When it is finished, creators of Parkrose Labyrinth hope neighbors will come, and get lost‚ in thought!‚ as they walk the serpentine path. See the dedication and groundbreaking ceremony right here‚
With shovels in hand, ready to break the ground for the Parkrose Labyrinth are Dominique Blanchard, Kerina Blanchard, Michael Schilling, Sterling Arkills, Isaac Song and Elizabeth Walker.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
For as long as anyone can remember, the lawn in the far southwest corner of Parkrose High School’s property has been inaccessible. A galvanized steel cyclone fence has been the dividing line between the neighborhood and the school.
At the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Parkrose Labyrinth a couple of weeks ago, we talked with high school principal Roy Reynolds.
Parkrose High students, faculty and community members gather for a brief but poignant dedication ceremony for the new Parkrose Labyrinth.
“It is important that we’re connecting with the community by doing all kinds of projects all over the school and grounds. Each of these projects‚ like this one‚ has a way of growing, creating stronger community bonds throughout the school.”
Because the labyrinth will be a highly visible project, Reynolds said he hopes to see members of the community using it. “This is a space for thinking, meditating, and hopefully creating further connections between themselves and the school.”
Sharon DeWitt, the Parkrose High staff member who proposed the project, Dominique Blanchard, and Isaac Song share their thoughts about the new Parkrose Labyrinth at the dedication ceremony.
Parkrose High School student Isaac Song performed as the master of ceremonies, welcoming the guests to the dedication ceremony on April 21.
Another student, Dominique Blanchard, read a poem by Cesar Pina entitled “Direction“:
We see or view the word “direction” as a place on a map or a navigational device, when in fact, it is much more.
A “direction” is the will to carry on, proceed, overcome the obstacles that exist between one’s goal.
The path to one’s goal may seem tricky, curvy, swirly; yet determination is what drives us to the center of our destination.
A direction may be, in fact, four points: Whether the points be cardinal, symbolical, or spiritual‚ it really doesn’t matter.
If there is something about the word “direction” that all of us can agree with, it is this: No matter what path you take, no matter how hard it may be, no matter the challenges‚ you will eventually find yourself reflecting on the path taken, in the very end.
The school’s groundskeeper, Sharon DeWitt proposed the labyrinth.
“The labyrinth is an ancient symbol,” DeWitt told the group. “The oldest examples are found in art, dating back 3000 years. They are found in all cultures and religions, and in locations all over the world. It is a winding path that moves back and fourth into the center. Path labyrinths can be seen as a journey of life. We all enter at the same way, travel through time, and our lives take twists and turns. In the past ten years, labyrinths have increased in popularity in schools, hospitals, churches, prisons, retreat centers, and parks. When our labyrinth is completed, we will register it with the Labyrinth Society.”
DeWitt continued, “We have a really busy chaotic life. No one seems to know how to take time to be quiet. By having this labyrinth here, people can come and take a few minutes for themselves.”
Parkrose Neighborhood Chair Marcy Emerson-Peters, grant committee and school board member Alicia Reece and East Portland Neighborhood Office administrator Richard Bixby participate in the dedication.
“I’m here as the chair of the East Portland Parks Coalition, a member of East Portland Neighborhood Grant Selection Committee which approved the grant for this project,” said Alicia Reece. “The contemplative nature of this site is important, because it gives both students and members of the community the opportunity to gather and be together.”
Parkrose Neighborhood Association chair Marcy Emerson-Peters commented, “This project is the realization of a vision. And, here in Parkrose, we’re creating a vision for our community. Here, neighbors will be able to do cloud-watching, think, and play.”
Given the word to begin, the young people dig in, breaking the ground for this groundbreaking Parkrose Project.
© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service
See what neighbors learned about public safety, the future of Powell Butte, and the long-awaited East County Justice Center, at this special meeting‚
Centennial Community Association welcomes Multnomah County Commissioner Lonnie Roberts, Portland City Commissioner Randy Leonard, Portland Fire & Bureau’s Chief Dave Sprando, and Gresham Deputy Fire Chief Jim Klum, to their first-of-summer meeting.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
It has become a tradition for the Centennial Community Association to invite city and county officials to the June meeting they hold at the Mobile Estates community room on SE Division Street.
This year, some 50 citizens came to hear the distinguished panel, which featured Multnomah County Commissioner Lonnie Roberts, Portland City Commissioner Randy Leonard, Chief Dave Sprando from Portland Fire & Bureau, and Gresham’s Deputy Fire Chief Jim Klum.
Roberts discusses County issues
“To fill you in on the Justice Center,” began Lonnie Roberts, “Under state law East County must have a courthouse. And, it has to be located within the City of Gresham. We do have a one-room courthouse; the ceiling leaks, and it violates the Disabilities Act.”
Roberts promoted the idea of building a long-delayed “Justice Center” that would include four courtrooms, offices for the District Attorney, other services, and a holding cell.
Lonnie Roberts talks about opening the Wapato Jail‚ and talks about the slow progress getting the new Justice Center project going.
“We started by considering 50 sites; my choice has been the Rockwood site at SE 190th Avenue and Stark Street. It meets the qualifications, including being within 800 feet of mass transit. And, I’d like to see it built by the time I get out of office next year.”
The funds to build the EC Justice Center would come from selling off some of the county’s “surplus” property, as well as the “sick” Hansen Building, housing the Sheriff’s office at SE 122nd Avenue at Glisan Street.
Sings the Wapato blues
Asked about the new-but-unused Wapato Jail, Roberts recalled, “Citizens voted to build it in 1996. In 2002, we opened it, then closed it‚ within a half hour. We have a $59 Million jail we spend $30,000 a month to keep in mothballs. When we took the key, the clock started running on the guarantee. That clock has expired. We’ll now have to eat any deficiencies we find when we do actually open it.
The commissioner said Clark County will rent 150 beds if it is opened. “Commissioner Wheeler says, although Multnomah County is experiencing a $25 Million shortfall, we will open it.”
Using part of Wapato to treat drug-addicted criminals makes financial sense, Roberts added. “We’re spending $300 per year, per household, for theft, damage, and problems caused by drug addicts in the community. The criminals know there is no room in jail. I’d like to send a message to drug dealers that we now have ‘a room for them’ at the jail.”
Randy Leonard talks about the changes on Powell Butte and public safety issues.
Leonard on Powell Butte
Portland City Commissioner Randy Leonard ‚Äì head of the Portland Water Bureau (PWB)‚ talked about plans for Powell Butte.
“All Portland water goes through Powell Butte,” Leonard began. “Portland Parks has been taking care of Powell Butte; but PWB is taking over the management of the top area. We’re replacing the decrepit mobile home there with a log cabin; it’s more fitting for the area. We’re hiring a full-time person to be the caretaker. And, we’re focusing on the trail, and making it one of the best parks it can be. It has astounding views of the area around us.”
Reducing drug crime
Turning to drug-related crime, Leonard continued, “Two years ago, I helped get the city to fund 57 beds, to have city jail beds and to provide $500,000 for drug treatment for prisoners. When we look at the arrest statistics of our ‘top 300 offenders’, the number of arrests has dropped 71%. Having these jail beds is money well spent.”
Portland Fire & Rescue Chief Dave Sprando and Gresham Deputy Fire Chief Jim Klum agree that the new staffing plan for Fire Station 45 will provide more effective response. Ron Clemenson, vice-chair for the association, acts as moderator for the meeting.
Outer East Portland fire & rescue issues
Portland Fire & Rescue Chief Dave Sprando once again commended Centennial neighbors for lobbying for funding to keep Station 45‚ located near the Gresham city line‚ in service.
This fire station is unique, in that it is shared by both Gresham and Portland fire crews.
“July 1, we will switch crews, and Portland will be moving in,” Sprando said. “We were successful in getting funding to get a different staffing model for Station 45. Instead of switching crews every few months, we have three crews each working 24 hours. Portland will take two shifts, and Gresham will take one shift. I don’t know where else this is done.”
Gresham Deputy Fire Chief Jim Klum agreed, saying, “Sprando didn’t want me to tell you this, but if you look from Sacramento to Seattle, the three busiest [fire & rescue] stations are here in Portland‚ and Station 45 is one of these. Firefighters like to get to know their area, schools and facilities. This plan of co-locating will help. We’ll have better consistency with this new staffing plan. We appreciate the support to the Gresham Council.”
Councilors call for more mental health care
Asked to comment on the state of mental health care in the community, Leonard commented, “There is a real connection between being mentally ill and drug abuse. This is a challenge; cities and counties don’t have the money to fund mental health care. The police have to deal with individuals who are acting out. It is hard to deal with, when we have a lack of resources.”
Roberts said a countywide public safety study is being considered. “We need to train public safety officers to recognize when individuals have problems. Early treatment is the least expensive way to go. Prevention is a lot cheaper than dealing with problems.”
Meet your neighbors
On July 9, if you live in the area served by the Centennial Community Association, come by their meeting. Topics to be discussed are the Centennial Graffiti Cleanup on July 14th, planned development for four duplexes on 14639 SE Rhine, and their enlarged National Night out Picnic with SUN Schools on August 7th. Please note that this meeting, at 7:00 PM, is at their new “summertime” location: Parklane Christian Reformed Church, 16001 SE Main St.
© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service
Find out what neighborhood leaders say about the new Southeast Uplift’s plan for the coming year‚ and how they introduced the new board to neighbors‚
SEUL’s chair, Paul Leistner, Mt. Tabor neighborhood, and executive director Cece Hughley Noel say they are enthusiastic about the organization’s prospects this year, at their early July ice cream social.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
The organization serving many inner and outer SE Portland Neighborhoods, Southeast Uplift (SEUL), shared hot news‚ and cool treats‚ at an “Ice Cream Social” on July 2.
Upon exiting their executive committee meeting, Paul Leistner, Mt. Tabor Neighborhood representative, and the reelected SEUL chair, told us he’s pleased with coalition’s progress.
“We have wonderful momentum here at Southeast Uplift,” enthused Leistner. “There is a lot of good energy here. We’re looking for ways to expand the impact of neighborhood and other community groups, giving a greater voice to individuals concerned about local decision-making.”
Allowing citizens greater input into governmental affairs is important, added Leistner, because, “This is a time of great change here in Portland. Neighbors need to be heard.”
Coalition runs on budget
SEUL’s executive director, Cece Hughley Noel, said that she felt encouraged by the meeting. “This has been a good year. We were able to come in under budget. We’re running a leaner, more efficient office.
We passed a realistic budget for the coming year, and reorganized our programs to better serve our neighborhoods.”
About the organization’s new executive committee, Hughley Noel commented, “We had good feedback from our leadership. And, we’re really glad to have the continuity of executive leadership on the board.”
Kristen Wiener, SEUL staffer, serves up ice cream to John Rechlein, newly-elected secretary of the Brentwood-Darlington Neighborhood Association
Executive Committee introduced at Ice Cream Social
“We organized this Ice Cream Social to provide an opportunity for the newly-elected neighborhood officers to be able to meet each other, the board, the staff and neighbors,” explained Hughley Noel. It’s great to see we have business district leaders here as well.”
The current executive committee for SEUL consists of: Chair Paul Leistner, Vice Chair Marianne Colgrove, Treasurer Kurt Krause, Secretary Michelle Isbell, and, Past Chair Linda Nettekoven.
© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service
Thanks to quick action by water workers, you’ll be amazed to learn how quickly they turned that river into a trickle – and restored full service to residents …
Lou Tayler talks with neighbors as they watch water pour out of the pavement at SE 42nd Avenue and SE Henderson Street in Woodstock, before the water was shut off.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
A cracked eight-inch water main break turned several inner SE Portland residential streets in the Woodstock neighborhood into torrential rivers on September 12. But, prompt and professional action taken by Portland Water Bureau workers limited the damage to homes and roads.
“I was on my way home for work just after 4 p.m.,” neighbor Lou Tayler tells us on scene. “As I drove east on SE Henderson St. from SE 39th Ave., I saw yellow tape across the road. When I first arrived, there were torrents of water, with high, rolling waves, going down both Henderson and 42nd. The water was starting to get deep down by the church.”
As a Portland Water Bureau worker turns off water valves, the amount of water flowing out of the pavement is reduced to a trickle.
Water gushes from pavement
The street’s pavement had heaved up to a considerable height, adds Tayler. “A neighbor told me a SUV drove up the street before the police arrived and literally sunk down, pushing the asphalt back down. Then, the water really started gushing out of the street.”
Gordon Weiler walks up the street and looks on, as Portland Water Bureau crews assess the situation. “I knew it was serious when we saw dirt, gravel, and then rocks being washed down past my home at SE Henderson St. to SE 39th Avenue. As a retired pipe-fitter, I had a pretty good idea of what was happening.”
Water worker stems the flood
Within minutes, the raging river turns into a steady stream; moments later, water now merely trickles down the street.
“I was on SW Barbor Boulevard when I got the call at 3:50 p.m.” says Jonathan Georgeades, as 16-year Portland Water Bureau (PWB) veteran, wiping the sweat from his brow. “I started cranking shut-off valves [in the street] immediately.”
By 4:30 p.m., Georgeades had closed eight valves in the affected area. “On an 8-inch water main, each valve takes about 27 turns. It’s a real workout; they haven’t been turned in a while. But, they did what they were supposed to do.”
“The intersection is buckled,” Georgeades explains, “because the paved street holds the water beneath it. As the water flows downhill, it lifts the asphalt, and it cracks open. Under those buckles, sinkholes and other damage can occur, if the street isn’t properly repaired.
Tricia Knoll, PIO for Portland Water Bureau, and Portland Commissioner Randy Leonard get a first-hand report on the incident from neighbor Gordon Weiler.
Randy Leonard, Commissioner of the Portland Water Bureau, came by to take a look at the crew’s progress on his way home from downtown Portland. Leonard refers us to PWB spokesperson, Tricia Knoll, saying, “She’s the best P.I.O. in the city. I’m just here for moral support!”
“The first thing we do, after shutting down the water flow,” Knoll explains, “is call for a ‘utility locate’. We must locate all under-street utilities, so we don’t hit gas lines or interrupt other utilities when we dig.”
Within the hour, a full PWB crew is ripping into SE 42nd Avenue’s pavement, about 100 feet north of Henderson. The only water flowing down the streets now is from the pump that evacuated the hole being carefully dug by the bureau’s back-hoe operator.
“There is a horizontal crack in an 8-inch cast-iron water main,” confirms Knoll. “This main was installed in 1944. A lot of the pipe installed at that time was a little bit thinner than what was installed before WW2. We may never know the reason the pipe broke today.”
Water service restored within hours
At first, about 25 homes were affected by the shutdown, Knoll reports. “We’re now having ‘dirty water’ calls. If this happens in your home or business, see www.portlandonline.com/water/blog. It has a direct link about what to do if there is main break in your area.”
By 6:30 p.m., the crew restores water to all but four houses in the area. By 1:00 a.m., the water main is repaired, and service is restored.
Dig we must! The PWB crew has full service restored within nine hours.
Not so with the affected intersection. How long the road there will remain closed is unknown at this time.
© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service
Read and learn the startling statistics that show, as our population ages, how more and more people will need help‚ just to survive from day to day, and how you can help …
Second in our weekly series‚ see how, and why, business people “invest” their time to revive a business association serving the southern border of outer East Portland…
Learn more about the 37-unit affordable housing development – one that features a built-in day-care center – to outer East Portland …
ROSE Community Development President Jim Barrett (left, standing under the balloons) welcomes people to the lot on which Leander Court, the newest development of Rose Community Development Corp., will be built.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
While some neighborhood leaders and business people in outer East Portland question whether or not more low-income housing is good for Powellhurst-Gilbert, a new 37-unit development did break ground not long ago.
Leander Court, the new Section-8 housing, is being built on SE 122nd Avenue, just south of SE Holgate Boulevard. Amenities will include a courtyard, three play structures, two covered play areas, Energy Star appliances, and a community room with kitchen.
“We’re pleased to be breaking ground for this affordable housing development today,” Nick Sauvie, Executive Director, Rose Community Development Corporation, told us. “There are a lot of families in the area that are really scraping to get by. It’s all they can do to pay for housing, food and health care.”
Sauvie said this project was created to “keep rents affordable. It will make a big difference for families living here with income ranges are between 30-50% of median income.”
Two of the units are designed with extra space for in-home child care providers. “This provides an income-earning opportunity to two families.”
Portland City Commissioner Erik Sten welcomes guests to the groundbreaking ceremony for Leander Court, a new Section-8 housing development in outer Southeast Portland.
On his way into the ceremony, Portland City Commissioner Erik Sten told us, “This is a scarce opportunity: Building family-size units, in a good location near schools, and in a safe, new environment.”
The commissioner said that the families moving into the new residences will have the chance to build a great community here. “For me this is really exciting. We need to have this kind of development everywhere in Portland. But, land is getting so scarce and expensive. So, when a group like Rose Community Development pull it off it is really exciting.”
The $7.3 million development is expected to be completed by July, 2007.
© 2006 David F. Ashton ~ East PDX News
Look here to find out when, and where, your
National Night Out party is …
East Portland Crime Prevention Specialist Rosanne Lee invites everyone to participate in their neighborhood’s activities “Look for these signs to find the event in your neighborhood,” she says..
Events compiled, and photo by David F. Ashton
Other than neighborhood association meetings, the one time folks can get together to improve their immediate area is to join in a National Night Out party or event. Most of them take place on Tuesday, August 1.
The event, created reduce crime, also helps boost community spirit.
Outer East Portland Night Out Events, listed by Date and Neighborhood
Parkrose Heights – Saturday, July 29
Lou Fontana and his volunteers at Oregon Baptist Retirement Homes put on one of the largest National Night Out events in the area. A cruse-in car show, live music and lots of food are at this great event. Note, this year it is on Saturday! It’s all happening at 1825 NE 108th Ave., just north of NE Halsey St.
Lents – Saturday, July 29
Enjoy this Saturday block party in the area of 8940 S.E. Reedway St from noon to 3 p.m.. Call for more information: (503) 788-8052, extension 108.
Mill Park – Saturday, July 29
This Block Party is centered at 14001 S.E. Taylor today from 3 to 9:30 p.m.. Call for more information: (503) 823-2460.
Powellhurst-Gilbert – Sunday, July 30
A little early, folks are inviting neighbors to a barbecue and potluck from near 3140 S.E. 119th Ave. Call for more information: (503) 760-1684.
On National Night Out, August 1st …
Argay – Tuesday, Aug. 1
The party at Argay Park, at NE 141st Ave. and Shaver St., promises to be bigger and better than ever! Groove to themusic of the Kooltones; chow down on Burgerville Tillamook burgers, drink, chips for just $1.50; chomp into Rossi Farms fresh sweet corn on the cob; ice cream; clowns, face painting, games for the kids; visits from firemen, policemen and dignitaries.It runs from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Call for more information: (503) 256-5579.
Centennial – Tuesday, Aug. 1
Come to Parklane Park, SE 155th Ave. & Main St. from 6:15 to 8:15 p.m. for cookies, punch and fellowship with your neighbors. Call for more information: (503) 252-4302.
Glenfair – Tuesday, Aug. 1
One of the smaller neighborhoods is Glenfair, but their association’s chair, Stephen Jenkevice, makes sure there is fun (and usually lots of pizza) at their event at Glenfair Park, 15331 NE Couch Ct. (best to approach from Burnside St.) from 6 to 8 p.m. Call for more information: (503) 502-8041.
Lents – Tuesday, Aug. 1
A good, old-fashioned ice cream social is the event John and Judy Welch host for National Night Out at Lents Park Picnic Area “A”, on SE 92nd Ave., south of Holgate Blvd. It runs from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Call for more information: (503) 771-4667.
Mill Park – Tuesday, Aug. 1
This Night Out event brings Mill Park neighbors together for Chalk Art (on the street) a great pol-luck, entertainment and other fun. This Street Party is at SE 114th Plaza and Yamhill St.; it runs from 6 to 9 p.m. Call for more information: (503) 408-1465.
Montavilla – Tuesday, Aug. 1
How about meeting your neighbors while you enjoy cookout and barbecue? It’s happening in Montavilla at 6:30 p.m. at 8913 S.E. Mill St. Call for more information: (503) 735-5914.
Parkrose Heights – Tuesday, Aug. 1
Join your neighbors at Knott Park, NE 117th Ave. at Knott St. The fun and games start at 6 p.m. Call for more information: (503) 784-8076.
Powellhurst-Gilbert – Tuesday, Aug. 1
Take some goodies and enjoy the barbecue and potluck at the Montessori Franciscan Earth School, 14750 SE Clinton St. They start at 6 p.m. and run until dusk. Call for more information: (503) 703-9418.
Russell – Tuesday, Aug. 1
The other ice cream social in outer East Portland will be at 12532 NE. Knott St. from 7 to 9 p.m.. Call for more information: (503) 252-7605.
Russellville – Tuesday, Aug. 1
A potluck, held at the end of the cul-de-sac on SE Mill Ct. at 102nd Ave. starts at 6 p.m. Call for more information: (503) 808-4552.
Wilkes – Tuesday, Aug. 1
You’ll be able to smell the burgers being cooked by Ross Monn’s crew at Wilkes Park, 3655 N.E. 154th Ave. tonight! It runs from 6 p.m to 8 p.m. Call for more information: (503) 261-1010.
Woodland Park – Tuesday, Aug. 1
The tradition continues for this great, small neighborhood at the intersection of NE 101st Ave. and Bell Dr. It runs from from 6 to 8 p.m. Call for more information: (503) 257-2817.
Parkrose – Saturday, August 5
Look! Get a taste of the famous Parkrose Lions BBQ Chicken, chow down on famous Rossi Sweet Corn-on-the-Cob and rock out to blues tunes provided by Beal St. NW at this fun block party! Marcy Emerson-Peters and association volunteers are putting on their second annual event at Senn’s Dairy Park, NE 112th Ave. at Prescott St. It runs from noon until dusk. Call for more information: (503) 254-3794.
© 2006 David F. Ashton ~ East PDX News
See the smiles on their faces as these kids learn the importance of growing food in their very own garden space …
In the Lents Children’s Garden are (Back row) Saige Keikkala; Bailey Schweitzer; Sarah Goforth–Children’s Gardening Educator; Mara Reynolds, Assistant ‚Äì (Middle row) Row: Joshua Keikkala; Madison Keikkala; Josh Ashbaugh; Grace Vu ‚Äì (Front row) Krista Ashbaugh (the young man with the squash); Jacob Ashbaugh.
Story and photo by David F. Ashton
Instead of scolding their children for getting their clothes soiled, some parents in outer East Portland are encouraging their kids to go out and “dig in the dirt” this summer.
These kids are taking part in a Portland Parks and Recreation program that teaches gardening skills to youngsters.
“We have 30 different community gardens around the city,” the Parks Department’s Children’s Gardening Educator, Sarah Goforth, told us when we visited. “Of these, three garden plots are reserved for children’s gardening. One of these Children’s Gardens is here in Lents.”
This program helps youngsters learn healthy eating habits, Goforth continued, as well as understand nutrition and discover the natural world in the community garden, close to their home.
She said that children’s gardening classes are open to kids ages 6-12 years old. And, they’re absolutely free of charge. “During the program, kids learn how to grow and care for organic vegetables, as well as learn about soil, insects, compost, biodiversity, and much more. Together, we make snacks, fresh from their own garden and the kids get to take home extra produce to share with their families.”
Goforth said the classes aren’t limited to the summer months, but extend into the fall.
The only such program in outer East Portland so far is at Lents Community Garden, on SE 88th and Steele. The Children’s Gardening Program runs every Thursday from 9:00-10:30 a.m.
For more information, or to reserve your child’s place in this FREE program, contact Goforth at (503) 823-1617 or childgard@ci.portland.or.us.
© 2006 David F. Ashton ~ East PDX News
Although it’s an annual event, see why this, the first Pancake Breakfast held by the Thelma Skelton “Loaves and Fishes” Center at their new location, was important to their continued success ‚Ķ
Joie Xiali, Lisa and Hank Barnett enjoy a great, hot breakfast on a rainy, wintery day – and, at the same time, support the agency that helps their parents by giving them hot meals.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
The hundreds of individuals, couples, and entire families who braved the cold, driven rain along SE Milwaukie Avenue were rewarded with a hot, toothsome breakfast a not long ago.
Guests kept the volunteers at the Thelma Skelton Loaves and Fishes Center busy as they served up Pancake Breakfast at the senior center in Brooklyn. On the menu were pancakes, biscuits with sausage gravy, ham, and eggs. Second helpings were offered to extra hungry diners.
Volunteers William Benseler, Colette Livermore, and Mike James work the grill and serving line, cooking up fresh hot breakfasts.
We talked with the Barnett family as they enjoyed a Saturday morning family breakfast. Their daughter, Joie Xiali, seemed delighted by her pancakes and syrup. Her parents, Lisa and Hank ordered the full breakfast.
“It’s a good breakfast, and a great cause,” said Lisa. “My parents are served by this ‘Meals on Wheels’ center. We’re happy to support them, because they do so much good in the community.”
Drivers deliver food, and compassion
Hank explained that Lisa’s parents can’t easily go shopping anymore. “And, it’s difficult for them to cook. More than that, they really appreciate the human contact. They’ve gotten to know the volunteers who deliver the meals. It’s often the highlight of their day.”
Meals on Wheels coordinator Merna Rabetoy shows off a craft item she’s selling to raise additional funds for the Brooklyn senior center.
First event in new location
Linda James, center manager, smiled broadly as she watched the center’s volunteers scurry about, serving the steady stream of breakfast patrons.
It was midmorning when we visited. James commented, “We’ve already served a couple of hundred people. The response has been awesome; we’re thrilled with the community support we’ve received.”
This center opened in February, James told us. “This Pancake Breakfast is our annual fund raising event. We did it when we were housed at the Moreland church. It is always scheduled for the first Saturday in November.”
There are two reasons behind their annual fundraising effort services, Janes said: “One is to raise funds to provide seniors with meals, the other is to raise community awareness about the work we do.”
Helps senior citizens stay at home
Loaves and Fishes centers serve seniors who need food service at home, because they find it difficult to shop for groceries and cook for themselves. Thus, James commented, it allows them to stay in their homes with a better quality of life.
The Thelma Skelton Center serves about 175 meals, Monday through Friday. Drivers deliver more of the prepared, hot meals to seniors’ homes.
Volunteers needed
“There are only three staff members at the center. “All the other workers here are volunteers. We love and appreciate our volunteers,” James related. “We are always looking for volunteers.”
If you’d like to help, the Brooklyn-based center needs more volunteer drivers who are willing to deliver the meals, and spend a few moments brightening a senior’s day. “We have 13 routes every day, for each day of the work week. Plus, we need about six volunteers here every day to dish up and package the meals to go out. Volunteers also serve lunch to those seniors who can come into our center for lunch.”
To volunteer, or find out more, call James at (503) 988-6334 or e-mail her at ljames@lfcpdx.org.
© 2006 David F. Ashton ~ East PDX News
Toxic levels of lead is often found in older homes. But you may be surprised to learn where lead can hide in newly-remodeled residences. Read this, and learn how to easily protect yourself — and your loved ones — from the avoidable tragedy of lead poisoning ‚Ķ
Perry Cabot, workshop coordinator of the Portland’s Lead Poisoning Prevention Program, tests a harmless looking dish ‚Äì and discovers toxic levels of lead.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Right now, you may have a very dangerous “heavy metal” in your home, out where your kids can play in it.
Even small amounts of it damage the body’s nervous system connections ‚Äì especially in young children ‚Äì and it causes blood and brain disorders.
The culprit: Lead.
No, the problem isn’t found in pencils; they’re made with graphite.
“Indeed, lead is a poisonous metal,” says Perry Cabot, workshop coordinator of the City’s Lead Poisoning Prevention Program at a class he’s conducting at the Sellwood Community Center on February 5.
There’s no way to ‘get the lead out’
“Lead is toxic because it is a heavy metal that is persistent in our environment, and it is a bio-accumulative metal. This means, when it gets in our body, it stays there for one’s entire life. It isn’t excreted. The more lead we take in, the more that stays there,” he says.
Cabot pointed out that lead is particularly dangerous to pregnant women and to children because it damages the brain of the developing fetus. It also damages the brains of young, developing children. “Sadly, the damage is permanent. Kids never recover from it.”
Typical sources of lead contamination
Lead is chiefly found in older, lead-containing house paint, Cabot explains. “When old paint is sanded, or breaks down into dust, it’s usually a very fine dust. Kids playing in the area can easily transfer this dust from their hands to their mouths and faces. This hand-to-mouth contact is a common source of poisoning of children today.”
Sherrie Smith, the program’s outreach coordinator adds, “Many people remodel at this time of year. Remember, more than 50% of lead poisoning cases happen because of in-home remodeling.”
Lead poisoning unlikely from very old pipes
We ask about the likelihood that, in the oldest of homes in East Portland, one could be poisoned by lead water pipes.
“In very old homes, there may be lead pipes,” Cabot responds. “But, more than likely, the pipes are cast iron or galvanized steel.”
Instead, it is homes built, or remodeled, primarily between 1970 and 1985 that are more at risk, Cabot said. “The risk is that copper pipes are joined together with lead-based solder. ‘Middle aged’ plumbing imparts the highest risk. When water sits in the pipes for hours, some lead can leach into it.”
Cabot shows participants how to use the free lead-testing tools they receive as a registered participant of the lead-safe workshops.
Workshop teaches how to be “lead safe“
Cabot says he doesn’t scare homeowners about the dangers of lead poisoning–he educates them on how to be safe, by presenting free Lead Poisoning Prevention Workshops.
“We tell people what lead is, what makes it dangerous, the most common sources of lead, and how we test our bodies and homes for lead. Also, we show people how to prevent lead from getting into us in the home environment.”
It’s easy to test blood for lead, Cabot explains. It is a simple pin-prick test available at the free, bimonthly Josiah Hill III Clinic. “We recommend testing for all children at about one year, then at two years of age. It should be routine screening.”
Testing your home
At the workshop, Cabot tells participants about expensive and cheap ways to teat for lead.
Cabot breaks out free testing materials for the registered class members. “The Community Energy Project provides some very useful and effective free dust-testing kits for people who attend our workshops. We also recommend–and give out in the class–a free “Lead-Check” swab.
Surprise hiding places
In homes, Cabot instructs, lead can be found in unexpected places.
“We were surprised vinyl mini-blinds imported from China may contain unacceptable levels of lead. One wouldn’t think mini-blinds are lead-coated, nor have lead added to them. But when they break down in the sun, lead becomes accessible in the home.”
Regulations are lax about the use of lead in overseas product manufacturing plants, Cabot says.
“You’d be surprised to learn the number of lead-contaminated children’s toys and jewelry sold at dollar-type stores. They’re cheap, colorful, and very attractive to children. When the lead is found in them, there are massive recalls. But many times we don’t find the lead until entire the lot has been distributed and sold.”
Learn how to safe from lead poisoning
Get more information on the frequent no-cost Lead Poisoning Prevention Program workshops by going to www.CommunityEnergyproject.org – or call (503) 284-6827.
© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service
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