Portland, OR. This year’s theme for the Ignite benefit was Love, Resist, Sparkle. Organizers of the October 13th Basic Rights Oregon event told supporters, “There must be resistance to create a spark. And together, we can really shine.” Nancy Haque, Governor Kate Brown, and Mat dos Santos were among the guests who attended the fundraiser at the Portland Hilton. (Photo credit, Andie Petkus)
“Let’s light up the night at Ignite,” was one of the toasts.
Honoree Marcia Alvey & her Mother, Patricia Alvey
A photo booth captured smiles.
Aimee Wilson, House Speaker Tina Kotek
The Main Event dance party closed out the evening.
From Basic Right Oregon:
Our Mission:
Basic Rights Oregon will ensure that all lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer Oregonians experience equality by building a broad and inclusive politically powerful movement, shifting public opinion, and achieving policy victories. Our Vision
To ensure that all LGBTQ Oregonians live free from discrimination and be treated with dignity and respect in every community in our state.
Our Approach
Basic Rights Oregon works fearlessly and tirelessly to build a strong, vibrant, powerful, and progressive movement for LGBTQ equality. LGBTQ Oregonians exist in every community, and we understand that we have to engage in strategic, values-based coalitions to address the many needs of our communities. As such, building alliances with progressive groups that advocate for working families, racial justice, immigrant rights, reproductive justice, and campaign reform will be essential to winning policies that meet the varied needs of our diverse community.
Our Priority Communities
We recognize that within our LGBTQ communities, many of us experience both privilege and oppression on a daily basis. We know that despite leading the nation in statewide legal protections, LGBTQ Oregonians are far from full legal equality. Our vision is to be a leader in political and policy work that centers the needs of four critically important communities:
LGBTQ people of color, including LGBTQ immigrants & refugees of color, who bear the brunt of homophobia, transphobia, racism, and xenophobia.
Trans, genderqueer and gender nonconforming people, who face astonishing rates of violence and discrimination, and whose basic rights are far from secure.
LGBTQ youth, who face high rates of homelessness, bullying and suicide, and who are present and future leaders for LGBTQ equality and social justice. LGBTQ people beyond the Portland Metro area, who are often isolated, whose needs are distinct from those in Portland, and who face unique barriers to reach the promise of true lived equality.
Portland, OR. Do you need a kitten like six-month-old Craisin? She’s one of close to 200 felines available at the Oregon Humane Society at a reduced rate so the organization can make room for a large influx of cats and kittens coming from Florida in the wake of Hurricane Michael. Adoption fees are being reduced to $15 for adult cats, age 6 months and older, and $75 for kittens on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The goal is to find homes for the close to 200 felines currently at OHS waiting for a home. Pets can be viewed here – https://www.oregonhumOHS October cat adoption special
Here’s a sample of the furry faces that are up for adoption:
Cory
Luna
Miss Pandora
Roscoe
OHS is assisting shelters in Florida devastated by Hurricane Michael by taking in approximately 100 cats and kittens to find their forever home in Oregon. These pets were in shelters before the storm hit and moving them out of the area frees up resources for pets and pet owners needing help.
All adoptions include vaccines, spay/neuter, microchip, one month of pet insurance for Oregon residents, a health exam with a vet of your choosing and a coupon from Mud Bay.
OHS hours for viewing and meeting pets are 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 10 a.m. to 3:30 pm on Sunday. Visit https://www.oregonhumane.org/adopt/?type=cats for more information
The shelter is located at 1067 NE Columbia Blvd., Portland, OR 97211. Directions here.
From Oregon Humane Society:
The Oregon Humane Society is the Northwest’s oldest and largest humane society, with one of the highest adoption rates in the nation. OHS receives no government funds for its adoption, education, medical and behavior programs. Visit oregonhumane.org for more information.
Portland, OR. A $35,000 grant from from the Spirit Mountain Community Fund will help a nonprofit called The Shadow Project educate kids with the disabilities like dyslexia and autism. The 15-year-old nonprofit is committed to making school more accessible and engaging for children with learning challenges. (Photo Credit, Andie Petkus)
Shadow Founder and Executive Director Christy Scattarella, (center) received the grant in a September ceremony in Grand Ronde.
“The strength of our local partnerships is something we take pride in,” said Mychal Cherry, Spirit Mountain Community Fund executive director. “It’s an honor and a privilege to support an organization like The Shadow Project that makes it possible for children with learning disabilities to meet and exceed their full academic potential.”
The majority of the children in The Shadow Project are from low-income homes and communities of color. The Spirit Mountain grant gives them personalized learning experiences such as reading mentors who use a specialized audio-visual library to make books comes alive, sensory spaces where children can find calm and focus, and a goal-setting program that motivates discouraged learners.
“Because of Spirit Mountain’s generosity, our children have tools tailored to the way they learn, teachers equipped to support them, and a sense of belonging in school that sets them on a path of pride and accomplishment,” said Scattarella. “Many of the students we serve have been ready to give up—on school and on themselves—and their perseverance and determination inspire me daily.”
The Spirit Mountain Community Fund is the philanthropic arm of The Confederated Tribes of Grande Ronde, distributing $78,610,930 in grants to non-profit organizations in 11 counties, government agencies in Polk and Yamhill counties, and the nine federally recognized tribes in Oregon, to improve the quality of life in Northwest Oregon.
Portland, OR. The Children’s Cancer Association (CCA) raised $1.2 million at its 18th annual Wonderball gala on September 29th to fuel its mission of prescribing joy to seriously ill children and their families. CCA welcomed more than 800 supporters to the Oregon Convention Center for a night inspired by the healing power of the great outdoors and the beauty of the Pacific Northwest. It was a theme embraced by CCA Founder Regina Ellis; Jessi Duley, Founder, BurnCycle; Amy Montagne, VP/GM Global Categories, Nike; Andrea Corradini, Women’s Global Senior Footwear Product Director, Nike; May Shelstad, VP/GMM Global Merchandising, Nike.
Joanna Summers, Young Athletes Operations, Nike, Inc.; Holly Moore, Principle, Holly Moore Design; Danielle York, President, CCA; Jennifer Balint, Senior Executive Recruiter, Amazon, Inc.; Carly Grimes, Lifestyle/Home Decor Designer, Merchandiser Mom LLC
Mike Ellis, Mary Lytle, and Andy Lytle, Division VP, Jackson Family Wines and CCA Board of Directors
Stephen Bowden, Academy Mortgage; and Quinlyn, CCA-served kid dressed as woodland animal
Paul Gulick, co-founder, InFocus, and his guests Lisa and Lou Williams
Nike team featuring Sabreena Cook, Blair Cook, Ashley McMullen, Matt McMullen, Natalie Howes, and Phil Howes
Mark Barzda, Gevurtz Menashe; Michael Preisz, Preisz and Associates; and Albert Menashe, Gevurtz Menashe
Doug Fish, Fish Marketing; Michelle DeCourcy; Rosemary Colliver, Board of Directors Chair and LAIKA, Inc.; Frank Weiss, Partner, Tonkon Torp
Portland band, Lenore, set the mood for the evening with their original song, “Breathe”.
Lilly Webb, teen speaker and Jesuit High School senior, shared her uplifting story of recovery and leadership
Scott Burton, Director of Revenue Management, Regence BlueCross BlueShield, CCA Board of Directors, co-hosted the main program
Painted Sky Northstar Dance Company kicked off the evening with an immersive performance celebrating the Pacific Northwest
Presenting sponsors, Regence BlueCross BlueShield
Celebration sponsor, Randall Children’s Hospital
CS Sheffield, Co-Chair, CCA Ambassador Board and National Oncology Account Manager, Merck, interviewing Bronwyn Houston, President, Randall Children’s Hospital, Legacy Emmanuel for Facebook Live
Will Carey, family speaker, and Sasquatch
John Power, Director of Sales, PDX Property Group; Kenneth Avery, Hasson; and Josh Hackenjos, Broker, Keller Williams
Abby Guyer, VP Brand, CCA; Clare Hamill, VP Global Growth Initiatives, Nike; Judi Davis; Regina Ellis, Founder and Chief Joy Officer, CCA.
“Upon founding CCA, we knew first-hand that kids needed more than medicine, so we set out to change the conversation in pediatric healthcare at a time when no one else was talking about joy in the same breath as cancer,” said Regina Ellis, Founder and Chief Joy Officer of Children’s Cancer Association during her keynote speech. “Reflecting on the past 23 years, CCA’s trailblazing programs have leveraged music, friendship, and nature to transform moments of pain, isolation and fear in children and teens with serious illness. We are the only organization of our kind positioning joy as best practice in children’s hospitals across the nation.”
A record-breaking paddle raise was led by Kelly Russell of Artisan Auctions following inspiring addresses from Jesuit High School senior, Lilly Webb, a member of CCA’s Young Adult Alliance; and CCA parent, Will Carey, who shared the powerful ways CCA continues to support his family, even after the loss of his son Jack fourteen years ago.
Wonderball event décor featured full campsite stage and lobby sets generously provided by REI and Cabela’s respectively. Other highlights included dramatic sunrise, sunset, and night sky lighting; real Douglas Fir trees and greenery; live chainsaw art; and Sasquatch himself, complementing camping themed cocktail and dinner menus including S’mores White Russians.
Guests enjoyed live music throughout the night with performances from Out West, Lenore, and a host of Portland “troubadour” musicians who played tableside during the dinner hour before the formal program began with a dramatic traditional dance from Painted Sky Northstar Dance Company. The evening ended with a sing-a-long rendition of “Country Roads, Take Me Home” followed by an after-party for late night revelers with DJ Rev Shines at Spirit of 77.
CCA’s Wonderball was made possible by the Presenting sponsor, Regence BlueCross Blue Shield of Oregon. Additional sponsors included PDX Property Group as Lead sponsor and Randall Children’s Hospital at Legacy Emanuel as Celebration sponsor
You can get involved by donating to Children’s Cancer Association at JoyRx.org/donate.
Portland, OR. In its 17th year, the Portland’s Original Iron Chef event raised nearly $200,000 to help keep children safe and build strong families. Chef Christian Russell of The Steakhouse at 9900 was named the 2018 Portland’s Original Iron Chef by a popular vote. He was one of many top local chefs who participated in the culinary benefit. The funds raised will be directed toward the work of three LifeWorks NW‘s Children’s Relief Nurseries that serve children and their caregivers to intervene in situations of child abuse and neglect. Through therapeutic classrooms, parenting classes, home visits and more, the Nurseries see proven positive outcomes in family relationships and children’s development. (Photo credit, Andie Petkus)
Auctioneer Chris Sheik and Steve Dunn, emcee
Chef Bryant Kryck prepares appetizers
Huber’s Chef Julius Baliola
Winning appetizers prepared by Chef Christian Russell and The Steakhouse at 9900 team.
Chef Christian Russell of The Steakhouse at 9900 shows off his prize for taking top honors.
The El Gaucho Portland team takes time for a selfie.
Alto Bajo showcases traditional Mexican flavors in a modern, distinctive way. At the event it showed off this mushroom stump table decor.
Portland’s Original Iron Chef 2018 competitors included:
Every eight minutes in Oregon there is a report of child abuse or neglect. At LifeWorks NW we are fighting to keep children safe and families strong through the proven programs at our Children’s Relief Nurseries.
Mission
Our mission at LifeWorks NW is to promote a healthy community by providing quality and culturally responsive mental health and addiction services across the lifespan.
Vero Beach, Fla. Portland’s Lara Tennant arrived at Orchid Island Golf & Beach Club having won just one match in a USGA amateur championship in eight starts, but on October 11th she captured the USGA Senior Women’s Amateur Championship in convincing fashion. “I would say except for last year, all of the other USGA championships I played in, I probably prepared two weeks before,” explained Tennant. “With five kids I was never prepared like I am now. Since I turned 50 I was able to have the time to prepare, and I would say I have a new passion for golf.”
Making the experience even more exciting, Lara’s 78-year-old father, George Mack, served as her caddie. He was enjoying the experience even before the final round. “How can you beat this?” said Mack, “Regardless of what happens tomorrow, it doesn’t matter because we’ve had a great time.”
Tennant never trailed on Thursday, defeating Sue Wooster, 56, of Australia, 3 and 2, in the 18-hole championship match, USGA official Scott Lipsky, reported.
Tennant was able to build a cushion on the back nine on Thursday by taking advantage of some late miscues by Wooster.
As the runner-up, Wooster receives an exemption into the 2019 U.S. Senior Women’s Open, as well as a three-year exemption into the U.S. Senior Women’s Amateur and exemptions into the 2019 U.S. Women’s Amateur and U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur.
What the Champion Receives
Custody of the U.S. Senior Women’s Amateur Trophy for one year
Gold medal
10-year exemption in the U.S. Senior Women’s Amateur
2-year exemption into the U.S. Senior Women’s Open
2-year exemption into the U.S. Women’s Amateur
2-year exemption into the U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur
Here are some details about the final matchup:
SUE WOOSTER
LARA TENNANT
56
Age
51
Lysterfield, Victoria, Australia
Hometown
Portland, Ore.
N/A
College
University of Arizona
Round of 32 (2016, 2017)
Best Previous Finish in this Championship
Round of 64 (2017)
No. 5 / 87 holes played
Seeding / Match Holes Played
No. 10 / 83 holes played
Defeated 2013 runner-up Susan Cohn in the semifinals, 3 and 2
Notable Victory
Defeated 2004 U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur champion Corey Weworski in the quarterfinals, 3 and 2
25
Age Started Playing
10
Has won national golf championships in Australia, Canada, and New Zealand
Noteworthy
Was co-medalist in her U.S. Senior Women’s Amateur debut in 2017
Has advanced to match play in all nine USGA amateur championships in which she has competed
USGA Credentials
Has been competing in USGA championships dating back to the 1983 U.S. Girls’ Junior
Did not start playing golf competitively until she was in her 40s
Fun Fact
Made the first hole-in-one in U.S. Senior Women’s Open history earlier this year
Portland, OR. Over 200 women joined forces for the 17th annual Circle of Strength Women’s Fundraising Brunch. Guests, like excited raffle winner, Maryliz Herron, gathered at Riverside Golf and Country Club on September 29th for an afternoon of coffee, brunch, and conversation. The women had a common purpose—to raise money for women and children who cannot afford mental health care. The benefit for Northwest Catholic Counseling raised $75,000. (Photo credit, Megan Ziegenfus)
Table hostess, Diane Millemann (third from left), and her enthusiastic guests.
The event speaker, Jennifer Pepin, inspired the theme for this year, “The Art of Healing.” Diagnosed with bi-polar disorder in her 20’s, Jennifer shared about her own mental health journey. Jennifer is the owner of the J. Pepin Art Gallery, located in the Pearl District. In an effort to break down stigma, the gallery only features artists living with mental illness. Jennifer believes that by working together, the landscape of mental health can be one of hope, dreams, and believing in a more accepting world.
A room full of women dedicated to empowering other women in their community.
Event speaker and former NCC client, Marchelle Carl
Marchelle Carl was the client speaker of the event. She first came to NCC for counseling as a young child and has continued off and on through adulthood. The Center and its staff have walked with Marchelle, offering support through the struggles, losses, and pains of life. Marchelle would not have been able to access counseling if not for the sliding scale fee offered at The Northwest Catholic Counseling Center. Through their generosity, the women gathered at Circle of Strength expressed their belief that no woman or child should ever be denied access to counseling.
Here’s a video about the program:
From Northwest Catholic Counseling Center:
For three decades The Northwest Catholic Counseling Center has worked for social justice – the idea that we all share a common humanity, have a right to equal treatment, are due a fair allocation of community resources, and are valued in our diversity. Recent events, including hateful and degrading rhetoric and violent attacks against minorities, call to the Staff and Board of NCC to redouble our commitment and stand firm in our values. As we move forward, NCC will speak out more on injustice on our website and Facebook pages. We will educate more on mental health issues and those needing help. We will look for public opportunities to show our solidarity with others.
Portland, OR. Hundreds of supporters flocked to the Portland Art Museum for the 13th Annual Bridge Meadows IMAGINE Fall Auction & Gala. (Bridge Meadows supports former foster youth, adoptive families and elders in a residential setting.) At the September 20th benefit, leaders of the nonprofit announced that they’re looking for new sites in Oregon to build intergenerational housing. Auction items included the Bridge Meadows Courtyard in Felt created by Xander Griffith Art. (Photo credit, Paul Rich)
KGW’s Drew Carney and auctioneer Johnna Wells
Supporter, Howard Hedinger, hits the photo book with some young Bridge Meadow fans.
Cathedral Park Performing Arts Collective intergenerational choir
Executive Director Dr. Derenda Schubert
This is a video from the most recent ribbon cutting of the Bridge Meadow complex in Beaverton:
From Bridge Meadow:
Bridge Meadows is a unique multi-generational community with locations in North Portland and Beaverton where children formerly in foster care, adoptive parents and elders – those over 55 – find a true home built with love and the shared vision of a better tomorrow. Children move from the instability of foster care placements to permanent homes and families where they find the stability, caring connections and educational support they need to succeed and re-calibrate the trajectory of their lives. Parents receive essential resources and guidance, while elders find safe, affordable housing and an opportunity to make a significant difference in the lives of families and children- all while building meaningful social connections that keep them active and healthy. By leveraging the power of place, permanence and purpose, Bridge Meadows helps three generations transform individual vulnerability into collective strength.
Portland, OR.Portland Opera is pulling out all the stops to build excitement for its first big production of the season next month. It is holding an open rehearsal of the organization’s chorus as they prepare for November’s production of Verdi’s La Traviata. The outdoor public working rehearsal on Sunday, October 7th will be held in Director Park (815 SW Park Ave) from 2:00-4:00 pm and will feature the opera chorus. In addition to the rehearsal, downtown shoppers are getting a glimpse of some of the costumes for the production.
The Mercantile at 7th and Alder has a special La Traviata costume in the window.
Portland Opera’s Costume Director Christine A. Richardson and her staff are working on dozens of period ensembles.
Christopher Mattaliano, Portland Opera’s general director, supervises every the detail of the productions. “I am very excited to begin our new season with a traditional production of a work by one of my favorite composers, Giuseppe Verdi,” says Christopher Mattaliano. “This magnificent score and story are deeply human, and although it was composed 165 years ago, the situations and characters continue to resonate with audiences today.”
Sets and costumes are a big part of the spectacle of the opera experience.
Romanian soprano Aurelia Florian makes her Portland Opera debut as the tour de force heroine. The famous Italian opera, La Traviata, tells the story of the brilliant and beautiful Parisian courtesan Violetta Valéry and her forbidden love. Haunted by illness, Violetta navigates sexual politics and societal expectations as she endures a broken heart.
Portland Opera will present four performances of La Traviata on November 2, 4 (matinee), 8, and 10 at the Keller Auditorium. Tickets start at $35 and are available atwww.portlandopera.org, or by calling 503-241-1802.
From Portland Opera:
Portland Opera exists to inspire, challenge, and uplift our audiences by creating productions of high artistic quality that celebrate the beauty and breadth of opera. The company produces both classic and contemporary opera, which are performed in the Keller Auditorium, Newmark Theatre, and the Gregory K. and Mary Chomenko Hinckley Studio Theatre at the Hampton Opera Center. All performances are sung in the original language with English surtitles projected above the stage.
Portland Opera’s 2018/19 season features Verdi’s La Traviata, Laura Kaminsky’s As One,the annual Big Night concert, Rossini’s Il Barbiere di Siviglia, Mozart’s La Finta Giardiniera, and Philip Glass’s In the Penal Colony. The company is also a committed educational partner, touring staged operas to schools and community centers throughout Oregon and SW Washington region each year, in addition to a host of other efforts designed to make opera accessible for all.
Portland, OR. With more than 55 percent of pets overweight, many are at risk for serious health issues. While human weight loss issues continuously top the headlines, National Pet Obesity Awareness Day (Wednesday, October 10) serves as a reminder that obesity is also a serious epidemic among the nation’s pet population.
An estimated 60 percent of cats and 56 percent of dogs in the United States are overweight or obese, according to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention. Overweight pets are in danger of health problems that can lead to chronic diseases or even emergency situations. Primary risks of excess weight in pets include:
Degenerative joint disease
Insulin resistance and Type 2 Diabetes
High blood pressure
Heart and respiratory disease
Knee injuries
Kidney disease
Many forms of cancer
Decreased life expectancy (up to 2.5 years)
“Some pets may have legitimate health conditions that lead to obesity, such as hypothyroidism, which can be worked up and treated by your family veterinarian,” said Dr. Ladan Mohammad-Zadeh, a critical care specialist at DoveLewis Veterinary Emergency and Specialty Hospital. “Unfortunately, most overweight pets suffer from loving parents who spoil them with too many treats or table scraps and more cuddling than exercise. Their intentions might be good, but this overfeeding can lead to obesity and many health concerns.”
How can you tell if your pet is overweight? If weight gain is gradual, it may be difficult to notice. Feel around your pet’s midsection while they are standing. If you have trouble feeling the ribs and spine, or if your pet lacks an hourglass shape at the waist, consult your regular veterinarian about your pet’s weight. If needed, your vet will be able to set up a weight loss plan.
Pet Weight Loss Tips
Reduce calories – Look up the proper amount of food for a pet’s breed and size. Then write down everything your dog or cat eats for a few days. Compare the two numbers to see if your pet is eating more than the recommended daily amount. If the difference is substantial, consult your veterinarian to determine the best course of action for adjusting your pet’s diet plan.
Rethink treats – Offer treats sparingly and choose low-calorie options. Many dogs like carrot sticks and fresh green beans because they are crunchy. Treat-dispensing toys that make your pets work to release a treat is also a great alternative.
Daily, low-impact exercise – Start by simply increasing the number of steps your pet takes each day. Begin by having them move around the house with you from room to room. For dogs, you can then increase their exercise by walking them to your mailbox or around the yard. Eventually, they will be able to take longer walks. Dog parks are also a great way to encourage activity and play time. For cats, experts recommend at least 15 minutes of active play time a day. Experiment with a variety of toys to see which ones appeal to your feline.
Provide pain relief – If your pet is experiencing pain (possibly due to age, joint issues or recovery from a treatment), consult your regular veterinarian to find ways to reduce the pain and increase movement with prescription medication, heating pads, massage or even acupuncture.
Hydrotherapy – Dogs who enjoy water will love running on a submerged treadmill, which is a safe, low-impact way to burn calories. There are several canine swim centers in the Portland area, and hydrotherapy can help with everything from weight loss to arthritis.
With proper diet, exercise and advice from your regular veterinarian, pets can lose weight safely and live longer, happier, healthier life.
About DoveLewis Veterinary Emergency and Specialty Hospital
DoveLewis Emergency Animal Hospital, established in 1973 and based in Portland, Oregon, is the only nonprofit, 24-hour emergency and intensive care unit in the region. With 45 years of service to the community, DoveLewis has treated more than 500,000 animals. DoveLewis also has seven donor-supported community programs that serve animals in need and the animal-loving community. For more information, please visit dovelewis.org.
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