Parkrose crowns Margaret Drew, the little gal with the big singing voice; David Douglas chooses Chelsea Linn.

The students at Parkrose High School select Margaret Ann Drew to be their Portland Rose Festival Princess. (Portland Rose Festival Photo)

Story and archive photos by David F. Ashton
While other folks across Portland are just learning about Margaret Drew, we feel fortunate to have watched her “grow up” as a musician and performer at Parkrose High School.

The daughter of Jane and Bill Drew, she’s a Parkrose native. Margaret attended Sacramento Elementary, Parkrose Middle School, and, in three months, she’ll be a graduate of Parkrose High School.

Princess Margaret stands with the other contenders for her title. (Portland Rose Festival Photo)

Asked about what’s in store for her after high school, plans, she said, “I plan to attend a four-year university to study art and music.”

A true performer, Princess Margaret is a member of the Parkrose High School Debonair and A-Choir. She’s also a fourth year member and captain of the dance team. On stage, she had a supporting role in their theatre production of Sound of Music and a lead role in last year’s production of Pirates of Penzance. “I am a three-year member of Student Council, and a member of National Honor Society,” she adds.

Princess Margaret, ready to perform with the Parkrose Debonairs choir.

Princess Margaret said she enjoys attending the national convention for Little People of America. “I am also a teen coordinator for the SED and Kniest Syndrome Organization,” said continued.

In her words …
Read, here, her speech she gave on March 9th at the Parkrose Rose Festival Court Selection competition, and you’ll know why she was crowned princess ‚Ķ

“When I sat down to think about this year’s theme, ‘A Century of Celebration,’ I thought to myself, ‘Where would I have been 100 years ago? Would I have been standing on this stage in front of all of you?’

“Probably not. In case you haven’t noticed, I’m a bit shorter than the rest of you. But really, being a Little Person in Parkrose, in 2007, hasn’t been a problem. As Mr. Reynolds [Parkrose High principal] always says, ‘Diversity is what makes Parkrose so great!’

“Mr. Reynolds, I agree with you.

“In my opinion however, it is not diversity that makes Parkrose great. It is the acceptance and celebration of diversity that makes Parkrose so unique. As a diverse member of this community, I have experienced this acceptance first hand.

“Take for example, my one and only experience running the 100-meter dash. My opponents took only a second to cross the finish line. For me, it seemed like it took a century! Nevertheless, my teammates waited for me at the end, cheering me on, while my coach walked alongside me as I ran!

“Or my time spent on the dance team. Even though I do half turns while other dancers are doing double turns, I have never felt I wasn’t as good. And I know my coaches spend extra time just finding ways to fit me in the routines.”

Jonathan Wheatfall and Margaret Drew, performing their lead roles in the production of The Pirates of Penzance.

“And let us not forget the special rock designed so that I could be eye level with my leading man in Pirates of Penzance!

“Whether or not I would have been standing here in front of you a century ago, I am here now, and proud to know that no matter who I am or what I look like, I am accepted as one of us, one of the diverse members of Parkrose.

“Someone once said, ‘Diversity is the one true thing we have in common. Celebrate it everyday.’ Today we celebrate the past one hundred years and each other. Tomorrow let us strive to share this acceptance and celebration of diversity with the world.”

David Douglas High School’s Rose Festival tiara presented to Chelsea Allison Linn

Portland Rose Festival Princess Chelsea Allison Linn represents David Douglas High School

Ronald and Dawnelle Linn have a newly crowned princess in the family: Chelsea Linn.

Educated in outer East Portland, Princess Chelsea attended Harold Oliver Elementary School, Centennial Middle School, and will soon graduate from David Douglas High School.

Asked about her plans, Princess Chelsea says, “I was accepted to Brigham Young University, and will attend there for four years. I am excited to go, and plan to keep up my grade as I have done in high school. The fields I am interested in are science and dance. As I move through my college career, I plan to learn and experience these more. Once I graduate I hope to obtain a career in one of these fields.”

When she’s not studying, Princess Chelsea says she enjoys dance, reading, surfing, beading, art, acting, interior and fashion design, shopping, spending time with friends, and helping others.

In the David Douglas High School Theater production of Peter Pan late last year, Princess Chelsea, as Tiger Lily, forges an alliance with Peter.

The David Douglas princess lists her activities and honors: Varsity Dance Team Captain, Varsity Dance for three years, Science Club, National Honor Society, LINK Crew, Student of the Month, 4.0 Student, and played the role of Tiger Lily in the musical Peter Pan.

In her spare time Princess Chelsea has been: Young Women’s Church Group Leader, Girl’s Camp Junior Counselor, Girl’s Camp President, and a member of Dance Committee.

In her words …
Learn more about Princess Chelsea Linn, from the speech she gave at the David Douglas High School Rose Festival Pageant …

“A century: 100 years, or 1200 months, or 67,200 weeks, or 470,400 days. A century is built one day at a time. This last century has been full of days for celebration. It seems to me that every day should be a celebration, not just the few days that we recognize.

“In ‘Alice and Wonderland’ there is one character that embodies this idea: The Mad Hatter. He celebrated every day as a un-birthday. Though he went about it in rather unprecedented ways, he had the right idea.

‘Take a normal high-schooler’s day for example: You wake up, much too tired from being on MySpace all night; and your hair is just not cooperating. You hastily eat breakfast so you aren’t late to class, and leave the house in a rush. On your way to school you notice you spilt breakfast on your favorite jeans. Just as you are arriving, you are attacked by a big dog that rips your pants to get your remaining breakfast, and eats your homework.”

Princess Chelsea stands with the other contenders for her title. (Portland Rose Festival Photo)

“Just as your life seems really lousy, you walk into school and find out that it is a late-arrival day, and have to wait around for two hours for school to start. So you have two choices at this point. You can hate life and curse the dog that ripped your favorite jeans, or you can realize that this day is going to be great because you are going to make it great. You even might have something to celebrate about. The kind dog took away your embarrassing breakfast stain, and made your pants highly fashionable because holes are ‘in’.

“This situation might be a little extreme, but the point is the same. We have the control to make each day what we want it to be. You will only have a bad day if you choose to.

“You can celebrate EVERY DAY. Life doesn’t always work out they way you think it should, but you can always look for the bright side of things. For example, in this country, education is available to everyone, which is a pretty good thing most days.

“We need to be the examples for the world. In this day and age everything is so negative and there is constantly talk of war, depression and suffering, we can step out of that, and celebrate the ordinary, our family our friends, and our lives. Remember — a century is built one day at a time. Celebrate your days, and continue to live this celebration into the next century.”

Congratulations
We at East Portland News Service extend our sincerer congratulations to our outer East Portland Rose Festival Princesses.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

But seriously folks — can being a cartoonist a “real” job? Learn what a full class of Parkrose area students learned from professional cartoonist Steve Lieber ‚Ķ

Professional cartoonist Steve Lieber holds nothing back as he demonstrates some of the skills required to draw comics – and earn a living doing it.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
The class, sponsored jointly by Parkrose High School and Multnomah County Libraries, was packed with serious-faced students.

No one was clowning around, even though the class was called “Cartoon Workshop”. The students for this elective course, who were mostly of high school age, came to hear and learn from Steve Lieber, a top cartoonist.

Most class attendees knew Lieber’s credentials: His work is published by Marvel, DC, Dark Horse, and Oni Press.

Likes sharing his knowledge
“It was great to be asked to do this,” Lieber told us. “I like talking with young artists. If I’d had a class like this when I was in high school, it would have saved me two years of misapplied effort when I was in college.”

Professional cartoon artist Steve Lieber tells the class, “Anyone can do this, if they work at it.”

Made, not born
To the surprise of some, Lieber said great cartoonists are just ordinary people; anyone can do it if they apply themselves.

“Cartoonists are made, not born. 95% of it is sheer hard work,” commented Lieber.

“I’ve known only two cartoon ‘naturals’, and neither of them do it for a living. Both of them were born with fantastic abilities. But, they never worked at getting any better, so they never improved,” he explained.

Secret of success
We asked Lieber to share his secret for succeeding in the competitive world of commercial comic art.

He spilled the beans: “All the people I know got good by doing about 10,000 really crappy drawings. You learn not to make mistakes by making a whole lot of them. Soon, you start to make some good ones.”

In addition to demonstrating cartooning techniques, Lieber encourages the students as he critiques their work and offers them individual suggestions during the class.

Arranges Parkrose class
One of the reasons this class was held in the Parkrose High library was that that’s is the only area school teaching courses in animation. We learned from the school’s librarian, Stephanie Thomas, that some of these students got extra credit by taking this class.

“Of the 26 class members,” Thomas said, “most of them are from our school. This class wasn’t just for Parkrose students. Any one who wanted to sign up, regardless of their age.”

Thomas told us she collaborated with Multnomah County Library to bring Lieber to the school.

“We partner with the Multnomah County Library,” Lieber continued. “Special classes are open to the public, but are primarily held for our community of students. Instead of having the students travel to Midland Library, the teacher came here. It’s great to be able to partner with them.”

Special agreement with county
Some Parkrose residents still resent that the County withdrew support of a branch library at the high school – after it was constructed.

Because the Parkrose High library was once intended to be part of the county library system, Lieber explained, “We have a special agreement. This is the only school in the county offering an inter-library loan. Any of our students or staff can have any material in the entire system brought here and dropped off.”

The result is, Lieber concluded, that Parkrose High students get an increased number of opportunities they wouldn’t otherwise have. “I’m glad we are able to expand our offerings to our students ‚Äì both in terms of tangible resources, and special classes.”

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

From a field of 14 candidates, meet Dr. Karen Fischer Gray, the new superintendent of Parkrose School District. Read this and you’ll learn more about this dynamic educator ‚Ķ

-1 Dr. Karen Fischer Gray tells with Parkrose residents and educators how her experience will help Parkrose Schools continue to improve.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Two weeks ago, we outlined how Parkrose School District board members, led by Superintendent Michael Taylor, undertook a six-month process of self-evaluation. (Click here to read article.)

With their goals and expectations for the future of education in Parkrose well in mind, the board set about finding a new leader to fill Taylor position after he retires in June.

After traveling to their districts, checking their backgrounds and credentials, and conducting numerous employment interviews, board members invited everyone in the community to meet the two finalists on March 8. The candidate not selected, in the end, was Fern Ridge School District [near The Dalles, OR] Superintendent Ivan Hernandez.

Meet the candidate chosen
“My forte is excellence in educational design,” said Dr. Karen Gray, currently supervisor of the Coos Bay school system, and an educator for 27 years. “My goal is to bring ‘education for all’, whatever it takes,” she began.

Gray pointed out recent improvements in Coos Bay schools. “All of our schools are strong. We’ve done that by having a common vision for our kids. What I’ve done there is directly transferable to Parkrose.”

Gray said her first job was as a speech pathologist in New York City. She and her family ‚Äì her husband, and three kids ‚Äì moved to Oregon in 1990. “I’m not using this as a stepping-stone to somewhere else. We love Oregon and plan to stay here.”

And “here”, Gray added, is Parkrose. “Out on the coast, I see superintendents living in cities away from their districts. I believe in living where I’m serving.”

Sharing her educational ideals, Dr. Gray outlines her educational ideals at a public meeting on March 8.

Gray’s matters
“Above all,” Gray told us, “student health and safety is the most important. And, meeting needs for students with disabilities and special needs is important.

“I’m a firm believe in ‘behavior support’. I don’t call it discipline. Supporting good behavior helps students grow to be good adults.”

Gray also said she sees the need for adjunct activities, such as music and other performing arts programs in schools; and she advocated for early musical training.

She shared her passion for an educational system that prepares young people for whatever they choose to do. “We need to meet the needs of students, whether they go to college, take further vocational training, or enter the job market. Relevant, responsible education, that helps students connect with their school helps students develop the passion they need to succeed.”

Connecting with parents and kids
Gray said she’s formed advisory groups to keep her connected with her educators, parents and students.

“In addition to talking with teachers and parents, I also created ‘Gray’s Group’, consisting of students in grades nine through twelve. Through them, I get direct feedback from our young people.”

We learned that Gray earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from California State University at Fullerton, and her doctorate from the University of Oregon.

Parkrose school board president, Katie Larsell says they’re currently in negotiations with Gray.

The board plans to formally introduce Gray to the community when Gray’s contract has been finalized.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

Neighbors in Parkrose realize how their concerted efforts pay off. Read this story to see what they’ve accomplished lately ‚Ķ

Portland City Commissioner Dan Saltzman listens to, and speaks to, members of the Parkrose Neighborhood Association.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
The city didn’t want to build it, but neighbors wouldn’t be denied a City park. “Our neighborhood is called ‘PARKrose’, you know,” said Marcy Emerson Peters, chair of the neighborhood association.

Their meeting last month was both a celebration of their past successes, and the opportunity to bend the ear of Portland City Commissioner Dan Saltzman.

Enjoying pizzas at the Parkrose Neighborhood Association meeting are Dwain Lamb and Jim Bradley.

Those who attended this special meeting were treated to a pizza feed and ice cream. To some, news that a community garden was approved was the best dessert.

Community Garden at Senn’s
Doug Brenner of the Portland Parks Bureau told the group that construction of a community garden was about to commence at Senn’s Dairy Park on NE Prescott St.

“We’d like to get the garden in by April or May,” Brenner said. “The Parks Department will do most of the construction, but neighbors are needed to help.”

The improvements will include putting in pathways and raised beds to help the mobility-challenged. This will be the City’s 31st Community Garden, commented Brenner.

Saltzman added, “You’ve been persistent; I’m pleased to see this garden coming in. We need more Community Gardens. As Parks Commissioner, these projects are on the top of my list.”

Neighborhood chair, Marcy Emerson Peters shares many of the projects the association is undertaking in Parkrose. In the background, Mary Walker takes notes.

Marcy Emerson Peters told the group that plans to install playground equipment are slowly moving forward. She also lauded the crime-reduction activities in the area ‚Äì including the new “foot patrol” along Sandy Blvd.

Challenges “adult oriented” proliferation
Resident, and public safety advocate, Mary Walker grilled Commissioner Saltzman: “Would you consider putting non-family-oriented businesses away from our schools and daycares, and do more that is being done now? We know Oregon is big on individual rights. But we also have a right to live in decent neighborhoods.”

Saltzman’s response: “You have dealt with this for a long time. You are sophisticated enough to know a particular use can’t be discriminated against.

“Through zoning, we can say a certain parcel of land on Sandy Blvd. should be used for either residential or business purposes. But, if it is a legally-operating business, we have no ability to regulate it on commercially-zoned property.”

Neighbor Jim Loennig shares his concern about the need to revitalize the area of Parkrose just south and east of Portland International Airport.

Proposes better use of South Parkrose land
A lifetime resident of the area, Jim Loennig, told the group how he grew up in Parkrose. Bringing up a large map, he added, “Instead of talking about history, I’d like to talk for a moment about the future.”

Land just south and east of Portland International Airport, Loennig contended, could be better used. Today, he said, it is occupied by junkyards and squatting transients.

“If you ‘up-zoned’ it,” Loennig argued, “you could get tax increment financing. I’d like to see connectivity, like down NE 109th Ave. If the city can enhance the area, put in more streets and lights, there will be fewer places for transient camps.”

Crime: neighbors’ chief concern
Detailed crime maps of Parkrose provided by the Portland Police Bureau show that the most-reported crime in the area is car prowls [break-ins], followed by home burglaries. Next down the list are crimes related to drugs and prostitution.

A pair of new Parkrose neighbors, visiting the association meeting for the first time, said they came to talk about crime.

Specifically, they gave details regarding a “chronic-nuisance house” on NE Prescott Street. They described fights, drug deals, and car prowls. “We wonder if moving to Parkrose was a mistake; we don’t think it will get any better.”

Armed with crime-prevention information and resources provided by the neighborhood association, the couple learned how, by sharing their concerns, they can work together to reduce the problem on their street.

Join with your neighbors
If you live in Parkrose, plan now to attend the next meeting of the Parkrose Neighborhood Association.  Their general meeting starts at 7:00 PM at Our Savior Lutheran Church, 11100 NE Skidmore St.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

Discover what Mayor Tom Potter heard when he listened to Woodstock residents during his inner SE Portland Saturday session

Talking with Mayor Tom Potter are Woodstock “observers” Ruthann Bedenkop of the Woodstock Neighborhood Association, and Jane Glanville, President of the Woodstock Community Business Association.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Once a month, you can find Mayor Tom Potter somewhere in Portland, listening to all who want to share their concerns with him.

Potter didn’t have to travel far on February 24 ‚Äì he this “Ten Minutes with Tom” session was not far from his home, at Pappaccino’s Coffee Shop on S.E. Woodstock Blvd.

“This was pretty exciting,” said Ruthann Bedenkop, president of the local business association. “The conversations seemed very open. It made me feel like our government was accessible.”

Mayor’s observations
We caught up with Mayor Potter as he was concluding his session with citizens, and asked him what he learned.

“We talked about issues ranging from the war in Iraq to fluoridation, to urban growth boundaries, to public safety, mental health issues; and the federal homeland exercise ‘TOP OFF’ with the federal government, how we could respond to a major emergency,” Potter summarized.

“I just found out that one of the adult shops in the area is closed and they’re putting in a bakery. That is a good thing.”

Mayor Potter listens to concerns about poor street condition during his Woodstock visits.

Hears of potholed roads
“A woman told me about her street ‚Äì it really needs repair. In our discussion, I told her that Portland has 2,400 miles of paved streets; 600 miles of those need maintenance. Yet, our largest funding source for paving streets is the state gas tax. It hasn’t been raised in years. Vehicles are more gas efficient, and fewer people are driving cars. While driving less is better for our air quality, it is harder on the City’s pocket book.”

The mayor said he’ll pass on the concern to Commissioner Sam Adams, who oversees PDOT.

Speed bumps on his street?
Recalling the group of neighbors trying to get speed bumps placed on their ‚Äì and the mayor’s ‚Äì street, we asked Potter what he thought of the idea.

“People do speed. I know some of the neighbors have talked to Transportation. But, the Commissioner of Transportation, Sam Adams, said they may not be able to put them on SE 41st Avenue, because it is an alternate route for emergency vehicles.”

Not all topics brought up to him concern local issues, Mayor Potter says.

National issues discussed
Not all of the topics people bring up to him, he said, are local.

“Several people talked about the Iraq war. They say it detracts from things we should be doing here. For example HUD provides a lot of money to local communities for local housing. Their budget was cut over 1.5 billion. We took a hit of $6 Million into affordable housing. We had to make that up. If it hadn’t gone for war, we could have used it for housing.”

Regarding Woodstock
Having interviewed the Mayor following several of his East Portland sessions, we asked how people act to him, when they can speak freely.

“Almost to a person, those who come talk with me are kind. They usually have issues on their minds they want to talk about. They understand that government can’t do everything. We do as much as we can.

“People from other areas treat me as well as they do here. I love Woodstock. I love living here. It is great neighborhood with nice people. I’m 15 minutes from my office. From the comments I heard, people do like living in Inner Southeast Portland.”

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

The once-forlorn stretch of SE Stark St, from I-205 west to Mt. Tabor, is coming back to life. Why? See what Portland City Commissioner Sam Adams learned, when he visited the area

Meeting at Why Not Wine, METBA businesspeople Tarah Schuler, Kay Kirkham, Greg Bunker, Kristin Schuchman, Jacose Bell, and Ariana Dixon enjoy the association’s first social event.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
It looks like downtown Montavilla is, once again, beginning to thrive — thanks to business people have chosen to open stores, restaurants‚Ķand yes, the Academy Theater.

Banding together under the banner “Montavilla/East Tabor Business Association” (METBA), these outer East Portland entrepreneurs say that supporting one another increases the likelihood this area will again flourish.

Mix and mingle
For their first networking and social event, they met on February 28 in Montavilla at Why Not Wine, a wine bar serving light appetizers.

“I, like many of our members, want to get our association to percolate. So, we started this network event to help businesses support and learn about each other,” says Kristin Schuchman, a member METBA.

“I’ve lived here for eight years, and work as a marketing consultant as owner of Mixed Media LLC,” continues Schuchman. “I’ve hoped for more retail and restaurant establishments to come in, to give it the ‘village’ feel you get on Hawthorne or Belmont. It looks like my wish is coming true.”

About 25 guests filled the wine bar at this inaugural networking event.

Planning Montavilla Farmer’s Market
At the event, we met Kay Kirkham, one of the forces behind a proposed Farmer’s Market.

“The market will be on SE Stark St.,” she said, “at SE 76th Ave., in the vacant lot next to the Veterinary Center. They’ll let us use if for a minimum cost. We plan to be open on Sundays starting late in May.”

Interested in being a vendor? Contact her at: katherinekirkham@yahoo.com.

Portland City Commissioner Sam Adams meets with METBA members to hear their concerns.

Commissioner Sam comes to town

The first business group visited by Sam Adams after he became a Portland City Commissioner was the Montavilla/East Tabor Business Association. Adams vowed to return.

After a mid-afternoon get-together at several locations, Adams told us what he’s seen and learned at Flying Pie Pizzeria on SE Stark St.

“Businesspeople are feeling good; the district is definitely coming back. They’re getting more customers. New investment is coming into the district.”

Sam Adams votes Montavilla and East Tabor as the place you are most likely to find great pies – both kinds.

Adams: ‘Best pies in town’
“It is good to see the vitality,” Adams continued. “Since I last visited, it’s great to see the area really flourishing. And, in all of Portland, some of the best pizza ‚Äì at Flying Pie and Stark Street Pizza ‚Äì and fruit pies, especially the peach ‚Äì  homemade by Bipartisan Caf?© ‚Äì are here in Montavilla!”

Commissioner Adams tells us that business folks would like to see money dedicated to help with pedestrian safety; for things like bubble curbs and curb extensions. “I wish I had more money in the transportation budget for infrastructure improvements.”

Adams added that he felt a sense of “continuing frustration that ODOT raised the speed from 30 to 35 mph, right here in the middle of the district. While that is their prerogative, it makes no sense to me.”

Other concerns, says the commissioner, are regarding the up-tick of prostitution and drug dealing around SE 82nd Avenue of Roses, and on Stark St. to SE 78th Ave.

Takes a break during budgets
We asked Adams why he’s taking time away from the office during the budget process in City Hall.

“A commissioner who sits in City Hall all the time,” replied Adams, “and who doesn’t make outreach efforts, can’t stay in touch. It’s easy to think the world is one way, while the reality, on the street, is quite different. And, as Transportation Commissioner, I am concerned with traffic issues. I’ll do my best to help, given the budget constraints.”

President is pleased
While driving Alema McCrea, president of METBA, the short distance back to her car she left at Stark Street Pizza, where Sam Adams’ journey began, we used the opportunity to ask how she felt about Adams’ visit.

“I thought we got a lot of good information from him about how to proceed with our traffic issues. We also learned how we can deal with ‘green’ issues, like putting bio-swales in. Sam really listens, and tries his best to take care of things.”

Additionally, McCrea told us, “both this networking event, and the commissioner’s visit gives members the opportunity to talk together and share concerns.

“The association is growing,” she said. “We’re adding new members ‚Äì come join with us.”

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

Take one look, and you’ll see the fun these kids had making dimensional paper artwork in this class ‚Ķ

Instructor Jean Choy helps kids get started on their Sunday afternoon art project.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton

Not all events at the library involve books.

Not long ago, we stopped by Midland Library to see a paper crafts class that brightened up an otherwise dreary Sunday afternoon for kids and their parents

“This is paper art for children,” explained the instructor, Jean Choy, “and also for adults who like to make art!”

Choy said she’s taught Chinese-style brush painting for 25 years, and enjoys creating art in charcoal and pen and ink. “I’m also a Chinese language teacher.”

-Alisha Archer with a little help from mom Julia, doing arts and crafts at Midland Library by making birds.

The craft at this session was making fanciful birds from paper cutouts.

Check our Community Calendar and you may find a class or special interest program that tickles your fancy. The best part? They’re all free.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

It might look like a vicious sport, played without rules, but read this, and learn why rugby is a lot more civilized than you may think …

Performing what looks like a cross between a ballet leap and an acrobatic cheerleader stunt, rugby players hoist a team member high into the air to catch the ball during a “line out”.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Their game over, soccer players quickly cleared the field at Westmoreland Park when they saw the blue-uniformed Oregon Sports Union “Jesters” and the red-jersey clad “Portland Pigs” (a/k/a Portland Rugby Football Club) on February 17.

“We don’t want to be in the way of these guys,” said a soccer player, making a hasty exit to the sidelines.

About to take place was the semi-annual competition between Portland’s senior men’s rugby leagues.

Century old sport shows no age
While the game of rugby came into being in 1872, the first Portland club was organized only in 1961, we’re told by Shawn Waterman, assistant coach of the Portland Rugby Football Club, known as the Portland Pigs.

“Portland Pigs?” we ask.

“According to oral tradition,” Waterman said with a smile, “at a tournament in San Francisco, a pig wandered on the field. The club adopted it, brought it back to Portland, and later roasted it. It was said to have been delicious.”

Not for the faint of heart
Waterman enthused, “It’s a fantastic game. It gets in your blood. It is a very physical game. It isn’t for the weak at heart, nor unsound of body.”

As in American football, rugby players grab the ball and do their best to carry into the scoring end-zone.

Rugby differs from American Football, we learned, in that players don’t wear helmets or hard pads. They are permitted to use soft, foam shoulder pads.

Asked about the basics, Waterman does his best to simplify the game play.

“The playing field is 100 meters in length, goal posts on each end. There are 15 players on a team. The object is to tally more points than your opponent by scoring a “try”, a “penalty kick” or a “drop goal”. A “conversion” after a “try” scores points as well.”

In simple terms, each team alternately attacks the opposition goal or defends their own.

Unlike American football, a when the player running ball is tackled – and wow, are they tackled – they untangle themselves and the play continues.

An adult-level rugby match lasts 80 minutes, played in two halves of 40 minutes each. It is controlled by a single referee and two touch judges.

“One thing that makes the game so vigorous,” Waterman stated, “is that, unlike American football, play continues immediately after a tackle.”

Parent calls it a “clean” sport
On the sidelines, watching what looked like violent roughhousing, we met Richard Sorem, the parent of Taylor, a Portland Pigs player. We asked if he had concerns for his son’s safety.

“True, it is a very ‘physical’ game,” Sorem replied. “But, he’s been playing for three years. Even though they play hard, it’s a ‘clean’ sport in which sportsmanship is highly valued. Rugby doesn’t have rules ‚Äì instead, they call them ‘laws’ ‚Äì and they are meant to be obeyed.”

Overall, Sorem said, he didn’t think the chance for injury is any greater than in other contact sports. “There are risks in playing any sport.”

It looks like a coordinated shoving match, but this grapple with the ball is called a “scrum”.

The greatest game
During a break, we ask Waterman why he chose this sport. “Simply, we play it because it is the greatest game.”

Portland rugby is played in a split season, in the fall and spring. “Wet, sloppy fields don’t make for a good game, but we play it in the season,” Waterman commented.

You can see the Portland Pigs practice on Tuesdays and Thursdays at Montavilla Park, SE 82nd Avenue of Roses and Glisan Street, at 7:00 p.m. Games are played on Saturdays.

You can learn more about this fascinating, traditional sport by going to www.portlandrugby.org.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

Witnesses, including an off-duty police officer, say they were surprised the elderly driver who turned in front of a rolling MAX train wasn’t killed

Portland Police NRT Officer Michael Gallagher (center, writing on the pad on the car) witnessed what he said was a grinding mix-up between the wrecked car and a MAX train.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Witnesses say it did not look like the driver of blue Dodge Astra was racing, trying to beat the MAX train to the SE 108th Ave. intersection from E. Burnside St.

Nevertheless, the heedless driver lost the contest and was struck, broadside, on the clear, dry early afternoon of March 8.

Thought she was killed
“I happened to look out the window,” says neighbor Laura MacDonald, “and couldn’t believe I was seeing a car just turn in front of the MAX train. It slammed into the car so hard, it spun it around. I thought it must’ve killed the driver for sure.”

The MAX Train coupler struck the car broadside, first in the driver’s door; then in the rear quarter-panel, as it spun it off the tracks.

Driver appears oblivious
About to start his afternoon shift, off-duty Portland Police NRT Officer Michael Gallagher was on his way from the Gateway Area Business Association meeting to East Precinct.

“I was coming south on SE 108th Avenue, waiting for traffic to clear,” Gallagher tells us on scene. She [the driver of the Dodge] was westbound on E. Burnside St. I observed her pulling into the left hand turn lane to travel south on 108th. She appeared to be oblivious to the MAX train, bearing down upon the intersection.”

Gallagher says the train indicator lights and traffic signals were operating, and the MAX train sounded the horn, then hit its brakes.

“When I got out, checking on her after the accident, I thought she’d be seriously injured ‚Äì or worse,” says Gallagher.

TriMet officials check over the MAX train; it is released to continue its westward journey.

Instead of finding a mangled driver, the officer says the heedless driver refused medical attention – and, using her four-point cane, walked away from the accident.

“It was my fault, I think,” said the elderly woman. “I didn’t see it.”

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service.

Eighteen hours apart, these two residential fires kept crews from Portland Fire & Rescue busy. See why one of the fires sounded “two alarms” ‚Ķ

Firefighters knew they had to quickly knock this fire down to keep it from spreading to other units of this apartment building. (Dick Harris, PF&R photo)

Story and some photos by David F. Ashton
An apartment house fire on the evening of March 2 sent the crews of eleven fire engines and five ladder trucks to the 13000 block of SE Powell Boulevard.

“On arrival,” PF&R’s John Hill reports, “they had a large amount of fire in two of the first floor apartments.”

The flames, Hill says, were leaping to the second floor of the structure, extending up to the parapet area of the roof. When the roof was ablaze ten minutes after they arrived, the Battalion Chief called for a second alarm.

“A ‘second alarm’ immediately dispatches more resources to a fire,” explains the bureau spokesperson, Lt. Allen Oswalt. “Especially with an apartment fire, we want to make sure we contain the fire, and that it doesn’t spread to other units.”

Portland crews, assisted by Gresham firefighters, quickly knocked down the blaze.

“Damage to the apartment complex was limited,” Hill says, “so that we only had two adults and one child that are going to stay with another family member.”

This fire remains under investigation.

Neighbors’ quick calls save elderly woman’s burning home

Officials say calls by neighbors brought out firefighters to investigate reports of smoke coming from this Southeast Portland home.

“We look out for each other,” says a neighbor, standing in the intersection of SE Steele St. at 57th Avenue as firefighters swirl around us. “I was concerned when I saw smoke coming from this house because an elderly lady lives there.”

The concern led her, and other neighbors, to promptly call 9-1-1 when they saw smoke coming from more than the chimney of the modest blue home on March 3.

While firefighters check on her wellbeing, neighbors gather to comfort the woman whose home is damaged by a basement fire.

Quick investigation leads to fast action
Within minutes, Portland Fire & Rescue’s Truck 25 rolls on scene.

“Firefighters arrived to find smoke-stained windows,” Battalion Chief Erin Janssens tells us on scene. “They immediately called for ‘residential house fire response’, thus dispatching more units.”

A jet of water sprays out of a basement window, as firefighters quickly extinguish the fire, said to be located above the home’s basement ceiling.

Concerned that the occupant might be in the building, Janssens tells us, some firefighters made a complete search of the building while others looked for the source of the potential blaze.

“In the basement, they found the source of the smoke, and extinguished it,” says Janssens. “Fortunately, the occupant was out of the building.”

Lt. Greg Holsinger, from Station 25, comforts the homeowner, and gives her information regarding resources available to her.

In all, 24 firefighters responded to the incident, hailing from PF&R Stations 25, 20, 9 and 11.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

NOW PLAYING: See how a British vicar’s home is turned upside down by four mistaken identities, two impostors, an escaped spy in this hilarious, fast-moving play ‚Ķ

As the story begins … Penelope Toop (Desira?© Stewart), the American wife of the local vicar is disappointed that her visiting ex-show biz pal, Corporal Clive Winton (Chris McVey) won’t take her to see a show in town. Winton relents, borrows the vicar’s suit, and is mistaken for the Reverend.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
The opening night audience laughed out loud, hearing the snappy dialog, seeing the madcap action and reveling in the mash-up of confusion of the David Douglas High School production of See How They Run.

It’s a World War II era play by Philip King, considered by many to be the “King of Farces” because of the screwball situations and humor, heavily playing on problems arising from mistaken identities.

The maid, Ida (Emily Strickland) tries to explain to her boss, The Reverend Lionel Troop (Jonathan Quesenberry) why the town busybody, Miss Skilton (Katy Beckemeyer) is found inebriated, out of control, and in the most embarrassing of situations – on the floor!

The line, “See how they run”, originally drawn from the nursery rhyme about the “three blind mice” is best known in popular culture today from The Beatles’ use of it in two of their songs, “I am the Walrus” and “Lady Madonna”.

But perhaps Paul McCartney and John Lennon used this phrase in the songs not because of the children’s rhyme, but because they enjoyed the comedic confusion that reigns in this play.

The real Reverend Troop gets clocked by an escaped prisoner (Joey Russell) who needs a quick change of clothes. Thus, two vicar-imposters are now in the house.

Star-studded, experience cast
You’ll recognize many of the actors in this production. Most of them have played many staring roles in other David Douglas Theater products.

Some of the featured players in this show are Katy Beckemeyer played the lead role in Peter Pan; Chris McVey was “Big Jule” in Guys and Dolls; Jonathan Quesenberry was “Captain Hook” in Peter Pan; Desira?© Stewart played a knockout “Adelaide” in Guys and Dolls and “Wendy” in Peter Pan; and, Emily Strickland, a veteran of nine DDHS productions, and will be competing in the State drama competitions.

The Bishop of Lax (Rachel Lemons), shows up a day early, complicating matters for Penelope, to the delight of maid Ida.

Solid direction produces snappy scenes
Directed by Michael Givler, with the support of  Judy LeCoq and Kaila Murry, the actors deliver their lines crisply, with the “snap” necessary to make a fast-paced comedy pick up speed until the frenzied ending.

The more questions the Bishop of Lax asks of Penelope, the more confusing the situation becomes. Corporal Winton laughs hysterically, both because he’s been mistaken for Reverend Troop ‚Äì and because his military uniform has disappeared.

Sophisticated staging
The show’s Technical Director, Mark L. Taylor and his student staff built the realistic set ‚Äì complete with five doors, all well used ‚Äì out and away from the stage front, bringing the action up close to the audience.

The crew’s execution of Lighting Designer David Tangen’s superb illumination design highlights the screwball antics of the characters as they scurry about, trying desperately to right multiple situations that have gone awry.

As the situation continues to worsen, and the pace of the play quickens, Penelope is frenzied as Corporal Winton squares off with the (literally) defrocked Reverend Troop. The action continues to build from here – these scenes are from the FIRST half of the show!

Order tickets today
See How They Run continues its run on March 15, 16, and 17.

Showtimes for all performances are at 7:30 p.m. in the beautiful Howard Horner Performing Arts Center, 1400 SE 130th Ave., Portland, OR 97233.

Tickets are $5 for students and $7 for adults.

For ticket information, call the David Douglas Box Office at (503) 261-8270.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

If you’re sick and tired of crooks and drug addicts reducing the quality of life in outer East Portland, learn about this special meeting on March 20 ‚Ķ

Rosanne Lee, East Portland Crime Prevention Program Coordinator, encourages Powellhurst-Gilbert’s Glenn Taylor to attend the March 20 organizing meeting for the new Foot Patrol.

Story and photo by David F. Ashton

They don’t carry guns and bust crooks.

But citizen volunteer members of a “Foot Patrol” do wear identifying vests, and battle crime with notebooks and pens.

Rosanne Lee, East Portland Crime Prevention Program Coordinator, explains, “Their purpose is to record what they see ‚Äì but, more importantly, to be a visible presence in the community.”

Lee says she’s in the process of  developing a group of volunteers to assist Portland Police Bureau’s East Precinct officers to provide a “community presence at ‘hot-spots’ in various neighborhoods. They also do outreach for the precinct for special projects, like car prowl education.”

After two hours of training, the volunteers decide how to organize, Lee tells us. “This is a new idea; we’ve never organized a Foot Patrol on a precinct-wide basis. And, East Precinct covers a lot of territory. We’re breaking new ground.”

Come check out the Foot Patrol on March 20
Learn more about this do-it-yourself crime reduction program. The few hours you volunteer each month can make a real, positive difference in your community and neighborhood.

The organizing meeting is Tuesday, March 20 from 6 to 7 p.m. at the East Precinct Community Room, 737 SE 106th Avenue.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service