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

The first parade of the season‚ this one’s a Portland Rose Festival Centennial event‚ takes the avenue on April 28. Read all about the organization behind it in our weekly series about East Portland Business Associations‚

Backed by the Royal Rosarians, 82nd Ave. of Roses Business Association President Ken Turner officiates at the grand opening of Joann’s Superstore.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
This association of businesses as started in 1987, and now has a strong membership that includes business members from all sections of the association’s boundaries. They are also very proud to count as members several neighborhood representatives; government representative; non-profit organizations and educational facilities.

This association represents businesses along and abutting the 82nd Avenue of Roses, from Portland International Airport in the north, to the Clackamas County line in the south.

A vision for change brings new name
In 2004, the Associations Board of Directors supported and approved a ‘new plan in direction’ to be undertaken by this business group.

Paul Ellison, manager of Bank of the West at SE 82nd Avenue of Roses and Division Street, plants community roses, with the help of Royal Rosarians and staff from Portland Community College Southeast Center.

First part of the plan was to get a wide range support to change the name of the street, making it “The 82nd. Avenue of Roses”. A resolution was passed by the Portland City Council in November, 2004 in which, from that day forward, our thoroughfare would be referred to as The 82nd Avenue of the Roses.

More than new designation
Adding “Avenue of Roses” to this storied thoroughfare’s name may not, by itself, create positive change. It is, however, a significant indicator of the action both neighbors and business are taking to improve this historic, geographic band of East Portland.

Second phase of their revitalization plan was to unite the neighboring residential communities with the business district in an effort to improve the real and perceived image that this area has been labeled with.

Working together, the group undertook the “We Report All Crimes” campaign. Neighbors and business people encourage businesses in the district to display the campaign’s window decals. The result was that several hundred businesses chose to identify themselves with the association, and the anti-crime program.

Mark Schmidt (right) helps organize volunteers, from both neighborhood and business, for the group’s “Window Cling” distribution effort.

Community-minded projects
This association has created projects with the neighborhoods in mind, as well as the businesses. They are designed to increase a sense of community, goodwill and prosperity in and near the district.

For example, all businesses and residences have been encouraged to plant roses on property that abuts to 82nd. Avenue. Co-coordinating with the Portland Royal Rosarians and the Portland Rose Society, eight official ‘rose plantings’ were held in 2006. This number does not include those businesses that planted roses on their own and without fanfare.

Dave Lister and Ken Turner, getting ready to install another Window Cling.

Sign caps designate area
The next effort was securing funding and support to participate in the City of Portland’s sign cap program.

This entailed creating a design, for a metal sign that would depict the Association’s new logo, on all city street signs on 82nd. Avenue.

Portland City Commissioner Sam Adams and Ken Turner admire a new “sign cap”, designating 82nd Avenue as the “Avenue of Roses”.

In late 2006, City Commissioner Sam Adams presided over the official un-veiling of the sign caps.

Come join the parade
In association with the Portland Rose Festival Association, plan now to enter or watch, the Avenue of Roses Parade scheduled for April 28th at 9 a.m. sharp.

“This event is a collaborative effort,” the association’s president, Ken Turner tells us, “involving several neighborhood associations, business associations, and many other organizations. Participants include bands, marching groups, Chinese Lions, the Keystone Kops, Royal Rosarians, Rose Court Princesses, Portland Corvette Club, clowns, and more.”

The Avenue of Roses Parade starts at Eastport Plaza, 4000 SE 82nd Avenue.  The parade will travel north along 82nd Ave.; then west onto SE Yamhill, disbanding at SE 78th Avenue. Presenting sponsors for the event are Eastport Plaza Shopping Center and Washman, USA.

Festivities continue after the parade, with a sidewalk festival hosted by the Montavilla East Tabor Business Assn. and Montavilla Neighborhood Assn.

One significant outcome of this event will be to prove to the broader community that SE Portland has something fun and positive to offer the City.

Member spotlight
Bank of the West‚ Paul Ellison, Manager
Ellison has been a very involved business for over 10 years. This type of time commitment is indicative of the desire of the business community to help mitigate positive change along the 82nd. Avenue of Roses corridor.

Eastport Plaza‚ Ken Turner, Manager
Turner has also supported the entire area by encouraging the healthy development of the entire area.

Washman USA, Portland Community College, Standard TV and Appliance, Banfield Pet Clinic and Bill Bitar, Elmers Restaurant are but a few businesses that have been very helpful in keeping 82nd Avenue viable as a business district.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

Members of the East Portland Chamber of Commerce meet at different businesses across their area. Read this and catch up on a couple of their more interesting meeting locations‚

Doug Miller, president of Modern Color, shows off his new flatbed, full-color sign printer to members of the East Portland Chamber of Commerce.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
The East Portland Chamber of Commerce is focused on giving its members the tools to grow their businesses, learn to be effective business leaders, and be heard by local government officials.

And, Every Wednesday morning, from 7:30 to 9:00, a different chamber member hosts the “Good Morning East Portland” networking meeting.

A couple of weeks ago, folks started showing up early on a Wednesday morning at Doug Miller’s new business called “Modern Color“.

“Under the name PACIFIC SIGNS, we’ve been in the large-format printing business for many years in outer East Portland, off NE 122nd Avenue,” Miller explained.

Everything is bigger at Modern Color‚ even this giant sized poster admired by chamber members.

We watched, as a large printing machine zipped across an expanse of plain board, turning it into a series of posters.

“This equipment is designed for high level production,” explained Miller. “This flatbed can go faster than most machines. The most important thing about this machine is repeatability. Once we set up a project, we can do it again and again‚ each is identical.”

The combination of being able to print a 5′ x 10′ lowers the cost per print, allowing them to charge less per sign, he added.

Personalized toilet seats
Because his equipment can print of flat surfaces up to two inches thick, they can print on doors, ceiling tiles, and bath mats Miller noted. “The most exotic application we’ve been asked for is‚ and I don’t know if there is a big market for this‚ full-color toilet seats!”

Modern Color is located at 6132 NE 112th Avenue, just off East Airport Way. To learn more, see: www.moderncolor.net.

The “Queen of Swag”, Diane Nudelman (the one with the giant scissors) cuts the ribbon, officially opening her new northwest Portland location‚ with help from her long-time friends from the East Portland Chamber.

‘Swag Queen’ moves downtown

Long-time East Portland Chamber of Commerce supporter Diane Nudelman ran her advertising specialties business, “Advance Promotions” from a cramped office in the Hollywood District, but now she’s headed west.

Although she’s tried out other “tag lines” at chamber meetings, the one that stuck is, “Hi, I’m Diane Nudelman. I’m not a drag queen‚ I’m your SWAG Queen. SWAG is the ‘Stuff We All Get’.”

While the queen’s loyal subjects were sad to see her leave East Portland, she had a full house on June 6 as chamber members welcomed Nudelman to her new offices in northwest Portland at 224 N.W. Broadway.

With her typical cheerful tag-line greeting given, she reminded, “I make office calls, and you can still see me online at www.swagqueen.com.”

Check out what’s happening at the East Portland Chamber of Commerce by visiting their web site, too! It’s www.eastportlandchamber.com.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

Multnomah County health officials say the Avian Flu is undoubtedly coming. There’s no vaccine for it. People will die from it. And there’s nothing the government can do to help you. Read and learn what steps you must take to protect the life and health of your family ‚Ķ

Jessica Guernsey Camargo, MPH, Project Supervisor, Pandemic Influenza Community Engagement, telling a SE Portland group there is no cure, nor prevention, for the coming Avian Flu. “The fact is, the only real way of managing the pandemic is through citizens taking personal responsibility.”

Story and photo by David F. Ashton
Those listening to the project supervisor of Multnomah County’s Pandemic Influenza Community Engagement center, Jessica Guernsey Camargo, MPH, looked stunned when she said that there is little government can do if Portland is struck with a pandemic of Avain Flu.

Speaking calmly, Camargo was in SE Portland on June 6, sharing information about Avian Flu, the county’s preparation, and how people can protect themselves.

The good news: its not here … yet …
At this time, nowhere in the world, is there an area yet experiencing a epidemic of Avian Influenza ‚Äì known as H5N1scientifically and “Bird Flu” commonly.

Right now, the H5N1 bird flu strain is commonly carried by wild birds. It does spread to domestic birds like chickens and ducks, Camargo told us. When the virus mutates so it can transfer among humans, we’ll have a pandemic. “There is no H5N1 bird flu in our country; but we do expect it to arrive at some time. We don’t know when.”

Currently, bird flu rarely spreads from person to person, she said. “When it does spread to humans, it is from very close, ‘beak to cheek’ contact. People who work with birds, or are in close contact with them, have a higher likelihood of infection.”

Thus far, the reported cases of the virus transferring from human to human have centered in Indonesia. “But, if something changes, there is a potential for a serious pandemic or plague.”

Pandemic defined
Camargo said “pandemic influenza” is a worldwide epidemic of flu. “Pandemics result from new flu strains emerging, rapidly spreading around the world, and infecting large populations very quickly. The most severe pandemics have been in 1918, 1957, and 1968.”

The reason the health department takes this so seriously is because, in humans, H5N1 progresses rapidly into organ and respiratory failure. And, the virus mutates as it gets passed person-to-person.

Health Department preparations offer little personal aid
“Our 2006 assumption is that we can’t prevent it,” continued Camargo. “It can’t be avoided. Vaccine for the virus is unlikely to be available in adequate supply. Antiviral drugs will have a limited role in easing the epidemic.”

Before and during the pandemic, she added, there will be open, continuous, and uncensored media coverage, because managing a flu pandemic will require broad community involvement.

“Specifically, we’re increasing public information–how you can prepare yourself. We’re working with hospitals to prepare their facilities for a large increase in seriously ill patients.”

No vaccine available
“We’re trying to increasing community education and dialog because we don’t have a vaccine for H5N1. We will most likely not have one early on in a pandemic. When we do, It will be given to responders, police and health care workers first,” Camargo warned.

Asked about using face masks, she replied, “We’re not endorsing using any kind of mask to prevent illness.”

Watchful waiting
“Right now, we are doing disease surveillance. We work with the state labs in Alaska; they are the entry point for birds on the Pacific flyway through Oregon,” Camargo explained.

Short notice warning
“We’re also doing emergency response exercises with our community partners and official responders, to prepare for when pandemic strikes.”

How long a notice will we have once such a pandemic arises? “A few weeks”, she predicted. “Most people will just think they have a cold, and won’t realize how ill they truly are. They’ll spread the illness.”

Our best hope:
Community-level prevention programsIf a pandemic were to strike now, the health department official said, “Local response would rest, largely, on community-level prevention programs.”

Specifically, help your family and community by:
> Covering your face when you cough;
> Wash your hands regularly;
> Protect others by staying home when sick;
> Use medical prevention and treatments appropriately.

If a pandemic worsens to the level of requiring community-level intervention, Camargo said the officials will begin to “enforce ‘social distancing’ such as patient isolation, focused contact notification, quarantine of small groups, cancellation of specific events, closure of specific facilities, communitywide “slow downs” — stay at home days; as well as broad closure of businesses, schools, events, and transportation; finally, strict communitywide quarantine.”

Be aware and prepare
We asked Camargo for her bottom line on surviving the Avian Flu.

“Multnomah County is helping people prepare for it; we’re doing all we can to prepare for it from the governmental side. But people put too much reliance on vaccines and medication. The fact is, the only real way of managing a pandemic is through citizens taking personal responsibility.I urge everyone to set aside an evening with their friends and families to begin to prepare for the possible pandemic.”

Instead of getting scared — get prepared!For more information, see www.mchealth.org, or call (503) 988-4454 for a recorded message.

¬© 2006 David F. Ashton ~ East PDX News

How did this outer East Portland market fare this year? We’ll dig to the root of the truth for you, in this fascinating article …

Take a look at another great East Portland farmer’s market, as it opens its doors …

Giving away cookies on opening day at the Moreland Farmer’s Market are Beatrice Matin, market manager Laura Wendel, and Elaine Harper.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Beautiful weather may have been one factor for the great turnout at the Moreland Farmer’s Market opening day on May 14. But the wide variety of vendors and upbeat feeling for the nonprofit market, as it begins its third season, may have contributed to the lively day.

About 1,850 adults – the organizers don’t include kids in their traffic count – visited 32 vendors offering plants, fresh vegetables and fruits, and a wide variety of prepared and ready-to-eat foods.

Heidi Perry, Marimba teacher at Sellwood Middle School, leads the student band in a lively number at the Moreland Farmer’s Market.

Matthew Hall sells fresh produce to Jane Crowley.

A neighborhood crossroads
Laura Wendel, the market’s manager, said she was pleased that so many folks turned out to visit the vendors and be entertained by the Sellwood Middle School Marimba Band and Jazz Band.

“We think of our market as a neighborhood crossroads,” said Wendel. “You can come out and see people, and sample a lot of terrific products. And, it’s wonderful to be able to come and get freshly grown and picked produce and fruit – and talk with the person who grew it.”

Ella Jones gets a balloon toy made for her by Alfie the Clown.

Making a crêpe is Meg Vogt, of the Village Crepery — a treat, in this case, for market customer David Monnie.

New features this year
In addition to the new and returning vendors, Wendel told us that the market will feature chef demonstrations and special food-tasting events almost every week.

“Also, the last Wednesday of every month, Judy Wallace of Wallace Books is providing block Styrofoam recycling,” noted Wendel.

Back after surviving a devastating flood at her farm and cheese factory, Meg Gregory of Black Sheep Creamery says she’s glad to be back at the Westmoreland market.

Vendor survives severe storm
Meg Gregory of Black Sheep Creamery has always been a vendor of choice at the market. But this year, market organizers wondered of she’d be back after experiencing storm damage last winter.

“We had quite a winter, but we’re back,” Gregory told us. “During what they call a ‘500 year flood’, we lost 75% of our flock. We ended up with 30 inches of water in the house – even worse; the water was up to 54 inches deep in our cheese facility. But we had 50 volunteers every weekend who helped us get back on our feet.”

“Hip Chicks Do Wine” winery’s Danna Hall pours samples of her wine at the Moreland Farmer’s Market.

More of everything good
Every Wednesday afternoon, the market offers local fresh produce, nursery stock, cheese, baked goods, flowers, prepared food, specialty items, and more. “This year, we also have specialty products like hand-made chocolates, fresh local honey, and real boiled bagels,” Wendel said. “And, there’s lots of prepared food, like freshly-made crêpes, grilled sausages, and food from Canby Asparagus Farm.”

There’s fun for the kids, too! Ruthie Jones has her face decorated by Mia Long.

Volunteers needed
Willing hands are needed to set up, operate, and take down the market. “Please call me, or see our web site,” Wendel requested.

The Moreland Farmer’s market is held on the Portland Memorial parking lot on S.E. Bybee at 14th, with free parking across the street at SE 14th and Glenwood. It’s open on Wednesdays 3:30 to 7:30 pm through Sept 24th.

For more information, see www.morelandfarmersmarket.org, or telephone (503) 341-9350.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

If you don’t know Ross Monn, Chair of Wilkes Community Group, see why sixty folks showed up at to honor this man and wish him well, as he moves to Spokane …

Bonny McKnight, co-chair of the nearby Russell neighborhood, welcomes guests to the farewell celebration for Ross Monn.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Never has the East Portland Neighborhood Office (EPNO) building, in Hazelwood, hosted such a well-attended event, as was the farewell event honoring Wilkes Community Group Chair, Ross Monn, on May 30.

The gathering came about when Monn announced that he will be moving to Spokane to rejoin old friends, and start the next phase in his life.

Known for being a direct-speaking, no-nonsense neighborhood activist, Monn heard a parade of politicians, government workers, volunteers, and friends praise his generous and nurturing nature.

In addition to championing land-use, natural area preservation, and density issues within his neighborhood, Monn also volunteered for tasks ranging from building Portland Rose Festival floats to dealing with land-use issues – and even helping reinvigorate the neighborhood coalition’s newspaper.

Bonny McKnight, co-chair of the nearby Russell neighborhood, started off the tribute saying, “Working with Ross, I felt encouraged to work with my neighborhood, and encouraged about the citywide neighborhood system.” She enumerated the many accomplishments that led to Monn winning the “Spirit of Portland Award” in 2004.

Mayor-elect and Portland City Commissioner Sam Adams says how Monn inspired him to be a better public servant.

Inspires Portland’s Mayor-elect
Portland City Commissioner and Mayor-elect Sam Adams told the group, “Ross advocates for his neighborhood with such precision and effectiveness, that he is not a person that you can ignore. And he does it with such charm.”

Noting that he’d worked with Monn on issues since he’d simply been a staffer for Mayor Vera Katz, Adams added, “You are a testament to the difference that one person can make. You’ve been inspiring to me. You helped me become a better public servant.”

Portland’s newly-minted City Commissioner, Nick Fish, gives Monn the hat given to him when he was assigned to oversee Portland Fire & Rescue earlier that day.

Drawn together by public service
After McKnight read a letter in which Portland City Commissioner Randy Leonard expressed his own appreciation for Monn, she introduced Nick Fish, recently elected to take Portland City Commissioner Erik Sten’s post on June 13.

“Public service is what draws all of us here together,” Fish began. “It’s part of what makes Portland great. Ross is a treasure; an unsung hero. I say that both as someone who aspires to public service, and as someone who has volunteered in our community.”

Metro Commissioner Rod Park thanks Monn for his leadership regarding natural-space issues.

Stepping up to tell of Monn’s efforts to improve the Wilkes Creek area, Metro Commissioner Rod Park noted, “It was his efforts, as he pushed and pushed to get help from Metro, that led to our developing a program that allows citizens to participate in improving green-spaces across the region. Ross, you are great advocate for the neighborhood, the city, and the region.”

Oregon House of Representatives Speaker and Democratic Party candidate for US Senate, Jeff Merkley greets departing neighborhood activist Ross Monn at a celebration held in his honor.

Advocated for many issues
Oregon House of Representatives Speaker, and Democratic Party candidate for US Senate, Jeff Merkley stepped up and said his partnership with Monn spans a decade.

“When there was an issue, he would call. I heard from Ross about issues including housing density, traffic congestion, public safety, and getting funding to complete Wilkes Park,” Merkley lauded. “People in government can only do their job well when you have people working in the field channeling your awareness to the issues that need attention. No one has done that better than Ross. We will profoundly miss you.”

Jefferson Smith, Oregon House of Representative candidate, he’s know – and appreciated – Monn for many years.

Oregon House of Representative candidate Jefferson Smith, who aspires to Merkley’s seat, added, “Recognizing the principles of volunteerism, and being a friend, and a valuable member of the community, is worth convening for; worth talking about. Ross stands out because he took on many tasks that were ‘nobody’s job’ – but ones necessary to building a strong community.”

Searching for “just the right words” is Amalia Alarcón, director, City of Portland’s Office of Neighborhood Involvement.

Searches for descriptive words
The City of Portland’s Office of Neighborhood Involvement director, Amalia Alarcón, talked about people in her office sought out exactly the right words to describe Ross Monn.

“We could say he works to move a program forward; but ‘move’ is too passive,” Alarcón mused. “‘Compels us forward’ is pretty good. How about ‘propels us’, or ‘catapults us forward’?  Whatever words are used, he is a person for whom we are grateful. We serve the city in a better way, largely because of Ross, and the work he’s done.”

Lise Glancy, with the Port of Portland, presents to Ross Monn a certificate recognizing his “hard work and dedicated service for representing East Portland neighborhood interests, and the port planning process.”

Monn’s nurturing nature revealed
Valerie Curry, Argay neighborhood Chair, said she appreciated how Monn nurtured and guided her when she got involved with her neighborhood’s association.

The Parkrose Heights neighborhood Chair, Carol Williams, told how, throughout her husband’s illness, and subsequent passing, Monn sent her light and cheerful messages and messages of support. “He cares so much, he gets involved.”

Arlene Kimura, Chair of Hazelwood’s association, remarked that Monn was instrumental in working with Commissioner Leonard to get the under-utilized Hazelwood Water Bureau building named for use as EPNO’s new offices.

Richard Bixby, EPNO’s executive director added that, “Any time when something needed to done, Ross would step in.”

Alison Stoll, Bixby’s counterpart at Central Northeast Neighbors, related a story about how Monn sought out resources to help a neighborhood child who needed dental work. “It was a kindhearted thing to do.  Ross, you’ll be remembered for the things that you do that bring people, throughout Portland, together.”

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

One local political race is still in progress this summer – Fritz and Lewis are each hoping to win the runoff for Portland City Commissioner Seat #1 in November’s election. Read what they had to say this week in Gateway …

Story by Watford Reed and David F. Ashton, photos by David F. Ashton
Portlanders know that Sam Adams will take over the Mayor’s Office in January, and that Nick Fish decisively won the Portland City Council seat vacated by the early retirement of Erik Sten.

But one race remains in city government – for Portland City Council Seat #1, currently held by Mayor-elect Sam Adams.

Fritz and Lewis in runoff race
Neighborhood control and interaction were the themes of both candidates, when Amanda Fritz and Charles Lewis stood to seek votes at a meeting in Gateway on July 10, as their runoff race begins.

Formally asked the same sets of questions, the two finalists showed more agreement than dispute as they spoke before the 40 people present at the Gateway Area Business Association (GABA) meeting.

Portland City Counsel Seat 1 Candidate Amanda Fritz

Fritz: Provide basic services
Fritz, a registered nurse, began by saying she won every precinct east of 82nd Avenue in the primary election for the city council seat.

In her opening statement, Fritz said, “I’m running to provide basic services for all 95 neighborhood associations. In the runoff, you’ll hear me talking a lot about all 35 business districts as well. We need to pay attention to both the business districts and the neighborhood associations – something I am very committed to doing.”

As the economy gets tighter, Fritz said, government needs to use taxpayer money more wisely. “I will make sure we are spending wisely. We need to remember that it comes from taxpayers – it’s not ‘fun money’ for politicians to spend as they wish.”

The first step, Fritz said, is to make sure the city is allocating funds to the core services — like “public safety, streets and infrastructure, and economic development.”

Portland City Counsel Seat 1 Candidate Charles Lewis

Lewis: Necessity of ‘affordable housing’
Lewis, who is a candidate for public office for the first time, started off by complementing his opponent on her ability and dedication.

He stated his credentials, including having earned a Masters degree in Public Policy, adding that he and his family are 30-year residents of the Gateway area. Lewis illustrated his ability and business acumen by recounting how he started Ethos Music Center with three volunteer helpers – and grew it to an organization with 78 employees.

“Affordable housing is absolutely critical, fairly distributed,” Lewis campaigned. “It is unfairly distributed into some neighborhoods. In the Hillsdale neighborhood they want more affordable housing; in some areas of outer Southeast Portland there’s too much affordable housing.”

Shifts in housing patterns affect school systems, he said; “Inner city schools are running at quarter capacity while outer East Portland districts are burgeoning at the seams. We need to do something to allow people to live and work in the same neighborhood, and go to school.”

Questions and Answers
Both candidates interjected their personal qualifications into their answers; we’ve edited the responses below for brevity.

Q: Which bureau would you like to have assigned to you — and what would you do differently with it?

A:
Lewis: The Bureau of Housing and Community Development. Affordable housing, appropriately distributed, is absolutely critical to everything we do.

Fritz: The Office of Neighborhood Involvement. If I am assigned that bureau, I’ll make sure we’re asking the right questions at the right time to best serve all of our communities.

Q: How do you feel about having specific and different zoning codes and land use reviews for each neighborhood or community?

Candidate Amanda Fritz.

A:
Fritz: Yes. There should be different zoning codes in different areas. We need to involve the community, businesses, and neighbors in setting [the codes] so we keep Portland ‘that special place’ with 95 distinct neighborhoods and 35 business districts, each with their own distinct character.

Candidate Charles Lewis.

Lewis: Neighborhoods are, and should be, different; we should celebrate those differences.  The cookie-cutter approach does not make sense for every single urban renewal area [such as Gateway]. We need to gain the input of community leaders as we move forward, to make sure that [zoning] is the right fit in every community.”

Q: Do you support increased density in Gateway?  Why or why not?

A:
Lewis: Density does not make sense in every community. The ’20 minute community’ [being discussed in the Portland Plan] – where you can walk and get everything you need within 20 minutes of your home – makes economic sense, it makes environmental sense, and I think it makes sense for our community.

Fritz: We need to be careful, as Gateway expands, so that existing businesses are supported and not squeezed out by exorbitant rents. Whether [residents are] walking or going by light rail, we need to make sure there is transportation for people to get to where they want to go – realizing that not everyone is going to walk [to their destinations].

Q: Are you in favor of “more affordable housing” in Gateway that is off the tax rolls [subsidized]?  Please explain!

A:
Fritz: We have a lot of affordable housing here. The question tax subsidies and affordable housing is complex. We want to make sure that people who have lived here for generations, and their children, can afford to buy homes here in outer East Portland. We also want to make sure that we have higher-end housing available [to house people who can afford] to support businesses.

Lewis: We have a heck of a lot out here right now. I’d like to see more affordable housing in the South Waterfront and Pearl District. We need to recognize that people need to be able to work and live in the same place; it’s going to be a focus of mine. The 35% set-aside in the urban renewal areas [for affordable housing] could be better used by the PDC to help businesses.

Q: How will you help grow existing businesses, bring in new business – and provide economic development – to Gateway?

A:
Lewis: We are in an urban renewal area. We’ve got the funds from PDC we can direct toward business development. It’s an incredibly powerful tool.  We need to focus on small to medium-size businesses.  I think too often the urban renewal money is used for humongous projects that benefit a very few wealthy people.

Portland City Counsel Seat 1 Candidate Amanda Fritz.

Fritz: Part of what I very much enjoy [about campaigning] is coming here [and experiencing a] sense of community: Parades, community events, and concerts in the park. I’ll be a cheerleader for Gateway. Grants for neighborhood business associations are also worthwhile; I’ll advocate for funding those grants.”

In the wrap-up statements, Fritz told how her years of community service – working with city and county governmental agencies, and being on the Portland Planning Commission for many years – make her uniquely qualified for the position.

Portland City Counsel Seat 1 Candidate Charles Lewis.

Lewis restated his business experience – starting, operating, and growing an organization in the City of Portland. He also stressed that, because he lives in outer East Portland’s Cully neighborhood, would give better geographic representation on the Portland City Council.

Timothy Mahar, who won a place in the Ambassadors of Music to seven European countries next year, received a $250 scholarship from GABA to be put toward his trip.

Gateway grant winner entertains
As a prelude to this political debate, GABA members heard music by Timothy Mahar, who won a place in the Ambassadors of Music to seven European countries next year.

Mahar, who will be a senior at David Douglas High School, plays the guitar and sang gospel and Johnny Cash songs.  He won a $250 scholarship from the Association, to be put toward the $6,000 cost of the trip next year.

He explained that the Oregon Ambassadors of Music are an honor band and choir, made up of top-notch students chosen by music teachers.  They will visit several countries in 16 days and perform in London and Paris, and sites in Switzerland, Austria, and Germany, as well as other countries.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

It’s more than just a Cruise-in – Parkrose business folks are getting ready for a day-long festival! See why they’re working so hard to make this event happen …

Parkrose Business Association Past President Wayne Stoll, of Century Associates, shows off the street banners about to be hung along NE Sandy Boulevard to promote the August 2 Parkrose Festival and Cruise-in.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
As we’ve been telling you – the “Rose Festival Parkrose Cruise-in” has been put to rest.

Traditionally poor early June weather led the sponsoring group, the Parkrose Business Association (PBA), to replace it with a brand-new event – the Parkrose Festival and Cruise-in on August 2.

Amy Salvador, of Century Associates, tells how flower baskets will hang from lamp poles along NE Sandy Boulevard to give the area some color – the sample basket is displayed here by the event’s originator, Gail Bash of Lucky Corp., and Mark Eves of Eves & Wade LLP.

Sprucing up Sandy Blvd.
Volunteers are asking city and agencies to spruce up NE Sandy Boulevard in preparation for the new Parkrose Festival and Cruise-in.

One project, Amy Salvador revealed at the group’s June meeting, is putting hanging baskets along Sandy Boulevard. “Many people have volunteered to help with this project,” Salvador said. “Rex Hollingsworth and his crew from Rex Heating & Air Conditioning (the title sponsor for the Festival) manufactured the brackets that will hold the plants – they will hang them. Joe Rossi is storing them until they go up; Freedom House is watering and maintaining them, and Century Associates is paying for the fertilizer and amenities.”

Other projects include street and bus stop cleaning and window washing along the boulevard.

Gordon Boorse, of Compaction & Recycling Equipment, and Marsha Lee, with Copy Express, tell the story of how the original Cruise-in program was started to support scholarships for local high school graduates.

Event sponsors scholarships
The reason the PBA started the event seven years ago was to raise a fund that would provide scholarships for graduating Parkrose High School seniors, explained Marsha Lee.

Lee introduced this year’s benefiting scholars – all of whom will be on hand to give out awards at this year’s Parkrose Festival & Cruise-in. Each of the scholars was vetted by a committee from the association consisting of herself, Mary Brown, Alison Stoll, Nancy Murphy, and Craig Mendenhall. Each scholar was awarded a $1,000 check.

Nancy Murphy gives Natasha Rose her award. Natasha will attend Mt. Hood Community College, working toward a degree in Secondary English, to become a high school English teacher.

Mary Brown presents her award to Renae Brown (no relation). Renae will attend Mt. Hood Community College, majoring in Psychology, with the goal of becoming a social worker.

Toyin Oyemaja gets her scholarship check from Mary Brown. Toyin will attend Portland State University, to major in Nursing, with the goal of becoming a Nurse Practitioner.

Alison Stoll presents a scholarship check to Tru Tran. Tru will attend Beloit College, studying Political Science and Pre-med.

Marsha Lee hands off a check to artist and scholar Cesar Pina. Cesar will attend Mt. Hood Community College, working toward his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, with the goal of becoming an animator.

Representing the “Dollars for Scholars” program that provides a matching grant, Carley Brown awards Justin Garvin. Justin will attend Oregon State University.

Meg Kilmer, higher-education counselor at Parkrose High School, accepts the plaque listing all of the benefiting scholars – past and present. You can see that they started out by sponsoring a single scholar!

Parkrose Festival and Cruise-in is August 2
What can you expect at this event? It’s a street fair on NE Sandy Boulevard, between NE 105th and NE 112th. It’s one the largest cruise-ins in the region. And, there’s fun for the entire family! It includes:

Cruise-in:

• A wide variety of antique, specialty, and classic cars, trucks, and motorcycles
• Over 55 trophies awarded to participants – including the giant 5-foot Grand Prize trophy
• Goodie Bags for first 300 cars in the Cruise-in Show & Shine
• Parade of Cars

Food:

• Authentic Swedish Pancake Breakfast prepared by the Harmoni Club
• Parkrose Lions’ BBQ Chicken Dinner
• Bad Ass Barbeque favorites
• Boss Hawg’s Beer Garden
• PBA Chuck Wagon’s Burgers, Dogs, & Snacks

Activities:

• Kids’ Area and Activities
• Community Resource Booths
• “Blow-up Car” contests – Guess how long a car can run without oil!
• The Big Parkrose Raffle – Grand prizes are: A $1,500 barbeque center, sponsored by Rex Heating &  Air Conditioning; and a set of four tires & wheels, sponsored by West Coast Bank & Bob Brown Tires. Plus, there are hundreds of other great prizes to be given away
• Fun activities within businesses along Sandy Boulevard

The Title Sponsor for this event is Rex Heating & Air Conditioning; the main sponsors include West Coast Bank and Pacific Northwest Credit Union.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

There aren’t any broncos to bust or calves to rope – but see what these electrical workers DO compete in, when they go to the region’s ‘lineman’s rodeo’ …

At this PGE training station on outer SE Powell Boulevard, linemen from all over the region gather to compete at the Pacific Northwest Lineman’s Rodeo.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Some of the toughest guys you’ll meet are at this all-day rodeo – but you won’t find any bull-riding, roping, or herding at the Pacific Northwest Lineman’s Rodeo, held annually out on SE Powell Boulevard on the last weekend in July – this year, on the 26th.

Instead, electric utility workers – some from as far away as Alaska – who climb utility poles to help repair wires or replace burned out transformers for a living, demonstrate their skills, as they compete against one another.

Rob Wales, a Portland General Electric lineman foreman, says that safety is more important than speed in their events.

East Portland was well represented at the event, said the event’s spokesman, Rob Wales, a Portland General Electric lineman foreman. “This is the 15th annual event,” Wales told us. “We’ve got 16 teams competing. Each one consists of three journeymen and a judge.”

Safety more important than speed
This rodeo’s events mirror tasks that electrical linemen perform in their daily work. “The key thing in each of our events,” Wales explained, “is safety above all else.”

Adam Blackwell, a journeyman from East Portland, races up a utility pole …

… and comes back down with the raw egg in his mouth still unbroken.

Wales pointed to Adam Blackwell, a journeyman from his facility, who was racing up to the top of a wooden utility pole in the “Speed Climb” event. The participant was climbing rapidly using a strap around the pole and spikes on his boots.

“Blackwell is climbing as quickly as he can. But he – and all of the linemen in this competition – holds a raw egg in his mouth. This assures he’s not overstepping his own natural abilities. If he breaks the egg, he loses the contest.”

After showing that his egg was intact, Blackwell paused a moment to talk with us about the rodeo. “The best part for me is winning!” he said. “It’s fun, and it’s great for the family to come see what we do, and to be with your friends and talk with other linemen you haven’t seen in a long time.”

The rodeo also provides these high-climbers with educational opportunities, Blackwell added. “Although there is a standard way of performing tasks, we get to learn techniques from others; everyone does things a little differently.”

As we walked to other event areas, Wales reemphasized that safety is paramount at the rodeo. “Yes, the object is to work as swiftly as possible. But when the teams are scored, their attention to safety is measured first, and quality of workmanship is second; finally, ranking third, speed. And, because swiftness plays a part in the events, the electric lines here are de-energized.”

MAX light rail electrician Chad Morrison helps his daughter try climbing a pole.

Nine-year-old Cassey Morrison climbs her first utility pole at the Lineman’s Rodeo.

Budding linemen try out
Not all of the events are for the linemen. Their spouses and children participate in hay-mound cash-grab, and other games.

And, the more daring family members were offered the opportunity to climb utility poles. Chad Morrison, an electrician who works on the MAX light rail system, helped his daughter, Cassey, strap into a safety harness and go for a climb.

“It’s hard work,” the little girl said, “But it was fun.”

Play with a purpose
In addition to providing camaraderie and showcasing skills, the event is also a fundraiser. “We have developed a relationship with the Oregon Burn Center; our proceeds go to support them. We have a lot of fun, but also get to support a good cause with the rodeo.”

One of the favorite family events is the hay-mound dash-for-cash.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News