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Community Features
The "Events and Activities" for the month are beneath these featured stories!
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| This photo is an aerial view of the business district on 17th Avenue between McLoughlin and Holgate around 1935, just before the PECO manufacturing structure was built. The Iron Man Manufacturing Company is present in the photo – as is the now-gone Brooklyn Yard Roundouse, in the upper left corner, near Holgate Boulevard. (Courtesy of the PECO Company) |
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SOUTHEAST HISTORY
Light rail construction claims part of PECO Manufacturing
By DANA BECK
Special to THE BEE
On the Wednesday afternoon of April 10th 2013, employees, secretarial staff members, and managers, of Peco Manufacturing Company in on the east side of S.E. 17th in Brooklyn gathered for one last look out the glass door and windows of their building.
Across the street, on the west side, near S.E. Schindler and 17th, heavy machinery and cranes were dismantling the original building of Production Engineering Company (PECO), to make way for the new Portland-Milwaukie Light Rail line.
The transfer of large machines, computers, and equipment out of the painting and treatment plant in the doomed building was finally complete, and longtime workers reflected on the many hours spent finishing orders there, sharing memories of working side by side with each other.
The demolition of the PECO structure removed just one of the total of 62 buildings that are slated to come down within the year; many of them are already gone. Tri-Met Community Affairs spokeswoman Jennifer Koozer, responding by e-mail on how many other structures are involved stated that, “Overall the project has 203 acquisitions. Of those 55 are entire properties, and 90 are partial.”
As early as the 1930’s, the area of the Brooklyn neighborhood from 17th and Powell to Schindler Street was an industrial district. But it wasn’t always so.
During the 1880’s, the flowing wheat fields of Gideon Tibbett’s Land Claim occupied the land, accompanied by meandering streams, wild scrub brush, and small timber. In 1868 Tibbett invited the Eastside Railway (Portland’s first railroad – built to connect to California) to lay rails across his land. The tracks were completed from the Clay Street riverfront all the way to Roseburg by 1872.
The arrival of the railroad attracted German and Italian immigrants to settle in the neighborhood, and employed many in repairing rails, servicing trains, and working as conductors. By the 1920’s the Southern Pacific had purchased the railway. A machine shop was set up for repairing and maintenance of train engines, while brick and wooden buildings were built to house passenger coaches and rail cars that were constructed in the so called Brooklyn Railway Shops. These were the origins of today’s “Brooklyn Yard”.
When the 1930’s rolled around, Seventeenth Street was still mainly a residential district that rimmed the railroad yards of the Southern Pacific, but the completion of the new State “Super Highway” (McLoughlin Boulevard – Highway 99E) in the mid 1930’s changed everything.
17th Street was becoming an ideal place for light industries and small start-up companies. Easy access by truck and railway meant that companies would have supplies delivered faster and cheaper, and finished products from their factories shipped out in a timely manner.
Businesses such as the Crawford and Doherty Foundry and the Portland Wire and Iron Works had been the first large buildings and factories on the west side of the street. In 1924 the Iron Fireman Manufacturing Company had taken over the outdated Coin Manufacturing Company and built a massive warehouse at Schiller Street. By the 1950’s most of the homes had been moved or torn down, and 17th Avenue was now strictly an industrial area.
The Iron Fireman Company, a heating and furnace factory, is one of the few buildings still standing as a reminder of the 1930’s era.
At the beginning of the Twentieth Century, coal was replacing firewood as an economical heating source for residences and commercial buildings.
Owners of the Iron Fireman redesigned an old manual coal stoker that they found in a vacant warehouse they’d recently purchased. It became a commercial success, and when fitted to existing furnaces provided for a cleaner and cheaper form of heating for residents. In 1937, management at the Iron Fireman hired a talented and creative mechanical graduate from Oregon State College – Ralph D. McGilva, or “Mac” as he was called during his career.
But his time at the Iron Fireman company was short – as Mac McGilva had ambitions of starting his own company, and he effectively combined his skills to establish the Product Engineering Company.
According to reports in the Oregonian newspaper of the time, Ralph D. McGilva teamed with Harry F. Everett in 1938 to form this new company, but six years later the partnership was dissolved when Everett retired and McGilva became president, owner, and the chief engineer of PECO.
Now the sole owner, Mac increased the production of his company when he introduced a cold chamber process for use in die casting aluminum alloys, at a time when other business were using the hot chamber process in their factories. Cold chamber die casting offered manufacturers more intricate detail in the products they created for their clients.
According to information collected from Mac’s wife and daughter in Richard Carroll’s online biography of Mac McGilva, PECO was “a pioneer in the Northwest in producing aluminum and zinc alloy die casting materials”. The company produced products such as two-wheeled mail delivery carts for the postal service, and golf carts for sport enthusiasts. Toys, tools, carburetor parts, machine components, and various housings and motor parts were just a few of the items fabricated on the PECO manufacturing line.
When the United States entered World War II, PECO helped support the cause by manufacturing electrical fittings and military parts for the Army and Maritime departments. After the war the company expanded considerably, becoming a custom job business, producing goods and products to order. The PECO factories produced everything from vacuum cleaner parts to fire extinguishers, and from marine hardware to lawn sprinklers and air brake control valves.
In 1950, McGilvra experienced both a personal high and low. It was a terrific setback when a fire destroyed his building, leaving staff members and workers unemployed. But with the help of friends and distributors Mac found funding, and rebuilt a new 4,000 square foot factory.
At this time PECO gained attention for the production of a toy gun called the Frontier Smoker; over 200,000 were distributed and sold in the United States. With his evident innovation and creativity in the toy industry, Mac was asked to create a display for the 53rd Toy Fair held in New York City, and he responded by creating an exhibit of toy soldiers for the event.
When the Iron Fireman Company moved its production factory east to Fairview, Mac purchased the building from his former employer, and it is now the headquarters of PECO manufacturing today.
In 1962, employees and business associates were stunned when Mac McGilva unexpectedly died in 1962 at the age of 49.
PECO Manufacturing continues to be a leader in manufacturing components used in commercial and military aircraft, employing over 270 workers. Production items have included sophisticated aerospace systems, and PECO has always been a supplier of cabin interior components for airplanes, relying on a longtime relationship with the Boeing Corporation – testament to the tradition begun 75 years ago by Mac McGilva.
During a recent tour of the remaining PECO facility on S.E 17th by this reporter, with Vice President of manufacturing James “Jim” Stocks, we beheld the unique interior of the PECO administrative offices, once occupied by the Iron Fireman Company. Hand crafted and carved polished wood paneling along the walls contained hidden closets and compartments, and all three rooms are filled with stained glass windows not often found in offices built for business executives.
Once a mechanical engineer with ESCO Corporation, Stocks joined the partnership of PECO in 1967, and is part of a team that includes Stephen Scheidler, Steven Michaelis, Merrick Smith, Dave Freund, and Michael Loescher, who together oversee the daily operations of the company.
Brooklyn’s PECO Manufacturing Company on S.E. 17th Avenue at Schiller Street is today one the world leaders in the designing and marketing of aircraft parts, to cite just one product line – thanks to the dynamic ideas of its late co-founder, Mac McGilva.
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| Ashe Urban (standing, far left) started out the facilitating the Woodstock Neighborhood’s recent visioning session with a paraphrase of John F. Kennedy’s famous “Ask not what your neighborhood can do for you, but what you can do for your neighborhood.” The energized session produced many ideas of how to improve the neighborhood. (Photo by Elizabeth Ussher Groff) |
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“Dreaming big” energizes Woodstock visioning session
By ELIZABETH USSHER GROFF
for THE BEE
On Wednesday, April 6th, sixty Woodstock residents packed into the multi-purpose room of the Woodstock Community Center for an evening of “visioning” for the neighborhood.
The evening began at 6:30 with socializing and snacks. Attracted by two large wooden sandwich board signs displayed on the boulevard several days in advance, nearly one third of the attendees had never before attended a neighborhood association meeting – or had ever been inside the small, historic community center.
While enjoying hummus from Mezza Restaurant, mini sandwiches from the neighborhood Graffiti Sandwich food cart, and snacks and beverages provided by Woodstock Neighborhood Association regulars, attendees mingled until 7 pm when the visioning session began.
Seated at eight tables covered with white butcher paper, attendees were guided by Ashe Urban, Southeast Uplift’s Community Outreach Coordinator, to brainstorm concerns as well as hopes and dreams for their neighborhood.
Attendees at each table functioned as “breakout groups”, using the butcher paper before them on which to write first their concerns – things that are a challenge or barrier in the neighborhood – then their hopes and dreams for the neighborhood. They were advised to think big – unconstrained by monetary considerations.
“It was noisy in there, but the ‘plus side’ was that people were very energized and eager to talk about their needs and cares for their community,” commented attendee Helena Silberstein afterwards.
The listed concerns included: No infill standards; unpaved roads; lack of street lights; too many convenience stores; too few crosswalks with lights; too few bike lanes; parents driving children to school instead of walking; speed limit too high, and no enforcement, on SE 52nd; limited resources for seniors and homeless; limited parking by the library and by the proposed new Green Zebra convenience store; traffic congestion; and decreased neighborhood events for families.
A hope expressed by some breakout groups was the desire for a good neighborhood bakery closer to the Woodstock Village Center than the popular but “slightly distant” Mehri’s Bakery and Deli at 52nd and Bybee. Other visions included: Creative solutions for unimproved streets; more people willing to walk rather than drive their children to school; more murals and art; more local businesses filling building vacancies; a neighborhood town square; poop stations with “doggie bags”; affordable senior housing; boutique restaurants; neighborhood “welcome packets” for new residents; more public gathering spaces with benches; and more volunteers willing to head up community events.
One concluding vision was for community service committees, either street-by-street or neighborhood-wide, which could help with small projects and addressing such problems as litter, graffiti, and overall beautification of the neighborhood.
As the evening wrapped up, people continued to engage in energized conversations. It was recognized that transforming visions into action is a challenge, but each participant was encouraged to choose a way, big or small, to become engaged in the neighborhood.
To, yourself, become a part of neighbors communicating with each other, and with the Woodstock Neighborhood Association, you can:
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| Longtime BDNA volunteers and leaders Gale Kiely, Dick Hazeltine, and Malcom Handcock share experiences during in the visioning session. (Photo by David F. Ashton) |
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Brentwood-Darlington neighbors envision better future
By DAVID F. ASHTON
for THE BEE
More than forty neighbors streamed in to the Brentwood-Darlington Neighborhood Association (BDNA) meeting at their Community Center on April 3 – ready to find ways to improve this part of Inner Southeast Portland.
Before the meeting started, the participations fortified themselves with coffee, water, and snacks, including delicious pastries and cakes donated by Mehri’s Café and Bakery.
“What we are trying to do is get input from our neighbors to learn more about their interests,” BDNA President Eric Wikoff told THE BEE.
“This is a very diverse area, with about 5,000 residents,” Wikoff continued. “Part of this neighborhood visioning process is to help build and strengthen the community, so our association better reflects our neighbors.”
Acknowledging that some people still refer to the area as “Felony Flats” [this reporter is a 23-year resident of BDNA], Wikoff pointed that the association is working “to take advantage of our multi-cultural community and take advantage of the diversity and vibrancy this gives. We are trying to create a strong image and voice for our neighborhood.”
As neighbors were introducing themselves, Southeast Uplift Community Outreach Coordinator Ashe Urban confided that she enjoys leading this kind of meeting.
“I'm always hoping to see people get excited about their neighborhood,” explained Urban. “Sometimes people ask what their neighborhood association can do for them. I hope they leave tonight with ideas of what they can do to improve BDNA.”
Key ideas discussed included:
- · Leading community outreach activities, such as picnics in the parks and neighborhood block parties;
- · Working to create a modest business district;
- · Promoting traffic and pedestrian safety, particularly through encouraging sidewalk installation and street paving, and through speed limit reductions and enforcement; and,
- · Encouraging efforts to improve the appearance of the neighborhood by organizing volunteers to pick up trash, and by promoting the neighborhood clean-up.
“Hopefully, with this information,” Wikoff observed, “we will be able to encourage neighbors to become more involved, and help take an active part in changing our neighborhood for the better.”
The Brentwood-Darlington Neighborhood Association holds its public meeting on the first Thursday of the month at 7 pm, in the Brentwood-Darlington Community Center, 7211 S.E. 62nd Avenue. Stay in touch via their Facebook page: www.facebook.com/brentwood.darlington
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| Perennial Easter Bunny Joellen Sweeney, a CHS graduate and junior at Willamette University, greets Bryn Pyper and dad Brian Pyper. (Photo by David F. Ashton) |
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Westmoreland Park’s Easter Egg Hunt tradition rolls on
By DAVID F. ASHTON
for THE BEE
Some Inner Southeast Portland events have become generational – including the annual Easter Egg Hunt held at Westmoreland Park on the day before Easter. This year, that was the sunny morning of March 30th.
Sponsored by the Sellwood-Moreland Improvement League neighborhood Association (SMILE), and hosted by the Oaks Bottom Lions Club, this year’s brief-yet-intensely-joyful event did not disappoint.
“I’m not sure how long it’s been going on,” Oaks Bottom Lions Club President Mary Hankins told THE BEE. “But, kids who once participated are now bringing their own children.”
The dozen-or-so Lions Club members who “sowed” the area with brightly-colored, foil-wrapped chocolate Easter eggs were happy to help out, Hankins said, “Because we believe in community service. And, it’s events like these that bring the community together.”
Divided into age groupings, kids and parents did their best to wait patiently for the 10 o’clock hour to arrive. A 15-second count down amplified egg-hunting aspirations to near frenzy levels among the kids. At 10 am sharp it was organized pandemonium, as the dash was on for the candies in the grass.
And, at 10:07 am, all but a few eggs had already found their way into the pockets, bags, and baskets of the eager children. Parents arriving at 10:08 am were clearly disappointed – until some of the Lions volunteers “accidently dropped” additional handfuls of treats for the late arrivals.
Sunshine and smiles – it’s the perfect ending for this cherished yearly event. But be sure to come EARLY next year. It starts at 10 am sharp. 10:08 is too late.
To learn more about the Oaks Bottom Lions Club, go online to: http://portlandoaksbottomlionsclub.weebly.com/. And, for more about SMILE, visit its blog at: www.SellwoodMoreland.org, and its informational website: www.SMILErecords.org
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| The first of thousands of plastic eggs start to fall from the helicopter … (Photo by David F. Ashton) |
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Easter eggs rain down – and reign – at Southeast Portland egg hunt
By DAVID F. ASHTON
for THE BEE
There was no “hunting” for Easter eggs at this community gathering, again sponsored and put on by Inner Southeast Portland’s HopeCity Church in Brentwood Park on March 30.
With thousands of bright orange colored plastic Easter eggs distributed in two areas of the park, these prizes were easy to find.
“Welcome back to our second annual ‘Code Orange’ Easter egg drop,” smiled the church’s Lead Pastor, Brian Becker. “We have created a tradition here for the neighborhood. And, we’re having a blast doing it.”
They use the term “Code Orange”, Becker reminded THE BEE, because it means “top priority” in the medical field.
“We feel kids should be our top priority, and they deserve a great day to celebrate together. And, through an event of this magnitude, it’s a way our church gives back to our community – providing families in the Brentwood-Darlington neighborhood with an unique experience.”
They kept this “Easter Egg” promotion low-key, Becker said; they closed online registration three days beforehand, when they reached their maximum number of 1,000 participants. “We want to make sure we can serve all those who signed up. But, we had another 1,000 inquiries after the cut-off. Our neighbors apparently think well of the project.”
This year, this Easter-themed celebration, put on by 200 volunteers from the church, plus their friends and family, added attractions like a “bouncy house” and carnival games – and also having a free photo taken with an Easter Bunny and friend.
About 3,000 plastic eggs were distributed in a large circle in the center of the park, and in a side area, designated for kids less than 2 years of age. Then, as for the first time last year, “A helicopter will fly over, and it’ll drop another 8,000 eggs.”
To remove the competitive aspect from holding an “Easter egg hunt”, parents were told at registration – and it was also announced on the PA system – that the plastic eggs are empty. “Whether they pick up only one, or a dozen, eggs – they redeem them for one bag of candy. Each of the participants gets the same amount,” Becker explained.
At 11:20 am a helicopter did appear in the sky, approaching the park from the southwest. It circled overhead – and then, as promised, released orange plastic eggs, to rain down in the “drop zone”. Your reporter can reveal that being hit by a falling egg didn’t hurt; it felt like a gentle tap on the shoulder.
It didn’t take long for the eager children to scoop up these eggs and head off to the “candy store” to redeem them for their bag of sweets.
While watching the smiling parents, Becker observed, “We’re trying to bring hope, wonder, and dignity, in all different facets, to the community. This special egg hunt, with a helicopter flying overhead and dropping thousands of eggs, creates that – even for most adults.”
Learn more about HopeCity Church by visiting their Internet website: www.hopecitychurch.cc
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| Theresa Fritchle (right) organized the judges at the April Daffodil Show at the Rhododendron Garden on S.E. 28th just west of Reed College. At left is judge Elise Havens from Mitsch Daffodils. (Photo by Rita A. Leonard) |
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Daffodils featured in April show and sale at Rhody Garden
By RITA A. LEONARD
for THE BEE
A bright array of daffodils shared center stage with rhododendrons at the April 6th and 7th show and sale at the Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden. This was the third year that the Oregon Daffodil Society had joined with the Portland Chapter of the American Rhododendron Society for the “Early Show & Sale” there, creating a lovely display of spring flowers in the shade house. Both amateurs and professionals competed in the event, and admission to the Garden was free to all.
Two Oregon daffodil growers attended the event – Mitsch Daffodils from Hubbard, and Cherry Creek Daffodils of Amity. Elise Havens from Mitsch was one of the twelve certified judges for the show, which was chaired by Theresa Fritchle. Hundreds of entries were judged by color, form, condition, texture, and substance, and a host of blue and red ribbons fluttered in the breeze.
That breeze proved somewhat problematical, however, with the gusty winds blowing over tall entries in the front foyer. Other distractions included rain showers, gnats, and a Canada goose that chose to observe the show from the roof overhead. However, visitors enjoyed the huge variety of colors, shapes, and classifications. Buckets of mixed cut daffodils placed at the entrance were sold following the show.
Elise Havens generously shared info on the show and on daffodil culture. “Big standard daffodils are still the most popular, although now the intermediates and miniatures are becoming more desirable with gardeners,” she remarked. “Jonquils and tazettas (the category for paperwhites) are the most fragrant, while single and double blooms display a wide range of colors, from white and pale lemon to gold and apricot.”
Havens added that the best time to plant daffodil bulbs in our Portland climate is in September and October. “The two basic rules for successful growth are: First, be very minimal with fertilizer, and secondly, plant bulbs with good drainage.”
While daffodils and early-flowering rhododendron trusses commanded attention in the shade house at the April show and sale, visitors interested in purchasing rhododendron bushes flocked to the sale area nearby to choose their favorites for spring planting. Scores of happy visitors enjoyed the Early Show & Sale, treated to a fine preview of the Garden's annual Mother's Day extravaganza coming up this month on May 11-12.
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| Duniway students take turns preparing the root ball of this Accolade elm tree before planting. (Photo by David F. Ashton) |
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Young elms planted by Duniway students
By DAVID F. ASHTON
for THE BEE
After three street trees on S.E. Rex Street near Reed College Place in Eastmoreland died of Dutch elm disease last year, that corner near Duniway Elementary School looked sadly bare.
But, that changed on the morning of April 15.
“With help of students from three classes at Duniway, we’re planting three trees today,” exclaimed Portland Parks & Recreation City Nature Forestry’s Karl Dawson, who also did some in-classroom teaching about the project while he was there.
The students didn’t dig the holes. But, they did help prepare the root bundles of the “Ulmus x ‘Accolade’” – better known as Accolade elms.
“The Eastmoreland Neighborhood Association and the Eastmoreland Tree Team will be helping to establish them,” Dawson said. “That’s important during the hot summer months, when school is not in session.”
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MAY 1
WNA planning for June elections. Tonight at the Woodstock Neighborhood Association meeting, there will be planning for the June 5th meeting, when election of officers will be held. The agenda will also include final organizing for the upcoming annual plant sale/fundraiser for the community center on May 11th and a presentation of a draft design for the community bulletin board outside the center. Meetings are every first Wednesday of the month, 7 pm, Woodstock Community Center, 5905 S.E. 43rd Avenue. To learn more about the neighborhood and community go online to: www.woodstockpdx.org and www.sustainablewoodstockpdx.org
SMILE Annual Board Elections tonight. As part of the monthly SMILE General Public Meeting, the annual Board and Officer elections will take place. Meeting starts at 7:30 pm, at SMILE Station, S.E. 13th at Tenino, in Sellwood.
For more information, go online to: www.SMILErecords.org.
MAY 4
Portland Lace Society Annual Spring Cleaning & Lace Supply Swap. This annual lace event takes place today 9:30 am to 2 pm at the Sellwood Community Center, 1436 S.E. Spokane Street in Sellwood. Bring a lunch and your current project to work on. Hot Water and tea will be provided. Admission is free. Public welcome. For information, call Beverly Davis at 503/643-2540.
MAY 7
Author appears tonight at Sellwood Library. “The Last Voyageur: Amos Burg and the Rivers of the West” was written by author and river guide Vince Welch, who will read from the book, detailing the remarkable story of the larger-than-life Amos Burg, a quintessential man of the American West and one of the last "voyageurs" of North America's great waterways. Free. Limited seating, so come early. At the Sellwood Branch Library, S.E. 13th at Bidwell Street, 6:30-8 pm tonight.
College Planning Night at CHS. Cleveland High School’s College & Career Center hosts a College Planning Night for the students and parents of the classes of 2014 and 2015 tonight at 7 pm in the school’s auditorium. Current CHS seniors will talk about their college application and acceptance process, followed by five presentations that will be repeated so that attendees may hear two different sessions during the evening. Experts in their fields will speak on “Paying for College”, “Parenting Through the College Admissions Process”, “Building A College List with Naviance”, “Playing College Sports”, and “Inside the College Admissions Office”.
MAY 8
Tai Chi classes at Woodstock church: new time. A new time for the nonprofit Tai Chi classes (cost by donation) at All Saints Episcopal Church, 4033 S.E. Woodstock Blvd, is underway in May. Today, and each Wednesday, “Beginning Class” starts at 10 am and Practice Class is at 11 am. Taught by Jann Jasperse, certified Shen Lao Sifu. For questions contact Jann at 503/312-4933.
At Ladybug Theater: “Humpty Dumpty”. Famous Ladybug Theater for kids presents “Humpty Dumpty” this morning at 10:30 am, at SMILE Station, S.E. 13th at Tenino in Sellwood – a block south of Tacoma Street. This 45-minute show is suitable for kids of all ages. Admission $4 for all, except babes in arms. Please reserve by phone at 503/232-2346, and then pay with cash or check when you arrive. Doors open at 10:15 am.
Plant sale at Green Thumb in Brentwood-Darlington. Join Portland Public Schools and the Community Transition Program in the community-wide plant sale at and for nonprofit Green Thumb, 6801 S.E. 60th Avenue, just south of Duke Street. Included are a wide variety of ornamental plants, grasses, perennials, annuals, hanging baskets, and several varieties of tomatoes. The sale starts today, 11-2 pm, and also runs tomorrow, 9-4, and Friday, 9-2. Sale continues at the same times on May 22-23-24 as well. For more information, call 503/916-5812.
For adults: “Budgeting for the Things You Want” at Woodstock Library. You may have heard that sticking to a budget and saving money will help you weather the shock of an unexpected expense, but it can seem impossible when time and money are limited. This workshop from Innovative Changes is designed to provide you with the tools you need so that budgeting and saving is within your reach. Free, at the Woodstock Branch Library, S.E. 49th at Woodstock Boulevard, tonight 6:30-7:30 pm.
MAY 10
County offers lead testing in Sellwood today. Preparing to remodel or paint an older home? Was the home built before 1950? Are there children living in the house or nearby? If the answer to any of these questions is yes, you can protect yourself and family by learning more about the risks from lead-based paint. Join the Multnomah County Environmental Health program for a free screening event today, 10 am to 1 pm, at the Sellwood Community Center, 1436 S.E. Spokane Street. County health specialists will provide free finger-prick blood lead testing for children and pregnant women. In addition to the testing, there will be information and referrals to additional resources on preventing lead poisoning.
“Family Night” at Sellwood Community Center! Tonight from 6 pm till 8 pm, bring everyone to a community “Family Night” at Sellwood Community Center, on the corner of S.E. 15th and Spokane Street. Games, art, gym time, mat room play, live music participation, food, and friends! $3 per person, or $10 for a family of four. If it’s been a while since you’ve been at the Sellwood Community Center, come check it out this evening. For information, call 503/823-3195.
MAY 11
“Bird Festival” returns to upper Sellwood Park today! Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge and Sellwood Park are the locations for the tenth annual “Bird Festival” from Portland Parks. It celebrates the return of migratory birds to the Portland area. It starts with a 7:30 am bird walk, led by three US Fish & Wildlife Service biologists. The free walk is limited to 30 people, so registration at www.portlandparks.org, for class number #398198, is requested. Then, at 9 am, the Festival opens with booths, bird walks, and other activities for adults, teens, and children. Audubon’s Live Birds will visit along with several tables with birding equipment from the Audubon Store. There’s 11 am ritual dancing by the feathered costumed members of Danza Azteca, and a 1 pm keynote presentation by Northwest wildlife photographer Paul Bannick – plus Bird Walks leaving Sellwood Park every half hour beginning at 9 am, until the final walk led by Mike Houck at 2 pm. The Festival is free, and appropriate for all ages. Additional information can be found online at: www.portlandmigratorybirds.org – or call 503/823-6303.
Woodstock Neighborhood Association Plant Sale. The Woodstock Neighborhood Association (WNA) is hosting its annual Pre-Mothers’ Day Plant Sale from 9 am to 3 pm today at the Woodstock Community Center, 5905 S.E. 43rd Avenue. The wide selection of plants will include edibles and perennials, ground covers, native plants and small trees. Plants are very locally sourced, mainly contributed by generous and knowledgeable neighborhood gardeners. Well-regarded Woodstock metal artist Jill Torberson will be offering works from a display of her garden art. There will also be a good selection of container plants – perfect gifts for that special Mom. All proceeds from the WNA Plant Sale go to the Fund for the Woodstock Community Center and will help to keep the Center open for community use.
Annual Rhododendron Garden show and sale. Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden will host the Portland Chapter American Rhododendron Society’s Annual Mother's Day Judged Flower Show (in the Exhibit Hall) this morning, and the Plant Sale (in the parking lot) today (noon-5 pm) and tomorrow, Mother’s Day, 9 am-5 pm. The garden is located at 5801 S.E. 28th Avenue in Portland, across from Reed College. To enter your own flowers in the show this morning, bring them to the Exhibit Hall 7-9 am today.. For more information, call 503/771-8386.
Rummage sale at Arleta School today. Arleta School, located at S.E. Raymond at 66th, is holding its first rummage sale today from 9 am until 3 pm. Household items, baby gear, clothes for entire family, furniture, toys, and much more. There’s a snack table with plenty of goodies to choose from, as well as hot fresh coffee, for purchase. Stop by and shop while supporting a southeast neighborhood school. All proceeds will benefit Arleta School. Cash only, please.
Annual Eastmoreland Mother’s Day Plant Sale. The Eastmoreland Garden Club offers its annual Mother’s Day Plant Sale from 10 am till 2 pm today, at the Eastmoreland Garden – 2425 S.E. Bybee Boulevard, at S.E. 27th Avenue. Wide variety of perennials, herbs, native plants, and organic tomato starts. Kids can enjoy the popular free children’s gardening corner, as you browse the selections. For information, call 503/771-3710.
Benefit “remodeled homes” tour today. Llewellyn Elementary School Foundation’s Remodeled Homes Tour in the Sellwood and Westmorland area takes place 11 am – 3 pm today. Tickets are $20 per person – on sale at Blue Kangaroo and Llewellyn school. “Support your local grade school while touring through six beautifully remodeled homes – ranging from basement and kitchen remodels to entire homes remodeled! Maps will be included with tickets.”
MAY 13
“Today’s Africa” the subject of today’s Rotary talk. Richard Ares, a Canby Rotarian, is the featured speaker in the noon hour today at Southeast Portland Rotary, meeting in the clubhouse of the Eastmoreland Golf Course, just east of the Bybee Bridge. He will give an understanding of today’s Africa, and will detail the African water project which the Southeast club’s foundation recently helped to fund. Southeast Portland Rotary meetings are open to everyone, and an optional lunch is available. The meetings start at noon and end about 1:05 pm. For more, go online to: www.SoutheastPortlandRotary.com
MAY 15
At Ladybug Theater: “Three Silly Goats Gruff and the Troll is Enough”. Famous Ladybug Theater for kids presents “Three Silly Goats Gruff and the Troll is Enough” this morning at 10:30 am, at SMILE Station, S.E. 13th at Tenino in Sellwood – a block south of Tacoma Street. This 45-minute show is suitable for kids of all ages. Admission $4 for all, except babes in arms. Please reserve by phone at 503/232-2346, and then pay with cash or check when you arrive. Doors open at 10:15 am. The show also repeats on Wednesdays May 22 and 29.
Moreland Farmers Market opens for season. The nonprofit Moreland Farmers Market starts its eighth season this afternoon, 3-7 pm, at S.E. Bybee Boulevard and 14th, in the Wilhelm’s parking lot. More than thirty vendors, music from the Sellwood Middle School Marimba Band, and lots for kids to do. For more information, go online to: www.morelandfarmersmarket.org
Open House at SMILE about Tacoma Street culvert project. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Portland Bureau of Environmental Services is hosting an Open House this afternoon – 4:30-6:30 pm – at SMILE Station, to talk about the Tacoma Culvert Replacement Project to improve fish passage in Crystal Springs Creek. Staff from the U.S. Army Corps, the City of Portland, and from Hamilton Construction will be available to answer questions about traffic, road closures, construction impacts, and future improvements to Tacoma Street to improve watershed health. SMILE Station is on the corner of S.E. 13th and Tenino Street, a block south of Tacoma Street, in Sellwood.
MAY 18
Fundraising sale for Southeast Indoor Park. Nonprofit Southeast Indoor Park for children is holding its annual fundraising rummage sale today, 9-4, at 3915 S.E. Steele, at the corner of Steele and 39th (Chavez). Lots of kids’ stuff and great household items. Southeast Indoor Park is a cooperative play place for children, aged 0-5, and their caregivers.
Annual Sellwood-Westmoreland Clean-Up Day. Today, from 9 till 2, residents of Sellwood and Westmoreland can bring, and get rid of, their throw-away junk, scrap wood, yard debris, appliances, tires, unwanted furniture, aluminum, e-waste (from individuals only), block Styrofoam, and bagged Styrofoam peanuts, at the south end of Westmoreland Park (no food garbage, plaster, concrete, sheetrock, hazardous materials, or any material unacceptable at the landfill). Proof of residency required – driver’s license or utility bill. Cost: $6-12 for sedan or small station wagon load, $12-18 for a small pickup load, $18-30 for a full-size pickup, and $30-up for larger vehicles. $15 extra charge for appliances containing Freon. Five tires from each vehicle free, but no tires over 21 inches please. Shredding NOT available this year; sorry. Recycle/Reuse area for residents to donate or swap usable items. Nothing accepted before 9 am or after 2 pm! Sponsored by SMILE, Heiberg Garbage, Portland Parks and BES, Southeast Uplift, Metro, Philadelphia’s, Starbucks, QFC, and Free Geek.
“Rolfing” event for kids at local co-op. 9-11 am this morning, at People's Food Co-Op, second floor, 3029 S.E. 21st Avenue, Portland Rolfers will offer free sessions for children ages 0-10, “to honor the birthday of our founder, Dr. Ida Rolf. We provide gentle bodywork to insure healthy growth and movement patterns, perform a structural check-up for preventative care, and offer treatment for concerns such as scoliosis, growing pains, pigeon toes, and more. This will be our eighth annual children’s clinic.” To register, e-mail Karin in Woodstock at: portlandrolfer@gmail.com with names and ages of child/children, parent's full name, phone number, e-mail address, and a brief list of any concerns about health, growth, or movement. Walk-in registration may be allowed if there is space.
LEGO Show today and tomorrow. Westmoreland science teacher Jane Kenney-Norberg’s several dozen LEGO Physics students present their annual “LEGOs at the Oregon Zoo” today and tomorrow during all hours the Zoo is open – with literally dozens of custom constructions (not kits), many motor and computer powered, with the complex “LEGO Logo Board”, run by two independent computers, built and programmed by students over several months, as the centerpiece. This year’s Logo Board theme is “Zuri the Rhino: Searching for PI(e)”. The display fills the Kalahari Room, under the AfriCafe and next to the Amphitheater. No extra charge with Zoo admission.
MAY 19
Sellwood Garden Tour today benefits Sellwood Middle School. Six gardens will be open to the tour this year. Garden Tour tickets are $25, and if you haven’t gotten yours yet, try New Seasons Market in Sellwood or Crisman Picture Frame and Gallery, or go online to: www.pps.k12.or.us/schools/sellwood.
“Gardening Well into Your Senior Years” at Sellwood Library today. It is never too late to learn how to garden, and Portland author Patty Cassidy will demonstrate a simple garden project and share insights from her book “The Illustrated Practical Guide to Gardening for Seniors” this afternoon, 2-3 pm, at the Sellwood Branch Library. Patty is a horticultural therapist and Master Gardener. Free. S.E. 13th at Bidwell Street.
MAY 21
Sellwood Middle School “Community Appreciation Day”. Dozens of Sellwood and Westmoreland businesses will be donating funds to benefit the Sellwood Middle School Foundation. The event will coincide with The Middle School's Community Appreciation Day Parade. Funds raised will go to support art and music education and student electives at Sellwood Middle School. Check the Facebook page for a list of participating businesses: www.facebook.com/SupportSellwoodCelebrateSellwood
MAY 22
Bloodmobile in Westmoreland today – give blood! The American Red Cross bloodmobile will be in the Sellwood-Westmoreland neighborhood today from 2 till 7 pm at Moreland Presbyterian Church, 1814 S.E. Bybee Boulevard. Blood donation appointments are recommended, and can be made by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS, or by visiting online – http://www.redcrossblood.org – and using the sponsor code: MorelandPresbyterian. Blood is needed every day, not just in emergencies or after a national tragedy. In the United States, every two seconds someone needs blood. There is no substitute for blood, it can only be collected from voluntary donors. For questions on eligibility, contact 1-866/236-3276.
MAY 23
“Uke and Me Sing Melody” at Woodstock Library today. With her ukulele, guitar, harmonica and other unusual instruments, zany Cinda has kids and families alike singing, laughing, dancing, and playing along. Through this performance this morning, 10:30-11:15 am at the Woodstock Branch Library, Cinda shows that making music with children does not require special skills or even “musical talent”, and is a wonderful tool to learn at an early age. Free, but registration required; register in the library or by calling 503/988-5234. The library is at S.E. 49th and Woodstock Boulevard.
MAY 25
Multnomah County Fair at Oaks Park now through Monday! Events, animals, entertainment, and a variety of traditional fairgoer activities are planned for the 2013 Multnomah County Fair, including a major benefit for SnowCap Community Charities. The annual fair is scheduled Memorial Day Weekend, May 25-27 at Oaks Amusement Park, 7805 S.E. Oaks Park Way, at the foot of S.E. Spokane Street in Sellwood. Fair admission and parking is free to the public. Fair operators are suggesting attendees donate one nonperishable food item per person for SnowCap. Food barrels will be available at each entry gate. Founded in Gresham in 1907, the Multnomah County Fair last year attracted more than 20,000 attendees. Fair hours are noon to 7 pm all three days. More information online at: www.multnomahcountyfair.org
MAY 29
Vegetable gardening tips at Moreland Farmers Market today. Learn about Advanced Vegetable Gardening during a special presentation and Q&A session from OSU’s Master Gardeners at the nonprofit Moreland Farmers Market. The presentation will run from 5 to 6 pm, and will be held at the Market, located at S.E. Bybee Boulevard and 14th, in the Wilhelm's parking lot. The Market itself will be open 3-7 pm today. For information, go online to: www.morelandfarmersmarket.org
MAY 30
Franklin High “Arts Alive” today and tomorrow. FHS presents “Arts Alive,” a mixed media showcase, “featuring the inspiring talent of the Franklin community”. Today and tomorrow, this presentation will invite the public to come to Franklin High to see products of the visual and performance art programs FHS is developing. The display will include student musicians, dance, spoken word, theater, a professional tap-dancing company, and a student art gallery. All proceeds will go to the arts programs at Franklin High School.
MAY 31
Annual Duniway School end-of-year parade! The annual Duniway Parade will be this afternoon, 2-3 pm, starting and ending in front of the school 7700 S.E. Reed College Place. The parade is an annual celebration of the completion of the school year. All Duniway students and staff will march, accompanied by the Sellwood Middle School Marching Band and Dancers. A special addition this year is a Chinese Dragon Dance Team! For more information contact Michelle at 503/318-4481.
JUNE 1
“Strawberry and Book Festival” – today only. Trinity United Methodist Church presents its annual fund-raising “Strawberry and Book Festival” today from 10 am to 3 pm, on the corner of S.E. 39th (Chavez) and Steele Street. Serving strawberry shortcake, and offering lots of books – all kinds, for your summertime reading. For more information, call 503/777-3901, or go online to: www.Tumcpdx.org
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SCROLL DOWN FOR THE LIST OF COMMUNITY HOTLINKS -- AND USEFUL, AND JUST PLAIN FUN HOTLINKS -- IMMEDIATELY BELOW!
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Useful HotLinks:
Your Personal "Internet Toolkit"!
Charles Schulz's "PEANUTS" comic strip daily!
Portland area freeway and highway traffic cameras
Portland Police
Metro
Latest Portland region radar weather map
Portland Public Schools
Multnomah County's official SELLWOOD BRIDGE website
Click here for the official correct time!
Click here to draw a map of anywhere in the United States!
Oaks Amusement Park
Association of Home Business (meets in Sellwood)
Local, established, unaffiliated leads and referrals group for businesspeople; some categories open
Weekly updates on area road and bridge construction
Translate text into another language
Look up a ZIP code to any U.S. address anywhere
Free on-line PC virus checkup
Free antivirus program for PC's; download (and regularly update it!!) by clicking here
Computer virus and worm information, and removal tools
PC acting odd, redirecting your home page, calling up pages you didn't want--but you can't find a virus? You may have SPYWARE on your computer; especially if you go to game or music sites. Click here to download the FREE LavaSoft AdAware program, and run it regularly!
What AdAware doesn't catch, Spybot may! PC's--particularly those used for music downloads and online game playing--MUST download these free programs and run them often, to avoid major spyware problems with your computer!
Check for Internet hoaxes, scams, etc.
Here's more on the latest scams!
ADOBE ACROBAT is one of the most useful Internet document reading tools. Download it here, free; save to your computer, click to open, and forget about it!
Encyclopedia Britannica online
Newspapers around the world
Stain removal directions
Convert almost any unit of measure to almost any other
Research properties in the City of Portland
Free marketing ideas for businesspeople from a Southeast Portland expert
Local source for high-quality Shaklee nutritionals
Note: Since THE BEE is not the operator of any of the websites presented here, we can assume no responsibility for content or consequences of any visit to them; however we, personally, have found all of them helpful, and posted them here for your reference.
Local News websites:
The news TODAY
Local News Daily.com
KATU, Channel 2 (Digital/HDTV broadcast channel 43)
KOIN, Channel 6 (Digital/HDTV broadcast channel 40)
KGW, Channel 8 (Digital/HDTV broadcast channel 8)
KPTV, Channel 12 (Digital/HDTV broadcast channel 12)
KPDX, Channel 49 (Digital/HDTV broadcast channel 30)
KPAM 860 News Radio
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