 |
||||||||
 |
||||||||
 |
MEMO BLOG | |
Memo Calendar | Memo Pad | Business Memos | Loaves & Fishes | Letters | Home |
LEE PERLMAN
THE MID-COUNTY MEMO
People with ties to east Portland were well-represented at this year's Spirit of Portland awards ceremony.
 |
| Tom Barnes of the Powellhurst-Gilbert Neighborhood Association was recognized for his work in outer Southeast Portland with a Spirit of Portland Award last month. COURTESY BRIAN HOOP |
• Lee Po Cha, a Laotian immigrant and employee of the Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization (IRCO), was recognized for his work on behalf of Hmong American Unity of Oregon and the Coalition of Communities of Color. After receiving his award from Commissioner Amanda Fritz he said, “Fostering community harmony is a way to foster democracy. We come together, work together, help solve everyone's issues.” He added, “I think we still have some ways to go.”
• Ted Gilbert, a developer with interests in East Portland, was co-founder of the non-profit HOST Community Development (which dissolved this year), the Affordable Housing Resource Trust, the Gateway Green project, and Albina Community Bank. He was involved in the Milepost Five live-work development, and is a member of the Gateway Urban Renewal Program Advisory Committee. He received his award from Commissioner Nick Fish. “It's thoughtful of you to recognize me, but also generous, Gilbert told Fish. “All the projects you mentioned were the products of many people. When you have a good idea, it's not hard to get other people to commit to it.”
• Tom Barnes of the Powellhurst-Gilbert Neighborhood Association was recognized for his work on neighborhood graffiti clean-up, Adopt a Drain Program (which combats flooding on Southeast Foster Road), the SRS Bike Patrol, the East Portland Expo, and the East Portland Action Plan -- on the last he serves on the Bike, MAX and Powell TGM committees. After receiving the award from Fritz he said, “I accept this award for everyone everywhere who has helped my crazy ideas happen. You can't just hold meetings and expect things to happen.”
• Barbara Rommel, retiring David Douglas School District Superintendent, received her award from Commissioner Dan Saltzman. He noted that despite numerous budget cuts, Rommel had maintained music and art programs in the district and the creation of the Howard Horner Performing Arts Center. Rommel said that after working in David Douglas since 1970, “I'm looking for new opportunities to serve this city I love so much.”
• The Parkrose Business Association won for working with the City on Northeast Sandy Boulevard improvements - spearheaded by Bob Brown and Steve Anderson in 1998; for maintenance of the traffic island at Sandy and Northeast 99th Avenue; scholarships for college-bound Parkrose High School students; sponsorship of an annual Cruise-in (now defunct); a statue's sponsorship; a rummage sale and a Smart Solar Home Tour.
Seven-time president Wayne Stoll, who received the award from Mayor Sam Adams, asked his fellow board member in attendance to stand and share in the tribute. Marsha Lee, current treasurer and 14-year PBA board member yelled, “Go Parkrose!”
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
MEMO Advertising | MEMO Archives | MEMO Web Neighbors | MEMO Staff | Home