an issue are presented fairly.”

The showing of this motion picture was part of a lesson plan, Reynolds said, “that will expose students to varying points of view.”

From Parkrose Public Schools’ policy manual:

STUDYING CONTROVERSIAL ISSUES
Since our society is based on the free exchange of ideas and diversity of political and social thought, it shall be the policy of this district to encourage unbiased, unprejudiced and scientific study of controversial issues as they arise as part of school curriculum. A controversial issue may be defined as any topic or problem which society is in the process of debating on which there is honest disagreement.

Such issues arise when different interpretations are given to a particular set of circumstances.

The basic goal in studying controversial questions should be to enable the student to develop techniques for considering such questions; techniques which he/she will use habitually in later life. Learning situations shall provide opportunities for the development of clear thinking, balanced judgment, intelligent choices, informed opinion, an ability to differentiate fact from opinion and an understanding of propaganda devices. Questions treated should come within the range of the knowledge, maturity and competence of the students. Issues selected for study should be current, significant and of interest to the students.

The teacher is the most important member of the staff in the actual handling of controversial issues. The role of the teacher should be to reveal to students the processes used by the social scientist to identify, study and solve problems. The teacher shall avoid indoctrination in his/her own personal viewpoint and shall not attempt to control or limit the judgment of students. The selection of materials, guest speakers and classroom activities in general shall be done with studied impartiality for the purpose of fairly presenting all sides of an issue.

The administration of this policy in the district is the immediate responsibility of the building principal under the guidance of procedures established by the superintendent.

¬© 2006 David F. Ashton ~ East PDX News

In addition to their participation in the “Pennies for Patients” campaign, learn how these sincere, young Parkrose students also helped raise awareness of blood-related diseases ‚Ķ

Margaret Goff, 3rd Grade Teacher at Russell Academy, welcomes Eric Tweed, the campaign coordinator for the Leukemia Lymphoma Society. They stand before the school’s “Window of Pennies for Patients”; on their wrists are the society’s red “Relentless” bracelets.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
On February 21, we were invited to a special, all-school assembly at Russell Academy of Academic Achievement in Parkrose.

“What’s so special about this assembly?” we ask third-grade teacher Margaret Goff.

“We’re having a celebration,” Goff beamed, “honoring the good work our students have done supporting the Leukemia Lymphoma Society’s ‘Pennies for Patients’ campaign. We’ve been doing a three-week fund-raising program, led by our Student Counsel.”

Connection with cancer
“I’ve had two students with leukemia, so this project touched home with me,” Goff said. “It grabbed me and pulled me.”

Goff’s enthusiasm fired up the school’s Student Council, which took on the project. “Every morning, using the school’s intercom, they gave facts about leukemia, lymphoma, and blood cancers to our students. They helped after school, every day, with the sales of bracelets and bears. And, they counted change every Friday,” the teacher reported.

Principal Jeff Rose asks his students to settle down – and within 30 seconds, you can hear a pin drop.

Drum roll, please
In some schools, quieting down kids in an all-school assembly can take a long time, plus quite a bit of effort by the teachers and aides.

But, we’re always impressed with the decorum of the students at Russell Academy. Principal Jeff Rose asked for the young students’ attention ‚Äì and in less than 30 seconds, the gymnasium was whisper-quiet.

Student Council members for each of the Russell Academy classes stand before their peers as the tallies are revealed.

As the Student Council members stood before their peers, a very professional video presentation, made by school staff members, showed the tallies. The students:

  • Purchased 285 $1.00 paper pennies,
  • Are wearing 195 “Red Relentless” Bracelets,
  • Gave new homes to 300 Plushland Bears and Dogs, and
  • Brought in and counted $2,037.06 in loose change.

Russell Academy third-graders Derek Williams and Taylor May present their school’s really big check to Leukemia Lymphoma Society’s Eric Tweed

A really BIG check
Presenting the check were third grade students Taylor May and Derek Williams.

“This was good, because it is helping people with cancer and leukemia so they can get better,” May said. “The best part is helping other people.”

With an unusually adult air, Williams added, “Some people have cancer. It isn’t their fault. It is good to help people feel better.”

All in all, the students’ Pennies for Patients campaign raised $5,257.02.

The jaw of Eric Tweed, campaign coordinator for the Leukemia Lymphoma Society, dropped a little, and a big smile came over his face. He exclaimed, “This has been great to see how you students have been real go-getters. I’m excited how to see how well you’ve done. On behalf of the Society, we thank you!”

You can find out more, or pitch in your support for the Leukemia Lymphoma Society, by going to www.lls.org, or by calling (503) 245-9866.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

In addition to their participation in the “Pennies for Patients” campaign, learn how these sincere, young Parkrose students also helped raise awareness of blood-related diseases ‚Ķ

Margaret Goff, 3rd Grade Teacher at Russell Academy, welcomes Eric Tweed, the campaign coordinator for the Leukemia Lymphoma Society. They stand before the school’s “Window of Pennies for Patients”; on their wrists are the society’s red “Relentless” bracelets.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
On February 21, we were invited to a special, all-school assembly at Russell Academy of Academic Achievement in Parkrose.

“What’s so special about this assembly?” we ask third-grade teacher Margaret Goff.

“We’re having a celebration,” Goff beamed, “honoring the good work our students have done supporting the Leukemia Lymphoma Society’s ‘Pennies for Patients’ campaign. We’ve been doing a three-week fund-raising program, led by our Student Counsel.”

Connection with cancer
“I’ve had two students with leukemia, so this project touched home with me,” Goff said. “It grabbed me and pulled me.”

Goff’s enthusiasm fired up the school’s Student Council, which took on the project. “Every morning, using the school’s intercom, they gave facts about leukemia, lymphoma, and blood cancers to our students. They helped after school, every day, with the sales of bracelets and bears. And, they counted change every Friday,” the teacher reported.

Principal Jeff Rose asks his students to settle down – and within 30 seconds, you can hear a pin drop.

Drum roll, please
In some schools, quieting down kids in an all-school assembly can take a long time, plus quite a bit of effort by the teachers and aides.

But, we’re always impressed with the decorum of the students at Russell Academy. Principal Jeff Rose asked for the young students’ attention ‚Äì and in less than 30 seconds, the gymnasium was whisper-quiet.

Student Council members for each of the Russell Academy classes stand before their peers as the tallies are revealed.

As the Student Council members stood before their peers, a very professional video presentation, made by school staff members, showed the tallies. The students:

  • Purchased 285 $1.00 paper pennies,
  • Are wearing 195 “Red Relentless” Bracelets,
  • Gave new homes to 300 Plushland Bears and Dogs, and
  • Brought in and counted $2,037.06 in loose change.

Russell Academy third-graders Derek Williams and Taylor May present their school’s really big check to Leukemia Lymphoma Society’s Eric Tweed

A really BIG check
Presenting the check were third grade students Taylor May and Derek Williams.

“This was good, because it is helping people with cancer and leukemia so they can get better,” May said. “The best part is helping other people.”

With an unusually adult air, Williams added, “Some people have cancer. It isn’t their fault. It is good to help people feel better.”

All in all, the students’ Pennies for Patients campaign raised $5,257.02.

The jaw of Eric Tweed, campaign coordinator for the Leukemia Lymphoma Society, dropped a little, and a big smile came over his face. He exclaimed, “This has been great to see how you students have been real go-getters. I’m excited how to see how well you’ve done. On behalf of the Society, we thank you!”

You can find out more, or pitch in your support for the Leukemia Lymphoma Society, by going to www.lls.org, or by calling (503) 245-9866.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

If you didn’t get to see it, you missed the funniest play about murder, ever. Take a look at these exclusive photos and you’ll find it hard to believe these actors are high school kids ‚Ķ

Could it be that his home-made wine contains more than fermented grapes?

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Everything about Parkrose High Thespians’ production of Arsenic & Old Lace is outstanding.

From a very professional theatrical set, to the play’s presentation, these young actors truly bring this classic comedy to life.

Could these sweet, hospitable old ladies have really ‘done in’ a dozen lonely men?

About the play
Arsenic & Old Lace is a farce revolving around Mortimer Brewster, a theatre-loathing drama critic who must deal with his murderous family ‚Äì and the local police. Given his situation, he’s debating whether to go marry the woman he loves.

Mortimer: “My aunts are doing ‚Ķ WHAT?”

His family includes two spinster aunts who have taken to “helping out” lonely old men.

It also includes a brother who believes he’s Teddy Roosevelt, and digs locks for the Panama Canal in their home’s cellar–and a criminally murderous brother who has received plastic surgery from his alcoholic accomplice, “Dr. Einstein”, to conceal his identity.

Brother Johnny comes home. But…is this a good thing?

Final show was March 3
People who went had a great time at this play! More from our Arsenic & Old Lace photo album

It’s a standoff. What to do now?

All is happy in the Brewster household.

But, the aunties can’t seem to keep from going back to their old ways ‚Ķ

Good show! Well done! Bravo!

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

This show is guaranteed to chase the wet winter blues away! Take a look, and see why you should be buying your ticket for this show, opening March 9th …

David Douglas Theater Department works on the parts in this play, “See How They Run”. It’s loaded with multiple mistaken identities, gaffes, and well-timed comedic confusion.

Story and photo by David F. Ashton
The line, “See how they run”, originally drawn from the nursery rhyme about the “three blind mice” is best known in popular culture today from The Beatles’ use of it in two of their songs, “I am the Walrus” and “Lady Madonna”.

But perhaps Paul McCartney and John Lennon used this phrase in the songs not because of the children’s rhyme, but because they enjoyed the comedic confusion that reigns in this 1945 farce by Philip King. It’s marked with screwball situations and humor.

The play’s storyline
Set in the 1940’s, the quiet house of a British minister is turned upside down by four mistaken identities, two impostors, an escaped spy, and one train- wreck of confusion after another.

But the plot doesn’t stop there. The closet is filled with surprises and prisoners. The town busybody is found inebriated, out of control, and in the most embarrassing of situations.

The dizzying pace of the plot culminates in a roundabout chase through the middle of a polite conversation between a new house guest and hostess who maintains impossible appearances.

David Douglas Theater Department’s Michael Givler goes over rehearsal notes with the cast.

Staging provides intimate setting
Because all of the play’s madcap action takes place in one “house”, Theater Manager Mark Taylor and his student staff built the set out, away from the fixed stage. This moves the action up close to the audience.

Order tickets today
See How They Run opens on Friday night, March 9, and Saturday, March 10. It continues the following weekend, on March 15, 16, and 17.

Showtimes for all performances are at 7:30 p.m. in the beautiful Howard Horner Performing Arts Center, 1400 SE 130th Ave., Portland, OR 97233.

  • Tickets are $5 for students and $7 for adults.

For ticket information, call the David Douglas Box Office at (503) 261-8270.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

Some arms were twisted, but no one needed a “license to kill” to pull in big bucks to boost this great, inner SE Portland high school’s activities. Look: you might see Mr. Bond in the background‚

“Place your bets,” calls roulette croupier Ryan McKenzie, as he spins the ball for high rollers Marilyn McKenzie, Colleen Beckmeyer, and Marla Fuller.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
With the tinkle of cocktail glasses, the sound of the ball spinning in the roulette wheel, and folks dressed formally, you’d have expected to see Agent 007 slip into the Cleveland High School Annual Auction at any moment.

Sporting the theme “007 ‚Äì License to Spend”, this sold-out event, hosting 400 guests, is part party, and part fund-raising event.

“The money we raise,” organizer Corrie Dawn Greiling-Fritsch tells us, “is spent on all sorts of things: books, computers and technology.”

Leigh Nunez checks Sara Kirschenbaum in for her night of fun and food.

According to organizer Greiling-Fritsch, the silent and live auction’s two paddle bids will go to the school’s foundation and for educational technology. “The balance of the funds is spent all throughout the school for things like sports uniforms, text books, everything under the school that it needs.”

Organizer Corrie Dawn Greiling-Fritsch is ready for a big evening helping big spenders‚ with the help of volunteers like Jasmine Fritsch, here  working at an auction computer station.

As attendees glide past the silent auction tables, the cool jazz sounds of  the band “Groover Cleveland” play in the background.

“It is a fun event,” says Greiling-Fritsch. “There is a lot of camaraderie. We keep the ticket prices reasonable, so it’s not just the elite who can attend. The fact that all of the people in the school and the community come together to support education is a phenomenally good thing. They’re spending their money on our kids.”

Ready to enjoy a fine dinner, served in the historic Oaks Park Pavilion, are Sandy and Terry Brown, and David and Teresa Coiteux.

This event, Cleveland High’s largest fundraiser of the year, raised $100,000 for academics, the performing arts, and athletics.

“It looks like this event is another huge success,” exclaims Greiling-Fritsch. “Thank you to everyone who participated in this year’s auction. From committee members, to donors, to bidders ‚Äì we couldn’t do it without you!”

Cleveland High Auction Photo Album

This accomplished jazz duo, known as “Groover Cleveland”, Charlie Stanford and Grant Richards supply mellow music while attendees write down their bids during the silent auction and hors d’voures.

Linda Golaszewski and David Summers are checking the silent auction bid sheets to make sure someone else doesn’t win their treasures.

Chris Sheik, auctioneer, starts a friendly bidding rivalry and runs up the donations benefiting CHS students.

The banner about the buffet says it all!

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

See how this program, taught by cops in uniform, gives kids the skills they need to avoid getting into tobacco, drugs, and gangs‚

Two of the many students giving a presentation about how they learned to avoid tobacco, drugs, and gangs through the Parkrose Middle School G.R.E.A.T. program were Mickenin Sprague and Michelle Pham.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
We all know Parkrose has many “great” students. But, not long ago, an entire auditorium full of Parkrose Middle School students was honored as being “G.R.E.A.T.” students.

“The objective of the Gang Resistance Education And Training program,” explained coordinator and Portland Police Bureau Officer Michael Paresa, “is giving students life skills that help immunize them against youth violence, delinquency, and gang involvement.”

Paresa added, “The program also works as an effective bridge between police and the community’s youth, allowing relationships to be forged that extend outward from the school into your own neighborhood.”

Aimed at middle school students
“Trained, uniformed police officers present the G.R.E.A.T. Program in middle school classrooms across Portland,” Paresa explained. “Officers present the 13 week program, using a wide range of activities, that result in the necessary life skills, a sense of competency, usefulness, and personal empowerment needed to avoid involvement in youth violence and criminal activity.”

Prizes and pizza party
It isn’t all teaching and learning. We were invited to the “graduation” at Parkrose Middle School. There, students — representing all of the school’s classes — presented skits, poems, readings, and posters, illustrating what they had learned.

Sergeant Larry Graham (far left) congratulates the GREAT program participants. Outstanding students from each class are shown holding a gift from the program — a boom-box music system.

After the student presentations, long time G.R.E.A.T. instructor, Sgt. Larry Graham, addressed the students and teachers.

“I appreciate the support we get from the Portland Police Bureau that operates this program. But most of all, I thank the staff at the school. You welcome us here year after year. You’re here to help us with your classes. You make this possible,” Graham said with gratitude.

Addressing the students, Graham added, “We didn’t tell you drugs and gangs are ‘bad’ ‚Äì you came to that decision on your own. We gave you skills: how to say no, how to make decision, how to plan out life events. You will keep this up on your own. I thank you all for participating. No one is graduating this program without participating. You earned it.”

While all of the kids received a certificate of completion, top students in each class were given a boom-box music system.

Officer Michael Paresa, program coordinator, and Joann Alminiana, program administrator, dishing out pizza to 6th grade graduates of the G.R.E.A.T. program.

With their official certificate of graduation, a new philosophical outlook towards police in mind, and the tools needed to resist gang pressure, these 257 “GREAT” kids then enjoyed a pizza party.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

Instead of complaining about shabbiness at your local public school, see how volunteers have pitched in at this outer East Portland high school – and how you, too, can help on August 25th…

They’re never too young to help: Claudia and Jonathan, Samantha and Blue McAbee, helping clean up the Marshall Campus.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Although school isn’t in session, more than a dozen volunteers spend a summery July Saturday morning sprucing up the Marshall Campus in Lents.

“We’ve heard that many people have a negative impression of Marshall Campus,” says Aaron Betcher, a AmeriCorps community resource developer at the school, as he trims branches by the front door.

Trimming bushes are AmeriCorps workers Aaron Betcher, Rebecca Leimert, Lauren Audick.

“Some people even say Marshall seems like a scary place,” continues Betcher. “It’s a bad rap. We’re holding community events, like our clean-up day today, to show a more realistic image of the school.”

The AmeriCorps worker says this is the first year they’ve been helping at Marshall Campus. “Part of what we’re doing is increasing parent and community engagement with the school.”

Tiffany Pham helps Tammy Pham and Terri Pham sign up for service at Marshall Campus.

Volunteers from SOLV and Hands-On Portland – some from as far as Hillsboro – work at clipping, raking, painting and beautifying the campus.

The 12-member Portland AmeriCorps team, serving schools at SUN sites across Portland, helped plan the event, Betcher says.

Amanda Keppeler and Lawrence Palmer clean the entry of the campus.

Your turn to help …
On August 25th, Portland Public Schools and SOLV are enlisting volunteers to do grounds work at schools across the city, as part of Community Care Day – from 9 a.m. to noon.

To register and for information on specific sites, go to the Web site www.pps.k12.or.us/depts/communications/news/ and click on “Community Care Day 2007”, or call Monica Kearsley of SOLV at 503-844-9571.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

Instead of complaining about shabbiness at your local public school, see how volunteers have pitched in at this outer East Portland high school – and how you, too, can help on August 25th…

They’re never too young to help: Claudia and Jonathan, Samantha and Blue McAbee, helping clean up the Marshall Campus.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Although school isn’t in session, more than a dozen volunteers spend a summery July Saturday morning sprucing up the Marshall Campus in Lents.

“We’ve heard that many people have a negative impression of Marshall Campus,” says Aaron Betcher, a AmeriCorps community resource developer at the school, as he trims branches by the front door.

Trimming bushes are AmeriCorps workers Aaron Betcher, Rebecca Leimert, Lauren Audick.

“Some people even say Marshall seems like a scary place,” continues Betcher. “It’s a bad rap. We’re holding community events, like our clean-up day today, to show a more realistic image of the school.”

The AmeriCorps worker says this is the first year they’ve been helping at Marshall Campus. “Part of what we’re doing is increasing parent and community engagement with the school.”

Tiffany Pham helps Tammy Pham and Terri Pham sign up for service at Marshall Campus.

Volunteers from SOLV and Hands-On Portland – some from as far as Hillsboro – work at clipping, raking, painting and beautifying the campus.

The 12-member Portland AmeriCorps team, serving schools at SUN sites across Portland, helped plan the event, Betcher says.

Amanda Keppeler and Lawrence Palmer clean the entry of the campus.

Your turn to help …
On August 25th, Portland Public Schools and SOLV are enlisting volunteers to do grounds work at schools across the city, as part of Community Care Day – from 9 a.m. to noon.

To register and for information on specific sites, go to the Web site www.pps.k12.or.us/depts/communications/news/ and click on “Community Care Day 2007”, or call Monica Kearsley of SOLV at 503-844-9571.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

Opening November 29, see why, in addition to the story’s beloved main characters and great special effects, the scene-stealer is Dorothy’s dog, Toto! Take a look …

While her new friends in the Land of Oz have other desires, Dorothy (Tegan Tracy, in rehearsal, not yet costumed) and her aunt’s dog, Toto, say they just want to go home.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Want to start the season with a fun, family show? You don’t have to travel downtown Portland to see great theater – just head for David Douglas High School’s production of the Broadway Musical version of The Wizard of Oz, starting November 29.

“We have a great cast,” says the show’s director, Michael Givler. “This Broadway-style production, originally adapted for the Royal Shakespeare Company, brings a lively, fresh, and unique look to a classic childhood story.”

Well over 100 students are involved in this production, adds Givler. The cast features 56 actors, singers, and dancers. They’re musically accompanied by a full-staffed student orchestra.

The brain-deficient Scarecrow (Sam De Roest), the heart-lacking Tin Woodsman (Ada Chang), the homesick Dorothy (Tegan Tracy), and the Cowardly Lion (Robert Hill) find themselves bedeviled and in the clutches of a bad witch’s minions.

Fast paced and fun
As we watch a technical rehearsal, the dancers are working out the details of a number that will take place in the Emerald City – home of the great Wizard, Oz.

Next, thanks to the technical expertise of theater manager, Mark Taylor, and his student crew of 20 stage technicians, we watch witches fly – yes, actually fly – into a scene, trying to grab the central character, Dorothy, and her dog Toto.

David Douglas High School drama instruction, and the show’s director, (In a black shirt, third from the left) Michael Givler, coaches the actors in a scene from Wizard of Oz.

In many student productions of The Wizard of Oz, you’ll see Toto represented by a stuffed toy animal. But this show features a real Toto – the cutest little black terrier.

About the story
First published in 1900, L. Frank Baum’s The Wizard of Oz has been translated into more than 40 languages.

Dorothy, a young girl living on a Kansas farm with her Uncle Henry and Aunt Em, is swept up in a tornado. She, her dog Toto, and the farmhouse itself crash-land in Munchkin Land – right smack on the Wicked Witch of the East.

A flying witch (not yet in costume, of course) grabs Dorothy, and tries to fly her away from her friends.

A good witch directs Dorothy and three new friends – a brainless Scarecrow, a heartsick Tin Woodsman, and a ‘fraidy-cat Cowardly Lion – to the City of Emeralds to ask the Wizard of Oz for help. How do they find their way? “Follow the yellow brick road!”

An entertainment bargain
The show opens on November 29 at 7:30 p.m.; and runs Nov. 30, December 1, 6, 7 and 8. And, there’s a special matinee performance on Sunday, December 2 at 2:30 p.m.

When word gets out about the excellence of this show, the later performances will most likely sell out. Buy your tickets now, and enjoy this great show.

Tickets for this full-evening show are just $10 for adults; $7 student/seniors. For ticket information, call the David Douglas Box Office at (503) 261-8270 from 3 to 5:30 p.m., Mondays through Fridays on school days, as well as
an hour before show times. Or, e-mail DDHSboxoffice@ddouglas.k12.or.us.

All performances are held at the Howard F. Horner Performing Arts Center, 1400 SE 130th Ave. (between SE Stark St. and Division St.).

Expect great sets, professional lighting, and clear sound – twenty student technicians, directed by theater manager Mark Taylor (calling out cues in this photo), give the show a professional feel.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

Find out how, within minutes, all of the eggs disappeared, one by one, at this city’s delightful home-spun event.

Placing some of the 3,000 Easter eggs prepared for the City of Maywood Park Neighborhood Easter Egg Hunt on the “Big Kids’ Hill” at the April 15 event is volunteer Jason Troutman. David F. Ashton Photo

While nine-month-old Garrett Bertholf, isn’t quite old enough to gather Easter egg prizes, a visit with the Maywood Park Easter Bunny seems to be OK. David F. Ashton Photo

By David F. Ashton

Some people jokingly refer to the small City of Maywood Park, nestled between I-205 and NE 102nd Ave., as “Mayberry, USA”. The independent residents voted years ago to not become annexed by Portland ‚Äì specifically so that the area could retain its identity.

One of the two big annual events sponsored by Maywood Park is the Annual Easter Egg Hunt.

The EGGcitement begins as the kids rush to find goodies. David F. Ashton Photo

Gathering eggs, as fast as her little hands can pick them up, is Sage Lucas. David F. Ashton Photo

This time-honored tradition does more than give kids candy, said Patty Meighen, chair of the event. “This is a great way for our community to come together. Maywood is a unique community, in that we’re a city of our own. Our other big event which we hold each year is our July 4 parade and barbecue.”

She, and 30 of her neighbors stuffed about 3,000 plastic eggs with candy, small toys, and gold coins.

Camille Vushard is showing off her prized Easter eggs to her Grandma, Jan Rishel. David F. Ashton Photo

The pouring morning rain didn’t dampen the enthusiasm of parents and kids on April 15, as the kids scoured a neighbor’s yard and the city’s park hillside. Within minutes, the eggs were whisked away and opened. “We recycle our plastic eggs, and we’ll store them for next year,” explained Meighen.

By finding plastic Easter eggs containing a Lucky Gold Coin, kids got to pick gift certificates for restaurants or other prizes. The winners were Lily Mitchell, Olivia Erickson, and Noella McQueen. David F. Ashton Phot


We asked Mayor Mark Hardy for a comment; he just smiled and told us to look at the excitement on the faces of the kids. “We do have a real sense of community in our city,” he said.

© 2006 David F. Ashton ~ East PDX News

Find out how, within minutes, all of the eggs disappeared, one by one, at this city’s delightful home-spun event.

Placing some of the 3,000 Easter eggs prepared for the City of Maywood Park Neighborhood Easter Egg Hunt on the “Big Kids’ Hill” at the April 15 event is volunteer Jason Troutman. David F. Ashton Photo

While nine-month-old Garrett Bertholf, isn’t quite old enough to gather Easter egg prizes, a visit with the Maywood Park Easter Bunny seems to be OK. David F. Ashton Photo

By David F. Ashton

Some people jokingly refer to the small City of Maywood Park, nestled between I-205 and NE 102nd Ave., as “Mayberry, USA”. The independent residents voted years ago to not become annexed by Portland ‚Äì specifically so that the area could retain its identity.

One of the two big annual events sponsored by Maywood Park is the Annual Easter Egg Hunt.

The EGGcitement begins as the kids rush to find goodies. David F. Ashton Photo

Gathering eggs, as fast as her little hands can pick them up, is Sage Lucas. David F. Ashton Photo

This time-honored tradition does more than give kids candy, said Patty Meighen, chair of the event. “This is a great way for our community to come together. Maywood is a unique community, in that we’re a city of our own. Our other big event which we hold each year is our July 4 parade and barbecue.”

She, and 30 of her neighbors stuffed about 3,000 plastic eggs with candy, small toys, and gold coins.

Camille Vushard is showing off her prized Easter eggs to her Grandma, Jan Rishel. David F. Ashton Photo

The pouring morning rain didn’t dampen the enthusiasm of parents and kids on April 15, as the kids scoured a neighbor’s yard and the city’s park hillside. Within minutes, the eggs were whisked away and opened. “We recycle our plastic eggs, and we’ll store them for next year,” explained Meighen.

By finding plastic Easter eggs containing a Lucky Gold Coin, kids got to pick gift certificates for restaurants or other prizes. The winners were Lily Mitchell, Olivia Erickson, and Noella McQueen. David F. Ashton Phot


We asked Mayor Mark Hardy for a comment; he just smiled and told us to look at the excitement on the faces of the kids. “We do have a real sense of community in our city,” he said.

© 2006 David F. Ashton ~ East PDX News

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