The Gateway Business Association celebrated
the Holidays with a grand dinner on the town …

Pastor Brian Heron, Eastminster Presbyterian Church, is welcomed to the GABA Holiday Dinner by Ann Sanchez, Realty Brokers and event chair, Kris McVicar, Washington Mutual Bank.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
In a departure from years past, members of the Gateway Business Association (GABA) chose to celebrate the Holidays by dining at The Refectory restaurant on December 13.

Other than self-introductions, there were few formalities during the evening. A surprise guest, Jeff Merkley, speaker, Oregon House of Representatives, and candidate for the Democratic nomination to run for Oregon State Senator, came by the party to talk about his campaign.

Enjoy our photo album of the event

East Precinct’s Sgt. Michael Gallagher sets up a video slide show of GABA’s activities throughout the year.

GABA past president and secretary, Fred Sanchez of Realty Brokers, welcomes Barbara Yerke, and Kevin Minkoff, CPA (not your ordinary bean counter), to the event.

Ed Dahm (past GABA president) and his wife Norma welcome Mary James, American Red Cross, to their table.

Darl and Susan Stuvick, Minuteman Press, greet Karen Montez of Elliott, Powell, Baden & Baker, Inc., and her guest.

GABA president, Alan Sanchez, greets the group gathered to dine, mix and mingle at The Refectory.

“The Gordon Neal Herman Trio” provides the gift of live, jazz music at the GABA holiday celebration. Gordon is a pianist, composer and GABA member.

With a selection of salads and hot dishes, guests enjoyed a complete dinner.

Jeff Merkley, speaker, Oregon House of Representatives and candidate for the Democratic nomination to run for Oregon State Senator, thanks guests for their past support, and asks for their vote in the Primary election.

Keeping up the “down-on-the-farm” rivalry, Lee Powell of Farmer’s Insurance surprises Fred Sanchez with this pointed gift. No bull!

Meet the 2008 officers and board members of the Gateway Area Business Association!

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

You’ll see why these folks are celebrating, when you read about the accomplishments of the Lents Homeownership Initiative …

Shaunna Sutcliffe of the Portland Water Bureau, Itzel Spehar from Portland Housing Center, and Joseph Portillo, a loan officer with Umpqua Bank, check out the buffet lunch.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Government and law enforcement officials agree that homeowners have more pride in their neighborhood than do renters, and so help increase the livability of a community.

The Lents Homeownership Initiative (LHI), part of ROSE Community Development, has successfully been turning renters into homeowners since 2005.

“Welcome to our quarterly LNI meeting,” the organization’s director, Amie Diffenauer, greeted us a few weeks ago. We’re celebrating the successes of the last three years of our program.”

LHI’s director, Amie Diffenauer, thanks the organization’s community, banking, city, and county partners for helping them achieve success.

Diffenauer explained that LHI is an association of more than 40 partners who are working toward increasing homeownership, and thus increasing the livability of the Lents neighborhood.

Sees results of the program
One of the 40 guests at the luncheon was Christine Rhoney, Portland Impact SUN site manager for Kelly Elementary School. She said she’s seen the beneficial results of renters becoming homeowners first-hand.

“At the Lents Homeownership Fair, held at our school this year,” Rhoney told us, “participants entered a drawing giving them the chance to win help with their down-payment. The family who won is a Kelly School family. The mother worked with us in the SUN program; her children go to SUN classes.”

This good fortune, Rhoney said, helped the family move into a home. “The result is stability for the families. Now that they have a place in which they can live, have pride in, and know they have been successful. The stability helps the kids thrive and be successful.”

Rosanne Lee, East Portland Crime Prevention Program Coordinator, agreed with Rhoney, saying “I’m a partner because homeownership creates a more stable community. People who own their homes are more invested in what goes in their communities. When people care, they work to help prevent – or report – crime.”

Nick Sauvie, director of ROSE Community Development shares some of the organization’s successes.

Luncheon banquet followed by awards
The formal meeting got underway after representatives helped themselves to a bountiful buffet supplied by Arleta Library Bakery Café on SE 72nd and by Russian Elegant Food European Bakery on SE Foster – with décor by flowers by Fleur de Lis on SE Division Street.

“We’re holding a celebration to cap off the third year of the Lents Homeownership Initiative,” explained Nick Sauvie, director of ROSE Community Development. “When one looks at the people who are coming together to support our mission of revitalizing outer Southeast Portland one home at a time – and when one sees the results of the program – it is impressive.”

LHI’s three-year goal was to create 175 homeowners; before the third year has ended, it has helped 181 families move into homes.

Diffenauer credits all of these housing professionals, gathered here for a special luncheon, for helping LHI exceed its goals.

Crime prevention accomplishments included closing six drug houses, sponsoring seven neighborhood watch trainings and holding seven problem-solving meetings.

Diffenauer and Sauvie stated that helping increase home values in Lents by 10% per year was also a goal. While they don’t take credit for market conditions, they do report a gain of nearly 16% in 2005, 12% in 2006 and a 10.5% lift in 2007 – compared to a 2.6% gain citywide.

A final measure of LNI’s success is neighborhood satisfaction. “Our goal was for a 10% increase in satisfaction,” Diffenauer said, “but by 2007, more than 60% of residents rated their neighborhood as ‘good’ or ‘very good’ in overall livability.”

Want to learn more? See www.rosecdc.org online, or contact Diffenauer at amie@rosecdc.org or by calling (503) 788-8052 ext 105.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

Can yet another City-sponsored committee improve livability in outer East Portland? You’ll see what some of the participants think … right here …

The David Douglas School District boardroom is nearly filled with delegates and observers, as the East Portland Action Plan Committee holds its first meeting.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
The East Portland Action Plan Committee, a project co-sponsored by Multnomah County and the City of Portland, has held its first meeting earlier this month.

“This effort is designed to look strategically at near-term opportunities to improve livability, as well as long-term strategies to address issues in East Portland, generally east of I-205,” said the organizer, also East Portland Liaison for the Portland Planning Bureau, Barry Manning. “The committee includes a mix of elected officials, agency representatives, and eighteen community members working together on problem-solving and improvement strategies in East Portland.”

Governmental officials on hand who participated included Portland Mayor Tom Potter, Multnomah County Chair Ted Wheeler, and State Representative Jeff Merkley, Portland City Commissioner Erik Sten; METRO Counselor Robert Liberty audited the meeting.

In addition to elected officials and governmental staff members, eighteen members from the business, faith, education and neighborhood communities also been appointed to participate in the forum.

Looks to identify livability solutions
Manning stated that some of the anticipated outcomes of the East Portland Action Plan include:

• Validation of high priority livability issues in East Portland;
• Direction to initiate near-term actions that can be accomplished within one to two years;
• Identification of longer-term actions to be implemented through respective agency work plans; and,
• Commitment to follow through.

Struggling to deal with increased density
As once run-down parts of the city have gentrified, the City’s less affluent have been forced to migrate to outlying areas in outer East Portland.

As neighborhoods continue to change due to ever-increasing density, many citizens have expressed concern about reduced quality of life in their outer East Portland neighborhoods. Along with higher-density housing crowding once semi-rural areas has come increased crime and the lack of services, infrastructure, and amenities, to serve the burgeoning population.

Issues identified and potential actions
After two hours of roundtable discussions, the panel members had developed a list of concerns that include:

• Schools, Families, Housing: Develop a partnership and specific strategies with school districts serving East Portland to address school facilities issues.
• Community Safety: Develop partnerships to intensify the city’s public safety and social services responses.
• Community Organizing: Develop and fund methods to improve public participation, and broaden the base of community involvement in East Portland.
• Transportation Needs: Refine transportation priorities for East Portland, and explore budget proposals necessary to fund them.
• Land Use Planning: Explore and implement land use code changes to address infill development issues and lay the groundwork for longer range planning.
• Business Enhancement: Identify strategies for improving the business climate in East Portland, focusing on specific strategies for different areas.

Multnomah County Chair Ted Wheeler and Portland city Commissioner Erik Sten say they’re in agreement with the goals of the project.

Officials pledge help
Portland Commissioner Erik Sten said he’s pleased with the project, and very pleased with the large turnout of committee members and the public in general to the December 1 meeting. Sten pledged to find City funding to help out with the project.

Multnomah County Chair Ted Wheeler also commended the committee, the meeting, and the progress; but said he couldn’t offer financial support, citing the County’s tight budget.

“We want to see something immediate happen like you folks do,” summarized Portland Mayor Tom Potter. “We’re going to work to make sure some of these needs are met. All the assets of the cities, like our bureaus, will provide technical support, so you aren’t left stranded. We believe in this process. Rather than just take our word for it, wait and see what happens.”

Eighteen community members, along with governmental officials, say they’re working to solve some of outer East Portland’s most pressing issues.

Cautious optimism noted among participants
Judith Huck, owner of Classique Floors, told us, “I think the City and area agencies are looking to East Portland to see what we really need. They’re listening to us to see what really needs to be done out here. We’re struggling out here.”

Asked if she thinks this will provide concrete results, Huck smiled and said sincerely, “I have great hope.”

Opportunity to make a difference
Dr. Karen Fischer Gray, Superintendent, Parkrose Public Schools, commented, “The meeting was an excellent way for all of the super-stakeholder groups to get together and focus on East County planning. Everybody, to an extent, is on the same page about economic development, overdevelopment of housing, educational needs. This is a real opportunity for people to make a difference.”

Expresses concerns about housing
Hazelwood Neighborhood Chair Arlene Kimura said, about the meeting, “This is a very good first step. If we can do at least a portion of the things we set out to do – those are going to be big, giant steps. I do hope we can come up some critically-needed first-action items. That will demonstrate the sincerity of this effort. It will show it isn’t just a bunch of people sitting around the table.”

Asked for what she most hopes will come from this program, Kimura replied, “To really look at where they’re clustering the housing in relation to where the services are located. Changing our land use patterns and popping into housing in the middle of neighborhoods is not helpful. We’ve got to look at neighborhoods as a whole, and not just as housing developments.

I know people need housing, but we have to temper that with the fact that people have to be able to live and get around their neighborhood.”

Interested in transportation and education
Speaking for himself, James Chasse a board member of Board of Powellhurst Gilbert Neighborhood Association and land use chair, summarized his feelings: “It’s about time. It is a great opportunity for people in East Portland to be involved and hopefully see some action taken in the community to address some of the issues that have come up in the last ten years.”

Chasse added that his greatest concerns for outer East Portland are transportation-related issues and overcrowded schools.

Endorses new process
Brian Heron, Pastor, Eastminster Presbyterian Church, and with the Foster Family Care Network, said it is good for the community to envision a new process for dealing with issues in outer East Portland.

“The best part of the meeting,” stated Heron, “is the fact that so many people, from so many walks of life, are here representing the community. It’s not so much what has come out if it today, but the fact that we we’re all together in the same room. We’re ready to talk. The concept that stood out for me was building community. The community is so diverse; and at the same time, we’re dealing with diverse issues like poverty, and broken families, and lack of stability.”

Ethnic diversity a concern
Mike Vander Veen, Ministries Coordinator at Parklane Christian Reformed Church, agreed with Heron, but added, “And yet, there is a certain lack of diversity here today. There are a lot of white faces at the table. Even though we’re all coming from different perspectives, I saw limited participation of people of color. I’d like to see more ethnic inclusion. It was great we had a member of the Slavic community here. Diversity in the community was a value many people shared.”

Vander Veen added that he’s most concerned about finding was to protect our outer East Portland educational system. “In eastside schools, we still have music, arts, and PE, in addition to good quality academics. But it looks like education may be at risk. Its important! Children are the future of our community.”

East Portland Liaison in the Portland Planning Bureau Barry Manning, and METRO Counselor Robert Liberty, listen and respond to comments made at the meeting.

METRO Commissioner Robert Liberty told us after the meeting, “The most important thing was that this meeting was held. Next important thing was to see who came from the community and government. It is great.”

While Liberty characterized some of the data as being “a little daunting and disturbing”, he added that, from METRO’s perspective, this is perfect timing. “We’re talking about how to implement Plan 2040, we’re looking at investments. I think we need to look for answers to questions about where people of modest means can find a place to live in the region. It isn’t just an eastside phenomenon.”

More meetings to come
The committee is scheduled to meet monthly through June 2008.

The next meeting of the East Portland Action Plan Committee is scheduled for January 10, 2008, 6:00 to 8:00 PM, location to be announced.  Contact the Bureau of Planning at 503-823-7965 for more information.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

Come underground and see exclusive photos of your sewer-bill dollars at work …

How far is 160 feet down? Yes, those are people standing at the bottom of this shaft!

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Portland’s “Big Pipe Project” to divert sewage out of the Willamette River isn’t news – the West Side project has been completed, and is currently in operation. But the opportunity to travel 160 feet underground to see this giant tunnel dug on Portland’s east side caught our interest.

Our tour began at the contractor’s East Portland offices in the Portland Opera building, located just south of OMSI.

“We are at the Opera Shaft location,” Steve Marriott, director of Portland’s Bureau of Environmental Services said as he began our orientation.

“This shaft is where we inserted ‘Rosie’, the Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM). It is driving north toward Swan Island.”

Our tour guide, Shane Yanagisawa, explains the equipment used in the massive project.

Brief history of sewers
Marriott stated that about 1,000 cities across the nation were built with a “combined” sewer system. The raw sewage and stormwater were collected in the same system, and sent into the river for disposal.

“When the sewage treatment plant was built in the 1950s,” Marriott went on, “they also constructed interceptor pipes to convey a lot of that flow to the treatment in North Portland. They didn’t size these pipes big enough to handle the runoff from every single rainstorm. At the time, they considered that having a clean river in the summer was good enough; it provided a huge improvement in water quality.”

But in the 1990s the city agreed to a 20-year program to address the chronic wintertime problem of combined sewer overflows.

Portland is ahead of most cities in solving this problem Marriott said. “Many other cities have yet to address the problem.”

This machine – the separator – divides mining spoils into piles of gravel, pebbles, sand, and the mining slurry that is returned to the tunneling machine.

This conveyor belt system takes the excess sand and gravel from the tunnel to barges which remove it and dump it in Ross Island lagoon.

Tunneling support system
Our first stop on the tour was seeing the technology that supports excavating tons of sand, dirt, and gravel, and sealing a pipe – all 160 feet underground.

Our tour guide, Shane Yanagisawa, lead planning engineer with Kiewit Bilfinger-Berger, walked our group over to a three-story tall building on the project site, just east of the Opera Shaft.

“This is the separator,” Yanagisawa explained. “Everything that is cut by the mining machine is mixed with slurry made up of water and bentonite clay. It is pumped to the surface where it is separated in into big chunks, small rocks, sand, and slurry. The slurry is pumped back down to the TMB.”

The rocks and sand are barged from a conveyor belt south of OMSI to fill in the lagoons once mined at Ross Island.

The most visible portion of the project to folks in Inner SE Portland is the Opera Shaft crane. It lifts and lowers all parts and supplies for the project.

These pre-cast concrete segments form rings that stabilize the tunnel section just dug by the TBM. The disks to the left of the ring segments are some of the TMB’s cutting heads.

Paving the pipe
After the TBM pushes forward, cutting a section of tunnel, it is lined with a series of 25 identical, pre-cast concrete ring segments, and finished with one key segment that locks the ring in place. A special grout is injected into the soil around the rings to help seal the pipe.

These ring segments are made on site, using some of the spoils from the tunneling operation. They – and all other equipment and supplies – are lowered down the Opera Shaft by a huge construction crane, perhaps the most visible evidence of the construction project in East Portland.

Yanagisawa continues, “This operation is a continuous process. Everything has to be working at all times – the TBM, slurry plant, separator, grout plant, ventilation system and ring manufacturing.”

Even Portland City Commissioner Sam Adams is required to wear safety gear, including the snappy yellow toe protectors we all slipped on our boots.

Commissioner Adams endorses progress
Portland City Commissioner Sam Adams, joking that he is “The Sewer Commissioner”, exited the elevator, coming up from his tour of the project,  as we were preparing to descend.

“Hopefully the calisthenics portion of the safety orientation wasn’t too strenuous for you,” he kidded.

“This is the first time I’ve had the opportunity to tour the east side project. This is an effort to reduce, by 94%, the sewer overflows into the Willamette River. We will have spent $1.4 Billion, when all of the tunnels have been dug and pumping stations have been installed. We’re about 66% complete on the overall project.”

The Loki train hauls personnel and equipment from the central shaft to the trailing end of the TBM.

When the Eastside Big Pipe goes into operation, this pipe will be carrying pressurized, raw sewerage. We prefer to tour the pipe in its pristine state!

As we speed toward the trailing end of the TBM, we pass endless sections of Big Pipe rings.

Going down
Our group gets into a construction elevator affixed to the side of the shaft for our ride to the bottom. Along the walls of the 67′ diameter shaft are the electrical conduit that powers the TMB, incoming and outgoing slurry pipes, and a large air ventilation duct.

On the bottom are train tracks, on which runs a “Loki” – a squat but powerful diesel engine and passenger cars.

Once aboard, we rumble northbound, heading toward the end of the line: the TBM rig. The tunnel is temperate and dry; we see segments of the concrete liner rings along the way.

Members of this press junket marvel at the size of a machine that cuts a 26-foot-diameter tube far underground.

This is a view of the “trailing gear” that feeds supplies and power to the TBM in the distance.

Tunnel manager Greg Colzani says today is just another day at “the office” – but much quieter, since today the machine isn’t running.

The TBM at rest
Because this was a system maintenance day, the TBM was silent when we exited the train, about a mile north of the Opera Shaft.

Greg Colzani, tunnel manager tells the group that the TBM is about 30 feet long; but the equipment behind it, including the devices used to set the ring segments in place, is about 70 feet long. As it inches forward, the 100′ long assembly is pulled along with it.

“The TBM has entered the Alder Street Shaft, where the old ‘Corno’ building once stood” Colzani comments. “Standing here behind the machine, we’re right below the Montage Restaurant.”

This is the back of the TBM. Ahead of it lies more soil and rock to bore through, 160 feet below SE Alder Street.

Southbound trip begins in 2010
From this point, the crew will keep mining north to the Swan Island pumping station. “When we reach that point,” Colzani said, “We’ll take the machine apart. We’ll haul it back to the Opera Shaft, and reassemble it for its trip south. It will tunnel about 8,000 feet to our [southernmost] shaft at SE McLaughlin Boulevard and SE 17th Avenue.”

And, when it arrives there in 2011, Colzani said, another giant crane will be built there to lift out the TBM, including the 160-ton main bearing.

A large, but smaller, tunnel will be bored south a short distance to the intersection of S.E. 18th and Insley, and the “Insley Collector” which collects sewage from Inner Southeast Portland will be connected to the “Big Pipe” with this new, final tunnel.

That will complete the project that Commissioner Adams said he considers to be a “100-year project that will prevent all but the worst overflows into the Willamette River. And keep the sewer system functioning for the next century.”

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

She’s not saving just a lighting fixture or faucet – read how Shannon Quimby plans to save every piece of a dilapidated house to build a brand new home on the same lot …

“This is the first step toward the ‘rebirth’ of this house,” says Shannon Quimby as she starts dismantling the home on SE Rex Street.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Sellwood’s “queen of recycling and reusing”, Shannon Quimby, is famous for sharing her “Q-Renew” projects with a nationwide audience in books, articles, and on TV’s Home & Gardens Network. She’s also a former Board member of the SMILE neighborhood association in Sellwood and Westmoreland.

“My whole purpose, what I’m all about, is being a responsible homeowner by recycling and reusing,” says Quimby.

Shannon Quimby, flanked with the architects for the project, Peter Brevic and chief architect, Laura Migliori, have created the plan for a new house that will incorporate every piece of the original home they’re dismantling on the site.

As she stands, crowbar in hand, at the site of her latest and perhaps most ambitions project on Nov. 28, Quimby quips, “Well, I’ve really done it this time! I’ve found the greatest challenge of my career – to take a dilapidated house and attempt to reuse 100% of it in my new home construction project.”

Recycling an entire house
She says it all started as a remodeling project of a modest 660 sq. ft. house in Westmoreland, at 2022 SE Rex Street. “From the foundation on up, we found out the house couldn’t be saved. I didn’t want to bulldoze it and put it in the dump. More than half the content of landfills is construction waste.”

Quimby says she speculated, “What if we recycled the entire house into a new one at the same location?”

Thus was created the “REX Project“, Quimby tells us, at the project’s groundbreaking – or we should say “housebreaking” – gets underway.

“It’s on SE Rex Street so we’re calling this our ‘Reuse Everything eXperiment’,” notes Quimby.

A new construction concept
As far as she knows, Quimby says, never before has each and every part of a building been recycled into a new structure at the same location. “Even the landscaping will be reused. The camellias, laurel wood – everything will be reused in the same form, or different.”

Everything, even the foundation, siding, and lumber will be used in the new house, assures Quimby. “We’ve even had an idea of what we’ll do with the lath and plaster. We haven’t figured out everything – we’re asking for help from the community to help us meet our goal of 100% recycling. I’d like to see all the dumpsters at remodeling and building sites in our neighborhood disappear. My goal is to see all homeowners and contractors take this approach.”

At the REX Project kick-off, Shane Enicott, Rebuilding Center Deconstruction Services, says he’s fascinated by Quimby’s 100% material reuse concept.

Regional educational project
Shane Enicott’s crew from Rebuilding Center Deconstruction Services has the job of dismantling, sorting, and storing – on site – the REX house.

“METRO says 75% of a structure can be recycled,” reports Endicott. “We can normally save 85% of a house. But when Shannon said she wanted to save the entire home, from the roof into the basement, it opened our eyes to more possibilities to what could be done. This project can be an education for the whole region, perhaps the world.”

Even though the home will be larger, Quimby says they plan to reuse and recycle all landscaping on the site. Two weeks after this photo was taken, the house was completely dismantled.

Open for idea exchange
Although you might see this project highlighted on HGTV, the project isn’t a closed movie set. “We’re inviting the community in to suggest ways we can reuse everything – even the “Hot Wheels” race track mounted on the living room ceiling.”

Additionally, the site will be open for what she calls Saturday Seminars, as the house is being rebuilt. She plans to hold “Kids’ Classroom” sessions so young students can watch – and participate in – this unique project.

Ambitious schedule set
Quimby says the project must be completed by June, 2008. “And, we’re already on board to be featured in the Oregon Builder’s Association ‘Ultimate Open House Tour’ in April. We hope to be 80% completed by then, but still be able to show how materials are being reused.”

Check back; we’ll keep you updated on the progress of Shannon Quimby and her REX team.

As the work gets underway, dry rotted wood is uncovered. It doesn’t phase Quimby. “It can be composted into the soil. There are some things we already know how we’re going to reuse; other things, right now, we don’t have a clue. But we’re going to do it.”

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

See how the East Multnomah County office of this oft-criticized state agency has put together an event – sponsored by donors – which provided recovering parents the chance to reunite with their kids …

At the DHS Christmas Party, Joel successfully fishes for a teddy bear, with the help of his dad Joey Sue and DHS worker Sarah Lee.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Beneath the fairy-tale image of a toys-and-tinsel Christmas depicted in the advertisements, there lies a dark and often-confusing world in which live kids who’ve been taken into protective custody.

“There has to be severe risk involved, for children to be taken into protective custody,” says Mary Boehme, DHS Child welfare Case Worker at the East Multnomah County Branch Office which serves outer East Portland and Rockwood. “It happens, if there is a genuine concern about the child’s safety.”

Many methamphetamine addicts are also parents, law enforcement officials remind us. “But there are many different drug addictions which cause parents to neglect their children and not give them the care they need. Domestic violence and mental health issues are also things that hinder a family from staying together,” explains Boehme.

The parent or parents are given up to a year, Boehme tells us, in which to remedy their situation and get their lives in order.

“Often times, these parents are thankful for the DHS process that helps them turn their lives around. This process includes parenting classes, drug and alcohol treatment, counseling, and maintaining a stable residence and job so the can support their child. If one or both of the parents have been involved in the criminal justice system, they also need to abide by the conditions of their release,” adds Boehme.

Elf Kathie Nicholas and Santa Claus encourage Anthony Dominquez to share his Christmas wishes with them.

Party brings delight, and anticipation
On December 18, both kids and adults streamed into an office building with no sign, set back in a large strip mall on SE 122nd Avenue – there to attend a Christmas Party put on by DHS case workers.

The children, if they have not in the care of a family member, have been staying with a foster care family. The adults invited to the party are parents who have dedicated themselves to changing their lives and getting their families back together.

“For parents who are working through the DHS process,” Boehme says, “it gives them a glimpse of ‘what could be’ when they complete their program and are reunited with their children. If they are engaged in the process, they welcome the opportunity to have some kind of engagement with their child.”

And, by the looks on their faces, the kids love the event from the moment they enter.

Meeting and counseling rooms offer host of crafts and games in which all the kids are winners. And, in a special room, the youngsters get to have a one-on-one meeting with jolly Santa Claus himself.

“A lot of these kids don’t have any good Christmas memories – like making cookies, playing games, getting new gifts, and seeing Santa,” observes Boehme.

Delivering hot pizza for the party, flanking Santa and the Elves, are Pizza Baron’s Jeff and Bill Dayton.

Pizza feast caps event
We meet case worker Stacey Mahler in a large room, deep in the office complex, that has been turned into a holiday luncheon café.

Looking at the smiling, giggling kids pouring in, Mahler comments, “These kinds have a lot of disruptions in their lives. Events like this provide the setting for a positive visit with their mother, father or siblings – sometimes kids are sent to different foster homes.

“We have fun activities to do. It gives back to them when most it is unpleasant and negative stuff. When they get here they have a good time together.”

Community pitches in
Kids make a beeline to the hot, bubbling pizza provided by Bill Dayton’s Pizza Baron, just up the street. Their eyes light up as they see the “Dot Cakes” provided by Saint Cupcake.

And, both parents and kids take home more than memories.

Caricature artist Sam Arneson draws ‘toon pictures of kids for 5 hours; elves take instant photos of kids visiting Santa. For the youngsters, Christmas comes early, in the form of all kinds of toys – ranging from plush animals to bicycles.

“What makes this possible is the generosity of businesses and organizations in our community,” Mahler confides.

She asks us to acknowledge the major sponsors: Pizza Baron, Safeway on SE 122nd Avenue at Powell Boulevard; N.W. Priority Credit Union; Ace Hardware on SE 122nd Avenue. at Division; Saint Cupcake; On Line Credit Union; The Vance Foundation; Portland Winter Hawks; FGG Inc.; and Plumbers and Steamfitters Local 290, which made a grant of $1,000.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

Think Leach Botanical Garden is a great place only in the summertime? See why folks mark their calendars so they don’t miss this annual event ..

Kate and Liz Sullivan choose cuttings and greens they say will make great centerpieces and wreaths.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
By December 7 and 8, the Johnson Creek floods had subsided, and a steady stream of crafters and nature lovers were making their way to Leach Botanical Gardens in outer East Portland.

Karen Young, Executive Director of Leach Botanical Garden, told us, “We’re raising funds for the garden at our Annual Holiday Bazaar. It’s being going on for more than two decades.”

Guests selected cuttings, clippings, fresh greens, fir, noble fir, variegated holly, and juniper, from which to make holiday crafts and decorations.

“They buy the greens to make their own decorations,” Young added. “We also offer great baked goods, like cookies and breads, for sale. It’s a special time to come to the garden this time of year. Everyone is festive; we all enjoy a cup of our tasty mulled hot cider.”

In the patio area, we met visitors from the Mt. Tabor neighborhood – Kate and Liz Sullivan.

“We came a couple of years ago,” Liz said, “and we remembered to come again this year. We’ll be making centerpieces and wreaths. It’s nice, instead of buying it in the store.”

Garden Steward Scotty Fairchild shows off holly with berries – one of the many items sold at the Holiday Bazaar.

“Community-building is a best part about this event,” commented Scotty Fairchild, Garden Steward. “People come here for a specific purpose, the Holiday Bazaar, then find out there are lots of things going on here at the garden, even during the winter months. Then, they come back for another visit!”

Come for a visit; admission is free. Leach Botanical Garden, Portland’s only public botanical garden, is located at 6704 SE 122nd Avenue (just south of Foster Road). For further information call Nancy at (503) 823-1671.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

See why officers say this “cop shop” will be more than just a report-writing station …

Officer Greg Baldwin, Dennis Adair, manager Parkrose Hardware, and Sgt. John Anderson here look at lighting improvements they’ll be making at the new Parkrose Police Contact Center.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Portland Police Bureau will soon have a new East Precinct Contact Center on NE Sandy Boulevard at NE 111th Avenue.

“Parkrose has traditionally been ignored by the city,” explains the project manager, Sgt. John Anderson. “Even with our enhanced patrols, there’s still a lot of crime, including drugs and prostitution. Increased police presence here would be a good deterrent.”

Some police substations, often referred to as “cop shops”, provide a place for district officers to relieve themselves, eat lunch – and write reports.

Adair and Anderson check out the front door, while identifying improvements they plan to make to the office space.

A community meeting place
“While it won’t be full-time staffed by officers,” Anderson says, “We want this to be a place where people can come and gather. It will be open to the public, so citizens can speak directly to an officer when they’re here.”

The sergeant says he plans to hold monthly events at the office. “We’ll talk about all kinds of public safety issues – including graffiti, identity theft, and elder abuse – in addition to working together to solve problems from drugs and prostitution.”

Special Parkrose phone hot-line
Anderson also plans to install a “Parkrose Crime Hotline” phone line for non-emergency problems. “Citizens can call and talk to a district officer right here. Officers will log the issues and problems which neighbors call in.”

Rossi family contributes community office
They were contacted by the Rossi family, Anderson tells us, and were offered the office space, “charging only a dollar per year. It’s a great deal for us and for the community”.

Although the space is in fairly good condition, police and community members will be sprucing up the office with new lighting, some fresh paint, and new carpeting.

In a few weeks, this office will become the newest East Portland police substation.

“We’re doing this on a tight budget,” reports Anderson, “so we’re accepting volunteer labor help and contributions of materials.”

Already, Parkrose Hardware has donated paint, hardware, and some electrical supplies.

“We look forward to having an open house in the spring,” Anderson says. “I hope the neighbors and businesses will come join us in making Parkrose a safer and more livable community.”

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

This group really knows how to throw a party. These photos tell the story better than words …

Terry Brier, of Davey/Organicare, checks out items on which he’s bidding during the silent auction.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
A great dinner, homemade entertainment, and an auction provided members and guests of the Parkrose Business Association (PBA) with a wonderful start to the holiday season at their Holiday Dinner on December 8.

From the performance of the Parkrose High School Debonairs, to the silent auction, to the fabulous buffet dinner, to the door prize giveaway, it was a grand evening. The story is best told in photos …

Anita Tabayoyon of A.R. Moss Florists, Amy Salvador of Rossi Farms, and Rex Hollingsworth of Rex Heating & Air Conditioning share a light moment, at the Parkrose Business Association Holiday Dinner.

A welcomed tradition at the event is the appearance of the Parkrose High School Debonaires, serenading the gathering with traditional and newly-arranged Christmas songs.

Great food? You bet, and lots of it! No one puts on a banquet in East Portland like Chef Edgar and hostess Eileen of Steamers Restaurant and Lounge, the hosts of the event.

The after-dinner entertainment took the form of “New member” introductions – in the form of a hilarious skit produced by Amy Salvador. Here, “New Member” Victoria van Snooty (Kyle Ziegler, Castlegate Realty) announces her “new school of terpsichorean elegance”.

“New member” Big Bucks Bash (Gail Bash, Jackpot) pitches his great deal on wristwatches – and office supplies, and …

“New member” Marion the Librarian (Amy Salvador, Rossi Farms) says as she fumbles her books, “Reading is good. No, really!”

T.J. Tycoon, also a “new member” (formerly known as Jon Turino, Farmer’s Insurance) tells the secrets of his success.

“Very Merry Kaye” (Marsha Lee, Copy Express) gives such a convincing cosmetics presentation; even guys were ready to buy her beauty potions.

“Newly practicing Dr. Dorthea” (Mary Brown, Bob Brown Tires) offered free “exams”. But when she had no takers, she provided practical advice for staying well during flu season.

We’re still not sure about the line of business “George” (Terry Brier, Davy/Organicare) is in, but it smelled like compost.

Outgoing PBA president Mark Eves, of Eves & Wade, LLP ,presents the Gavel of Office to incoming president, Jon Turino of Farmer’s Insurance.

Awards
The PBA pauses at the end of each year to recognize members who have provided outstanding service to the organization.

The Karl F. Lind Award is given to a member of the community who has given countless hours of volunteer time, is known for personal integrity, and has become an integral part of the Parkrose community.

The presentation was by the 2006 award winner, Gail Bash, who announced that Michael Taylor, former Superintendent of Parkrose School District, was the 2007 Karl F. Lind Award winner. Mr. Taylor, however, was unable to attend.

On behalf of the PBA board, outgoing President Eves is given the association’s Outstanding Leadership Award.

Marsha Lee of Copy Express is presented the Artie Johnson Award, symbolizing selfless dedication and a high level of dedication to the organization, by the 2006 recipient, Mary Brown of Bob Brown Tires.

Mark Eves presents to David F. Ashton of “eastPDXnews.com” the 2007 President’s Award.

Guests are welcome at the PBA
Come enjoy the best business luncheon in town, and meet the members at their next meeting, on Thursday, January 17 at Steamers Restaurant, 8303 NE Sandy Blvd. (east of NE 82nd Ave.); NO reservations required. For more information, see  www.parkrosebusiness.org.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

We love reporting on the good deeds kids do. And our “humorous photo of the week” is also contained herein (below) …

While “Scouting for Food” the Cub Scouts of Pack 64 brave sleet and snow while gather hundreds of pound of food for the Oregon Food Bank.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Many people recall that a couple of weeks ago, Scouts were combing neighborhoods on a selfless field maneuver – collecting food for the needy.

The Cub Scouts of Pack 64 – a group of youngsters from several inner SE Portland neighborhoods – brave freezing temperatures and snow flurries as they trudge door-to door on this gray morning.

“We’re collecting canned food and non-perishable for the Oregon Food Bank,” reports their Cubmaster, Tom Armstrong. “Our food drive is one of our major the community service Scouting projects.”

Their diligent efforts pay off: By mid morning, the 20 Cub Scouts have amassed 653 pounds of food. Asked if they want to say anything to readers of THE BEE who contributed to their food drive, they say, “Thank you for helping!”

Humorous Photo of the Week

It looks like one of these scouts is REALLY scouting out a snack!

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

Potter was photographed doing what? Take a look …

Portland Mayor Tom Potter pitches the Sellwood family, Teri, Sam and Sofia Laos, about helping Loaves & Fishes Centers.

Story and photo by David F. Ashton
Many shoppers did a double-take at the door of the Sellwood New Seasons Market, a couple of weeks ago, when they saw Portland Mayor Tom Potter greeting citizens.

“I’m here letting people know about Loaves & Fishes, a great organization,” said Potter, attired in a New Seasons apron. “Loaves & Fishes do a good job of making sure our elderly shut-in people have a good meal every day. I’m here tonight asking people, ‘When you’re buying your groceries, would you please buy a little extra for a senior?'”

Even with his busy schedule, Potter said he takes time to deliver Loaves & Fishes meals. “They’re always looking for volunteer drivers. It is a really good program, and it takes very little time. But, it does a very important service in our community.”

Whether you are considering being a volunteer at the CherryWood Center at the East Portland Community Center, or the Thelma Skelton Loaves & Fishes Center in Brooklyn – or at one of the thirty other centers – you can find out more on the Internet at: www.loavesandfishesonline.org

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

It’s amazing to see hundreds of tough-looking, occasionally-tattooed hombres on motorcycles, amassing for an outing – all of them carrying teddy bears. But plush toys aren’t the only thing these bikers bring each year to hospitalized kids …

Past event leader Geoff White and Michael Friend, coordinator of the 28th Annual Shriners ABATE Toy Run “direct traffic”, and welcome bikers to the event.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
“We laugh at the snow! Ha, ha, ha! Welcome riders,” calls out Michael Friend, coordinator of the 28th Annual Shriners ABATE Toy Run, through a megaphone.

He’s welcoming riders of motorbikes – ranging from huge Harley-Davidson motorcycles to Vespa motor scooters – as they pull into the TriMet maintenance lot on SE 17th Avenue in Brooklyn on December 1st.

Riders of more than 1,000 motorcycles of all descriptions braved the sleet and cold on December 1st to ride this year’s Toy Run.

Although it’s less than an hour before their scheduled departure time, the lot isn’t quite as full as years in the past. “They’re worried about icy roads,” comments Friend. “But look at them come in, now that they see that the weather is holding.”

As inbound two-wheeled traffic streams into the staging area, Friend comments to us, “We already have about a thousand bikes here. It’s going to be a good ride up to the Shriner’s Hospital today.”

This is how many area bikers kick off their Christmas season, Friend tells us. “We’ve been doing this to benefit the children up at the hospital for 28 years. It’s something we look forward to.”

The best part for him, Friend confides, is seeing all kinds of motorbike riders come together for a cause. “This is the one time when you’ll see hard-core Harley riders next to motor-scooter riders, side by side. We all get together and do something positive for the community.”

Al Kadar Shrine member, and TriMet driver, Dannye Adamson here gets a hand, stocking his bus with toys, from Aura Barkley and the turning away Cameron Dahl.

Helping Friend this day is his buddy, and past event coordinator, Geoff White. “My first toy run was 21 years ago, and I haven’t missed one yet. The first year I did it, there were forty of us. It’s really grown.”

The best part for White is “seeing how the kids respond to the gifts and love we show them. It is the one time you’ll see hard-core bikers with tears of joy in their eyes.”

By the time they were ready to ride, bikes crowded the TriMet lot along S.E. 17th Avenue.

Bikers raise big bucks
None of the bikers there looks more “hard-core” than Edd Dahl, especially when he’s astride his ’05 Heritage Softtail Harley.

“It’s more than toys,” Dahl elaborates. “Last year, our group, ABATE of Oregon, raised and spent over $35,000 buying wheelchairs and adaptive living tools for the kids. Until we started raising money, some kids waited up to six years for a power wheelchair.”

Dahl adds that cynics might say the bikers’ generosity is a publicity stunt to help improve their image. “Doing this for nearly 30 years, it’s pretty clear we do this because we love the kids.”

Their biggest fundraiser is a raffle. This year, Dahl says, the grand prize is a brand new Harley-Davidson.

Bus full of teddies
Some bikers have toys strapped to their bikes; others give their toys to Shriner and TriMet driver Dannye Adamson to pack in his bus, for the trip up “Pill Hill”.

“Isn’t it wonderful?” remarks Adamson, “I get to drive this bus, loaded with toys, up to the hospital. I’m kind of sad this will be my last Toy Run as a TriMet driver, I’m retiring soon. To see the happiness their kindness brings gives you a great feeling.”

And the motorcyclists are off on their mission of mercy and joy, as they join the annual Toy Run from S.E. 17th in Brooklyn to Shriner’s Children’s Hospital on Marquam Hill.

About noon, the gate opens – and the roar of a thousand motorcycles fills the air, as these bad-ass bikers ride off, northbound to Powell on S.E. 17th, on their annual mission of kindness and generosity.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service