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About Street roots. (Portland, OR) 1998-current | View Entire Issue (Dec. 21, 2012)
6 Street roots I I 1 ^ 1 * r <t t r " < Tw, ’J3’~ ’V ' Poetry Dec. 21, 2012 ‘~w Vendor sends the happiest of holiday wishes to customers By David Mair “10/23” Throw a stone see it ripple Throw a bone see it whistle Be a beacon of love to grow Throw a smile see it missile BY ANN-DERRICK GAILLOT C O N T R IB U T IN G W R IT E R “11/1” The first is most like the last for they both push one toward the next step “9/10” Step forward oh gallant men of action Strong hands leave soft hearts quick with decision left before your horses have said goodbye Bray most families neigh in unison ne of the first things Wayne Moore tells me upon our meeting is how pleasant his vendor spot is in front of the Starbucks at Northwest 21st Avenue and Lovejoy. “It’s got outdoor heaters and an overhang for when it rains. It’s nice.” Despite these features, Wayne is still warmly dressed, prepared for cold winds, rain showers or both. He is bundled up in layers and his white hair curls out from underneath a dark beanie covered by a waterproof hat. Being a Portland native, Wayne is used to the unpredictable weather. Several times during our conversation Wayne stops to greet passersby as they enter and exit the coffee shop. Once a young lady dressed in scrubs smiles and O Wayne Moore When I dare to be powerful, to use my strength in the service of my vision, then it becomes less and less im p o rta n t ■ whether I am afraid. -Audre Lorde www.tprojects.org « i o n waves to Wayne, who responds straightaway with a hearty “Good Morning!” He turns to me and says, “That’s why I do this, for smiles like those.” Wayne commits himself to selling Street Roots seven days a week as a way of helping cover his rent and food costs; however, he views his job more as a public service than a sales position. “The way I see it,” he says, “I’m getting paid to brighten up people’s days.” And brighten up people’s days he does. The commuters rushing past, hands m th e ir pockets, headphones plugged in their ears, are lost in that familiar mindless hustle to quickly get where they are headed. Yet somehow Wayne manages to snap people out of it long enough to greet him or buy a copy of the paper. Blank and serious faces melt away as Wayne reaches out with a polite grin or a “Hello.” P H O T O BY COLE M ERK EL Wayne especially brightens up whenever he sees one of his, what he calls, “regulars,” of which he seems to have many. But rarer are those regulars who address Wayne by name. “Some people know my name, but some people, we know each other by face. It’s nice when they take the time to learn my name though. That’s why I try to wear t h i »,” h e say sy-showing off his Street Roots vendor badge. Although he doesn’t know everyone by name, Wayne still seems to have made a considerable impression on the area’s commuters. At Thanksgiving, Wayne received dozens of Starbucks gift cards. Ever since then he’s been enjoying a daily morning coffee alongside his regulars before heading outside to sell Street Roots. It seems that what Wayne relishes most about being a vendor is being able to connect with people who otherwise would remain strangers to him. He never once lets me forget how much he loves the people who have become familiar to him over his year as a Street Roots vendor. Before I leave Wayne makes sure to remind me what, above all, he wants included in his vendor profile: “All I really want to say is Merry Christmas to all my customers. Make sure you put that in!” So, to all of those strangers who have become his customers and friends, Merry Christmas from Wayne. s Tis the Season By Paula Ramirez Answers to puzzles on page 15 Tis the season to be jolly. Tis the season for eggnog and holly. Tis the season for ice and snow. Tis the season for warm places to go. Tis the season for scarves and boots. Tis always the season to give the gift of Street Roots. CORRECTION Street Roots strives for accuracy, but we're human. So we also strive to correct errors in our oaper whenever possible. Please report any errors :o our managing editor, Joanne Zuhl, at 503-228- 5657, or write to joanne@streetroots.org 3 8 6 9 8 L p 6 9 8 V 8 8 V 8 3 8 L 6 9 P 9 8 t? 8 k 8 3 L 3 k 8 6 L P 8 V 8 9 e 6 3 8 L 8 t? ,e 8 L 9 V 3 6 8 6 8 L L 9 8 3 Z 6 8 3 P I 9 8 8 P L 3 8 8 9 8 L 6 VENDOR WORK ADS Available for light work, cleaning, and shopping. Assignments will get done! Contact Essie at 503-901-9594 Jon Cornelison is available for murals, custom work, tattoo design, acrylic painting and sculpture. scifiacidwarp@gmail.com Don’t miss a single issue! Visit our website at www.streetroots.org, friend us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get regular updates.
