Giant potholes in this unimproved road slowed their response slightly, but they didn’t let that stop them from arriving quickly …

By the time we arrived at this Powellhurst-Gilbert Neighborhood home, Portland Fire & Rescue crews had put the fire out.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Fire trucks racing to the scene of a house fire on SE 117th Ave., just south of SE Reedway St. slowed to a crawl when the turned south from SE Harold Street.

“Can you believe these potholes?” remarked Battalion Chief Terry Munro, in charge of fighting the blaze.

Nevertheless, they arrived on scene just four minutes after the call came in and started fighting the fire in a single-story home.

“When we arrived there was fire showing through the walls,” Munro told us. “We first searched the home, and it was vacant.”

Potholes the size of small ponds slowed the arrival of the fire trucks – but not by much – it must have been a bumpy ride, however!

Firefighters first attacked the visible flames in the kitchen and bedroom of the house while other crew members took a look in the basement. They discovered that the upstairs fire was an extension from the basement.

“We fought the fire on both levels,” Monro commented as the 24 firefighers who responded started to pack up their gear.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

While some other kids spent their spring vacation getting in trouble, see why these kids chose to work – really hard – to help improve their neighborhood …

Aimee Collier and Shannon Pyles help a disabled neighbor by carrying junk out of their yard.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
It seems as if all some young kids can think about doing during spring vacation is getting drunk or stoned or partying during their break from school.

“I guess this is a little different,” Tray Michael, youth pastor at Eastside Foursquare Church in Parkrose. “We’re out serving the community.”

They call their annual project Urban Impact. “Every year, we get young people together for fellowship at our church, headquartered in the Quality Inn/Rodeway Inn Hotels our church operates. We go out for three days, into the community, and help out.”

They started by picking up trash, removing debris, and washing the stores’ windows in the Parkrose business district, along NE Sandy Blvd. from NE 97th Ave. up to NE 122nd Ave.

Then, the group of nearly 50 youths from Mount Olivet, New Hope, and New Wine Churches, a church from Salem, and the youth group from the Eastside Foursquare Church, headed into the Parkrose neighborhood.

With the help of ten adults, the hard-working youths quickly filled trucks with trash and debris collected from Parkrose neighborhood yards.

“As you can see, we’re going door-to-door, picking up trash and hauling away,” observed Michael. “We’re taking junk and trash out of their yards for free. We’re not proselytizing; we’re just lovin’ them. We’re saying, ‘Hey, we’re here in the neighborhood and volunteering our time to bless you with our help’.”

In addition to trash hauling, this crew of kids makes rakes leaves and trims plants for a disabled neighbor.

Scott Larkin, a Parkrose homeowner whose yard was being raked by the kids, said “It’s a blessing. They’re helping someone in desperate need. I have a back injury, so this really helps.”

We asked Larkin if the group tried to preach at him.

“No, they just helped us out of the kindness of their hearts,” replied Larkin.  “We’re very, very thankful for. It’s amazing to see youth, nowadays, getting out and doing something like this. These folks are a godsend.”

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

Passengers on the bus said they were alarmed, because their driver kept tailgating cars while driving the route. We’re not sure why it happened, but see what happens when a big bus rear-ends a Toyota …

This Toyota was southbound in slow traffic on SE 122nd Ave., until a TriMet bus slammed into it at SE Pine Street.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
When calling in the details of a thee-vehicle collision about 1:45 p.m. on April 12, police at the scene told dispatchers that the bus driver said a car stopped suddenly in front of him.

Several other witnesses, including bus passengers, disagreed with the bus driver’s assessment of the situation.

One car absorbs impact
Looking at the wreckage at the intersection of SE 122nd Avenue, at SE Pine Street, we were amazed that no one was killed. Debris was widely scattered; the full-size TriMet bus had popped up over the sidewalk, and come to rest, high-sided in the side yard of the corner house.

As we looked at a demolished black Toyota Corolla with California plates, an East Precinct Portland Police Bureau officer on-scene confirmed the obvious, saying, “The bus failed to stop in time to avoid a collision.”

Both the driver of the Toyota – and that of the Isuzu Trooper in front of it –were being transported for hospital medical evaluation by ambulance, shortly after we arrived.

“My wife was driving the white Isuzu,” a man told us as he secured her personal belongings. “My wife said the guy in the car behind her must have had his foot really down on the brakes, because he didn’t hit my wife all that hard. His car absorbed most of the impact.”

After collapsing the back end of the Toyota, TriMet bus had enough momentum to high-side it in this neighbor’s yard. It took an industrial-sized wrecker to drag it free.

A wild bus ride
We came upon two individuals, Michael and Maria, who asked if we were a TriMet official.

“I don’t know why they’re ignoring us,” Michael said. “After the wreck, the bus driver told us to fill out this [incident] card and not leave the bus until we handed it back to him. I wasn’t going to give him the card, so we waited on the bus until now.”

With incident card still in hand, Maria read to us what she wrote:

“Prior to the accident I was very scared.  I was very concerned about the bus driver’s driving. He was tailgating and running a very close to the cars in front of us. I had an idea before the accident happened, it was going to happen. Then, all of a sudden, when the accident happened, he was too close, and there was nothing he could do. He slammed right into them. It’s very scary.”

Michael confirmed, “Before the accident, she said ‘I don’t think we can stop; we’re not going to stop’. When she said it a third time, he (the bus driver) hit the brakes real hard, then took his foot off the bake and plowed right into the guy.”

Slow-going Saturday traffic
Two customers in the Tonkin Honda car lot across the street said they didn’t have a clear view of the accident, but confirmed that traffic had been stopped – backed up from a red light at SE Stark Street. Cars were starting to move slowly when the wreck occurred.

“It looked like the bus was going pretty fast, considering it was coming up to slow-moving traffic,” said another witness.

When we left the scene, Michael and Maria were still standing at the intersection, looking bewildered. “And worst of it is, they’re just leaving us here. What can we do?”

Because the collision wasn’t investigated, no tickets were issued and there was no official police report.

Accident not investigates
“The collision does not appear to have been investigated,” Sgt. Brian Schmautz, Portland Police Bureau spokesman, told us. “An officer filled out an exchange form and referred it TriMet Police.”

He did say the TriMet bus was driven by 51-year-old Uchenna Agum. Because the collision was not investigated, no citations were issued.

When we asked TriMet spokesperson Peggy LaPoint about the accident this week, she said “We have differing reports about the incident. We’re investigating the accident.”

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

Hosting their last “Candidate’s Forum” before the May Primary Election – read this and learn more about these folks who yearn to be our next Mayor …

As GABA president Alan Sanchez starts the meeting, the room fills quickly with those who want to meet the individuals, one of whom is most likely to become Portland’s next Mayor.

Story by Watford Reed; photos by David F. Ashton
The four candidates for Portland Mayor said each could do the job better than the current one, but agreed on little else in speeches before 60 members of the Gateway Area Business Association (GABA) on April 10.

Although all mayoral candidates were invited to attend, four of them came to woo outer East Portland voters. The candidates gave their opening statements in the alphabetical order of their last names.

City of Portland mayoral candidate Sam Adams.

Commissioner Sam Adams said Portland’s “greatness” is not accessible to everyone in the city.

“I’m running to shake up the office of Mayor,” Adams declared.

He said 43% of all eighth-graders in Portland fail to graduate from high school and 21% of employees across the city earn “poverty wages”.

On the other hand, he said, he has won more money for Portland Street safety and has lowered business license fees for 9,000 small businesses.

He also warned, “We are not ready” for the 300,000 more residents expected to move into the city in the next few years.  He promised to “keep working for small businesses” if he is elected and will strive for “fair taxes”.  Some businesses in the city grossed more than $20 million a year, but pay no more in taxes than small firms, he charged.

City of Portland mayoral candidate Sho Dozono.

Sho Dozono, owner of a large Portland travel agency, told the listeners, “In the last 50 years, we have not elected a business person [as Mayor]” and “nobody on the [Portland City] Council now has ever had to meet a payroll”.

He called for better economic conditions and more accountability in city government.

Dozono said he has helped bring airlines and Asian companies to the city, and observed, “We need to recruit others”.

He said the city needs to be “competitive in the global economy”, and at the same time, keep middle-class housing – which he says is being squeezed out by apartment buildings. High among his interests, he listed our natural resources, education, and the global economy. He recommended bringing high-technology industry to the area.

City of Portland mayoral candidate Beryl McNair.

Beryl McNair said the “economy is sad” in northeastern and southeastern Portland.

She called for job fairs, workshops, more attention to education, and food for the hungry. She also urged integration across ethnic lines, and said the needs of all of Portland’s communities should be met.

City of Portland mayoral candidate Jeff Taylor.

Jeff Taylor said Portland “is not the city I grew up in, and not what it should be”.

He promised that if he is elected he will eliminate the business tax, will not raise the water bills, will hire more police, and set up an office to help small businesses.

Taylor said he has been a small businessman for 25 years and he would not seek new businesses for Portland – “I will help businesses that are already here”. He would like to see one worker added to the staff of every business already operating in Portland.

His proposal to end the business tax altogether drew fire from Adams – who said he has won lower taxes on small businesses. Adams said eliminating the tax altogether would wreak havoc with the city budget.

In keeping with GABA tradition, Sanchez presents a rubber chicken to Deena Jensen, who is with Evergreen Home Loans, in recognition for her efforts on behalf of the organization.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

Try as they might to prevent it, cops are seeing more – as well as more serious and deadly – crime along the outer east side MAX corridor. Here’s the latest one …

Although the 148th Ave. MAX station was closed, the light rail train continued service along the outer east side route during the April 16 murder investigation.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
The rate of violent crimes committed along outer East Portland’s MAX corridor seems to be accelerating.

Responding to a “shots fired” call at 8:22 pm on April 16, East Precinct officers rushed to the Hazelwood Station Apartments on April 16. The shooting resulted in a death.

Authorities aren’t saying whether or not the victim was a resident or visitor at the Hazelwood Station Apartments on the night he was killed.

When we arrived on-scene, the perimeter around the four-story apartment house, located on the north side of E. Burnside St. facing the MAX station, about a half a block west of NE 148th Avenue, was taped off, as homicide detectives swarmed the area looking for clues.

“Officers arrived and found the body of 22-year-old Christopher John Tillman in a hallway on the third floor of the apartment complex,” confirmed police spokesman Sgt. Brian Schmautz. “The victim appeared to have been shot at least one time, and was deceased when officers arrived.”

Police say this man, Christopher John Tillman,
was identified as the shooting victim.

A man who claimed to live in the building said the victim was shot in the elevator, and crawled out to the commons area on the third floor.

Officials have remained tight-lipped about the case.

“An autopsy conducted by the Multnomah County Medical Examiner concluded that Tillman died of a single gunshot wound,” Schmautz told us.  “For investigative reasons, detectives are withholding more specific information about the shooting. Investigators have not developed any suspect information and are currently seeking anyone who may know the victim or had contact with the victim in the hours leading to his death.”

Anyone with information is asked to call Steve Ober at (503) 823-4033 or Detective Jim McCausland at (503) 823 0449.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

See which students they chose from the elementary schools – and why they were honored by this great fraternal organization …

To see why Raquel De Jesus, Tommy Thilavhanh, Rachel Billick-Smith, Andrew Hurt, Emma Brent, Victor Nguyen, Tatafu Moeaki, Ruth Gomez (in back), Jackob Ball (in back), and Morgaine Mingo-Midkiff were honored – read this story!

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
As they do every year, since 1992, the Parkrose Masonic Lodge #179, along with members of the Eastgate Masonic Lodge, were honoring outstanding students from each of the Parkrose elementary schools and the middle school earlier in April.

“The purpose of this program,” said Christos Efthimiadis, the lodge’s Worshipful Master, “is to recognize, with the help of the teacher and principal, the good work these students have done this year.”

The Parkrose Middle School Brass Ensemble opens the ceremony by playing classical musical selections.

Almost every seat in the hall was filled with parents, students, and teachers – all eager to recognize the young scholars selected by their teachers, peers, and school administration.

Prescott Elementary

Prescott Elementary School honors their Outstanding Boy Student, Andrew Hurt. Standing to our right is the Lodge’s Worshipful Master, Christos Efthimiadis; to his left is teacher Mary Brown, principal Michael Lopes and Parkrose Lodge’s Past Master James Akers.

Prescott Elementary School’s Principal, Michael Lopes, introduced teacher Mary Brown who spoke about the school’s Boy Honoree, Andrew Hurt.

“This awesome student, I am so very proud of him,” Brown began.

“One of the qualities that I love best about him is his wonderful sense of humor. I believe that Andrew is destined for great things. I’m happy to have Andrew is part of my life for the last two years. I will miss the smile that lights up his face,” Brown said.

With her family standing at her side, Prescott Elementary School honors their Outstanding Girl Student, Rachel Pillick-Smith.

Prescott Elementary teacher Stephaine McCain spoke about the girl she nominated for the award, Rachel Pillick-Smith, saying, “My first impression of her was that she is a great student and really quiet. But she showed me quickly that she has a real zeal for life.

“Rachel, overall, is an enthusiastic learner. But what really stands out is her absolute love of reading. Her teachers and fellow students say she’s outstanding. She’s caring and dedicated in her friendships; she’s a natural leader. She’s a great citizen and an exceptional student who daily influences the lives of students and teachers at Prescott Elementary School.”

Russell Academy

Russell Academy honors their Outstanding Boy Student, Tommy Thilavahn.

Russell Academy teacher Chris McMurray had the honor of introducing Tommy Thilavahn.

“I could go on about Tommy’s academic achievement and growth; and how exemplary a student he is. Instead, Tommy deserves my thanks for being such a great student,” said McMurray.

“As I think about what an exemplary and outstanding student is, I think about how well Tommy presents himself and how he carries himself in a professional manner. I think he is well on his way to great successes.”

Russell Academy honors their Outstanding Girl Student, Raquel De Jesus.

Raquel De Jesus was chosen to receive recognition from her substitute teacher, Russell Academy’s Paula Schultz, standing in for Jane O’Brien.

“When I’m a substitute teacher, Raquel comes flying at me with a big smile saying, ‘I’m so glad you’ll be my teacher today’,” Schultz began.

“One student wrote, ‘Make sure you say she’s a good friend to others’. Her influence goes beyond the classroom. She’s sometimes called upon to translate in Spanish. As a recess-buddy, she’s kind and compassionate. She works hard in and out of the classroom. I look forward to seeing how she will be an positive influence in the middle school. She is truly worthy of being called our Student of the Year.”

Sacramento Elementary School
Ms. Stevie Blakely, Sacramento Elementary School’s Principal, started the awards by saying how proud she is of her students and staff. Blakely introduced teacher Melissa Alexander, who selected Morgaine Mingo-Midkiff as their honoree.

Sacramento Elementary School honors their Outstanding Girl Student, Morgaine Mingo-Midkiff.

“Morgaine is intelligent and kind; she is mature beyond her years,” said Alexander.

“She takes her education seriously. But she also has an appreciation for the simple and fun things in life, like wanting to dress up on Halloween or run around at recess. She has an innate passion for learning. In whatever she does in her life, I know that she’ll make a real difference.”

Sacramento Elementary School honors their Outstanding Boy Student, Victor Nguyen.

Teacher Brett Davidson had the pleasure of introducing Sacramento’s outstanding Boy student, Victor Nguyen. “Victor is dedicated and hard-working; he always seems to be doing the right thing.

“Math is Victor’s strong subject. He can correct me when I make mistakes, and does so well working out problems on the blackboard. He helps by translating for a student who is a newcomer to our country from Vietnam. Also, at recess, Victor is the unofficial leader in football touchdowns. Victor gives a full effort every day.”

Shaver Elementary School
Principal Cindy Bartman, from Shaver Elementary School, complemented her staff and students, and thanked the Parkrose Masons for their support.

Shaver Elementary School honors their Outstanding Boy Student, Jakob Ball.

Presenting honors to student Jakob Ball was his teacher, Peri Bauers, who said the decision to choose Jakob was a simple one.

“He’s very bright, kind, and trustworthy. He’s an excellent student in all areas, and excelled in all of the state tests. But more than this, he is a friend to all. Jakob goes out of his way to befriend those who others might ignore. He is our classroom student council representative this year. I thank Jakob for being a ‘teacher’s dream’, and a wonderful human being.”

Shaver Elementary School honors their Outstanding Girl Student, Ruth Gomez.

Ruth Gomez was selected by her teacher, Andrew Robinson.

“Some her achievements are these,” Robinson began. “She excelled in every one of her state exams. Ruth spends time as a mentor helping other students. She serves as a student council representative. She makes good use of her bilingual skills by translating instructions to other students in the class. What do I really think of Ruth? If it was possible to ‘buy stock’ in a student, I would buy as much as I could in Ruth Gomez.”

Parkrose Middle School
Parkrose Middle School’s Principal, Ana Gonzalez, welcomed parents, and honored students from her school.

Parkrose Middle School honors their Outstanding Boy Student, Tatafu Moeaki.

The teacher of student Tatafu Moeaki, Scott Ballou, said his student is easy to spot, “He stands, literally, head and shoulders above the other kids.

“Other kids like him; they want to be around him. He’s polite, respectful, and positive. It’s hard to catch him without a smile on his face. He works in the ‘snack shack’, where he’s always on time and ready to work. He works hard, and I’m glad that he’s a student with us.”

Parkrose Middle School honors their Outstanding Girl Student, Emma Brent.

The last honoree of the evening was Emma Brent. Glenda Dearinger, standing in for Emma’s teacher, began, “What a bunch of champions. Isn’t that neat?

“Instead of reading quotes the students and teachers gave me, I wrote down some of the words they used to describe Glenda. It sounds like a teacher’s wish list. These words are: Responsible, organized, cooperative, helpful, caring, eager-to-learn, positive attitude, self-confident, optimistic, cheerful – and the list goes on and on. Everyone enjoys being around Glenda. In class, students ask her for help. Her teacher said she’s also involved in virtually every sport. She’s a character – with real character – and a winner in all she does.”

In addition to the framed certificate presented to each of these students, each honored student’s name has been inscribed on a brass tag affixed to a permanent plaque that hangs in their respective schools.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Services

Imagine being robbed while looking down the barrel of a gun – and then, imagine that the crook starts shooting and doesn’t stop. See why this bartender, to which it all happened, says he’s lucky to be alive …

Officials say that Soobie’s Bar & Grill at 333 SE 122nd Avenue is usually pretty quiet – but not on this night.

Story and photo by David F. Ashton
April 12 was just another night at Soobie’s Bar & Grill for bartender James Bennett. Some customers were watching the topless dancers; others were playing the video lottery games.

One customer sat quietly at one of the video lottery machines for about 90 minutes. Then, a little after 10 p.m., he whipped out a pistol, marched up to the bar, and demanded all the money from the cash register.

“At the beginning of the robbery the suspect fired a single round,” reported Portland Police Bureau spokesman Sgt. Brian Schmautz. “The suspect acted extremely aggressive, and continued to threaten the victim as he was attempting to give the suspect money from the cash register.”

At one point, Bennett attempted to grab the suspect’s gun from his hand but was not successful.

“How he acted was absolutely insane,” Bennett said while he recovered from surgery at OHSU Hospital. “I just couldn’t believe what he was doing. He was pointing the gun in my face, and I could see him pulling on the trigger, over and over.”

Bennett was shot by the gun-waving thug five times before he fled the scene.

“Using surveillance video from the business, Robbery Detectives created still photos of the suspect and shared the photos within the law enforcement community,” said Schmautz. An officer recognized him.

Authorities say they suspect this man, Daniel Paul Nesta, as the person who shot – and kept shooting – the bartender at Soobie’s on Saturday night.

Three days later, Portland Police Bureau Robbery Detectives picked up 21-year-old Daniel Paul Nesta and charged him with one count each of Robbery in the First Degree, Assault in the First Degree, and Attempted Aggravated Murder.

It was later reported that a woman, who claimed to be the Nesta’s girlfriend, said this behavior was out of character for him.  She said he was a family man, and a cook who worked at the Rose Garden.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

A Pine Box Derby racer may look like a block of wood with wheels, but see why these youngsters take pride in crafting the fastest – and most unusual- looking – gravity-powered race cars …

There’s no spinning tires – but still plenty of excitement – as this Pine Box Derby’s gatemaster, Bryan Bolster, releases the racers to run another heat.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
As the 2008 Pine Box Derby gets underway on a couple of weeks ago, there’s no smell of burning rubber or racing fuel in the Holy Family Catholic Church’s social hall.

But there is excitement in the air, as Cub Scout Pack 64’s members “race for the gold” not long ago.

At the top of a long, steeply inclined track, racemaster Bryan Bolster carefully centers each of four hand-made racers – each a carved, painted block of wood with wheels – on the track. “This track was made by Rob Freund,” says Bolster, “he owns Father & Sons Hardwood Floors on SE 13th Avenue in Sellwood. I store it where I work.”

Cub Scout Matthew Young carefully places his hand-made racer on the Pine Box Derby track before the final, deciding race. He went on to win this year’s derby.

Anticipation increases each time Bolster reaches for the large lever that releases the cars and triggers a precise, electronic timing system.

Everyone claps and cheers as cars zip down the track, picking up incredible speed before they pass under the timing gate near the bottom, and crash into a huge, soft pillow at the end of the run.

Carefully adjusting the wheels on his car in the “pits” is Mitch Bolster.

Hand-made speedsters
“This event goes way back,” says Tom Armstrong, Scoutmaster of Pack 64.  “It is one of the traditional, annual events done by Cub Scouts.”

The kids don’t just go to a store and buy a race car, we learn. “They’re all made it home,” Armstrong explains. “The kids all start with the same kit: Basically, a block of wood, and the wheels. They craft their own shapes, and come up with their own designs.”

The only restriction, he adds, is the racecar must meet certain weight requirements.

“The best thing about the event,” adds Armstrong, “is that the boys get to work with their hands. They learn basic shop skills – how to work with tools. Then, they get to see how well their car does, when they run the race.”

This year’s Cub Scout Pack 64 winners are: (back row, left to right) 1st place, Matthew Young; 2nd place, Zack Durst; 3rd place, Ben Rutter; 4th place, Peter Kurtz; (front) Grant Parsons, Best of Show; Kieran Armstrong, Most Original Car; and Ugliest Driver: Willis Schubert.

The winner is …
Heat after heat, cars with the fastest runs are pitted against one another, until there is a winner. This year, Matthew Young takes the first place trophy.

Even after the derby is over, kids continue to run their cars down the track – simply for the love of the race, not for any further hope of winning the race.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

‘House Recycling’ Progress Report: It’s true! See how Shannon Quimby’s new home is being built out of lumber out of the boards that were reclaimed, not discarded …

Shannon Quimby vows to reuse everything from the house that once stood on the lot – even the lumber – in her new home in Westmoreland.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
On the site of Shannon Quimby’s new Westmoreland on SE Rex Street, there’s lumber, nails, and the sound of workmen hammering, as they frame this new two-story home.

But in the place of massive construction dumpsters, there are just two huge, steel storage containers. “This is the first house in the nation to be built without a dumpster on-site,” says Quimby, the nation’s leading renewal expert and star of HG TV “Q-Renew” shows.

As we walk through the now-mostly-framed house, Quimby reminds us, “We deconstructed the dilapidated old house that stood here. We saved every board, every nail – even the toilet and the kitchen sink – everything. We’re determined to reuse everything from the old house in our new home. That’s why we call it our REX project – Reuse Everything eXperiment!”

Daniel Barone and Daniel Sanchez from Green Building Construction take a brief break from framing, to point out the old and new lumber being used in Shannon Quimby’s REX Project house.

Old lumber mixed with new
On the second floor, Quimby points out some of the older 2 x 4’s used in the construction. She explains that the crew carefully selects old, seasoned wood that best fits the wall they’re framing, to minimize waste.

“The great thing about my framing crew,” notes Quimby, “is that they took the time to plane down the old boards to match the dimensions of the new ones. The new lumber for sale now is actually 2″ x 3.75”.

On the tour
The house, at the corner of S.E. 21st Avenue and S.E. Rex Street, will be featured as part of the Portland Home Builder’s Association’s “Ultimate Open House Tour” this month, Quimby reveals. “Although the house won’t be finished, we’re an ‘educational stop’ on the tour. We want to encourage builders and remodelers to reuse and recycle building materials, instead of sending them to our overflowing landfills.”

For more information about Quimby’s REX Project, CLICK HERE.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

Come out and see what they’ve done – even better, decorate a rock to make your mark on this unique Parkrose attraction, located at the high school …

Sharon DeWitt, groundskeeper at Parkrose High School, watches as students help prepare the path and lay pavers.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
To some, a labyrinth is a large-scale puzzle game. But to Sharon DeWitt, Parkrose High School’s groundskeeper, the “Parkrose Community Peace Labyrinth” which she inspired is much more.

“In our busy world,” explains DeWitt, “everyone is on-the-run, especially students and staff members here at the high school. In the 15 minutes it takes to slowly walk the labyrinth, people can slow down and take some time for themselves.”

This specific design used is a replica of the World Peace Labyrinth, DeWitt tells us. “That labyrinth was painted on canvas, and unveiled at the Olympic Games, in Salt Lake City, in 2002. All of the athletes, coaches, and fans had the opportunity to walk the labyrinth. Now that labyrinth is traveling the world to all the countries that part in the Olympics.”

A few weeks ago, students helped out placing the pavers along the labyrinth’s path.

Celebrating one year on April 19
They started building this labyrinth on Earth Day, in April, 2007 says DeWitt. “We’re taking an unused portion of the high school property and making something that will invite neighbors onto our grounds. We’re giving the community something simple to enjoy.”

Since then, through the work of about 200 of volunteers, plus thousands of hours of labor, the serpentine path is clearly taking shape.

“We’ll be celebrating the labyrinth’s first year starting at 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 19,” DeWitt informs us. “It’s not a work party; it is a rock painting party. We’re asking everyone to come by and decorate at least one of the hundreds of rocks we pick-axed out of the ground, using paint Metro has donated. These rocks will decorate the path.”

DeWitt adds, “I hope that, by decorating a rock, neighbors, friends, and students will gain a sense of ownership and connectedness with the project, with the school, and with the labyrinth.”

About 200 volunteers have worked on the project during the last year. Come see what they’re up to!

New gate marks the spot
When you visit – it’s located at the southwest corner of the lot on NE Shaver Street, a long block west of NE 122nd Avenue, you’ll be welcomed by a new gate marking the entrance to the labyrinth.

DeWitt thanks East Portland Neighbors, Inc. for the grant that provided the seed money to start the project. “This grant legitimized and validated project and got it going. It helped us secure a grant from Lowe’s Toolbox for Education.”

To volunteer, or for more information, e-mail sharondewitt@parkrose.k12.or.us.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

Why did hundreds of people navigate their way to a hidden industrial complex in Lents in April? Learn about this outer East Portland event here …

Major, Marlene Azar’s Moluccan Cockatoo, shows off for guests at the spring Bird Festival.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Twice each year, on a Saturday, a long line of vehicles can be seen turning north on SE 111th Avenue, off SE Foster Road, in Lents – and driving into an industrial park.

Although the long blue steel building says Quality Cage Company on it, on these weekends folks are coming to see birds, not the small animal and avian cages this local manufacturer makes and ships all over the world.

The company’s manager, Guy Cone, makes a new feathered friend during the event.

“It’s become more difficult for bird breeders to find places to gather for a bird event,” said the company’s manager, Guy Cone. “In 2005, these local breeders asked if we could hold a one-day event at our plant. We did, and that was the start of the Bird Festivals.”

Labor of love
To create space for the Bird Festivals, Cone’s crew clears out the warehouse portion of their building, using fork lifts to stuff all of their raw products and inventory into the rafters and move it over to the manufacturing floor. This creates a clean well-lit space large enough to allow 25 breeders to showcase their finest birds.

“We have to shut down manufacturing for a couple of days to accommodate the Bird Festival,” Cone noted. “But, to see the smiles on the faces of our guests and breeders makes it all worthwhile.”

With the cloth drape sidewalls in place, the warehouse is transformed into an avian wonderland.

Best birds in the Pacific Northwest
Visitors – nearly 700 of them – came to the April 5 Bird Festival. Some of those who come bring along their families, just to look at the wide variety of birds on display at this fun, free event.

When visitors enter, they’re greeted by sound of chirps, squeaks, and squawks made by hundreds of birds on display. Most visitors don’t know they’re in a space that’s usually a warehouse; colorful cloth trade show curtains around the room’s perimeter transform the space an avian wonderland.

While some folks come to gawk, most of the guests come because they’re interested in buying a bird – or two. They’ve learned this is a good place to go bird shopping; feathered friends from small tweetie-birds – to the largest varieties – are on display. The “serious shoppers” arrive before the doors open at 10 a.m., to be assured of having the best selection.

“There isn’t any other bird event this spring between Seattle and San Francisco,” remarked Jack Sutton. “I’m looking for a particular breed of finches; there’s a great selection here. It’s well worth the drive up from Albany to this show.”

An event guest “test-handles” a bird that may become part of the family.

Matching birds with owners
Marko Juarez from Gresham brought his family to the event; they looked at colorful smaller birds, he told us. “All of the breeders are so friendly and happy to tell us about their birds. You learn all kinds of things here you’d never learn by going to a big pet store.”

It’s true; we learned that some of the larger, more intelligent bird breeds can outlive their owners – and require a great deal of care and attention. Many smaller birds are colorful, provide good company, and require only a minimum of care.

Event supports youth sports
Providing hot lunches for the bird breeders and guests were volunteers from TNT Softball, a David Douglas baseball league. Located just across way in a building west of the festival, these dedicated workers cooked up sizzling chili cheeseburgers and hot dogs all day. The funds they raised help support youth sports in outer East Portland.

And, “The Bird Nerd”, Deborah Velardi, was also on hand, dispensing advice on birds – and providing grooming services onsite.

Birds, birds and more birds! The Bird Festival is the only regularly-scheduled bird event of its kind in the region.

Festival returns in October
By the time we visited Quality Cage Company a couple of days later to talk with the staff about this unique event, the Bird Festival space was once again a very industrial-looking warehouse, filled with cages, sheet metal and supplies.

From what we learned, the Bird Festival will return to outer East Portland the first Saturday in October. For more information – or to see photos of the event, CLICK HERE.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

Discover why you should pull up a chair for this fun, free event that celebrates one of Portland’s most well-known highways …

Again this year, Dragon and Lion Dancers will entertain and enchant people along the parade route.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
The first annual 82nd Avenue of Roses Parade was a success, by every measure. Since then, the volunteers who put on this event have been working diligently to prepare for this year’s street pageant – next week, on April 19.

Seeing a parade marching along this storied highway took many by surprise last year. With more publicity, and greater participation from neighborhood and business groups, this parade this year should be a fun event for everyone.

A year in the making
Plans are underway for an even more colorful and exciting event for 2008, according to its organizer, and long-time East Portland booster, Ken Turner.

“We’re looking forward to a great event,” Turner predicted when we caught up with him at a meeting of the organizing volunteers. “It looks like we’ll have 40 entries, including floats, and walking entries from neighborhood and business associations, service organizations, car clubs, and farmers markets.”

Unlike a neighborhood parade, Turner said this event required a great deal of advance planning. “One reason is that we’re shutting down a State Highway for two hours. But, Oregon Department of Transportation, the Portland Office of Transportation, Portland Police Bureau, and other agencies have helped and supported our efforts.”

The Madison South, Brentwood Darlington, and Powellhurst-Gilbert neighborhood Associations, along with the 82nd Avenue of Roses Business Association, are providing the volunteers to produce this neighborhood spectacle.

Members of the Madison High School Drum Corps will keep the parade stepping along at a lively pace.

More music, more fun
This year, the parade will feature the antics of the “Get-a-Life Marching Band”. This group of marching musicians is an offshoot of the “One More Time Around Again Marching Band”, famous for their annual Portland Rose Festival appearances. After the parade, about 11 a.m., the band will proceed to Eastport Plaza for a free concert.

You’ll see the USS Enterprise cruise down 82nd Avenue of Roses, courtesy of the US Navy . . . Be delighted by the color and pageantry of the Chinese Dragon and Lion Dancers . . . Tap your toes to the syncopated rhythms of Madison High School Drum Corps . . . Be greeted by the Royal Rosarians . . . And, see honor paid to our flag and servicemen and women by the color guard from Veterans of Foreign Wars #1.

“And there’s a good chance you’ll see some of Portland’s and Multnomah County’s leading politicians and candidates in the parade,” Turner hinted.

Starts at 9 am
The April 19 parade steps out onto SE 82nd Avenue of Roses from Eastport Plaza at 9:00 a.m. sharp. The parade will proceed north to SE Yamhill Street, and into the Montavilla Neighborhood.

Volunteers are needed
Many volunteers are needed on the day of the parade. “There isn’t heavy lifting involved,” said volunteer coordinator, Johnni Beth Jones. “And, the time commitment is small. We need adults willing to be ‘street closure guards’ on the morning of the parade.”

Contact Jones at johnni.jones@gmail.com; she asks that you list “Parade Volunteer” in the subject line of your e-mail, so she’ll spot it right away.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service