Sales soar, anger erupts, at Sweet Cakes by Melissa

Aaron Klein rested his arms atop the empty display case in his Gresham bakery, exhausted after his busiest and most profitable day in nearly five years.

With an hour left until close on Saturday, Feb. 2, Aaron, who already sold out of all his baked goods, had to turn customers away.

And for most of the day, a line of customers stretched out the door, even while protestors stood on a nearby street corner.

People flocked from throughout Oregon, and even Washington, to Sweet Cakes by Melissa, at 44 N.E. Division St., not for the tasty treats but to show support for the business that refused on Jan. 17 to sell a cake to a homosexual couple after learning the women were planning a same-sex wedding.

Aaron and Melissa, who are married and co-own the bakery, told the couple they didn’t want to support the wedding because of their Christian belief that marriage is between a man and a woman.

The state’s Department of Justice is investigating Aaron’s actions to determine if he violated Oregon’s anti-discrimination law, which prohibits places of public accommodation to refuse service based on numerous classifications, including sexual orientation.

But Aaron’s refusal to sell the couple the cake did little to deter customers over the weekend.

“It’s probably the biggest day we’ve ever had,” he said. “It’s been big.”

“We couldn’t keep up,” Melissa added.

But since learning about the investigation on Monday, Jan. 28, not all of the response has been positive.

The couple said they’ve received emails, phone calls and Facebook messages from people around the country upset with the business’s allegedly discriminatory practice.

And outside the bakery’s parking lot on Saturday, a same-sex couple from Portland stood along Division Street, protesting the bakery’s actions.

Kim Crane and Rachel Oleson held signs and gave away homemade cupcakes to people who believe in equality.

“We thought that intolerance shouldn’t be the only story people hear about,” Crane said. “So we came out here to rally support for people who support equality. We’re just trying to raise awareness and give away some cupcakes.”

The couple, who plan to get married next year, said hearing about the bakery makes them feel like outcasts in their community.

“It’s personal for us and it’s personal for a lot of people,” Crane said. “And when you hear about something like that, it makes you feel like your neighborhood isn’t your neighborhood or your city isn’t your city. There are places where you’re not welcome.

So we’re trying to welcome people with our gay cupcakes.”

But Aaron said he’s not refusing all his services to homosexuals, only the sale of wedding cakes. And his supporters who showed up in droves on Saturday, said the woman who filed the complaint should simply buy the cake elsewhere.

“Nobody hates (homosexual individuals),” said Vlad Shalashov, who shopped with his wife, Miya, at the bakery for the first time to show support last weekend. “If they don’t like the owner who refused service to them, go somewhere else.”

Vlad and Miya, a Christian couple from Happy Valley, added that the Oregon Equality Act infringes upon their beliefs and persecutes Christians.

Miya, an immigrant from the Ukraine, said she came to the United States for religious freedom, but instead, “It looks like the same thing is starting here that we had over there.”

“(Christians) have rights, as well,” Miya added. “If we believe this is a sin and we don’t want to be supporting those actions, then we have the right to refuse.

“Gays and homosexuals is a lifestyle that they’ve chosen. This is what I believe. (The bakery) did not refuse service to them, but they did refuse to participate in having them get married.”

Outside the bakery, holding a colorful sign that read, “Don’t hate, let them eat cake,” Crane said people should have a right to their beliefs, but that a business shouldn’t be able to practice segregation.

“When it comes to discriminating against people and refusing to offer a person the same service that you would offer any other person — I don’t know the legality of it, but I know it’s intolerant,” Crane said.

As they closed their shop after serving people from Tacoma, Wash., to Halfway, Ore., Aaron and Melissa said they’ve received letters calling them “bigots” and “intolerant.” But the couple said they’re not discriminatory.

“We’re not hateful people,” Melissa said. “We’re just standing up for what we believe in.”

Aaron and Melissa, who could face fines if it’s found they violated the Oregon Equality Act, called the law “petty” and “intolerant.”

But they added that they won’t succumb to the threats of fines and intend to fight the investigation.

“I’m willing to stand up for God, and I’m going to stand up for my beliefs,” Melissa said. “If I lose this business, if I lose that for God, then I lose it for God. And I’ll be proud to lose it for him. That’s just me. That’s what I believe.”

John Cartisser of Gresham served 30 days for violating his probation on a 2010 conviction for first-degree attempted sex abuse

A local business man who gained accolades for his successful burger cart in Rockwood and now a thriving brick-and-mortar restaurant was recently jailed for violating his probation on a 2010 attempted sex abuse conviction.

John David Cartisser, 45, of Gresham, served a 30-day jail sanction from Dec. 21, 2012, to Jan. 25. Multnomah County District Court Judge Adrienne Nelson also ordered Cartisser to undergo 60 days of electronic monitoring so probation officials know where he is at all times, said Deputy District Attorney Nathan Vasquez.

Cartisser violated his probation by not telling his probation officer that he was changing employment, by being in a bar/tavern and by consuming alcohol, said David Austin, Multnomah County communications director.

In November, he closed his Best Burger food cart near 185th Avenue and Stark Street and opened up a sit-down restaurant at 17527 Southeast Stark Street without notifying his probation officer.

At issue are the terms of Cartisser's five years of probation stemming from a Nov. 15, 2010, conviction of first-degree attempted sex abuse. Cartisser was arrested on June 8, 2010, and accused of three counts of first-degee sex abuse involving a girl who was 5 and 6 years old during the nearly year-and-a-half when the alleged abuse took place between Oct. 5, 2008, and Feb. 18, 2010.

Cartisser pleaded no contest to one count of first-degree attempted sex abuse and the other two counts were dismissed.

His probation includes general conditions that must be followed during his 5-year probationary period, as well as special conditions he must adhere to as a registered sex offender.

Ironically, it was the success of his food cart and the move to a brick-and-mortar structure that caused him to violate his probation.

Cartisser found himself in the media spotlight after he set up one of Gresham's first food carts in the Rockwood area in the summer of 2011. His burgers were such a hit, he opened a sit-down restaurant 10 blocks west at 17527 Southeast Stark Street last November.

A photo of Cartisser and one of his best burgers appeared on the front page of the Tuesday, Jan. 29, issue of The Outlook when readers voted the restaurant as having the best burgers in the newspaper's annual Readers' Choice competition.

Just four days earlier, he was being released from jail for violating his probation.

In addition to not notifying his probation officer about his business changing locations, Cartisser consumed alcohol and frequented a bar or tavern — both of which are violations of his probation, Austin said.

Because Cartisser is not allowed in bars or taverns, and can't have any contact with children, "he cannot go into the restaurant," without violating his probation, Austin said.

Best Burger does not serve alcohol, but it shares a building with Wok's Up, which does.

Wok's Up also boasts an indoor beach volleyball court that is popular with teens and other minors, said Heidi Moawad, a deputy district attorney.

Cartisser's probation states that he can't work anywhere that involves contact with minors.

He's also to have no contact with children, and according to the restaurant's website, Best Burger has a kid's menu.

As for how his probation violation is affecting the restaurant, “I've stepped back from the business,” Cartisser said. Although he's been described as Best Burger's owner in multiple newspaper articles, Cartisser said his wife Karin is the owner. They also have business partners. “I've been the face of the business and the operator,” he said.

His aproned image with the words “gourmet street food” appears on the restaurant's business card.

Criminal history “extremely concerning”

Vasquez, the deputy district attorney, described Cartisser's criminal history as “extremely concerning.”

According to court records, prior to Cartisser's 2010 attempted sex abuse conviction, Cartisser pleaded guilty in 2004 on two counts of third-degree sex abuse involving a 16-year-old girl who was living in his home with him and his first wife in 2003. “During the time of these allegations, two other children, ages 7 and 8, also accused him of touching them in a sexual manner,” states a court document arguing against lowering Cartisser's $750,000 bail in 2010. A grand jury did not indict Cartisser for those allegations.

Cartisser also was convicted in 2001 of soliciting a prostitute.

On Oct. 13, 2000, Cartisser drove up to who he thought was a female prostitute and offered to pay her for sexual contact. The woman, however, was an undercover police officer.

When reached by phone for comment on the article, Cartisser said “obviously this is a very touchy subject,” adding that the past two years have been very difficult for his family.

He has a son and a daughter from a prior marriage. He also has a teenage stepson, a daughter and a son from his current marriage.

Cartisser said the 2010 allegations were part of an “ugly custody battle,” adding that he is not guilty of attempted sex abuse.

Then why did he plead no-contest to it?

“That was the best choice for me at the time for my family,” Cartisser said. Just before his trial was to start, the prosecutor suddenly offered a plea deal: Five years of probation in exchange for pleading no contest to attempted sex abuse. He would be free to go home that same day.

After sitting in jail for five months with a public defender telling him that he could get 12 to 18 years in prison if convicted at trial, an opportunity to go home to his family was too good to pass up, Cartisser said.

“Since then we've been rebuilding our lives and giving back to the community,” he said. “And I'm proud of that.”

The restaurant donated part of its proceeds from the Ranger Burger to the USS Ranger Foundation during its quest to bring a decommissioned air craft carrier to Fairview. Cartisser served in the Navy from 1988 to 1992.

He has support from his wife, extended family and his church community at Greater Gresham Baptist Church. In fact, in 2010, the court received eight letters from friends and family asking that Cartisser's bail be lowered so he could get out of jail before his trial. A total of 36 people also signed a petition that was submitted to the court in hope of Cartisser being granted pre-trial release.

“He is anxious to clear his name and needs to be earning money for the support of his family and the added expenses that the trial to clear his name will cost,” reads the petition.

Cartisser said he's proud that he didn't let his criminal conviction define him or prevent him from building a successful business.

“My character speaks for itself,” he said. “I didn't go hide in a corner somewhere. There's nothing to hide about.

“I am not ashamed of my life and where I'm at and where I've come from. People can look at me cross-eyed, but I know what happened — nothing.”

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 6

Gresham Toastmasters — 6:30 a.m., Elmer’s Restaurant, 1590 N.E. Burnside Road. Learn how to be a better speaker. For more information, visit greshamtoastmasters.freetoasthost.org or call George Miller at 503-666-9278.

Kiwanis of Damascus-Boring — 7 a.m., Pub 212, 20400 S.E. Highway 212, Damascus. For more information, visit kiwanisofdamascusboring.org.

Business AM — 7:30 a.m., Alliance Testing Services, 903 E. Historic Columbia River Highway, Troutdale. A networking opportunity for members and guests of the West Columbia Gorge Chamber of Commerce. Call 503-669-7473 or visit westcolumbiagorgechamber.com for information.

Education AM — 7:30 a.m., Human Solutions, 12350 S.E. Powell Blvd, Portland. Join Jim Teasley of Send Out Cards to learn about appreciation marketing and building a business based on referrals. For more information, call 503-788-8589 or visit eastportlandchamberofcommerce.com.

I Take the Lead — 7:30 a.m., Banaka & Brown Artisan Bakery, 835 N. Main Ave. Helps you build your business by generating leads and referrals. Visit itakethelead.com or call 503-691-9909 for information.

Rockwood Business Coalition — 7:30 a.m. at a hosting business. Contact Lori Stegmann at lstegmann@farmersagent.com.

Take Off Pounds Sensibly (TOPS) — 7:45 a.m., Gresham Manor, 2895 S.E. Powell Valley Road. Weigh-ins from 7:15-7:45 a.m., and the meeting is from 7:45-8:45 a.m. For more information, call 503-665-8078.

Overeaters Anonymous — 10:30 a.m., St. Henry Catholic Church, 346 N.W. First St. Call 503-665-9129 or visit sthenrygresham.org for more information.

Multiple Sclerosis Support Group — 11 a.m., Regency Gresham, 5905 E. Powell Blvd. A monthly support group for people with multiple sclerosis. Call 503-254-8477 for information.

Gresham Rotary Club — Noon, M&M Restaurant, 137 N. Main Ave. A worldwide organization of business and professional leaders that provides humanitarian service, encourages high ethical standards in all vocations, and helps build goodwill and peace in the world. Visit clubrunner.ca/Gresham for information.

I Take the Lead — Noon, Chu’s Eatery, 17110 S.E. Powell Blvd., Portland. Build your business by generating professional business leads and referrals. Visit itakethelead.com.

Rockwood Kiwanis Club — Noon, Abby’s Pizza, 21255 S.E. Stark St. For more information, call George Riley at 503-661-6754 or Sandy Christoffer at 503-789-0961.

Historic Downtown Gresham Kiwanis — 5:30 p.m., M&M Restaurant, 137 N. Main Ave. A community volunteer group that supports the youth of East Multnomah County with its projects. Visit hdgkiwanis.org for information.

Prime Timers Dining Club — 6 p.m., M&M Restaurant and Lounge, 137 N. Main Ave., Gresham. A social group for singles age 50 and up. Be there at 6 p.m. for social time, followed by a dinner at 6:30 p.m. This marks the 14th anniversary of the group. For more information, call Pat Ruter at 503-936-5861 or visit PrimeTimersDiningClub.com.

Gresham United VFW Post 180 — 7:30 p.m., Veterans Memorial Hall, 150 W. Powell Blvd. Visit vfwpost180.us for information.

THURSDAY, FEB. 7

Gresham Breakfast Lions Club — 6:45 a.m., M&M Restaurant, 137 N. Main Ave. An international community service group that participates in a variety of projects. For more information, call Kent Carter at 503-522-6997.

Optimist Club of Gresham — 7 a.m., Heidi’s of Gresham, 1230 N.E. Cleveland Ave. The Optimists conduct positive service projects in their communities aimed at providing a helping hand to youth. Call President Bob Hollingsworth at 503-407-3387.

West Columbia Gorge Rotary Club — 7 a.m., McMenamins Edgefield, Barley Room, 2126 S.W. Halsey St., Troutdale. For information, email wcg.rotary@gmail.com.

I Take the Lead — 7:30 a.m., Park Place Coffee, 1288 S.E. 182nd Ave. Build your business by generating professional business leads and referrals. Visit itakethelead.com.

Soroptimist International of Gresham — Noon, Gresham Elks Club, 3330 Division St. A worldwide organization for women in management and professions, working through service projects to advance human rights and the status of women. Visit sigresham.org for information.

Mending Hearts — 7 to 8:30 p.m., Mt. Hood Christian Center coffee shop, 2500 S.E. Palmblad Road. Mending Hearts is a peer support group for mothers who have lost a baby during pregnancy, birth or up to the first year of life. The group is only for women. Childcare is not provided; organizers ask participants to respect the sensitivity of others by not bringing a child of any age. Email start.mending@gmail.com or visit facebook.com/StartMending for more information.

FRIDAY, FEB. 8

Gresham Earlyrisers Kiwanis Club — 6:45 a.m., M&M Restaurant, 137 N. Main Ave. The Earlyrisers club is a service group dedicated to changing the world, one community and one child at a time. For more information, call Dick Vaughn at 503-760-2106.

Connect with Success AM — 7 a.m., Gresham Town Fair Chiropractic Clinic at VFW Hall, 150 W. Powell Blvd, Gresham. A networking opportunity for members and guests of the Gresham Area Chamber of Commerce. Call 503-665-1131 or visit greshamchamber.org for information.

AM Business Connection — 7:30 a.m., Prudential Northwest Properties hosted by JLA Health Stop, 12050 S.E. Stevens Road, Suite 100, Happy Valley. North Clackamas Chamber of Commerce members gather at a different business for networking and events. Free, and a continental breakfast is provided by the host business. Call 503-654-7777 or visit yourchamber.com for information.

Good Morning Damascus — 7:30 a.m., Hosted by Damascus Civic Club, meet at Damascus Fire Station, 20050 S.E. Highway 212. A business-networking event for Damascus-area businesses. For more information, call Mary Wescott at 503-658-3183 or visit gmdamascus.org.

Celebrate Recovery — 6 p.m., Good Shepherd Community Church, 28986 S.E. Haley Road, Boring. A 12-step recovery program based on Christian values. Child care available; must be 18 years of age or older. For information, call 503-666-8501 or visit goodshepherdcc.org.

Fibromyalgia, Chronic Pain, Chronic Fatigue Support Group — 6:30 p.m., Gresham Wellness Center, 333 S.E. 223rd Ave., Suite 206. Come meet others and share ideas, resources and information in a supportive atmosphere. For information, email greshamfibro@gmail.com or call 503-661-1302.

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 6

Northeast Multnomah County Community Association — 9:30 a.m., Corbett Fire Hall, 36930 E. Historic Columbia River Highway. Residents and local agencies meet to discuss events and issues that affect the Corbett and gorge area.

Troutdale Citizens Advisory Committee — 7 p.m., City Conference Building, 223 S. Buxton Ave.

Fairview City Council — 7 p.m., City Hall, 1300 N.E. Village St. Call 503-674-6202 for information.

Corbett School District Board — 7 p.m., Corbett Grade School Library, 35800 E. Historic Columbia Highway, Corbett.

THURSDAY, FEB. 7

Transportation Advisory Subcommittee — 6:30 p.m., Gresham City Hall, Barlow Trail Room, 1333 N.W. Eastman Parkway. Call Maria Plumb at 503-618-2541 for information.

Gresham-Barlow School District Board — 7 p.m., Public Safety and Schools Building, 1331 N.W. Eastman Parkway. Call the district office at 503-618-2834 or the superintendent’s office at 503-618-2444 for information.

Multnomah County Board of Commissioners — 9:30 a.m., Multnomah Building, First Floor Commissioners Boardroom 100, 501 S.E. Hawthorne Blvd., Portland. Visit multco.us or call 503-988-5274.

Clackamas County Board of Commissioners — 10 a.m., 2051 Kaen Road, Oregon City. Call 503-655-8581 or visit clackamas.us/bcc for information.

Metro Council — 2 p.m., Metro Regional Center, Council Chamber, 600 N.E. Grand Ave., Portland. For more information, visit oregonmetro.gov or call 503-797-1793.

Centennial offers a form to report bullying

Schools in the Centennial District have developed a complaint form parents or students can fill out to report incidents of bullying or harassment.

The form is intended to bring consistency to the reporting and investigation of bullying, along with preventing it all together.

For report purposes, bullying is defined as “unwanted aggressive beheavior among school-age children that involves a real or perceived power imbalance repeated over time.”

Reports will detail the date and location of an incident, the students involved and a description of what happened.

For more information, call the district at 503-760-7990.

Mt. Hood hosts swimming championships

For the 27th time, Mt. Hood Community College will host the OSAA High School Swimming Championships Feb. 15-16.

The event is expected to attract more than 1,000 students, coaches and spectators to the college’s 50-meter swimming pool.

Tickets are $8 for adults and $5 for students, and volunteers are needed to direct the large crowd and distribute shirts and other goods. To volunteer, call Katie Heilsberg, Steven Hula or Donna Ryan at 503-491-7421.

All pools will be closed to the public during the championships.

Let the saints tempt your palate

Attendees of this year’s 22nd annual Mt. Hood Community College Hospitality and Tourism Gala Dinner and Silent Auction can catch a flavor of The Big Easy.

The New Orleans-themed gala will take place Saturday, Feb. 23, in Town and Gown (Room AC2057), on the Gresham campus, with doors opening at 5:30 p.m. and a Creole cuisine dinner at 6:30 p.m.

Proceeds from the fundraiser will help pay for an education-related trip for hospitality and tourism students, who plan, market, organize and run the event. Adam Higgs, executive chef and owner of Acadia Restaurant, will be this year’s guest chef.

Tickets are $70 and may be purchased by calling the Hospitality and Tourism Club at 503-491-7698, completing an RSVP form at mhcc.edu/galadinner or emailing htrpt@mhcc.edu.

Find the fun in math

Number aficionados: The Dead Mathematicians’ Society has three presentations for you.

The Mt. Hood Community College group will host fun and entertaining lectures aimed to broaden your understanding of mathematics, science, technology and engineering.

• Birthday, Dice and New Cars — The Mathematics of Chance — 3:15 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 5. Jon Spindor, a math instructor, will discuss chance and randomness.

• A Remarkable Sum of Leonhard Euler — 3:15 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 12. Shu Masuda, a math instructor, will break down what he calls the elegant formula of Euler and explore even “wilder” and more exotic summers through the technique.

• Cut It Out, You Guys! The Mathematics of Paper Folding and Cutting — 3:15 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 26. Nick Chura, a math instructor, will explore mathematical problems in origami and kirigami (folding and cutting paper), with scissors and paper provided.

The presentations, held in Room AC1575, 26000 S.E. Stark St., Gresham, are free and open to the public

RENT comes to Mt. Hood’s stage

The popular Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning Broadway musical “Rent” will grace Mt. Hood Community College’s stage in February and March, directed by Jess Merz.

Based on Puccini’s opera “La Boheme,” the play features a group of young adults in the East Village of New York City in 1989 who grapple with AIDS, drugs, poverty and other struggles. Despite their challenges, the characters come together to create a community and celebrate friendship.

Performances are at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 22-23 and March 1-2; and 2 p.m. Feb. 24 and March 3. Tickets are $12 for students and $15 for adults and may be purchased at the box office from 2:30-6 p.m. Mondays, 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Tuesdays, 12:30-2:30 p.m. Thursdays and 2:30-4 p.m. Fridays and immediately before each performance.

For more information, call Merz at 503-491-6970.

A Phone-A-Thon for reading curriculum

The Gresham-Barlow Education Foundation will hold a Phone-A-Thon Feb. 25-28 to benefit the foundation’s 2013 reading campaign.

During the event, high school students in the district will call parents and community members asking for donations. Proceeds will benefit reading curriculum for struggling students in the district and high school student groups.

The Gresham Outlook, Key Bank of Troutdale, Gresham Sanitary and Gresham Ford are sponsoring the event. Individuals who donate $40 or more will receive a $20 gift certificate for service from Gresham Ford.

To make a pledge, visit gbefkids.org.

Reynolds offers education summit

The Reynolds School District invites the public to an education summit from 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 28, in the multipurpose room at Reynolds High School, 1698 S.W. Cherry Park Road, Troutdale.

Rob Saxton, Oregon deputy superintendent of public instruction, will speak about current education reform efforts at the state level. Superintendent Linda Florence will talk about the strategic vision for the Reynolds School District.

The content will be available in English, Spanish and Russian. The room has a maximum capacity of 300. In order to support attendees in proving feedback and adequate translation services, pre-registration is advised at rsdedsummit.eventbrite.com.

Orchid sale benefits hospital patients, family projects

The Volunteer Guild at Legacy Mount Hood Medical Center, a group that fund raises for patient and family projects in the hospital and community, will host its annual orchid sale from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, Feb. 11-12, in the main lobby of Legacy Mount Hood Medical Center, 24800 S.E. Stark St., Gresham.

Just in time for Valentine’s Day, the orchids cost $10 for one 3-inch pot; $15 for two 3-inch pots; $15 for a 5-inch pot; and $25 for two 5-inch pots. All proceeds will benefit patient and family projects at Legacy Mount Hood Medical Center.

Learn ‘Preservation 101’ on Feb. 17

The Troutdale Historical Society will hold a “Preservation 101” presentation at 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 17, at the Barn Museum, 732 E. Historic Columbia Highway, Troutdale.

The program, led by Brendon Spence-Hartle, will highlight the role of historic preservation in sustainability, from the economic development created by rehabilitating buildings to the environmental stewardship that comes with conserving existing materials.

The presentation will inform participants of the criteria for listing a property in the National Register of Historic Places, while highlighting the regulations and standards that pertain to historic properties.

The program is intended to empower residents to think creatively about how to preserve historic places in the 21st century, from finding funding to finding new uses for seemingly obsolete buildings.

The program is free to the public, with light refreshments served. In case of bad winter weather, the program will be rescheduled.

For more information, call the Troutdale Historical Society at 503-661-2164 or email terry@troutdalehistory.org.

Connect with local legislators

State Sen. Laurie Monnes Anderson and Rep. Chris Gorsek will hold a community town hall meeting at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 12, in the Lake Room of Mount Hood Community College, 26000 S.E. Stark St., Gresham.

The legislators will share their priorities for this legislative session, as well as hear questions and concerns from the public. For more information, visit Facebook: on.fb.me/14voUZG.

A woman who died after her car crashed on Tuesday, Feb. 5, may have had a medical emergency that contributed to the accident.

The 60-year-old woman — who police are not identifying until her family has been notified — was driving southbound on 162nd Avenue approaching Division Street at 4:22 p.m. when she crossed oncoming traffic and struck a large sign pole, said Sgt. Pete Simpson, Portland Police spokesman. She died later that night at a Portland hospital.

Witnesses told police that the driver may have suffered a medical event prior to the crash, Simpson said. An autopsy on Wednesday, Feb. 6, will determine the cause of death. The Portland Police Bureau's Major Crash Team is investigating.

-  How a street performer became a stage professional set to appear at MHCC

Will West has lived a musical life befitting a man with a surname implying a wandering cowboy’s lifestyle.

Take the time West was in San Francisco, back in 2004.

“I’d been living in my van for about four weeks at the time, exploring the entire West Coast down to San Diego and back,” he says. “I was on my slow trek back to Portland when I stopped in San Fran to visit a friend. My van was stolen about an hour after I made it to the city. I was left with my dog, my guitar and the clothes on my back.”

Yes, that’s right, all the country music clichés you’d ever want wrapped up in one theft.

“I stayed for a week hoping that my van would turn up,” he adds, noting he played on the street, or “busked” for money.

“I’d busk two or three times a day to make food money and meet folks,” he says. “It was an amazing experience performing all around Golden Gate Park and the Haight Street district. The van never turned up, but I made some really wonderful connections being stuck in the city.”

West is the latest performer set to perform in Mt. Hood Community College’s First Thursday series. He takes the stage in the Student Union from noon to 1 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 7, and will be joined by members of The Friendly Strangers, a hodgepodge of various trios, quartets and larger band ensembles that join West for live shows and studio work.

“We vary our size and lineup depending on the venue and size of the stage,” West says, noting he’s crowded as many as 11 Strangers on stage. At Mt. Hood, five other musicians will join him to deliver original songs drawn from the acoustic wells of bluegrass, pop, jazz and blues.

Carolina on his mind

West’s earliest musical memories are of his dad playing bluegrass fiddle in South Carolina.

“We’d have summer cookouts, and folks would bring instruments over, and most of the time a big jam would come together at the party,” West says. “I feel like I was fortunate to have so much exposure to live music at a young age. My dad also played guitar, sax and clarinet, so we always had instruments around the house.”

The Southern boy became a Northwesterner after falling in love with Portland through a visit and busking in the city.

“I first did it when I came to Portland to visit in the summer of 2001,” he says. “I was walking down Northwest 23rd Avenue with my guitar and found a cozy corner, laid out my case and started singing some tunes. I was just beginning to sing at this time, so normally I’d close my eyes and nervously push through my songs when I played open-mics.”

However, he realized he could make more money busking if he made some eye contact and smiled at folks walking by.

“This really helped me build my confidence as a performer and increase my comfort level on stage.”

Stages where West can be found include such Portland venues as the Doug Fir Lounge, 830 E. Burnside St., where he’ll jam at 9 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 21. He’s also playing with an offshoot of The Friendly Strangers called Brothers of the Hound every Thursday this month from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the White Eagle, 836 N. Russell St. The shows are free and open to all ages, he adds.

As for what folks who come to the Mt. Hood show should expect, there’s no script involved, he says, just improvisation.

“I like to call our shows ‘acoustic roller coaster rides.’”

Artists’ reception

An artists’ reception will be held from 5:30-7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 12, at Gresham City Hall, Visual Arts Gallery, 1333 N.W. Eastman Parkway. Admission is free. The reception will highlight “Passport to Adventure,” the latest exhibit from the Gresham Art Committee.

You can also see the exhibit anytime from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays from Feb. 5 through April 14.

For more information, visit greshamartcommittee.com.

Friends and Family Night

You can help benefit Reynolds Learning Center by spending some cash at McMenamins Edgefield’s Power Station Pub, 2126 S.W. Halsey St., Troutdale, from 5 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 12. Admission is free, and is open to all ages.

Edgefield will donate 50 percent of pub sales to the learning center. The pub serves burgers, beers, wine, salads, sandwiches, tater tots and more.

For more information, call 503-669-8610 or visit mcmenamins.com.

Troutdale Historical Society

Brandon Spencer-Hartle from the Historic Preservation League will present “Historic Preservation 101” at 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 17, in the Barn Museum of the Troutdale Historical Society, 473 E. Historic Columbia River Highway, Troutdale.

For more information, call 503-661-2164, or visit troutdalehistory.org,

Readers Theatre

Horton Foote’s “The Trip to Bountiful” tells the story of Carrie Watts, an elderly woman who makes a pilgrimage from Houston to her hometown of Bountiful, Texas. She discovers in the ruin and decay of time’s passage a renewed connection to her past and the realization that your homeland is forever a part of you.

Readers Theatre of Sandy Actors Theatre will present “Bountiful” at 8 p.m. Monday, Feb. 18, in Gresham Chapel & Evening Event Center, 257 S.E. Roberts Ave.

Tickets are $8 general admission (no reservations). For more information, call Tim Park at 503-869-6183, or visit sandyactorstheatre.org.

Guitar man

Guitarist-singer and Filipino native Albert Pomar has played guitar and sung in such places as Bangkok, Singapore, Germany and Vietnam. You can catch him most Thursdays at the M & M Restaurant & Lounge, 137 N. Main Ave., from 7-11 p.m.

Admission is free. For more information, call 503-665-2626 or visit mandmlounge.com.

Live Music

Eastside Bluegrass Series — 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 16, at Freedom Foursquare Church, 660 S.E. 160th Ave. A Sudden Tradition, Tumbleweed. If you show up at 5:30 p.m., you can join in on a jam in the lobby, so bring your instrument. Eastside Bluegrass shows take place every third Saturday of the month. Suggested donation is $10 per person, with children admitted free. Plenty of parking is available. For more information, visit eastsidebluegrass.com or email eastsidebluegrass@yahoo.com.

Edgefield Live Music Series — McMenamins Edgefield, 2126 S.W. Halsey St., Troutdale. All shows are free, for ages 21 and older and are held in the Winery unless noted otherwise. For more information, visit mcmenamins.com/edgefield or call 503-669-8610.

• Caleb Klauder & Reeb Wilms, 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 5.

• Pete Krebs, 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 6.

• Jim Page, 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 7.

• Asher Fulero, 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 8.

• Frame by Frame’s Tunes & Talk, 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 9.

• James Lowe & Lewi Longmire, 5 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 10.

• Skip vonKuske, 7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 11.

• Jack McMahon, 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 12.

Live Music at Celebrities — Celebrities Parkway Grill, 20725 N.E. Sandy Blvd., Fairview. No cover charge. Call 503-666-2027 for information.

• Jimmy Thompson Jam Session, 4 p.m. to midnight Sundays.

Open Mic Jam — Gresham Inn, 117 N. Main Ave. 8 p.m. Sundays. Hosted by Back Alley Jammers. For more information, call 503-661-1403.

Open Mic Jam — M&M Lounge, 137 N. Main Ave., Gresham. 6 p.m. to midnight, Sundays. Classic rock, blues, boogie blues, country, alternative, originals, acoustic, electric with live band. Sound system, drums, amplifiers provided. For more information, call 503-665-2626.

Karoake — 9 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Midnight Roundup, 345 N.W. Burnside St. For more information, call 503-489-5860.

• Dance instruction, 8 p.m. Thursdays followed by dancing at 9 p.m.

• Flexor T, 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Feb. 8-9.

Park Place Coffee — Live Music Saturdays. Free. All ages. For more information, call 503-808-1244 or visit parkplacecoffee.com.

Out & About

Troutdale Open-Air Market — 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays, Depot Park Rail Museum, 473 E. Historic Columbia River Highway, Troutdale. Shop for organic produce, fine arts and crafts, food and one-of-a-kind items at Troutdale’s farmers’ market, located in downtown Troutdale. Visit windancemarkets.com.

Arts & Culture

First Thursday Concerts — Mt. Hood Community College, 26000 S.E. Stark St., continues its free first Thursday of the month shows in the Student Union from noon to 1 p.m. Feb. 7: Will West and the Friendly Strangers. This musical ensemble touches on elements of bluegrass, pop, jazz, blues, old-time folk and more to create a signature acoustic sound.

“Night Mother” — Nutz-n-Boltz Theater will present Marsha Norman’s Pulitzer-Prize winning play “’Night, Mother” from Feb. 22 through March 10 at the historic Boring-Damascus Grange Hall, off Highway 212. This complex drama, featuring a damaged relationship between mother and daughter, casts Kim Berger of West Linn and Kelly Lazenby of Gresham, who play the show in real time, with no intermission.

There will also be talk-back sessions with the actors on Sundays.

Show times are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. Tickets are $10.

For more information, visit nnbtheater.com.

“Passport to Adventure” — 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays through April 14, Gresham City Hall, Visual Arts Gallery, 1333 N.W. Eastman Parkway. Presented by the Gresham Art Committee. Reception from 5:30-7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 12. Info: greshamartcommittee.com.

“The Last Romance” — Sandy Actors Theatre, 39181 Pioneer Blvd., Sandy, presents a heart-warming comedy by Joe DiPietro. A crush can make anyone feel young again — even octogenarian widower Ralph. Relying on a renewed boyish charm, he attempts to woo the elegant, but distant, Carol, and embarks on the trip of a lifetime to regain a happiness that seemed all but lost.

Showtimes are 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 3 p.m. Sundays, Feb. 8 to March 3. Tickets are $15 general admission, $12 seniors and students and $10 children under 12. For more information, call 503-668-6834, or visit sandyactorstheatre.org.

A Gresham bakery's stand against gay marriage may be undermined by a baker with some street cred.

After learning Sweet Cake by Melissa refused to make a wedding cake for a same-sex couple, “Ace of Cakes” star Duff Goldman told the Huffington Post on Monday, Feb. 4 that he'd bake and deliver the couple a cake for free.

“For a cake décor like he really needed to take a stand... it just makes absolutely no sense,” Goldman told the Huffington Post in a video interview. “It's petty, it's small... this man has wrapped up (in a) cloak of religion.”

Goldman, whose show airs on the Food Network and was asked to make a cake for Barack Obama's second inauguration last month, said he's trying to get in touch with the couple. He also added that he's made same-sex wedding cakes for a while.

“I saw this story and I thought, 'Hey, I can do something,' ” said Goldman, who owns Charm City Cake in Baltimore, Md. “I will make the cake for free, drive it up to Portland just to right this wrong.”

Aaron and Melissa Klein, owners of Sweet Cakes by Melissa, at 44 N.E. Division St., told the same-sex couple that he wouldn't make them a cake based on his Christian belief that marriage is between a man and a woman.

The couple filed a complaint with the state's Department of Justice, which is now investigating the bakery to determine if it violated Oregon's Equality Act. The law, which was passed in 2007, states that a place of public accommodation cannot refuse service passed on several classifications, including sexual orientation.

Centennial High School senior volunteers with both seniors and youth

Eighteen-year-old Mackenzie Olson is an admitted “A-type personality.” She is a planner and a doer in every aspect of her life, attacking her academics and volunteering with the fervor of a stubborn pit bull. She pretty much embodies the sentiment “lead, follow or get out of my way” with a quiet determination and focus.

Yet Mackenzie is also one of the few people who can say she discovered a career ambition at a young age. Her calling was born from a chance opportunity as a youngster that has firmly rooted the course she’s set for her future.

Born and raised in Gresham, Mackenzie is the daughter of Kim and Rob Olson. The Centennial High School senior has maintained a 4.0 grade-point average for four years, amid a balancing act of sports, student leadership and community service.

But it was a visit to Marquis Care Center in Oregon City when she was 10 years old where she developed a soft spot for seniors afflicted with memory issues.

“My godmother was the administrator, and she asked if I’d like to go out there someday,” Mackenzie said. “I was interested in helping others, so one day during Christmas break, I went with her. I loved it.”

For the past eight years, Mackenzie has volunteered her time among residents who struggle with more than simple forgetfulness. The experience has given her a new appreciation for the gifts in her own life and shown her the impact a simple act of kindness can have on someone else.

“Some days, I help the residents put on their makeup or do their hair because it’s not easy for the aides to get around to help and the residents can’t do it by themselves,” Mackenzie said. “It’s fun because they get all excited about how they look. It’s been a long time since they’ve been pampered like that. It’s rewarding.”

In October, Mackenzie launched plans for a senior prom, an event designed as a step back in time for residents of two Marquis facilities. The idea was to rekindle fond memories of another era for senior prom guests via music and dancing.

Nearly 50 residents, ages 70 to more than 90, arrived by bus at Centennial High School on Saturday, Jan. 12. The guests from Marquis care centers in Oregon City and Northeast Portland received boutonnieres at the door and, along with family and staff members from the facilities, enjoyed an evening of refreshments, memorable music and dancing.

There was even a king and queen from each facility.

“They danced to a Frank Sinatra song, and it was super cute,” Mackenzie said. “One lady left her wheelchair behind so she could dance. Our school principal was there, and all the (Associated Student Body) officers even danced. It was a lot of fun, and there are a lot of kids who want to make it a tradition.”

While her first love is working with seniors, Mackenzie strives to reach both ends of the age spectrum. Twice a week, she reinforces teamwork, positive social interaction and personal responsibility as a coach for middle-school volleyball players through the Schools Uniting Neighborhoods program. It’s good preparation for the athletic and personal challenges of high school, Mackenzie said.

“I definitely think that being on a team or being part of a club is important when you get to high school,” she added. “It’s fun; it’s character-building and it teaches life skills. And it keeps kids out of trouble.”

Mackenzie has been elected secretary to Centennial’s ASB the past two years and also serves as a student representative to the district’s school board. She is responsible for bringing student news to the board, extending invitations to school events and sharing student perspectives on school board issues.

But she’s also seen “the nitty gritty” of the board’s business as its members wrestle with the district’s financial and staffing needs. Mackenzie admits to a newfound respect for the board’s volunteers.

“The people on the board are very passionate about the schools,” she said. “Being the student representative to the board has made me realize how much the district has done for me and my career goals.”

Mackenzie “will probably” follow family tradition and attend Oregon State University. She is focusing on a career in health care administration, and hopes to become a care facility administrator someday.

“I volunteer because now I know I’m capable of doing things to help others when their families can’t be there,” Mackenzie said. “I think it’s like a full circle in how people treat each other. I feel like I’m giving back in the best possible way, with compassion and love, and I hope someday it will be returned to those who are important to me.”

Do you know a Shining Star?

Shining Star is a feature that recognizes local students quietly doing great things in the community. Outlook readers, parents and teachers are encouraged to tell us about a student of any age whose talents outside the academic arena are making our world a better place. Do they volunteer regularly at a retirement center? Have they taught an artistic practice to a youth group? What are they doing in the community that makes us proud to call them our neighbor?

Tell us about a Shining Star you know by contacting Anne Endicott at 503-492-5118 or via email at aendicott@theoutlookonline.com.

And watch for the next Shining Star in the Tuesday, Feb. 19, issue of The Outlook.

Coffees On supports local nonprofit groups this year

Late Christmas Eve, Coffee’s On owners Adam Reid and Maria Mitu were tidying up their shop in Gresham Town Fair when they noticed a man outside on the sidewalk, in tattered clothes, crying uncontrollably.

Reid spoke with the man, learned he and his family were homeless and offered to help the stranger find local social service information on his computer.

As he waited for the computer to boot, Reid discovered the man had disappeared.

“Maria and I grabbed some money, hopped in the car and drove around trying to find the guy,” Reid said. “We never did. But if we’d known where to refer him right away, we could have helped him. It bothered us all night and showed us how much we needed to help.”

The experience wasn’t so much a catalyst to do something about social issues, but more like an eye-opener that community awareness of available local resources is widely unknown.

Reid and Mitu decided to change that and launched The Twelve Months of Giving program in early January, by committing support to a different local nonprofit organization each month this year. They kicked off the project by asking customers to fill large burlap bags normally used for coffee beans with clothing, blankets and food. In less than a month, Coffee’s On staff and patrons donated more than 60 stuffed bags to St. Henry Catholic Church’s homeless day shelter.

The concept of reaching out to local nonprofit groups was already brewing in early December, Mitu said, to coincide with the public’s traditional generosity with holiday giving. But they also recognized that the needs extend beyond just the holidays.

Reid and Mitu earned a reputation for involving their customers in the direction of Coffee’s On after they purchased the failing shop in February 2011. They worked hard to re-establish the business’ place in the community and sought feedback from customers in decisions related to new coffee drinks and menu items.

So when it came to choosing which agencies to support, the couple knew whom to ask.

“We thought, ‘Let’s capture 12 of the top nonprofits from our customers,’” Mitu said. “What we discovered was that most people didn’t know what organizations are in the community helping people. This is a great way to let Gresham know who’s out there.”

The couple understands the difficulties nonprofits have gaining visibility within the community, having been involved in forming their own in the past. Reid helped form a music center in Portland for low-income youth in 1999, and in 2004 he founded a charter high school for business and entrepreneur students. Consequently, it came as no surprise that customers with longtime roots in the area were unaware of organizations quietly serving the community on next to nothing.

“The biggest problem nonprofits have is awareness — letting the community know they’re here,” Reid said. “The other problem is knowing what they do and how to help. What we want to see happen is sitting down with all the nonprofits and find out who they serve. Then find out what they need. We’re a community coffee shop, but we want to know how we can use our resource to help them.”

The Twelve Months of Giving is designed to help nonprofit groups at their time of greatest need. For example: The 60 burlap bags donated to the day shelter at St. Henry arrived during the coldest time of year, providing hats, blankets and clothing to those who might be sleeping on the streets. Likewise, a school supply drive for the Gresham-Barlow Foundation is tentatively planned for August and September.

But part of the mission for the Twelve Months of Giving is to also educate the public on what the organization does and the ways to help beyond donating goods or money. Reid and Mitu have included their staff in the program’s execution, making sure they are versed in the featured organization’s needs and purpose and are able to answer customers’ questions.

“They are our ambassadors,” Mitu said. “They have been involved in helping to plan community events where people can learn about volunteer opportunities and the services these nonprofits offer. Not everybody is comfortable donating money, but they might like to volunteer.

“What will be awesome in a year is to ask our customers again — ‘What is your favorite nonprofit?’ And have them tell us a whole list of them.”

How to help

Who: Coffee’s On, The Twelve Months of Giving

Where: 600 N.W. Eastman Parkway, Gresham

What: Customers and the public can help a different local nonprofit organization each month and learn about the community services they provide. During February, Coffee’s On is accepting donations of clean blankets, toys and pet food to help the Multnomah County Animal Shelter in Troutdale care for its animals.

For more information, call 50-669-6868.

Benjamin Morrison honors his sisters memory, raises money for Fanconi anemia research

Whatever Nina Morrison’s older brother Benjamin did — acrobatics, Taekwondo, soccer, you name it — the little girl wanted to do.

“She loved anything and everything he did,” said her mother, Rachel Altmann. “She was pure joy and love.”

Born with a host of medical issues, Nina weighed less than most 4-month-olds when she turned 1 in 2004. Her health problems caused developmental delays and numerous hospital trips, and at age 2, she weighed only 14 pounds.

Perplexed, Nina’s family met with one of the most respected genetic researchers at Doernbecher Children’s Hospital, Dr. Markus Grompe, in January 2005, hoping to find answers for what caused her ailments.

They were stunned to learn their vibrant toddler had Fanconi anemia, a rare genetic blood disorder that leads to bone marrow failure, leukemia or other cancers.

After her diagnosis, a group of moms who had met Nina at the Gresham Library’s story time organized a fundraiser to help with Nina’s medical costs and raise money for the Eugene-based Fanconi Anemia Research Fund.

Later they held a book drive in Nina’s memory, with books donated to children at Doernbecher Children’s Hospital.

Nina died in 2006 from Fanconi anemia, but Benjamin continues to honor his sister’s memory and raise awareness about the disease with the annual Chess For Fanconi Anemia Benefit Tournament.

The fourth annual benefit will take place from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday, March 2, at Corbett School’s Multipurpose Room, 35800 E. Columbia River Highway, and is open to any chess player in kindergarten through 12th grade.

A suggested donation of $10 is requested per player ($15 at the door), with proceeds from the tournament and concession benefiting the Fanconi Anemia Research Fund. Typical chess tournament registration is $20 or more.

“Nina had a cheerful disposition, and nothing brought her down,” Benjamin said. “I’m hoping (the tournament) will bring the fund a little bit closer to a cure for all the hundreds of kids who have Fanconi anemia.”

Benjamin, a junior at Corbett High School, began the tournament in middle school when he was assigned a community service project. A chess player since age 6, he thought raising funds through a chess tournament to fight Fanconi anemia would be a fitting project.

“They were really close for being six years apart in age,” Altmann said. “She adored him, and he adored her.”

After raising between $500 and $1,000 the past three years, Benjamin has a goal to raise upwards of $1,000 this year for the Fanconi Anemia Research Fund.

Founded in 1989 by former University of Oregon President Dave Frohnmayer and his wife, Lynn, the fund raises money for medical research and family support. The couple was moved to create the fund after losing two daughters, Katie and Kirsten, to the disease. A third daughter, Amy, continues to battle Fanconi anemia.

Another benefit for Fanconi anemia, the ninth annual 5K, 8K and 12 K Valentine Run and Walk, will take place at 8 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 10, along the Willamette River in downtown Portland.

The benefit was started by Peg Padden, a mother who lost her oldest son to Fanconi anemia and whose younger son battles the disease. Her family was one of the first Altmann and her family connected with when Nina was diagnosed.

Registration is available online at valentinerunportland.com through Tuesday, Feb. 5, and the day of the event. Also at the run, participants can be tested to get on a bone marrow registry for free.

“Nina was a darling and bright light in the world,” Padden said. “Benjamin was a wonderful older brother and continues to be.”

For more information about Fanconi anemia, visit fanconi.org. To learn more about the tournament, visit http://chessforfa.wordpress.com/ or email chessforfa@gmail.com.

Benjamin wished to thank Corbett School and local businesses — Jazzy Bagels, SwissSys, Cold Stone Creamery Gresham, Off The Charts Games and Wall Street Pizza — for their donations to the tournament.

If you go

What: The fourth annual Chess for Fanconi Anemia Benefit Tournament for students in kindergarten through 12th grade. The tournament will be NWSRS-rated and an OSCF state qualifier, and there will be prizes for the top players.

When: Saturday, March 2. Check-in is at 9 a.m., with the tournament running until 2:30 p.m.

Where: Corbett School Multi-purpose Building, 35800 E. Historic Columbia River Highway, Corbett.

Cost: Suggested donation $10 in advance, $15 at the door.

Pizza and other concessions will be for sale at the tournament, with all proceeds going to the Fanconi Anemia Research Fund.

Thomas John Zimmer

April 24, 1936-Jan. 29, 2013

Gresham resident Thomas John Zimmer died Tuesday, Jan. 29, in Gresham. He was 76.

A funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 7, at St. Henry Catholic Church in Gresham, with a private internment following at Willamette National Cemetery.

Tom was born April 24, 1936, in Portland to Edward and Ruth (Thoms) Zimmer. He graduated from Jefferson High School and enlisted in the United States Army, eventually receiving an honorable discharge after serving in Korea.

Tom worked for Portland General Electric as a wireman and retired after 23 years. Tom had a special place in his heart for the Boy Scouts of America after serving as a scout master for many years.

Tom is survived by his brother, Jim Zimmer; numerous nieces and nephews; and many friends.

Bateman Carroll Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.

Amy E. (Betty) Dunn

Dec 31, 1915-Feb. 1, 2013

Longtime East County resident Betty Dunn, wife of the late Rex F. Dunn, died Friday, Feb 1. She was 97.

A public graveside service will be held at Willamette National Cemetery at 12:30 p.m. Friday, Feb 8.

A full obituary will run in a future edition of The Outlook.

Veronica Jane Miller

Nov. 7, 1960-Jan. 24, 2013

Portland resident Veronica Jane Miller died Thursday, Jan. 24, from lung cancer. She was 52.

A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 9, at Greater Portland Baptist Church, 17800 S.E. Main St., Portland.

Veronica is survived by her children, Jeffery Stewart, Alexandria Miller, Breyona Miller and Will Clark, all of Portland; and three grandchildren.

Crown Memorial is handling arrangements.

Anita Mabel Alexander

April 11, 1918-Jan. 30, 2013

Sandy resident Anita Mabel Alexander died Wednesday, Jan. 30. She was 94.

A memorial service will be held at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 10, at Zion United Church of Christ in Gresham.

Anita was born April 11, 1918, in Soda Springs, Idaho, to Almon and Stella Gronewald.

She attended Mosier High School and received a bachelor’s degree in home economics from Washington State University in 1954. Anita married Lucien Barton Alexander on Aug. 28, 1954, in Portland.

She worked as a home economics teacher, wrote and edited for publications including Primrose Society, volunteered for the YWCA and supported students from around the world.

Anita is survived by her son, Stephen Wilcox; daughters, Beverly Stone and Susan Jennie Alexander; honorary daughter, Yamai Secka Jack; brothers, Harry Gronewald and Gail

Gronewald; six grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

Riverview Cemetery Funeral Home is handling arrangements.

Robert L. Stewart

Aug. 31, 1921-Jan. 31, 2013

Robert L. Stewart of Sandy died Thursday, Jan. 31. He was 91.

At his request, no services will be held. Robert will be buried at Willamette National Cemetery.

Robert was born Aug. 31, 1921, in San Diego to Robert and Emma Stewart. He served in the Navy during World War II and was honorably discharged.

Robert proudly worked at Boeing in Gresham for 30 years. He took great care of his wife Patricia in her final years. She died exactly five years before him, on Jan. 31, 2008.

Bateman Carroll Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.

A Happy Valley man is recovering in a hospital after being shot near a Gresham park around 10 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 5.

Gresham Police are now looking for the unidentified shooter, who was wearing dark clothes and is believed to be a younger Hispanic man.

The victim Jorge Hidalgo, 30, told police he was walking by North Gresham Park at 1111 S.E. 217th Ave., when the suspect approached him demanding his wallet and backpack. As Hidalgo began taking off his backpack, the suspect shot him at close range.

The unidentified man fled with the backpack. 20 minutes after the incident, Hidalgo walked into Legacy Mount Hood Medical Center with a gunshot wound to the shoulder.

Officers briefly met with Hidalgo before he was transferred in an ambulance to Emanuel Hospital.

Gresham detectives are still determining whether the shooting was random.

Anyone with information about the case should call the Gresham Police tip lines, at 503-618-2719 or 1-888-989-3505.

A masked man brandishing a knife robbed a Gresham woman in her home on Wednesday afternoon.

The robbery took place at 1:54 p.m. at a house in the 1200 block of Northeast 25th Street east of Red Sunset Park, said Lt. Claudio Grandjean, Gresham Police spokesman.

The victim, a 42-year-old woman, told police that she heard her garage door closing — it had been left open a few feet — and she assumed it was her son coming home. Then the door leading from the garage to the house opened, and in walked a man wearing a knit mask.

“They both seemed surprised,” Grandjean said.

Startled, the woman demanded to know what he was doing in her house.

That's when the suspect, who was armed with a knife, demanded the woman's money. He rifled through her purse, took an undisclosed amount of cash and fled the scene.

The victim was not injured, and it's unclear whether the man intended to break into the house and didn't realize anyone was home or whether he intended to rob whoever might be home, Grandjean said.

The suspect is described as a short and squat Caucasian man in his 20s, about 5-foot-5-inches tall and approximately 170 pounds. He was wearing shorts and a white hoodie.

Anyone with information on the robbery or a possible suspect is asked to call the Gresham Police tip line at 503-618-2719.

The scene was set for the celebration of an important landmark Tuesday night at Barlow High.

Dozens of family, friends, former players and a raucous student section waving “T.J.” signs were on hand to enjoy Tom Johnson’s 500th victory as a varsity high school basketball head coach in the state of Oregon.

A former player did his part to spoil the occasion.

Chad Reeves’ David Douglas Scots rallied from a 12-point second-quarter deficit to beat the Bruins 64-50, keeping Johnson stuck on No. 499 for at least another game.

“We were lucky to get this one,” Reeves, Barlow class of 1990, said with a smile. “I feel like I’ve contributed coaching against Tom to a lot of these 499 wins — way more than I helped him win when I was here playing.”

Johnson, true to form, took the defeat calmly, gathering his players for a short, inspiring talk afterward. He interrupted an interview a couple of times to offer words of encouragement to players as they filed glumly out of the locker room.

“I pride myself on being positive,” Johnson said. “I try to accentuate the things the kids do well. But I’m really honest with the kids about their role on the team.”

Johnson, 55, also admits to being a bit uncomfortable with the attention.

“It’s about the kids,” he said. “It’s always been about our players.”

Never has Johnson been more in the spotlight than in the past year — and not just for approaching a milestone.

At the end of last basketball season, Johnson — a non-smoker — noticed a lump on his neck. The following Monday, he saw a physician. By Wednesday, he was diagnosed with tongue cancer. He started two months of chemotherapy and radiation treatments in April, but the tumor remained, so it was surgically removed in August along with lymph nodes.

In the meantime, the 5-11 Johnson — a former standout guard at Roosevelt High, Clark College and Oregon College of Education (now Western Oregon) — was on a feeding tube and lost 40 pounds, dropping to 140.

Two weeks ago, during his six-month checkup, Johnson got the word that he is clear of cancer. Last week, he returned to the classroom, teaching American writers and English at Barlow.

“I’m blessed that I’m still coaching and teaching and that I’m cancer-free,” said Johnson, who has regained strength and now weighs 165.

Though he took a break from teaching, Johnson hasn’t missed a day of coaching since practice began in November.

“I’ve delegated more to my assistants this year,” he said. “I feel much better than I did four months ago. I’m not 100 percent, but my energy is much better now.”

Johnson is able to speak barely above a whisper because the radiation and surgery damaged his vocal cords.

“It’s difficult,” he said. “Just saw a specialist today. They’re hoping they can do some things to make it better.”

The hard times have been made a bit easier by the people around him.

“The support from my community, my church (Good Shepherd), my former players — it’s been unbelievable,” he said.

Johnson coached his first five years at Lebanon — two as freshman coach, the last three heading up the varsity — before moving to Barlow, where he is in his 26th year as head coach. He owns a career varsity coaching record of 499-244, including the Freddy Jones-led team that reached the Class 4A finals in 1996.

Jones, who went on to a seven-year NBA career and now lives in Indianapolis, remains in Johnson’s inner circle.

“We had breakfast last Friday when he was in town,” Johnson said.

Both of Johnson’s sons — Drew, 21, and Jared, 18 — played for him at Barlow. Drew is now a junior at Western Oregon.

The best indication of a coach’s effectiveness is not the record but the impact he has on those around him.

“One of the best coaches I’ve had in my life,” Jones said. “More than anything, it was about having fun with him. He made it fun every day.”

Trent Inglesby was a sophomore on Johnson’s first Barlow team of 1986-87.

“My favorite coach of all-time,” said Inglesby, 42, who catches as many Barlow games as he can. “He can motivate players without yelling. He teaches fundamentals. Back then, he’d play with you, so we respected him as a player as well as a coach.

“He has a way of communicating, of pushing kids to play tough defense and team ball and to do the little things that matter to make the game better for everybody. From the best player to the 12th man, you want to come out and work hard for him. You can see it with the players on this year’s team, too. To do what he has done for so long is amazing.”

Ryan Weber played on Johnson’s 1992-93 team that reached the 4A semifinals.

“You won’t find a better coach or a better man anywhere,” said Weber, 38. “He wins games, but the reason is because he teaches boys how to be men. He teaches how to play together, how to be selfless, how to work hard and sacrifice for other people. He instills in people confidence and courage by believing in them.

“Besides my father and Jesus, there’s no one who has influenced me more in my life.”

Assistant coaches Gene Saling and Ron Jones have been with Johnson forever — Saling for 26 years, Jones for 23, though he spent seven of those years coaching the Bruin girls. They swear by Johnson even more as a person than as a coach.

“He doesn’t coach by intimidation,” Saling said. “He uses positive reinforcement. He runs disciplined practices, but there’s not a lot of high stress. They’re serious about winning, but they can enjoy the game of basketball.”

In a “media guide” that is distributed at games — and surely edited by the coach — each player is featured in a full-page bio. There is nothing about Johnson’s considerable resume. His contribution is a two-paragraph note that focuses on academic achievement of his athletes.

“At a team meeting last week, he had each player who got a 3.5 GPA or better stand to be recognized,” Saling said. “At our postseason awards banquet, he always starts by noting the kids who are getting it done in the classroom.”

There was disappointment among the ranks with Tuesday’s loss. But Johnson still had a smile on his face as he walked upstairs from the locker room to greet well-wishers, including some of the students who waved the “T.J.” cards and cheered to the bitter end.

“We have wonderful kids here,” he said.

With good health, Johnson is going to add considerably to his already impressive total of career victories.

“I want to do this for several more years,” he said, smiling again. “Even after tonight.”

kerryeggers@portlandtribune.com

Twitter: @kerryeggers

Bella Cupcake responds to actions by Sweet Cakes by Melissa

A debate sparked by a Gresham bakery’s refusal to sell a same-sex couple a wedding cake has resulted in a wave of support for a rival business.

Debbie Phillips, owner of Bella Cupcake, 134 N.W. Third St. in Gresham, said her bakery’s Facebook page has received hundreds of “likes” after she wrote, “We appreciate ALL of our customers, without you we wouldn’t be here!” on Friday, Feb. 1.

The post to her bakery’s Facebook and Twitter pages came in response to Sweet Cakes by Melissa, which is being investigated by Oregon’s Department of Justice for allegedly violating the state’s anti-discrimination law.

It’s a decision Phillips disagrees with, and one that’s indirectly brought her business into the discussion.

“I think it was a bad business decision, and it reflects badly on Gresham,” said Phillips, who moved her business from her home to downtown Gresham in 2010. “I don’t want anything to do with all that drama, but I think it’s a black eye on Gresham.

“People need to know that we’re not all like that.”

People have come out in droves to voice each side of the debate.

A line of customers stretched out the door of Sweet Cakes by Melissa on Saturday, Feb. 2. Aaron Klein, who co-owns the bakery with his wife, sold out well before closing. People showed up to support his Christian belief that marriage should be between a man and a woman.

Phillips said there was a steady stream of customers coming into her shop that day as well.

“Saturday was really busy,” she said. “Some people came in and said, ‘Thanks for not being discriminatory.’ “

On Bella Cupcake’s Facebook page, people have shown their appreciation for the bakery’s equal-rights stance.

One person wrote: “Next time I’m in Gresham I’ll have to swing by and try a cupcake. Thanks for supporting equal rights!”

Another person wrote: “Yet another shining candle winning against the darkness that is bigotry.”

Beth Gatchell, a regular customer at Bella Cupcake, said she wouldn’t support a business that refuses service based on age, race, sexual orientation or other classifications. Gatchell added that she wants to teach her four children to be tolerant of all types of people.

“I would rather support a business that’s more forward thinking and a business who’s more community supportive,” said Gatchell, of Sandy. “It’s important to model more inclusive type situations than exclusive.”

Even before the incident last month, the owners of Sweet Cakes by Melissa haven’t tried to hide their Christian beliefs.

Their website is filled with Bible verses. It also reads, “Remember we do cakes for any occasion” — with one exception, of course.

Phillips is a Christian, too. But she doesn’t believe a business should have the right to select its customers.

“We have certain beliefs,” she said. “But politics and our faith and all those things are personal to us. And our customers are our customers. I think if someone came in and asked Jesus to make a cake, he’d make the cake. I just don’t get it.”

Neither does Lillian Negron, owner of Lillian’s Natural Foods, 283 N.W. Miller Ave.

Negron, a homosexual Christian, said she understands both sides of the argument and thinks the owners of Sweet Cakes by Melissa believe they’re being obedient to their religion.

“As a business person, I don’t think they should discriminate,” Negron said. “As a human being... you felt convicted and you felt obedient to God, you better listen to that.”

Sweet Cakes by Melissa could face a large backlash this weekend. Gay rights activists created a Facebook page called “Boycott Sweet Cakes by Melissa, Gresham, OR.”

The group also organized a protest, which will begin at 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 6. The demonstration will start at Sweet Cakes by Melissa, and at 4 p.m, protesters will march to Bella Cupcake to support a business, they feel, is tolerant.

Chili on the Green festival still in limbo

While an official decision is still a couple weeks away, several Fairview City Council members expressed their desire to host National Night Out, while remaining silent about the fate of the Chili on the Green festival.

Discussions centered around the festival and possible alternatives, during a council meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 6. Council members heard from several Fairview citizens, who were largely in support of renewing the chili festival, which was last held in 2011.

But some voiced their desire to see the city hold National Night Out, a competing event, for the second year in a row.

When the city decided last year that the necessary funds weren’t available to hold the chili festival, National Night Out, a drug and crime prevention event, took its place.

And during Wednesday’s meeting, every councilor who spoke about the issue, said they want to see National Night Out held again this year.

“The council is in consensus, if not unanimous, in support of (National Night Out) and has talked about suggestions for it,” Mayor Mike Weatherby said during the meeting. “I certainly support it.”

Weatherby added that a committee assigned to examine the different event options has National Night Out “in the back of their heads, if not moving forward in certain areas.”

In addition to Weatherby, three other members of the council said during the meeting that they support holding National Night Out, including Lisa Barton Mullins, a member of the special committee.

“I think it’s an incredibly important program that our police department has put on,” she said. “I certainly hope we can bring it back.”

After the meeting, Weatherby said he wants to bring back the chili festival and that its fate will be decided when the council votes during a city council meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 20. But he’s unsure that enough councilors want to see the chili festival return.

“I don’t know if there’s enough feeling for (a chili festival),” he said.

Debate about the chili festival arose after the council questioned whether the city had enough money to fund the event. But during the meeting, after a resident brought up the issue, Barton Mullins said the city does, in fact, have enough money to hold Chili on the Green.

“I know this is really not the time to discuss it, but there is money there,” she said. “There is money there for a festival on the green. I’m hoping in the next week or two, we’ll have those discussions and bring it forward to everyone.”

Fairview residents spoke to the council during the meeting, pleading the council to save the chili festival.

Francis Doo, who has twice participated in the event, said the chili festival attracts many people from outside the city.

“This particular festival is unique to the city of Fairview, because there is no chili cook off on this side of the river,” Doo said. “It brings in people from throughout the area, as well as out of state.

“But before you say no to this, put everything out on the table and think long and hard about what is going to be the benefit of continuing this event versus bringing in other events.”

Other residents, though, wanted to see National Night Out return.

“It is a night for communities to stand together to promote awareness, safety and neighborhood unity,” Natalie Voruz said.

Weatherby said the special committee will report its findings to the council during the Feb. 20 meeting, and that will be followed by a vote.

The mayor added that the council will also discuss alternative events, such as “A Bite of Fairview,” which has been proposed by the Fairview Business Association.

But as far as the chili festival, Weatherby wasn’t sure if it has a future.

“I’d like to see a chili festival, but that doesn’t mean it’s going to happen,” he said.