Oh! What a Fresh Coat of Paint Will Do!

...Plaza Del Sol

Rockwood has been stuck in a state of flux for many years. Well meaning policy makers and citizens have held out hopes and grand plans for revitalizing and rebuilding this community. And each time, attempts are not realized. The budgets are too large, the economy is too depressed, and with no solutions its back to the drawing board.

Today a simple inexpensive project resurrected community building and hope in this community. And we learned that in this case, THE DRAWING BOARD was the solution! Plaza Del Sol is simply a painting on pavement of the sunshine and part of a bigger plan in Rockwood to have a "planet walk," a walking path, recreation and other amenities . It did not require plenty of negotiations with a developer, it required plenty of children with paintbrushes and people to share in a labor of love. Based on its success, we see clear evidence that engaging the people of Rockwood and tapping into their compassion can provide the momentum Rockwood needs.

Each time this community is questioned for its apathy, the people of Rockwood outshine the stigma. National Night Out's biggest event was in Rockwood, and Plaza Del Sol continued to engage our citizens. With our new "low-budget" plaza, it will be important to continue building on this momentum, and to IMMEDIATELY bring positive celebrations and activities onto this site - a step I hope will be fostered by the City.

I have to hand it to the City of Gresham and our Urban Renewal Director, Alice Rouyer for realizing what a fresh coat of paint can do for a community, and for a job well done! The work of our artists and Michael Orelove have laid the welcome mat for community engagement. I encourage the Rockwood residents and businesses to take the next vital step and make the plaza THEIR home by utilizing the area for positive activities and gatherings. The sun is shining and a brighter community is in the hands of the community to embrace.

Summer Activities in Rockwood/Gresham

August 4th is National Night Out at Vance Park. 5 – 8 p.m.
On this night, neighborhoods across the United States celebrate this event which works to strengthen neighborhoods and deter crime. Games, activities for all ages and a barbecue will be held. Families in our area are also invited to learn how to disc golf from the neighborhood pros. City of Gresham Police Department will be there to talk to residents and other events will be going on. PLEASE STOP BY AND SUPPORT NEIGHBORHOOD EFFORTS!

Park Place Coffee wants you to enjoy disc golf! Check out supplies here.
Park Place Coffee has discs for customers to check out and go try out the sport. We can also supply you with a map and scorecard when you go. Do you want to learn more about the game first? Come to National Night Out on August 4th (above) and learn the tips on how to use a putter, a driver and disc etiquette.

Fridays from 1:30 – 4 p.m. Vance Park hosts the REC Mobile.
The RecMobile brings fun and games for kids of all ages to Vance Park. Kids can paint, play games or get involved in many activities. Although a staff person is present, caretakers are asked to remain close by. This event is co-hosted by People for Parks, Gresham Ford, and others.

IMAGINATIVE CHILDREN’S GARDEN IS OPEN.
Thurs. – Sun. 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
The garden is a chance for kids to learn more about nature through the Butterfly Pavilion, where they can see butterflies in all stages of development and enter the area where the butterflies light around them. Other activities such as bee events, children reading time etc. are also scheduled through the summer.

Community Mania @ Park Place Coffee

Some days I have to question my crazy life of having a business and being a community advocate in Rockwood. Today I revel in it, and feel appreciated and loved because of it. Without this opportunity, I wouldn't see the goodwill bestowed upon me by so many supporters. Today, I focus on the community advocates, tomorrow- my blessed customers.

GOOD: Yesterday I received a call from the Metro President Bragdon asking if he could bring some people by from the Johnson Creek Watershed.
GOOD: Yesterday I asked my son to come help me cover during that hour and he said he would. GOOD: This morning I was off to a great start with business.
BAD: My son called me and told me he would NOT be making it.
GOOD: The group from Metro arrived, and were very patient in ordering.
BAD: I was running the show single-handedly!
AMAZING!: My dear friend came in to get coffee. With no previous experience, she stepped behind the counter and helped me get the orders out.
BAD: I was unhappy that the group did not have the most efficient service.
GOOD: WE MADE IT THROUGH and everyone seemed to be smiling (?)when they left.

Because of Mr. Bragdon's kind support many new patrons visited Park Place Coffee. I am honored to have his group visit.

The next group to grab a seat were staff and volunteers for the Multnomah County Commission of Children and Families. They were meeting at my shop with a Gresham Councilor to discuss positive efforts they would like to focus in Rockwood.

"Next! Party of Six? " Donn, the executive director of Portland Lutheran School was treating his "ambassador" students to crepes for their efforts to recruit students to his wonderful school. Donn is also an incredible regular supporter along with his students.

While Donn was in, a visitor from a local woodworking shop engaged in conversation. More was to be learned about the site of the Justice Facility, which was going to displace his business.

Another round of visitors came from the Rockwood Library. The staff at the Rockwood Library could not be more dedicated to the children of the community. This led to further discussion of gathering the different groups in Rockwood that support children activities to see if a plan could be worked out to offer a range of activities, instead of overlapping services.

Angela, an amazing resource at Centennial Learning Center was meeting with a student. Angela is working on service learning projects at CLC, and is hoping to have the students do asset mapping in Rockwood.

I only worked the early shift, and the day was only half over. So, when people ask - WHY PUT YOUR BUSINESS IN ROCKWOOD? The answer is: There is heart here, there is support here, and there is a place for wonderful people here. Park Place Coffee is lucky enough to be the beneficiary of it all.

Salvation Army In Rockwood needs donations

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

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

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

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

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