Deputies stop three men, including one from Gresham, from burglarizing a home where a woman was still inside

A Gresham man is in jail, as are two other men, after a chance traffic stop unraveled a plan to burglarize a Washington County house where a woman was still home.

Driver John Phillips, 43, of Southeast Portland, along with his two passengers, Nicholas Teegarden, 27, of Northeast Portland, and Joseph M. Landers, 31, of Gresham, are being held in the Washington County Jail on allegations of first-degree conspiracy to commit burglary, first-degree attempted burglary and possession of burglary tools. Landers and Phillips also are being held for violating their Multnomah County parole or probation on unspecified offenses. In addition, Phillips is accused of methamphetamine possession and delivery, as well as driving with a revoked license.

At about 6:20 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 9, a Washington County Sheriff's Office deputy pulled over a motorist for a minor traffic offense at Northwest 185th Avenue and Evergreen Parkway, only to discover that the driver and his two passengers in the 2001 Suzuki SUV were on their way to burglarize a house about a mile away, said Sgt. David Thompson, sheriff's office spokesman.

The resident of the home and intended victim of the crime — a woman — was home at the time, he said.

It began as a simple traffic stop in the Tanasbourne area after a deputy noticed a motorist making an unsignaled lane change. The deputy pulled over the driver, identified as Phillips, and arrested him for driving with a revoked license.

The deputy discovered property, including credit cards and a driver's license, that belonged to a female. When questioned about the property, Phillips said he found the items and was going to return them.

Meanwhile, a second deputy arrested the front passenger, identified as Teegarden, on a felony warrant out of Multnomah County for failing to appear in court on an unspecified charge.

Deputies also noticed a glass pipe used for smoking methamphetamine in the car's center console. So they brought in a drug dog to search the car and found about 4 grams of methamphetamine inside.

With more investigation, deputies learned that the credit cards, license and keys had been stolen from a car at Mt. Hood Ski Bowl earlier in the day.

The three men were planning to smoke methamphetamine, go to the victim's house and burglarize it. Deputies seized a baseball bat, a large kitchen knife and a pry bar from the car. Deputies also arrested the rear-seat passenger, identified as Landers of Gresham.

All three suspects have criminal records including a range of charges from burglary to assault to weapons offenses.

Ashton Eaton, Megan Rapinoe, Kenjon Barner, Elizabeth Brenner, Erik Spoelstra, Chip Kelly and many more won top honors Sunday at the 61st annual Oregon Sports Awards.

Decathlon world record-holder Eaton, from Bend and the University of Oregon, and Olympic soccer star Megan Rapinoe, a former University of Portland star, were named the state's Harry Glickman Pro Athletes of the Year for 2012. Both won gold medals competing for the United States at the London Summer Games.

UO running back Barner and the Ducks' Brenner, a four-sport athlete from Jesuit High, won the Bill Hayward Amateur Athlete of the Year trophies, giving the U of O a sweep in that category.

Spoelstra and Kelly shared the Slats Gill Sportsperson of the Year Award. Spoelstra, who played at Jesuit and UP, coached the Miami Heat to the NBA title, while Kelly coached Oregon to a No. 2 national ranking and Fiesta Bowl victory over Kansas State.

Spoelstra gave his acceptance speech by video, while Ducks quarterback Marcus Mariota and defensive lineman Taylor Hart accepted for Kelly, now coach of the NFL Philadelphia Eagles.

Celebrities take stage

The awards show at Nike's Tiger Woods Center, hosted by ESPN SportsCenter anchor Neil Everett, also saluted scores of the state's best high school athletes during a fast-paced, 105-minute stage show that featured a dozen celebrity presenters.

Award presenters, in addition to UO grad Everett, included two-time Olympic women's saber fencing champion Mariel Zagunis, former UO/NFL quarterback Joey Harrington, football coach and run 'n' shoot offense guru Mouse Davis, Oregon State All-American defensive back Jordan Poyer, Miami Dolphins quarterback and ex-Beaver Matt Moore, middle-distance track star Matthew Centrowitz from the U of O, former OSU and NBA basketball standout Steve Johnson, Barner and ex-Duck tight end David Paulson, OSU football assistant coach Jay Locey, Ryan Kawulok of the Portland Timbers and from the U of P, and Trail Blazers broadcasting legend Bill Schonely.

Familiar names win for 6A-5A

This year's Oregon Sports Awards added a new dimension, with awards going to the most outstanding male and female athletes from each Oregon School Activities Association-sponsored sport — 19 of those in all.

The Johnny Carpenter Prep Athletes of the Year for large and small schools remained a highlight of the show, as well.

The Carpenter Awards for Class 6A and 5A went to Aloha High running back Thomas Tyner and Gresham High track and field star Haley Crouser.

The Carpenter 4A/3A/2A/1A awards went to Oshay Dunmore, who starred in track and field and football at Newport High, and Baily Bennett, a three-sport athlete from Heppner High.

All-American Tyner became the all-time state leader with his 3,415 rushing yards and 45 touchdowns in 11 games last season, and he has signed to play for Oregon.

Crouser, who has committed to Oregon, won three events as a junior at the state track and field meet and later won the U.S. junior national javelin title, set a national record in the event and finished 11th in the World Junior Championships. She also made second-team all-state in volleyball for the Gophers.

Dunmore, a redshirt freshman in football at Oregon in 2012, was the top athlete at the 4A track and field meet, after an All-American season as a two-way back in football.

Bennett led Heppner to the 2A softball title, going 23-4 on the mound and batting .413. She also was all-state in volleyball and honorable mention all-state in basketball.

Big schools dominate

Individual sport winners included Tyner in football, Lake Oswego High's Calvin Hermanson and Springfield High's Mercedes Russell in basketball, Dunmore and Crouser in track and field, Westview High's Carson Kelly in baseball and North Medford High's Maryssa Becker in softball.

Other prep winners were: Jesuit's Christo Michaelson and Scappoose's Ariel Viera, soccer; Summit's Travis Neuman and South Eugene's Sara Tsai, cross country; Tani Stephens of West Albany in volleyball; Zac Brunson of Churchill in wrestling; Sunset's Cameron Stitt and Lake Oswego's Sarah Kaunitz in swimming; South Eugene's Sulman Raza and Beaverton's Gigi Stoll, golf; and Lincoln's Goutham Sundaram and Jesuit's Erin Larner, tennis.

Five teams honored

The Oregon Ducks claimed three of the five trophies handed out to George Pasero Teams of the Year. Recipients were Oregon's national championship teams in women's cross country, women's indoor track and acrobatics and tumbling.

The Duck women's cross country squad, coached by Robert Johnson, scored 114 points to runner-up Providence's 183 points at the national meet, with the Ducks' Jordan Hasay taking third in a tight finish among the top three.

The women's indoor track team, under the direction of Vin Lananna, rode victories in the pentathlon by Brianne Theisen and 60 meters by English Gardner to a 49-30 margin over NCAA runner-up Kansas.

Oregon repeated as national champ in acrobatics and tumbling in 2012. Coach Felecia Mulkey's team became the first to post an undefeated (11-0) season.

Other Pasero Teams of the Year: Oregon Institute of Technology men's basketball and Blue Mountain Community College volleyball.

The OIT men captured their third NAIA Division II championship in 2012, and this was the program's third Pasero award since 2004, as well. The Owls set a team record for wins, going 34-4.

Blue Mountain went 43-4, 14-0 in league, as the Timberwolves, coached by Dave Baty, captured the Northwest Athletic Association of Community Colleges championship.

Danny Miles, OIT's longtime men's basketball coach, won the DNA Award, who goes to individuals or organizations for their extraordinary passion and dedication to sports in Oregon. Miles also was one of three finalists for the Slats Gill Sportsperson of the Year Award. He finished the 2011-12 season with 971 career victories, second on the all-time NCAA/NAIA list.

Second time around

The Oregon Sports Awards had second-time winners in the Ad Rutschman Small College Athlete of the Year category. Southern Oregon University wrestler Mitch Lofstedt and Linfield College softball standout Staci Doucette were honored for their 2012 achievements.

Lofstedt won the NAIA championship at 125 pounds, going 39-2 and being named the outstanding wrestler at the national tournament, where he pinned four opponents in a combined 7 minutes, 37 seconds.

Doucette, an All-American first baseman, became the NCAA Division III all-time leader in home runs (73 in four seasons) and RBI (259) in helping the Wildcats go 47-7 and place second in the nation.

Lofstedt and Doucette both won the Rutschman Award for 2010, as well.

Exemplary winners

Other trophies presented Sunday night went to the Special Olympics Athlete of the Year and for the Game Changer Award winner.

Dony Knight, a student at Sutherlin High, received the Special Olympics honor. He has participated in Special Olympics since age 11, competing in swimming, basketball, softball and soccer. He has been an Oregon team captain at the USA National Games and has helped with the football and baseball programs at Sutherlin.

The Game Changer Award, which is for individuals who have dedicated their lives to high school sports and made compelling changes in their schools and communities, went to Bobbie Steninger of Lakeview High. She has spent 50 years as a coach and teacher at Lakeview, which named its new track in her honor.

Mt. Hood has no trouble with Umpqua

The Mt. Hood men’s basketball team climbed back into the South Region playoff chase with a 69-55 win over Umpqua on Saturday.

Blake Updike led the way with 18 points, including 4 of 6 (.667) shooting from 3-point range. He gave the Saints a double-digit lead with a long ball early in the second half only to see Umpqua cut the gap to five points with 8:20 to play.

Mt. Hood called timeout and focused on getting the ball to the rim where Thomas Simien came up with back-to-back baskets to stretch the lead back to a comfortable margin.

Needing points in a hurry, Umpqua relied almost exclusively on 3-point tries in the final minutes and came up empty. The Riverhawks went 1 for 16 (.063) from behind the arc.

The win puts Mt. Hood (5-5) back to .500 in league, tied with Portland CC for the fourth and final playoff spot with two weeks left in the regular season.

The Saints play at Clackamas CC (4-6) at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday.

Look for extended game coverage, along with the women's game, in our Tuesday, Feb. 12, print edition.

View a photo gallery from the game at ...

http://daveball.exposuremanager.com/g/feb9_mhcc-umpqua_mens_hoops

Gresham woman suspected of reckless, drunken driving

For more than an hour, a Gresham woman remained trapped in her car, wedged between trees along a hillside in the Columbia River Gorge.

Kim McCauley, 57, drove her car over an embankment of the parking lot at the Women’s Forum State Park on the Historical Columbia River Highway near Corbett around noon Saturday, Feb. 9.

She was cited for drunken driving and reckless driving after an extensive rescue effort.

A team of volunteer rescuers from the Corbett Fire Department, along with members of the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office, rushed to the scene after learning that a Toyota 4Runner had plummeted 100 feet down a steep embankment.

With rescue crews in route, a civilian climbed down the hill to check on the driver. He called dispatch and told authorities McCauley was conscious but complaining of pain and possibly a head wound.

Eventually, rescuers arrived.

They scaled down the hillside and stabilized the vehicle with rope. If the car slipped from the trees, it could fall another 100-150 feet, rescuers estimated.

An hour passed and McCauley still remained trapped in the car.

Rescuers determined her injuries were not life threatening, but a Life Flight helicopter remained on standby near the scene.

After 2 p.m., members of the rescue team, each secured by rope, extracted McCauley from the car and hauled her to safety.

In the lower parking lot of the park, American Medical Response workers helped evaluate McCauley before she was transported to a hospital by helicopter.

Kyrsten Schlaht brings racing style to pageant

Kyrsten Schlaht wants to break pageantry norms when she competes for 2013 Miss Teen Portland later this month.

The 17-year-old senior at Reynolds High School comes from a family of race car drivers, so when Schlaht found out she was nominated for the pageant, her mom was shocked to learn her daughter wanted to compete.

“I’m excited about it because I never thought I’d have a kid in a pageant,” Janell Schlaht said.

Kyrsten, of Troutdale, will compete in the 16-to-19-year-old division of the pageant Sunday, Feb. 24, at Glencoe High School for a chance to win thousands of dollars in prizes and specialty gifts. The winner also will receive a six-day, five-night trip to Orlando, Fla., to represent Portland at the national competition.

“This is so surreal,” Kyrsten has said to her mom several times since learning about her nomination.

The pageant consists of an interview with the judges as well as formal and casual wear. Kyrsten is most looking forward to the casual wear and the opportunity to show off her racing suit.

“(I want to) show people that girls can do it, too, not just guys,” she said.

For many years, Kyrsten has been an apprentice auto mechanic, working on race cars for her family’s “Break the Chain” racing team. Kyrsten said the team uses its platform to raise awareness about domestic violence, addiction, suicide and all types of abuse.

“If she was to see someone needing help... she would go help them,” Janell said. “She would help someone without even second guessing it.”

Kyrsten will graduate this year and wants to attend college in the fall and eventually become a veterinary technician.

She is trying to find sponsors, to help cover the pageant fee. Anyone interested in sponsoring Kyrsten can send an email to janell.schlaht@harbro.com.

He admits to several thefts, but pleads not guilty

A 30-year-old man is facing felony accusations after allegedly being caught on camera stealing from his own Troutdale church, police said.

Troutdale Police arrested Frank Gunderson Jr. on Thursday, Feb. 7, after receiving a report of several thefts occurring at Harvest Christian Church, 123 S.E. 21st St., Troutdale.

The Rev. Michael Halstead told police he noticed someone had been stealing cash from several offices at the church, so he installed several video cameras, hoping to catch the perpetrator, according to a probable cause affidavit.

The plan apparently worked as cameras allegedly caught Gunderson twice entering the church after hours, police said.

Video showed a man wearing a ski mask going inside an office and taking cash at 12:10 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 29. The second incident again caught a man entering and leaving the building with a key at 11:20 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 6.

Troutdale police spoke with Gunderson, who was a member of the church but shouldn’t have had a key and doesn’t have permission to enter the building after hours, Halstead said in the affidavit.

Gunderson admitted to an officer that he entered the church about 10 or 11 times with a key that was hidden, the affidavit said. Gunderson also showed the officer the mask he wore during the alleged theft.

Gunderson appeared in court on Friday, Feb. 8, and pleaded not guilty to two counts of second-degree burglary and one count of third-degree theft. He was released from Multnomah County Jail on Saturday, Feb. 9, and is expected back in court on Tueday, Feb. 19.

A divided crowd of roughly 60 took over the corner of Main Avenue and Division Street on Saturday, Feb. 9, to either boycott or support Sweet Cakes by Melissa, the Gresham bakery that recently refused to bake a wedding cake for a same-sex couple.

Carrying signs that read, “Make love and cake, not all that hate,” and “Let them eat cake!” gay-rights protesters from Gresham and Portland garnered honks from passing cars as they shook homemade maracas and handed out treats supplied by Cupcake Jones, a Portland bakery that supported the demonstration.

“We want to make a statement that business owners have the right to refuse service to anyone, but when that refusal is based on sexual orientation, that’s a crime,” said Rob Cochran, a protester from Portland. “You can’t discriminate in Oregon without there being consequences.”

As the afternoon progressed, a handful of Sweet Cakes supporters gathered a few yards away with signs promoting the bakery’s beliefs and freedom of religion.

“This is America,” said Charlene Rodriguez of Clackamas. “They can believe what they want to believe, but they shouldn’t hate others for believing what they believe.”

Meanwhile, business continued to boom for Sweet Cakes by Melissa, as the shop was filled with customers who patiently endured long waits for pastries. Sweet Cakes owners, Aaron and Melissa Klein, tried to keep up with the high demand, and by 2 p.m. — still three hours from close — Aaron said this would likely be his most profitable day during an unusually busy week.

Despite differing beliefs, the Kleins responded calmly to the protesters and even offered to buy them lunch.

“They have their right,” Aaron said. “They’re more than welcome to go out there. They’re not impeding my business. They’re not harassing Melissa or I or any of our staff. It’s fine.”

As the day progressed, tension led to hostility.

Two elderly Christian women, who asked to remain nameless, walked only feet from gay-rights protesters, while eating Sweet Cakes cupcakes, hoping their actions would say what their mouths full of frosting could not.

“I simply do not understand the gay community,” one woman said. “I don’t condone it, and that’s my choice.”

Despite droves of support for the bakery, Melanie Davis, publisher of Proud Queer Monthly, said the protesting reminded her of other historic events.

“It took me back to the essence of our civil rights movement in denying service to all our brothers and sisters who have fought for the right to equality and the right to be served properly in establishments doing business in our country,” Davis said.

“There’s definitely a solidarity and strength in numbers right now,” Davis said. “It’s bringing more and more light to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people and allied businesses. So often people assume the community is in the city core, but we’re everywhere.”

Jaimye-Lyn Carruth, a Sweet Cakes protester from Gresham, called the bakery owners “insidious” for trampling on the rights of other people.

“I’m out here today exercising my right to free speech because I do not support bigotry, I don’t support intolerance and I don’t support hatred,” she said.

The protest reached its boiling point when a man — who goes by the name “Preacher Ray” — delivered an impromptu sermon to a crowd, which included gay and transgender individuals.

“You’re the devil,” he shouted. “You have to be part of the devil to join a crowd like this.”

Protesters exacerbated the situation by putting video cameras in the preacher’s face and yelling, “I’m a gay Christian. What do you think about that?”

“Preacher Ray,” a self-described retired Assembly of God evangelist who formerly preached on college and high school campuses along the west coast, said he attended the boycott because he says the Christian Bible forbids homosexuality.

“I’m not against nobody,” said Preacher Ray, who said his ex-wife and daughter are lesbians. “I’m a person who knows the truth and the Bible says that will set you free.” And as a preacher he feels it is duty to publicly speak about that truth.

Other bakery supporters disagreed with the protesters’ logic.

Rodriguez, her daughter Daniela Muench and friend Coletta York of Gresham said the lesbian couple that filed the formal complaint against the bakery simply “took things too far.”

“Equality means everybody,” Muench said. “They (the gay community) preach tolerance and yet they’re the only ones who get to be tolerated.”

Muench said she’s been called a bigot by bakery protesters on the Sweet Cakes by Melissa Facebook page in the last week after she posted in support of the bakery.

“I’m sure if I walked over there,” they’d say ‘you’re a bigot,’ ”Muench said.

Other than two children who ran inside Sweet Cakes and shouted obscenities, Aaron said protesters stayed away from his bakery for most of the day.

The only people inside were a steady stream of customers who supported Sweet Cakes’ intent on operating its business according to their religious beliefs and free of government oversight.

“We heard there was going to be a protest, and because of the protest, we definitely wanted to come show our support,” said Portland resident Crystal Boettlaer, who waited 20 minutes to purchase treats from the bakery. “I’m thrilled to hear (Sweet Cakes) has sold out several times and have to keep making more.”

Business has bustled with patrons since the bakery learned of an Oregon’s Department of Justice investigation for alleged violations of the state’s anti-discrimination law.

Aaron said that on a normal Saturday he makes $300 to $400. But on Saturday, Feb. 3, he made roughly $2,300. And last Tuesday, he received 20 times the amount of business he sees on an average Tuesday.

But the bakery’s recent notoriety hasn’t come without backlash.

Saturday’s protest was organized through a “Boycott Sweet Cakes by Melissa, Gresham, OR” Facebook group. The Kleins have received hundreds of phone calls and letters from people calling them “bigots” and “homophobes.”

And last week, Aaron said a hacker posted a racist, sexist, homophobic rant on the bakery’s Facebook page.

Aaron said he doesn’t regret standing up for his beliefs.

“I still believe what I believe, and if I’m going to catch hell for it, I’m going to catch hell for it,” he said. “Right is right in my book, and I still believe I did the right thing.

“The stuff that’s going on on the Internet and the phone calls and that kind of stuff, we’re talking about a level of maturity that it seems like somebody hasn’t achieved. Realistically speaking, that’s stuff that my 13-year-old daughter’s friends would say.”

After protesting for four hours, gay-rights activists marched through downtown Gresham to Bella Cupcake. When news of the controversy hit, that bakery wrote on its Twitter and Facebook pages, “We appreciate ALL of our customers, without you we wouldn’t be here!”

Brent Warstler will be allowed out of jail if he is able to post $50,000.

The decision came Monday morning after roughly 30 minutes in testimony at a bail hearing.

Deputy District Attorney Susan Howard said Warstler should be kept in jail until his trial.

Warstler is accused of being drunk when he ran a red light and crashed into a taxi cab in Old Town. Howard said Warstler was traveling twice the speed limit in the 20-mile-per-hour zone.

The crash, which happened at the intersection of Northwest Fifth Avenue and Northwest Everett Street, killed 20-year-old Rebbeca Bray and severely injured Brandi Butner, police said.

Butner's father, Bruce, testified at the hearing -- saying his daughter will have to undergo three to four months of physical therapy.

"What [Warstler] did is inexcusable," Butner said.

Warstler had a blood-alcohol level of .20 one hour after the crash, Howard said.

Before Monday's hearing, Warstler’s bail had been set at just over $297,000.

Christian Day, the defense attorney appointed to the case, said his client has expressed appropriate remorse. He said Warstler should be allowed to post bail because he does not pose a flight risk; Day said Warstler only has about $5,000 in savings.

Judge Alicia A. Fuchs said her decision could not be based on emotions but one of legal rights.

She ordered that bail be set at $50,000. Warstler will be required to wear an ankle bracelet that detects even the smallest trace of alcohol.

If he is able to post bail, Warstler must report to Closed Street Supervision.

It is expected that he will live with family in Gresham if and when he is released, a CSS deputy said.

Following the hearing Butner told members of the media that he was mad with the judge’s decision.

"I'm not happy with this verdict," he said.

A tentative trial date has been set for March 13, 2013.

Bail has been reduced to $50,000 for Brent Warstler of Cornelius, the man accused of killing a Gresham woman in a wreck in Portland's Old Town on Jan. 20.

The decision came Monday morning after roughly 30 minutes in testimony at a hearing, during which Warstler's bail was dropped from $297,000 to $50,000.

During the hearing, Deputy District Attorney Susan Howard argued to have Warstler held in jail until his trial, which is scheduled to begin March 13.

Howard said Warstler was traveling twice the speed limit in the 20 mph zone. And police suspect Warstler of being intoxicated when he ran a red light and crashed into a taxi before veering onto a sidewalk where he collided with Rebbeca Bray, 20, and severely injured Brandi Butner, 21.

Bray died at the scene, and Butner will face prolonged physical therapy to overcome her injuries.

The crash was at the intersection of Northwest Fifth Avenue and Northwest Everett Street.

Butner's father, Bruce, testified at the hearing, saying his daughter will undergo three to four months of physical therapy.

"What (Warstler) did is inexcusable," Butner said.

Warstler had a blood-alcohol level of .20 one hour after the crash, Howard said.

Before Monday's hearing, Warstler’s bail had been set at more than $297,000.

Christian Day, the defense attorney appointed to the case, said his client has expressed remorse. He said Warstler should be allowed to post bail because he does not pose a flight risk.

Day said Warstler has about $5,000 in savings.

Judge Alicia A. Fuchs said her decision could not be based on emotions, but only on legal rights.

She ordered his bail be set at $50,000. Warstler will be required to wear an ankle bracelet that detects even the smallest trace of alcohol.

If he is able to post bail, Warstler must report to a supervisor at the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office pretrial release program.

It is expected that he will live with family in Gresham if and when he is released.

Following the hearing Butner told members of the media that he was angry with the judge’s decision.

"I'm not happy with this verdict," he said.

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 13

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

Government Affairs AM — 7:30 a.m., Adventist, 10000 S.E. Main St., Portland. A networking meeting for members and guests of the East Portland Chamber of Commerce. Learn from Bernie Bottomly of Portlnad Business Alliance about Portland’s new city council. 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. Build your business by generating professional business leads and referrals. Visit itakethelead.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.

Columbian Garden Club — 10 a.m., Corbett Fire Hall, 36930 E. Historic Columbia River Highway, Corbett. A club that promotes interest and activity in the beautification of homes and gardens. For more information, call Shirley Knittle at 503-695-6572.

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

Mt. Hood Republican Women — 11:30 a.m., Francis Xavier’s Restaurant, 1933 N.E. 181st Ave. For more information, call Clarice Moss at 503-658-5227.

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.

Friends of the Boring Station Trailhead Park — 7 p.m., Boring-Damascus Grange, 27861 S.E. Grange St., Boring. An advocacy group for the Boring Station Trailhead Park.

THURSDAY, FEB. 14

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. Contact 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.

Gateway Area Business Association — noon, East Portland Community Center - Loaves and Fishes room, 740 S.E. 106th Ave., Portland. For more information, call 503-256-3910, ext. 1, or visit gabanet.com.

Soroptimist International of Gresham — Noon, Gresham Elks Club, 3330 N.E. 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.

Kiwanis Club of Troutdale — 6 p.m., Shirley’s Tippy Canoe, 28242 E. Historic Columbia River Highway, Troutdale. Visit troutdalekiwanis.org or email troutdalekiwanis@gmail.com for information.

Oregon Equestrian Trails, Mt. Hood Chapter — 6 p.m., M&M Restaurant, 137 N. Main Ave. Equestrians in the Mount Hood/East County area who want to see Oregon remain a place where trail riders are welcome. The meeting starts at 7 p.m. after dinner. For more information, call Barb Adams at 503-695-3399.

Mental Illness Support Group for Family Members — 6:30 p.m., Legacy Mount Hood Medical Center, Cascade Room, 23800 S.E. Stark St. A drop-in group for family members of people who have a mental illness to share their stories and find support. No registration needed. For information, call Nancy at 503-665-5481. Sponsored by NAMI of Multnomah County.

Young Onset Parkinson’s Disease Support Group — 7 p.m. People with Parkinson’s disease and their caregivers can benefit from the shared experiences of others in a supportive environment. Open to patients, caregivers, family members and friends. Free and meets on the second Thursday of the month. Call April at 503-665-8846 or Donna at 503-805-2478 for information and meeting locations.

Oregon Association of Parliamentarians, Mt. Hood Chapter — 7:30 p.m., St. Luke the Physician Episcopal Church, 120 S.W. Towle Ave. OAP teaches, promotes, and disseminates the philosophy and principles underlying the rules of deliberative assemblies. Visit parliamentarians.org/or.

FRIDAY FEB. 15

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, contact Dick Vaughn at 503-760-2106.

Speed Networking AM — 7 a.m., Persimmon Country Club, 500 S.E. Butler Road, Gresham. A fun and fast way to meet others, increase your business opportunities and build Chamber connections. Call 503-665-1131 or visit greshamchamber.org for information.

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.

Oregon Association of Parliamentarians, Rose City Chapter — 7 p.m., 18428 S.E. Pine St., Suite 205. OAP teaches, promotes, and disseminates the philosophy and principles underlying the rules of deliberative assemblies. Visit parliamentarians.org/or.

Columbia Gorge Rockhounds — 7:30 p.m., Fireman’s Hall, 36930 Historic Columbia River Highway, Corbett.

SATURDAY, FEB. 16

Sanctuary Church Food Pantry — 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Sanctuary Church, 3101 S.E. Orient Drive. East County residents in need of food supplies may obtain an emergency food box. The food pantry is open the first and third Saturday of every month. For more information, call 503-663-9146.

American Legion Post 30 — 2 p.m., Legion Hall, 150 W. Powell Blvd. A service organization open to all veterans. Call 503-481-7172 for more information.

Country Cut-Ups Square Dance Club of Boring — 7:30 p.m., Boring Barn, 13987 S.E. Richey Road. A square-dancing club that invites families, couples and singles to dance. For more information, call the barn at 503-663-4298.

A missed exchange in the days opening relay dooms Centennials chances

The Mount Hood Conference boys swim title wouldn’t be decided until the final race of Saturday’s district meet, but it was the first race of the day that doomed Centennial’s chances.

Gresham was clinging to a slim two-point lead heading into the last event — the 400-yard freestyle relay. That meant the Gophers needed to do two things to end the day with a trophy over their heads. First, they had to swim a clean race. Second, they had to stay in front of Centennial.

The two teams were racing in adjoining lanes at the edge of the pool, so it was easy to know where they stood throughout the eight-lap race.

Gresham’s Dalton Boyles got his team out to a sizeable lead over the Eagles after the first leg, and the Gophers maintained at least a body-length gap throughout. Centennial’s Endy Leng made a surge on the anchor leg, but the gap was too much, and Gresham’s Logan Colson was able to touch in a full two seconds in front.

“We were delaying a bit coming off the blocks, just to be sure we were clean on our exchanges,” Colson said. “We couldn’t afford a DQ.”

His words rung true, as it was a failed exchange in the 200 medley relay to start the meet that took 34 team points off the board for Centennial, forcing the Eagles into catch-up mode the rest of the day.

Gresham finished with 373 points, beating the Eagles by four. That was enough to push the Gophers past regular-season champion Central Catholic, third at district, in the season’s final standings.

Look for extended meet coverage including a list of district placers in the Tuesday, Feb. 12, print edition.

View a photo gallery from the district championships at daveball.exposuremanager.com.

The Scots get off to a fast start and never look back to claim girls swim crown

David Douglas did as expected Saturday and ran away with the Mount Hood Conference girls swim title.

The Scots piled up 487 points to finish more than 200 in front of runner-up St. Mary’s.

David Douglas didn’t waste any time flexing its muscle, scoring first-place points in three of the day’s first four races.

The Scots got it started with a win in the 200-yard medley relay (1:54.25), while Emma Nissen won a tight battle in the 200 medley (2:22.78). Nissen swam in second place most of the way before moving ahead at the 10-meter flags and out touching Gresham’s Haley Schaeffer by .19 hundredths.

“I wanted to win, and I talked myself into it,” Nissen said. “I knew she was right there with me. I just put my head down and went for it — it was close.”

David Douglas teammates Janessa Dyk and Hao Nguyen followed with a 1-2 finish in the 50 freestyle sprint. Dyk was easily the first swimmer into the water, setting the pace for the entire splash-filled lap before hitting the wall well in front of the pack.

Rory Kearns of St. Mary’s (500 free, butterfly) and Felicia Anderson of Central Catholic (backstroke, 100 free) won multiple events.

Look for extended meet coverage, including a list of district placers, in the Tuesday, Feb. 12, print edition.

View a photo gallery from the district championships at …

http://daveball.exposuremanager.com/g/feb9_mhc_district_swimming

Darwin L. Ake

Nov. 10, 1954-Feb. 5, 2013

East County resident Darwin L. Ake died Tuesday, Feb. 5, in Portland. He was 58.

No services are planned at this time.

Darwin was born Nov. 10 1954, in Tulare, Calif, to Russell and Maurine Ake. Darwin began his early years in California, later moving to Oregon and graduating from Klamath Union High School.

Darwin began his career working for Weyerhaeuser Industries in Klamath Falls as an industrial pipe fitter. Darwin married Darlene Miller on April 1, 1996, in South Lake Tahoe.

Most recently, Darwin was employed in the HVAC industry. He enjoyed fishing and camping.

Darwin is survived by his wife; children, Brandon Ake, Hannah Williams, Chris Miller, David Gamble and Jenny Fotland; sister, Patty Chace; seven grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and four nieces.

Gresham Memorial Chapel is handling arrangements.

Donald James Eilrich

Aug. 29, 1928-Feb. 8, 2013

Gresham resident Donald James Eilrich died Friday, Feb. 8. He was 84.

No services are planned.

Donald was born Aug. 29, 1928, in Chicago to William and Melva Eilrich. He graduated from West Chicago High School in 1946.

In 1950, Donald enlisted in the United States Navy, serving during the Korean War. After his honorable discharge in 1954, Donald studied accounting at DePaul University.

On May 17, 1958, Donald married Marion Bork in Bensonville, Ill.

Donald worked as an accountant for Address A Graph MultiGraph in California until his retirement in 1991. He and Marion moved to Gresham in 1993.

Donald is survived by his wife; son, Jeffrey Eilrich; daughter, Kristin Eilrich; and two grandchildren.

The family suggests contributions to Greater Gresham Baptist Church or the Alzheimer’s Association.

Gresham Memorial Chapel is handling arrangements.

Delmar Floyd Olson

June 30, 1932-Feb. 6, 2013

East County resident Delmar Floyd Olson died Wednesday, Feb. 6. He was 80.

A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 13, at Bateman Carroll Funeral Home. Internment will follow at Willamette National Cemetery.

Delmar was born June 30, 1932, in Seaside to Walter and Viola Olson. He served in the Navy aboard the USS Jupiter during the Korean War.

Upon his returned, he married, Patricia Ann Wilson. Delmar worked at Portland Road and Driveway as a heavy equipment operator, retiring in 1995.

He served as a minor official for the Portland Winterhawks and often could be found working on a project for his children, grandchildren or the backyard critters.

Delmar is survived by his wife; daughters, Diane Riddell and Janet Kilgore; sons, John and Mike Olson; seven grandchildren; and three sisters.

Bateman Carroll Funeral Home is handling arrangements.

Charles Halton Jones

Dec. 29, 1949-Feb. 8, 2013

Former Sandy resident Charles Halton Jones died Friday, Feb. 8, in Rockport, Texas. He was 63.

Charles was born Dec. 29, 1949, in Kalamazoo, Mich., to Clyde and Opal Jones. He graduated from Marysville High School and owned CHJ Construction with his father.

On Sept. 21, 1990, Charles married Kathleen Flory Jones in Boring. He enjoyed woodworking, drawing, raising birds with his wife and painting. Charles also owned a satellite video store.

He was preceded in death by his wife and his brother, James Jones. Charles is survived by his daughter, Misty Sutton-Wilcox; sons, Keith Sutton and Daniel Jones; brothers, Wayne Jones and Major Jones; and sisters, Dorothy Hayden and Julie Baggs.

Charlie Marshall Funeral Home is handling arrangements.

Paid obituaries

Lucile Iris (Kummel) De Witte

Dec. 8, 1914- Feb 6, 2013

Lucile Kummel DeWitte passed away peacefully of age-related causes early Wednesday morning, February 6, 2013. She was born Dec. 8, 1914 in Gresham, Oregon, the youngest of four children of Henry and Lena (Hoyer) Kummel. In 1915, her mother entered her in the Most Beautiful Baby contest at the Multnomah County Fair where she won first prize, receiving a blue ribbon. As a young girl, she enjoyed Hoyer family reunions in Castle Rock, WA where her maternal grandparents lived, after having moved from Kansas in 1890. She attended Lynch Grade School and Gresham Union High School, graduating in 1932. The Class of 1932 of GHS continued to have reunions and luncheons regularly until several years ago, which Lucile always helped organize and participate in.

Lucile worked for Meier and Frank Company from 1933-1950, starting in sales, and working most of her years there as the private secretary to Allen Meier. In 1946, she accompanied Mr. Meier’s mother, Mrs. Abe Meier to New York City on the train, where she saw many sights, including the Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall. A few years ago, she was lucky enough to see the Rockettes perform again when they visited Portland. While at RCMH, she met Irving Berlin and Fatty Arbuckle in an elevator, where she obtained Mr. Berlin’s autograph. The trip was a highlight of her early years and she had many fond memories of working at Meier and Frank where she made many life-long friends.

In 1949 she married Theodore DeWitte of Gresham and they had one daughter, Carol. After becoming a mother, Lucile retired from M&F and became a dedicated homemaker. She was a devoted mother and enjoyed working with her husband, Ted, on the family farm. She was an avid gardener, the love of gardening learned from her mother. She was married to Ted until his death in 1975. She was a life-long Gresham resident, her parents having settled in the area in 1900. In 1925, her father built a new home on 181st and Powell across the street from the original home that Lucile was born in. She lived in this home for 84 years, until forced to move for health reasons. In recognition of her lengthy life and deep roots in the community, Lucile and her only surviving sister, Mildred, were chosen as Grand Marshals of Gresham’s 100-Year Celebration Parade in May 2005. Lucile was 90 and Mildred was 94 at the time. It was one of the highlights of their lives.

Lucile was a kind-hearted and giving person who always thought of others before herself, and who always enjoyed being useful to people. She especially loved her family, her home, gardening, and trips to the beach. Although she would have described herself as a homebody, she also enjoyed several trips to Hawaii and one to Europe with her daughter in 1982. She

maintained a large flower and vegetable garden every year until the age of 94 when she had to move to assisted living. When asked the secret to her longevity, she said it was probably good genes, walking one and a half miles to school and back every day, and her mother’s homemade oatmeal in the morning. Lucile was a product of the Great Depression from which she learned hard work, frugality, perseverance and the love of a simple life. She lived her entire life in a two square block area until one month ago.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Ted; brother, Quinton Kummel; sisters Irene Hendricksen and Mildred Arvidson. She is survived by her loving daughter, Carol Bowles and son-in-law, Bill, of Gresham; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

Lucile’s family wishes to especially thank Liliana’s Home Care where Lucile was lovingly cared for as a family member the last month of her life. Lucile will be buried at Forest Lawn Cemetery, Gresham next to her beloved husband, Theodore DeWitte. Per Lucile’s request, there will be no funeral service. Remembrances may be made to the Salvation Army or charity of your choice. Arrangements by Gresham Memorial Chapel.

Eleanor Edstrom

October 17, 1923-February 5, 2013

Eleanor leaves behind her sons Wallace Edstrom of Gresham, and Mark Edstrom of Tualatin; daughter Sharon Wattenbarger of Boring; grandchildren Stephen Frame, Kristina Gonier, Daniel Edstrom, and Shanda Edstrom; great-grandson Chance; brother Eugene Standberg and sister Bernice Siebenthal. She was preceded in death by her husband John Edstrom. A memorial service will be held at Willamette National Cemetery on Saturday February 9th at 2:00pm.

Carol Ann (Olson) Gangstad

July 8, 1946 - January 16, 2013

Born in Portland Oregon July 8 1946 to Cora [ Stephenson] and Lloyd Olson. Passed away January 16, 2013, at home in Central Oregon after a short battle with cancer. She is survived by her husband of 39 years, Jerry Gangstad, her sister Diana and brother·in law Ross Bates, as well as many nieces, nephews and loving friends.

Carol was a respected senior escrow officer for over 30 years in the Portland and Gresham area. After she and Jerry retired they sold their ranch in Sandy and moved to central Oregon. They traveled to Arizona for the winters joining friends to go four wheeling through the desert. Carol also enjoyed craft and exercise classes at the local club house. They returned home in spring to fish, plant a huge garden, traveled to Portland to visit friends and relatives and the Oregon coast for crabbing. They also made trips to Sacramento to visit Diana, Ross and family.

Carol loved her flowers and garden and animals, plus her many craft projects. She was a beautiful person who made life beautiful for those around her.

Carol will be sorely missed but loved always in our hearts.

There are no services planned. Donations to the American Cancer Society are suggested if you wish.

Robert Lee “Bob” Parnell

Aug. 10, 1928 - Feb. 4, 2013

Robert Lee “Bob” Parnell passed away, unexpectedly, at his home on Monday February 4th, 2013.

Bob was born August 10, 1928, in Midwest, Wyoming to Harry and Aleene Parnell. He attended high school in Colorado and Washington graduating in 1946 from Wapato High School. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corp where he served from 1946 – 1948 spending time aboard the USS Philippine Sea aircraft carrier.

Bob graduated from Central Washington College of Education with a Masters degree in Education. He began his teaching career in Astoria, Oregon at Astor Elementary School, first teaching English and social studies and then becoming principal in 1953. In 1959 he moved to Astoria High School where he was principal until 1966 moving to Gresham High School where he was principal until his retirement in 1985.

During his early career in Astoria, Robert met Ruth Fransen and they were married in 1954. Robert enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing and all outdoor activities. Bob was a long term season ticket holder for the Portland Trailblazers. He had a special love for the Oregon Coast maintaining a vacation home in Cannon Beach from the late 1950’s until his death. Bob enjoyed spending time with friends and family including his brothers, sister, children and grandchildren. After retirement, Bob became a snow bird traveling each winter from 1985 through 2012 to the Palm Springs area.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Leon, Ivan and Vern, and sister Peggy. Survivors include his wife Ruth, brother Ted Parnell (Pat) of Yakima, WA, sister Shirley Mikkelsen (Ray) of The Dalles, OR, sister-in-law Annette Parnell of Richland, WA, daughter Paula Swift and her husband Rick Swift of Gresham, OR and son Brian Parnell of Federal Way, WA. Also surviving are grandsons Daniel Swift of Gresham, OR and Ryan Swift of Camas, WA.

Celebration of Life

Saturday, February 16, 2013

1:00 p.m.

East Hill Church Youth Center

50 NW 5th

(corner of 5th and Main)

Gresham, OR 97030

Private burial Friday,

February 15, 2013

Willamette National Cemetery

Portland, OR

The family suggests that remembrances may be made to the

Mt. Hood Hospice.

Betty (Agnes) Chaney Schrab

August 25, 1932 - January 21, 2013

Betty Schrab, aka Agnes Chaney Schrab died January 21, 2013. She was 80.

Betty was born on August 25, 1932 to Elvis Leroy Chaney (Pete) and Elizabeth Jane Chaney.

The family moved from Denver, Colorado to Portland, Oregon in 1942. Betty graduated from Commerce (Cleveland) High School in 1950. She was captain of the ‘boys’ swim team and broke a state swimming record.

She married Harlan Leo Schrab in 1954. They had five children. Her two surviving daughters were Judy Cloo and Darlene Schrab, both of Gresham, OR.

She was able to purchase her home in Gresham in 1971, where she raised her family and has remained since.

She worked at Carnation Milk Company in the mid 1960s and followed her boss to OECO Corp from 1968 until she retired.

She took annual trips to Reno with family and friends for many years. She enjoyed monthly ‘meetings’ with a group of prior fellow employees. She loved to eat and play at Heidi’s Restaurant in Gresham. She will be missed by many.

Lent, the 40-day liturgical season in the Christian calendar leading up to Easter, begins Wednesday, Feb. 13. Services in the Gresham area are planned for Ash Wednesday, the first day marking Lent.

Ash Wednesday received its name for the practice of marking ash crosses on congregants’ foreheads to symbolize repentance to God. The 40-day season represents the time Jesus spent in the wilderness, tempted by Satan, and the season is known as a time of reflection.

The following Ash Wednesday services are planned for Feb. 13:

• Pleasant Home United Methodist Church, 31632 S.E. Road, Gresham

Prayer service and imposition of ashes: 2 p.m. The church also will hold a program Feb. 17-March 17 about death and grief through the eyes of the cross. For more information, call 503-663-5654 or visit pleasanthomeumchurch.org.

• Redeemer Evangelical Lutheran Church, 795 E. Powell Blvd., Gresham

Services: 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. For more information, call 503-665-5414 or visit wheretheliturgylives.org.

• St. Anne Catholic Church, 1015 S.E. 182nd Ave., Gresham

Masses: 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. in English; noon and 7:30 p.m. in Spanish. Stations of the cross and benediction will be held Friday, Feb. 15, in English at 5:30 p.m. and Spanish at 7:30 p.m. For more information, call 503-665-4935.

• St. Henry Catholic Church, 346 N.W. First St., Gresham

Masses: 8 a.m., noon and 7 p.m. Stations of the cross and benediction will be held at 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 15, with confessions at 6 p.m. For more information, call 503-665-9129 or visit sthenrygresham.org.

• St. Luke Episcopal Church, 120 S.W. Towle Ave., Gresham

Ashes-to-go: 7:30 a.m. at Gresham City Hall Max station.

An Ash Wednesday service will take place at 7 p.m. For more information, call 503-665-9442.

• The Grotto, Northeast 85th and Sandy Boulevard, Portland

Masses: noon and 7:30 p.m., with ashes distributed at both Masses. Throughout Lent, The Grotto will hold Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament following noon Mass, concluding with the Via Matris and benediction at 3 p.m. On Saturdays, The Grotto will hold Sacrament of Reconciliation (confession) from 11 a.m. to noon. For more information, call 503-254-7371 or visit thegrotto.org.

• Trinity Lutheran Church, 507 W. Powell Blvd., Gresham

Services: 7 p.m. Wednesdays for Lent services and 6 p.m. soup dinner leading up to the week of Easter. A Seder service will be held March 27. For more information, call 503-665-3197 or email office@trinitylutherangresham.org.

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,

Marilyn Keller

St. Aidan Episcopal Church, 17405 N.E. Glisan St., will present its latest “Sunday at 3 p.m. Concert” with a performance by the Augustana Quartet, featuring vocalist Marilyn Keller, on March 3.

Along with Keller, the quartet features George Mitchell on piano, Kevin Deitz on bass and Ron Steen on drums.

Keller is a 27-year veteran of music and stage performance who sings jazz, gospel, r ‘n’ b, pop and blues, and has performed in Denmark, Sweden, Norway, the Netherlands, Spain, Australia, Great Britain and America. Her voice can be heard on on multiple recordings, movie soundtracks, commercials, documentary narratives and demos.

Tickets are $18, $15 for students and seniors, and are available at staidans-gresham.org and at the door. For group sales (10 tickets or more), call 503-866-5572.

For more information, email Mark Jones at tickets4sunday@gmail.com.

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.

Tom Geil, curator, says “Passport” features 50 pieces, ranging from photos and watercolors to sculptures and scarves.

“Adventure means to me something bold and exciting, not just travel around the world,” he says. “It could be a parade, a trip to the zoo, it could be anything.

Geil notes pieces include paintings of athletes; a scrap metal sculpture of a motorcycle; and a photo of two bucks with their antlers entangled in the midst of a snowstorm.

“I kind of reached out to people who never exhibited before,” Geil says. “I like to encourage new people who had never had an opportunity to do it, to broaden their horizon.”

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

For more information, visit greshamartcommittee.com.

To have items listed here, send them to Dateline, The Gresham Outlook, P.O. Box 747, Gresham, 97030; email sbrown@theoutlookonline.com; or fax it to 503-665-2187 at least 10 days before the event.

Live Music

Eastside Bluegrass Series — 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 16, at Freedom Foursquare Church, 660 S.E. 160th Ave. A Sudden Traditon, 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.

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

• Radical Revolution Trio, 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 13.

• You Me & Apollo, 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 14, Blackberry Hall.

• Eric John Kaiser, 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 14.

• Rob Larkin and Joseph Eid, 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 15.

• Naomi Hooley, 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 16.

• Billy D, 5 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 17.

• Skip vonKuske, 7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 18.

• Hanz Araki, 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 19.

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.

Karaoke — 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.

• Muchmore Country, 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Feb. 22-23.

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.

March 3: Vagabond Opera

European cabaret, vintage Americana, Balkan belly dance, neo-classical opera, old-world Yiddish theater are all contained within the sound of this six-piece local group. Through theatrical performances, lyrics in 13 languages and an eclectic repertoire, they “liberate opera” from its usual setting.

“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 Boring-Damascus Grange Hall. The 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.

Fairview Police are still trying to identify a man who was struck and killed by a Union Pacific train on Sunday, Feb. 10.

The incident occurred around 8 p.m. near the Northeast Fairview Lake Way. Nobody aboard the train injured.

Police believe the man was approximately 18-30 years old and possibly of Hispanic or Asian descent. Anyone with information that could help identify the man should contact Fairview Police, at 503-674-6229.

Chamber Calendar

Speed Networking AM meeting, 7-9 a.m. Friday, Feb. 15, Persimmon Country Club, 500 S.E. Butler Road, Gresham.

Connect with Success AM meeting, 7-9 a.m. Friday, Feb. 22, hosted by Positive Life Insurance Services at Oregonians Credit Union, 247 E. Powell Blvd., Gresham.

Ribbon cutting, 9 a.m. following the AM meeting. Positive Life Insurance Services, 222 N.E. Second St., Suite 225, Gresham.

Learn at Lunch, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 19, Greater Gresham Baptist Church, Building A, the Rock Room, 3848 N.E. Division St. Scheduled speaker Constant Contact Regional Director Dana Pethia will provide tips on ways to Grow Your Business with Email and Social Media. Cost is $15 for non-members. To register, call the chamber office at 503-665-1131.

Business Forum, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 21, Persimmon Country Club, 500 S.E. Butler Road, Gresham. Scheduled discussion will be Lessons on Profitable Sustainability, with speaker Jeff Harvey, president and CEO of Burgerville. Cost is $35 for chamber members and $50 for future members. To register, call 503-665-1131.

Bakery launches romance evenings

It’s not too late to plan a special treat for your sweetie on Valentine’s Day.

Banaka & Browns Bakery in downtown Gresham is kicking off a new service Thursday, Feb. 14, by offering a special menu of plated desserts in a romantic atmosphere.

“We’ll have tablecloths, candlelight and live music and all our fancy goblets and dishes,” said Cindy Wich, owner of Banaka & Browns. “The menu will feature some of (pastry chef Monica Neffendorf’s) specialties, as well as our coffees and teas, and we will be serving customers at the tables instead of the counter. We’ve been talking about it with our customers for about a month and they’re really excited.”

The bakery will close at 5 p.m. to prepare for the event and reopen at 6 p.m., with table service until 9 p.m. The Valentine’s Day menu will offer sweet treats including individual apple crisp, vanilla bean pot de creme or tiramisu, from $4 to $6 per plate.

But the special menu and atmosphere isn’t limited to Valentine’s Day, Wich said. Beginning Friday, March 1, Banaka & Browns will host the event every Friday and Saturday night, offering different dessert selections each week and live entertainment. The bakery is following the lead of other downtown merchants, who are extending their business hours for the after-dinner crowd.

“We want customers to have a place to go for a date night or when they’re out enjoying the evening,” Wich said. “I like to think we’re transforming from a bakery to an after-hours dessert destination.”

Reservations are not required for Valentine’s Day, although Wich suggested large groups should call ahead to reserve space. Banaka & Browns is at 835 N. Main Ave.

For more information, call the bakery at 503-492-6100.

Local bank posts continued growth

Riverview Bancorp Inc., parent company of Riverview Community Bank in Gresham and Wood Village, reported earnings of $1 million for the third fiscal quarter ending Dec. 31, 2012, marking positive improvement for the second consecutive quarter.

The bank’s steady profitability was attributed to continued decrease in nonperforming assets and loans, as well as a decline in net charge-offs for the quarter.

“Riverview’s turnaround plan is on schedule,” said Pat Sheaffer, chairman and CEO for the corporation. “Credit quality improved for the third consecutive quarter and our capital ratios improved as we continued to manager our balance sheet growth.”

Riverview Bancorp, with headquarters in Vancouver, Wash., operates 18 branches in the metro area, including the two local branches of the 89-year-old Riverview Community Bank.

New cafe, lounge offers good food and spirits, with family-friendly flair till 9 p.m.

Unlike a lot of folks, Gary Sumner has always considered 13 a lucky number.

But for the opening of his new business in downtown Gresham, it proved to be somewhat unlucky.

“We were going to open on Feb. 13, but it will probably be the 15th now,” Sumner said. “Thirteen has always been my favorite number — my son just turned 13, the name of the business is Luck E 13, and we had planned to open on the 13th. Who would have thought it wouldn’t work out?”

Sumner laughed, as last-minute glitches delayed the grand opening of his café and lounge. But he’s anxious to acquaint folks with his twist to what is traditionally considered the local bar scene.

Tucked away just a stone’s throw from Powell Boulevard, the Luck E 13 Café and Lounge is a shell of its former self. The 1,200-square-foot space at 55 N.E. Roberts Ave. was once a store catering to collectors of blown glass smoking accessories. It now resembles a rustic urban café, with black wrought-iron bistro tables and a picket fence. Sumner undertook a six-month remodel to bring life to the Luck E 13.

“We tore out everything, including three layers of ceiling,” he said. “Everything in here is new — the floor, kitchen, appliances. It was a smoke shop before, so it was even painted a lot of crazy colors.”

Sumner is a former Gresham resident and admitted “family man.” His wife, Wendi, is co-owner of the Luck E 13 and teaches school near their home in Vancouver, Wash. Sumner spent several years with Maletis Beverage Distribution in Portland, always harboring a desire to run his own business, and finally took the plunge after leaving his job last year. Though Gresham’s fee holiday program appealed to the entrepreneur, it was Sumner’s fond memories of the city that brought him to the downtown core.

“(The Garage to Storefront Program) was a help, but not the deciding factor,” he said. “We didn’t want to be in downtown Portland, and since I used to live here, I already liked Gresham’s small-town feel, and it’s place for families. That’s why the Luck E 13 will be family-friendly until 9 p.m.”

Sumner said he recognizes the plight families face when trying to spend time together on a tight budget. He foresees “slower nights” during the week at the café becoming movie nights for families, and he plans to offer “Park Specials,” boxed grab-and-go meals, for picnics during the summer.

Sumner is further embedding himself in the neighborhood by taking on the space next door to the Luck E 13. He and his former Maletis co-worker, Don Nguyen, plan to open a beer and wine shop in the coming months. The venture was once a pipe dream shared by the two, who are capitalizing on their years in the beverage industry to create Cheap Charlie’s. The cavernous space will offer retail sales of more than 3,000 varieties of beer and 2,000 labels of wine, with live music and wine tastings in the future.

“We’ve been friends for a long time and we always wanted to go into business together,” Sumner said. “Since we’d been in the industry, we knew what we wanted. We’d worked with the vendors on big events around town, like the Blazers and Timbers, so we had a lot of contacts.”

Sumner plans promotions and giveaways to celebrate Luck E 13’s grand opening, but more important, he’s looking forward to welcoming sports fans, after-work gatherings and families.

“I wanted this to be more than just a place to eat,” Sumner said. “We want to be part of the community.”

If you go

Who: Luck E 13

Where: 55 N.E. Second St., Gresham

What: full service bar and grill, with a menu ranging from steaks to chicken nuggets, and family-friendly atmosphere until 9 p.m.

Hours of operation: 7 a.m. to 2 a.m.

More: For information, call 503-666-1313.