The barricade-smashing granny wasn’t the only problem driver threatening the Portland Rose Festival Children’s Parade this week. You’ll be amazed to read what this guy did‚ and what he had in his car, and at his East County home‚

Story by David F. Ashton
Just as the annual Portland Rose Festival Children’s Parade was getting underway at 12:30 p.m. on June 5, the 9-1-1 Call Center started getting calls about a Ford Focus automobile that had crashed through a barricade near the intersection of NE 56th Avenue and Sacramento Street.

Once through the barricades, police say the driver ended up in the parade’s staging area. There, they say, the errant driver hit a parked car and kept going. The Ford bumped into a participant, who hopped up on the hood of the car to avoid being hurt.

“From there,” reported Portland Police Bureau spokesman, Sgt. Brian Schmautz, “The driver found himself stuck behind a large group of junior high students lining up to march in the parade. Taking the path of least resistance, he began to drive through the crowd of students at a very slow speed. Officers on the other side of the parade line quickly converged on the car, and took the driver into custody.”

Police find four ounces of pot
Police identified the parade-crashing driver as 35-year-old Joshua Cohen, an East County resident, and placed him under arrest.

Police charged Joshua Cohen Possession, Delivery, and Manufacture of Marijuana, after they found a growing operation in his Montavilla home.

“Hand prints on the windshield of Cohen’s car helped officers determine that this may have been the same car just reported as being involved in the hit and run,” Schmautz added. “Officers ordered a tow for Cohen’s car, and conducted an inventory search. Officers located approximately one-quarter pound of marijuana.”

East County suspect’s problems grow
As cops continued to question Cohen, he indicated that he had a marijuana grow operation at his Montavilla residence, in the 8400 block of Southeast Alder Street.

Schmautz told us Drugs and Vice Division officers searched Cohen’s home, and, with his consent, removed about 20 growing marijuana plants from his residence.

“Cohen was cited and released, and charged with one count each of Possession, Delivery, and Manufacture of Marijuana, and the two counts of “Failing to Perform the Duties of a Driver [Hit and Run],” commented Schmautz.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

We were touched by this service, at which the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Department memorializes those who have given their lives to protect the citizens of the county. Take a look‚

The flag that flies in front of the County Sheriff’s Department is lowered, and made ready for presentation, at the department’s memorial ceremony.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
A Color Guard unit marches to the front of the Hansen Building, home of the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Department, and takes their place. An Honor Guard, with ceremonial rifles in hand, performs an arms drill.

In addition to Sheriff’s Deputies, Gresham Police Department, Portland Police Bureau, Sheriff’s offices from Clackamas and Clark County are also present for this solemn program held at on the late morning of May 16.

Multnomah County Sheriff Bernie Giusto speaks with us as the memorial service is about to begin.

The flag, about to be ceremonially folded, is displayed.

“The nation started this recognition and memorial service 16 years ago. It is to remind us, not only of the sacrifice of the people in law enforcement who have lost their lives, but also what it means to protect the nation, our state, and our community.

“It’s important to remember that sacrifice. It is also important to remember that these men and women protect the freedoms we enjoy in our country, in our state, and here in our county.”

The Honor Guard stands at attention before their black-powder salute.

After a brief invocation, the National Anthem plays.

Deputies slowly lower the flag in front of the Hansen Building. This flag is presented – held out in the noonday sun. As a new flag is raised, then lowered to half staff, the retired flag is ceremonially folded and presented to Sheriff Giusto.

Sheriff Bernie Giusto receives the flag, taken down in honor of fallen deputies.

“Taps” is bugled; the Honor Guard fires their rifles into the springtime sky.

Sheriff Giusto addresses the group, saying in part, “Behind each [fallen member’s name] is a story of service to others. Of risks taken, so that others might be safe; of running toward danger, not away from it. We celebrate the legacy they left behind: A safer and more secure nation.”

The “Roll of Fallen Deputies” is read aloud, naming those who fell in service from 1917 to 2003.

A Portland Police Bureau bagpiper plays “Amazing Grace”.

Sheriff Giusto salutes the carefully-folded United States flag, after he places it before the Deputies’ Memorial.

Speaking to us after the memorial ceremony, regarding the law enforcement professionals with whom he works, Giusto adds, “As we move forward, it is an amazing dynamic that people are willing to come into our profession. They are willing to ‘give it all’.”

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

Did leaves really keep this truck driver from seeing the stop sign? See for yourself‚ and the damage this NE Portland accident caused‚

Portland Fire & Rescue firefighters from Truck 2 help paramedics prepare a driver injured in this collision.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
As foliage grows out, we notice more and more stop signs being hidden by the leaves.

“The driver of a van, heading west on NE Wygant Street, says she didn’t see the stop sign at NE 112th Avenue,” reported Portland Police Bureau East Precinct Officer Michael Leisure.

By looking at the damage, it appeared as if the van’s driver was traveling at a good clip when she collided with a sedan.

Regardless who was at fault, two vehicles were wrecked, and two people went to the hospital because of the accident.

The driver of the van appeared shaken, but said she was OK. Two of the occupants of the auto were transported to the hospital by ambulance; their condition remains undisclosed.

“The driver has the responsibility to look for traffic control signs‚ and to make sure the intersection is clear‚ even if they have the right-of-way,” Leisure told us at the scene.

What do you think? It looks as if leaves from the tree’s overhanging branches do partially block the view of the sign.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

Have salmon really been seen spawning in Crystal Springs? Yes, thanks to Johnson Creek Watershed Council’s minion of dedicated volunteers. Check it out, and see who the council is thanking‚

David Douglas High School teacher Stacey Barber and student Amanda Krekow pick up the JCWC Youth Group award for “adopting” a park along the creek.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Ten years ago, much of Johnson Creek was little more than a sludge-filled, weed-choked, 26-mile-long drainage ditch running from Gresham to Milwaukie, where it dumped into the Willamette River.

But, thanks to the dedication of the hundreds of Johnson Creek Watershed Council (JCWC) volunteers, this waterway is one of the last free-flowing streams in Portland, supporting several salmon species as well as an incredible variety of wildlife.

The JCWC’s annual meeting luncheon was held at Reed College this year on May 17 at 11:30am. The event showcased the organization’s successful partnerships, projects, and community investment in Johnson Creek.

The envelope, please‚
In addition to the keynote speech by Kim Stafford and presentation of the groups Annual Report, many volunteers and supporters were honored. We spoke with two of four award winners.

The Youth Group Award went to Stacey Barber’s David Douglas High School class who “adopted” the creek-side Bundy Nature Park.

“We’ve planted over 500 plants along the Springwater Corridor,” Barber told us at the event. “Part of our class requires community service work. But our students realize if we don’t protect our natural resources now, they won’t survive to be enjoyed by later generations.”

Their projected centered on the “Bundy Park” area in outer SE Portland, in the shadow of Powell Butte.

Amanda Krekow, a David Douglas junior, accepted the award with Barber. “I especially like pulling ivy. Oregon is such a beautiful place. If we don’t keep it green and clean, no one else will be able enjoy it. I want to keep being able to walk in nature.”

Sharon and Gary Klein accept the JCWC Individual Award from the organization’s executive director, Michelle Bussard.

The Individual Award was presented to Gary and Sharon Klein. “For the last five years, I’ve been their ‘tool guy’,” Gary explained. “I keep the tools in order, fixing broken tools, cleaning gloves and buying manual labor tools when they need them. If Johnson Creek doesn’t survive, and eventually thrive, it is bad for all of us. It is kind of an ‘ecological pulse’ of or area.”

The council’s accomplishments
Michelle Bussard, executive director of JCWC shared some of her organization’s many accomplishments with us as she helped prepare for their annual event in Kuhl Auditorium.

“This year, we spotted spawning Coho salmon in Crystal Springs. This is really nothing short of magic,” Bussard said. “And, we’re working with more and more private property owners who are improving their creek side stream stewardship practices.”

The list of projects and accomplishments filled a booklet she showed us. “But, this is the work of a lifetime; the work of generations. We have so much more to do. Won’t you join us?”

Their summer work party is scheduled for August 18. Learn more‚ and join in, by visiting their web site at www.jcwc.org.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

See why this gathering was their most successful to date‚ and learn what Portland Commissioner Sam Adams told this outer East Portland group‚

Guest Kendra Rice, Washington Mutual, joins Dr. Norbert Huntley, DC, secretary of the Midway Business Association, and the group’s treasurer, Tammy Williams, Wells Fargo Bank, at their annual open house‚ for pizza at Bill Dayton’s Pizza Baron.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Each year, the Midway Business Association (MBA), the group representing businesses in the southern portion of outer East Portland, hosts a get-together for area business people and neighbors. By far, this year’s event was their most successful ever.

“I’m really glad to see so many people coming,” the group’s president, Donna Dionne told us. “It shows more and more people recognize the potential of associating together.”

Bill Dayton, the host of the event at Pizza Baron, invites business people to join the association.

About 50 people came by Bill Dayton’s Pizza Baron to meet one another, learn about the business association, hear Portland City Commissioner Sam Adams briefly speak ‚Äì and enjoy a pizza buffet.

Portland City Commissioner Sam Adams tells how the city plans to support area businesses in the future, and improve area roads.

Commissioner Sam speaks
At this informal meeting, Portland City Commissioner Sam Adams stopped by to congratulate the association for another successful year, and was asked to speak.

Adams started by informing people at the get-together that the city of Portland has set aside a $250,000 strategic grant to set up professional offices for the Alliance of Portland Neighborhood Business Associations, of which MBA is a member.

“It just doesn’t seem fair that the city funds neighborhood associations at level much higher than that of district business associations. This is why, through the APNBA, we’ve provided project grants in support of our business districts.”

The commissioner spoke to a “full house” at this MBA meeting.

On the topic of taxation, Adams continued, “We were able to get through the City Council the first small business city tax reduction in the history of the City of Portland three months ago. Those of you who have small businesses, or are sole proprietors, you’ll see a reduction in your business income tax.”

The tax reform, Adams added was very controversial. “It took me two years to get [the tax reform] passed. My former boss, Mayor Vera Katz, accused me of being a ‘supply-sider’. But, if we don’t have strong businesses, we can’t have a strong and prosperous city.”

Turning to roads, Adams continued, saying he’s asked the city to spend $11 million to address the most dangerous intersections in the city.

“I’m happy to tell you the request was improved. And, 54% of that money, about $4 million, will be going to improve the most dangerous intersections here in Outer East Portland ‚Äì along 122nd Ave. and on 82nd Avenue of Roses. We have a long ways to go, but we will save lives, reduce injuries, and make it a more friendly area in which to walk and drive.”

Adams closed his remarks, commending the group: “You and your leadership have been good advocates on the issue. You are a great association‚ you’re full of small businesses. We want to support you.”

Come meet the members on June 12
Come learn all about this business group dedicated to helping neighbors and business, on June 12th, 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

Discover how this dedicated group of organizations is helping to revitalize the Lents Neighborhood, by dramatically increasing the number of homeowners seeded into their community‚

Amie Diffenauer, ROSE CDC, and Deborah Johnson, Host Development, talk with Angela Wilkinson‚ who says she’s interested in buying a home in Lents.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Business, community organizations and government agencies aren’t just hoping the Lents Neighborhood will improve. They’re taking action.

One of their projects was putting on a “Home Buying Fair” not long ago. By the time we’d arrived, families were streaming into Kelly Elementary School where the fair was set up.

Mipzia Menjivar checking folks in at the Lents Homeownership Fair.

“Welcome to our second fair,” Amie Diffenauer, Community Organizer for the Lents Homeowner Initiative at Lents Community Development greeted us. “People come here who are interested in purchasing homes.”

The fair, she explained, is geared to lower-to-moderate income families, and those considering buying their own home for the first time.

“Many people in our community don’t realize they have the opportunity to purchase a home,” continued Diffenauer. “At this event, we encourage homeownership as a possibility‚ even if it may be several years out. We show them how to start planning now, by improving their credit, building up some savings, and learning how to apply for loans.”

Kristin Breen, Washington Mutual, encourages Shannon Milliman‚ who tells us, “We’re exploring buying a home. Having a plot of land of your own, a garden, draws a family together. We’re working toward it; this fair is really helping.”

Homeowners make better neighbors
People who are homeowners, she said, tend to be more “invested” in their neighborhoods‚ and more than just financially. They take better care of their home and yard, and care about what is happening around them‚ in their street, and in their community.

“We have helped 130 families become homeowners in two years,” Diffenauer enthused. “Our goal is 120 more new homeowners in the next two years. We’re working to build a stronger community, encouraging people to buy homes.”

Provides education, connections and food
The nearly 100 potential new homeowners who attended talked with many of the 23 home buying vendors‚ such as real estate agents, banks, and other lenders‚ and twelve community organizations and government agencies were also at the fair.

In addition the meeting the exhibitors, attendees took home-buying workshops that were available in English, Vietnamese, Russian, and Spanish.

At the Northwest Natural Gas cook trailer, grilling up great fajitas are volunteer Darrell Thiessen and chef Buzz Busse. “We’re NW Natural. We’re giving folks something good to eat ‚Äì and showing them that gas is the best way to cook.”

And, the lunch cooked up by the Northwest Natural Gas team was indeed superb. Freshly grilled chicken fajitas, with all the trimmings, were mouthwateringly delicious.

“We’re happy with the diverse turnout and the enthusiasm of the attendees to learn about homeownership,” said Diffenauer.

About 100 families came to the fair and learned how they can become homeowners in Lents.

We ran into Nick Sauvie, executive director for ROSE Community Development, the driving force in this homeownership campaign at the event.

He looked pleased as he summarized what he saw, saying “This has been a great partnership among realtors, banks, and other companies who are helping people buy a home in Lents. It’s great for the homebuyers, and good for the community. There are good things ahead in Lents.”

Learn more at the work of this organization by visiting  www.rosecdc.org.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

Men and women who served their country under the seas gathered for this tribute. You’ll see exclusive coverage right here‚

A Portland Fire & Rescue Fireboat sends patriotically-colored streams of water in honor of fallen submariners at OMSI.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
1300 hours on Memorial Day, former submariner Bob Walters sounded the “dive” claxon to signal the start of a memorial service for those who have served our nation under the seas.

Then, a bagpiper played “Amazing Grace” and the colors of our nation were honored.

“This memorial celebration is important because this is the time we remember those we served with, those with whom we are currently serving, and those who died in the service of their country,” J.D. Corbitt, the event’s organizer is with the Portland Blueback Base told us. “Memorial Day is a fitting day to do this.”

The Blueback Base, Corbitt said, is a gathering of men and women who have served their country on submarines.

Because they work closely together, in a confined space for a long period of time, “Submariners form a special brotherly-bond seldom seen in other branches of the armed forces,” explained Walters.

“These are all highly skilled people,” Walters continued. “To be a crew member on the USS Blueback submarine, now docked behind OMSI, had to be certified in every position on the vessel.”

Captain Kenneth Dale Walker places a wreath in memory of lost submariners at the memorial near OMSI.

Captain Kenneth Dale Walker, U.S. Navy, was the event’s keynote speaker.

During part of Walker’s speech, he told the group of 100 service people and family members, “What is our responsibility to the submariners who gave their lives in the service of their county? I believe it is to celebrate their lives. They are an inspiration. To the veterans here, you have a personal experience of the horrors of war, of grief and hope. We honor those who serve, take up arms, and place themselves in harm’s way, so we may live in peace.”

Retired submariner Bob Walters rings the ship’s bell in memory of those lost at sea in the service of their nation.

As part of the Memorial Day ceremony a bell was tolled in memory of lost boats and sailors; and a wreath was placed at the Submariners’ Memorial at OMSI by Captain Kenneth Dale Walker, U.S. Navy.

As a finale, a Portland Fire & Rescue fireboat shot streams of red, white and blue water, providing a patriotic background for the USS Blueback’s former crewmates gathered for the event.

Former submariner George Hager blows taps, ending the memorial service as a PF&R Fireboat salutes with a spray.

© 2007 David F Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

See how Junior Achievement’s new SE Portland $5 Million business immersion educational center helps youngsters get a hands-on feel for working in the grown-up world.

Fifth-graders Jimmy Linderman and Jeremy Banka were two of the first youngsters to experience “BizTown”, as Intel executives.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
What started as an idea six years ago‚ creating a mini-city with 19 public and private businesses‚ has become a reality, as Portland Junior Achievement unveiled “BizTown”.

Situated in Southeast Portland, BizTown is like an indoor commerce-oriented theme park. Around a town square are storefronts  and workspaces for banks, restaurants, retail shops, manufacturers, and services‚ most of which are sponsored and branded by Pacific Northwest businesses.

We talked briefly with two “junior executives” working at the BizTown Intel offices. Jimmy Linderman and Jeremy Banka, fifth-graders from our area dressed in white lab coats, were among the first to experience BizTown.

“I had a great time building the robot. It was really awesome,” said Linderman. “I had the sense of what it is like to work. I know more about what it’s like in an adult’s daily life from being here.”

Banka added, “My favorite part was building and programming the robot. It was fun to experiment putting things together.”

John Hancock, President of Junior Achievement; Mark Payton, secretary of the JA Board, and Director of Software Acquisitions Integration for IBM; Brian Rice, Immediate Past Chairman of the JA Board, and President of KeyBank of Oregon; and Steve Gray, Treasurer of the JA Board, and Vice President of KeyBank, here cut the ribbon signaling the official opening of “BizTown“.

More than a “play-date”
At the opening ceremonies, we spoke with John Hancock, the president of Portland Junior Achievement (JA). “Teachers of students who participate in our BizTown program give their kids 18 hours of instructional time before they come here. When they arrive for their day at BizTown, the youngsters roll up their sleeves, and try their hand at running a business.”

Hancock told us that JA helps young people see what it’s like being an adult. “While they’re not faced with the pressures of adulthood, they get to see what it’s like in business. It doesn’t get any better than this, in experimental learning.”

After having 18 hours of classroom instruction, local students get to try their hand at running a business, here in “BizTown“.

Bridging enterprise and education
“We believe the two most important institutions in our nation and our city are free enterprise, and the system by which we educate our young people,” Hancock said. “We’re proud to get resources from the private sector, and to deliver our programs to schools.”

The local JA office, recently relocated from S.E. Belmont to 7830 SE Foster Road, serves 35,000 kids in Oregon and Washington. For more information, see www.japortland.org.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

She told cops she was still in SE Portland‚ when in fact the alleged gunwoman was heading toward Bend at speeds of up to 100 mph. Learn what happened‚ and see our exclusive photos‚ right here‚

Investigators examine the murder scene for evidence on SE Boise St., just east of SE 104th Avenue.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
As dawn breaks on May 30, 36-year-old Michael Kellerman lies on the sidewalk on SE Boise Street, shot dead.

“At 5:36 a.m., Portland Police Bureau responded to a ‘report of a man down’ here, just east of SE 104th Avenue,” reports Sergeant Brian Schmautz, Portland Police Bureau’s Public Information Officer.

Police swarm the scene, and tape off streets in this typically quiet, working-class neighborhood, located between SE Powell and SE Holgate. Investigators arrive and start gathering evidence.

Suspect quickly identified
It doesn’t take detectives long to identify the individual suspected of this murder. Witnesses tell them a woman shot Kellerman and drove off in her green Chevrolet Malibu with Oregon license plates. This information is immediately dispatched to law enforcement agencies.

It didn’t take long for detectives to identify 30-year-old Jacqueline Kay Fielder, reported to be the ex-girlfriend of Kellerman, as a suspect in the shooting.

Just 12 days before the shooting, police and family members say Kellerman filed a restraining order against Fielder. Police add that Fielder then managed to convince Kellerman that she had committed suicide, so that he was reportedly mourning her death, and was caught totally by surprise when she showed up at his house with a gun, which was apparently her plan.

Police say they suspect this woman, Jacqueline Fielder, feigned suicide, broke a restraining order against her, and shot Michael Kellerman before fleeing to Redmond, Oregon.

Tracked to Central Oregon
An East Precinct Lieutenant on scene tells us police contact Fielder by cell phone; she leads them to believe she’s still in the area. But, in fact, Fielder is racing toward Central Oregon‚ at speeds topping 100 mph.

“State, county and city officers attempted to stop the vehicle southbound on Highway 97,” says Schmautz. “Eluding officers‚ and spike strips‚ she sideswiped a commercial truck in Terrebonne.”

An Oregon State Police (OSP) trooper spots Fielder’s Chevrolet Malibu at 7:40 a.m.; keeps the suspect vehicle in sight, and follows her until officers from Jefferson County and Madras Police Department arrive to help stop her.

As the chase to Central Oregon continues, detectives and investigators continue to examine the scene were Kellerman was shot to death.

Puts gun to her head
The officers finally stop Fielder at NW Birch and 6th Ave, in Redmond, Oregon. According to police reports, she slowly gets out of her car armed with a handgun. She runs toward an auto dealership. Officers follow; they find her behind a building on the car lot.

“As officers negotiated with the suspect to surrender,” Schmautz says, “she pointed a handgun at her head. Following several minutes of negotiations, she shot herself.”
While Fielder initially survives the shot from what officials tell us was a large caliber handgun, she dies early the following morning, at 12:15 a.m., in a Bend hospital; an autopsy reveals additional bullet wounds in her stomach.

“What a tragic end to all this,” says one of Kellerman’s neighbors who wishes to remain anonymous, “I still can’t believe that this happened.”

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

Take quick look: You can learn a lesson from what officials say was a critical mistake made by members of this household‚

Portland Fire and Rescue’s Station 7 arrived on-scene at this house fire within minutes‚ yet, still too late to prevent substantial damage.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Neighbors and passers by call 9-1-1 Emergency and report smoke billowing smoke and flames as a home in the 12600 block of SE Stark St. is ravaged by fire.

Finds home fully involved in fire

“We had heavy fire and smoke showing at this two-story frame house when we got here,” reports Portland Fire & Rescue’s Battalion 3 Chief, Chris Babcock the morning of May 27.

The Babcock says the home looks “lived in”. He says the dwelling is furnished and points out the brand new trampoline in the side yard, and fresh food in outdoor pet dishes.

“We did a very through search of all rooms didn’t find any occupants. The good news is there wasn’t anyone at home, no one is injured” Babcock tells us. “Unfortunately, someone will come home to find their house pretty badly damaged.”

While officials didn’t release the family’s name, they did tell us the family who occupied this house came home from church to find their home ravaged by fire.

This home was destroyed, investigators believe, because a clothes iron was left plugged in, turned on, and overheated.

Unattended clothes iron suspected as cause
While the investigation hasn’t been completed, indications are, Portland Fire & Rescue’s spokesman Lt. Allen Oswalt later tells us, the fire appears to have started in the laundry room‚ most likely by an electric iron left plugged in.

“Please, take a moment to make sure your coffee maker, electric clothes iron, or even curling iron is unplugged before you leave your house,” implores Oswalt. “It saddens all firefighters to see a home devastated by an appliance left plugged in‚ and by one forgetful moment.”

Firefighters from Station 7 roll up their hoses after putting out the house fire‚ one that might have been avoided, authorities say.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

Look at this one and you’ll see why elementary students wanted to do more than just contribute only during the May 12 post-office-sponsored food-gathering event‚

Tammy Boone’s 5th Grade class at Ventura Park Elementary was chosen to help load up the food collected during their school’s “Stamp Out Hunger” drive.

Story and photo by David F. Ashton
We, along with many other East Portland residents, put out some food items in the yellow collection bags left by postal carriers in their “Stamp Out Hunger” campaign on May 12.

But that wasn’t enough for students at Ventura Park Elementary School, in the David Douglas School District.

Response was ‘totally awesome’
As they were loading boxes of food to be taken to the needy, Fifth-grader Dammon Bowen told us, “It’s totally awesome that our school is donating all this food. It is great we’re doing this for people. Maybe this will help people who need it to get what they need.”

Heather Holsti, from the same class explained, “The people who can’t afford food still need to survive. We’re donating the food to them. That is important. I feel really good about what we’re doing.”

Week-long campaign produces truckload of food
Both of these students are in Tammy Boone’s 5th Grade at the school. “We’ve collected food all week for this drive. Our class is out helping load up the truck today because we donated two big boxes of food. We were chosen to help deliver the food to the truck.”

It is important for kids to learn to give back to their community, Boone said. “From this, they’ve learned the value of giving, generosity, and to think of more people beyond themselves and their families.”

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

See why folks came from all over outer East Portland to enjoy this wine festival and gourmet dinner‚

Dr. Thomas B. Taylor III shares his knowledge of fine wine with the 42 who gathered for the Sip of Parkrose.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
The banquet room at Steamers Restaurant and Lounge quickly filled, as members and guests filed in the ‘Sip of Parkrose’ event put on by the Parkrose Business Foundation a couple of weeks ago.

“We created this event to benefit the Parkrose Business Foundation’s Scholarship fund,” chair Gail Bash told us. “We’re enjoying entrees of Grilled Wild Salmon, Cajun Style, or Saut?©ed Medallions of Pork Tenderloin.”

Carol Kohn and John Palmer are ready to enjoy find wine and food at Steamer’s Restaurant and Lounge. They’re being checked in the event by Carol and Gail Bash.

‘Wine Doctor’ educates palates
A different wine was paired with each course. The wines were selected by Dr. Thomas Taylor III, a man with 20 years experience pairing fine wines with gourmet food.

As he prepared to introduce the first wine, Dr. Taylor explained, “I love wine. I have a 30 year history with wine. I grew up with it. I learned about it when I was quite young. I met people in the import wine business, and the restaurant business‚ it all goes together.”

Asked why he was so delighted by wine, Taylor said, “Wine is both a social and food phenomenon. It goes with everything.”

Gordon Boorse, Joanne Hazel, Brenda Tank and Don Tank ready to enjoy fine dining and wines at first-ever “Sip of Parkrose” event.

Event funds another Parkrose scholarship
“The event was very successful,” commented Bash after the event. “42 people attended; we all learned more about how to enjoy wine, and had a great dinner prepared by Chef Edgar, and served by Hostess Eileen.”

The success of this event allows the group to fund “a scholarship and had half” for Parkrose High School seniors, Bash said.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service