Street roots
Feb. 17, 2012
Let’s hear it for the boys -
and girls!
Readers tells us their thoughts on their experiences with Street Roots vendors
treet Roots asked readers to write us
on Facebook and Twitter about their
favorite vendors. Here’s what they had
to say:
I’ve talked about fishing, community
college, the weather (naturally), been able
to congratulate more than one who told me
they’d gotten a place inside; welcomed a guy
new to town who was
also new to the street
newspaper thing and
having a hard go at
getting comfortable
selling; had a guy
recite his own poetry
printed in the paper
(he did it with more
feeling and art than
some “name” poets
I’ve heard (or) read),
shared a joke about the
April issue, discussed
mental health
struggles. Basically, had a chat when we
both felt chatty, shared a smile and a good
word otherwise.
— Kathryn Burlingham
vendor when I was paying my electric bill
off 82nd and Holgate. The vendor was quite
surprised when I asked, “Are you selling
Street Roots?” and he replied suprised,
“Yeah.” I said I would like to buy one-1 love
reading that paper! He thanked me and was
so happy! Anytime I see a vendor and have
an extra money. I am never reluctant to buy
one of my favorite papers Street Roots!
Keep up all the good work!
— Carrie Zuber
I still have a note that one of the vendors
wrote on my paper: “thanks for caring,
Happy Easter” with the cutest heart drawn
on it.
— Jessica Giannettino
Great people, every one of them I’ve met
has been friendly and cool
— Jeff Waid
Ma used to be frightened (seriously!) of
the homeless, until she bought a paper and
started hearing their stories. Fear gone!
Amazing paper, amazing people, thank you!
— Ralphie Gogo
Always had wonderful experiences. One
of my favorites is David, who writes or
draws lovely messages
on the front of each
paper.
Kathy Mark
When I was in Portland I walked
everywhere. Downtown, I always talked to
one or two of the vendor’s everyday. Great
People for sure.
— Dylan Seaman
Tibor is my go-to
guy! Seeing him once
a week and enjoying a
long conversation is
something I look
forward to. He is a
friend. And he is on a
well deserved vacation
now, but I will miss
him until he gets back.
— Kasia Rutledge
Saul Cortez
The vendors are all
very cool people. Why
would anyone be
reluctant to approach
them - beautiful people and friendly as can
be. Makes you want to buy and read the
paper even if you had no intention of getting
one!!
— Charlotte Bloebaum
I have experienced four different vendors,
all very polite. I actually approached one
Imagine
By Kareem Ali
Imagine mule deer
Grazing in blue mountains
Or yellow grasses
Boiling into sloping hills.
Imagine nightjars
Simmering above white wooden fences
Or sparrows
Torched in a locust of sun.
Imagine your eyes
Garnished in blue light
And your turquoise lips
Riding a nectar of air,
Past a final trellis of wind
Burning.
They’re always kind
and often smiling.
— Dave Nelson
The vendors are
one of the reasons I
buy the paper. They
are always ready with
a cheery word or two
and willing to give
directions in the
event I get mixed up
on which way to go.
— Gwen Barnard
SR vendors have
always been kind,
respectful, happy and
love to talk about
politics. And very
thankful when you
buy a paper from
them!
— Lauri Rose
Every vendor I’ve
ever purchased a
paper from has been
friendly, polite, and not pushy. Great
program, great product.
— Andy Yerman
They rock. I have three regulars. I always
chat with them. Especially love Leo Rhodes,
the poet and columnist. My fave.
— Lisa Loving
Awesome.
Excellent. Engaging.
Empowering. One of
the highlights of my
day.
— -Gary Marschke
It is always a
pleasure to be
greeted with such
positive energy! Keep
up your great work!
— Sue DeMarco
I buy my Street
Roots just to get that two minute chat in.
The stories and the pride coming from
these folks makes me grateful for what I
have and energized by the positive thoughts
they share.
— Rayray Dueker
Rain Duchelard
Mind of Madness
By Jason Wolf
My mind is filled with darkness and confusion
Dreams of grandeur is only an illusion
Where did it all go wrong, when did it start?
The beginning of the callousness that invaded my heart
The mask I wear, I’ve been waiting for it to peel
So that for one second I know what it’s like to be real
It’s a daunting task trying to keep myself in somewhat of an order
There is a thin line between sane and insanity and I’m on the border
Everyday I find myself trapped inside of a new maze
There are complications just trying to see through the haze
Madness is a state of mind in which I dwell
As the angels await me in heaven, demons await to drag me to hell
shosoxsa@gmail.com
Tibor