Discover why their educational concept is a far cry from “high school shop class”! See how their idea can turn potential high-school flunk-outs into good citizens – with well-paying jobs …

In this building on NE 158th Avenue, the Academy of Architecture, Construction & Engineering will open its doors to students in September, 2008.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
After a distinguished career in education, including being the Superintendent of Parkrose School District for eight years until his retirement in June, Michael Taylor earned the right to put his feet up and relax.

But loafing isn’t in Taylor’s nature. He’s on to his next challenge: Creating a charter school in outer East Portland.

Speaking before the Parkrose Business Association, Taylor, and Oregon Business Congress (OBC) executive director Dr. Richard O’Connor, PhD, outlined their plan to open the “Academy of Architecture, Construction & Engineering (ACE)”.

Four years in the making
“We were approached by the Oregon Building Congress about creating a construction industry related academy four years ago,” Taylor began. “Because the building we were considering was located in Portland, we had to secure the charter through Portland Public Schools. It didn’t work out.”

Michael Taylor (sitting in his new office at the school) says he didn’t give up on the construction academy idea, even though they were spurned by Portland Public Schools four years ago.

But the idea so intrigued Taylor, he kept working on it.

“Terry Kneisler, Superintendent of the Reynolds School District, and I went back to OBC and told them that we’re still interested. Reynolds, Centennial, Parkrose, and Gresham-Barlow School Districts are the educational partners in the academy.”

Hybrid program provides skills and social life
“Public high schools are idealistic. Schools don’t necessarily want to produce laborers. They are about ‘opening doors’, and introducing students to opportunities and possibilities,” Taylor said.

“High schools do well at providing general education. And kids need the social engagement they get in a public high school,” he went on. “But they don’t do well connecting education to the ‘real’ world.”

ACE students will get the best of both worlds, Taylor explained, because they attend the academy – and their “home” high school – on alternate days.

The building that will house the ACE Academy is fully-equipped with modern classrooms and spacious construction laboratory areas.

Not reinventing the wheel
Instead of creating the school from scratch, Taylor said they modeled the ACE academy on East County’s Center for Advanced Learning (CAL).

“CAL provides training in manufacturing, information technology, and the medical professions. The idea of a charter school wrapped around the construction trades makes sense.”

While the new academy’s concept is unique, Taylor says, “What is different is how this partnership is coming together. Typically, the schools are the majority partner; in this case, they’ve agreed to be minority partners.”

More than shop classes
“The concept of specialized learning academies really makes sense,” explained Taylor, “because many students don’t have the money or desire to get a college degree.

“But because of the diverse training available at ACE, students may come in thinking they will learn to swing a hammer, but end up leaving as graduates who want to become architects.”

Richard O’Connor, Oregon Building Congress, says this new charter school will help students earn family-wage jobs, plus provide able workers for the construction trades.

OBC: Ten years of construction education
OBC’s Executive Director, Richard O’Connor, told us, “The organization was created in 1921, and has successfully dealt with industry issues. In more recent years, it searched for a mission; it was like a ‘hammer looking for a nail’ until we developed the ‘Building Futures’ educational program.”

About 10 years ago, OBC started working with high schools, helping them create “construction academies”. They created teacher development programs that integrated construction skills with traditional math and English courses.

Since their “Building Futures” program connects academics with real-life job skills, O’Connor continued, “Kids become jazzed about taking more math courses and finishing high school. Upon graduation, many students took more schooling and entered trade apprenticeships.”

“We’ve successfully worked with more than a thousand teachers,” confided O’Connor. “Because our courses were provided by top industry professionals, the teachers rate our program highly. Although the ACE academy is brand new, OBC has a wealth of educational experience.”

Richard O’Connor, Oregon Building Congress, presents one of their two “Educator of the Year” awards to the Michel Taylor, the new Executive Director of ACE academy. Although not shown, Terry Kneisler, Reynolds School District Superintendent, was also named “Educator of the Year” for his work in establishing the ACE Academy charter school.

Fills needs of industry and workers
At the Oregon Building Congress’ annual meeting, held this year at the site of the new ACE academy on October 10, O’Connor told us there are three reasons why this new charter school fills an urgent need.

“Construction is the fasting growing industry in this area In addition to construction workers, engineers and architects are also in short supply.

“Secondly, this education will provide solid, family-wage jobs to graduates. Graduates will have new choices: They can go directly into the construction trades or pursue technical or managerial careers.

“Finally, consider this. East County has the highest poverty rate in the greater Portland area. We think this school can be an engine for economic development.”

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

See what happens when a neighborhood and business association team up to host their first joint neighborhood party …

Raydene Taylor, volunteer with the Montavilla Neighborhood Association, serves up delicious, freshly baked-from-scratch pie, donated to the event by the Bipartisan Café on SE Stark Street in Montavilla.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
One of the fun community activities we do is being the master of ceremonies for outer East Portland Events. The first annual Montavilla International Festival held in September was a truly delightful and colorful event.

The event’s coordinator, Natalie Ullman, an intern with Southeast Uplift, was supported by volunteers from the Montavilla Neighborhood and Montavilla/East Tabor Business Association. Together, they produced a great event at Portland Community College SE Center.

Community groups, and representatives from city and county agencies, provide a wealth of information to attendees.

Young dancers from the Society for Haitian Arts and Culture provide rhythmic entertainment.

Ullman told us there were two ideas behind this event: Building a stronger network among residents, businesses, and cultural centers; and, through dialogue, finding ways the Montavilla Neighborhood Association can better serve the community.

The Montavilla International Festival’s aim was to provide a networking event for residents, churches, businesses, cultural centers, and other organizations; as well as a celebration of the growing cultural diversity of the Montavilla neighborhood.

The class of Master Brown from Kim’s Taekwon-do – offering instruction at the Montavilla Community center for 14 years – demonstrate their skills.

Tateyanna Parente (seated) and Natalia Hougen play and sing Russian, folk, and Gypsy romantic compositions during their lively program.

The hundreds of folks who came to the festivities enjoyed international-themed foods, live music, and information from fifteen organizations.

The Montavilla Community Center provided activities at a kids’ table; and we ourselves were treated to a high-energy martial-arts demonstration.

Dan Bechtold, serving up special “red hots” from Edelweiss Sausage & Deli.

Jared Oaks, Flying Pie Pizzeria in Montavilla, gives pizza-dough-tossing lessons.

Bringing eclectic music that ranges from folk rock to indie soul to jazz-influenced blues is Acoustic Minds, with Jenni and Amanda Price on vocals; Jeremy Serwer on vocals and acoustic/electric guitar; Chris Chard on bass; Rod Nightingale on drums; and Dave Jorgenson on the keyboard.

The community event was funded by a grant from SE Uplift, a non-profit organization that provides support and technical assistance to 20 southeast neighborhoods, to increase public outreach.

Was the event a success? Our guess is yes; they’re already planning for their next International Festival in September, 2008.

Retiring owner of “the” neighborhood market in Montavilla, Errol Carlson, is presented with an “award for service and dedication to the community” – including hosting numerous parades, by Alema McCray, President of the Montavilla/East Tabor Business Association.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

If you believe outer East Portland issues are getting lost in City and County bureaucracy, learn about this opportunity to meet directly with Mayor Tom Potter and Chair Ted Potter to hatch strategies to improve livability east of 82nd Avenue of Roses …

City of Portland Planning Bureau’s Barry Manning, the East Portland Liaison, says the “Action Plan” is an effort improve livability – both long and short term.

Story and photo by David F. Ashton
When it was announced that the City of Portland and Multnomah County were putting together an “East Portland Action Plan and Committee”, we called the coordinator, City of Portland Planning Bureau’s Barry Manning, the East Portland Liaison, to ask about it.

Specifically, we asked Manning, in light of “visionPDX”, and the planning of town halls for transportation and other topics, why we need yet another committee…?

“Here is the chance for members of the outer East Portland community to work with elected officials, and agency staff, on actions that can help shape the future and livability of outer East Portland,” Manning told us.

The committee, Manning went on, will look at both long- and short-term actions, programs, and improvements. “The city of Portland has a small budget allocation to address some short-term actions this year. The community will identify the ones that are most pressing. In the long term, it is an opportunity for the community to air concerns and set priorities.”

Because this committee meets with both City of Portland and Multnomah County officials, Manning added, “This is an opportunity to coordinate programs from various agencies to work together, to benefit neighbors in outer East Portland.”

Multnomah County Chair Ted Wheeler and Portland Mayor Tom Potter say the new process will help improve the livability of outer East Portland by coordinating agency efforts.

Topics open for discussion include:

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

While the committee meeting schedule is still being formulated, Manning said it is expected to meet monthly from October 2007 to about May 2008, with subcommittees that may meet more frequently.

Don’t complain! Get involved!
Apply now; they’re looking to hear from potential participants by October 12.

For an application, CLICK HERE. Then, click on the “East Portland Action Plan” link.

“Call me at (503) 823-7965 if you have questions about this effort or the committee or process,” said Manning. “We’re putting together a group that includes State Representative Jeff Merkley. We envision the committee as a mix of community members, elected officials, and agency representatives working together on problem-solving and improvement strategies for East Portland.”

Or, come to the Midland Business Association meeting on October 9 and talk with Barry Manning in person. They meet at 11:45 at PIZZA BARON on SE 122nd Avenue, just south of SE Division Street.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

You see listings for the Ladybug Theater every month in our Community Calendar. See some of the treasures sold in this most unusual yard sale …

Buying pieces of Portland theatrical history, Ladybug Theater garage sale patrons Stacey and Jon Maurer, from the Richmond neighborhood, hold “Uncle Sam” and “Tom Thumb”. Troupe founder, Michele Earley, is also selling them “The Bald Guy” – and Janell Collier, a Ladybug actress for 26 years, holds the show signs.

Story and photo by David F. Ashton
In an effort to clean out the Ladybug Theater warehouse, founder and impresario Michele Earley held a “garage sale” to make room for new theatrical materials in late September.

As customers browsed through old Ladybug Theater costumes, props, set furnishings, and puppets, at the sale in Ladd’s Addition, Earley told us, “The proceeds will benefit our 40-year-old children’s theater troupe.”

You and your young ones can enjoy Ladybug Theater presentations at Sellwood’s SMILE Station. Check our Community Calendar for times and dates.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

How many hippies can you crowd into Sellwood Riverfront Park? Take a look; you’ll see what happened at this year’s location of this annual cannabis fest …

It doesn’t come as a surprise to many that Portland City Commissioner Sam Adams is running for mayor. But you might be interested to see who introduced him at his kick off party …

Standing in the crowd, Sam Adams listens as Portland City Commissioner Randy Leonard and County Commissioner Maria Rojo de Steffey introduce him.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
One of the most poorly-kept secrets in Portland politics was revealed on October 3, when Portland City Commissioner Sam Adams announced that he is running for the office of Mayor.

We wondered why the event was held in the relatively small pub at Roots Organic Brewing Company on SE 7th Avenue, just south of SE Hawthorne Boulevard — until the owner started off the proceedings by telling how Adams and Commissioner Randy Leonard had helped him cut through the city’s red tape to open his business.

Standing on a chair at one end of the below-street-grade-pub, Portland City Commissioner Randy Leonard gave the “warm up introduction”. Packed so tightly was the crowd, we couldn’t get around the corner to snap a photo of Leonard speaking!

“I have the pleasure of sitting next to this man (pointing to Adams) on the Portland City Council,” Leonard began. “Sam Adams has spunk. He has conviction. I admire elected officials who have conviction, because having conviction isn’t always how you keep your job. “Conviction is doing what you think is right when others don’t support it. Sam, I really appreciate that about you.”

Stepping up after the introductions, Sam Adams acknowledges his sister and mother (in the background).

The crowd’s cheer was deafening.

“We have a lot to do,” Leonard continued. “We have grown tremendously since Vera Katz was mayor. We have taken up issues we’ve needed to, under Mayor Tom Potter. In many ways, we’ve prepared a road map to move forward. The city must move forward. My energy and commitment – and I’m [also] speaking for Commissioner Erik Sten who could not be here – my energy and commitment is to help elect Sam Adams as Mayor of Portland. He is the guy that is going to lead the city to a place in which all of us will be proud to live.”

Adams addresses the public, for the first time, as a mayoral candidate.

Next up was Multnomah County Commissioner Maria Rojo de Steffey. She kept her remarks brief:

“A number of years ago when Sam was running for Portland City Council, I had the honor of introducing him at an event. The words I used were, ‘Hi, I’m Maria Maria Rojo de Steffey and I’m not running for City Council. But my good friend Sam Adams is.’ So, tonight I’d like to say, ‘Hi, I’m Maria Rojo de Steffey and I’m not running for Mayor, my good friend, Sam Adams, is.’ Thank you.”

The crowd applauded and cheered as Adams mounted the chair so he could be seen by those in attendance. He acknowledged his mother and sister, who came for the event.

Adams waves to a crowd of well-wishers at his campaign’s kick-off event.

“I’m running because I’m willing to face the tough problems that face our city,” Adams announced to the throng of cheering supporters. “We must protect what we love about our city; we must be willing to have the courage to change those things that need to be changed. We need to have a mayor with insight and experience to know the difference, and the tenacity to get the job done.”

Because no other well-known candidate has yet thrown a hat into the ring, some speculate Sam Adams may be strolling through – not running – the coming race to be Portland’s next Mayor.

Did we mention that the room was crowded?

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

It looks like something you’d see in a National Geographic magazine! Take a look at the opening-day ceremonies …

In the center of the neatly-manicured grounds stands the temple, soon to be dedicated and put into use.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Although it covers a couple of acres, the newly completed Buddhist temple compound which officially opened in Southeast Portland at 8318 SE Harney Street isn’t easy to see from SE 82nd Avenue of Roses.

But, seeing so many vehicles parked on area streets for blocks around signaled that a major event was taking place here, just inside the southern border of the City of Portland.

Buddhist monks and dignitaries, some from as far away as California and Canada, came to attend the dedication ceremony.

We can’t tell you much of what was said during the ceremony on September 23; almost all of the formal proceedings were conducted in Vietnamese.

An interpreter told us that monks were bringing greetings from their temples from points in North America and around the world. They wished peace and long lives for the monks who are staying in the newly-completed monastery.

As the proceedings continued, the scent of a fresh vegetarian banquet being prepared filled the air.

Portland Mayor Tom Potter addresses the group, estimated at 1,500, during the formal dedication ceremony.

Portland’s mayor speaks
We did clearly understand, however, when Portland Mayor Tom Potter took the stage and addressed the gathering.

“This is a very special inauguration,” began Potter. “It is a great honor for me to have the opportunity to participate today. I thank the honorable Buddhist monk, Myhn Tin, and the other monks, and the Oregon Vietnamese Community Association, for including me in today’s celebration.

“On behalf of the City of Portland, the City of Roses, I want to congratulate the Buddhist community on this magnificent accomplishment. It never ceases to amaze me what can be built through the hard work and support of individuals and organizations in our community.

“This temple is truly a grand example of what can be accomplished when people come together. Events like this are important in promoting and facilitating the understanding of the rich and diverse cultures of this region.

“Oregon’s Vietnamese community is nearly 30,000 strong, with a significant number having chosen to make Portland their home. The Vietnamese community continues to make significant contributions to the culture, and the religious, political, and business life of the City of Portland. And, we are richer for it. You are a valuable part of our community. As your mayor, I’m privileged to celebrate with you today. Congratulations, and peace.”

The dedication, in pictures

Dancers begin the Lion Dance and Dragon Dance at the end of the formal ceremony, leading guests to the temple steps.

At the temple’s entrance, the crowd of celebrants pack tightly together, each trying to catch of glimpse of the ribbon cutting. Mayor Tom Potter can be seen in the distance.

Strings of firecrackers – thousands of firecrackers – are lit, as is their tradition, to frighten away malicious spirits.

A view inside the grand temple.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

It’s no bull!
See why these kids were so happy to hear the “Story of Ferdinand” at this special library Story Time …

These kids and parents joined in the “Read for the Record” campaign at Midland Library and got to take home a new copy of the book, “The Story of Ferdinand”, after reading it with youth librarian Sue Ciesielski (back row, left side).

Story and photo by David F. Ashton
Just two weeks ago, Midland Library’s Story Time was a very special occasion – even if some of the participants were too young to know why.

“Today, all over the country, groups of kids are reading ‘The Story of Ferdinand’ (the Bull) by Monroe Leaf,” explained Midland’s youth librarian Sue Ciesielski. “It’s part of a program called ‘Read for the Record’ put on by an organization called JumpStart.”

By reading “The Story of Ferdinand” together on Sept 20, Ciesielski went on, the Midland Library group joined the effort to break the record for the largest “shared reading experience” ever — 150,000 people — set on August 24, 2006, as part of a movie promotion in which several of our local schools participated.

“The story was a little longer story than our preschool Story Time kids are used to. But, they were very attentive,” said Ciesielski.

At the end of Story Time, each of the children registered their participation in the event. And, they all got a free copy of the book to take home for their very own. The smiles on their faces indicated how much they liked both the story — and their new book.

That afternoon, the library held a bilingual “Read for the Record” in both English and Spanish.

According to JumpStart, a national nonprofit organization that engages preschool children from low-income communities in an intensive early education program, the day was a success. Nationwide, the event had the documented participation of 258,000 readers.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

Look how five years of volunteer effort turned an
llegal dumpsite into a natural “pocket park” …

Working Wilkes Creek natural area is Cameron Packaham, an Eagle Scout from Troop 613, along with his dad, Kevin Kackham, and brother Kohler.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
When it started out, the lot at 3655 NE 154th Avenue, just south of NE Sandy Boulevard, was an illegal dump.

“The lot was covered with a giant blackberry thicket,” the neighborhood chair of Wilkes Community Group, Ross Monn, told us at the site, “And was full of all kinds of refuse.”

We recall photographing volunteers hauling out tires, appliances, and other discarded materials when the project began five years ago. “We’ve taken out invasive plant species, and planted native growth,” commented Monn.

A shy volunteer rolls another wheelbarrow of wood chips across the newly-completed bridge that crosses Wilkes Creek.

Monn related to us the brief history of the project.

“This space belongs to the Wilkes Community Group neighborhood association. We got an easement through the Portland Bureau of Environmental Services, with help of Mindy Brooks, for the homeowners’ association. Then, we started lining up volunteers from SOLV to come in and start helping us with the work.

METRO grants aid efforts
The volunteers got financial help from METRO in the form of two “Nature of the Neighborhood” grants — $2,500, and later $8,500.

With these grants, the group was able to hire help for some of the more difficult or dangerous improvements. “For example, we were able to have the footbridge over Wilkes Creek professionally designed and built.”

SOLV representative Steve Kennett tells gathered celebrants he’s pleased with the result of the group effort to improve the Wilkes Creek area.

Says the effort brings pride
Before the brief dedication ceremony, we walked along the woodchip-lined, winding pathway through the trees, and talked with District 1 METRO Counselor, Rod Park.

“I see all the work done by the volunteers,” Park said, “and the pride they’re showing as they restore this area. You know this translates into a better future for Wilkes. Now that this former eyesore is being cared for, neighbors have pride in it and will keep an eye on it.”

As we crossed the newly-installed footbridge, Park recalled that the designing and building posed one of the greatest challenges.

“This project is part of what we’re trying to do at METRO; that is, ‘re-nature’ areas, bringing back a natural state to neighborhoods,” Park added.

Project called a great example
The METRO grants administrator for Nature in the Neighborhoods, Janelle Geddes, said Wilkes Creek was a community-leveraged project. “They’ve done an enormous amount of work. We estimate this project has received $21,000 worth of volunteer time donations.”

One reason why this little creek is important, Geddes told us, is that it flows directly into the Columbia Slough. “This project is truly in the spirit of our ‘Nature in the Neighborhoods’ program. This improves neighborhood livability, and at the same time, protects an important water resource.”

District 1 METRO Counselor Rod Park stands with Wilkes Community Group chair Ross Monn, as he commends the efforts of volunteers to clean up the Wilkes Creek site.

For a few minutes on the morning of September 22, volunteers from the Boy Scouts, SOLV, and the neighborhood took a break to celebrate their accomplishments. After brief remarks, within ten minutes, the volunteers were back at work.

“This is wonderful,” Monn commented. “Our neighbors get a cleaned-up natural area. And, we’re going to be doing an education program. School kids can come to see nature in the Neighborhood. This is a project of which we can be proud.”

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

Learn how this organization is working to help promote business – and public safety – in their area. And discover some of the tips that Kevin “Not your ordinary bean-counter” Minkoff CPA shared with the group …

Helping promote the idea of doing businesses, members of the Midland Business Association have printed and are distributing these promotional window clings to area stores.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Working to stimulate business in the southern area of outer East Portland, members of the Midland Business Association have started a “buy local” branding campaign in their area.

“It doesn’t make any difference whether or not businesses in our service area — from I-205 to Gresham, and SE Holgate Street north to SE Market Street — are members,” explained association president Donna Dionne. “We’re giving them all a window cling to put on their front door. More and more, neighbors will recognize that we appreciate them doing business here.”

Association president, Donna Dionne tells about the group’s plans to further promote their district.

Electronic billboard ads in December
Additionally, the group plans to buy ads on the electronic billboard at the corner of SE Division Street at SE 122nd Avenue during the holiday season. “This is another way of promoting the idea of doing business in the Midway area,” said Dionne.

These ads, she said, will direct viewers to the organization’s website, featuring merchant coupons.

Partnering for neighborhood Safety
Working with the Powellhurst-Gilbert Neighborhood Association, the business group is helping sponsor a “Safety Fair” on October 13. At the fair, residents learn safety tips from law enforcement, community and business re– learn. The business association is sponsoring free, on-site shredding.

The Safety Fair event runs from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm at Floyd Light Middle School at 10800 SE Washington St.

“Not your ordinary bean-counter” Kevin Minkoff, CPA warms up the crowd by telling the accountant jokes for which he is well known.

Better business results through accurate accounting
The featured speaker at their September meeting was Kevin Minkoff CPA.

Minkoff’s upbeat, lively presentation was filled with tips and techniques.

“My very best small business tip is this,” Minkoff began. “You already know how to use your ‘tools of your trade’ required in your business or profession. Now, learn how to use accounting tools to work on your business. These tools include financial statements, your balance statement, and profit and loss analysis.”

“Instead of always focusing on how to reduce income taxes,” Minkoff went on, “organize the financial portion of your business so you can maximize and understand the ‘big picture’ of your business – including taxes.”

While Minkoff presents information in an easy-going way, attendees got solid, practical advice.

Avoiding common tax mistakes
Minkoff suggested business people take full advantage of legal tax deductions by:

1. Keeping track of all income and expenses. “Don’t ignore cash expenses. This includes parking meter money — even newspapers dedicated to business use. Not keeping track can add up to thousands of lost expense dollars you could deduct.”

2. Prepare for an audit before you are audited, he recommends. “Keep good documentation; without it, you have no proof of transactions that might be questioned.” Unsubstantiated vehicle mileage claims are an area of abuse for which auditors look, Minkoff noted.

3. Use care accounting for independent contractors. “Make sure you send 1099 forms to your contractors. By the way, it isn’t your choice whether or not a worker can be designated as a contractor or an employee; you must follow the Oregon Department of Revenue and IRS guidelines. If the preponderance of evidence is that they are an employee, account for them as an employee.”

4. Be careful allocating business and personal expenses. “Is your ‘gear’ (car, tool, rent) really used 100% for business purposes? If not, don’t claim all of it. The goal is to be sensible. An IRS auditor should be able to look at your income and expense statement and say to himself, ‘Oh, this makes sense’.”

Minkoff tells the group he has a wealth of free information available at his web site. We checked; and he does have helpful calculators and tip lists! CLICK HERE to visit his site.

Tax tips:

• Start a New Retirement Plan for your small business — you can claim a tax credit of up to $500.
• Small business health insurance — business owners must follow separate rules for deductions, but self-employed people can deduct the cost of their health insurance on their 1040 form.
• Selling your business — consider an installment sale, to defer and save tax. “Spreading capital gains over time may put you in a lower tax bracket.”
• Pay taxes online — The IRS Electronic Federal Tax Payment System allows business owners to pay most business taxes online, eliminating paper checks and payments.

Come meet the members
Come learn all about this new business group and meet the Midland Business Association members. Visitors are always welcome; reservations aren’t required.

This month: Arleen Mcleen of Work Smarter will be the speaker. She will offer ideas to help small business folks be more efficient, to get more from their business both in profit and smooth operation.

The meeting and presentation is free (but you pay for your own lunch). The meeting runs from 11:45 AM until 1 PM at Bill Dayton’s PIZZA BARON Restaurant on SE 122nd Avenue, just south of Division Street. For more information, go to www.midwayba.com.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

Is it safe to cross? Although the bridge is rated a “2” on a federal sufficiency scale of “100” it could be years until it is replaced. We’ve got the scoop (and some neat photos) right here …

Under and around the girders, inspectors take a close look at the substructure of the Sellwood Bridge.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
As you read in our article featuring Multnomah County Chair Ted Wheeler’s remarks last week – the Sellwood Bridge is one of his four top priorities.

But, a couple of Sundays ago, surprised motorists on both side of the Willamette River who wanted to make a crossing discovered they were in for a long detour. The Sellwood Bridge was closed to vehicular traffic while it underwent an announced major inspection.

We watched as a special rig was deployed to allow inspectors to take a close-up look at the bridge’s underside. Slowly, a hanging scaffold snaked its way between girders and struts.

Although it looks precarious, inspectors ride a specially-designed rig that permits them to safely look at the underside of the bridge.

Because of their closer-than-usual examination of the Sellwood Bridge throughout the day, inspectors were able to scrutinize less than half of the structure.

“They’ve completed just 40% of the inspection,” later reported Multnomah County public affairs office official, Michael Pullen. “Inspectors will return on Sunday, October 7, to complete the inspection. This time, they’ll come back with additional manpower.”

Low-scoring bridge
Having heard that the bridge rates a “2” on a federal scale of 100, we asked Pullen why such a poorly-rated structure was allowed to carry any traffic.

“The rating is called a Bridge Sufficiency Score,” Pullen explained. “This is a measure of both structural sufficiency and how well it meets traffic demands.”

Getting an up-close look, inspectors carefully examine rivets that hold the bridge together.

Double whammy drops score
The Sellwood Bridge, Pullen went on, scores poorly in both categories. “It gets a double whammy. First, it has structural problems. And also, it performs poorly for all five transpiration modes — pedestrians, bicycles, cars trucks, and busses.”

The reason the bridge is posted for a 10-ton weight limit, explained Pullen, is to keep it from deteriorating more quickly than it already is. “This doesn’t mean a 20 ton vehicle would collapse it. It means it has less capacity to carry heavy loads.”

Inspectors will be at it again – meaning the bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic, on Sunday, Oct. 7.

Says bridge is safe
When we asked if the bridge was safe to cross, Pullen replied, “If the bridge was considered dangerous for the public to use, the county would close the bridge.”

So far, he added, inspectors haven’t detected any major problems “they didn’t know about. They are finding continuing deterioration”.

While the bridge will again be closed to vehicular traffic for the day on Sunday, October 7, the bridge sidewalk will remain open for bicyclists and pedestrians – although there could be short, intermittent delays for sidewalk users.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

At a rally last week, orchestrated as well as any we’ve seen, Oregon State Representative Jeff Merkley kicked off his campaign to replace US Senator Gordon Smith. Look who showed up to cheer him on …

Portland City Commissioner Sam Adams revs up crowd with the chant, “Who are we here for? Jeff!”

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
This article is not an endorsement – we don’t endorse candidates.

But the fact that outer East Portland resident – and David Douglas Schools graduate – Jeff Merkley is running for the US Senate seat held by Republican Gordon Smith is genuine news.

Merkley’s campaign kick-off last week was smoothly timed and impeccably produced.

We arrived promptly at 5:00 p.m.; neither Merkley nor his touring motor coach was on site. After a local band played, local progressive politicians took the stage.

Warm-up speeches by fellow Oregon legislative Democrats Diane Rosenbaum and Chip Shields began the event.

Portland City Commissioner Sam Adams whipped up the crowd with a responsive chant, “Who are we here for? Jeff! Who are we here for? Jeff!”

Adams continued, “I’m honored to have the opportunity to tell you why I’m supporting Jeff Merkley for Oregon US Senator. He is a decisive leader who will speak for this state with an authentic voice.”

Wild cheers went up from the throng that had gathered.

“The ‘G-Men’, George and Gordon, have taken us in the wrong direction. Gordon Smith votes with George Bush at almost every opportunity he has,” continued Adams. “Booooo! Jeff thinks for himself.”

Merkley’s campaign motor home rolls into view during former Governor Barbara Roberts’ speech.

Former Oregon Governor Barbara Roberts followed Adams.

Roberts addressed the crowd, “Democrats, independents and enlightened Republicans, I have the opportunity to introduce to you the next United States Senator. The decisions American voters will make in 2008 will shape our country’s future. We need an authentic voice speaking for us in Washington D.C.”

Walking through the crowd, Merkley makes his way to the stage.

As he mounts the stage, Merkley goes for a big hug from Former Oregon Governor, Barbara Roberts.

On cue, a giant motor home, every inch covered in tastefully-done campaign graphics, pulled in the lot. To adulation of ardent supporters, Jeff Merkley walked from the motor home into the crowd; then to the raised platform from where he gave his first, official “stump speech”.

With his family behind him, Jeff Merkley delivers his first official campaign address to his supporters.

To read Merkley’s message, or view a video shot at this event, go to www.jeffmerkley.com.

Interested in what Gordon Smith has to say? Check his web site at www.gordonsmith.com.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service