National Night Out with neighbor Jordan, firefighter Matt and Mayor Charlie
Jordan, 3, barely as tall as the fire engine bumper, pointed up. “What’s that?” he asked, leaning on his scooter and peering up at firefighter Matt Fullerton. “That’s a tail light,” Fullerton said.
“What about that?” Jordan asked, pointing slightly higher. “That’s a tail light,” Fullerton said with a laugh, predicting the questions will persist until he identifies all eight different-colored fire engine taillights.
Jordan was among the Wilkes neighborhood children scampering in and out of the Station 2, Truck 2 fire engine during the National Night Out event at Columbia Ridge Apartments, 15910 N.E. Sandy. The party was one of approximately 100 citywide. Since 1983, on the second Tuesday in August residents nationwide gather in their neighborhoods to demonstrate their commitment to safety and community. Law enforcement and emergency services attend events in their neighborhoods.
“This crew responds to this complex a few times a year,” said Battalion Chief Mark Kaiel. “It’s good for residents to see these guys outside of a crisis. And it’s good for the crew to see residents in a fun environment.”
Mayor Charlie Hales attended the Wilkes neighborhood National Night Out last month—and parties in Cully, Rose City Park, and Roseway—to talk with residents in an informal setting, sharing food, meeting kids, and hearing about the neighborhood. “These events are a fantastic way to get people out into their neighborhoods,” Hales said. “A united neighborhood strengthens the fabric of community—critical for safety and prosperity.”
Water polo teams go to Junior Olympics
A number of water polo players from Blue Crush Aquatics and Parkrose represented Oregon at the Junior Olympics tournament at Stanford University last month.
Jacob Robledo played on the boys 16 and under team. Kyle Brown, Zach Robledo, Noah Ratliff, Dylan Thomas and Connor Pow were selected for boys 18 and under teams. Sadie McElhaney, Esther Hubbard and Elizabeth Simkovic made the 16 and under girls squad while Morgan Mattice, Gabby Madewell, Samantha Baumgarner, Rachel Herd, and Shelby Thomas played on the under 18 team.
The U16 girls team won four matches on the way to a second place finish in its division.
Royals football abdicates
Portland Christian Schools will not participate in the 2014 varsity football season. Officials cite low participation numbers as the reason. The school intends to reinstate the football program when the number of participants permits.
Portland Christian’s junior high and elementary football programs remain. School officials hope these programs provide a foundation for next year’s high school program.
Direct your questions about Portland Christian’s athletics programs to Athletic Director Kyle Cowan at 503-256-3960.
