See how this early Thanksgiving day dinner nourishes the bodies and nurtures the spirits of their area’s senior citizens …

Neighbors in the Centennial and Glenfair neighborhoods aren’t getting mad about crime – they’re taking action against it. Learn about the steps they’re taking …

Harry Jackson, Mayor Tom Potter’s Office; Nicole Robbins, Asst. DA; Lonny Roberts, County Commissioner; Portland Police Bureau East Precinct Commander Michael Crebs; Captain Tim Girkman, Gresham Police Department; and East Crime Prevention Specialists Teri Poppino and Rosanne Lee. Glenfair’s Donn-Lynn Kublick is introducing the panel.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Organizers didn’t say it was the alleged baseball bat beating of 71-year-old Laurie Chilcote by 15 year-old Abel Antonio Chavez-Garcia that pressed them into action.

But the incident was still fresh on the minds of citizens who filtered in to the November 13 Neighborhood Crime Summit co-sponsored by the Centennial Community Association and by the Glenfair Neighborhood Association.

Glenfair Neighborhood Association chair, Donn-Lynn Kublick, says rocks smashing her house’s windows led her to become more involved.

Rocks through her windows
The new chair of Glenfair’s association, Donn-Lynn Kublick, began the meeting by telling the group – which numbered more than 100 citizens – why she decided to get involved.

“I’ve had rocks thrown through my front and back windows,” said Kublick. “Another time, in my front yard, I heard someone yelling, ‘Don’t pull out the gun.’ I hit the deck and grabbed the cat. Yet another time, I got a call at 4:30 in the morning; a neighbor is telling me people were going into my back yard. It is scary. My stories are just a little of what has been going on in the area.”

Kublick introduced the panel, saying they were there to inform and educate neighbors and regarding how they can make their neighborhoods calm and safe.

“I have one more thing,” Kublick added. “Next door, my neighbors came here from Bosnia. They told me stories about how dangerous it was to live in their home country. After living here seven years, they moved last month. They said it was too dangerous in this area. That really tells a story.

“I know that, as neighbors, if we stick together, take suggestions from our crime reduction professionals, we can be safe here.”

Setting the stage
Providing further context for the meeting, organizer Ron Clemenson, vice chair of the Centennial Community Association, thanked Parklane Christian Church for hosting the event.

“We’ve had meetings [regarding crime and drugs] here in the past. We talked about crime. We all have our stories; we all have our reasons for being here.”

The problem doesn’t stem from lack of police concern, added Clemenson. “The problem is, our police aren’t getting the support they need. And people who are causing problems and continue on the road to crime; so often, they don’t go to jail.

“My comment is this: we don’t want to become like a little Los Angeles. I’m afraid we’re progressing toward that.”

Commander Michael Crebs, Portland Police Bureau East Precinct, speaks of his bureau’s efforts to reduce crime. PLEASE SEE THE END OF THIS REPORT to learn the about crime statistics along the MAX line.

The police report
The first speaker was Portland Police Bureau East Precinct Commander Michael Crebs.

“Authorized staffing is 136 officers in the patrol division. We’re at 105 officers; we can’t find officers to fill the positions. This is a nationwide problem. People don’t want to work nights, be put in dangerous situations, and sometimes, get spit upon.

“We need your help. During the day we have 12 officers on patrol, 16 during the afternoon, and about 11 working overnight. Even if we can’t get to you right away, every call is registered. Our staffing is determined by the number of calls for service we get.”

Asked about the demise of Prostitution-free and Drug-free Zones ordinances, Crebs commented, “This doesn’t mean we will stop enforcing the law. We identify chronic offenders, and they are booked into jail. A small handful of people are doing most of the crimes.”

Regarding incidents along the MAX line, especially at the 162nd Avenue station, Crebs told the group, “During the late summer, we had a lot of crime going there: Shootings, rock throwing, and fights. We’re working with the Gresham Police Department to saturate the area with law enforcement officers.

“MAX doesn’t cause crime; but some criminals do ride MAX. We’re working to stop the crime they commit. And, We are working to have landlords evict people who are causing the problems. Evicting one bad tenant out of one complex can help.”

Gresham Police Department’s Captain Tim Girkman says they want their MAX crime-reduction missions to be more than a “feel-good” effort.

Gresham police join the effort
Staffing problems also plague the Gresham Police Department, reported Captain Tim Girkman of that bureau.

“We have 120 sworn positions – this is about 1.2 officers per thousand population. It is the lowest ratio of any city our size in the state. And, not all of those positions are currently filled.”

On any given day, Girkman added, their department takes about 120 calls for service. “We have 23 officers working hard day in and day out. We want to provide satisfactory service.”

Regarding the crime at the 162nd Avenue MAX station, Girkman said, “We don’t want this to be a temporary ‘feel good’ mission. Our commitment is to make this a permanent commitment to service. Bad guys say that they don’t like hanging out there anymore because there is too many police there.”

In addition to having Gresham Police officers riding MAX, Girkman stated their department was working with East Precinct to develop an “Action Team” plan made of officers from both agencies.

He also made a pitch to Gresham residents, he added, “When you look over proposed police funding levies, look at the wide range of positives that will come out of it. We want to be the kind of police force you want and need.”

Multnomah County Commissioner Lonnie Roberts told the group that the entire justice system – from corrections to prosecution – needs to be better supported.

Roberts expresses County’s view
Multnomah County Commissioner Lonnie Roberts lauded the efforts of the police bureaus.

He added, “But County corrections needs be studied. When you put someone in jail, they have to go somewhere, and have to be supervised by someone. We are currently 95 corrections officers short.”

Roberts added, “We’ve got to back the District Attorney’s office, courts, and others in the justice system to get better public safety. We suffer, out on the east side, because of the Portland’s gentrification. Urban renewal has caused a large migration of people into East County. And, some bad folks move on out along with the good people.”

Roberts went on, saying that tax abatements granted by the city reduce funding the county gets to provide justice services. “And, Wapato is still closed. We have to open the jail so we don’t keep having to matrix out prisoners.

“The basis of a lot of the crimes is drugs,” Roberts went on. “When the state legislature made cold pills hard to get, it cut down on meth labs. But, it certainly didn’t stop meth addiction. The traffic from the southern border — 80% comes from Mexico – more than fills the need.

“We calculate that meth-caused problems cost every household about $300 a year. But what you can’t put a price on is the cost of a man being hit in the head with a baseball bat.”

Harry Jackson, a recently retired Portland Police Bureau lieutenant, says accountability – by both parents and kids – will reduce gang-related problems in outer East Portland.

Retired officer blames lack of accountability
Retired Portland Police Bureau lieutenant Harry Jackson was next to speak. He currently works on gang-related issues out of Mayor Tom Potter’s office.

“I deal with youth violence. After 30 years of law enforcement, it seems that youth problems are getting worse. It isn’t just formal gangs. We see groups of kids coming from games and parties who ‘text message’ and get into trouble. It takes a lot of [law enforcement] personnel to deal with 500 kids who simply won’t go home after an event.”

The problem stems from a lack of parental accountability, Jackson told the group.

“Not only do we need to get our young people to be accountable for their behavior, we need to have parents take responsibility – and be accountable – for the actions of their kids. Parents must know where their kids are; they must make sure their kids are in school – and home after curfew.”

The answer is for parents to be involved with their children – not just “talk at them”, Jackson added.

East Portland Crime prevention Coordinator, Teri Poppino, says working with landlords in the area to bring in better tenants will help reduce problems in the 162nd Avenue and E. Burnside Street area.

Helping landlords reduce and prevent crime
Crime prevention coordinator, Teri Poppino spoke regarding the work she’s done helping property owners and managers densely populated in the 162nd Avenue and E. Burnside Street area.

“When you have densely populated areas where people are ‘warehoused’, they get cranky. There is not enough space in this area for families.”

Poppino said that a meeting two weeks before, among nine property managers and justice system representatives, was a good start. “We suggest they tighten up their background checks, make ‘watertight’ rental agreements, and enforce them, to get rid of people causing problems.”

In general, Poppino suggested neighbors form Neighborhood Watch groups. “Criminals feel safer when they believe no one is watching them. Check the street now and then; if something doesn’t look ‘normal’, call 911 and report it.”

Changing MAX platforms could lower crime
East Portland’s other crime prevention coordinator, Rosanne Lee, said she is working with TriMet regarding the design of the stations, including improved lighting and landscaping.

“Although [TriMet officials] haven’t committed to them, we came up with a list of changes, including keeping shrubbery low, trimming tree branches, and perhaps removing some walls that limit visibility.”

The new I-205 MAX stations will be transparent and less hospitable to loitering, Lee added.

Ron Clemenson, vice chair of the Centennial Community Association, leads the question-and-answer session.

Questions and answers
What followed was a question-and-answer session during which individuals shared their experiences and asked questions of panel, led by Ron Clemenson.

A neighbor asked Nicole Robbins, East Portland Assistant District Attorney, how more criminals could be sent to jail.

Robbins responded, “In order to prosecute, we need to have victims and witnesses willing come to court to testify. Cases get ‘set over’, and this means they must come back again. It can take from three months to a year for a case to track through the system.

“If you want results, you have to be willing to testify – which means that if you witness a crime, you must to leave your telephone number so we can contact you. Criminals learn that most people won’t testify; all that happens to them is that they get displaced for a couple of hours. You have to be willing to get involved, if you want to solve the problem.”

MAX line crime rate skyrocketing? Actually, no …
At this meeting, we asked Commander Crebs if the rate of violent crime has taken a dramatic upturn along the MAX line. “That’s a good question. Let’s get the statistics.”

A week later, we joined Crebs at East Precinct to look at the numbers and graphs that represent how much voilent crime has taken place near the MAX line in outer East Portland.

We were both surprised to see, that in East Precinct, over the past five years until present, the rate of violent crime within a quarter-mile either side of the MAX line has remained relatively steady. In some areas, the crime rate has slightly decreased, in others it has slightly increased.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

Find out why, on the first Saturday of every month (including Dec. 1), the Can Man Clan works to turn recyclable cans and bottles into cash to help the Bronco Boosters …

Members of the Parkrose High School Band, and their adult sponsors, help the “Can Man” Dave Luce (shyly ducking out of this photo) at their November 3 collection day.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Dave Luce is a man who appears torn about getting publicity. He usually declines being photographed; our interviews are typically brief.

Yet, Luce wants everyone to know about – and pitch in at – the Parkrose Can Drive, the first Saturday of every month at Parkrose Middle School.

Luce, also known as the “Can Man” in Parkrose, states his mission succinctly. “I collect deposit-refundable aluminum cans, plastic and glass bottles. At the monthly can drive, 100% of the funds are turned over to the Parkrose High Bronco Boosters and their Parkrose Scholarship Fund.”

But that’s not all. At companies and organizations throughout the community, Luce has placed 215 large can-collection barrels. “They call when they are full, and I exchange it for an empty barrel. Those funds go directly to the Senior All Night Party Committee.”

Even though Luce no longer has kids attending Parkrose Schools, he keeps at it, “because it is a good thing to do. I still support all the sporting programs, and I like to help them out. I like to see kids do well.”

Can sorter supreme
Deposit refunds on “house brand” sodas, sold by stores like Fred Meyer, Walgreens, Wal-Mart, and Costco, can only be redeemed at the selling store. So, Luce sorts the cans. “I take them to the right store and put the cans in their machines; but I can’t exceed the limit.”

But, Luce lauds the managers of the Fred Meyer store at SE 148th Avenue at SE Division Street, who let him cash in over the limit; and of the Safeway store at NE 122 Avenue at NE Glisan Street, who permit him to bring in counted and prepared bags of Safeway-branded cans.

The standard national brands, Luce says, he takes to CR Inc., located behind Montgomery Park in NW Portland. “I don’t handle the money; checks are cut to either the Bronco Boosters or to the Senior All Night Party Committee.”

School groups get credit and cash
When we stop by to visit on November 3, the Parkrose High School Band crew is busy sorting and bagging cans and bottles.

“Each month, kids from different school groups help out with the event,” Luce explains. “That group gets community service credit, and a portion of the day’s proceeds.”

Save those cans for Dave … and the kids …
Remember, Luce and his helpers will be waiting for you on Saturday, December 1 from 9 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Bring your deposit-return cans and bottles with you to help support these community efforts. The depot is at Parkrose Middle School, on NE Shaver Street, across from the high school. If you have sizable loads – or know a good place for Dave Luce to install a recycling barrel – call him at (503) 255-3745.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

See volunteers, teaching staff, farmers and guests enjoying a truly international afternoon at this delightful event in SE Portland …

The cofounders of the Learning Garden on SE 60th Avenue, Dr. Pramod Parajuli, standing with Dilafruz Williams and Lane Middle School Principal Karl Logan, welcomed all to their first International Harvest Festival.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
As one walked through the Learning Garden’s gate on SE 60th Avenue, just across from Lane Middle School, one could see the canopy tent set up in the clearing on the sunny afternoon a couple of weeks ago.

But the sense that was most delighted was the sense of smell – savoring the pungent, tangy and earthy scents given off by more than a dozen dishes being prepared as the first International Garden Festival got underway.

As we walked up to the canopy, Portland Public Schools board member, and co-founder of the Learning Garden, Dilafruz Williams was welcoming the nearly 225 guests to the event.

These young gals carved pumpkins grown in the Learning Garden.

“The kids are responding to the garden,” proclaimed Dilafruz. “Having kids learning here helps them become engaged in learning about their bodies, health, science, and math. It is that kind of transformation that is important. We have many supporters here, including the Parks Bureau. I thank them all.”

Turning to the man on her right, Portland State University professor, Dr. Pramod Parajuli, Dilafruz lauded her friend – the co-founder of the Learning Garden:

“I don’t want to leave out Pramod Parajuli. He’s a visionary person; an amazing intellectual who is able to cross disciplines, borders, boundaries, countries – coming from a little Himalayan village in Nepal where there was no electricity. He remembers his roots. At the same time, he’s able to embrace this culture. He brings everyone together.”

Selena Nita learned the difference between domesticated and wild rabbits from Rabbit Advocate volunteer, and elementary school teacher, Karen Corsini.

Feasting and fun in the sun
After the brief greeting, guests started lining up and were served some of the dozen international dishes and beverages being offered.

Kids carved pumpkins grown in the garden, played on hay bales, and learned about bunnies from Rabbit Advocate associates.

Serving up some of the one dozen varieties of international foods were volunteers Maria Spaccarelli, Karen Wolfgang, and Heidi Mann.

About 225 people came by to socialize, enjoy the garden and foods prepared from vegetables grown there.

Dilafruz looked pleased with the event. “This particular event has brought together our entire community of SE Portland. Some are involved with the project; others are here because they care deeply about the formation of community,” she told us.

“Today, we’re here celebrating the harvest with some of our international farmers who have worked this land,” she added, smiling broadly. “It is a wonderful day to come together, hang out, and enjoy the fruits of the labor of all these months of work.”

Portland Public Schools Board member Dilafruz Williams introduced the new PPS Superintendent, Carole Smith, to their garden festival.

New school superintendent approves
With Dilafruz was Portland Public School’s Carole Smith – in her fourth week of being the District’s Superintendent.

“This is fabulous,” commented Smith approvingly. “This garden – the whole program – is a wonderful representation of well-working partnerships. It is fun to be here and watch the garden program grow. I’m really touched by experiencing this high-quality, learning environment.”

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

While not a comprehensive survey, see what we found during a tour of four prominent East Portland independent hardware stores …

Parkrose Hardware’s David Ableidinger and Michael Nelson stand by the chains that are part of the store’s compliance measures for the new city ordinance.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
The Portland City Council says their new Graffiti Materials and Sales code will put a halt to tagging and gang marking.

“Spray-paint police” have been on patrol since the code went into effect on November 1 – and at least one major hardware retailer SE Portland has been ticketed for noncompliance. They were busted, we’re told, by Portland City Commissioner Randy Leonard, author of the measure.

Are independent hardware stores in East Portland complying, and locking up their spray paints and “marking materials”? Here’s what we found, checking into four establishments.

Parkrose Hardware complies
It seems like everyone across East Portland – from Sellwood to Wilkes – knows about the city’s best-stocked independent hardware store: Parkrose Hardware, at 10625 NE Sandy Boulevard.

“We opposed the ordinance from the beginning,” says Michael Nelson, Chief Operating Officer at the store. “We tried to persuade members of the Portland City Council to change their minds. We were not successful.”

Michael Nelson shows us the “purchase log” on which more than 300 customers have been compelled to share personal identification information when buying spray paint at Parkrose Hardware.

But, Nelson says, they’re complying with the ordinance. “During the first 15 days of enforcement, we’ve already copied down information on more than 300 customers who have purchased spray paint from us.”

It is a major inconvenience for the customers, Nelson tells us. “We’ve had a tremendous amount of negativity from customers, to the extent they’ve walked out of our store because of the law. These aren’t ‘taggers’, they are older folks who feel it is inappropriate to give detailed, personal information to buy a can of spray paint.”

Nelson adds that, because they’ve always kept their spray paint visible, and in the front of the store, they’ve never had a problem with stolen paint.

One of store’s owners, David Ableidinger, adds, “Customers can go across the river, or, even closer – drive out less than sixty blocks to Gresham. We try to educate them. We try to make the best of the situation.”

No scofflaws in inner SE Portland

Westmoreland True Value Hardware’s Ivan Stahlecker assists customer, Chris Custer, who said, “I think it is a good idea. Maybe this will help slow down taggers.”

At Westmoreland True Value Hardware, 6505 SE Milwaukie Avenue, we check with owner and store manager John Horsman.

It wasn’t practical for them to move the spray paint into a secured room, Horsman tells us. Instead, they locked it up.

“Magic Markers, glass etching and cutting tools, spray paint – anything considered to be a ‘grafitti material’ – must be locked up,” explains Horsman. “We’re in compliance.”

Spray paint prison
We walk over the shelving, now secured by heavy powder-coated steel bars. “This is our ‘spray paint prison’. The law requires employee assistance to access it. Then it has to be taken up to the front, and logged into a special form.”

Store clerk Ivan Stahlecker unlocks the display, slides back the bars, and helps his customer, local restaurateur Chris Custer, select several cans of spray paint.

“Actually, I think it is a good idea,” confides Custer. “I’m opening a new restaurant down at SE Lambert and 13th Avenue called Acena. We’ve gotten tagged already. Maybe this will help slow down taggers.”

John Horsman, owner and manager at Westmoreland True Value, logs a spray paint purchase, as checker Grace Sweeney looks on.

Custer takes his cans to the front counter where Horsman notes down information from his driver’s license, lists the products sold, and rings up the purchase.

“It hasn’t yet affected business,” notes Horsman. “But, we’ve never had a problem with spray paint theft. It might slow down impulse sales by someone who wants to pick up a can of paint.”

Even under these new rules, the transaction didn’t take that long – about five minutes, total.

Out of sight in Woodstock

In the “employees only” room at the rear of Woodstock Hardware, Barry Odgers shows us the store’s secured supply of spray paint, markers – and their official log.

When customers come in to Woodstock Hardware at 4430 SE Woodstock Boulevard looking for spray paint on the shelves, they won’t find it.

“Our way of complying with the new law is to take everything off the display floor,” says weekend manager Barry Odgers. “We put it in the back room, an ’employees only’ area, away from customers.”

It’s too soon to tell whether or not the new law will slow down paint sales, Odgers tells us, as he shows us his official purchase log.

“But, in my opinion, I don’t think this is an important step ahead for the city. If someone wants to buy spray paint – without the paperwork – they’ll go to across the county line. But, we are obeying the law.”

May drive customers to nearby store
Many area residents know the owner of 52nd Avenue Hardware and Building Supply, Gordon Besaw. He and his sons have operated the business there since 1972.

Most of their facility is dedicated to lumber, plywood and building supplies; their showroom is smaller than the other stores.

“We’ve had to put all of our spray paint up here, on a shelf you can only reach with a ladder,” Besaw says. “We haven’t had a customer yet. Spray paint is not a big seller for us, anyway.”

At 52nd Avenue Hardware and Building Supply, owner Gordon Besaw shows how they put their paint cans out of reach – and opens for us his still-blank spray-paint sales log.

Will drive business to nearby store
However, this new law will be an inconvenience to his customers, Besaw emphatically states. “Anyone can go right down to Wichita Feed & Hardware to buy it off the shelf. They’re just a few blocks away.”

(We checked: Wichita Feed, just over the line in Clackamas County, is indeed just a mere 1.4 mile – four minute – drive from Besaw’s store.)

Gordon’s son, David Besaw, pokes his head around the corner and says, “This really doesn’t make any sense.” He hands us the still-unused purchase log form and adds, “See how much information they want?”

“We’ll do it to please City Hall,” the elder Besaw says with an air of resignation. “But it just makes business a little more difficult.”

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

Discover why this aquatic sport draws participants of all ages – and if you’re good, you don’t even get wet …

Racing crews swiftly glide under the Sellwood Bridge as they near the finish line of the Lake Oswego to Oaks Park regatta.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
As these race boats sprint north, under the Sellwood Bridge, and shoot past the finish line at Oaks Park, there’s no motor’s roar or sail’s flapping to be heard.

In fact, the only sound emanating from the eight-person, 60-foot long, 250 pound craft is the voice of their coach urging on the rowing team with calls like, “Now’s when it counts”, “Just a little more”, “This is what you’ve trained for”, and “Give it all you’ve got”.

We’re witnessing the 19th Annual “Portland LO/OP Regatta of Champions”.

LO/OP stands for “Lake Oswego to Oaks Park” we learn from organizer and Pacific Northwest rowing legend, Frank Zagunis, executive director of Oregon Rowing Unlimited.

Event organizer Frank Zagunis monitors the race from the portable dock at the regatta’s finish line.

Half-hour, human-powered race
“The teams start at Oswego Point and row downstream 7 kilometers (4.5 miles) to the finish line,” explains Zagunis. “It takes under a half-hour for the teams to complete the race.”

Some of the finest rowing crews in the country attend this event, adds Zagunis. “Today, we have crews from Seattle, Olympia, Eugene, and Portland. This is the ‘home course’ for the Willamette Rowing Club.”

If rowing 4.5 miles in half an hour isn’t enough exercise, this Willamette Rowing Club crew also gets a workout just lifting their craft out of the water, and carrying it up the riverbank to their boathouse at Oaks Park.

The fastest crews at the November 3 regatta are the college kids from Washington’s and Oregon’s state universities. “In the national standings, Washington State was undefeated last year.”

The morning air is cool and crisp, and participants from the 40 crews entering the regatta agree that the calm, clear weather is perfect for the event.

This well-organized event, in its 19th year, draws both local rowers and nationally-ranked athletes.

Says rowing promotes fitness and friendships
“Rowing is a great sport for overall fitness,” claims Zagunis. “It’s a real workout. But, most people stick with it because of the camaraderie. Rowers enjoy staying fit by working out with their friends.”

As the last of the teams come in, Zagunis looks pleased. “This race is a great way of enjoying the Willamette River on a beautiful Saturday morning. For racers, it doesn’t get any better than this.”

Want to learn more? Visit www.oregonrowing.org on the Internet.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

… GERMS, that is! See how tiny tots are learning critical principles of hygiene that could save their lives. Adults can learn a lesson here, also …

Using rhyming patter, Multnomah County Library Children’s Librarian at Midland Library, Sue Ciesielski, teaches little kids to wash their hands and cover their sneezes.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
With stories about deadly flu strains and killer colds circulating, the Midland Library storytime entitled “Stories About Not Sharing — Germs, that is!” was a good idea.

When we dropped in on November 8, children’s librarian Sue Ciesielski was already sharing storybooks like “Bear Feels Sick”, “Squeaky Clean”, and “Wash Your Hands”.

Ciesielski then led and twice repeated for the kids the rhyme,

Tissue, tissue, where are you?
I feel a sneeze coming through!
I cover my mouth, I cover my nose,
Look out everybody, here it goes …
Aaaaaa Chooooooooo!

Multnomah County Health Department’s Jessica Guernsey Camargo shows how “germs” can transfer, hand to hand, by sharing toys.

The big finale was a demonstration by Jessica Guernsey Camargo, MPH, a program supervisor with Multnomah County Health Department.

“When you share books or toys, here’s what happens,” Guernsey Camargo told the kids as she and Ciesielski toss a cushy toy, laden with invisible ultraviolet powder, back and forth to one another.

Guernsey Camargo turned on an ultraviolet lamp and spots and splotches become visible. She asks, “See what is on my hands?”

“Uck, GERMS!” shouted the kids.

“Tell me what to do,” Guernsey Camargo prompts.

“Go WASH YOUR HANDS!” the kids shout in unison.

Guernsey Camargo “washes” her hands while the kids serenaded her with The Birthday Song.

The best way to know how long to wash your hands, Guernsey Camargo says, is to “sing the [SESAC copyrighted] ‘Happy Birthday to You’ song twice while you’re doing it.”

Because Ciesielski and Guernsey Camargo presented their message in an age-appropriate way, the kids looked like they were having a great time. But perhaps some little ones in East Portland will suffer less from illness – or even from a worse fate – thanks to a very timely, special program.

Jessica Guernsey Camargo gives away free hygiene books to toddlers who attended the presentation.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

Can a serious business group’s members, like those in the East Portland Chamber of Commerce, still have a good time? You bet! Check it out …

Portland City Commissioner Sam Adams visits the East Portland Chamber of Commerce – to answer questions, and talk about plans to fix Portland’s roads.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
There are several reasons the East Portland Chamber of Commerce continues to be successful.

Members stay informed and involved with city and county issues; attend weekly networking gatherings – and get together to have a darn good time at “After Hours” events and their annual “Turkey Bowl”. Read on, and learn more about this remarkable group – and about upcoming events you’ll want to attend.

One of the first groups Commissioner Adams approached about his road tax programs was the East Portland Chamber.

Adams pitches road improvement plan
Perhaps you’ve followed our coverage of Portland City Commissioner Sam Adams program to fix Portland’s worst streets, improve traffic flow, and increase vehicle, bicycle, and pedestrian safety.

One of the first business groups to whom Adams spoke was the East Portland Chamber.

“I’m also the Sewer Commissioner,” Adams told the group. “When I took over this bureau, they were starving maintenance, to keep rates down. You saw the coverage of the truck disappearing into a sinkhole. We refinanced the debt to increase sewer maintenance. The water system is in better shape than sewers. Sewers are in better shape, by far, than our streets.”

Adams outlined the improvements – and possible taxing plan. Read about it by CLICKING HERE.

By visiting, and holding ribbon cutting ceremonies, for organizations across East Portland, members make new contacts that promote local businesses.

Wide variety of programs
In addition to their “Good Morning East Portland” networking and information meetings, Chamber members are also invited to workshops on topics ranging from accounting to making effective presentations.

Because the Wednesday morning networking meetings are held at various locations around East Portland, members get to learn about new and established businesses by visiting them.

If you know of a new business, the East Portland Chamber Ambassadors conduct Ribbon Cutting Ceremonies, without charge – whether or not they are a member. Contact them to arrange it!

At this Halloween-themed “Chamber after Hours” event, sponsored by East PDX News, 60 members came by to meet, greet, and enjoy dinner at Pizza Baron.

A fun group that means business
Realizing that not everyone can attend their Wednesday morning meetings, the East Portland Chambers also hold “Chamber after Hours” evening events.

Each event’s host decides the program for their affair. Just before Halloween, this publication hosted a pizza feed at Bill Dayton’s PIZZA BARON at SE 122nd Avenue and Division Street. Our event was simple: come after work, socialize, and have fun!

Don’t miss out on December’s events! They’re free and open to both members and guests. See the end of this article!

Having fun at the AMF Lanes on SE 92nd Avenue are members and friends participating in the chamber’s annual Turkey Bowl.

Annual “Turkey Bowl” injures no birds
Lest you have concerns, the chamber’s annual “Turkey Bowl” takes place in a SE Portland bowling alley – and the balls are used to strike down the pins, not fowl.

Agnes Zack, executive secretary of the East Portland Chamber, tells us, “This year, our first-place sponsor was Warren Allen LLP. We also had four team sponsors: Axis Design, Gresham Ford, Stewart & Tunno Insurance Agency and Westside Secretarial Service.”

The event drew 26 players, plus 15 spectators cheering them on.

“Not your ordinary bean-counter”, Kevin Minkoff, aims for another strike.

Some ask if this is a competitive sporting event. We would say not – it seemed some teams were competing to score the highest number of gutter balls. The afternoon of November 10 was filled with laughs, “high-fives”, and pizza.

Additionally, sponsors pitched in with prizes galore! Almost everyone who purchased a raffle ticket went home with a great prize.

Helping score – and handing out dozens of great raffle gifts – are chamber president Greg Zuffrea and Ambassador Holly Moss.

The winners:

Posting the highest score: 192, Richard Sorem, Stewart & Tunno Insurance, accepts his gift from prize donor Pam Olson of Farmer’s Insurance.

John Rupp, Axis Design Group, won the turkey (yes, a real frozen turkey) for rolling the highest number of strikes in a row.

Second highest scoring team is John Rupp, Melinda Peterson, Darcy Shea and Greg Shea with Team Axis Design Group.

The first place team from Stewart & Tunno Insurance are Keith Hendershott, Kevin Minkoff, Barbara Yerke, Ginny Soren, and Rich Sorem.

Doesn’t Gail Kiely of Home Run Graphics look happy? She won the BIG gift basket provided by Gresham Ford!

Upcoming special events
December 6 – Join Scott Nielson, attorney, hosts a fun evening of socializing, mingling, and connecting with business partners in East Portland from 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm at the Executech Conference Center, 5933 NE Win Sivers Drive (just off Airport Way East).

December 12 – At 7:30 until 9:00 am, come by for a special “Good Morning East Portland Gift Fair”. Members that have gift items, gift certificates, gift ideas, and more for the holidays will have items on display. Bring your checkbook and do your holiday shopping with EPCC members. It’s at Warner Pacific College, 2219 SE 68th Avenue (just off SE Division St.).

For more information, CLICK HERE to visit their website!

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

Take a look at all the fun kids (and their grown-ups) were having at these inner SE Portland Halloween parties …

After crawling through a graveyard at the Meyer Boy’s & Girl’s Club Haunted House, the kids end up here – at the at the Mummy’s crypt.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
While the door-to-door tradition of neighborhood trick-or-treating is still in favor, many families are opting for organized events. We visited two parties on October 31 in inner SE Portland.

Fred G. Meyer Memorial Boys & Girls Club
Our first stop was in Westmoreland to see the final performances of the Haunted House at the Fred G. Meyer Memorial Boy’s & Girl’s Club.

“This Haunted House supports the Oregon Food Bank,” said “Deviled Egg” and event spokesperson, Naomi Head.

During the three day run, Head said, the event attracted about 600 kids. “We’ve filled most of an office with donated food that the kids brought as their admission to the Haunted House.”

Naomi Head (a Deviled Egg) sits with a small sample of the donated food collected during the Fred G. Meyer Memorial Boys & Girls Club Haunted House.

The Haunted House was built into the large gym, and featured a haunted corn maze, a man-eating spider, a graveyard – including a pile of dead bodies to crawl through – and finally, the Mummy’s Crypt. Older kids volunteered to dress in costume and operate special effects.

Even the bravest kids were startled during their trip through the Haunted House. “Aaah, it wasn’t that scary,” commented “cowboy” Jimmie Lee after exiting the darkened room. His little sister, Alisha, fighting back tears, apparently disagreed – we hope she didn’t have bad dreams.

Woodstock Community Center Halloween Party

Outside the Woodstock Community Center, Maizie Logee and Ella Huntzinger find the spooky decorations fun, not scary.

The volunteers who produce the Woodstock Family Picnic decided to do “a little something” for Halloween at the community center. The event turned out to be a hit with neighbors.

“Welcome to our first-ever Halloween party at the Woodstock Community Center,” Ruthann Bedenkop greeted us. She was flanked by the famous fearsome pirate Capt. Jack Sparrow (aka Mike Rocheleau). “It’s sponsored by the Woodstock Neighborhood Association and Woodstock Community Business Association.”

Organizer Ruthann “First Mate” Bedenkop and Capt. Jack Sparrow (aka Mike Rocheleau) welcome guests to the Woodstock Halloween Party.

Because it was their first year, Bedenkop said they expected a low turnout. “We’d prepared 75 gift bags – they were gone before the time the event was scheduled to open.”

The volunteers planned to host about 150 guests throughout the evening, but they’d already surpassed that number by 20 guests when we visited early in the event.

Witches (they assure us they are good witches) Maile and Sylvie Baures share a Halloween moment with friends Genevieve and Susan Rosenkranz.

These kids say they’re loving the crafts at the Woodstock Halloween Party.

Thanks to the diligent work of volunteers who kept the snack counter stocked, nearly about 300 guests were treated to cheese and crackers, cookies and apple slices with “swamp sludge” (caramel) dipping sauce. In total, about 30 volunteers kept the event running smoothly.

During the late afternoon, the Woodstock Branch Library hosted “Story Time”. Upstairs, kids played simple games and won prizes; the basement craft room was packed with youngsters making masks, wands and other spooky-themed crafts.

In addition to financially supporting the event, businesses along Woodstock Boulevard participated by offering trick-or-treating at their shops.

After playing games at the party, the Murray family, from Woodstock, pause for a family portrait.

“We like showcasing our Community Center,” said Bedenkop. “We have a spring open house, and thought it would be nice to have something in the fall. Thanks to our volunteers, and our neighbors, this event has been incredibly successful.”

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

See how ROSE, an organization that’s revitalizing SE Portland, does it by taking action – instead of merely holding meetings and making plans …

ROSE Award recipients Andrew Beyer, Walsh Construction, ROSE Business Partner; Susanne Washington, Portland Impact, Community Partner; Rosanne Lee, Crime Prevention Coordinator, Community Leader; and Anna Zamudio, winner of the Outstanding ROSE Volunteer stand with ROSE Community Development executive director Nick Sauvie at their 15th annual Breakfast Celebration banquet.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Many organizations say they plan to help improve the lot of hard-working, but low-income, families and individuals.

But, for the last fifteen years, ROSE (it stands for “Revitalize Outer South East”) Community Development Corporation has actually been taking action: By building affordable housing, providing supportive services, and creating economic opportunities in the area.

Nick Sauvie, executive director of ROSE Community Development, tells how their programs allow families to lead better lives by providing quality housing at an affordable price.

At this year’s ROSE Donor Breakfast, executive director Nick Sauvie welcomed us, “Thanks for coming to our 15th Annual Celebration and Donor Breakfast.”

About the organization, Sauvie told us, “Since our first project, rehabilitating a house for a low-income family in 1992, our work has extended beyond housing. We are improving economic conditions in our neighborhoods, and giving people the tools and the support they need to improve their lives.”

Mistress of Ceremonies Amy Jacobs of Fred Meyer Stores introduces the morning’s program participants.

The breakfast program, held at OMSI on November 8, moved briskly along, thanks to Mistress of Ceremonies Amy Jacobs, who works for ROSE community partner Fred Meyer Stores. After a video program produced by Portland YouthBuilders that highlighted the organization’s accomplishments in 2007, several individuals were called forward to accept awards for their participation.

Andrew Beyer accepts the ROSE Business Partner award on behalf of his firm, Walsh Construction.

Business Partner Award: Walsh Construction
Andrew Beyer accepted on behalf of the company for which he works. “Because this is a breakfast meeting, I have toasts for you this morning; I hope you’ll all participate,” he began.

“First is a toast to Teamwork. This project [newly opened housing project Leander Court], for which we’re being honored this morning, demonstrates that remarkable things can happen when we bring a team of talented people together.

“Second is a toast to Commitment. What I’ve observed is that every team member came fully committed to making Leander Court a success. We can all agree that this project is extraordinary in terms of what it offers to the community, to ROSE, and to the City of Portland.

“My last toast is to Hope. The theme of this breakfast is ‘The Dawn of a New Day’. At Walsh, many of our projects are involved in bettering our community. What gets me up in the morning is knowing that we’re working to improve our community. The children at Leander Court have a safe place they can play, live, and have a good life with their families. Here’s to Hope!”

Portland Impact’s representative, Susanne Washington, accepts the ROSE Community Partner award.

Community Partner Award: Portland Impact
Accepting for her organization was Susanne Washington.

“I offer a sincere thank you to ROSE CDC. Portland Impact started working with Portland’s low-income families in the 1960s. It is exciting to have ROSE in outer SE Portland building truly affordable family housing. Our organization is always looking for places where families can live, get stabilized and back on their feet.

“Our ‘Bridges to Housing’ project helps homeless families transition back into the community; we have families placed at Leander Court and other ROSE facilities. We’re really proud of the partnership between ROSE and Portland Impact.”

Rosanne Lee, East Portland Crime Prevention Coordinator, here about to accept the ROSE Community Leader award from Nick Sauvie.

Community Leader Award
East Portland Crime Prevention Specialist Rosanne Lee was given her award, Sauvie announced, for “Working tirelessly in our neighborhoods to increase the quality of life by reducing crime”.

Lee responded, “For the past number of years, I’ve enjoyed working with ROSE in my role as a Crime Prevention Coordinator in both East and SE Portland. I have very good memories – including serving on the Brentwood/Darlington Weed & Seed board with Nick.

“I’ve watched their commitment to building community by building safe and comfortable homes and housing. But also, to help many acquire the skills they need to grow economically.

“One of my favorite activities has been working with ‘Shop with a Cop’ and ‘National Night Out against Crime’ events. I look forward to continuing our community-building and crime-fighting efforts in southeast Portland.”

Anna Zamudio says she’s thankful for the support of the organization as she accepts the Outstanding ROSE Volunteer award.

Outstanding ROSE Volunteer Award
As she accepted her award, Anna Zamudio said, “Thanks to ROSE Community Development for the opportunity to volunteer. I’ve learned to work and save money for our projects. ‘Shop with a Cop’ is a great program that helps young students get a good start in school. I’m really thankful for everybody who helped me.”

The donor appeal
ROSE Board Member Roger Anthony took the podium and told the story of how a family’s housing hopes were raised as they toured Leander Court together; then sank when he had to break the bad news: They had far more applications than they had available units.

ROSE board member Roger Anthony thanks the organization’s community and business partners – then makes an appeal to the organization’s donors.

“If we’d known how popular these apartments were going to be, we’d have built an extra floor or two. That’s why, in a way, we’re here today.

“At ROSE Community Development, we’re very proud and enormously pleased with the work we’ve done, and how we’ve grown over the past 15 years.

“At the same time, the need for affordable housing has grown even more rapidly. Every day at ROSE, we see young families starting out; workers who have lost their jobs’ people looking for a chance – or a second chance – to build a good life.

“At ROSE, we believe everyone deserves a safe, clean and comfortable home. We think that a stable home is the keystone to a successful life.

“Our theme has been the ‘Dawn of a New Day’. East Portland is changing. When I-205 light rail opens up next year, the pace of change will accelerate dramatically. When that new day dawns, we’d like to make sure we have your help to make sure there is a warm, welcoming spot for everyone in SE Portland.”

Nick Sauvie presents to the grand prize drawing winner of the gift basket: Cara Lukens of Seabold Construction.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

Last week, you read about sneak thieves who swiped the executive director’s credit cards – learn why we went back to Trillium Artists to check out their store …

Trillium Artisan April Alden shows one of her Rosewebs wallets made from recycled and reclaimed lawn furniture webbing. She’s also modeling a Liv & Lotus scarf, Stubborn necklace, and bracelet from Eye Pop Art.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
It started as a “sewing circle” project for women working to escape domestic violence situations in 1999.

But, Trillium Artisans, On SE Foster Road just west of 92nd Avenue, has grown into an enterprise that empowers artisans and actively connects them to markets, says its executive director, Amanda McCloskey.

When we ask her to explain how this organization helps artists, she suggests we meet two members.

Transforming lawn furniture into billfolds
April Alden says she’s been involved in art all of her life. “But for the last year I’ve been with Trillium Artisans, and I’ve been treating my artwork more as a business than a hobby.”

Her brand is Rosewebs. She makes items made from recycled and reclaimed lawn furniture webbing.

“Always having a retail presence here in the store really helps,” says Alden as she shows us come of her goods. “If someone wants to see my products, I can tell them where they can see my products in person.” Alden says her web-made fashions can be found online at www.rosewebs.etsy.com.

But the best part for her, Alden comments, is being part of a supportive art community. “It inspires me to be around others who are also creating artwork. Sometimes this business can be discouraging. The workshops they hold for members have helped me. And, I get an honest critique of my work – feedback is very important.”

Turning art into income
More than being an “artists social club and school”, Trillium Artisans also provides business counseling.

“This has been huge for me,” adds Alden. “From them, I’ve learned how to turn my crafts into a real business. And, through the organization, I have merchant services, allowing me to be able to accept credit card payment at shows and fairs.”

Christine Claringbold, whose imprint is Eye Pop Art, shows one of her mandala bowls fashioned from a recycled vinyl phonograph record. The bracelet she models is one of her “Roman Record Cuffs”, also made from a recycled vinyl record.

Going for the record
Christine Claringbold, Eye Pop Art, says her first line of goods was the Mandala Record Bowl and clock, made from a recycled vinyl phonograph records, and then hand painted.

She agrees with Alden that the networking is an important benefit of being a Trillium Artisan. “I got the idea of making my Roman Record Cuff bracelets from a Trillium staff member. They’ve become my best selling item.”

It is one thing to make art, Claringbold tells us, but quite another to sell it. “We hear learn about art shows and other sales opportunities from each other. They help you develop your marketing outlets, like selling your goods in the Internet.” She says her web site is www.eyepopart.com.

“If you’re making crafts and art out of recycled and reclaimed materials, you should check them out,” Claringbold adds.

Amanda McCloskey, executive director at Trillium Artisans, models an earring and necklace set by Mel Stiles, Stubborn, and holds a Trillium Designs Catnip Slugs.

Marketplace for ‘green’ artisans
“Helping artisans market to customers looking for ‘green’ goods is the main thrust of our organization,” explains executive director Amanda McCloskey.

McCloskey says she’s not an artist – her training is in urban planning, with an emphasis in community development – tells us why Trillium Artisans attracted her.

“My mom started sewing potholders and selling them at the Eugene Saturday Market 30 years ago. She’s turned that into a viable business. She teaches quilting classes here and internationally, and designs her own line of fabrics. So, I’ve seen a ‘market vendor’ turn crafts into a viable business. That’s what we do here.”

“Catnip Slug” draws nationwide buyers
Walking over to a window display, McCloskey picks up a cellophane-wrapped product. “This is a Trillium Designs Catnip Slug. It’s one of our biggest sellers. Mud Bay Pet Supply – a natural products pet store chain in Washington – buys them by the carton. Our online sales of them are good; people from all over the country order them.”

The artists collective conceived the product, she reports, as a way to generate piecework income for artisans. “They’re made from recycled and reclaimed materials, and stuffed with organic catnip.”

Whether a “house brand” or an individual’s creation, all of the arts and crafts sold, McCloskey says, “reflect a commitment to sustainability: They are created with at least 50% recycled or reclaimed materials. And, they are priced to pay the artisan a living wage.”

Saturday sale supports artisans
On the way out, McCloskey asks us to mention that Saturday, November 10, is the date of their annual Holiday Sale.

“We’ve got earth-friendly, fair-traded, locally-handmade craft gifts that make great holiday presents. Meet the artisans, enjoy wine and goodies, and save 10% on your entire purchase. This special sale runs from 1 until 6 p.m.”

The gallery showroom is located at 9119 SE Foster Road, just west of SE 92nd Avenue. Call (503) 775-7993, or see them online at www.trilliumartisans.org for more details.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

Because it went from wisps of smoke to a blazing inferno so quickly, see why neighbors say the residents are lucky to be alive …

Portland Fire & Rescue firefighters from four area stations rushed to the 6000 block of SE 122nd Avenue, and found flames leaping from the garage of this home.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
It was late Saturday morning when Sherry Morgan looked out the window of her Powellhurst-Gilbert home on November 3.

“I saw smoke coming out of the neighbor’s house – a lot of it,” reports Morgan. “I thought someone might be using a fireplace. But when I looked out a minute later, there were big flames coming out of the side window of the garage.”

Through the thick smoke, Morgan tells us she saw firefighters arrive: “It seemed like they got here almost immediately; they started putting the fire out.”

Some firefighters attack the fire from inside the garage and carport.

Four-minute response saves house
District 4 Battalion Chief Todd Keathley says the call came in at 11:20 a.m. and the first crews arrived 11:24 a.m. “They found heavy fire in the garage; extending up into the attic.”

We see a crew working on the garage roof, cutting a good-sized hole. “They cut the hole to relieve some of the heat, and gain access to the fire. Other firefighters are inside, pulling parts of the ceiling down,” Keathley explains.

The Battalion Chief tells us that the main part of the house looks to be in pretty good shape, except for smoke damage. A call comes in, telling him that the carport has become unstable. Keathley orders firefighters off it.

Within an hour, firefighters from PF&R Station 7, 11, 31, and 32 are looking for smoldering embers, and starting to pack their gear.

Other firefighters climb on the roof of the garage, and open the roof to gain access to the fire.

Fire displaces four … and more …
The fire, which did moderate physical and extensive smoke damage to the private residence, displaced 4 adults, 4 grown dogs, 4 puppies, and numerous pet birds, reveals Thomas Traver of the American Red Cross Oregon Trail Chapter.

“We’re helping the residents by providing assistance with food, clothing and temporary lodging. Red Cross Client Services caseworkers will continue to provide assistance and providing additional aid as needed,” Traver said.

Lights the fire
According to PF&R spokesman Lt. Allen Oswalt, “An electric lamp without a shade was leaning against some hanging clothes. It started the fire.”

The loss arising from one hot light bulb left unsupervised is estimated at $135,000.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service