
Health & Wellness
Meet Ed Spradlin, 'Tooth Taxi' volunteer extraordinaire
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Hi! My name is Ed Spradlin, I am 77yrs young, and I have lived in Portland/Gresham all my life. I grew up in North Portland across from Columbia Park. I attended grade school in Portsmouth and Highland. I then attended Jefferson Hight School, followed by Oregon State University. I was drafted to Vietnam, and after my return continued my education to graduate from Portland State University. |
![]() Ed Spradlin |
My family ultimately moved out to Gresham 45 years ago, and I have lived there ever since. I am now involved in volunteering for a non-profit that helps under privileged children get access to dental care. The Dental Foundation of Oregon is the non-profit organization that supports and funds the "Tooth Taxi". This is basically a large rolling dental clinic on wheels that travels across Oregon to schools and communities not only educating families but giving actual dental care to children in need.
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My family and friends have also joined me in my efforts to help raise money for this cause. What started as me walking the streets in search of cans and bottles to raise money, has now blossomed into an ever growing team of individuals sharing in this effort. Team "Can Do". |
![]() Some of the many bottles & cans Ed has collected for the the 'Tooth Taxi' |
Every day I am overwhelmed by the beauty of all these individuals who have eagerly stepped up to be a part of something that is growing in support. People want to help. They just, often, don't know how. I have realized something in this process, and it is validated everyday by all the people who have joined this cause. We can do amazing things alone, but even more amazing things together. Together we are team "Can Do".
Outstanding job Ed!
Download the Wilkes East Neighborhood Summer 2022 Newsletter here!
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Summer 2022 Newsletter"Diversity, Harmony, Community - |
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Summer 2022 NewsletterInside This Issue:
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Download your copy here. (includes active web links)
Newsletters are a regular publication of the Wilkes East Neighborhood Association. They are hand-delivered to over 1,500 residences and businesses in our area 3 times per year, timed to correspond with our general meetings.
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Volunteers Needed |
Portland Eastside Farmer's Markets. Garden Fresh Produce Available Year-round

S-t-r-e-t-c-h your grocery dollar!
Enjoy the freshest produce, flowers, and plant starts direct from the garden.
Healthy and fresh
Farmer’s markets are a fantastic source for fresh, seasonal, locally produced foods and artisan products. Plus, you'll find great activities and fun for the whole family. Come experience the markets. Meet the vendors. Meet local cooks. Enjoy the freshest produce and products. Make your own statement in support of local food.
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Want to grow your own vegetables? Check out Portland Nursery's 12-month "Veggie Calendar" planting guide here. |
Portland's Eastside Farmer's Markets
- Gresham Saturday Market (mid Apr-Sep)
- Gresham Farmers Market (May-Oct)
- Hollywood Farmers' Market (year-round)
- Lents International Farmers' Market (Jun-Nov)
- Montavilla Farmers Market (year-round)
- Portland Farmers Market (year-round)
- Other Area Farmers Markets
(Complete details on these area markets below)
You'll find plenty of root vegetables, braising greens and lettuces, and of course plant starts for your own vegetable garden.
Bring your reusable shopping bags and plenty of small bills, though some of the markets will trade you a credit/debit card for wooden tokens that all vendors accept, which can be easier to handle than cash. We've indicated those markets that accept EBT or other food assistant coupons.
The People's Market at Rockwood: Sun, Apr 03, 2022 1PM-5PM

When: Sun, Apr 03, 2022 1PM-5PM
Where: Rockwood Market Hall
Get Map!
The People's Market at Rockwood hosted by Play Grow Learn will showcase goods from vendors of all cultures. Produce and homemade goods from local Black, Indigenous and people of color (BIPOC) producers and growers will be featured, as well as:
- Healers who specialize in food and herb wellness
- Healthy services
- Farm-to-table meals and snacks
- Local organizations led by or serving BIPOC communities
- Double dollars offered on fresh produce items with the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program/Electronic Benefit Transfer (SNAP/EBT).
During the cooler months, the market will operate inside the Rockwood Market Hall. During the warmer months, it will extend outdoors into the public plaza and will feature nearly 40 vendors.
Get there
- MAX: the Rockwood Market Hall is located just south of the Rockwood / East 188th MAX stop and is accessible on foot from both SE 185th and SE 187th avenues.
- Bus: a half block north of the TriMet Line 20, SE 187th and Stark bus stop.
- Drive: street parking is available nearby and parking is available in the Sunrise Center parking lot located just east of the 187th and Burnside intersection at 18901 E. Burnside St.
For more information, contact Germaine Flentroy, Market Coordinator, at 503-719-1821 or gflentroypgl@gmail.com.
Organic Vegetable Gardening Workshop: Wed, Apr 06, 2022 6:30PM-8PM
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Gardening Workshop
When: Wed, Apr 06, 2022 6:30PM-8PM |
Join members of Friends of the Gresham Japanese Garden for a free online workshop. Instructor Jim Buck will cover how to improve your garden's health and our environment by growing organically. Learn about soil preparation and avoiding diseases.
Register for this online class
Learn more about the Gresham Japanese Garden or email info@greshamjapanesegarden.com.
The People's Market at Rockwood: Sun, Apr 10, 2022 1PM-5PM

When: Sun, Apr 10, 2022 1PM-5PM
Where: Rockwood Market Hall
Get Map!
The People's Market at Rockwood hosted by Play Grow Learn will showcase goods from vendors of all cultures. Produce and homemade goods from local Black, Indigenous and people of color (BIPOC) producers and growers will be featured, as well as:
- Healers who specialize in food and herb wellness
- Healthy services
- Farm-to-table meals and snacks
- Local organizations led by or serving BIPOC communities
- Double dollars offered on fresh produce items with the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program/Electronic Benefit Transfer (SNAP/EBT).
During the cooler months, the market will operate inside the Rockwood Market Hall. During the warmer months, it will extend outdoors into the public plaza and will feature nearly 40 vendors.
Get there
- MAX: the Rockwood Market Hall is located just south of the Rockwood / East 188th MAX stop and is accessible on foot from both SE 185th and SE 187th avenues.
- Bus: a half block north of the TriMet Line 20, SE 187th and Stark bus stop.
- Drive: street parking is available nearby and parking is available in the Sunrise Center parking lot located just east of the 187th and Burnside intersection at 18901 E. Burnside St.
For more information, contact Germaine Flentroy, Market Coordinator, at 503-719-1821 or gflentroypgl@gmail.com.
The People's Market at Rockwood: Sun, Apr 17, 2022 1PM-5PM

When: Sun, Apr 17, 2022 1PM-5PM
Where: Rockwood Market Hall
Get Map!
The People's Market at Rockwood hosted by Play Grow Learn will showcase goods from vendors of all cultures. Produce and homemade goods from local Black, Indigenous and people of color (BIPOC) producers and growers will be featured, as well as:
- Healers who specialize in food and herb wellness
- Healthy services
- Farm-to-table meals and snacks
- Local organizations led by or serving BIPOC communities
- Double dollars offered on fresh produce items with the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program/Electronic Benefit Transfer (SNAP/EBT).
During the cooler months, the market will operate inside the Rockwood Market Hall. During the warmer months, it will extend outdoors into the public plaza and will feature nearly 40 vendors.
Get there
- MAX: the Rockwood Market Hall is located just south of the Rockwood / East 188th MAX stop and is accessible on foot from both SE 185th and SE 187th avenues.
- Bus: a half block north of the TriMet Line 20, SE 187th and Stark bus stop.
- Drive: street parking is available nearby and parking is available in the Sunrise Center parking lot located just east of the 187th and Burnside intersection at 18901 E. Burnside St.
For more information, contact Germaine Flentroy, Market Coordinator, at 503-719-1821 or gflentroypgl@gmail.com.
Earth Day Mulching event: Fri, Apr 22, 2022 9AM-12PM

When: Fri, Apr 22, 2022 9AM-12PM
Where: Main City Park
219 South Main Ave.
Get Map!
Celebrate Earth Day with us at Main City Park. In partnership with the Johnson Creek Watershed Council, we will mulch the trees and shrubs volunteers have planted over the past two years.
No experience is needed. Children are welcome to participate with an accompanying adult. Dress for the weather and bring your water bottle.
Instruction, tools and gloves will be provided.
Covid safety: A mask or face-covering is recommended during check-in and at any time when six feet of physical distancing is not possible.
Contact
Marissa Eckman, Johnson Creek Watershed Council at 503-652-7477, extension 107.
The People's Market at Rockwood: Sun, Apr 24, 2022 1PM-5PM

When: Sun, Apr 24, 2022 1PM-5PM
Where: Rockwood Market Hall
Get Map!
The People's Market at Rockwood hosted by Play Grow Learn will showcase goods from vendors of all cultures. Produce and homemade goods from local Black, Indigenous and people of color (BIPOC) producers and growers will be featured, as well as:
- Healers who specialize in food and herb wellness
- Healthy services
- Farm-to-table meals and snacks
- Local organizations led by or serving BIPOC communities
- Double dollars offered on fresh produce items with the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program/Electronic Benefit Transfer (SNAP/EBT).
During the cooler months, the market will operate inside the Rockwood Market Hall. During the warmer months, it will extend outdoors into the public plaza and will feature nearly 40 vendors.
Get there
- MAX: the Rockwood Market Hall is located just south of the Rockwood / East 188th MAX stop and is accessible on foot from both SE 185th and SE 187th avenues.
- Bus: a half block north of the TriMet Line 20, SE 187th and Stark bus stop.
- Drive: street parking is available nearby and parking is available in the Sunrise Center parking lot located just east of the 187th and Burnside intersection at 18901 E. Burnside St.
For more information, contact Germaine Flentroy, Market Coordinator, at 503-719-1821 or gflentroypgl@gmail.com.
Volunteer Opportunity at Nadaka Nature Park: Sep 28 - Nov 5, 2021

Retired, have a flexible schedule, want some exercise, need school credits? The City of Gresham is requesting volunteer support to help manage trails and plant species in the forest at Nadaka Nature Park, 17550 NE Pacific St.
Work will be led by PGE interns and will include digging, pulling and pruning. Work will require use of shovels, loppers and wheelbarrows. Equipment and work gloves will be provided, we suggest you bring your own water bottle. Bring sturdy work shoes and clothing you’re comfortable working in, as we approach fall weather please ensure to come dressed for the weather.
Covid-19 protocols: Everyone must be wearing a mask at all times, unless more than 6ft away from others. Hand sanitizer will be provided. Volunteers will be required to complete an application and sign a waiver.
Volunteer schedule: Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 1:00pm-5:30pm, Thursdays and Fridays 10:00am-2:30pm
More Info?
Please email keri.handaly@GreshamOregon.gov to inquire/rsvp.









