Attention outer East Portland: Read this article and see why you should plan to see this wacky character, when she brings her outrageously funny show to Midland Library at the end of January …
Little guest Lana helps Mz. Pearl try to get her madcap act right.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Some entertainers haul in a truck full of props and equipment used in their act. Not so with “Mz. Pearl’s Variety Show”. Using minimal props, Pearl enchanted the children and entertained the adults at her January 17 show at the Woodstock Branch Library.
In show business lingo, they’d say that physical comedienne Heather Pearl (a/k/a “Mz. Pearl”) has mastered the art of “packing small, playing big”.
Mz. Pearl makes her big entrance.
While demonstrating the “death defying” skill of juggling silk scarves, Ms. Pearl became entangled in her costume. Never have we seen oversized underpants cause such laughter.
Her solo clown show was filled with physical comedy, juggling, magic, dance, and word play. Pearl got audience member really – and we mean really – involved in her show: In their seats, as volunteers, and in a mini-workshop at the end.
Members of the audience, even adults, are quickly drawn into Mz. Pearl’s wacky world.
Seriously, funny
Pearl started performing in 1990, and graduated from the Dell’ Arte School of Physical Theater located in Northern California. This well-educated clown also graduated from San Francisco State University with a degree in Interdisciplinary Arts. While living in San Francisco, she performed with several troups; she also taught clowning and circus skills to special populations.
Coming to Portland, several years ago, she performed with the “Do Jump! Extremely Physical Theater” troupe. In 2002, Pearl began working with Michael O’Neill as the Nomadic Theater Company. Together, they’ve created several shows, and continue to teach and perform throughout the region.
No matter how she tries to make it right, Mz. Pearl seems to continuously experience “wardrobe failures” – to the delight of her audiences.
Exposing truths
After her show, we talked with Pearl about her experience performing as a clown character. “What I love about clowning is that it’s not about being false; we seek to find human truths, then expand them.”
The best thing about doing shows in several branches of the Multnomah County Library system, Pearl says, is making parents and children laugh together. “Adults will laugh at some gags, the kids at others – they don’t always laugh at the same thing. It makes it a more layered experience as a performer.
Asked how she develops new ideas for shows, Pearl said, “I find an idea that interests and excites me, and then explore the possibilities in our studio. This show is a combination of my favorite routines. I can change the show to fit the need of the audience.”
About her vocational choice, she added, “I am forever grateful for meeting ‘the red nose’ 16 years ago, and for all the adventures working in it has brought me – and for the adventures yet to come.”
Mz. Pearl will stand on her head to make her audiences laugh out loud!
Coming to Midland Library January 29
With all of the “bad news” around these days, come take a few minutes to laugh like a kid – even if you don’t have children – when “Mz. Pearl’s Variety Show” comes to Midland Library on Thursday, January 29.
Seating is limited: free tickets for seating will be available 30 minutes prior to the program. Her one-woman circus of laughs runs from 3:30 until 4:15 p.m. at Midland Library, 805 S.E. 122nd Avenue. Call (503) 988-5392 for more information.
To learn more about Pearl and her comedic cohorts, check out their website by CLICKING HERE!
© 2009 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News
Discover why – thanks to a whole lot of folks, including a Portland City Commissioner – outer East Portland’s tree canopy expanded during one January morning …
One of the event’s prime organizers, Powellhurst/Gilbert’s John McDonald, finishes bracing a newly planted tree with Friends of Trees crew leader Rachel Larson at Gilbert HydroPark.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
For the first time ever, the Powellhurst/Gilbert and Lents Neighborhood Associations sponsored a two-neighborhoods-wide planting event with Friends of Trees on January 17.
“We’ve planted 15 trees at the Gilbert HydroPark alone,” said Friends of Trees crew leader Rachel Larson. “Overall, throughout the neighborhoods, we’ve planted 50 trees.”
Friends of Trees is important to Larson, she said, “because the activity provides a sense of community. People working on tree-planting projects together get to know their neighbors. It gives people a feeling that they can do something positive for their city, for their neighborhood, and for their block.”
Additionally, getting kids involved “helps encourage the younger ones to think about how they can help, and be part of their community in the future,” Larson added. “It’s exciting. I love it.”
“Hurry up and take the picture,” urged many of the happy, energetic, and cold volunteers who planted trees on this clear – but freezingly chilly – Saturday morning.
John McDonald, the Powellhearst/Gilbert board member and land use chair, said he contacted Friends of Trees and arranged for the planting. “This has been quite successful, almost more than I expected. We’re already planning to do it next year.”
In all, McDonald said, about 50 volunteers showed up on a crisp, cold, and windy-but-sunny morning.
Better together
Portland’s newest City Commissioner, Amanda Fritz, helped out at the Gilbert HydroPark planting. “I love Friends of Trees plantings. This is the 17th or 18th that I’ve participated in.”
Fritz said, in spite of the cold weather, she came out because “During my campaign, I promised this neighborhood association that I would come back to help out in their community. This is a wonderful project, especially near the park.”
Her other reason for coming out to help, Fritz said, was to participate in Mayor Sam Adams’ “Better Together” program. “Mayor Adams encourages everybody to see what they can do to help out their community and help out their neighbors.”
The newly-planted trees will improve the appearance of the park – and the neighborhood in general, Commissioner Fritz said.
© 2009 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News
Here’s why you should plan now to come see this powerful story presented by the Parkrose High School Thespians, starting February 26 …
The Parkrose High School actors practice a scene from their new play. A slave girl who did a little more than just dabble in the occult, Tituba (Kylie Simmons), professes her faith in God – and accuses other village women of witchcraft – to Reverend John Hale (Jason Newman), an expert in occultist phenomena.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
For their winter season production, Parkrose High School Thespian Troupe 1783 is taking on the challenge of presenting The Crucible by Arthur Miller.
This dramatic classic is based on historical events that led to the Salem Witch Trials. Playwright Miller wrote it during the early 1950s as a response to US Government “blacklisting” people like himself, who were accused of being (or associating with) communists by Senator Joseph McCarthy’s House of Representatives’ Committee on Un-American Activities, in 1956.
“The Crucible is a timeless play,” Ms. Zena, theater instructor and director, said as we watched the cast work on their parts this week. “Miller’s demons were wrapped up in the McCarthy era. This story still resonates today; we still face prejudices based on a lack of knowledge – and sometimes on selfish actions based on a desire to make ourselves feel better or safer.”
The show features a cast of 30 students, as well as a production crew of 20 more. From what we saw, this should be a great evening of theater. However, due to the adult themes (but not the content), it might be uncomfortable for very small children.
Giles Corey (Sterling Arkills) looks on as Betty Parris (Shannon Webb), daughter of a not-well-respected reverend, lies lifeless. Reverend Hale and the greedy Thomas Putnam (Derek Rathke) wonder if witchcraft had anything to do with the girl’s condition.
Show opens February 26
Opening night for this dramatic presentation of The Crucible is February 26. It also plays on the evenings of February 27 and 28 – then again on March 6 and 7. Curtain time is 7 pm for all shows.
Tickets are available at the door, and are only $8 for adults, $5 for students 18 and under, and $5 for honored citizens 65+. Come early to assure yourself a good seat.
The shows are on the stage of the Parkrose High School Theatre, 12003 NE Shaver Street, just west of NE 122nd Avenue.
© 2009 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News
Don’t pass up seeing this powerful story presented
by the Parkrose High School Thespians, now playing.
It closes March 7 …
Slave girl Tituba (Kylie Simmons) tends her witch’s brew, as village girls dance with wild abandon – in defiance of their parents wishes.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
The Parkrose High School Thespian Troupe 1783 winter season production is the dramatic classic written by Arthur Miller, The Crucible.
The sparsely-decorated sets and evocative lighting focus audience members’ attention on the story, based on actual historical events surrounding the 17th Century Salem Witch Trials.
When Senator Joseph McCarthy set about “blacklisting” people like Miller, who were accused of being (or associating with) communists, during the infamous House of Representatives’ Committee on Un-American Activities hearings in 1956 – Miller said he wrote this story as an allegory as a response.
The sly and deceitful Abigail Williams (Taylor Grady) tells John Proctor (Olimpio Arellano), a man with whom she had an affair, that she will make sure his wife is charged with witchcraft.
About the story …
Teenage girls are caught cavorting around a pot of witch’s brew in the forest outside of a small Massachusetts hamlet in 1692. To keep from being hanged for practicing witchcraft, the girls, led by their cunning and devious friend Abigail Williams, start accusing other villagers of instigating devil worship.
Tituba admits she did little more than just dabble in the occult. To escape the gallows, she professes her faith in God – and accuses other village women of witchcraft – to Reverend John Hale (Jason Newman), a self-proclaimed expert in occultist phenomena.
The astute, yet weak of character, Ezekiel Cheever (Caesar Santizo), a onetime friend of Proctor, “finds” a doll planted by Abigail Williams with the aim of implicating Proctor’s wife in witchcraft, as an astonished Reverend Hale looks on.
Accusations start flying, as a visiting, well-meaning preacher – a self-professed expert in witchcraft – tries to find the truth. Instead, he accidentally fans the flames of deception. Some lie to advance in wealth; others tell falsehoods out of fear.
In the end, magistrates prosecute more than 150 townsfolk accused of witchcraft in colonial Massachusetts between February 1692 and May 1693 – and, sadly, many of the falsely-accused are put to death.
In the vestry of the Salem, Massachusetts, court, citizens and the accused make charges and countercharges of trickery, witchcraft and land theft.
Deputy Governor Thomas Danforth (Tom Crawford) is gulled by the performance of three of the girls caught dancing around the witch’s caldron, Margaret Parker (Amariah Moran), Lydia Foster (Amanda Coalwell), Betty Parris (Shannon Webb), when the treacherous Abigail Williams pretends to be plagued by spirits.
- Is it possible that Abigail Williams will get John Proctor all to herself, using her treacherous and deceptive means?
- Can “expert occultist” Reverend Hale find the truth – and convince magistrates of his findings – before innocent people hang at the gallows?
- Will Thomas Putnam get away with “appropriating” John Proctor’s land and animals while John languishes in jail?
Who will die? Who will be set free? Will slave girl Tituba really find her way back to her home in Barbados?
Come see The Crucible and find out!
“Miller’s demons were wrapped up in the McCarthy-era hearings,” noted Ms. Zena, the show’s director. “This story still resonates today; we still face prejudices based on a lack of knowledge – and sometimes on selfish actions based on a desire to make ourselves feel better or safer. This makes The Crucible a timeless play.”
Even though he seems to know that the witch trials in Salem are a sham, Deputy Governor Danforth (Tom Crawford) fears of being seen as weak – and of having his high government position undermined – if he releases any of the prisoners falsely accused of witchcraft.
John Proctor (center, blue shirt) professes his innocence, and holds to his convictions – but will this act cost him his life?
Production values add to the drama
Well-thought-out set design and decoration, period costumes, and dramatic lighting increase the realism of the story, as the drama builds throughout the evening.
The show features a cast of 30 students, and a production crew of 20 more. This production of The Crucible promises to be a great evening of theater. However, due to the dramatic adult themes (but not the content), it might be uncomfortable for very small children.
The cast assembles for a low-key curtain call at the end of this moving performance.
The Crucible runs through March 7
Opening night was on February 26; it plays on the evenings of February 27 and 28 – then again on March 6 and 7. Curtain time is 7 pm for all shows.
Tickets will be available at the door, and are only $8 for adults, $5 for students 18 and under, and $5 for honored citizens 65+. Come early to assure yourself a good seat.
The production is staged at the Parkrose High School Theatre, 12003 NE Shaver Street, just west of NE 122nd Avenue.
© 2009 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News
You’ll be laughing out loud, as you try to figure out who is trying to romance whom in a hilarious play that has audiences saying, “Hello, Dolly!”
Dolly Levi (played by Kathryn Martin) – who states her principal occupation is “a woman who arranges things” – gives pre-nuptial advice to her late friend’s husband, the irascible merchant of Yonkers, Horace Vandergelder (John Ellis).
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Because so much grim news is in the headlines daily, David Douglas High School Theater Department instructor Michael Givler and the David Douglas Thespian Troupe decided to serve up a burgeoning buffet of laughter – by offering Thornton Wilder’s The Matchmaker as their winter production.
This classic comedy is based on an 1835 one-act farce in by John Oxenford called A Day Well Spent. Wilder adapted it into a full play, The Merchant of Yonkers, updating the play to the 1930s and moving the setting to New York; it closed after a few performances. At the urging of a Broadway director, Wilder extensively rewrote and renamed the play – and The Matchmaker became a hit, playing over 400 performances on Broadway before being turned into the Tony-Award-winning Broadway musical, Hello, Dolly!
Seeking to introduce some adventure in their otherwise dull lives as employees at Vandegelder’s grocery and hardware store, newly-named head clerk Cornelius Hackel (Sam DeRoest) hatches a plan for himself and his young associate, Barnaby Tucker (Carson Cook), to go on an escapade in New York City. A few ripe, exploding tomato cans later – they’re off to the big city!
Vandergelder thinks something fishy is going on (and he’s correct) when he and Dolly visit the hat shop owned by the woman he plans to marry, Irene Molloy. Irene certainly doesn’t love the grumpy, stingy Vandergelder, but she hopes to escape her dull life as a milliner.
Malachi Stack (Josh McKinney), Vandegelder’s newest clerk, listens from behind the potted plant with his boss, while Dolly advises young lovers – Vandegelder’s niece Ermengarde and her beau, poor artist Ambrose Kemper (Corey T-Cedarleaf) – of her uncle’s nefarious kidnapping plan.
About the story
This is a situation comedy about love and courtship, mistaken identities, and the desire for adventure and romance. This production of The Matchmaker is enhanced by the splendid sets and lighting provided by the student-run crew, led by theater manager Mark Taylor. The period costuming, supervised by theater instructor, Judy LeCoq, completes the characters.
Horace Vandergelder – a miserly old merchant of Yonkers, New York – is a wealthy widower. He wants to remarry, and engages the services of matchmaker Dolly Levi. As Vandergelder learns to his surprise, Dolly is determined to became his new wife.
Barnaby is nonplussed, and Minnie Fay (Vicki Walter), Irene Molloy’s clerk and Barnaby’s date, is shocked, as Cornelius demands that the foursome be given the exclusive use of the veranda at NYC’s exclusive Harmonia Gardens Restaurant – as Ruby (Audrey White), its snobbish senior waiter, tries to maintain dignity when dealing with the antics of the play’s main characters. The table Cornelius is upsetting was previously reserved for – who else? – Mr. Vandergelder.
After finding a wallet stuffed with money at the restaurant, Malachi Stack explains that he, a reformed petty thief, has decided to exercise one vice at a time, and he’s chosen booze! Not realizing it actually belongs to Vandergelder, Malachi “returns” the wallet to Cornelius – saving the two clerks from the embarrassment of taking Irene and Minnie to the pricy Harmonia Gardens – when they can’t even afford dinner at a hot dog stand.
Minnie, Barnaby, Cornelius, and Irene listen from behind the screen as Dolly tells Vandergelder that his intended – Irene Molloy – has fallen in love with another man, and won’t be joining them for dinner.
Dolly lectures and browbeats Vandergelder into feeling like he’s a small child who needs to be spoon-fed – telling him he’s not likely to find any woman who would want to be his new wife because of his unpleasant personality – except, perhaps possibly, herself.
Woven into this comedic tapestry is an assortment of characters associated with Vandergelder – including three of his employees, relatives, and friends who all yearn for romance and adventure in New York, and who end up pulling the wool over the blustery merchant’s eyes.
- Will Barnaby get kissed “by a real woman” for the first time?
- Can Ermengarde escape her uncle’s kidnapping plans, and marry Ambrose?
- Will Irene Molloy marry for money – or love?
- Is it possible for Cornelius to pay for an expensive date with the woman of his dreams when he’s broke, stay out of jail, and find the adventure he seeks?
- And, will Dolly be able to soften old Vandergelder’s heart?
Audiences are laughing as they discover the answers to these questions by watching performances of The Matchmaker, now playing!
Standing behind her sofa, the slightly addled Flora VanHuysen (Amanda Pred) – a friend of Vandegelder’s late wife – tells Ermengarde and Ambrose that she’ll have nothing to do with the uncle’s kidnapping plans, because she considers herself “a friend of all young lovers”. Cornelius is exasperated, because Flora has confused Ambrose with himself.
After love finds its way, and mistaken identities are cleared up and confusions are resolved, the cast accepts the applause of an appreciative audience.
Show runs through March 14
The Matchmaker continues its run on March 6 and 7; and on March 12, 13, and 14. Curtain time for all performances is at 7:30pm.
Order your tickets today: The cost is only $5 for students and seniors; $7 for adults. The Box Office is open from 3:00 p.m. until 5:30 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. For more information, call (503) 261-8270 during Box Office hours.
The David Douglas High School Howard Horner Performing Arts Center is located at 1400 SE 130th Avenue, between SE Division and Stark Streets.
Theater arts instructor and theater manager Mark Taylor lends a hand backstage during one of the choreographed scene changes.
© 2009 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News
Are you a surfer (or ho-dad), looking for good time? Come out and enjoy this fun-in-the-sun musical, presented on March 19 and 20 …
Can these kids help save the Surf Shack from greedy developers? Come see this musical, that tells the story.
Story and photo by David F. Ashton
Even if you aren’t a surfer, you’ll enjoy the new musical being presented by Lent School called Wipeout! It will be playing on their stage on March 19 and 20.
“Our musical uses the talents of an all-star cast composed of 23 students from 5th through 8th grades,” said Rebecca Rothery, who occupies a triple role as the school’s eighth grade language arts teacher, the social studies teacher, and the drama director.
“The musical features students singing and dancing as they reveal life on sunny Avalon Beach,” Rothery explained, as the cast rehearsed a musical number. “This surf musical takes us back to a simpler time when life was groovy, the music was hip, and the world was about to change. It’s about a group of plucky teens who get together to save Mom and Pop’s ‘Surf Shack’ from being destroyed by a greedy, heartless land developer.”
In addition to the cast, five students serve as the show’s technical stage crew.
Show supports unique school program
“Lent School is the only elementary school with a dramatic program,” Rothery told us. “We have a music teacher, and a theater and an art teacher here.”
She added that many organizations have donated time and materials. “Some of our set design and props came from Michael Curry of Michael Curry Design – the man who won a Tony Award for ‘The Lion King’, and who has done work with Cirque du Soleil. We’ve had a lot of support generated to support these kids.”
Come hear The Verbtones live, as they rock out with surfer favorites before the March 20 show. Image used with permission
The Verbtones play before March 20 show
Pre-show entertainment is planned for both days. And, we learned that the fabulous Verbtones will be the ones to kick things off at the Friday, March 20 performance, at 6:00 p.m.
Formed in 2001, this band promotes their performances as “Showcase haunting, spine-chilling, vintage-yet-modern surf melodies for ho-dads and grimmys in Oregon and beyond”. They have a true love for today’s surf music – and “a respect for their surfin’ forefathers has influenced their unique sound, providing a time capsule from yesterday that somehow seems right for today.” To visit the band’s website, CLICK HERE.
Dinner and a show
During the pre-show entertainment, pizza and other refreshments will be available for sale as a part of the Lent Theater Program fundraising efforts, Rothery said.
The Lent SUN Community School proudly presents its musical comedy, Wipeout!, on Thursday, March 19 and Friday, March 20 from 6:00 until 8:30 pm.
Admission to the performance is $3.00 at the door. Admission for children 12 years & younger is $1.00. Lent School is located at 5105 SE 97th Avenue (between SE Harold Street and SE Holgate Boulevard).
© 2009 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News
Although he doesn’t consider himself a brave man, learn what Russell Dugan did when high winds whipped this house fire into a major conflagration …
Here, in the darkness of the early morning hours, Portland Fire & Rescue’s photographer Dick Harris captures firefighters at work, dousing wind-whipped flames at this outer East Portland house fire on March 12.
Story and daylight photos by David F. Ashton
His hands, blackened from the ashes of the home in which he once stayed, led him to apologize for the soot, as we shook hands at the conclusion of our interview. Behind him stands the charred shell that was once a modest outer East Portland home.
Yet, some neighbors are calling this man with the dirty hands, Russell Dugan, a hero.
Rescues roommate from blaze
“I’ll tell you what happened,” Dugan begins. “There was a big fire here!” he says as he tries to force a smile on his face to hide the distressing ordeal he’s endured.
“I woke up early this morning, and heard my roommate yelling,” recounts Dugan. “I could smell smoke and see fire. The dining room was engulfed in flames. The only exit I had out was the front door.”
We learn Dugan’s roommate is physically disabled, as Dugan continues: “I grabbed him, and went out the front door. I pushed him out the front door, and went back inside to get the dogs. I got one of the dogs out, and collapsed at the front door – there was too much smoke to go back in for the other dog.
Dugan says he then carried his roommate out into the front yard, clear of danger. “The house was engulfed in flames. The wind made the fire a lot worse. It picked up the fire and carried it over and burned part of the back-end of the neighbor’s house.”
Firefighters drench burning cars in the driveway between the burning home and the neighbor’s home to the north. PF&R, Dick Harris photo
Firefighters clock a four-minute response
Portland Fire & Rescue (PF&R) spokesman Lt. Allen Oswalt reports that when the fire crew pulled up 5200 block of SE 104th Avenue at 3:09 a.m. – four minutes after the alarm went out – they reported heavy smoke obscuring the scene.
“They made their way down the street, driving through smoke so thick it was hard to see the road, or what exactly was on fire,” Oswalt tells us. “The east wind was blowing the smoke from the fire and keeping it at ground level.”
When the crew of PF&R Engine Company 11 broke through the smoke, they reported in to dispatch, “One house is fully involved, [there are] multiple vehicle fires, and fire exposure to the neighboring house.”
“Because of the amount of fire, and because it had spread to cars and possibly the neighboring house, a second alarm was called to bring additional firefighters to the scene,” relates Oswalt, adding that 53 firefighters, with eight engines and two trucks, were called to fight the fire. We observe that the damage to the neighboring house was limited to the south wall of the home.
By the light of day, the devastation caused by early-morning blaze is clearly evident.
Working smoke detector saves lives
Oswalt says that one of the occupants of the house told investigators that a working smoke alarm had alerted him, and he woke his roommate, and they both escaped.
The man Dugan rescued, who officials say is man in his 60’s, suffered non-life- threatening first and second degree burns, and was transported to Emanuel Hospital.
The Oregon Trail Chapter of the American Red Cross was called in to assist the occupants with housing, clothing, and the other needs that they will have for the next several days.
If firefighters had been slow to respond, two or more homes could have been destroyed by the wind-whipped flames.
After finding two wallets in the burned house, Dugan says he’s amazed.
Praises firefighters’ response
In his hands, Dugan holds two wallets – still intact – and a pair of usable eyeglasses.
“I’m really grateful that there was no loss of life except for one of our pet dogs,” he says. “The fire department did a good job getting here quickly and did a great job of saving what they could in the house. What is salvageable, I don’t know yet.”
© 2009 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News
If you pay rent, discover why you may want to plan spending part of Saturday, April 18 at the East Portland Homeownership Fair. Learn about how to avoid foreclosure, also …
LHI’s Amie Diffenauer and Christine Rhoney, SUN Site Manager at Kelly Elementary School, welcome folks to last year’s Homeownership Fair.
Story and photo by David F. Ashton
Saturday, April 18th, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, is the day and time of the free, 4th East Portland Homeownership Fair!
“The purpose of the Lents Homeownership Initiative is to help renters become homeowners,” says ROSE Community Development’s community organizer, Amie Diffenauer, about the organization putting on the fair. “The more families who own their home in a community, the stronger and more vital it becomes.
Diffenauer notes that this year’s East Portland Homeownership Fair, again at Kelly Elementary School, 9030 SE Cooper St. (west of SE 92nd Ave. and a couple blocks north of SE Flavel St.) offers both informational exhibits and informative seminars.
Specifically, you’ll find:
- Free raffle for a $4,000 home buyer’s assistance grant (you must attend at least one workshop to enter the Grant Raffle)
- Home Buyer and Home Owner Workshops
- Free Burgerville lunch
- Youth activities, and raffle for prizes
- Vietnamese, Russian, Spanish, Cantonese and Mandarin interpreters available
- Information on community organizations and resources in East Portland
- Realtors, lenders, home buying counselors, and businesses sharing their products and services
Check out the free workshops offered:
- Steps to Home Ownership – Learn about the key steps you’ll likely take on your way to a home of your own.
- Improving Your Credit Score – Find out why a good credit history and score are crucial for buying a home in today’s lending environment and how to build better credit.
- Homebuyer Re$ources – Discover the many financial assistance and tax credit programs for first-time homebuyers. Many buyers never even hear about these programs and miss out!
- Ask the Home-buying Experts Panel – Learn everything you want to know about buying a home. Bring your toughest questions and get answers from experts.
- Homeownership Preservation – In this workshop you’ll hear from one of the best local foreclosure prevention counselors in town. Don’t guess, get the facts.
- Should I Re-fi? – Take this workshop to learn all the details around refinancing your home, tapping the equity to do improvements or paying critical bills.
- Age-In-Place with a Reverse Mortgage – Learn from a local lender how specializes in helping show seniors how they can tap this equity without selling their house creating income for themselves so they can afford to stay in their home.
- Ask the Experts (for Homeowners) Panel – What is on your mind? Everything you want to know and more about home loans, the real estate market, the current financial crisis, refinancing options, changes in lending practices, special programs for homeowners, short sales, foreclosures, real estate scams and more is fair game this workshop.
This fair is hosted by the Lents Homeownership Initiative partners: ROSE Community Development and Kelly SUN Community School (Impact Northwest’s SUN Community Schools are a collaboration of Multnomah County Department of Human Services, the City of Portland Parks and Recreation and Portland Public Schools.)
Sponsors: Portland Development Commission, Bureau of Housing & Community Development, Standard TV and Appliance, Burgerville, Fred Meyer, Univision, Wells Fargo, Unitus Community Credit Union, US Bank, HomeStreet Bank, Tracy Brophy with REMAX, & National City Mortgage
For more information, contact Amie Diffenauer at (503) 788-8052 x105 or see www.rosecdc.org.
© 2009 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News
If you want to grow your own veggies this season,
now’s the time to start! Discover the “3 Top Tips”
we learned at this class for first-time farmers …
Liza Judge, with Portland Parks & Recreation Community Gardens program, gives new “backyard farmers” tips for planning a vegetable garden.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
If you’ve considered growing vegetables in your own garden, you’ve got company. More than 30 budding backyard farmers came to get tips from Liza Judge, with Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R) Community Gardens, at People’s Food Co-op on S.E. Division Street on April 2.
Classes like hers are popular, Judge observed. “There are a lot of new gardeners out there. With the economy tightened up, people seem more interested. Also, people what to know where their food comes from. And, many people want to be part of the process of growing their own food.”
“Whether in your backyard – or in a PP&R Community Garden plot – you can produce a bumper crop of vegetables with the investment of a few dollars for seeds or starts, and a bit labor,” Judge told the group.
Many of those who attended – almost all of them acknowledging they are new to gardening – had come to Portland from cities with different climates.
Climate affects growing season
“The Pacific Northwest climate – also known as a ‘maritime climate’ – has mild winters and cool summer nights,” Judge said. “This creates challenges for ripening crops such as tomatoes. But, many varieties have been developed by companies like Territorial Seed Company to do well in our climate.”
Judge pointed out that Portland’s growing season is longer than in other parts of the country because of mild winters. “The key is timing. You need to plant fall and winter gardens in July and August. By September, it’s too late.”
Here, April 26th is considered the last “frost date” of spring, and October 18 as the first of the coming winter season. “Soil temperature is as important as air temperature – 60 degrees is ideal for most spring plantings.”
Starting your garden just after the last frost produces the best results, Judge explains.
Recommended planning before planting
Planning the garden’s location, and its crop, are key to successfully growing a vegetable garden, Judge said.
When planning a garden, she pointed out four considerations:
- Sunlight – Vegetables need a minimum of 6 hours of sunshine, and southern exposure;
- Healthy soil – Well-drained and fertile. Sandy loam with organic matter;
- Ventilation – Air movement prevents fungal diseases; and,
- Convenient – Easy access for care and picking.
Attendees took notes as Judge explained how to prepare planting seed beds and noted the easiest-to grow vegetables – a list that included beets and turnips, potatoes, cucumbers, tomatoes, hot peppers, green beans, and zucchini.
The new gardeners took in how and when to plant, watering techniques and how to deal with pests.
Judge says that large, healthy plants grow from healthy soil.
Top three tips revealed
After the class, we asked Judge to tip some her top secrets for successful vegetable gardening:
- Amend your soil – “Don’t just dig up earth, use compost. A key to successful organic gardening is that building healthy soil yields healthy plants.”
- Covering new plants – Cloches – which are little hoop houses – or mini green houses protect tomatoes during the cooler early spring and summer weather, through May and June. “Instead of being left with green tomatoes at the end of the season, give these plants a boost by covering them so they’ll ripen earlier.”
- Choose varieties suited for our climate – Don’t fight the climate, adjust to it. “Consider buying starts and transplants at the farmers markets. These folks know what grow well, and are willing to share their knowledge and help you learn.”
Judge also told about the bureau’s Community Garden program, saying, “It provides gardening and greening opportunities for the physical and social benefit of the people and neighborhoods of Portland. It encourages organic gardening, soil building, composting, food sustainability, and community involvement through cooperative intergenerational activities.”
We also learned that, while Portland Parks & Recreation’s Community Gardening program is not on the City’s budget chopping block, outreach classes like this one are. If you think they’re valuable, let your Portland City Commissioners know.
You can learn more about the Community Gardens program by visiting their website: CLICK HERE.
© 2009 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News
Why did Portland City Commissioner Nick Fish come out to the neighborhood coalition offices? See it all right here …
Before the East Portland Parks Coalition convenes, Commissioner Fish’s assistant, George Hocker Jr., meets with Committee Chair Alesia Reese, as well as with Portland City Commissioner Nick Fish.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
A real draw for the April East Portland Parks Coalition meeting was the visit by Portland City Commissioner Nick Fish, who is in charge of Portland Parks & Recreation.
Before the meeting got underway, the coalition’s Chair, Alesia Reese, confided that Fish’s visit was important – especially in a year with shrinking City budgets. “It’s important for him to hear and understand the concerns that East Portland neighbors have, regarding their parks.”
Reese noted that outer East Portland neighbors are thrilled that the Portland City Council did approve “master plans” outlining how three parks will be developed.
“Our primary concern is that these Master Plans don’t sit on the shelf gathering dust,” noted Reese. “We hope that they come off the shelf, and that the Beech Property, Clatsop Butte, and Parklane Park see some – even if only minor – development. A few trails, a few benches, something to ignite interest, and support these Master Plans. This will encourage citizens to support bonds or levies in future years.”
As the meeting opened, Reese revealed that Nick Fish was the first City Commissioner to visit the Coalition since its formation four years ago.
For the first time since the East Portland Parks Coalition’s founding, a City Commissioner in charge – Nick Fish – meets with the group.
East Portlanders speak up
Fish said he was glad to bring some good news to the committee. “The good news is at the Portland City Council is paying attention; they are looking east of Interstate 205. They’re asking the question, ‘How can we help enhance the quality of life here?’ As the new Parks Commissioner, I am very interested in what the East Portland Parks Coalition is thinking, and I need their help in defending my Parks budget. Also I want to know where they would like to see our resources focus.”
A concern expressed was the possibility for the entrance to the Powell Butte Nature Park to be moved, and a new one built, due to the reservoir construction project scheduled to start this summer.
The attendees asked pointed questions about the budgeting process; the level of funding for parks in other cities; and, whether Fish thought there was equity in parks across the city.
Fish says the Portland City Council is finally grasping the concept of “parks equity”.
“Equity is an essential value,” Fish replied. “The new aquatic facility at the East Portland Community Center, and the three new Parks Master Plans, indicate that the City grasping the concept.”
Referring to the three Master Plans, Fish said that they have the potential to “create signature parks” for an under-served area.
Three immediate priority goals mentioned by the Commissioner included:
- Greatly expanding the Community Gardens program – Fish noted there are currently 1,200 outstanding requests for plots;
- Establishing a Youth Conservation Corps – Formation of this new organization could address the needs of the park’s forest areas and clear natural areas of invasive species; and,
- Upgrading outdoor playing fields – “We want to enable the City’s children and youth to enjoy the same benefits experienced by those who live in the suburbs.”
Commissioner Fish concluded by noting that parks are part of our essential infrastructure. “We need positive momentum and stability with our core services and programs.”
Special thanks to George Hocker for his help in preparing this story.
© 2009 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News
Find out all about the Portland Police Bureau’s “Plan to Address Racial Profiling”, and why the meeting to discuss it was held at the East Portland Community Center …
Portland Police Bureau Chief Rosie Sizer talks with the facilitator of the “Plan to Address Racial Profiling”, held in outer East Portland.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Portland Police Bureau’s “Plan to Address Racial Profiling” was scrutinized at a public meeting, in order to give citizens an opportunity to address their concerns.
If you’re not aware of this document, CLICK HERE to see a PDF of the 36-page report.
Before the meeting began, we asked Portland Police Bureau (PPB) Chief Rosie Sizer why the East Portland Community Center was chosen for the meeting on April 2.
“East Portland is one of the most racially diverse, economically diverse, and youthful parts of our city,” replied Sizer. “I hope to have a real dialogue, and get some feedback. I hope people will see that they can find ways to help facilitate the realization of the elements of the plan. I want to continue this engagement. We’re very lucky to be working with the Office of Human Relations, and the Human Relations Commission to move this plan forward.”
Chief Sizers calls the meeting to order and tells of how the document came into existence.
History of the “Plan to Address Racial Profiling”
When she was appointed interim chief of police about three years ago, Sizer said it was brought to her attention that the PPB had not “reported on contact data selection. This is data we take when we conduct traffic or subject stops. People have wanted this information.”
She said it has been about two years since the data was reported at that time.
“Then, we developed a partnership with Oregon Action. We talked with people and held ‘listening sessions’. Police officers and community members – especially community of colors – talked about their experience regarding traffic stops, and more racially-charged issues. (To learn more about the Oregon Action organization, CLICK HERE.)
“Clearly, in the history of Portland, there’ve been a number of those incidents. There has been historic tension between the Portland Police Bureau and communities of color. We’ve had very frank and respectful conversations.”
Based on these meetings, Sizer said Oregon Action published a report.
The Mayor at the time, Sizer continued, committed to swiftly completing a plan based on the report. “The plan was wildly optimistic – optimistic and good-hearted – but optimistic. This committee met for over two years. During this time, we identified elements of an idea to be used in the Racial Profiling Plan.”
Four areas of progress outlined
Sizer said the bureau’s “Plan to Address Racial Profiling” published in February, 2009, points how they plan to “make progress” in four principal areas:
- Recruiting – developing a more diverse PPB workforce.
- Engagement – working with communities of color to the mutual benefit of that community and the police officers’ only contact with that community during 9-1-1 emergency calls. “You can get a very perverse look at the world by responding to 9-1-1 calls. We’re looking to engage in more creative and collaborative ways,” Sizer noted.
- Training – developing training policies and practices.
- Data collection – making sure the data collected reflects the nature of the contacts.
“Much of the Racial Profiling Committee data has been debated,” Sizer acknowledged. “I think many of us on the committee, over time, came to the realization that we may never know what the best data is, or what all the data means. But there are certainly things we can do to improve the situation for community members and police officers alike.”
Maria Lisa Johnson, Director of the Portland Office of Human Relations, asks the group to make suggestions and outline challenges they see with the plan.
Discussion groups comment
With that, Sizer introduced Maria Lisa Johnson, “the director of the city’s smallest bureau, the Portland Office of Human Relations.”
Present, along with the citizens at the tables, was a facilitator from the Office of Human Relations, a member of the Human Rights Commission, and a member of the upper command staff of the Portland Police Bureau.
“The goal is to go through some of the strategy we’ve identified [in the Plan] to make things better in our community,” Johnson explained. “And then, to work through two principal questions: ‘What suggestions do you have to make things better in our community oversight, and what suggestions do you have to strengthen our approach to the proposed strategies? And, what challenges do you see in the strategies, and why?'”
Results from the feedback sessions have not yet been published. Johnson said that a web presence for commenting on the plan has not been established – but citizens can call their office at (503) 823-5510, or use their online response form: CLICK HERE.
Citizen Kevin Foster sits with Northeast Precinct Commander Jim Ferraris, East Precinct Commander Michael Crebs, and participant Sean McShane, as they discuss the Plan.
© 2009 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News
See how long it took kids to swoop in and collect fields full of Easter eggs at these two traditional events …
The Easter Bunny presents Poppy and Finnegan Friel with … fresh carrots!?!
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Volunteers prepared for days, for the April 11 Easter Egg Hunts – and then spent hours sowing parks with foil-covered chocolates and plastic-shelled eggs at two East Portland parks. We were fortunate to witness them both!
“This is a really fun event,” grinned Edwina Swart, President of the Oaks Bottom Lions Club, at Westmoreland Park, a few minutes before their 10:00 a.m. start time. “This is our sixth year doing this, and we always look forward to it.”
Westmoreland Park egg hunt organizers Edwina Swart and Fran Shaw, with the Oaks Bottom Lions Club, pause after all the eggs have been distributed.
At exactly 10:00 a.m., kids rush out to start gathering candy at this event.
Ten volunteers planted the south lawn of the park with thousands of foil-covered chocolate Easter Eggs, supplied by the Sellwood Moreland Improvement League neighborhood association (SMILE), while the Easter Bunny, as usual, gave kids real carrots, provided by New Seasons Markets.
Parents lined up their kids behind one of three section tapes, marking off areas for toddlers, little kids, and older youth.
Audrey Morris is looking for her next nest of Easter eggs to collect.
Alana, dad Tom Keepes, Andrew, and Olivia show off their Easter Egg collection.
Anticipation ran high, as kids – restrained by their parents – awaited the appointed moment to dash out and gather the goodies set out for them. Within minutes of the start, the whirlwind of children picked the lawns clean of goodies.
Easter comes to Woodstock
When we next arrived at Woodstock Park, organizers were minutes away from their own 10:30 a.m. start time.
“It’s the 11th Woodstock Park Easter Egg Hunt,” said event chair Tom Vice, as he kept a careful watch on the time using his cell phone. The hunt, originated and run for years by realtor Janis Wigg, was recently assumed by the Woodstock Neighborhood Association (WNA).
Tom Vice, one of this year’s organizers of the Woodstock Easter Egg Hunt, counts down to the start time of the 11th annual event.
Boys, girls, moms, and dads make a dash for the eggs and prizes at Woodstock Park.
Vice said that volunteers stuffed 1,900 plastic eggs with toys, a coupon good for merchandise or candy; they also distributed another 1,500 foil covered chocolate eggs on the lawn in the park.
“We’ve divided our hunt into two sections: one for older kids, and one for the little ones. Hopefully everyone will go away happy,” Vice told us.
Some run to the far corners of Woodstock Park; others start gathering nearby eggs as the Hunt begins.
Logan Hancock, Cedrus Barrett, and mom Samantha Hancock say they’ve got what they came for – Easter Eggs loaded with treats!
“This event helps connect our neighbors with each other,” Vice said about the egg hunt. “And, it involves area businesses with the neighbors. We have lots of sponsors this year, and we especially thank those who donated food: First Cup, Papaccino’s, Space Monkey, His Bakery, Sweetness, and Mehri’s Café and Bakery for helping out.”
The elapsed time between Vice calling “Go!” and the lawn being picked clean was about four minutes.
But, neighbors spent a good portion of the rest of the morning opening and recycling the plastic eggs, and networking. The kids? They were happily munching on the candy!
Volunteer Jodi Smith shows lucky ticket-holders the prizes they’ve won in the drawing, complements of Woodstock-area businesses.
© 2009 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News
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