See how a softball game, parade, festival and a music concert all provide good family fun for folks in the outer East Portland neighborhood …

Celebrating their 12 year of providing lemonade at Lents Founder’s Day in Lents Park – and six decades of serving the community with quality flooring – is the Lansing Linoleum family and crew.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Platted as the Town of Lent in 1899, it was annexed into the city in 1912 – making it one of Portland’s oldest neighborhoods.

Every August, area businesses and neighbors gather to celebrate Lents Founder’s Day. Here’s our photo album of the 2007 activities:

Annual softball game

The City of Portland City Stickers (left side) lead on the scoreboard from the first inning playing against the Lents Neighborhood Rebels. The City Stickers won the game, 24, to 9.

Parade and Festival

During the Founder’s Day Parade, Portland City Commissioner Sam Adams greets people along the SE 92nd Avenue leg of the parade route.

In the Lents Lutheran Community tent, Jose Gomez and Erica Ferguson are slicing up lots of watermelon at Lents Founder’s Day.

Learning about old-time camp cooking skills are Kristine Keller and Kayden.

John and Judy Welch serve up some of the 300 free hot dogs, provided to the event by the New Copper Penny restaurant.

Rubi Gastelum climbs the Portland Parks & Recreation “rock wall” like a champ.

Larry Morrell leads the Providence Stage Band.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

Smoke from the ‘controlled burn’ on Powell Butte could be seen all over outer East Portland. See amazing exclusive photos, from the air and ground, and learn why this was a “good” fire …

Ten of the 30+ acres burned on Powell Butte, as seen from the air, reduced burnable materials near homes surrounding the park.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
While usually firefighters put out fires, members of Portland Fire & Rescue, Gresham Fire Department, and other area agencies, were busy setting more than 30 acres of Powell Butte ablaze on August 25.

The three organizations involved with this incendiary exercise say it serves four purposes:

• Reducing the possibility of uncontrolled wildfires,
• Removing non-native plants,
• Practicing wild land firefighting, and
• Testing NET team communication systems.

Lt. Allen Oswalt, Portland Fire & Rescue, and Mart Hughes, PP&R Ecologist, keep an eye on the largest “burn area” of the day.

Wildfire abatement
In 2006, the city received a grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Oregon Emergency Management to reduce the potential for significant wildfires in several natural areas within Portland, according to Portland Fire & Rescue (PF&R) District 2 Battalion Chief Kevin Brosseau.

“We’re lighting smaller fires around the edges of five different sections, and letting them burn in until the fuel [weeds] is gone,” says Brosseau, the PF&R officer in charge of fighting wild land fires.

It may look like a wildfire, but this “prescribed burn” is carefully controlled by firefighters.

Improving Powell Butte’s ecology
“Another piece of this project,” says Mart Hughes, Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R) Parks Ecologist, “is that this an ecological management program for the Butte.”

This burn acts as a “natural process” for Powell Butte’s grassland, Hughes tells us – as we watch the fire from atop a ridge on the butte.

“This prescriptive fire will reduce flammable non-native vegetation, including Himalayan Blackberry and other invasive, non-native species,” continues Hughes. “This burn helps prepare the site for seeding with native grasses and perennials. These will, in time, result in a grassland with higher wildlife habitat values.”

Wildfire fighting personnel and equipment from Boring to West Portland were participants in the burn project. Inset: the portable pool keeps water on hand for the tender trucks.

Visible from Vancouver
From the air, our pilot, Brent Grabinger, notes two plumes of smoke, as we climb to altitude from Pearson Airport in Vancouver, WA.

As we approach the burn zone, we can see many types of wilderness firefighting equipment deployed. Next to the pump trucks are what look like giant backyard play-pools. Brosseau later tells us these are actually temporary water reservoirs.

Looking down, we see that that Powell Butte is ringed by neighborhoods, homes, and retail stores.

Tommy Schroeder, a firefighter specializing in fighting fires where countryside meets the city, rides a specially-equipped ATV, while tending the fire-line on Powell Butte.

“Burn to Learn” exercise
On the ground, our escort on Powell Butte is Lt. Allen Oswalt, Portland Fire & Rescue’s Public Information Officer.

“If a fire here got out of hand, with all the dry brush on the butte, it could do a lot of damage,” Oswalt comments, as we creep up a trail toward the main staging area, riding in a fire department four-wheel-drive rig.

Specialized “brush units” from all over the greater Portland area – this one, from Boring – practice their wilderness firefighting skills at the controlled burn.

“We have a lot of areas in outer East Portland that have urban/wilderness interface areas,” Oswalt explains. “Our main goal is to help PP&R with their ecological project, and reduce the fuels. But also, we get the opportunity to keep our people’s wildfire-fighting skills sharp. Fighting wilderness fires is different than fighting structure fires.”

Using a “drip torch”, a firefighter lights a dry grassy area on fire.

Along the edge of a field, a firefighter is walking through dry grasses, dribbling a flaming mixture of kerosene and gasoline from what looks like a watering can.

Saying they usually put fires out, Oswalt adds, “Usually people don’t think of fire doing good, but this fire will be doing the ecosystem up here a real favor.”

David Fischer and Jason Campbell get information about the burning program from the NET Coordinator, Patty Hicks.

Emergency team training
In the public parking area on the north side of Powell Butte we meet Centennial Neighborhood volunteer Patty Hicks.

“I’m a team leader for the Neighborhood Emergency Team (NET) here,” Hicks says as she cautions visitors about the burn. “They didn’t close the park – but I am kind of surprised people want to walk and bike here today.”

For their NET team members, this burn helps them develop their skills working with people. “And, we’re practicing communicating among one another. Because of the topography and trees, we are relaying communications. Also, we’re discovering which communication devices work best.”

Neighborhood Emergency Teams, Hicks says, are neighborhood volunteers, who are trained to help their neighbors in time of emergency. “We do this because we love our community, and our neighbors.”

You can help restore the natural ecology of Powell Butte by volunteering to help replant the burned areas with native plant species.

Participate in replanting
“We’re going to be doing a lot of restoration planting, including Oregon oak,” PP&R’s Hughes says.

“We’ll have volunteer plantings. If people here in outer East Portland want to help their community with land stewardship, this is a great place to do it. And, you can’t beat the view while you’re working,” Hughes adds.

Check East Portland News Service – we’ll publish dates and times for the upcoming restoration projects.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

As this high school grows to 3,000 students, learn how the staff is gearing up to meet the challenge of the coming school year …

We usually photograph people – not objects – but the new 18-classroom building and landscaping is too attractive not to show you.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Next week, 3,000 central outer East Portland students will stream onto the David Douglas High School campus.

The first thing they’ll notice is that the entire main building – larger than two city blocks – has been painted. As kids approach the main entrance, they’ll stroll across a spacious, newly constructed concrete walkway.

And, looking south from the main entrance, instead of seeing the old tennis courts, they’ll catch a glimpse of the new, two-story classroom building.

What won’t be immediately obvious is how diligently the school’s 174 teachers have been preparing for the new school year.

Principal Randy Hutchinson says the new building’s computer lab is equipped to provide state-or-the-art learning experiences.

Building to meet growing student body
David Douglas High’s principal, Randy Hutchinson points out architectural features new building on the new building as we walk toward it.

“Give or take 100 students, we’ll be teaching 3,000 pupils this year,” Hutchinson says. “As more and more large apartment complexes are built here, our student population continues to grow. The 18 classrooms, computer lab and teacher workroom in our new building will help us meet the needs of our students.”

The building was completed on schedule, and on budget, comments Hutchinson as we walk in the building’s south entrance.

Ramping up their ‘literacy movement’
While their new building is an important addition to the campus, Hutchinson says “I’m really excited about our literacy movement within the school.

“We’ve put together a three-year plan addressing the most pressing issues that have come about due our student community’s changing demographics. Together, our staff has chosen literacy as our primary focus. Without being literate, you’ll go nowhere in life. If you can’t read, you can’t write and you can’t learn.”

According to Hutchinson, the school’s district office supports their enhanced literacy program, both philosophically and financially.

Teaching the teachers is David Douglas High math instructor, Bill Berry – a member of the school’s “literacy team”. He’ll be teaching half-time; he’s been recruited to participate in the district-wide math literacy effort.

Teachers attend classes
“We’re starting with a solid core of superb instructors,” the principal continues. “Right now, the staff is taking training.

“Every teacher, of every subject, in every grade level is becoming a ‘literacy coach’. This is a paradigm shift for us. We’re helping our staff learn new teaching techniques by adding expert staff members and bringing in guest speakers.”

Focus on vocabulary and note-taking
“We have a huge immigrant population at our school; they come from families speaking 46 different languages. Kids pick up on ‘street English’ quickly; they can converse with you. But tests show they don’t have mastery of the English language,” informs Hutchinson. “Improving student’s vocabulary is a primary focus.”

50% of the kids who go to college drop out in the first year, he continues, because they don’t have good note-taking skills. More than telling kids to “write it down”, new programs the school developing helps students learn to recognize and record important concepts — instead merely writing down phrases.

Bill Blevins, personal finance teacher, holds a wireless responder – it’s part of a system that provides teachers with instant feedback regarding students’ knowledge level.

Building in learning technology
Personal finance instructor, Bill Blevins, is setting up his classroom in the new building. He says he’s keen on the layout, lighting and equipment in the room.

One of the high-tech tools he’ll be using is the Classroom Response System, he says, as he shows us a wireless device that looks like a TV remote control.

“During class, I can put multiple-choice questions on the Infocus video projector. They click in their answer,” Blevins says as he demonstrates the system. “I can immediately see how the class is doing, both collectively and individually – and know whether we need to spend more time on the topic or continue.

When we ask how the students like this technology, Blevins says, “It makes classes more engaging for students. In all my years of teaching, I’ve never had kids actually ask for more quizzes like they do when I use this system.”

Social studies teachers Tracy Lind and Heather Murdock-Wogmon say they’re really enthusiastic about starting school in their new classrooms.

A gift to students and teachers
As we conclude our tour, we meet social studies teachers Heather Murdock-Wogmon and Tracy Lind in the stairwell.

“It’s like a dream come true,” exclaims Murdock-Wogmon. “Everything about my new classroom gives me a feeling like the possibilities for education are endless.”

Lind nods in agreement. “This building is a great gift to the students, teachers and the community.”

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

If you’ve wondered why giant construction cranes are towering over the field next to Adventist Medical Center, just south of Mall 205 —  here’s the answer …

Adventist Medical Center’s Senior VP, Thomas Russell, sits with Judy Leach, Director of Marketing, upon the first steel column to be installed in the hospital’s new four-story 192,000 square foot structure.

Story and photo by David F. Ashton
Too often, worksites in outer East Portland are marred by gang graffiti.

But, at the construction site of Adventist Medical Center’s new wing and parking garage, the first steel beam to be erected on Monday bears inscriptions of hope, and dedication to serve and care.

“Our physicians and employees are really connected with our mission,” says the medical center’s senior vice president, Thomas Russell. “As we look at what they’ve written on this beam, we see that many people ask the Lord’s blessing on this project. When put in place, this beam will stand, literally, supporting our mission of providing excellent medical care.”

The new pavilion, Russell says, will increase the hospital’s emergency room capacity, add surgical suites, consolidate outpatient services and provide new center for cardiovascular care.

“We’re adding a parking garage with 403 spaces,” adds the medical center’s marketing director, Judy Leach, “making it easier for people using outpatient services to more easily access the clinics.”

The medical center’s $105 million building expansion is scheduled for completion in 2009.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

If you’ve never heard of a “Relay for Life”, see why all who participate – or even visit – will never forget what they experienced, at this very special event  …

All night long, and into the following day, at least one team member was walking to raise money for cancer research and patient aid during the “Relay for Life”.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
From telethons to footraces, many fundraising events have become media circuses – a spectacle that overshadows the mission of the organization.

There’s a good chance you’ve never heard of the American Cancer Society’s signature fundraising event called “Relay for Life”, which took place overnight from August 10 and 11 at Sellwood Riverfront Park.

Encampment supports participants
In the twilight, the park’s grassy lawn looked like a cross between a festival and a Scout’s campout. Tents were pitched; open-air encampments were set up. Food booths offered nourishment, ice cream – and rich, strong coffee. Live music played softly from a stage framed by the Willamette River.

Relay team members sat around a camplight, providing company and support for one another as they took turns walking the circular path around the park, fulfilling the donation pledges they’d solicited.

Candles light the way
The walkway was illuminated with candles in paper bags – they called them lumenaria. Many of the lumenaria were inscribed with names of individuals who have died of cancer.

Here, standing in the light of a camp lantern, are the American Cancer Society’s Mary James – and the volunteer Chair for Portland’s “Relay for Life”, Kathy Allworth.

“This event is held each year by groups around the world to support cancer research, advocacy, and patient aid,” the Portland event’s Chair, Kathy Allworth, told us.

Allworth says this is one of 4,800 Relays that celebrates survivors (anyone who has ever been diagnosed with cancer), remembers loved ones, and raises money for the fight against cancer.

“My personal connection is – well, my parents’ luminaria are right over here,” said Allworth, pointing to two flickering path side lanterns. “I lost my mom to cancer when she was 54; my dad to cancer when he was 75.”

First-time volunteer and food chair Gloria McAll says “This is an awesome event.” On the hill behind her, the word “HOPE” is spelled out with lumenaria.

Allworth said her employer, Fred Meyer, supports employees’ volunteer involvement. “The Relay for Life is something that – once you come here and see the event for yourself, once you walk the track, once you see all the lumenaria lit – you can’t help but pitch in.”

About 400 participated in the Portland event. “This is our third year. It’s gotten consistently bigger each year. Come join us!”

Throughout the night, Relay for Life participants walked the path to raise money for research that can lead to finding a cure for cancer.

Learn more about the American Cancer Society – and plan for your participation next year, by visiting www.cancer.org.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

Find out which outer East Portland park is next to get a “skatepark”, and how you can have a say in how it’s built, here …

After demonstrating some gnarly moves at the Glenhaven Skatepark on NE 82nd Avenue of Roses, Rocco Caravelli, says he never tires of skateboarding. “It’s great to have this skatepark close to my house in Montavilla. If it weren’t here, I’d probably be sitting at home watching TV.”

Story and photos by David “Grinder” Ashton
The high-flying skateboard and bike riders of “Dew Action Sports Tour” have now left town, but their sponsor, Vans – a maker of sneakers and sportswear – has again left a permanent mark on Portland.

No, it wasn’t graffiti or damaged benches they left behind.

For the third year in a row, Vans presented to Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R) a big cash contribution for its skatepark project.

“We want to do more than just hold a commercial event and leave town,” Vans’ spokesman, Chris Oberholser told us on August 14. “We want to put our name on something that lasts. PP&R has put together a tremendous program to build skateparks, with the recognition that these parks are integral to the wellness of the community. It provides things for kids to do.”

Vans’ representative, Chris Oberholser, presents a check for $10,000 to Mayor Tom Potter, as Wade Martin, President of the Dew Tour, looks on. Check out the mayor’s cool, checked Vans shoes!

The event was held at outer East Portland’s first skatepark, Glenhaven, just north of Madison High School. “We’re proud to have had a part in building this skatepark by giving $10,000 donations for the last two years. And, we’re pleased to provide another $10,000 donation this year that will help build the Ed Benedict Park Skate Plaza, to be opened in the next year.”

More skateboarders than baseball players
At the event, Mayor Tom Potter greeted us and pointed to his checked sneakers. “They’re from Vans,” he chuckled. “It’s too beautiful a day not to be outside; it’s great to chill out and relax here.”

As we watched kids swoop and glide around the Glenhaven Skatepark, Potter remarked, “In Portland, there are far more kids who skateboard than play baseball; yet, we have many more baseball diamonds than we have skateboard parks. We’re starting to change that.”

The mayor said this year’s donation was going to expand the Ed Benedict Park Skate Plaza, located in outer East Portland on SE Powell Blvd. at SE 98th Ave. “I’d like to see skateboard parks in every neighborhood of our beautiful city.”

Watching local skateboarder Matt Gabriel do some of his tricks in the Glenhaven Skatepark “peanut bowl” – a deep, swimming-pool looking structure, he gets applause from the crowd. Donations by Van’s in ’05 and ’06 helped finance this feature at the park.

Says skateparks build community
Ben Wixon has worked with PP&R to help build their skateboarding program for the last five years. He’s currently an instructor.

“Kids need an outlet for their energy,” explained Wixon. “They need a place to practice their craft. More importantly, skateparks provide a space for them to hang out. It is a place of community. Kids are getting a sense of ownership out of it by taking care of it.”

Wixon says he doesn’t think skateparks will end the skateboard damage done to public and private property, but adds, “It sure helps cut down on it [damage by grinding], to have fun and challenging places to skate.”

Vans made two other donations supporting PP&R’s skateparks in both 2005 and 2006. The support of Vans allowed for additional amenities at the recently opened Glenhaven skatepark – the “peanut bowl”, and the path linking the facility to Madison High School. This year’s contribution will allow for the skatepark at Ed Benedict to increase in size by 250 square feet.

Youngsters arrive from far and wide – not to see the Vans check presentation – but to get everything from shirts to shoes autographed by stars of the Dew Action Sports Tour.

Portland system first in nation
According to PP&R’s Sarah Schlosser-Moon, the Portland’s skatepark system is the first of its kind in the nation. “In 2003, PP&R began an intensive process of planning for network of skateparks,” she related. “Our committee has developed a vision for a skatepark system encompassing 19 skateparks with a variety of features aimed at meeting the diversity of needs of Portland’s actions sports enthusiasts.”

Help plan outer East Portland’s new skatepark
PP&R is holding a Public Open House & Workshop regarding the soon-to-be-constructed Ed Benedict Skate Plaza project. Come review their design ideas and provide input into Portland’s first skate plaza.

The meeting will be held on September 13 in the Earl Boyles Elementary School cafeteria at 10822 SE Bush St.; 1 block south of SE Powell Blvd. from 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

Just in time for school, learn why these health care professionals help kids who can’t afford their shots – necessary to enter school …

Jean Taylor, MN, and Karen Oglesby, BSN, remind parents at Lents Founders Day that the monthly Lents Clinic can help make sure their children’s’ immunizations are up to date

Story and photo by David F. Ashton
Seeing our friends from the Lents Childhood Immunization Clinic at Lents Founder’s Day reminded us that, once again, their clinic will be open the first Saturday of each month, starting in September.

“We help families who don’t have insurance and not on the Oregon Health Plan make sure their kids are immunized,” says Karen Oglesby, BSN. “This program is operated in cooperation with the Oregon Nursing Association, Multnomah County Health Department, and Wattles Boys & Girls Club.”

The service is for children ages 2 months to 18 years, Oglesby tells us; no appointment is needed. “All we ask is that parents bring all documentation of previous immunizations.”

The clinic runs from 10:00 a.m. until 2 p.m. on September 1 (and the first Saturday of each month, through March of 2008) at the Wattles Boys & Girls Club, located at 9330 SE Harold Street (just east of SE 92nd Avenue).

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

See how much fun kids had during
this “Magic of Reading” show …

Right before their eyes, magician Jay Frasier grows flowers on a bush, as part of his “Reading is Magic” show.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
One of the great programs hosted at Midland Library, designed to keep kids interested in books during the summer months, was the “Magic of Reading” show.

Professional magician Jay Frasier performed simple magic tricks – in a very entertaining manner – to illustrate the benefits of reading.

“I do magical routines that relate to books that kids can check out in the library,” said Frasier after his show. “I try to draw them into books.”

Seven-year-old Sunny laughs so hard he can hardly stand up, while he helps magician Frasier at Midland Library.

Frasier, a professional entertainer of 20 years, told us he’s been interested in magic since he was four years old. His skills showed; kids were doubled over with laughter, and tears of joy streamed from the eyes of parents.

“I love to read. Encouraging kids to read is something I value,” Frasier said. You can learn more about the magician at www.twistedmagic.com.

What’s happening at Midland Library this week? Be sure to check our Community Calendar.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

Take a look at one our favorite summertime events:
Sundae in the Sellwood Park …

International variety arts star Charlie Brown strikes a pose during his famous box juggling act during Sundae at the Park.

Liz Joffe says little Sophie Beck needs no help consuming her ice cream cone.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
For many people, it would be enough that this event that provides 50-cent ice cream sundaes on a sunny, summer Sunday afternoon.

But the 27th annual “Sundae in the Park” offered even more, including world-class comedy and musical entertainers, crafts, and community service booths.

Event organizer Pamela Orser and MC Scrafford Orser welcome visitors to the annual event.

“We spend a lot of time putting this together,” said organizer Pamela Orser, at the August 5 event.

“In times like this, when we can be so easily become ‘detached’ from our neighbors, community events like this help draw people together,” Orser reflected. “It’s more important now than ever, for us to have a sense of belonging. When people feel like they belong, they care about their neighborhood.”

Bolley Quast says fifty cents is a small price to say while making his donation to Rotarian volunteer Patrick Cowles.

Stepping up to the ice cream table is Andrew Morelock; Louis Morelock is careful with his dish, he’s using both hands!

The weather was threatening rain on the morning of the event, but as the sun came out, Sellwood Park filled with neighbors dining on chili dogs, free popcorn, and cheap ice cream cones and sundaes. Orser estimated that more than 1,500 people attended the event.

“All I can say is ‘hats off to our volunteers’ for all they’ve done,” Orser said, commending the 200 helpers who make the event possible. She also gave high praise to the sponsors: the Sellwood-Moreland Improvement LeaguE (SMILE) neighborhood association, the SE Portland Rotary Club, Umpqua Dairy, and The Joinery.

Cooking hot dogs on behalf of Loaves & Fishes are volunteers Brian Darby and Michael James.

Jason Shaw watches as Kara Juarez help steady Maresa Juarez as she tries walking on stilts.

Listeners agree no one plays great jazz tunes better than “Tall Jazz”. If you could have heard them as we took the photo, the song being played was “On Blue Dolphin Street”.

From the toddlers to codgers, everyone said they look forward to this great community event, year after year.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

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At their training yard, we saw linemen make their death-defying work look like an aerial ballet. Take a look at this unique competition …

Cliff Campbell Zeek McCarthy of Clark Public Utilities replace an insulator

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
People driving on east Powell Valley Road might have been puzzled when they saw workers racing up and down a forest of utility poles, hanging from bucket trucks, and doing maintenance work atop high-voltage lines.

What they were seeing wasn’t a power crisis – it was 14th Annual Pacific Northwest Lineman’s Rodeo. Considered one of the most challenging lineman’s rodeos in the country, this competition takes place each year – right here – on the outer east edge of Portland.

“This event gives linemen around the Northwest the chance to show off their skills,” explains event chair Rob Wales. “The teams also get bragging rights among one another, while they show people what they do every day as part of their job.”

Not all participants are linemen. The wife of a lineman, Becky Cersovski, learns how challenging it is to climb a wooden utility pole using boot spikes.

We watch an event in which the linemen change insulators that keep live power lines from shorting out on the utility poles. They work swiftly; the events are timed. “More than speed and agility,” commented Wales, “safety is the primary thing. Judges make sure all safety procedures are followed – it’s part of the grading system.”

Specifically, contestants are judged by the following criteria: Safety; work practice; neatness and ability; equipment handling – and timely competition of the event (that one is used only as a tie-breaker).

Waiting their turn, Portland General Electric linemen Ed Hatanpa, Josh Rinard, and Adam Blackwell get ready for their next event.

Event winners from this regional competition, Wales adds, will advance to the 24th Annual International Lineman’s Rodeo & Expo World Championships, later this year, in Overland Park, Kansas.

More than 80 linemen from Oregon, Washington, Idaho and other western states participated in the event. IBEW Local 125, IBEW Local 659, PGE, Pacific Power and Clark Public Utilities sponsored the event.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

Take a look at our “tour”, as we crisscrossed outer East Portland, visiting all of the National Night Out against Crime events …

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
The idea behind National Night Out against Crime (NNO) is simple: When neighbors come together and socialize, they tend to look out for one another. As neighbors become less isolated and form community bonds, it makes it more difficult for criminals to succeed at their dastardly enterprises.

For most neighborhoods, NNO is their premiere networking event – from family potluck dinners to big barbecue dinners.

Saturday, August 4

Oregon Baptist Retirement Home and the Parkrose Neighborhood Association held their events on this date.

Oregon Baptist Retirement Home

Many of the attractions at this particular venue is the cruise-in. This classic Mercedes was a favorite.

“This event is a community outreach of our retirement home,” said Lou Fontana. “It brings folks in from around the neighborhood to share the facilities with them. We offer a $2 barbecue lunch.”

On the grill with the white hat is Steve Williams, administrator of Johnson Assisted Living.

This was the only NNO event that features a cruise-in. “We have about 70 cars today; all kinds of specialty vehicles: Classics, muscle cars, antiques – a little bit of everything,” Fontana told us.

The event attracted over 1,000 visitors.

Portland Police Mounted Officer Angela Hollan makes friends while astride Ian, a pure-bred Belgian. The Mounted Patrol visited many NNO events across East Portland.

Firefighter from Portland Fire & Rescue Station 2, Christopher Invester, makes friends with Kaitlyn Lee.

Parkrose Neighborhood Association
At Senn’s Dairy Park; NE 112th Ave & Prescott St.

Burgerville’s Amanda Stewart takes a break from serving sandwiches to talk with event coordinator Mary Walker, and neighborhood chair Marcy Emerson-Peters.

“Welcome to our annual neighborhood picnic,” smiled neighbhorhood chair, Marcy Emerson-Peters. “We’ve got cold sandwiches and all the lunch fixin’s for people to enjoy, for just a buck.”

While the adults enjoyed the music and conversation, the kids favored playing in the sprinkler on a hot summer afternoon – along with Marcy Emerson-Peters.

“We love our neighbors – this is our way of showing it,” Emerson-Peters added.

Sunday, August 5

Powellhurst-Gilbert neighbors

This more informal potluck dinner in Powellhurst Gilbert has the feel of a big family picnic – but without the ants and the squabbling!

Today, we stopped by to visit with neighbors in Powellhurst-Gilbert area for their National Night Out gathering on SE 119th Ave.

“This is our second year,” commented organizer Carol Thornberry. “Many of the neighbors enjoyed it so much last year, they said they wanted to do it gain this year.”

At this casual gathering, about 50 neighbors brought treats and put together a treat-looking pot-luck dinner.

“By doing this,” Thornberry said, “we know who we’re waving at when they go by. We say hello when we meet at the store. It’s really nice to feel the sense of togetherness.”

Tuesday, August 7

Centennial Community Group, Harold Oliver and SUN Schools
At Harold Oliver Middle School

Cynthia Thomas, Mayor Tom Potter, his wife Karin Hansen, and Jackie Jaffe – at the big Centennial Community Group event.

Our first stop on our whirlwind tour of outer East Portland’s National Night Out events was to visit the big event put together by coordinator Jackie Jaffe, Metro Family Service, SUN coordinator at Harold Oliver primary.

“We’re having shows, bands, a Mexican dance troupe – and we’re giving out hot dog dinners,” said Jaffe.

She said they made the effort because “here in this area, people feel pretty disfranchised. It seems like people have ‘boarded themselves up’ in their homes. This event draws people out into the community so they get to know their neighbors, and feel more comfortable living in our community. Not enough this happens out here. I wanted to help start his process.”

We were surprised and pleased to see Portland Mayor Tom Potter at the event, which drew about 500 adults and kids.

“National Night Out is really about neighbors getting together with neighbors,” Potter told us. “When neighbors get to know one another, they look out for each other; this helps prevent crime. It makes neighborhoods safe. It shows people that people that they feel responsible for their community. It scares off crime.”

Wilkes Community Group and Russell Neighborhood Association
At Wilkes Park

About 400 neighbors from these two neighborhoods gathered for their annual barbecue, which featured sirloin steak burgers.

Wilkes Community Group chair Ross Monn told us the neighborhood volunteers again were putting on a first-class event.

“I wanted to be part of the celebration and show my community spirit,” said volunteer Sheryl Reinisch. “You get to meet your neighbors and establish more relationships and get to know people better.”

Ross Monn, Chair, and volunteer Sheryl Reinisch together call the neighbors to dinner.

Paul Capell and Joe Clifton, cooking up sirloin steak burgers at the Wilkes NNO.

Parkrose Heights Association of Neighbors
At Knott Park

Carol Williams, Chair, welcomes James Cash and Arabelle “Sam” Fliniau to the NNO event in Knott Park.

“Thanks for coming by,” welcomed neighborhood chair Carol Williams. “It’s our National Night Out celebration! It’s a good thing for everybody to get together, get information, and meet their neighbors.”

Serving hot dogs are neighborhood volunteers Allison Newman-Woods and Stephanie Viegas-Dias.

Alexander Viegas, getting the balloon from Steevie Weevie (he’s the one with the more colorful outfit).

Argay Neighborhood Association
At Argay Park

Volunteer Jan Cornelius, here serving Burgerville burgers to Nancy and Don Humphries.

“It’s a great event,” commented neighborhood chair Valerie Currey. “It looks like we’ll have about 475 attending.”

Highlights included a visit from SpongeBob SquarePants (aka 88-year-old Evelyn Benson); Burgerville’s Tillamook cheeseburgers; and the participation of Target stores, which donated gift cards and sent six volunteers to help out.

The popular Kooltones, a classic soft rock band, performed for the fifth consecutive year.

Valerie Curry checks in neighbors at the Argay shindig.

Kenneth Vernon is presented an honorary Portland Police Bureau badge by East Precinct Commander Michael Crebs.

Hazelwood neighbors
On NE 111th Ave. near NE Oregon St.

Denine Foote, and her neighbors from the surrounding three blocks, enjoys the classic rock music of the band Cover Dawgz.

It’s not hosted by any neighborhood association, but this Hazelwood National Night Out party seems to grow every year.

“This year we’ve expanded it,” said organizer Denine Foote. “We included residents from three blocks, from NE 110th Avenue through NE 112th Avenue along NE Oregon Street.”

Their musical potluck affair drew about 30 mellow neighbors.

Woodland Park Neighborhood Association
On NE 101st Ave.

Glen and Laura Heiner pull out another winning ticket at their neighborhood NNO party drawing.

Each year, the NNO party in Woodland Park grows larger, as more neighbors participate.

“I also hosted our National Night Out party last year,” Laura Heiner told us. “All year long, I’ve had more people asking if I was going to host it again. They ask, ‘When is it? Will you be serving those great pulled pork sandwiches?’ It is great they are looking forward to this event.”

This barbecue and potluck drew nearly 100 neighbors, Heiner reported.

Mill Park Neighborhood Association
On SE 113th Ave at SE Yamhill St.

Tending the three (3) grills at the Mill Park festivities are Leslie Catabay, Karl Moody and Todd Baker.

“We decided to make simple food this year – burgers and dogs,” reports Todd Baker, as he takes a break from his grilling duties. “We’ve got a musician again this year. You might say our theme is ‘Simple fun with neighbors’.”

Portland Fire & Rescue’s firefighter Neil Martin, shows neighborhood kids around Engine 7. Fire engines and trucks visited most of the gathering this year for, at least, a short time.

Mill Park neighbors
On SE Mill Court

Jackie Putman (lower right hand corner) and her neighbors share a quiet celebration in their Mill Park a cul-de-sac.

“This is our fourth year for participating in National Night Out,” Jackie Putman said. When you live in a cul-de-sac with front porches, you don’t always see everyone. This gets people out and helps us update our phone-tree list. And, it’s just fun to visit.”

About 25 neighbors came out for a quiet evening of outdoor dining and conversation.

Lents Neighborhood Association
At Lents Park on SE 92nd Ave.

Amber Lane scoops ice cream at the Lents Neighborhood Association’s Ice Cream Social.

As the sun was setting behind the tall trees at Lents Park, the picnic area facing SE 92nd Avenue was swirling with neighbors. We asked organizer Judy Welch how it was going. She replied, “I’ll be back; we’ve got to get more ice cream!”

Over 300 Lents community members and surrounding neighbors came out to Lents Park to enjoy the old-fashioned Ice Cream Social, greet one another, and mingle with visiting cops.

At the Lents National Night Out, John and Judy Welch, Officer Tony Passadore, Officer Mark DeLong, and Shawndrae Norwood give us a smile, in front of the Portland Police Bureau’s Mobile Precinct.

We learned that a group planned to meet at the facility on SE Lafayette Street – but at the last minute, the facility withdrew permission. They were then invited to attend the big celebration at Lents Park – and did!  They shared their hamburgers and hot dogs; and in return, got free ice cream.

Community service groups, such as the folks from ROSE Community Development, were on hand to tell of their community services.

“Many people stopped by information tables for Lents Neighborhood Association, Portland Park Rangers, Portland Development Commission, Lents Homeownership Initiative, Portland Water Bureau, the Neighborhood Emergency Team, and our booth for ROSE Community Development,” explained their community organizer, Amie Diffenauer.

Their event was sponsored by some of those with the informational tables, including the Lents Homeownership Initiative, ROSE Community Development, Lents Neighborhood Association, and the Office of Neighborhood Involvement

Powellhurst Gilbert neighbors
On SE Woodward St.

Shannon and Luis Morales, Mary Walker, Debbie Chin, Ivan Morales and Jay Auslander share good times at their neighborhood gathering in the Powellhurst-Gilbert neighborhood.

The fact their neighborhood association doesn’t organize an “official” National Night Out event doesn’t stop our friends out on SE Woodward Street from having their own gathering. It’s almost dark by the time we get there.

“We’re just getting started,” says Shannon Morales as she offers us a snack. “It’s good because everyone gets together. This annual event gives us a mental picture of the people who are supposed to be here. It keeps us safer. And, we have fun!”

Thank you all for welcoming us as we visited your event – if only for a few moments, making our East County rounds!

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

If you didn’t get to the dinner at New Copper Penny,
you’ll see right here how businesses and neighbors
came together that night to support great events
YOU can enjoy for FREE, starting on August 19 …

The neighbors and friends who came to the New Copper Penny’s Pantheon Hall to support Lents’ “Concerts in the Park” were treated to a three-course dinner, in exchange for their contribution to the cause.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
The only “Summer Concerts in the Park” concert series east of S.E. 82nd Avenue of Roses, staged in the Lents Park gazebo, has become an August tradition. The first performance is traditionally held on Lents Founder’s Day.

But the music series, partially funded by neighborhood and business donations, was in jeopardy this year because of a dip in sponsor support.

Owners of the Lents restaurant and entertainment establishment “New Copper Penny”, John and Saki Tzantarmas, hosted the event held to support the Lents “Concerts in the Park” series.

New Copper Penny hosts dinner
To make up the shortfall in funding, neighbors turned to Saki and John Tzantarmas, owners of Lents’ famous restaurant and night club “New Copper Penny” for help. The Tzantarmas family offered to host a fundraising dinner.

“The idea was to raise funds for a good cause,” said John Tzantarmas, at the fundraising dinner hosted by his restaurant on August 2. “We’ve long been a part of the Lents community. We try to help out when we can. We think the ‘Concerts in the Park’ series is good, and we’re happy to support it.”

Dewey Akers, Chair Lents NA and Clint Lenard (Safety Chair) offering raffle tickets to Rachel and Chris Slottke.

Good turnout shows support
“In addition to raising money,” said the Lents Neighborhood chair, Dewey Akers, “we’re also able to publicly thank the businesses in our area who are sponsoring the Lents Summer Concerts in the Park program.”

Akers told us he thinks the concert series is important, because “it helps solidify the identity of our neighborhood. It celebrates the diversity of the neighborhood through having diverse music playing here. It is a free event for families who can enjoy.”

Long-time Lents boosters Judy and John Welch enjoy their roast baron of beef dinner at the fund-raising banquet.

An, another benefit of the event, Akers told us, is that it provided the opportunity for businesses and neighbors to get together and meet one another. “It reminds neighbors to support their local businesses.”

Finally, Akers had high praise for the New Copper Penny. “Saki is wonderful. They provide food for Founders Day, and now they’ve put on a good dinner – 100% of the proceeds will go to support our concert series. We really appreciate their participation.”

Nearly 120 neighbors enjoyed both food and a sense of community in the Pantheon Ballroom.

Lents Founders Day this weekend
The main Lents Founder’s Day celebration takes place on Sunday, August 19.

But Saturday is the day for the “Lents Softball Showdown”, pitting the “Lents Rebels” against the “Portland City Stickers”. It’s held on August 18 at 4:30 p.m. at the Lents Little League field at S.E. 92nd Avenue and Harold Street.

Sunday’s Lents Founders’ Day Parade & Celebration kicks off with a grand parade at noon. The parade forms at SE 91st Avenue and Harold Street, at the Wattles Boys and Girls Club. The procession heads north, winding around Lents Park.

Come on into the park for FREE food, provided by the New Cooper Penny, after the parade. Experience the thrill of discovery at the hands-on Pioneer Living Exhibit and Displays.

Also, see the display of historic Lents photographs; take a shot at the free rock climbing wall; and browse the community information booths.

Then, at 2:00 p.m., enjoy the “Music in Lents Park Summer Series” – great music at the Lents Park Gazebo, located south of the baseball stadium on S.E. 92nd Avenue, south of SE Holgate Boulevard. Music by the Providence Stage Band highlights music from the swing and big-band era.

By the way, consider saying “thank you” by patronizing the sponsors of the concert series. They are New Copper Penny, Providence Portland Medical Center, Eastport Plaza Merchants, Lents Body Shop, Lansing Linoleum, Econolodge, Frank Bitar & Associates, Lents Neighborhood Association, Al’s Shoes and Boots, Kadel’s Auto Body, TriMet, Light Truck Parts and Thompson Auto Body.

Be sure to say hello, when we see you there!

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service