Exactly why were all of these kids out walking and running in the rain? Take a look and you’ll find why they put their backs (and legs) into this special program …

David Douglas High School senior David Dwyer, who’s in the Industrial and Engineering Systems program, sets a brisk pace as he circles Palermini Field’s track.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Even though blowing wind and rain didn’t really provide weather suitable for an outdoor event, more than 60 students involved in the David Douglas High School Industrial and Engineering Systems (IES) program still walked, jogged, and ran, on Saturday, March 14.

“This is our Second Annual IES Run,” explained one of the department’s construction and electronics instructors, Bill Ekroth. “The students go out and get pledges – then they walk or run a 3.2K or a 5K race. All of the pledge money goes to scholarships for our department.”

Greg Carradine, automotive teacher and Chair of the school’s IES Department, supervises the event with fellow instructor Bill Ekroth.

“These scholarships are important,” Ekroth continued, “because trade schools, community colleges, and four-year universities are expensive. With this event, we can provide two or three scholarships every year.”

Last year, the event raised a little over $1,500, and provided three scholarships. “I hope we’ll be able to do the same again this year,” Ekroth said.

The winners of the 2nd Annual IES Race: DDHS senior Jared Drendel won 1st place; senior Nate Hill took 2nd place; and junior Vasiliy Dikov was awarded 3rd place at the event.

© 2009 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

See what took place at this outer East Portland location during Johnson Creek Watershed Council’s annually “watershed-wide” event …

Property owners Shannon Raybold (holding Brennan) and her husband Travis (holding Freya) say they’re happy to have help restoring the floodplain along Johnson Creek at their home off SE 120th Avenue.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
It’s pleasant to own a home in outer East Portland that runs up against Johnson Creek. But, Pleasant Valley Neighborhood homeowners Shannon and Travis Raybold found restoring the creek-side floodplain at the back of their property has been quite a challenge.

“We’ve already done some of the work on our own,” Travis told us, as he watched volunteers from the Johnson Creek Watershed Council (JCWC) hard at work. “We’ve always dreamed of living in a place like this, and of restoring the native habitat here. But, it’s a real challenge, especially when you have two small kids.”

Just getting to the work area was a test of physical prowess – it lay about 150 feet below the level of their back yard – accessible only by a steep, side-sloped trail. But the terrain didn’t keep a platoon of folks participating in the JCWC’s 11th Annual Watershed-Wide Event on March 7. Additionally, these hearty volunteers carried tools, plants, and supplies down to their bucolic worksite in rain.

JCWC Watershed Wide Event volunteers Annette Mattson (left, yellow raincoat) and local resident Suzie Wolfer (kneeling) pull up invasive species, as other workers plant native growth.

We walked past Annette Mattson, an outer East Portland resident who serves on the David Douglas School District Board. “I really care about the Johnson Creek watershed,” she said. “I live in this neighborhood. This is a great way to help out, and make a difference in our community right in my own neighborhood.”

Mattson was working with neighbor Suzie Wolfer, who told us, “I live a couple of houses down and I’ve walked throughout this area for 14 years. I single-handedly have trimmed ivy off the trees since I’ve moved here. It’s like heaven to see how these volunteers are helping the watershed.”

JCWC’s Restoration Project Manager, Greg Ciannella, pauses for a moment with board member Rick Attanasio at the outer East Portland restoration site.

Restoring an ‘incredible asset’
Greg Ciannella, JCWC’s Restoration Project Manager, said he thought that so many volunteers come out for the watershed-wide event because they recognize that “Johnson Creek is an incredible asset to the community. It supports a lot of great fish and wildlife habitat.”

At this site, Ciannella said, they were removing invasive species, and replanting the creek’s floodplain with native growth. “We’re trying to increase biodiversity and, at the same time, increase the shade over the creek, to help provide cold water for salmon during the warmer summer months.”

With about 25 volunteers at the site, Ciannella said, “It’s great opportunity to bring the community out, and get them engaged in stewardship and engaged in Johnson Creek.  They’re helping us get a lot of work done.”

We met JCWC board member Rick Attanasio as he and other volunteers were carrying native trees down the steep, slick trail.

“I volunteer because I love the creek, even though I don’t live close by,” explained Attanasio. “I think this is a key watershed. If the creek stays healthy, it leads the way for the rest of the area.”

One of the benefits of participating in this event is the hot home-cooked lunch served afterward. These gals, Portland State University students Adrianne Huston, Savannah Buck, and Kristina Coy, say the chili is really good – especially after a hard morning’s work.

Chili feed warms weary workers
A little past noon, many of the 320 volunteers start to filter into the JCWC office for a substantial lunch – featuring the flavorful chipotle chili lovingly prepared by JCWC’s outreach associate, Marty Urman.

There, the organization’s Executive Director, Matt Clark, said the volunteers who worked at 10 sites in the watershed, from Ambleside in East Gresham on down to Johnson Creek Park, about half a mile up from the confluence of the Willamette, were vitally important to their work.

“Our mission is to facilitate community involvement in the Johnson Creek Watershed,” Clark began. “Mobilizing volunteers to provide stewardship of the watershed helps them gain a sense of ownership.”

In an urban environment, Clark said, natural areas are important. “People benefit from having natural areas around them – places they can go out and recreate; it’s important to an individual’s well-being. We all benefit from having clean water in our creek, especially the fish. In fact, folks just found a couple of steelhead in Reed Canyon.”

Everyone says they love Marty Urman’s fabulous chili. Her secret ingredient, confides Marty, is chipotle chilies. “It’s not burn-your-mouth hot, but they sure do have a lot of flavor don’t they?” she says.

You can help
To learn more about how the Johnson Creek Watershed Council helps improve the livability of our area – and how YOU can get involved – check their website, by CLICKING HERE.

©2009 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

Local business spotlight: Find out why a woman with a degree
in criminal justice finds happiness purveying flowers and gifts …

Anita Tabayoyon, owner of A.R. MOSS Floral Design and Event Embellishments prepares another “gift of joy” at her Parkrose-area shop.

Story and photo by David F. Ashton
Even though Anita Sauer was finishing up her Bachelor’s degree in social sciences at the Vancouver campus of Washington State University, she really wasn’t so sure that she wanted to pursue a career in Criminal Justice.

After school, Sauer married David Tabayoyon, and the couple settled down in the Portland area, where she worked as a paralegal and legal assistant for seven years.

“All along, I kept remembering working in a floral shop while I was in high school,” Tabayoyon told us. “Finally, I was able to go back in the floral business when we opened A.R. Moss Floral Design and Event Embellishments here in Parkrose, three years ago.”

Helps others share special feelings
The best part of running her business – in addition to being able to work with her husband David – “is being able to share my creative side with people in the community. I really enjoy helping my customers convey messages of love, care, and positive feelings through the plants and floral arrangements I create for them.”

There are several differences between A.R. MOSS and chain stores or Internet websites, Tabayoyon explained. One of them is genuine personal service. “We get to know our clients – their tastes and budgets – so we’re able to serve them better. We use plants and flowers grown right here in the Pacific Northwest. And, we’re an active member in the Parkrose community who supports our schools, the Parkrose Business Association, and the neighborhood.”

A full-service wedding florist
The “embellishments” part of their business, she said, is being a full-service wedding florist providing everything from a simple bouquet all the way up to decorating wedding arches or gazebos. “We also provide wedding favors; anything to make a special event a little more elegant.”

She said they also help corporate, fraternal, and civic organizations by sprucing up their events – such as holiday parties, annual meetings, and special events. Weddings and events take them to locations such as Bridal Veil, Hood River, Timberline/Mt. Hood, Forest Grove, Lincoln City, Newport, and Astoria.

You’ll never know what you’ll discover at this unique shop. A.R. Moss photo

In the front of their business is a gift store, featuring event décor and embellishment items, event favors, blooming and green plants, dish gardens, candles – and, eclectic vintage, antique, and new home décor, and garden décor and art.

A truly ‘green’ business
In addition to selling greenery, Tabayoyon mentioned that they compost all of the shop’s green waste. “And, we love recycling floral vases and containers, and all of the plastic pots used at our annual plant sale have been reclaimed and reused.”

By the way, they’re holding their annual “Spring Summer Camp” event on Saturday, April 11 – consider stopping by!

The shop, located at 10604 Northeast Sandy Boulevard, is open to the public Tuesday-Friday, 10:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M., Saturday 10:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M., and on Monday by appointment only. You can learn more – or order online, if you desire – by visiting their website at  www.ARMoss.com. Or, call them at (503) 358-2692.

© 2009 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

Upon whose head did current Parkrose Rose Festival Princess Vy Nguyen place the tiara? See the events unfold right here in a story loaded with our exclusive photos …

Parkrose High School principal Roy Reynolds welcomes students and family members to the selection ceremony of the 2009 Parkrose High Princess.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
The 2009 Portland Rose Festival Court selection process continued in outer East Portland this week, as the Parkrose High School Theater started filling with students and family members on March 17.

Principal Roy Reynolds greeted the throng of students and parents filling the theater and said, “We have some wonderful young women that competed to represent our school. I’m very proud of each and every one of them. Before we bring them out, I give our Rose Festival committee my thanks.”

Reynolds paused after he recognized the committee members, then turned to the Portland Rose Festival Association leaders and remarked with a smile, “I would be remiss if I didn’t remind you that, although we’ve participated in the Rose Festival Court for 20 years, we have not had a Rose Festival Queen come from Parkrose. We suggest it this might be the year!”

2008 Parkrose High Rose Festival Princess Vy Nguyen gives advice to the school’s five candidates.

Tension mounts, as the candidates wonder who’s been selected to represent Parkrose High School during the 2009 Portland Rose Festival.

Past princess returns
The 2008 Parkrose High Princess, Vy Nguyen, stepped up to the microphone. “Hello! I must say it’s really awkward to come back to school, but I’m so proud of my Parkrose High School. One of the things I’ve learned from this experience is the dedication, love, and passion we have for the Rose Festival.”

Turning to the five candidates now on stage, Nguyen continued, “One piece of advice I give to our new Princess is this: The year will go by very fast. Enjoy every moment of it.”

Opening the envelope, Nguyen announced that the 2009 Portland Rose Festival Princess from Parkrose high school is … Ciara (pronounced Sierra) Dines.

The other four contestants crowded around Princess Ciara, as Nguyen placed the tiara on her head.

Parkrose High School 2009 Portland Rose Festival Princess Ciara steps forward to make her first official speech.

Princess Ciara speaks
Ready to address her subjects, Princess Ciara walked up to the microphone, placed center-stage.

“Thank you so much; you all have been such an encouragement to me.

“First and foremost, I would like to thank God, because he is my closest friend and relationship, and that has brought me through so much. I also thank my family for helping me and pushing me through, and giving the encouragement.

“I thought I was going to cry. It’s amazing; all of these ladies in the court helped me through this race, giving the encouragement, giving me positive things from their personalities, and lots of positive energy.

“Like I said in my speech, ‘Don’t give up, don’t give up’. There’s always someone to encourage you, and be by you. You just have to see it.  Thank you all.”

Princess Ciara Dines is surrounded by her court – Karen Cole, Isobel Woolner, Marie Coyle, and Melessa Lewis.

About Parkrose’ new Princess
17-year-old Princess Ciara Dines attended Woodlawn and Shaver Elementary Schools, and Parkrose Middle School; she’s now in her Junior year at Parkrose High School.

Her activities and honors include Soccer, basketball, softball, student council, Black Student Union, theater, superintendent advisory board, National Honor Society, church choir, and Les Femmes Debutantes.

“The person I admire most is Lynetta Martin, my pastor’s wife,” stated Princess Ciara. “She is a woman of dignity, integrity, courage, and she has compassion for everyone.”

Ciara’s hobbies and special interests include sports, singing, playing board games, exercise, spending time with family and church activities.

After high school, Princess Ciara plans to attend a four-year college, and pursue a career as a psychologist or a sociologist.

Meet Parkrose High School’s 2009 Portland Rose Festival Princess, Ciara Dines, at this years’ activities.

Don’t miss any of the fun
Find out about all of the fun, cultural, sports, arts and parade events that will be taking place at the 2009 Portland Rose Festival, by visiting the Portland Rose Festival Foundation website: CLICK HERE!

© 2009 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

Get a look at this “indoor farm” the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office Special Investigations Unit unearthed in Lents …

In the basement of this Lents neighborhood home, Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office Special Investigations Unit deputies say they found this 170-plant pot farm. The special “grow lamps” cast a yellow light. MCSO Photo

By David F. Ashton
As we learned from talking with deputies working in the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office Special Investigations in the past – the problem with selling dope is “Buyers have to know you’re in the business for you to make sales.”

Someone, perhaps a competitor or unsatisfied customer, gave deputies an anonymous tip that an indoor pot farm had a blooming business going in the Lents Neighborhood, near the area of SE 100th Ave. and SE Holgate Blvd.

SIU agents set up a surveillance operation and investigated the home until they had enough evidence to get a search warrant for the illegal marijuana grow operation.

“On March 18, at 8:00 pm, SIU deputies made entry,” reported MCSO spokesman, Dep. Paul (Mac) McRedmond. “In the basement of the home, deputies found a huge marijuana grow operation with over 170 juvenile and mature, budding marijuana plants, some over 5′ tall.”

This marijuana has been harvested. Deputies say they hang it upside down to dry. MCSO Photo

Apparently, these books did little to help keep this indoor farmer from getting busted! MCSO Photo

Guns and money located
“They also found a pound of marijuana harvested and ready for sale, $3,000 in cash and four handguns and seven rifles, including a Belgian FN 308 assault rifle,” McRedmond told us. He estimated the pot’s value at $280,000.

In addition to what deputies characterized as “several thousand dollars worth of growing equipment” – McRedmond couldn’t help but break into a small smile as he added – “They also found a small library of book on how to avoid police detection.”

Officials say the homeowner, a white male in his 40’s was arrested and cited, but not lodged in jail because he agreed to cooperate with deputies in furthering their investigation.

MSCO deputies say this was a sophisticated marijuana-growing operation. MCSO Photo

© 2009 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

After you see why folks flocked to outer East Portland’s new ‘swimming hole’ to celebrate its grand opening, you may want to grab your swim trunks and head on over for a dip, slip, or splash, yourself …

After the “snip, snip, snip” of the ceremonial ribbon, it was “slide, swim, and splash” for hundreds of guests, at the East Portland Community Center Aquatic Center.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
A couple of months ago, we gave you a sneak-preview of the East Portland Community Center Aquatic Center, when we tagged along with Mayor Tom Potter during his December 19. (CLICK HERE to read that story and discover all of the features the center offers.)

It took contractors a few more weeks to complete the unfinished tasks and solve some unforeseen problems, but the new aquatic center officially opened – with a big splash – on March 14.

Portland City Commissioner – and the new “Parks Commissoner” – Nick Fish says his son, 5-year-old Chapin, takes to water like a … well …

Fish takes to water
Portland City Commissioner Nick Fish, the newly-named commissioner overseeing Portland Parks & Recreation, was grinning ear-to-ear, as he and his 5-year-old son Chapin toured the facility.

“This day is important,” Fish said before the official ceremonies began, “because it shows that we kept faith with people in outer East Portland when we promised them a new aquatic center many years ago. The folks here passed a [parks improvement] levy in 2002 to build this center.”

For many years, Fish added, many outer East Portlanders have said they’ve felt ignored. “As we open this pool – just as [the Portland City Council] adopted the East Portland Action Plan – these actions shows that we’re paying attention.”

Three generations of Parkrose residents, grandmother Bev Schafer, mom Mary Walker, and her kids, Ahnika Reavis and Elizabeth Walker, wait with anticipation to use the new pool.

Proving that the giant waterslide isn’t just for kids! Mario Lopez takes his first, fast ride. Afterward says, “This is really fun and exciting.”

Saltzman touts green building
As a crowd of more than 100 bathing suit attired adults and children gathered at the Aquatic Center’s main door (there are three pools in the center), former Parks Commissioner Dan Saltzman quipped, “It’s nice to see this throng of smiling faces, ready to ‘mow us down’ and go swimming!

Even with the parks levy, Saltzman commented, the project fell $4 Million short of being built. He commended former Mayor Tom Potter and outer East Portland parks advocates for moving the project forward.

“This is not only the best aquatic facility in Portland,” Saltzman continued, “but is probably the best aquatic facility in the nation, in terms of its sustainable features. This is a state-of-the-art building – the only aquatic facility that will achieve a LEED Platinum* rating, the highest rating a building can have for green building in this country.”

* LEED is the U.S. Green Building Green Council’s “Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design” certification.

Saltzman talked about many of the facility’s “green” systems, starting with the pool water filtration and sanitation system, which allows for lower levels of chlorine. He said heat from the center is captured and used to reheat pool water – and that they’d be installing solar cells on the roof that will generate as much as 50% of the building’s energy.

Watching over the splashing citizens at the new East Portland Aquatic Center is certified lifeguard Danielle McConnell.

Eric Ridenour, with SERA Architects, and his son Milo, are about to cut the cake at the grand opening ceremony of the East Portland Aquatic Center.

Scissors at the ready
As officials and kids got ready to snip the ceremonial ribbon, Portland Parks & Recreation director Zari Santner thanked all of those involved in the project, but singled out David Douglas schools’ District Superintendent Barbara Rommel, for providing some of the land on which the facility sits.

“The David Douglas school board recognized the benefit to the community,” Santner said, “and thanks also to the students of Floyd Light Middle School, immediately adjacent to the facility.”

With that, the ribbon was cut – and the fun began, as outer East Portlanders enjoyed an afternoon of splishing, splashing, sliding, and swimming.

Portland City Commissioner Nick Fish, the new Parks Commissioner, signs beach balls for the Shore family – Peter, Vida and kids Lola and Caleb.

Whatever the weather outside, the climate is always perfect for swimming and floating down the “Lazy River” feature in the new East Portland Aquatic Center.

© 2009 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

Here you’ll find three riddles, learn about a Teeny Foods baking company, and find out what the fun folks at the Parkrose Business Association are up to these days …

Wayne Stoll, returning president of the Parkrose Business Association warms up the group with three riddles.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
At their last meeting, members of the Parkrose Business Association (PBA) got together to learn from one another, to network – and to hear President Wayne Stoll tell jokes:

Q. What kind of farm animal goes “oooo”?
A. A cow with no lips!

Q. What do baby sweet potatoes sleep in?
A. Their “yammies“!

Q. Why do dogs make such terrible dancers?
A. They have two left feet!

Oh, sure, you groan aloud while you read them – but we suspect that you – like everyone else who laughed during Stoll’s warm-up at PBA’s February 19 meeting – you’ll be repeating them both at the office and at home like many of the meeting’s 35 attendees did.

In other announcements, Stoll announced that the Parkrose Business Foundation scholarship program was underway, and the committee was soliciting applications. He also alerted members the “phony telephone directory” scam being worked in the area – and to individuals who visit offices and retail stores to steal purses and wallets, and to ‘scope’ it out for a burglary.

The Chair of the 2009 Parkrose Festival and Cruise-in, LeeAnn Bruner, asks for members to join her committee, as the group prepares for the August 1 event.

Stepping into the role ably held previously by Marsha Lee of Copy Express, LeeAnn Bruner – owner of LA Signs – was introduced as the new Chair of the Parkrose Festival and Cruise-in, scheduled for August 1. “We’re already working to have raffle items donated and redesigning the Festival site, and we will be promoting the event using ‘Facebook.com’,” Bruner said.

The owner of Parkrose-based Teeny Foods, Rick Teeny, tells how the banking debacle has stunted the growth of his Teeny business.

Member Moment: Teeny Foods
Teeny Foods, said president Rick Teeny, is a 44-year old-company based in the Parkrose area that has had record volume growth.

“I would have brought samples,” Teeny said, “but I just came from a meeting with our bankers. Although we show good growth and have [decades of] good credit, we’re struggling to get credit. We’ve had a record year; our volume is up 50% over the prior year, and is growing this year – but we still can’t get funding. Bankers say they want to loan money, but tell us, straight up, they are not lending at this time.”

A recent, in-depth inspection by the American Institute of Baking gave Teeny’s facility a grade of 935 points of a possible 980, the second-generation baker reported with pride. “An inspector told us that our company is ‘well positioned’ compared to other facilities in terms of production, and especially sanitation.”

The Teeny Foods plant, located at NE 172nd Avenue and Sandy Boulevard, is equipped to handle about ten times the volume it now produces, he added.

Nevertheless, Teeny said, he’s frustrated with all of the TARP money being doled out, and the promises to help stimulate the country. “This isn’t real; it’s surreal. We could grow by 25% a year, but we’ll have to limit growth to 10%, because the banks simply aren’t lending.”

Asked about his recommendation for business owners, Teeny said, “Save some cash; if you’re are making money today, bank it. I don’t think our ‘rainy days’ are here yet. We may be in for two or three years of ‘bad weather’ ahead!”

Certified Public Accountant Rick Harris talks about taxes.

Tax information imparted
Tax tips from Rick Harris, CPA, were next at the meeting.

“Things are really difficult,” Harris began. “I do a lot of work for non-profits and they are really hurting right now.”

Harris said there weren’t many major changes in the tax code this year. “Depreciation will be a little faster, and there will be some minor changes in retirement plans.

“The ‘First Time Homeowner Credit’ is new, he said. “Created because of the downturn in the housing market.  New buyers will be given a tax credit,  in the form of direct relief,  up to 10% of the cost of the home, up to $8,000. Before, you had to pay it back over 15 years. Now, if you stay in the home for three years, it is forgiven.”

Harris noted that Congress did not continue the tax credit for energy-efficient improvements or appliances in the home. He also talked about bonus depreciation, and an increased cap on allowing business owners to expense hard assets with a new limit of $100,000.

Harris says some of the changes in the tax code are advantageous to businesses, especially during the financial downturn.

In the past, Harris noted that net losses could be carried back for two years. “Now, they’re extending it back for five years. This is good, because a lot of businesspeople are anticipating losses.”

New regulations encourage hiring military veterans, and “the disadvantaged” aged 18-25 who haven’t had a job in 6 months – in each case, with an incentive of up to $6,000 per qualifying employee.

Meet the Parkrose Business Association members
This, one of our favorite business groups, gets together on the third Thursday of each month – March 19, this month – at 11:30 a.m. This month features a networking luncheon, where members and guests can dine, meet, and greet one another.

Note the location: The meeting this month has been moved to Quality Inn & Suites Airport Convention Center, 9727 NE Sandy Boulevard. For more information, see their web site: www.parkrosebusiness.org.

© 2009 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

Discover why a delightful aroma of wholesome, delicious food was wafting up from the farmhouse, at this unique outer East Portland institution …

Cook and instructor Katherine Deumling demonstrates how to chop vegetables – instead of fingers! – during her first class series at Zenger Farm.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Not content with simply being one of the few urban farms anywhere, and Portland’s only farm-based youth food education center, Zenger Farm has now branched out into offering classes for adults.

We met Katherine Deumling, a regional governor for Slow Food USA, at the remodeled farmhouse, while she was preparing for the first in a series of three cooking classes.

“We don’t have a fancy title for it; we’re calling it ‘Zenger Farm Cooking Classes’ – at which people can learn to cook delicious, quick, and nutritious meals from a well-stocked pantry.

“Ingredients for the meals are based on using seasonal produce, which is kind of a theme here at Zenger Farm,” Deumling told us. “It’s based on the concept of meat as a condiment, rather than a main course.”

Deumling, and her teaching assistant Cara Haskey, point out that learning a few skills helps one feel more confident, while working in the kitchen.

Skills build cooking confidence
The primary principle, the instructor said, is to teach techniques that help build the participants’ confidence that they can cook with what they have on hand, rather than relying on what they can make from a recipe.

“Many people look at a recipe and feel overwhelmed, because they must make a list, go shopping, then come back, to cook something,” instructed Deumling.  “I show how they can set up their kitchen and stock their pantry so that, on any given night, they can come home and make any of six meals from locally-produced food.  A meal that is both delicious and inexpensive.”

Deumling said she learned her culinary skills by “talking with lots of people” and doing a little restaurant cooking. “I’ve done a lot of ‘cooking on the fly’ as I’ve traveled around the world. I’m offering this class because I’ve found many people are afraid of cooking.  I hope this class meets the perceived need.”

Holding up one of her key ingredients, Deumling says olive oil adds to the flavor and texture of foods.

Chef shares real-world secrets
We asked Deumling to share a secret or two about preparing food.

“First, the most important lesson is to season the food. Use salt and olive oil liberally; and don’t worry about it. Good seasoning is the difference between mediocre cooking and delicious cooking.

“Secondly,” she continued, “be ready to make ingredient substitution. If you were going to use cabbage – and you don’t have any – give broccoli a try.

“Finally, free yourself from thinking of dinner as ‘meat, potatoes, and vegetable’. A good dinner could be just one big dish. Make it tasty – and it’s dinner.”

The Friends of Zenger Farm Executive Director, Jill Kuehler, spends a moment with chef Katherine Deumling and assistant Cara Haskey just as their first down-on-the-farm cooking class gets underway.

Class fully subscribed
Because of the space, and Deumling’s desire to have all of the participants actually cook instead of simply watch a lecture, she said they had to turn away quite a few people who wanted to sign up for the three-part class. “I guess you could say it’s a sign if success.”

It’s quite likely they’ll invite Deumling back, said Jill Kuehler, executive director of the Friends of Zenger Farm.

“While our organization has been primarily focused on youth education, since we were founded as an organization in 1999 – bringing about 3000 kids out of year – we’re starting to host adult education classes here,” Kuehler noted. “We also offer organic gardening classes, and will be adding classes in canning and preserving. We’ve even had food writing classes here. We’re venturing into a whole new area of adult education.”

To learn more about the mission, classes, and groups at Zenger Farm, visit their website by CLICKING HERE.

© 2009 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

Find out why an alleged dope-peddler called ‘Lucky Luciano’ might want to start thinking of a new nickname – AND, what YOU can do to help keep drug dealers off the streets …

This sure ain’t baking soda! Here’s what of half pound if cocaine looks like. MCSO photo

Story by David F. Ashton
Based on the number of arrests we’ve seen lately, it looks like the flood of cocaine and heroin sneaking into Portland from Mexico isn’t slowing down.

“We have been busy,” admitted Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) spokesman Dep. Paul McRedmond, as he told us about two different arrests that took pounds – not ounces – of dope off our streets.

Pounds of coke found Wednesday night
On March 11, based on information gained from an ongoing probe, MSCO special investigators spotted a vehicle they’d been looking for, heading for Gresham.

They followed the newer black Ford Taurus out to the area of NE 182nd Place and E Burnside Street. Deputies stopped the car for a traffic violation, McRedmond said, and then started talking with the suspect, 40-year-old Francisco L. Leon. After he gave consent to search his car, deputies found a whopping 2½ POUNDS (not ounces) of “gunpowder cocaine”, with a street value of about $250,000.

Officials say this man, said Francisco Leon – a Mexican national, in this country illegally – lost his stash, his car and his freedom that night, he’s been placed on “immigration hold” at the County Jail.

Not so ‘Lucky Luciano’ gets busted
Then, based on information learned from confidential informants, undercover drug buys, and surveillance, sharp-eyed MSCO special investigators spotted yet another vehicle of interest the following night, March 12, McRedmond went on.

The officers spotted the vehicle – also a recent-model red Ford Taurus (apparently the drug dealer’s car of choice this week) – in the area of NE 191st & Glisan, and pulled it over to make a traffic stop.

Officials say that 32-year-old Alfredo Lugo-Velez (left) was driving; and riding shotgun was 37-year-old Javier ‘Lucky” Luciano-Ramirez (right), both Mexican nationals, reportedly in this country illegally.

“As special investigation officers pulled up, ‘Lucky’ Luciano-Ramirez got out of the car and immediately raised his hands over his head – and a half-pound of cocaine fell out of his shirt,” said McRedmond. “This would break down to about 2,000 individual ‘hits’, worth $100,000.”

“Lucky” Luciano, along with his partner, went to jail without incident. “In addition to the drug charges, they have been place on immigration holds,” stated McRedmond

Ooops! MCSO Deputies say a packet of drugs fell out of an alleged dope dealer’s shirt when he put his hands up! MCSO photo

Profiling criminal behavior
Because of the steady stream of Mexican nationals arrested – and allegedly caught with large quantities of high-quality narcotics – we asked McRedmond if MSCO special investigators could possibly have been engaging in “racial profiling”.

“Our investigators gather information, participate in undercover drug buys, and do surveillance on any individual, of any race or background – based on their behavior,” responded McRedmond. “Our deputies – and especially our special investigators – have learned to look for specific sets of behaviors common to people engaged in criminal activities.”

Editor’s note:
On Monday, March 16, the 2009 Multnomah County Budget Forum on Public Safety convenes.

How much more money should the County Commissioners be allowed to hack out the budget for the Sheriff’s Office, jails, and other public safety services?

Come give your testimony Monday night from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Multnomah Building, 1st Floor Commissioners’ Boardroom 100, 501 SE Hawthorne Street. Contact Board Clerk Deb Bogstad 503 988-3277 for further information.

© 2009 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

Although digging holes to plant trees seems like hard work, check out the smiles on these volunteers’ faces as they plant LOTS of trees, in these exclusive photos …

Thanks to the work of many willing hands, the Hazelwood HydroPark – located on NE 117th Avenue between NE Glisan and Halsey Streets – now sports dozens of new trees.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Thanks to the efforts of a group of volunteers who labored most of the day on March 7, the Hazelwood Hydropark will someday enjoy the shade of tall native trees planted around its perimeter.

But that’s not all – this group also planted trees that will, in time, produce delicious orchard fruits too.

Friends of Trees’ Program Director Brighton West helps tireless neighborhood volunteers, along with Arlene Kimura and Linda Robinson, as they tag newly-planted trees.

Calls it a major project
“We’re planting about 44 trees here today at the Hydropark,” commented Brighton West, Friends of Trees’ Program Director. It’s a pretty big project. We have a lot of great volunteer help; and we’ve received some support from Portland Parks & Recreation.”

Pointing to the west and north side of the Community Garden at the Hydropark, West noted that apple, pear, fig, and persimmon trees will provide fruit for the community for years to come.

Cadie Sedies and Shannon Zimmerman volunteering on behalf of the IKEA “green group”. “In addition to making sure our store remains ‘green’, we also enjoy helping our community,” said Sedies

“There are many reasons to plant trees,” West told us. “They will sequester carbon which is becoming more and more of an issue. They hold stormwater to reduce rainstorm runoff. A tree planted in the right place can help cut down on the wind and lower the need for heating in the winter, and you can keep it cooler with shade in the summer. And, trees provide habitat and food for small animals and birds.”

Communities that have more trees also tend to have lower rates of crime as it turns out, West added.

Tom Lewis, Chair of the Centennial Neighborhood Association, helps out during the marathon tree-planting event.

More and more tree plantings are taking place in outer East Portland, noted West. “Come and join in. You’ll meet good people while you improve your neighborhood.”

CLICK HERE to visit the Friends of Trees website to find out how you can participate or get trees planted in YOUR yard!

These are only a few of the fruit trees the volunteers planted around the park’s Community Garden.

© 2009 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

Find out why – and see what event the Gateway Area
Business Association plans for later this summer …

Members of the Gateway Area Business Association dine at their new location, Oregon Baptist Retirement Homes, on a meal prepared by Cherrywood Loaves & Fishes.

Story by Watford Reed and David F. Ashton, photos by David F. Ashton
One “first” after another, for the Gateway Area Business Association – when it held its first meeting at a new site on February 12 – Oregon Baptist Retirement Homes (OBRH), in the Gateway area.

At tables set in the OBRH Community Room, about 30 GABA members dined on clam chowder and gourmet sandwiches catered by the Cherrywood Loaves & Fishes. “All of the money we’re collecting for the lunches is donated to the Cherrywood Center,” explained GABA’s VP, Lee Powell, a Farmers Insurance agent.

Lee Powell, GABA’s vice president, surprised many when he announced the organization would not be mounting Fun-0-Rama festivities in May.

May 2009 Fun-0-Rama: CANCELLED
After the regular introductions and announcements, Powell surprised many of the gathered business people when he announced that the popular Gateway Fun-O-Rama Parade & Community Fair – typically held in May – has been suspended this year. “When our executive committee looked at the required tasks to be done, and the time lines, we realized we were too far behind to hold the Fun-0-Rama this year.”

Instead, he said, the organization would work to expand the National Night Out celebration program held at OBRH in the fall.  To avoid a potential conflict with the August 1 Parkrose Business Association Festival and Cruise-in, OBRH and GABA chose to host their event on Saturday, August 8.

OBRH executive director, Keith Milsark, tells how their organization is planning for growth in the older demographic.

OBRH prepares for ‘baby boom’
The main speaker at the meeting was Keith Milsark, who has been OBRH’s executive director since August 1.  With 73 million Americans in the “baby boom wave” about to break over American society, he said their organization is bracing for a “booming influx” of older folks who need good, affordable housing.

Milsark said he left a similar job at a retirement home at historic Williamsburg, Virginia. He told how moving his family across the country – as a middle aged adult – was a big job. He contrasted his experience with the work needed to move an elderly man or woman from their home into some type of senior-housing facility.

Milsark says his cross-country relocation made it easier to understand the difficulty the elderly have when considering moving from their home into a senior facility.

He also told the group of their board’s plans to expand OBRH. They purchased three nearby homes last summer, and are looking to acquire perhaps one more lot. He added that the homes will help elderly folk “bring home with you”, by allowing pets.

Meet the members on March 12
The Gateway Area Business Association next meets on March 12. Networking starts at 11:30 AM. This month, Dawn Rasmussen, Pathfinder Writing and Career Services will speak.

The Gateway Area Business Association next meets on March 12. Networking starts at 11:30 AM. This month, Dawn Rasmussen, Pathfinder Writing and Career Services will speak.

GABA meetings are now held at Oregon Baptist Retirement Homes, 1825 NE 108th Avenue (just north of NE Weidler Street, in the Community Room – just west from where NE Schuler Street dead-ends into 108th Avenue). They ask that you park on the street, not in the parking lots. For more information, see www.gabanet.com.

© 2009 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

Daylight Savings Time is here again – see why your firefighters say “Change your clocks; check your fire alarm” on March 8 …

While at a training exercise (not a working fire), Portland Fire & Rescue spokesman Lt. Allen Oswalt here reminds us to check the battery in – or replace – smoke alarms in homes and businesses.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
It doesn’t take much for a small fire to become a killing blaze. Even though Portland has the best firefighters in the nation, in our opinion, they say citizens should take steps to protect themselves and their families by making sure their home has working fire or smoke alarm systems.

“Fires caused by an unattended candle, combustibles placed too close to a heater, or an electrical problem can cause a late-night fire,” said Portland Fire & Rescue spokesman Lt. Allen Oswalt. “Working smoke detectors give people the precious moments they need to escape the killing smoke and fumes produced by a fire before we arrive.”

It took only moments for a small fire to turn into a raging blaze, as we see at this training exercise. A working smoke detector is vital to allowing a timely escape.

Change your clocks, check your fire alarms
It has been a longstanding practice for the fire bureau to ask citizens to check their fire and smoke alarms when changing their clock to Daylight Savings Time. This year, that happens early on Sunday, March 8.

Oswalt reminded us that smoke alarm regulations in Oregon are more strict than in other states. “Since 1999, the law requires all ionization-only smoke alarms sold in the state to have a ‘hush’ feature; and if an ionization-only smoke alarm is also solely battery-powered, it must also come with a 10-year lithium battery.”

If your smoke alarm is nearing a decade old – or, if you can’t remember when it was installed – consider replacing the unit. “It you have a new model with the long-life lithium batteries, check it to make sure it’s still working,” Oswalt reminded.

Additional safety tips include:

• Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, and outside each sleeping area
• Replace smoke alarms that are 10 years old or older
• Hard-wired alarms should have battery back-ups
• Never disconnect or remove batteries from smoke alarms for other uses
• Make a home escape plan, and practice it

Oswalt concluded by saying, “Don’t be a victim. Working smoke detectors save lives.”

© 2009 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News