The front page of the September/October 2013 issue of this newsletter featured an article by Dave Anderson titled, “Nepali Couple Revives Neighborhood Market.” (To access it, go to the BWNA websites—www.bwna.us—and scroll down on “Newsletter” at the top of the page to the “Newsletter Issues” link.) It was a heartwarming story about the great impression this industrious and conscientious immigrant family had made on the neighborhood. Two-and-a-half years later, they were the victims of a heinous and heartless crime that not only sent shockwaves of anger and sadness throughout the neighborhood and beyond but also has been the impetus for a community outpouring of kindness and support.
First some background on the family: In the summer of 2013, Keshab and Gyani Maharjan took over the convenience store at NE 42nd Avenue and Beech Street (formerly Justin’s General Store), renamed it the Everest M Market, pitched dumpsters of old merchandise, and repainted. (The “Everest” of the store name refers to the mountain of Maharjan’s homeland, Nepal. The “M” has several meanings, including mountain and market.) The Maharjans started out on the right foot with neighbors, hosting a barbecue dinner a week after they reopened the store. As a family, the Maharjans moved to Portland in 2008 from Kathmandu, where they were store owners for 20 years. They worked diligently to make improvements at Everest M Market and also lent a hand to Keshab’s brother who owns the Rose City Market on NE Sandy Boulevard and 62nd Avenue. The Maharjans bought a home in the Beaumont-Wilshire neighborhood and their two daughters attended Beverly Cleary School and Grant High School, respectively. The family and store contributed to neighborhood association events regularly with donations of soft drinks and ice. They have been good neighbors.
Fast forward to September 14th of this year: Two masked criminals enter the store at 10:30 p.m., brutally beat Keshab with a gun before taking money and cigarettes. Keshab suffers an orbital fracture requiring emergency surgery to save his eyesight. More surgeries follow. Meanwhile, his wife Gyani works the store with shortened hours and less income. Medical bills mount.
But almost overnight, Good Samaritan neighbors establish a gofundme site (https://www.gofundme.com/8r4wz45k) to help cover the Maharjans’ medical bills, and within days, thousands of dollars are streaming in from caring B-W residents. Local media take an interest in the story, and donations begin coming in from around the city. Neighbors make a conscious effort to shop at the store and check in on Gyani. Some neighbors even volunteer to do shifts at the store, keeping Gyani company and providing a sense of security. In the face of abject evil, an inspirational silver lining of goodness and compassion has prevailed.