Want to see a lot of cute little pumpkins? Learn why pumpkins were the theme of the after-school effort …

Pumpkins and more pumpkins! Kids drew faces and made crafts using more than 100 mini-pumpkins at the Shaver SUN School event.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
When we were invited to “Pumpkin Lights-on Night” at Shaver Elementary School in Parkrose a few days ago, we just had to check it out.

“Welcome to our event,” said Helen Vank, as she dished up Burgerville hamburgers. “This is our annual Pumpkin Lights-on Night. It is part of the national Lights-on day, to bring awareness to after school programs. We’re inviting people in the school, and letting them know we have programs here.”

The idea is, Vank told us, is to help the community better understand the need for – and benefits available from – after-school programs.

Stephanie Baker, director of the Shaver Boys and Girls Club, and Helen Vank, Shaver SUN School coordinator, serve up the affordable $2 dinners to kids and their families.

“I run the SUN school program, funded thought the 21 Century Grant,” Vank explained. “At this event, we have both SUN School and Shaver Boys & Girls clubs staff here. Volunteers from the Shaver Parent/Faculty Association (SPFA) are collecting the money for the hamburger dinners donated by Burgerville; SUN provided the drinks and chips. All of the money goes back to SPFA, to help fund programs like field trips”

At this family event, kids were provided free mini-pumpkins kids for decorating. The after-school program staff members ran easy-to-win carnival games. And, a lot of kids (and parents) came in costume.

The Cervantes family came dressed in costume – ready for a good time.

Serves 200 children
Vank mentioned that their SUN School has over 200 kids registered, and sees a daily average of 125 children at their after-school activities.

“Our SUN School is important,” Vank explained, “because 83% of our students are eligible for free and reduced lunches; we’re a Title 1 school. We offer things like hip-hop class, reading classes, and other activities. We offer reading classes, to help get kids reading at grade level. The art and recreation activities are important because most of our students can’t afford to pay for these kind of classes.”

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

Discover what’s been happening at Sacramento Elementary School that’s earned it recognition by both state (and and soon) national educators …

Officials say that full-day kindergarten classes – such as this segment being led by Jakob Curtis, English Language Learner teacher at Sacramento Elementary School – help all kids, regardless of their language background, to do better throughout their educational careers.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Stevie Blakely, Principal of Sacramento Elementary School, says she remembers the phone call she got not long ago from her boss, Parkrose School District superintendent Dr. Karen Fischer Gray.

This call wasn’t regarding mundane-but-important topics like budgets, personnel, or curriculum.

“She was notifying us that we’d won a Title I Distinguished School Award,” Blakely exclaims, as we walk toward a kindergarten classroom at the school.

“It means that, among all Oregon schools, we’ve made the most improvement on our testing scores with our English Language Learning kids, in both English and math. We increased scores by 30 percent.”

As we enter the classroom, English Language Learning (ELL) specialist Jakob Curtis is enthusiastically leading his young students through a vocabulary-building exercise. The children respond to him like members of a TV game-show audience.

When the class ends Curtis joins us, as we walk to the school office.

“Of all our 400-plus students, more than 100 speak a language other than English at home,” Curtis tells us. “School is their main exposure to English. We have several different programs in place to support those kids as they learn English. As their language skills increase, they’re better able to access all of the teaching and learning that their classroom provides.”

Teaching and intervention
We enter the school office, and meet Learning Intervention Specialist Arlene Lemieux. “I provide intervention in reading and math for ELL and other at-risk students who are not meeting state benchmarks for these subjects.”

Learning intervention, Lemieux explains, uses one-on-one student evaluation and small-group teaching techniques to help keep kids struggling with math and reading skills from falling far behind their classmates.

Giving us the broader picture, Blakely says, “We have a school-wide assessment three times a year in math and reading. This helps us identify kids who are not meeting the mark. For them, we provide small group instruction, and we use special computer software and specially-designed programs for teaching reading and math.”

Jakob Curtis, English Language Learner teacher, Arlene Lemieux, Learning Intervention Specialist, and Principal Stevie Blakely say they’re pleased to learn about Sacramento Elementary School’s Title I Distinguished School Award

Lemieux adds, “We use differentiated instruction. This means teaching according to a student’s needs, not following a lock-step program.”

“We also provide sheltered programs,” Curtis says, “such as providing one-on-one vocabulary development and guided language acquisition help on the side.”

Teaching to the test?
We pose the question: “Are you merely preparing kids to pass the tests, or are you really educating them?”

“Learning is our primary objective here,” replies Blakely. “What we do is make sure our kids are successful in school. The tests give us an indicator of how well the kids are doing. Another way to put it, is: Here at Sacramento Elementary School, we don’t allow kids to fail. Whatever it takes to help them succeed, we’ll do it.”

“It’s not about just fitting students into our program,” adds Curtis. “We figure out what the child needs, and help them. And, all of the teachers work hard to make their instruction available to their entire class. This is why, I believe, we, as a school, have won this award.”

Overcoming huge gaps
“Right,” agrees Blakely. “It is not about what any one person does in this school. This recognition is for all of our staff, who not only work hard, but also work together to make a real difference.”

The principal reminds us that 70% of the school’s students qualify for low-income lunch programs; and a quarter of them speak a language other than English at home. “These are huge gaps to overcome. But, within the last two years, we have now been rated as an exceptional school by the State of Oregon. This award is like getting the cherry on the top of our sundae.”

Dr. Karen Fischer Gray, Superintendent of Parkrose School District, shows us the official award acceptance form.

Superintendent is all smiles
When we stop at the Parkrose School District office, Dr. Karen Fischer Gray, Superintendent of Parkrose School District says she’s proud of the staff members at Sacramento Elementary School.

“To be recognized as the only school by the Oregon Department of Education for improved learning among students whose primary language is not English – that’s a marvelous accomplishment. It doesn’t happen every day. It recognizes the excellent leadership and instruction for ELL students at our school.”

When Carla Wade from the Oregon Department of Education asked if they’d travel to Nashville on January 29 to accept the award, “I told her, I’m never turning that down. This school has earned it.”

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

See lots of exclusive photos from this great production of Shakespeare’s classic comedy right here …

As the show opens, the stage is set for the confusion of identities to follow.

Story and photo by David F. Ashton
Many people, who took our advice and saw the Parkrose High production of 16th century playwright William Shakespeare’s “The Comedy of Errors”, realized how fun and relevant “the Bard’s” plays can be.

Parkrose High School Thespian Troupe #1783, under the direction of theater instructor, Ms. Zena, put on colorful and fast-paced performances during its two-weekend run, ending November 9.

Is this identical twin the local, married one – or the visiting distant brother?

Presents abridged version
Part of the success of the presentation was Zena’s careful editing of the original script.

Although the actors speak Shakespeare’s words, “We say the phrases once – not three times as written. It picks up the pace of the play.”

The wife only thinks she’s got her man back. She doesn’t – she’s buttonholing his twin!

Zany Shakespeare
Zena told us kids like “The Comedy of Errors” because it is filled with comedy, puns, and slapstick humor. “Some call it the original situation comedy,” she added.

“The Comedy of Errors” is a story of two sets of identical twins who meet up in a distant city. This leads to a series of wild mishaps based on mistaken identities, wrongful accusations, and odd romantic situations.

One of the two identical-twin servants becomes confused about her own identity.

Bringing this full-stage production to life were 35 actors in colorful costuming – including dancing puppets and donkey. The staging of the play and costuming were as colorful as is the story line.

Theatre operations manager Terry Franceschi, and his crew of 20 student theatrical technicians provided professional lighting, sound, and staging.

More from our “The Comedy of Errors” photo album

Sorry! If you missed the production, it is too difficult to explain these characters in their recurring sight gags!

Who IS at the door? “My husband already IS inside,” shouts the woman of the house!

One brother – not the right one, of course – is arrested for the deeds of the others.

So identical are the sets of brothers – and their servants – even they confuse one for another.

Time to sort things out, once and for all.

“Who me?” The confusion continues.

The other brother comes out of hiding – and the mystery finally starts to unravel.

Finally, all is explained!

The married wife’s spinster sister gets to “bite the bagel” (gets engaged) to the flirting single brother who took a liking to her – instead of his supposed wife. (It’s the best we can explain it in one sentence!)

Curtain Call! The cast takes a bow for a job well done!

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

You’ll never guess how far away these nature-minded, energetic gals came to help spruce up this inner SE Portland natural park …

Terry Toedtemeier, volunteer and a homeowner near the park, gives the entrance a chain-saw manicure. “The brush trim is overdue!”

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
The natural ravine along the Springwater Trail called Tideman-Johnson Park has come a long way since neighbors have adopted the area.

As we walk south on SE 37th Avenue from SE Tenino Street in late October and look down the hill, we’re surprised to see a large group of young ladies, rakes and shovels in hand, preening the hillside.

On the way down the steep access road, one of the workers explains, “This is what we like to do.”

Brittnee Gillson, a senior, and Allie Rastetter, were two of the many Lakeridge High School cheerleaders volunteering in October to help spruce up Tideman-Johnson Park.

She introduces herself as Allie Rastetter a senior Lakeridge High School Cheerleader. “We like to help our community. It seemed like a good idea for us to work together as a team. This is doing something we love.”

Marianne Colgrove, one of the Friends of Tideman-Johnson Park, is pleased with the progress. The Ardenwald-Johnson Creek Neighborhood Association got a Community Watershed Stewardship Grant to help take care of this park, she reminds us.

Lots of help showed up – including the cheerleading squad from Lakeridge High School in Lake Oswego.

“We’re working with Mart Hughes of Portland Parks and Recreation,” Colgrove says. “Along with the Lakeridge Cheerleaders, we have neighborhood volunteers pulling ivy and spreading mulch. We’ll come back and plant in these areas in the winter and spring.”

Although Tideman-Johnson is categorized as a “natural park”, Calgrove says, “Most of what is growing here isn’t natural at all. It is invasive weeds and plants that don’t belong here. We’re working to restore the area to a natural state.”

Samantha Weinstein and Lindsay Mayer say they love working in nature.

How did they snag these energetic cheerleaders from Lake Oswego?

“I think the Parks Bureau is well connected,” Colgrove says with a knowing smile. “Their volunteer coordinator works with a lot of schools and community groups to provide volunteer opportunities for their participants. The ladies are all getting community service credit for being here today.”

Get dirty; dig in!
You can help improve this great little park in Ardenwald by volunteering on the fourth Saturday of each month, except Thanksgiving weekend. “We’re moving that work date back to December 1st,” Calgrove says.

For more information, check the neighborhood’s web site: www.ardenwald.org.

-5 Here’s the location of the park.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

Are these open-houses “trial balloons” – or is the city really serious about “laying down tracks” out in the ‘burbs? Take a look, and decide for yourself …

Folks came from miles around to learn how, when, and why streetcar lines might be built as far out of downtown as Parkrose.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
If the City of Portland names a road a “streetcar corridor”, will citizens desire it?

This is the question being asked at a trio of open house sessions being held around the Portland area. The first one took place at Parkrose High School’s Community Room on October 29.

Developing a method of analysis
“This is the Portland Streetcar System Plan project open house,” says Patrick Sweeney, a senior transit planner with the Portland Office of Transportation (PDOT).

“Streetcars are an important initiative for PDOT and Transportation Commissioner Adams,” Sweeny begins. “One of the things we’d like to accomplish with the streetcar commission plan is to have a method for analyzing expansion of the City of Portland streetcar system.”

Answering questions about the project is PDOT Senior Transit Planner Patrick Sweeney.

Dealing with growth with increased density
The reason for considering adding streetcars, Sweeny tells us, is to set up a strategy to deal with increased population growth over the next 20 years.

“We’re expecting the Portland metro area’s population to grow to over one million people by 2025,” adds Sweeny, “A third of that, being absorbed by the City of Portland. The idea is to see if we can develop a network of high-density, high-quality street corridors that are attractive for people to live in. It could be a way to accommodate some of that growth, and preserve single-family neighborhoods from some of the infill pressures they are feeling right now.”

Commissioner’s objectives
Although we didn’t have the opportunity to speak with Portland City Commissioner Sam Adams at this open house, signs posted in the room stated his objectives for the project:

Streetcar corridors must:

1. Be a viable transit option with adequate ridership;
2. Have redevelopment potential;
3. Have community support to make the changes necessary for a successful streetcar corridor.

Questions streetcars over more busses
“In East County and outer East Portland, I think they’re putting the cart before the horse,” comments NE Portland neighbor Jim Howell, as he looks at the plan maps.

“I think we need better bus service out here. Especially better crosstown bus service. We have people stuffed on the 82nd Avenue of Roses busses – there isn’t enough capacity for them. That is what should be done.”

No doubt about it, adds Powell, public transit is needed. “But there has to be more investment in service, not just capital projects. I think they’re looking for projects they can ‘cut the ribbon for’ when it’s opened – and providing better bus service isn’t ‘sexy’.”

Kefia and Dustin Micheletti imagine what it would be like if they could ride streetcars all over Portland – especially to work.

Couple desires streetcars
“We live in NE Portland, remarks Kefia Micheletti, as she and husband Dustin look at the charts and maps on display.

“I’ve started working out here at Parkrose High School. It would be nice if I could get to work on public transportation instead of driving a one-person car to school. That’s why I’m most interested.”

Dustin adds, “It is really important to help keep the growth of Portland do-able for everybody. To have everybody in cars isn’t going to work, if we keep attracting people.”

What do you think?
If you missed the open house, you can still get a look at the preliminary “Portland Streetcar System Plan” being proposed by PDOT.

It’s on their PDOT pages of the City of Portland website under Planning and Projects and look for Streetcar System Plan.

Or, CLICK HERE to be linked directly with the PDF document at their site. Note: This document requires that you have the free Adobe Acrobat Reader installed on your computer (download it at www.adobe.com).

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

Discover how a soup- (not wine) tasting is paired up with a dinner and auctions in support of this organization that helps folks get off welfare by preparing them for good jobs …

Richard Kiely, past SE Works board member and owner of Home Run Graphics, tastes the Apple Cheddar Cheese Soup (winner of a Celebrity’s Choice Award) made by Patty Park of Portland Specialty Banking Co., at the organization’s 10th Annual Celebration and 7th annual Soup Cook-off event.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
For a decade, an organization called SE Works has been strengthening the economic health and well being of the diverse southeast Portland community by connecting between job seekers with employers.

Their efforts have been successful: In the last ten years, the organization has helped more than 10,000 people get living-wage jobs by providing them with targeted training programs.

Sarah Keeney of Benson Shed Garden Café offers a taste of her Candied Yam Bisque – as does Heather Ficht, Worksystems Inc., with her Hungarian Mushroom Soup (later named the Golden Ladle Winner) – to Portland City Commissioner Sam Adams.

The celebrities on hand to decide the Celebrities’ Choice Award Soup Cook-off Award are Portland City Commissioner Sam Adams, Kerry DeBuse of Genoa, Multnomah County Chair Ted Wheeler, and David Machado of Vindalho.

Again celebrating with soup
On October 19th, 285 guests attended “Recipes for Success: SE Works’ Ten Year Celebration, Soup Cook-Off, and Auction”.

The gala featured their seventh-annual soup-tasting competition. Guests voted for their favorite soups with dollar bills. The “Hungarian Mushroom Soup” cooked up by Heather Ficht, of Worksystems, Inc., earned the most donations, and was given the 2007 Golden Ladle Award.

John Jeska, buying balloons from Rekita Barron. Each balloon contains a gift certificate to an area restaurant.

SE Works Board Chair Denise Walton and Executive Director Heidi Soderberg get the evening’s formal program underway.

Celebrity judges, including Multnomah County Chair Ted Wheeler, Portland City Commissioner Sam Adams, Kerry DeBuse of Genoa, and David Machado of Vindalho, voted for their favorites. The judging ended in a three-way tie: Laura Bock, Job Developers Network; Pam Butterworth, SE Works; and Patty Park of Portland Specialty Baking each earned the Celebrities’ Choice Award.

Between tastes, guests bid on a wide array of silent auction items featured on three tables. Master of Ceremonies David F. Ashton, of East PDX News, whipped up excitement as the silent auctions closed and guided guests through the evening’s activities.

The soup chefs line up as the “cream of the crop” winning entries are about to be awarded for the “Recipes for Success Soup Cook-off”.

The Celebrities’ Choice Award ended in a three-way tie! The co-winners are soup chefs Pam Butterworth of SE Works, Patty Park of Portland Specialty Baking, and Laura Bock of the Job Developers Network.

Winner of the 2007 Golden Ladle Award – chosen by a vote of attendees – goes to Heather Ficht from Worksystems, Inc. The award is presented by SE Works Executive Director Heidi Soderberg as well as staff member (and this year’s Soup Chef Host) Gwen Nothwang.

Then, while guests enjoyed a full-course Pacific salmon dinner, SE Works clients shared their success stories.

Master auctioneer Mitch Lambley stepped up and got the guests to open their checkbooks and bid on outstanding live auction packages. In all, $41,000 was raised to support SE Works’ programs.

David F. Ashton, Master of Ceremonies for the event pauses between closing the silent auctions. (Sue Eastman photo) Auctioneer Mitch Lambley gets a good price for another outstanding prize package during the live auction.

A sell-out crowd of nearly 300 showed up for the 10th Anniversary Celebration and Recipes for Success Soup Cook-off held in Southeast Portland on October 19.

Sponsors for the event included: ON Semiconductor; PCC Structurals; Portland Development Commission; Bank of the West; CMTS, Inc.; Gunderson, Inc.; IITR Truck School; Kraft Foods/Nabisco; Lumber Products; Pacific Natural Foods; Pam Olson Farmers Insurance Agency; Portland Community College; Vancouver Iron & Steel, Inc.; Alotto Gelato; Cascade Medical School; and Kern & Thompson, LLC.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

See why organizers produced this health-promoting event …

Event exhibitor Katrina Kellmer, with Gluten Intolerant Group, spends a moment with Carolyn Fairfield, Community Health Fair organizer.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Medical professionals, health and fitness educators, and representatives of health-related businesses and organizations came to share ideas about developing a healthy mind, body, and spirit on October 20.

“We’re holding this event,” said organizer Carolyn Fairfield, “to make people aware of their health, so they take care of their body. There is wisdom on one of my favorite sayings: ‘Take care of your health; if you don’t, where will you live?'”

Steevie Weevie the Clown turns twisted, inflated latex to smiles on kids faces – as only he can!

Outside the location, Parkrose United Methodist Church, the Oregon Lions Club Mobile Health Screening Unit was on hand to provide free visual acuity, glaucoma, blood pressure, hearing, and diabetes screenings.

The event also featured free healthy snacks, activities for children, and face painting and balloon twisting by Stevie Weevie the Clown.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

From Lents, to the East Portland Community Center and then the Parkrose Ghost Town – you’ll enjoy the many photos of kids (and adults) having pre-Halloween fun …

This is where we ended our tour – at the Parkrose Haunted Ghost Town at Rossi Farms.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Saturday, October 27 was the big day for big Harvest and Halloween festivals across outer East Portland. We love to see grown-ups and kids having fun together. Come along and join our Spooky Tour!

Lents Community Harvest Festival

These two gals love showing off their spiders at the Community Harvest Festival in Lents.

Our first stop is in the recreation room of Pilgrim Lutheran Church in Lents.

“Welcome to our Community Harvest Festival,” says organizer Amie Diffenauer with ROSE Community Development.

At the Lents Harvest Festival are organizers Alys Allwardt; and, Amie Diffenauer with ROSE Community Development.

Around the room, we see families enjoying a grilled hamburger lunch and snacks, playing games and making crafts.

“This year our theme is around building community,” Diffenauer tells us. “We’re trying to get the community out to learn more about the services available here in Lents. And, we’re getting people to meet one another.”

Crafts engross these kids at the Harvest Festival.

East Portland Community Harvest Festival

Coming all the way to the East Portland Community Center from Clackamas is Antoinette and Kephron Alexander. They are standing in front of mom, Nicole and the family’s makeup artist (and dad), Cliff Alexander.

Next, we head to the East Portland Community Center to check in on their event. When we arrive, the place is hopping with creatures of all descriptions.

We’re welcomed by the center’s manager, Abbe MacFarlane. “This is our tenth annual Harvest Festival. It’s put on in cooperation with the Montavilla Community Center.”

Tossing her cookies, this little gal tries to win a prize.

Hunter Osborn is having is face painted by Heather Rubicam as his sister, Olivia Osborn, checks out makeup job.

In one room, we find Multnomah County Library folks on hand for scary story-time readings.

The craft room is packed with kids. Other kids are getting temporary tattoos and having their faces painted. A game room is set up for kids 4 and under; the gym has the games for the older children.

Christian and Angelina Deo are having fun in the Craft Room, backed up by Vickie Deo and Janet Huntley.

“We’re expecting about 1,000,” says MacFarlane “This is a great alternative to kids going out at night. Many parents aren’t really interested in taking their kids out trick-or-treating after dark. This gives them the chance to have fun and wear their costumes in a safe and clean place.”

Parkrose Haunted Ghost Town

The “All-Fright Dancers” warm of for their performances before hundreds of folks who visit the Haunted Ghost Town at Rossi Farms.

We’re a bit saddened to discover that a great Halloween tradition ending when we see the “Final Year” signs posted by the Parkrose Haunted Ghost Town entrance on the Rossi Farms property.

Long time supporter Craig Flynn, with his daughter Kelly, get ready for their next-to-the-last evening at the Haunted Ghost Town.

“It must be around nine years ago when we started it,” reminisces Craig Flynn, one of the original and sustaining volunteers behind the event. “I’ve been helping ever since. I’m moving away, and I don’t know of Joe [Rossi] will ever find anyone else who will put in the effort.”

What Flynn says he enjoys the most is that they’ve added to the attraction “a little here and there every year. We didn’t completely change the design this year. But, we did add some tunnels in the back of the barn.”

Teri Mannen is doing the face make up for big Roger Sweisberger – turning him into the Parkrose Werewolf Cowboy.

As we walk around, just before opening time, we see characters putting on makeup and putting on their costumes. In addition to students from Parkrose High School, 15 to 20 adults volunteer at the event.

Event supports Parkrose High Senior All-night Party
In the corn maze, we meet up with the chair of the Haunted Ghost Town committee, Barbara Snoozy – before she gets into her costume.

Volunteers Vivian Lanegan, Deanne Volk and Barbara Snoozy get ready to haunt the Ghost Town for another evening.

“I’ve been a volunteer on this project for five years,” Snoozy says. This event is the major fundraiser for the Parkrose High School Senior All-night Party.”

Their first weekend was a little damp, reports Snoozy. “Actually, it was very wet. The second weekend looks great. We have clear weather, and a full moon. We’re ready to go. We should have between 500 and 800 visitors per night.”

Their motto is “Touch nothing, and nothing will harm you.” Those who don’t heed this advice might need the services of this fellow: Mr. Undertaken.

Is she a good witch or a bad witch? We didn’t stick around to find out.

In the past, Snoozy explains, Rossi Farm employees did a lot of the work. “This year, parents pitched in and we did it all ourselves with the help of Craig Flynn. It was tough. We didn’t realize that we weren’t good at building a corn maze – but we learned the hard way.”

Due to the changes of at the farm – and the cost of buying the corn – this will likely be the final year of the event Snoozy says. “The corn is a huge expense. It was grown specifically for this event.”

Is all the work they put in worth the effort? “It is really fun,” admits Snoozy. “I’ll miss doing it – but I will have October back.”

“Who’s cheatn’ at cards, you ask? We all of are, of course!”

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

While one con kept her distracted, another one swiped her credit cards and cash. Discover why the executive director of non-profit Trillium Artisans is “going public” with her alarming story …

Amanda McCloskey, executive director at Trillium Artisans on SE Foster Road, showing the purse a sneak thief rifled, says she’s sharing her story to try to keep others from being ripped off.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
For eight years, the folks who run Trillium Artisans in Lents have given help to local artists.  In addition to running a collective sales showroom, they help artisans learn how market their earth-friendly crafts.

But on October 31st, a quartet of a different kind of artists – con artists – came in the store to rob the organization’s executive director, Amanda McCloskey – using cunning, not weapons.

Gaining access to the office
“About 3:30, four Hispanic young people, two women and two men, came into our showroom,” McCloskey begins. “They talked about buying gifts to take ‘back to Tijuana’.”

First one of the women, then the other, asked to use the shop’s rest room. “We’re very relaxed and trusting. I didn’t think anything of it.”

To reach the restroom, however, one must travel through the organization’s office, past McCloskey’s desk – and her purse.

The distraction ruse
One of the women lured McCloskey to a part of the showroom where she couldn’t see the back office. “She started asking me a lot of questions – some of them didn’t really make sense. But she kept my attention.”

They didn’t take her purse, McCloskey tells us; but the sneak thief carefully picked through it. “She didn’t take my cell phone that was right next to it. She did take my credit cards, AAA card, and an auto insurance card! I think she took $20.”

The quartet didn’t actually make a purchase. “Three of them drifted over to the shop door and signaled to the woman who kept me talking. She said, ‘Oh my, got to run!’ and they out they went.”

Takes immediate action
It was when McCloskey went grocery shopping two hours later that she discovered the theft.

“When I saw my cards were gone, I went straight to the bank to notify them, filed a police report, and immediately called the credit card companies. The fraud departments at both credit card companies were very helpful. They gave me purchase information. Some went through and I’ll have to contest; others were stopped.”

The thieves left the store approximately 3:45 p.m., reports McCloskey. “They rang up a huge purchase at 4:18 p.m. at the Clackamas ‘Target’ Store. Then, an hour later, the crooks stopped for refreshments at a nearby convenience store.

Gets second view of crooks on tape
McCloskey says the bank card fraud investigators gave her the telephone number of a 7-11 Store on SE 82nd Avenue of Roses and SE Flavel Street.

“I called the store owners; the managers said they had the thieves on tape. I called the police and we looked at the tape. The tape showed all four, still hanging out together. One of the credit cards didn’t go through; the second card went through and they looked all kind cool when it worked.

After working up a thirst after racking up hundreds of dollars on McCloskey’s stolen credit cards, the crooked quartet stopped in this 7-11 Store for refreshments – where they were caught on tape.

“That store owner also said that she thinks her husband might know someone who knows who they are, which more than likely means that they hang out around here.”

Later that afternoon, the criminal quartet tried their luck at another Target store in Wilsonville. “The police have the tape from the 7-11 Store; they’re hoping to get pictures from the Target Stores, too,” McCloskey adds.

Be on the lookout
The suspects are Hispanic, their late teens or early twenties, all with dark brown/black hair with medium-to-light complexion.

The women are about 5’5″ tall, the two men a little taller. The speak English as a second language very fluently.

Advice for business people
“The police were sure that these four have done this before, and will keep doing it until their caught,” says McCloskey.

She asks out help by sharing these crime prevention tips – applicable to all kinds of businesses, not just retail:

• Don’t let customers you don’t know use your bathroom. “If I’d hadn’t allowed this, it would have stopped them right there. They would have left.”
• Don’t just hide your purse, lock it up. Sneak thieves often enter offices during break or lunch time, and quickly go through desk drawers looking for purses and wallets.
• If it happens to you, immediately call your credit card’s fraud hotlines. “Find out what the most recent activity was, and talk to the store owner [where the transaction was] to see if they have video tape or know the customers. The police were very grateful that I got the video tape for them.”

“These thieves aren’t selective,” muses McCloskey, who says she is recovering from cancer and so can only work part-time; “I don’t have much for them to steal. On the other hand, stealing from me is like stealing from your grandma. It’s that low.”

Support Trillium 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

In addition to celebrating the success of their first weekly season, learn what these volunteers doing, in the off season, to prepare for next year …

Alexander, one of the farmers who sold his vegetables at the Lents International Farmer’s Market loads up his plate at the banquet table; market volunteer Bonny Hodge is serving up fresh, locally-produced food.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
A room full of folks gathered at Pilgrim Lutheran Church in Lents on a cold, rainy evening a few days ago, to dine on a banquet prepared from locally-produced foods – and to plan for next year’s Lents International Farmer’s Market season.

The festal board was loaded with freshly-made breads and desserts, salads, casseroles, soups, pot roast – and more delicious deviled eggs than we’ve ever seen in one place.

Jill Kuehler, market manager, welcomes volunteers and vendors to the event.

The ‘real work’ begins
“This is when the real work begins,” proclaimed market manager Jill Kuehler, after introductions.

“Many of you in this room have gathered with us for three years to plan and create our farmers market. You are the ones I most want to applaud tonight. Some of the very early founders of the market are still here. They are the real heroes of the project.”

Megan Fehrman shows a graphic depiction of the results of her research project, an “Asset Based Community Development Map” (enlarged, right portion of photo).

First up to speak was Megan Fehrman. From research she conducted, she mapped – illustrated – the interaction of groups of various individuals who interfaced with the market.

“I participated in a ‘Growing Communities’ workshop called ‘Asset Based Community Development’. As part of this we learned to create a ‘map’ all of our potential partners to strengthen all of our potential partners in our organization,” Fehrman explained.

Suggestion box
Kuehler collected comment questionnaires from those attending, and read aloud from them.

The list of things they said they enjoyed included:

• The camaraderie of the market vendors;
• Friendliness of shoppers who returned week after week;
• Alexander’s great produce;
• Creative ways to sell giant yellow squash left at the Community Sales table;
• Laura & Sarah’s spur-of-the-moment food demonstration; they pulled together a demo when a guest didn’t show up.

Things they’d like to see added or changed at the market included:

• Artichokes
• Quieter bands playing live music
• Asian prepared foods
• Stronger steering committee
• More diversity
• More farmers on committees
• More representation from across Portland
• More food vendors and craft people
• Parsnips
• More interactive chef demonstrations
• Coordination of produce at each market
• More variety

Noelle Dobson describes the committes being formed and asks the volunteers to participate in them.

Four committees formed
To turn the suggestions into action plans, Noelle Dobson organized the group onto four facilitating committees: Vendor relations; marketing and media relations; diverse community and market logistics.

As the committee tables filled, Dobson told us, “I’ve been involved with the market for three years as part of my work with Community Health Partnership, a non-profit group that’s trying to help make communities places where you can ‘eat healthy’ and exercise.”

Summary of this year’s market activity
As the committee sessions got underway, Kuehler talked with us about this year’s market.

“It went very well this year. The number of customers grew each week. We had a lot of folks from the Lents neighborhood, and a good diversity in our shoppers. There was a great diverse group of vendors – some who have not sold at a farmers market before. It was exciting to see.”

Kuehler estimated the market drew 400 customers each Sunday. “It was great for our first season. We’re brainstorming to come up with ways to increase our numbers next year and getting ideas about how to really establish this market.”

The reason this market is important, Kuehler added, is that Lents has poor access to good quality fresh fruits and vegetables. “A couple of larger grocery stores have closed; this has decreased the amount of access people have. We really want to provide really fresh, good food to folks in the Lents neighborhood.”

Get involved!
Lents International Farmer’s Market committees meet monthly during the off season. Get in touch by contact them lentsfarmersmarket@gmail.com – and get involved!

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

Due to busy schedules, it looked like finding a new president for this business new business association would be impossible. But look at the creative solution these community-minded folks came up with …

Outgoing Montavilla/East Tabor Business Association president Alema McCrey (far end of table, right side) calls for officer and board nominations for the coming year.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
The Montavilla business district on SE Stark Street – from SE 92nd Ave west to Mt. Tabor –looked pretty much like post-modern ghost town. The former bustling business district was lined with dingy storefront windows showing off deserted retail establishments.

But a couple of years ago, things started to pick up when the Bipartisan Café opened its doors, Flying Pizza expanded and the Academy Theater was remodeled and opened.

Neighborhood business association formed
About this time last year, business owners banded together to form a neighborhood business district organization they call Montavilla/East Tabor Business Association (METBA).

“Our mission,” METBA’s first president, Alema McCrey, Alema McCrey Bookeeping, told us, “is to unite area businesses to create a safer neighborhood and more viable business atmosphere.”

Additionally, she said, their organization provides networking opportunities for local business people, promotes their business district, recruits new businesses, and encourages area residents to shop locally. “We also work with the city on transportation, pedestrian and traffic, and crime issues.”

Kevin Kissire of Infusion Salon gets a slice of the delicious pie from Peter Emerson, owner of Montavilla’s Bipartisan Café.

Food provided by many members
Their first annual meeting, held at Rob Robinson’s Stark Street Pizza, was a banquet featuring pizzas supplied by host’s establishment, additional pizza from Flying Pie Pizzeria and Academy Theater popcorn.

Bipartisan Cafe brought six luscious, custom-baked pies. Member Lawnn Holden came in with a giant bucket of hot wings she purchased from Thatcher’s in Montavilla.

The question of succession
At this meeting, McCrey mentioned several activities undertaken by the organization, including:

• Participating in the 82nd Ave. of Roses first annual parade;
• Being one of the instrumental organizers of for the Montavilla Farmer’s Market started this year;
• Bringing Portland City Commissioner Sam Adams out to discuss transportation safety issues in the district; and,
• Working with the neighborhood association producing the Montavilla International Fair.

The main thrust of this meeting, however, was regarding succession – establishing a new board of directors and voting in a new president.

Citing full schedules, community involvement and challenging business situations, several members present demurred accepting presidential responsibilities for METBA.

Two members then proposed a unique solution: Tarah Shuler, Sante’ Day Spa, will take presidential for the first six months of METBA’s new year; then, Ty DuPuis, Academy Theater/Flying Pie, will preside starting in May 2008.

Introducing METBA’s new co-presidents: Tarah Shuler and Ty DuPuis. They’ll share presidential responsibilities for the Association.

“SE Stark Street is a wonderful historic district with tremendous growth potential, and by working together, we can help Montavilla develop as one of Portland’s premier business communities,” summarized McCrey.

Find out more about this new and growing association by going online by going to: www.metba.org.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

As the federally-run emergency exercise was winding down, see how these volunteers tested their readiness to deal with a wide-spread disaster …

NET volunteers Mary Owings and Carol Moseley check in with team members in the field during the exercise.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
In a disaster that affects the greater Portland metropolitan area, police, fire and other professional emergency responders will be taxed to the utmost.

If bridges are down, roads are torn up and communications are interrupted, it might take days – not hours – for them to arrive in some parts of Portland.

Who will be there to help?

Most likely, the first emergency help you’ll see will be an orange-vested volunteer from your local Neighborhood Emergency Team (NET).

Testing readiness
“This is our first involvement with the city-wide exercise of a disaster,” reports Mary Owings, NET volunteer. “We serve a northeast section of outer East Portland. We have NET volunteers with us from Parkrose; and we’re working with Portland Fire & Rescue’s Station 7.”

Owings tells us that duties are divided up among volunteers, just as they are in the professional emergency service bureaus. One person checks in volunteers, others check out equipment, provide radio contact, and supervise the activity of the exercise – or, activity during a real emergency.

Peter Deyoe, team leader of Net 7 talks with Johanna Juhnke and Ryan Sprague after they return from their mission.

Mission: Information
We talk with one of East Precinct’s two Crime Prevention Specialists, Teri Poppino, at the exercise held at the East Portland Community Center on October 20.

“Today, I am the operations chief,” explains Poppino. “When volunteers come in, I make the assignments. Today, our mission is disseminating information into the neighborhood. We are handing out leaflets that tell how to ‘shelter in place’ during a chemical or radioactive emergency; and another providing crime prevention resources.”

Poppino says team members are also taking a survey among neighbors to learn if they have been trained by NET, have CPR or emergency skills, or speak another language and would be willing to translate during an emergency.

Loves helping; finds areas for improvement
NET volunteer Johanna Juhnke shakes off the rain as she comes back into the “command center”.

“Several of the neighbors we contacted said they were surprised that we came by,” Juhnke tells us. “They told us they were glad to get the information and to learn that neighbors were looking after them.

Why does she do this?”

“I love helping other people,” replies Jhunke. “I like to give back to the community. And, from helping with this exercise today, I see that we can improve our communications if there is a city-wide emergency. It’s good to get the kinks out before a real emergency hits us.”

You, too, can be a local hero! Your first step in getting involved is to visit www.pdxprepared.net.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service