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About Street roots. (Portland, OR) 1998-current | View Entire Issue (May 11, 2018)
Street Roots • May 11-17, 2018 CHORUS, from page 8 some choir members had strong reactions due to the subject matter. There were tears, some even walked out. “People took it very personally,” said Atkins. “One man returned, saying I m OK with this because we are doing it together/” she said. Choir member Diane Stobaeus has been with the choir since it s inception. She was living on the streets three years ago, but has a home now. “This choir is a sanctuary. Everyone speaks the language of music, there is no judgment, only love. We became a musical unity community.” “It will be fantastic to be at the Schnitz,” said baritone Chris Topher, who describes being in the choir as uplifting. Topher was in a serious car accident in 1990 and suffered significant brain damage and memory loss. I can t tell you what song we’re singing, News Page 9 but once I’m standing there, my brain hears the tune and I remember right when to come in,” he said. Atkins reached out to area nonprofits for more singers when the large scope of the Oregon Symphony project became clear. Union Gospel Mission, Central City Concern, Rahab’s Sisters, Sisters of The Road, the Threshold Choir and Transition Projects have all become involved. Board members, staff and advocates will also be joining the choir on stage this weekend. “All of us need to be together,” said Atkins. “Our poverty crisis is unresolved. When you hear that last note, the silence that follows is that unresolved crisis. The next step is to listen to each other.” Take-off by Eileen Vizenor Although my past life has taken its toll on my present life, the past will not define me. My present life has taken full use of my body and limbs. Aches and pains have replaced my agility and confidence. “For enduring this and more we are pleased to inform you That tonight we can offer in a concrete church basement A n emergency shelter bed You will need to be gone by six-thirty a.m. ” My future life will not take my spirit nor my hopes. My future life will not repeat my past life. For I will soar! Origami by Jaison Kirk P aper animals in th e park. All different, yet made of the s a m e s tu f f in t h e s a m e w ay. Folded paper, folded people. The creases of routines and habits. Folded by each other, in the mind of the beholder. Crystal Atkins, Maybelle Com m unity Signers choir director, works with the choir as they rehearse “emergency shelter intake fo rm .” The choir members come from diverse backgrounds, including extreme poverty and homelessness. I>OUCHNUT WORD JUMBLE EMLPA k J .-J- IPLF 7^\ kJ MEOHR k J k J k k ASMMOI Which doughnut is named a fte r Elvis Presley's entourage? Print answer here < ?S, / J
