View from a Rockwood Cafe (Park Place Coffee)

The Bumblebee Sisters

2008-12-06T13:49:00.000-08:00

Natasha and Johna (sp?) were in today. Natasha is 15 and bubbly, Johna is a little more reserved. I was surprised from their first visit when they came in all smiles, inquisitive, and excited to visit. Many of the Russian girls in the area tend not to wear their hearts on their sleeves.

Today the girls were bored and were making the most out of the day, by wearing matching yellow and black-striped hoodies while wandering the neighborhood. I teased them about being "twinners," Natasha said she wished they were twins, but were just sisters. Natasha wasn't sure they would wear their matching hoodies again, because she told me (rather indignantly) that someone had told them they looked like bumblebees!

Natasha had questions about the Russian church next door. What time are their services? What are their services like? I had assumed that since they were Russian and lived in the neighborhood, they must attend the Home of God Church. I assumed wrong.

I brought Natasha to the church's website for her to learn more. "I really want to go to this church," she said. "I have neighbors that go to this church, and I watch them leave their house and meet up with others and all walk to church together. They all look so beautiful in their church clothes." In contrast, she explained that her family DRIVES to their church, and they don't even really dress up. "I wish I could go to church with the Russian families here."

Natasha attended Centennial, and had loved it, but now she is home schooled. Her sister attends Centennial Middle School and when she reaches high school age she will also be home schooled. Neither girl seemed pleased with the arrangement.

I have a lot to learn from these girls, to offset my presumptions that all Russian teens go to the same church, have the same friends and live the same lifestyles.

Natasha is a dear girl, apparently stuck between these cultures. She is a bright light on wintry days here, and she yearns for a place to belong. She is home-schooled because of her ethnicity, but does not have the support from her ethnic group, because she is not the predominant religion of the area.

She is not unlike many Rockwood teenagers, who stop in here because they are bored and looking for something to do. But some people - like me - don't quite get the message until it is loud and clear. The teens that walk the neighborhoods all pretty much want what Natasha longs for - a place here in Rockwood where teens could go and belong, be safe and be teens. A space that didn't "belong" to one culture or another, and where teenagers could do teenager things with no regard to race, religion or status.

Salvation Army In Rockwood needs donations

2008-11-20T08:45:00.000-08:00

On 194th and SE Stark in Rockwood stands a new beautiful building bringing another source of hope to the Rockwood Community. The Salvation Army's Phase I is now complete, but the work has just begun. In order to bring full services to our youth and our families, Phase II and III must be completed. Phase II will bring a warehouse and social services space to provide spiritual and physical needs for local families. Phase III will bring a gymnasium to support the positive activities for our youth. The Salvation Army's motto . . . "Improving Our Community One Life at a Time."

And why is this project so important to Rockwood? If you go to any meeting where people brainstorm on what it will take to bring longterm improvements to this community, you will always find Positive Actvities for Youth within the top three. Young, lower income children and teens in this area need productive activity, and the Salvation Army offers it.

I had the honor of attending a benefit concert hosted by Drake and Lynn Snodgrass, featuring Michael Allen Harrison in the Phase I building two nights ago. Through the program we had the opportunity to hear from some of the local youth that have been served. We heard these youth demonstrate their skills as polished speakers, and we heard these youth in the beautiful music they can now perform. Thanks to the Salvation Army for putting music in their hands and confidence in their hearts. Thanks for community supporters like the Snodgrass' and Mr. Harrison who have donated their time and efforts.

Many grand plans that are slated for Rockwood tend to fall through the cracks and don't materialize. Thank God that the Salvation Army is phasing in a story of hope and success here. Every penny that goes toward building the final phases of this project benefits the kids and the community.

Salvation Army has a website link, and when you donate you can note where you would like the money directed. Please consider giving, and requesting this money to go to building our Rockwood site. Click on the heading above, and it will link you to the site: www.tsacascade.org

Summer Activity for Kids in Rockwood

2008-06-11T10:02:00.000-07:00

So many volunteers and non-profit organizations give their heart to help in Rockwood. Here are a few of the upcoming opportunities for youth and young adults in Rockwood. Contact information can be found on the community calendar link. (you can click on the title and be linked to that page.)

The Rec. Mobile: June 23rd - August 29th. This brings fun activities to various locations in Gresham. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Rec Mobile at Vance Park on Thursdays. Soccer, Putt Putt Golf, Basketball, Badminton, scavenger hunts, kite making, UNO Tournaments.

Ascension Lutheran's Free Soccer Clinic - 6/23-6/27 for 3 y.o.- 5th and 6-8 Grade
Participants receive a free t-shirt, water bottle, snacks, shin guards, soccer ball, BBQ
The actual clinic will be held at Portland Lutheran School.

The Good News Health Clinic - July 14 - 18thL Good News Free Summer Camp for Grades 6 - 8
This summer camp includes breakfast and lunch everyday along with projects, sports, music and an opportunity for kids to get involved with local community projects.

This is the wonderful community clinic opened up by Dr. Bob Sayson where he offers medical care to the community regardless of income. The good news health clinic wants to offer more than just health care to Rockwood.

People for Parks, Imaginative Children's Garden - TBA
Gresham's Recreation Bus will be stopping at the garden, located in Vance Park (right next to Park Place Coffee) for various activities through the summer.
Storytime will also be a regular feature at the garden.

City of Gresham, Park Department - Kids' Camps
here's the link: http://www.ci.gresham.or.us/departments/des/parksandrec/kidsCamp.pdf

And, there's always Disc Golf in Vance Park... Discs available for check out here.

Dedicated to Mike, who was dedicated to PP

2008-05-30T07:34:00.000-07:00

Mike, his friends and family were all regulars of Park Place Coffee. At least weekly I would enjoy a visit from Mike with his friend Gail, and the two twins - Ruby and Ivy. I was honored to have PP be their special place for outings. Ruby and Ivy would sit down at the bar next to me and watch me make crepes as they drank their smoothies. Mike would always order a ham and cheddar crepe.

I always felt like a special friend to Mike when he would come in. He would bring other relatives and friends in the coffee shop and always make an effort to make sure he brought each visitor up to me for an introduction. His relatives loved it and starting coming in as well.

Some days Mike would get his order and go back and soak up the sunshine in the corner of the shop. "I'm like a lizard on a rock soaking up the sunshine," he said.

Mike's friend Gail came in this week to tell me that Mike has passed away and she has had a rough few months. It was great to see Gail, for I had missed her. Gail reported that the twins are growing leaps and bounds, and I look forward to seeing them again.

Mike will be truly missed -his presence and the honor he bestowed upon me each time he continued on his mission to bring me new customers. Mike will always be remembered as one of my early, dedicated and dear customers and friends made here at Park Place.

The House on Stephens

2008-05-28T09:39:00.000-07:00

For years everyone in the neighborhood has seen the eyesore of an abandoned house at the corner of 181st and SE Stephens. Previous experience within this community has helped me understand that an abandoned house usually has much more going on behind the boarded up windows. Abandoned houses tend to be a draw for trouble, and this house was suffering .

Other abandoned houses in the area have turned into shelter for the homeless, graffiti draws, and a hideout for people to break in and do their drugs. As the market suffers and more houses go into foreclosure the fear of this condition multiplying increases. The deconstruction of this house is one less draw for these problems.

Thank goodness the landowner for the house on 181st and Stephens has realized that NO HOUSE on the property is better than a boarded up house. Many neighbors have mentioned to me that they are very happy to see that the house is being taken down. I know the whole neighborhood is breathing a sigh of relief that the boarded structure, the graffiti, and the tall grass will not be the first thing drivers see anymore as they travel through our neighborhood via 181st. Here's hoping that this land will be developed in the future to be another bright spot as we enter Rockwood.

Update on Marino Sammy - back to Micronesia

2008-05-22T09:55:00.001-07:00

So Sammy has come and gone. Thank goodness he made it back in the coffee shop before heading home to his island of Udot! I apologized to him if I caused him any worry about his people. Who was I to raise doubt in his mind about his people with very little information about the reality of gangs from his island?

Sammy was in the United States for approximately three weeks. He visited his son, and watched his son marry a woman, also from the state of Chuuk. (She too is "Chuukese".) There is a church in Aurora, Oregon where ministers preach the Protestant religion in Chuukese. The Chuukese people are also trying to raise funds so someday they can build a church of their own. (I have attached a link to this heading that takes you to a site which gives information on the Micronesian population in this area.)

Many members of the bride and groom's family came to town for the wedding - most of them were here in America for the first time. Unfortunately, the family had limited luxuries while here and their time in America was spent walking to and from the stores located along 182nd Ave. I had hoped to find a way to get the group to the Columbia River Gorge, or to our very cold beaches, or up to Mt. Hood, but I couldn't get it arranged.

Sammy came in yesterday to say goodbye, and to remind me to write. So Sammy and I have exchanged addresses and I hope someday to visit his island. Even if I cannot, we promise to write. Maybe someday we'll have more posts about Sammy and new information from Chuuk - once I come up with a few thousand dollars so I can visit. Or maybe after I visit, I'll just stay. Then we can forget the posts, cuz I won't have internet anymore, just sunshine, relaxation, and a nice little garden.

Update on Pat

2008-05-21T08:10:00.000-07:00

Thank you to all of those who saved a prayer for Pat. It is amazing to me how much people are willing to gather their love and hope together and direct it toward one who they don't know. The outpouring of the support has been so sincere.

I talked to Pat's co-worker who read me an email from his wife. It mentioned that results were about as great as could be expected and his further treatments would be less grueling than originally predicted. I am sure the prayers from all of you helped make this possible.

Micronesia & Marino Sammy

2008-05-08T10:57:00.000-07:00

Each morning I noticed a man passing by on the street in front of the cafe. One day he came in. Marino Sammy, a gentle man with dark features, a smile, a twinkle in his eye, and a clear accent came in and asked for coffee. Our coffee does not taste like the coffee in his country. He gets it from the Phillippines. His name is Marino Sammy and he comes from the Federated States of Micronesia. He lives in the State of Chuuk on an island called Udot, that is less than 1.5 miles wide.

Sammy is in town visiting his son who moved to this area. His daughter moved to Missouri. His island has limited opportunities for jobs, so his kids moved. He is in Oregon for the first time and of course finds it much different. In his country, Sammy shops little. Most items that are eaten are grown by him or by other locals who share their food. He has to shop for very little. Each state within Micronesia has its own language. English is their secondary language. Sammy is proud of his life and his people and his island. He works for the government and gets up each morning and hops on his motorboat for a half hour boat trip to work on another island.

Sammy doesn't know about gangs or thieves or busy urban life. He likes it that way. Come to think of it, I think I'd like that too!

I pulled up the Federated State of Micronesia for him on the map and he beamed as he guided me through the beautiful pictures and showed me his homeland on the map. "Wow! You can find all of this on the computer?" he marveled. After looking at his beautiful state, I wanted to go. "Come to Chuuk and I will show you all of this!," said Sammy.

Later that day, a police officer was in and I told him about a visitor from Micronesia. "Micronesian gangs are heavy drinkers and a violent bunch, just a few miles up the street." I was disappointed, and I stupidly disappointed Sammy later.

Next morning Sammy came in with his smile and we enjoyed conversation. I mentioned that I heard we had Micronesian gangs. He was crushed. I explained to him that it wasn't a reflection of his people, but more what happens in America when poor immigrants come to find work, cannot and as a matter of survival get involved in drug sales. As I said it, I thought about it. These peaceful people from a quiet country come to America - a common thread amongst immigrants - and then learn about gangs.

Sammy was disturbed. "Find this information for me on the computer and show me," he said. I tried and couldn't. "Please find this information and print it for me on my next visit," he said. "If people from my country are doing bad things here I want to know and do what I can to stop it."

I spent the evening researching what I could for Sammy. I google searched for "micronesian gangs" and could only find issues in Hawaii, where there is signs of much racial tensions where the word "gang" is used in comments. I searched the gang expert sites and found no issues with Micronesian gangs. Perhaps I concerned Sammy for nothing?

So, Marino Sammy, a happy gentleman from Micronesia comes in my coffeeshop and paints me a picture with his stories, that when I close my eyes, I can feel the serenity. And Marino Sammy comes in my coffeeshop and I tell him stories about America and the gangs from Micronesia and now when he closes his eyes, he worries. If only we could see the world through Sammy's eyes here - and the beauty. Paradise is how you view it, and I'd rather share in Sammy's paradise then the black brush in which I just painted Micronesia American-style.

If you pray, please save one for Pat

2008-04-28T20:48:00.000-07:00

Pat, my "buck fifty" guy has been coming to Park Place Coffee since the beginning, always joking that he is only allowed to spend "a buck fifty" per day, and he does it at my place in the morning for one medium cup of coffee. There has not been a day that he has not come in and brought a smile to my face with a goofy joke or a wonderful story.

Then one day his story was a bit grimmer. Pat was diagnosed with cancer in very advanced stages. He still didn't leave the news without also making a remark to make me smile. As the days grow closer for his surgery, chemo and radiation he still makes jokes. "My wife is really mad cuz she just got me trained after 22(?) years and now she thinks she's gonna have to train a new one."

Today Pat went to work and on April 30th Pat checks into the hospital. I asked him what the heck he was doing going to work when he should be enjoying himself and relaxing. It was his last day to work before surgery. I treated him to coffee, so I got "buck fifty" as a tip! The thing I got that mattered the most though, was a big hug and a promise - "I'll see you in six weeks!" And its a promise Pat has to keep. So, I ask you to help Pat keep his promise and pray for him with me. Such a wonderful man deserves all our prayers, and we need to make sure he can continue touching the lives of everyone he meets with laughter.

April 30th let Pat be okay!

The High School Mural Project

2008-04-21T11:03:00.000-07:00

I have recently communicated with the local high schools and am excited to announce that the high schools that represent this area will be doing murals to represent their high school, that will then be displayed along the fenceline of Vance Park.

This gives Rockwood a chance to bring in a little local art, it gives the schools a chance to show a little community pride, and it brightens up our neighborhood. Local schools are in the midst of arranging their murals. Keep an eye out in the near future to see what our local high schools have done!

Mr. Transmission, Darwin Seim

2008-03-10T11:18:00.000-07:00

Whenever a new business invests in the Rockwood community we always hope that they make Rockwood home, invest in the area around them, and BELIEVE that good things can happen here. That was why we were so happy when Darwin Seim invested in a big property on Stark and 185th and opened Mr. Transmission/Mr. T Milex. Darwin jumped right into the community state of mind, and began learning about the area and volunteering his time to serve the community.

Darwin served on the Rockwood/Gresham Redevelopment Citizen Advisory Committee, was active in the Gresham Chamber, and invited the community in to his home to hold local meetings, to learn about the community, or to visit. He was, in some ways, the eyes in the triangle since he had the best view of everything going on.

This past week Darwin closed his doors for good. For two and one half years Darwin upheld the building and hoped for better business days, but could hold out no more. We thank Darwin for his efforts, and when you put everything into your business and it closes, we understand the hardship left in your life. Thank you Darwin Seim for your selfless efforts here.

Bug Catching Season is Back

2008-03-03T10:31:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I had two different children come into the coffee shop and ask for cups with lids. I usually charge my cost for these, but chose not to charge the first child. By the time the second child asked, I was wondering if I should be charging or if this was going to get out of control.

Before handing the next little boy a cup I asked him why they needed these cups. "To catch crickets!" he yelled back as he ran out the door. I looked over to the park next door and saw him run to catch up with his sister as they were turning over a rock. Spring is coming - and so are the bugs.

Business Community Around Rockwood

2008-03-03T10:13:00.000-08:00

I am the Chair of the Rockwood Business Coalition (RBC) and have an ear to what goes on with the business community and what the community cares about. Our agendas have focused on the major projects going on here, and I'd like to briefly touch on them, each with a blog.

Last meeting we invited Lonnie Roberts to talk about the building of the East County Justice Facility in our community. Lonnie explained that the Rockwood Bowling Alley will be the site of the new justice facility and is expected to break ground 2009. This site will include DA office, sheriff's office and multiple courtrooms, booking facility and victim services. The RBC takes interest in this project from many angles and asked questions accordingly.

1)How will it affect the surrounding area?
Lonnie said he has been told by the legal community that they expect many attorney's offices to relocate to this area with the buidling. Lonnie also sited the development that occurred in a similar project that Fred Bruning, CenterCal Development did in California and cited increased development with that project.
(Personal comment: Fred Bruning's project in California was a full development that included a multi-use site including movie theatre, etc, and not a lone-standing courthouse, and I think that compares apples gto oranges.)

Terry McCall, City Finance Director mentioned that this project is on the City's radar as they develop the Cultural Marketplace across the street also. It is not the City's "ideal" of the look they are going for in the area, but the City will have input.

Businesses that have or will leave the area with this purchase: Kentucky Fried Chicken, Maid Brigade, Woodworking Business, Dry Cleaner. Taco Bell will stay.

2) How will those arrested be handled?
Persons from all over East County will be brought to this site to be booked. If there is jail space available they will be transported downtown. If there is not jailspace, they will be booked and let go on the streets of Rockwood.

3) Will there be increased police presence and will this bring a safer community?
Opinions were mixed on this. There will be more sheriff's obviously traveling the pathway to and from the Justice Facility, but not necessarily increased patrols of these areas by the sheriff. How much this will deter crime could not be guaranteed.

The business community has asked to be involved in the process, and Lonnie has committed that businesses will have a voice through the process. Also in attendance at this meeting were both candidates for his position in the next election. Hopefully, as the baton passes from Lonnie to our next District 4 County Commissioner we can have consistent input from our local businesses who will be directly affected by the short term construction, the surrounding environment and the long term effects.

More information on this project can be learned by contacting County Commissioner Lonnie Roberts' office.

Good Graffiti

2008-01-21T13:05:00.000-08:00

So Rockwood has a problem with graffiti, as most neighborhoods do anymore. I always feel badly for certain homeowners that get more than their fair share of it, and do their best to keep up with it. One of these homes is at 182nd and Yamhill where, unfortunately, their fence is a big canvas for all of those who want to leave their mark.

When I was stopped at the light there, I looked over to see that the owners apparently just painted over the gang graffiti again. But they are leaving one graffiti artist's words alone. The graffiti reads

"Tasha, I LOVE YOU -JSN"

I remember when those darn kids would write such things in bathroom stalls and on walls and we found it so bothersome and disrespectful. I looked at that fence and that graffiti actually brought a smile to my face. How times have changed!

So I almost want to start a graffiti war of sorts. Anywhere I see gang graffiti, I want to have a Valentine's day celebration and have everyone who loves someone go paint it on the fences. Paint right over the hateful garbage and preach Peace and Love - not WAR.

In today's world, would we accept graffiti if it was happy? The homeowner on 182nd and Yamhill has apparently chosen to. So, it's not right to deface another's property, but is there time for a new attitude and a LOVE gang?

JSN - I hope Tasha loves you too. And I hope that small message - though perhaps you should be fined for doing it - makes us think about some love amidst the hate of the gang markers.

Groundhog Day, Candlemas, Chandeleur Day

2008-01-10T10:39:00.000-08:00

If I mention the date of February 2nd do you immediately recall that this is a holiday? I certainly wouldn't have, prior to opening Park Place Coffee. But then again, it is one of the many lessons I have learned by having a creperie.

It started when I received an email from Jeme Sutton, a French teacher at Reynolds High School, who asked if she could bring her students in to celebrate Chandeleur Day on February 2nd. This led me to research what this holiday was all about, and I found that of all of the holidays we celebrate, Chandeleur Day is most definitely an important holiday for me as it means "Crepe Day" in France! Chandeleur began as a religious holiday and is also called Candlemas which celebrates Mary and baby Jesus. Two less religious traditions grew from this holiday - crepe games and weather predictions.

It is a tradition in France to toss crepes high into the air and attempt to catch them with a pan/plate with your less favored hand while holding a coin in the other. If you can achieve the feat, good luck is prophecied to come your way.

It is also a day where the weather conditions predict the length of winter to come.(Sound familiar?)One of the sayings goes something like this: "Quand la Chandeleur est claire, l'hiver est par derrière; Chandeleur couverte, quarante jours de perte!" (If February 2 is clear, no more winter to fear; if the Chandeleur is overcast, forty days winter to last). (thanks to Genevieve Raze from Gresham High School for this information).

Thanks to these ladies who educate our local high school students on France and the culture, we will be celebrating "Crepe Day" at Park Place Coffee on February 2nd and throwing some crepes around along with some French phrases. We welcome others to join us.

So, you may notice between the date and the tradition, there seems to be connection to Groundhog Day? It is more than a coincidence for sure. Chandeleur Day assimilated into what we now consider a North American holiday, though it was through German influence. Go figure! Another demonstration of how our culture becomes enriched through our many associations! Here is the information on how Chandeleur Day has entered into our American Culture:

This prediction (Groundhog Day) owes its origin to the European tradition of Candlemas. There is an old European supposition that a sunny Candlemas day would lead the winter to last for 'another six weeks'. Also celebrated on February 2, the was used to commemorate the Purification of the Virgin Mary. Candles for sacred uses were blessed on this day. Gradually the traditions at this Candlemas came to associate with them different folklores. The German added the belief of an animal, initially a hedgehog, being frightened by his shadow on Candlemas would foretell that winter would last another six weeks. This belief was brought in America during the 18th Century by the German settlers. These settlers adopted the groundhog as their weather predictor.

The Groundhog Day came into being in North America during the late 1800s. Thanks to the combined effort of Clymer H. Freas, a newspaper editor, and W. Smith, an American Congressman and newspaper publisher. They organized and popularized a yearly festival in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, the State was populated predominantly by German settlers. The festival featured a groundhog named Punxsutawney Phil which used to foretell how long the winter would last. This very popular event is still being held and is called Groundhog Day. (source: theholidayspot.com)

That was last year

2008-01-02T17:27:00.000-08:00

New Year's morning started out wrong. Upon arriving at work I found I had been robbed with a rock being thrown through the glass door at the shop. I had advertised an open house on New Year's and wasn't worried about crepe sales, but was planning to put out goodies and spend the day with my dear customers munching on chips and beef stick and playing Scrabble, Cribbage, Pictionary - you name it, with whoever wanted to join me. It was taking me back to the tradition of being a child where our house was a "hang out" with munchies about and all of the kids playing ping pong or whatever games while the adults played their pinochle.

Whoever broke into the place brought a new meaning to "open house." It was more like "open door." The Gresham P.D. came out, and I was so happy to find the officer on call was one of my dear customers. The GPD did a thorough review and report and went on their way. They tried to help me find a glass shop open New Year's Day, but that was close to impossible.

The winds were horrendous and blowing the front door open from the back - no way to invite customers in for a cozy day. Customers arrived throughout the day and expressed their disappointment that their New Year's plans were to hang out at Park Place and enjoy the day also.

My dear boyfriend and wonderful customer and friend, Kris, both worked hard to clean up glass and place it anew throughout the day while enduring plenty of cuts in the process. When I couldn't help with the glass, I cleaned and painted and organized and probably couldn't have gotten so much accomplished any other day.

So in 2007 (I am CONVINCED it happened before midnight) something bad happened. In 2008, I got some new paint on my cabinets, and some organizing done to start off a new year. Goodbye to 2007 where lessons were learned. Here's to 2008, when life will be great! (okay, it's corny but effective.)

What comes around, the next round

2008-01-02T17:08:00.000-08:00

Christmas Eve was a great day at Park Place. I had the opportunity to wish many of my regular customers and friends a happy holiday before closing early. I let customers pick ornaments from the merchandising shelf to take with them, and that brought it's own joy. Some customers were very particular about the ornaments they picked, and had a story for why they picked them. One friend is a new grandpa, and took a "baby's first christmas" ornament. One customer was picking for his wife who is bedridden, and he wanted to make sure it was going to be something to brighten up her day - after he comes home from delivering meals on wheels. These ornaments were worth more to me when they went out the door for free then if they had sold on Christmas Eve.

Prior to closing, a group of about eight disc golfers came in and got hot drinks after playing their holiday rounds. After closing the cafe, I came back later to do some cleaning. As I glanced out the window I saw one of my regular customers out walking his dog, and the dog had a disc in his mouth. My customer (Steve) knocked on the door and showed me that the disc his dog had in his mouth had someone's name and phone number on it. I got the dog to drop the disc by offering him a dog treat, and told Steve I would call the number on the disc and get it to its owner. I assumed it was one of the disc golfers in earlier in the day.

Fast forward to the day after Christmas: One of my disc golfers came back in and I asked him if he knew the player whose name and number was on that disc. Yes, he did. He also knew that player had given that disc as a gift to Forest, another disc golfer who frequents the coffee shop.

Forest came in that afternoon and his eyes lit up when he saw the disc on the shelf. "Where'd you find my favorite disc?," he asked. I told him the story of Steve and his dog who returned the disc. Forest asked what Steve drinks when he comes in the cafe, and put the money on the counter. "Please tell Steve his next one is on me and thank him for getting this back to me."

Fast forward to the next morning - Steve comes in for his mocha and I explain the next round is on Forest, since Forest can happily play his "next round" with his favorite disc. Two customers who couldn't be more different who managed to somehow brighten one another's day...

Google Map of Rockwood

2007-12-27T13:36:00.000-08:00

Have you ever "googled" your name to find out where you might come up? Well, now that I have Park Place Coffee, I "google" Park Place Coffee, Crepes, etc., regularly to make sure I am showing up on someone's screen. On a recent test of where Park Place might come up, I came across this very sweet description: "Park Place Coffee is a truly unique cafe and social gathering place." ... "anchoring institution for the neighborhood"... and other such kind words.

I clicked on the link for this, and found it took me to a community map of the Rockwood area organized by an anonymous creator. This map holds some interesting observations of Rockwood and provides some valuable information, some trivia and some personal opinions on things happening within the community. This map can be found by clicking on the links on the right side of this screen, right under the link for Park Place Coffee (of course)!

I have since learned that this map was done as a college project by students who focused on Rockwood. I have contacted one of these students who mentioned that they hoped their creative map could potentially become a larger community project with input by others. The possibilities for this map could truly take on a community effort of its own. Please watch for later information on how we might expand this tool and incorporate your opinions!

Zimmerman House

2007-12-19T15:42:00.000-08:00

I often have customers who come in the shop and ask for my recommendation on things to see in Rockwood or close by in Gresham. I realized that I can always recommend the typical tourist attractions outside of Gresham - the Gorge, Mt. Hood, etc. I have known of nothing particularly unique within the City itself.

As I was driving down Sandy today I remembered a landmark I have often wondered about. Off on the North side of Sandy Boulevard stands an old house called the Zimmerman House, which is maintained by the City of Gresham Parks Department, who also hosts monthly tours. I always vow to write down the next tour day and plan to attend, but never make it.

The Zimmerman House first came to my attention many years ago when my eighteen-year-old daughter had called me to say, "I have found the scariest haunted house ever right here in Gresham!" During the month of October it was the favorite pasttime of her & her girlfriends to drive by it and share its gloominess with their other friends. One night, she took me over. It was partially lit, far off the road and it had bats swarming all around the outside of the upstairs. It was darned scary, I must admit.

I recollected that the City of Gresham had received a historical house donated to them and found out this was it. Tour days are posted on a sign out front and my daughter and I have both vowed to make it in there. It has now been years since I planned on going there, and the house is no longer intimidating but as I have watched it through the seasons I have learned to appreciate the beautiful site.

The story from the City of Gresham's website is this: "The Zimmerman family had continuously lived on the dairy farm from 1870 until 1992, more than 120 years. The historic Zimmerman homestead and 1.58 acres of property were listed on the National Register of Historic Places in June 1986..."

I would be interested to hear from those who have been in the house what their impression of the site is. I will be glad to recommend this as a "thing to do in Gresham" if the commments are favorable. And, I am always looking for more "things to do in Gresham," and would welcome any additional ideas of year-round attractions.

More information on the Zimmerman House can be found at: http://www.ci.gresham.or.us/departments/des/parksandrec/zimmermanhouse.asp

Alpha House/Gresham Recovery Center

2007-12-15T10:31:00.000-08:00

Two blocks from my home is a drug recovery center. As a resident who was concerned about home values and crime, this was not good. When I became an activist and tried to get others on my street involved in community-building, that drug rehab center was a point of contention on why neighbors wouldn't get involved. Apparently, before I moved in my home, my neighbors tried to fight the City on putting it in, but felt they were not heard, and no longer believed they could affect change.

This same drug rehab center is less than one block away from my cafe and now I view it much differently. Within one month of opening the cafe, a counselor from the Alpha House asked me if, on Sunday evenings, I could donate the left over coffee to the men in the residential program.

Once the plan was in place, I had a parade of recovering addicts walking down to my coffee shop with airpots ten minutes before closing. As I handed them the coffee they were appreciative and kind, and I heard a bit about their experiences. Some were in the program for the first time and looking forward to life when they were out, some were in the program time and time again and never managed to stay straight, some were still in the stage of feeling like they got the raw end of the deal by being stuck in a lifestyle where good coffee and other conveniences weren't readily available.

By the small token of giving away coffee that was going to be poured down the sink otherwise, I developed a team of helpers who looked out for my place. If they were outside and saw me pull up with stuff to unload, they would run over to offer help. When they had family and friends visit and were allowed to leave the facility, they would bring them over to my place. I watched so many of these gentlemen transition from in-patients to out-patients.

Pretty soon I would start seeing these men at different times of the day as they were heading off to their new jobs. Now they had paychecks and were happy to buy whatever they wanted with the money in the pocket and the newfound freedoms. And I look forward to each time they come in and tell me the next stage they've achieved. Some are buying houses, struggling through reuniting with their families, getting a car again. Some have jobs that take them out of state and they work to get clearance from their probation officer to go to sunny Arizona. Yeehaw!

Last night a face from the past came in to say hello and order a quad mocha. He was back on this side of town to attend the graduation of some of his old friends from the program. He was happy and proud of what he'd accomplished and he was happy for his friends. No sooner had he walked out the door, a reunion took place on the sidewalk. Two gentlemen from the center who were about to graduate were heading to the cafe and they grabbed each other for a hug, then all came in.

The two who were graduating ordered "fancy" drinks, and as I was making the drinks they were busy posing and taking pictures of one another with their camera phone. One of the soon-to-be graduates was saying he already had a great job lined up. I commented, "Wow! you guys sure make it sound like it's easy to get a job. You're graduating and you already have one!" The graduate looked at me with a smile and said, "Ya' know, it's amazing how much easier everything becomes when you start doing the right thing."

As a neighbor who has a home, it is disappointing to know that we get them in Rockwood when they're broken, and they leave Rockwood once they're better. As a business owner in Rockwood, I hope the neighborhood collectively gives these guys enough good memories to come visit or stay in Rockwood as they transition to being productive citizens who may have a deeper knowledge on how to overcome hardships then many of us will ever know.

Blogs on Dogs - In Rockwood (RIP Dexter)

2007-12-14T12:05:00.000-08:00

While each of us pull out our leashes and smile as our dogs do the "I'm going for a walk!" dance, we don't think about how that connection to our furry friends connects us to one another in the community.

Since my restaurant is located next to a park where many walk their dogs, my shop stores a goodie bag for dogs next to the goodie bag for kids. It is a "must" here next to Vance Park. Many of my patrons and I have chatted over stories about our dogs and they have known my dog by name as I have known theirs. Some dogs wait outside the door for their bone as their master exits with the expected treat - coffee for mom/dad, dog bone for Charlie...; many dogs are keeping guard from the back seat of the car. Always, I am informed by proud owners that there is a friend close by anxiously awaiting mom/dad's return.

The chats of our love for our dogs became difficult a few months back when my dog stopped eating and every trip to vet brought back an uncertain diagnosis. Each day my customers would ask "how is Dexter?" and each day customers would bring me phone numbers for their favorite vet, ideas on treatments, and warm caring wishes. When the potential lymphoma diagnosis came, and my response to "How's Dexter?" came with tears welled in my eyes, each customer's eyes welled up also. I thought about the effect on my business, and while my restaurant is a happy place, I was sending my customers out the door in tears and with hugs. Perhaps not the way to build business?

After prolonged misery and many a tear shed by myself, and by so many customers who opened their heart to me, I had to put Dexter to sleep, and closed the coffee shop early the next day. Maybe some would call that a bad business decision, maybe some would say "it's just a dog."

The next day showed how people really think. The floral delivery truck arrived with a bouquet in memory of Dexter, a card was delivered, and another dear customer brought me a bouquet and a card with tears running down her cheek. Customers who had stopped by when the closed sign was up came back and did not allow me to apologize for their inconvenience but offered sympathies instead. I would not have understood this before I was a dog person, but I felt very connected now.

Two days ago, a couple of my regular young boys came in and asked for a dog bone for their dogs - one, his grandpa's pit bull that is out at Vance Park every night, and the other - a beautiful husky that is tied to the fence while his 10 yr. old owner gets himself a hot chocolate, and gets his dog a bone. I was out of dog treats, and hadn't had the heart to go back and look at the bulk dog bone bag to refill the supply. Yesterday, a customer stopped in and had a crepe before heading up to Lewis & Clark State Park to walk her retriever/chow mix. She got him out of the car and allowed me to pet him before they headed out together. Etta, my morning vanilla latte friend, brought me a picture of her favorite dog of all time, Bear. He could've been Dexter's brother.

So, Dexter is no longer one of those dogs on their leash prancing around Vance Park, and he- like all of those other dogs pulling on their leash, are probably oblivious to the fact that because their owners love them so much, they are responsible for building a true heart-to-heart connection with so many others in our community.

I vow to remember why I love Dexter and why I love my customers and their dogs. I vow to refill the dog treat canister, and I vow to celebrate dogs and their loving owners in our community when the park warms up!

Free Tax Assistance Available In Rockwood

2007-12-13T19:34:00.000-08:00

The Rockwood Weed and Seed Program, a federal program that funded improvement efforts, wrapped up in September, but one of the programs created to benefit local residents remains. The VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) Program is something that the IRS coordinated with Weed and Seed sites all over the country and the Rockwood Weed and Seed signed on for a multiple year effort to provide free tax preparation within the Rockwood Community. The program also works to educate and encourage illegal immigrants to file their taxes.

Having people get their taxes done in low income areas potentially benefits the area. In many cases, people qualify for the Earned Income Credit, which brings additional dollars to the people in our community, and hopefully feeds back into our local economy. Many of these people who pay taxes don't necessarily know how to recoup this money, assume the fees are too high for what they will get back, don't know they can legally apply for it, or know that they can submit a return even if they don't have a social security number.

The Tax Aide Program, which will be set up at the Rockwood Community Office at 187th and SE Stark will file individual's taxes for free, utilizing AARP volunteers who have been trained in tax preparation. Everyone, regardless of income level is welcomed to use the service. In fact, to kick off the program the first year, the City's Police Chief, Carla Piluso, had her taxes done for free as an attestation of the reliability of the program. For tax payers who do not have a social security number, the IRS can assign Individual Tax Identification Numbers, which allows the returns to be processed, and reportedly does not coordinate nor share information with the Immigration Department.

Questions about the free tax preparation program can be directed to Police Activities League or to the Rockwood Community Office. The program is expected to kick off at the beginning of February.

Non-Profit sponsorships & Christmas Spirit

2007-12-11T14:17:00.000-08:00

Blessings are especially evident at Christmas time, and I have the blessing of being in a community where each shining light shines brighter where there was darkness. My business has been adopted by local groups and individuals working toward my success almost as much as I can! I offer my support to anyone who would like to support the community, and have many stories to tell of my visitors who are out doing amazing things.

Judy Alley and the SnowCap staff are one of the bright lights here in Rockwood who has shown her strong support for my business and brings people in to Park Place regularly. I asked Judy if the Rockwood Business Coalition could support the children of SnowCap with a gift giving tree at Park Place Coffee and she immediately got me a list of items from the wish list of SnowCap children. Most of the wishes have been sponsored by customers of the coffee shop, though a few still remain. Gifts are coming in and now surrounding the tree. Some of the wishes were so dear, I share them here:

7 & 9 year old brother and sister want board games they can play with their newly recovered mother.

10 year old girl with an interest in cooking wants a cook book that she can begin with.

8 year old boy wants something to do with bugs, something his mother would let into the house.

6 year old boy wants to build things. He would enjoy Lincoln Logs, Legos, wooden blocks, anything to build.

12 year old miss is hooked on Harry Potter stories.

3 year old twins love to play together. Mother thinks Play Doh would be fun for all three of them.

13 year old girl likes to do crafts, wants to learn to knit, and is good with beads.

2 year old has a mother who wants him to learn shapes and colors.

7 year old girl has lived in four states already. Her mother would like her to have a map of the US with each state a separate piece.

6 year old Hispanic girl would like a doll with dark hair.

8 year old boy wants to be a handyman like his dad. He would love any kinds of toy tools.

Speaking of lights, another non-profit's local efforts will stand out on Friday, December 14th from 6-8 p.m. People for Parks, a non-profit who has done so much to turn the quality of Vance Park around, will hold the lighting of the luminaries on Friday, where the whole park will be aglow with candles and Christmas cheer. Kathy Minden, founder of People for Parks, will include complementary beverages at Park Place Coffee as part of the celebration.

We welcome anyone to join us by supporting the SnowCap Giving Tree, or enjoy the efforts of People for Parks on December 14th.

Disc Golfers In Rockwood

2007-12-11T07:05:00.000-08:00

On Monday the sun was out, but it was darned cold. It may not be the best conditions for a day in the park, but it doesn't keep the disc golfers inside. At least five disc golfers stopped in to say hello. The park right next to the cafe, Vance Park, became the site of a disc golf course last Winter and has been a blessing to my business as well as the surrounding community.

Disc Golf (a.k.a. Frisbee golf) is set up at various sites throughout the state, country and the world. In Rockwood we have two courses - 1 at Rockwood Central Park and 1 at Vance Park. Until the disc golfers started coming to Vance Park I never understood what a large following this sport had, nor how organized it has become. One of my disc golf friends, Forest, drinks his coffee and waits inside until he sees other golfers arrive at the course where he can go join them. One of these friends is a gentleman named Murray. He moved here from England a short time ago and explains that he has played courses in and out of the U.S. Forest invited my boyfriend and I to try a game with him this summer out in Vance Park. I was a skeptic, not seeing how throwing a frisbee at a metal post and basket could provide entertainment, but I have changed my view.

Once out on the course, cares become a thing of the past as you have a chance to simply enjoy the park at a casual pace and with targets that take you to each edge of the park. You cannot help but enjoy the small differences in terrain through each section because each one of those trees, hills, or fields become part of your game. It all seems like a great way to pass the time until you watch an experienced disc golfer. At one tee we asked Forest where the hole was, since it wasn't in view. He explained it was offset by being around the corner and near a fenced in area quite a distance away. Then Forest chose an appropriate disc to use (discs are like golf clubs and you can choose between putters, drivers, etc.) and threw. This disc not only travelled quite a distance, but rounded the corner at the right time, and landed not more than 6 inches from the hole. At this point I learned how a casual pasttime can create a skilled sportsman, as it had with Forest. The grin on his face showed his pride in mastering the sport.

The disc golfers held their Winter Tournament at Vance Park less than 2 weeks ago with over 65 golfers competing. Disc golfers are a friendly and dedicated group who bring positive activity and additional eyes into our parks. Vance Park had been eyed as a site by Disc golfers for quite some time, but initially the site was refused by the City Parks Department because there were trilliums in the park and they were thought to be a protected species. The dedication of disc golfers, and especially Ty, allowed the disc golfers to bring in specialists who convinced the City that a disc golf course was possible. Thanks to their persistence, one more step to improve Rockwood is in place.

St. Anne's Church

2007-12-10T12:12:00.000-08:00

Father David and Deacon Brooks from St. Anne's Catholic Church were in the coffee shop this weekend. St. Anne's is the neighborhood's Catholic Church and holds mass in English and Spanish throughout the week.

They explained that there will be a tremendous celebration for the Hispanic population on December 12, Our Lady Guadalupe. Our Lady Guadalupe is not celebrated by all Catholics since it is primarily a Mexican celebration. (This additional information is available through Wikipedia: Our Lady of Guadalupe is known in Mexico as "La Virgen Morena", which means "The brown-skinned Virgin." Guadalupe's feast day is celebrated on December 12 commemorating the traditional account of her appearances to Juan Diego Cuauhtlatoatzin near Mexico City from December 9 through December 12.) I was told the parishioners come out in droves for this event, and it goes late into the night.

I have learned that the Hispanic population finds great value in the rituals and celebrations within their faith. Some of these ceremonies everyone is familiar with, such as baptisms and first communions. Some of these celebrations, although Catholic traditions, grew from the traditions from the countries in which they originated. For example, the Deacon described to me another traditional celebration through Latin American populations: the quinceanera (pronounced KEEN-se-an-YEH-ra). This is a rite of passage into womanhood held for girls as they turn 15 years of age.

St. Anne's is informally designated as the local church for Catholic Hispanic services, but also holds a large congregation of dedicated Anglo parishioners. Because of this, the parish accommodates the religious traditions of all of its people. Many of my regulars are parishioners there and range from Italian heritage to who-knows-what-Anglo and every shape and color in-between. In fact, as a mother and daughter were enjoying their crepe before church, they were happy to greet Father Tom, who came over for a quick warming up drink.

St. Anne's Parish holds more baptisms, quinceaneras, and other celebrations than the traditional American Catholic Church. The church has an expansive understanding and appreciation of its members and their faith and works hard to meet the needs of all of its congregation. You may not find this experience, appreciation or struggle for accommodation in other areas, but you find this dedication here on SE 181st.