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

You don’t have to travel down to the convention center or Jantzen Beach for great spooky attractions … check out these fun, family events …

Parkrose Haunted Ghost Town

The The Haunted Ghost Town is open Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings, October 26, 27 and 28.

This production features scary, realistic sets and scores of costumed and made-up actors. The Haunted Ghost Town will again feature ghosts of the Wild West, dancing ghouls, the cornstalk maze, haunted mine and lots of other surprises.

Their motto is, “Don’t touch anything, and usually, nothing will touch you!” While there are hair-raising scares around every corner, the cast and crew run a toned-down version of the event during the first half-hour, starting at 6:00 p.m.

To help families make an evening of it, refreshments are plentiful, and inexpensively priced. Just $9 for adults and $5 for kids under 12. Proceeds go to the Parkrose High School Senior All-night Party.

It runs from 6:00 p.m. until 9:30 p.m. at Rossi Farms, 3839 NE 122nd Ave., just south of NE Shaver St. “David Recommended”

The Scary Magic Show

The Scary Magic Show presents two performances on Sunday, October 28 at 1 and 5 p.m.

Really scary? No, not at all!

Actually, this is a fun, family magic show with a Halloween theme.

Before the stage shows, be amazed as magicians surprise and delight you with magic close up, under your nose!

Then, sit back, and see award-winning magicians from the Society of American Magicians Assembly #59 – live on stage – present spooky, fun and crazy magic!

In addition to yours truly you’ll see Tom Cramer, Eartha  the Ecological Clown, Tom Waldrop, 2007 Desmond Competition award winner Bob Eaton, and illusions by international entertainer, Mark Bentheimer and Company.

Refreshment will be available for purchase. It’s all to benefit the Rose City Park Neighborhood Association and SAM #59.

Tickets will be available at the door; they are just $20 for the WHOLE FAMILY; $7 for adults and $5 for kids. It is at the Friendship Masonic Lodge, NE 57th & Sandy Blvd. For pre-event tickets, or more information, call (503) 493-8319. “David Recommended”

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

With balls, beanbags and clubs in hand, discover why hundreds of jugglers – some of them trekking half way around the globe – say they gather just to throw things around …

Juggling like a pro is 9-year-old Duncan Silversides.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
“You think you’ve had problems in an airport?” asks Ben, owner of the world-famous juggling store, Serious Juggling, as he sets up his booth in the gym at Reed College.

“Try getting past security, packing a set of these,” Ben says with a mock-serious wicked grin, as he holds a set of deadly-looking, but finely-balanced, juggling scimitars.

A non-competitive gathering
We’re welcomed to the event on September 29 by Albyn Jones, one of the organizers of the Portland Juggling Festival.

“Although we took last year off, otherwise we’ve been holding it annually for the last fifteen years,” he tells us.

This is a non-competitive festival, Jones says. “Some professional jugglers worry someone stealing their tricks and routines. But, perhaps only 30 of our 300 folks are professionals.”

Demonstrating his skill with the clubs is Woodinville, Washington’s Brien McCrea.

World-class event
Portland Juggling Festival, we learn, is the largest such regional festival in the world.

“Jugglers from across the United States, and performers from Europe, Japan, and Canada come to hang out and, well – juggle,” says Jones. “We get together for the camaraderie. And, we offer a lot of workshops, showing how to do new tricks.”

As Jones explains it, the “tricks” are unique patterns and sequences which jugglers perfect, to catch and re-launch multiple items.

Jugglers of all ages
Not all jugglers are men; Chao-Ching Wu and Carol Harvey say they came down to the three-day festival from Bothell, WA.

“I admired others who juggled, and wanted to admire myself – so here I am!” Wu says.

These girls just want to have fun: Chao-Ching Wu and Carol Harvey say they “love their juggling toys”.

“It’s about everyone having fun with their toys. People, of every age, come together with because of their toys,” explains Harvey, as she and Wu continue “passing clubs” between them. “I’ve been doing it for five years.”

We watch in amazement as 9-year-old Duncan Silversides, from Victoria, BC, juggles three – then four – balls, like a pro.

Says juggling is a social activity
Most jugglers with whom we speak say they enjoy the “social aspects” of their juggling avocation.

Leader of a large Bothell, WA juggling club, Tom Gaines, is “passing clubs” with his juggling buddy, Don Reinhardt.

“For me, the attraction is social,” confirms Jones. “I do like juggling as an activity for myself; I’ll stand alone in my living room and juggle. But it is really fun to juggle with other people.”

Tom Gaines, leader of the Bothell, WA, “Juggle for Fun” club says their 25 member group (many of them at the festival) is sponsored by their city’s parks and recreation department. “We get together every week to enjoy juggling, and teach the art to folks in our community.”

Eight-year old Maya Leshikar practices riding the unicycle.

We ask Gaines to reveal the secret of juggling. “Being willing to pick up the balls after you drop them, and try again,” he advises with a knowing smile.

By the time we leave, airspace in the Reed College gym is cluttered with balls, beanbags, rings, clubs, and knives – almost any item one can catch, then throw.

Although early in the morning, the Reed College gym is a juggling jungle.

Most of practitioners demonstrate professional proficiency and perform with great dexterity. But we see – even the best of them – occasionally stoop over, pick ’em up, and try again.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

Take a look at this little story and you’ll find another reason to thank a Portland firefighter next time you see one …

Although the grease fire was raging, firefighters were able to knock down the blaze quickly and limit the fire damage to the kitchen area.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
It’s a cook’s worst nightmare – a grease fire out of control. On October 21, a resident at the home on the corner of SE Division Street and SE 130th Avenue found this out when he stepped away from the stove for a couple of minutes.

“I was cooking, and the fire started,” the gentleman told us. “I left French fries cooking on the stove; the oil started burning.”

The homeowner escaped without injury; he was alone in the house at the time. He said he’d like to leave the cooking to his wife, but she’s temporarily out of town attending school.

This fire was estimated to cause $75,000 worth of damage to the home.

Rapid response saves home
“Firefighters from Station 7 were dispatched at 4:43 p.m. and arrived at 4:47 p.m.,” Portland Fire & Rescue’s spokesman, Lt. Allen Oswalt told us. “Other units also came to make sure we had enough equipment and personnel on hand to knock down this fire.”

We asked how and why the fire started.

“Your stove is capable of bringing cooking oil to auto-ignition temperature,” explained Oswalt. “This means the oil will burst into flame with a spark or ignition source. If the oil boils over onto the flame, the temperature can be even lower.”

What lesson can be learned?

“Never put pots or pans on the stove – especially ones that contain cooking oil – and walk away. Your life, and the lives of your family, depends on it.”

Oswalt said investigators estimated the total loss at $75,000.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

Last season, the Parkrose High thespians showed us how entertaining Shakespeare could be with their production of “Romeo & Juliet”. See why you and your family will enjoy seeing this show …

In the upcoming production of Shakespeare’s “The Comedy of Errors” Jason Mc Ghee plays Angeo; Paris Mayhew is Luciana; and Bret Atwood plays Aegeon.

Story and photo by David F. Ashton
Many folks have avoided plays by 16th century playwright William Shakespeare, fearing they won’t understand “old English” and can’t understand the story, or they believe that stories written so long ago just can’t be relevant.

But, with their production of “Romeo & Juliet” last spring, Parkrose High School Thespian Troupe #1783 showed audiences how compelling and pertinent Shakespeare’s works can be.

“We like Shakespeare!” exclaims the school’s theater instructor, Ms. Zena. “His works are really accessible, especially to teenagers.” She explains that it’s easy for both the actors and the audience to “get the drift” of his stories.

The works of Shakespeare are actually written in early modern English, Zena tells us. “Many people don’t realize this, because he wrote in a poetic form.”

Picks up the pace
Although the actors speak the words written by Shakespeare in 1594, Zena does significantly edit the plays. “In the style of the day, characters typically said the same thing three times, to three different levels of audience members. We only say it once. It picks up the pace of the play.”

Slapstick Shakespeare? Yes, indeed!
“The Comedy of Errors” tells the story of two sets of identical twins who meet up in a distant city. The play’s main characters encounter the friends and families of the second set of twins.

Having two sets of identical twins in the same place, at the same time, leads to a series of wild mishaps based on mistaken identities, wrongful accusations, and odd romantic situations.

“This play is loaded with comedy, puns, and even slapstick humor,” says Zena.

Their goal, she adds, is for their audiences to have as much fun watching Shakespeare as they have presenting it. From what we’ve seen in a sneak-peek at a rehearsal, both the Parkrose High staging and costuming are as colorful as is the story.

Bringing this full-stage production to life are 35 actors in colorful costuming – including a two-person donkey. “This is definitely a family event. Come, and you’ll discover how entertaining works of Shakespeare truly are,” Zena urges, as the cast plans their movements for a portion for the play.

The show runs two weekends
The Parkrose High School Thespian Troupe #1783 presents “The Comedy of Errors” on November 1 and 2, and on Nov. 7, 8 and 9. The curtain goes up at 7:00 p.m. Or, see a special 2:00 p.m. matinee performance on Saturday, November 3.

If you haven’t attended an event at the Parkrose High School Theater, (12003 NE Shaver Street, at NE 122nd Avenue), you’ll be impressed when you walk in this modern facility. Theatre operations manager Terry Franceschi, and his crew of 20 student theatrical technicians provide professional lighting, sound, and staging.

Tickets are only $8 for adults and $5 for students and seniors. Call (503) 408-2718 for tickets or more information.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

Learn why this retired Realtor decided to start a business group with a spiritual premise …

Charly Kenyon, founder and executive director of “Christian Chamber of Commerce of the Northwest” is dipping into the chocolate fountain provided by Blue Mango Catering. The evening’s MC, Lorna Dobberstein, is in the background.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Earlier this month, we were intrigued when Arlene McClean, of Work Smarter, invited us to the first meeting of a Christian chamber of commerce being established in the area.

When we arrived, we found a sizable group gathered. Business people gave their self-introduction, and told a little about their businesses.

The gathered folks then dined on snacks and perused information provided by area business people in the great hall at the Rivercrest Community Church, 3201 NE 148th Ave.

As at most neighborhood business association and chamber meetings, self-introductions help attendees get to know one another.

Inspired by a ‘download from God’
Charly Kenyon, founder and executive director of “Christian Chamber of Commerce of the Northwest”, took a moment to tell us about this new organization and how it started.

“I’m a brand new Christian,” Kenyon began. “I was praying for my calling and got a ‘download from God’ one night. I woke up in the middle of the night and thought of a Christian Chamber of Commerce.”

In the morning, Kenyon says she searched online for the term “Christian chamber of commerce” and found a few around the country. She said she located an international organization; also two groups in Florida.

“I called the representatives from the groups in Ft. Meyers and Orlando. They both have hundreds of members,” continued Kenyon. “They both encouraged me to keep going and make it happen.”

With a background in sales and marketing – and being a Realtor for 30 years – Kenyon said she’d attended many chamber groups. “I just felt there should be a Christian chamber, where we don’t have to suppress our faith.”

TJ Reilly and Bill Nelson talk with Jon Turino of Farmer’s Insurance at the chamber’s inaugural event.

First event draws large turnout
The large meeting room was comfortably full; we were told about 70 people came to the first event. “I was hoping that ten tables would be sponsored,” Kenyon commented, “but we sold 29 tables. I think there is a lot of good networking going on tonight. My daughter is the caterer; she booked a dinner for 35 people for January. People are doing business with each other.”

When we asked Kenyon why this is important to her, she replied, “My slogan is, ‘If all else is equal, wouldn’t you rather do business with a Christian business owner or individual?'”

Next event is November 1
Their next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, November 1 from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM at Acapulco Restaurant, 10566 SE Washington St. $12.00 includes buffet, non-alcoholic beverage and tip. They ask you bring cash or check made out to Christian Chamber. Seating is limited, so please RSVP to (503) 320-9373.

For more information, see them online at www.christianchambernorthwest.com

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

See why Portland City Commissioner Randy Leonard came by personally to pick up their “rent check” for the next year …

Chairs of East Portland Neighborhoods applaud Portland City Commissioner Randy Leonard when he arrives at the first annual celebration of the group’s new coalition office.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
For years, the East Portland Neighborhood Office (EPNO) was hidden away in offices located behind the Portland Police Bureau’s East Precinct. Space was tight, and there was no room to expand.

And, it looked as if EPNO was about to get a rent hike – sapping funds that could be used to aid direct neighborhood programs.

The solution for their office problem came from an unexpected source: A Portland City Commissioner, Randy Leonard. A year ago, Leonard arranged for EPNO to move into the former offices of the Hazelwood Water District, nearly rent-free.

East Portland Neighbors executive Ray Hites, presents the “rent check” for the EPNO offices to Portland City Commissioner Randy Leonard.

Rent comes due
When the EPNO neighborhood chairs met for their monthly session in October, the atmosphere was festive. They were celebrating their first year in their new location – a building that they say has worked out well for them.

Because the coalition’s office is owned by the Portland Water Bureau, their new “landlord” – Commissioner Leonard – came by to pick up the rent check.

Judging from the expression on his face, the warm greeting Leonard received from the group surprised him.

After being presented with the official rent check – in the amount of $24.00, a dollar per month for two years – Leonard recounted how this successful relocation took place.

“One of the first things I did when Portland Water Bureau was put in my portfolio,” Leonard said, “was to ask for a listing of all bureau-owned properties, such as where the EPNO office now resides. They didn’t have one.”

The commissioner described how they created a property manager position filled by professional property manager Tom Klutz. “He organized and identified unused properties that could be put to good use.”

EPNO chairs presented Leonard with a Thank You card. “This is so sweet,” Leonard responded.

Turns fenced field into neighborhood park
“What we’ve done here proves that you don’t have to lock up public spaces,” Leonard said, referring to the once-fenced grounds that became Portland’s first “HydroPark”. “Responsible community members taking care of this building – and responsible neighbors looking after the park – are every bit as good as tall fences and security guards. It is a great deal for everybody.”

Hazelwood Chair Arlene Kimura told the commissioner, “The neighbors across the street say they’re so pleased that this property has turned into a place for positive activities. They don’t have to worry about bums using the open space for illegal purposes.”

Glenn Taylor, Powellhurst-Gilbert’s Chair, added, “And folks don’t have to use a 4-wheel drive to get down the road, since the city improved NE 117th Avenue.”

Ross Monn, Wilkes, gives Commissioner Leonard a list of the dozens of organizations that have used the new EPNO offices for meetings and trainings.

More than a coalition office
“I feel ecstatic about this evening,” Leonard told us, as he enjoyed a delicious light meal catered by Wilkes chair Ross Monn. “I remember walking through this building when it was a boarded-up vacant storage facility. Now it is a center of community activity in East Portland.”

Asked what the evening’s celebration meant to him, Leonard replied, “I’m a nuts-and-bolts, on-the-ground kind of project person. This is the kind of thing I love to see done. It is such a common-sense thing to do. Honestly, this is one of the high points of my career.”

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

Why are there so many serious vehicle accidents along this avenue? See how this team of PDOT experts and neighbors are develop an action plan to make driving and walking safer …

Project manager Rich Newlands of PDOT’s Project Management Division shows a map indicating the “danger zones” along 82nd Avenue of Roses to the working committee.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
A group of concerned citizens gathers in a classroom at Portland Community College SE Center every couple of weeks to discuss just one topic: Making 82nd Avenue of Roses a safer place to walk and drive.

Before the formal discussion, we have the opportunity to speak with our friend from PDOT, project manager Rich Newlands, with the bureau’s Project Management Division.

“We’re here to continue discussion with the community about this new tool we’re developing,” Newlands begins.

The “tool” to which Newlands refers is the “82nd Avenue of Roses Safety Corridor Action Plan”.

He says they’re borrowing a concept developed by ODOT to more quickly respond to safety issues on state highways; but it’s never before been used in the City of Portland.

“Typically, people are familiar with transportation projects where we’re looking at a lot of issues,” Newlands continues. “It takes a lot of time to identify the things we might want to accomplish through the planning process. Then, we need to find the money to implement them.”

Streamlining the process
This is different, the project manager explains. “We’re focusing on safety issues using the tools we know we can use, and which are readily available – and for which we have readily-identified funding. The idea is to make sure there is good consensus on the issues and identify the tools, so we can start implementing the programs in a relatively short period of time.”

James Chasse, representing Powellhurst Gilbert, and Kathryn Notson from South Tabor neighborhoods, together look over the issues and programs their PDOT representatives are proposing.

Pedestrian crossing example
“Surveys we’ve done in the last few months indicate public concern about pedestrian crossing safety. In response to this, we’d like to start constructing pedestrian refuge islands.”

Another rapid-response tactic is enhanced law enforcement, Newlands adds. “We can ask the Portland Police Bureau to reallocate their traffic enforcement in certain areas, for certain issues we deem to be important, which come out of this planning process.”

Gaining community consensus
While traffic planners believe they’ve identified important issues, “We want to make sure we have it right, as far as the community is concerned. We have data – like intersections with the highest incidents of crashes.

“But, we want to make sure the community feels we’re focusing our resources correctly, and using the correct tools,” says Newlands.

Next steps in the process
After stakeholders sign off on the issues and proposed solutions, their next step is to coordinate with all the agencies with whom they’ll work to implement the plan.

“We need to make sure they’re on-board,” concludes Newlands. “Then, when we take it for approval to the Portland City Council, we’ll be ready to go, upon approval. Early next year, we’ll go to city council. Shortly after, in the spring, you’ll start seeing the programs getting underway and being implemented.”

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

From the “Control Cell” at PDX, to a suburban hospital, to Portland’s 911 Center – and even to David Douglas High School – you’ll see exclusive photos and stories about the “TOPOFF 4” drill carried on across the greater Portland area, right here …

Getting a “peek behind the magic curtain”, we’re allowed to take a look at the “Venue Control Cell”, located in the main ballrooms at Portland Airport Sheraton Hotel.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
For all of the publicity thrust upon the local media, most folks in the greater Portland area saw only brief snippets about the Department of Homeland Security’s largest disaster simulation exercise to date — “TOPOFF 4” — held in the metro area, during the week of October 15.

We went to a press briefing as the full-scale exercise began on Monday, and learned that three locations are involved in a single, overarching scenario taking place in Arizona, Guam, and Oregon.

We were issued an official TOPOFF 4 press credential, and learn that our ability to visit any of the events will be strictly controlled.

Jeremy Greenberg, the program manager with Department of Homeland Security, briefs the press on the day before the “bomb” explodes.

“The reason for doing this,” explained Jeremy Greenberg, the program manager with Department of Homeland Security, “is that it helps governments, at all levels, to prepare to respond to a single type of event.”

The “event” described by Greenberg was the explosion of a “dirty bomb” on the Steel Bridge in downtown Portland. Such a device, if detonated by terrorists, isn’t intended to do great physical damage – but instead, to spew a deadly cloud of radioactive material into the air. The actual “ground zero” for this exercise was moved to Portland International Raceway, where officials built a simulated Steel Bridge from scaffolding.

The three key concepts, said Greenberg, were “prevention, protection, and response recovery”. “During the day, we expect 4,500 participants playing, controlling and evaluating the exercise here in Portland. It runs 24-hours a day through Friday.”

From their hidden location, drill controllers purposely add in unexpected contingencies, to test the ability of agencies to respond to changing conditions.

Connections to East Portland
First, the “Venue Control Cell” – the hidden-away controllers who actually run TOPOFF 4 – was located in the grand ballroom at the Portland Airport Sheraton Hotel.

The room was lined with rows of conference tables, at which sat “event play controllers”, calling the shots during the exercise.

“These exercises are as realistic as we can possibility get,” said Greenberg, “whether manmade or natural. Having the opportunity to learn and evaluate our capabilities in peacetime is a phenomenal chance to see what works, what doesn’t and where we can correct ourselves.”

BOOM!
On October 16, all across Portland, in the scenario, the city reeled from the effects of a nuclear radiation-laced high explosive device detonation. City, county and federal agencies worked with frantic precision to deal with the physical damage – and more importantly – with the thousands of civilian causalities.

To those participating in the 2007 TopOff exercises, designed to test the area’s disaster response system, the simulated event was played out as if Portland were under attack by terrorist villains.

Wearing radiation-resistant protective garb are registered nurse Kate Arendt, James Sobocinski of Hospital Security, and emergency room technician Josh Spano. Their role is to evaluate “patients” as they come into Providence Milwaukie Hospital. The close-up shows Sobocinski holding his functional, 1950s era radiation detector.

Disaster radiates to SE Portland
Even though the bomb went off downtown, Milwaukie Providence hospital in Southeast was activated as a disaster medical response site.

“Any time there is a regional disaster, patients are disbursed so they can get prompt care,” explained Steven Fletcher, Community Relations manager with Providence Health and Services.

“The larger hospitals will get really busy and quickly fill up. They’ll triage patents, and disburse them to locations elsewhere, such as Providence Milwaukie, where they can receive immediate care.”

In the case of a widespread release of radioactive material, Fletcher added, citizens suffering ill effects from the blast site would be routed directly to the hospital. “We’re not a trauma center, but our fully-equipped emergency center can accept critically injured patents.”

This “patient” says she was in her house when the “bomb” went off. “I’m concerned about my dog. Can you help my dog?” They did.

Full emergency gear stored on site
The decontamination unit, medical ward tents, protective gear, and special emergency equipment used in this drill weren’t shipped in for this exercise, says Environmental Services Manager, Tina Seely a member of the hospital’s Emergency Preparedness Committee.

“All of it was purchased through grants, and belongs to the hospital. The equipment is stored on-site. When a disaster with mass causalities happens, it is all right here – we’re ready to respond within hours.”

The temporary emergency ward fills with “patients” – some are considered acutely ill or injured; others are considered to be suffering from emotional distress, in the emergency scenario.

Lents emergency communication center activated
The following day, we’re permitted to visit the now-heavily-fortified Bureau of Emergency Communications (BOEC), located just east of the Tri-Met bus yard off SE Powell Boulevard, in the Lents Neighborhood.

We’re met at the door by BOEC’s public information officer, Todd DeWeese.

“It is business as usual on the 9-1-1 side,” DeWeese tells us, as a group of reporters crowd around. “We have real-world dispatching going and, at the same time, a smaller center dispatching for the TOPOFF 4 disaster simulation.”

Looking unruffled, DeWeese says BOEC “actually has the easiest part of the drill. We do this every day. Whether simulated or real – we’re trained to accurately take in information, then, dispatch the required services.

“TopOff is good practice. This helps locate the communication problem spots that might crop up during a real emergency situation. This brings all of the agencies involved – hundreds of them – together in this drill. We have different levels of decision-makers here, in this building,” DeWeese says.

Mayor Tom Potter sits in the BOEC Disaster Policy Council room, our first stop on the tour.

At different times during the exercise, the mayor, transportation director, fire chief, police chief, city attorney, and city auditor direct the handling of the disaster occupy the room.

The Emergency Communications Center is the information exchange center that POEM sets up to deal with large-scale, city-wide disasters.

Next, we tour the Emergency Communications Center.

Ordinarily, this large room is used as the training center for BOEC staffmembers. But, for the purposes of the TopOff exercise this week, it was the disaster drill’s main coordination center.

Portland Police Bureau’s spokesperson, Sgt. Brian Schmautz, confers with his counterparts in the Emergency Communications Center during the training exercise.

“This room is activated by POEM,” explained the bureau’s spokesman, Kerry Dugan. “All of the equipment used here is stored on-site, so it is ready to go. It takes about an hour to get it operational; it’s refined over time, based on the type of disaster or situation we face.”

Here in the Liaison Office, information officers for agencies help disseminate important information to the public.

Next, we walk downstairs to the Emergency Communications Liaison Office. It serves as an “information switchboard” during disasters.

“We have public information officers down in this room – it supports the upstairs communications room,” says Dugan. “We have liaisons here from transportation, the Oregon National Guard, Red Cross, NET teams – and amateur (“ham”) radio operator volunteers. If we need to reach someone at any agency or bureau, these people can get in touch with them quickly.

Having a blast at David Douglas High

Agencies involved in the David Douglas High event evaluate the mass-causality screening exercise held at the school.

On September 18, a mass-screening event takes place at David Douglas High School.

“It looked like a thousand people standing in line in a room – followed by a photo-opportunity featuring the Governor, Mayor, Defense Secretary Chertoff and other officials,” the school’s Principal, Randy Hutchinson, tells us when we arrived on scene.

“Here, we are set up to take care of 1,000 people who were exposed to a cloud of radioactive people who were exposed to a ‘dirty bomb’ explosion near downtown Portland,” said Hutchinson.

David Douglas High School principal Randy Hutchinson, here with some of the school’s 1,100 students who participated in the TOPOFF 4 mass-causality screening exercise.

These “patients” would have been indirectly contaminated – or thought they might be contaminated – and were directed to be checked at a processing center, that was set up in the school’s south cafeteria, he added.

The Principal says 1,100 students – about a third of the David Douglas High student body – participated in the drill. “All this, and we managed to educate the other two-thirds of our students.”

Many of David Douglas High’s Health Sciences Career Path students helped triage the participants. “Some of our kids also served as interpreters for a variety of languages that are spoken in this area,” added Hutchinson.

Says drill is worth the effort
Will the time, money and effort expended on this massive disaster drill pay off? The Portland-area officials with whom we spoke say it probably will.

Providence Milwaukie Hospital’s Fletcher reflected the sentiments we heard across East Portland: “This exercise is as good for us as it is for the federal, state, and local responding agencies.

“It helps us better prepare ourselves in case the unthinkable happens. We’re going to be reviewing this drill during the next few days. We’ll be finding out what we did right, and what we can do better at – so, if it happens in real life, we’ll be able to take care of our citizens.”

Multnomah County Chair Ted Wheeler had to “face the press” and report on how the “dirty bomb” was affecting county services – and his agencies’ response. He did very well, by the way …

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service