Portland, OR. The 2020 Oregon wildfire season was one of the most destructive on record in the state of Oregon; more than one million acres of forestry burned taking homes as well. In response to the fires, Oregon Parks Forever set a goal of raising funds to plant one million trees. Currently, funding and planning are in the early stages with a goal of beginning to replant trees this Fall at the earliest.
Seth Miller, Executive Director of Oregon Parks Forever, touches on the benefits of replanting trees, “Why should we replant after a fire? Trees provide the very necessities of life. They clear our air, protect our drinking water, create healthy communities and feed our souls. Our forests provide critical wildlife habitat, natural beauty, and recreational opportunities. They sequester carbon and help reduce soil erosion by stabilizing slopes and preventing landslides.”
According to Miller, Oregon fires this past summer was more than twice the amount of damage the state has experienced in recent years.
Depending on how much money is raised and after determining the greatest need and potential impact, Oregon Parks Forever will work with the following agencies and county departments:
Public land managers from the US Forest Service
Oregon Department of Forestry
Bureau of Land Management
Oregon Parks & Recreation
County park departments in Clackamas, Marion, Lane, and Jackson counties
More than 1 million acres of forest in Oregon burned this past summer.
By planting these trees, Oregon Parks Forever aims to have the highest impact of visual benefits as well as recreational. According to Miller, U.S. Route 22 between Salem to Bend has one of the highest burn areas and will be a high priority area.
This comes at a time where budgets of public land managers are already stressed due to ongoing funding challenges and the COVID-19 pandemic according to Miller. There are a number of promotional events going on currently, including a promotion for Oregon Parks Forever with KGW TV for the next couple of months.
Promotions with other TV stations will also occur later this Spring along with a co-branding deal with a winery, brewery, and cidery in the summertime. To help raise the funds needed in order to complete the goal of one million trees the organization is in need of donations.
From the Oregon Parks Forever website:
There are currently three ways to help donate:
Use this link to the Oregon Parks Forever website to make a donation
Send a TEXT to 41444 with the message REPLANT
Use your Smartphone camera at this QR code below
Currently, there are no volunteer opportunities available at this early stage but keep an eye out for Oregon Parks Forever monthly newsletter with the most current updates on the project. Use this link to access the Wildfire Impact Panel video recording that Oregon Parks Forever held on Nov. 17, 2020, about the fires. The passcode for the recording is: trees4parks!
Our mission is to raise funds to enhance and preserve special places and experiences in Oregon’s parks, now and for generations to come, and to encourage and promote an outdoor lifestyle.
Portland, OR. Each day, more than 8,000 children are in Oregon’s foster care system. They need stable, supportive, and loving foster parents. Boys & Girls Aid is offering online foster care information sessions this winter. There’s a lot to learn according to educators, “Our info sessions are low-key opportunities for you to gather information about foster parenting, and to meet our amazing Outreach Coordinator.
Here’s a video about the experience of being a foster parent:
According to Boys & Girls Aid, “The need for foster parents is still urgent. To join our meeting from the comfort of your own home, please register below to an online info session, our Outreach Coordinator will contact you and provide you with a link to join our free online info session.”
In 1885, Boys & Girls Aid was founded in response to a crisis. Children were being abandoned on the streets of Portland with nowhere to go. The agency created a home for these children to go to and connect in the community to find families for them.
You may register online here: https://www.boysandgirlsaid.org/fostercare.
Learn about fostering with Boys & Girls Aid
Thursday, January 28th 12:00pm – 1:00pm
Online info session
Learn about fostering with Boys & Girls Aid
Wednesday, February 3rd 5:00pm – 6:00pm
Online info session
Learn about fostering with Boys & Girls Aid
Thursday, February 18th 12:00pm – 1:00pm
Online info session
From Boys & Girls Aid:
This is Boys & Girls Aid’s solution. Children in foster care need families who know their history and are invested in their future. The cycle of foster care is a brutal one that ends with children struggling as adults. To avoid this, we need to ensure their future safety and resolve their past traumas by connecting them with a forever family.
Our journey to end the cycle of foster care is not one we want to go at alone. Join us in building a better future for children in Oregon.
Over 135 years later and Oregon is facing a new crisis.
More than 8,000 children are living in Oregon’s foster care system. This morning, these children woke up in a bed that is not theirs, they are living without their parents, their siblings, their family pet, their teachers, and friends. They are living in limbo, unsure about their future.
Portland, OR. Portland/Metro East and Willamette West Habitat affiliates have joined forces and become Habitat for Humanity Portland Region. Leaders say now they can serve more people like Sandra (pictured above in the center with her family). “As I built my house for my own children, the feeling is hard to describe,” Sandra explained. “It’s kind of like standing on top of the roof saying, ‘Oh my God, this is mine, I did this.”
With the expansion, the nonprofit’s leaders say they will be able to tackle the shortage of affordable homeownership with even more efficiency.
“As each organization has grown, it has become increasingly clear that we can have a greater impact in our region as a single organization that fully integrates our programs and staff,” states CEO Steve Messinetti.
The new Habitat for Humanity Portland Region has four active build sites. Habitat for Humanity provides homeownership opportunities to families earning as little as $30,000 a year.
The organization is offering an overview of each of the new projects:
Simpson
At Simpson, we are building a 10-home community in the heart of the Cully neighborhood. Located on the 6300 block of Killingsworth Street, this community will be home to a diverse set of homebuyers. Of the 10 homes, there will be two-, three-, and four-bedroom options along with one parking space per unit and will feature electric-powered appliances, fenced backyards, and Earth Advantage certification. Currently, three of the four duplexes and triplexes have been framed. The first unit’s mechanical, electrical, and plumbing installation has been completed with the next units’ rough-installs occurring in January and February.
Kenton
In Kenton, Habitat is building a 30-home community consisting of two structures reaching three stories high. These 30 sustainable homes are located at the intersection of N. Interstate Avenue and N. Kilpatrick Street in the Kenton neighborhood. Many of the homes will be sold to homebuyers who have generational ties to the area, as part of the City’s North/Northeast Preference Policy—a tool that helps address the harmful impacts of marginalization and displacement.
So far, 12 homes are in the finishing stage, which will continue into January. Home interior finishes are being installed, including: lighting, appliances, flooring, and painting. Final exterior finishes, such as a ramp for accessibility, corridor deck waterproof coating, mailboxes, bicycle racks, and address numbers are also being installed. Once our crews do a final deep cleaning of each unit, we’ll welcome homeowners in early 2021! Then, we’ll move onto building 18 more homes. Right now, we’re working with sub-contractors to help lay the foundation. We will begin framing in early 2021.
Cherry Blossom
Located in the Mill Park neighborhood in SE Portland, Habitat’s newest community will consist of 31 homes. This community will feature a green space, playground, one garage for each unit, and the homes will vary in size from two- to five-bedrooms. Right now, we’re installing the retaining walls to secure the homes on the property’s slope. The stormwater, sewer, and water service pipes installation is complete. Soon, we will lay foundations and framing for each home.
Denney Gardens
Denney Gardens is located in SW Beaverton and will be a 16-home community. Currently, the project is about half-way completed. Eight homebuyers and their families have already purchased and are now living in their homes. The remaining eight units consist of two triplexes and a duplex. Right now, one building is nearly through electrical and plumbing installation and will have insulation and drywall installed at the end of January. On the other two homes, we are excavating the final portion of land and pouring concrete foundations, which include: home slabs, garages, and sidewalks. This process is scheduled to be completed by the end of January, soon followed by framing.
Olin
We are excited to announce that Olin Townhomes in the Portsmouth Neighborhood is nearly complete! We are so grateful for all of the support we have received to get these N/NE Preference Policy homes built. Congratulations to Habitat’s newest homeowners!
We are so grateful for the many donors, volunteers, and homebuyers who made these homes a reality! Though it isn’t possible right now, we cannot wait to welcome back Habitat’s many construction-site volunteers.
This year, 2021, is the 40th anniversary of Habitat for Humanity working in the Portland region. Habitat Portland/Metro East and Willamette West Habitat have long, successful track records. Since its founding in 1981, Habitat Portland/Metro East has partnered with more than 1,700 people, and Willamette West Habitat nearly 700 people, to purchase affordable homes and receive critical home repairs.
Portland, OR. Many Oregonians have a longstanding tradition of plunging into frigid waters every February to raise money and awareness for Special Olympics Oregon. Members of the law enforcement community, seen above, often headed into the water as a group. But because of the Covid-19 pandemic, the nonprofit won’t be gathering to Plunge together in 2021. Instead, people can sign up for the new Virtual Plunge.
Here’s a video about this year’s plunge:
Here are the options for the 2021 Plunge:
Option 1 – Hit the Great Outdoors:
✓ Plunge down the slopes (sled, ski, snowboard)
✓ Snowball fight/hug a snowman
✓ Snow angels in a swimsuit
✓ Run, walk or roll in the Polar 5K/10K
Option 2 – Chill at Home:
✓ Bucket of cold water
✓ Garden hose/sprinkler
✓ Slip n’ Slide
✓ Water balloons/Super Soakers
✓ Cold shower, tub, or a kiddie pool
✓ Cold drink
Here’s a video about the fundraising effort:
State leaders say through the power of sports, people with intellectual disabilities discover new strengths and abilities, skills and success.
From Special Olympics Oregon:
Special Olympics Oregon believes in the transformative power and pure joy of athletic competition. Every day across the state, we help children and adults with intellectual disabilities become athletes and grow a strong, supportive community of advocates. Through year-round training and serious competition, Special Olympics participants journey along a proven pathway to better health, essential life skills and lifelong friendships.
Portland, OR. The Oregon Justice Resource Center is one of 13 nonprofits selected to receive grant money from The National Football League (NFL). The Player-Owner Social Justice Working Group is handing out a total of nearly $4.3 million in #InspireChange grants. Seattle Seahawk’s Russell Wilson (seen above) supports the Inspire Change program. In Oregon, this year’s funds will support the Women’s Justice Project – the Oregon nonprofit that addresses the needs of women in the criminal justice system to provide direct legal services, public awareness campaigns, and advocacy.
The goal of the Oregon Justice Resource Center is to promote civil rights and improve legal representation for communities that have often been underserved in the past: people living in poverty and people of color among them.
Program managers say they work to ensure the criminal legal system treats women fairly, protects their health and safety, and makes it possible for them to successfully rejoin their communities when they are released.
“As a league, we are proud to provide financial support for such impactful programs that inspire change, but we know our work as a league and at the team level in the cities where we play is not done and we must continue to support the march against social injustice,” said Atlanta Falcons Owner and Chairman and member of the Player-Owner Social Justice Working Group, Arthur Blank. “This past year opened the eyes of so many to the inequality suffered by many of our fellow brothers and sisters, neighbors and associates. We will continue to stand with our players as we address underlying issues and bring people together to achieve meaningful, positive change.”
The Working Group also made a commitment to address the “digital divide,” a longstanding barrier to internet and technology access in the U.S., particularly in communities of color.
This year these disparities have been exacerbated due to the COVID-19 pandemic where students and families were forced to learn and work from home. As such, the Working Group voted to dedicate an additional $1 million earmarked specifically for NFL clubs to work with local nonprofits to help alleviate the “digital divide” in areas that need the most support.
“Education is a basic human right, and we can no longer deprive students of the tools they need to succeed, including devices and the Internet,” said Kelvin Beachum, Players Coalition task force member, Player-Owner Social Justice Working Group member, and Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman. “I am proud of the work Players Coalition and the NFL has done to help close this ‘digital divide’ and help those children in underserved communities. There is a lot more work to do, and I hope together with support from the new federal government we will be able to continue what we’ve started and make sure no child’s education suffers because of lack of resources.”
In addition, the NFL Foundation has now provided more than 1,200 matching grants to current players and Legends for nonprofits of their choice to help reduce barriers to opportunity. These grants have supported more than 500 nonprofit organizations in areas ranging from education to racial equality.
Here’s a list of all of this year’s recipients:
Association for Enterprise Opportunity will utilize its funding to support the “RESILI” program designed to provide strategy and developmental assistance to local Black-owned businesses and target the wealth gap that exists between Black and white American families.
Boys & Girls Clubs of America will use the funding to support its Youth for Change Town Hall and the creation of the TLC Youth Advocacy process, an effort to further educate 5,000 teens and build advocacy capacity via service-learning projects. The organization will also train 32 staff members on leading Wellness Mentoring Circles to address topics related to culture, history, and customs in the context of community.
Breakthrough Miami will focus its grant to advance the Changemaker Leadership Track supporting current Breakthrough Scholars and recent alumni to build capacities to challenge the digital divide, gain early work experience, college advising, financial literacy, and leadership development.
Center for Policing Equity: plans to expand COMPSTAT usage– software that tracks incidents, identifies trends, and holds departments accountable by measuring crime. The organization combines data collected from COMPSTAT with census information (geographic markers, racial disparities, etc.) to more accurately measure justice.
Covenant House will strengthen its workforce development and education services across the U.S., providing support specifically designed to meet the needs of youth and young families facing homelessness.
Just City-Memphis will use the funding to support the Memphis Community Bail Fund, the Clean Slate Fund, and Court Watch programs. Memphis Bail Fund has freed more than 500 people from pretrial detention, while the Clean Slate Fund helps people navigate the complicated process of expungement. Court Watch trains and places volunteers in courts to observe – targeting the disproportionate impact the system has on people of color.
Ladies of Hope Ministries will use the grant to support its Faces of Women Imprisoned Speakers Bureau, Parole and Probation Accountability Project, and EPIC Ambassadors policy advocacy project. Through its #RewritingHerStory series, the LOHM changes the narrative about women and girls who are directly affected by the criminal justice system and transforms policies and practices that limit opportunities and exacerbate a cycle of poverty, trauma, harm, and incarceration. National ambassadors work directly with policymakers to address probation restrictions, and police and community relations.
MENTOR will increase its resources and tools on virtual mentoring made available to mentoring programs nationwide. The organization will continue to recruit and train people, schools, and employers to bolster youth mentoring, advocate, organize, and advise the government to create policies that integrate mentoring, and provide research and training on mentoring best practices through their local affiliates and the overall intersection of social, racial, and economic equity and supportive relationships.
Oregon Justice Resource Center will use its funding to support the Women’s Justice Project – the first and only program in Oregon that addresses the needs of women in the criminal justice system. The program provides direct legal services, public awareness campaigns, and advocacy coordination.
Per Scholas will enroll 220 new individuals into their Software Engineering courses – a 15-week, full-time training program that will include technical instruction and professional development in efforts to advance economic equity.
Texas Appleseed will use its funding to support the organization’s work in three areas that that disproportionately affect Black and Latinx Texans from low-income backgrounds: driver’s license suspensions, criminal record expungement, and debt collection.
United Way Worldwide will put the funding toward the Young Men United initiative, a national platform which aims to support 25,000 young men of color in the United States to and through post-secondary and into entry level career positions. United Way Worldwide and local United Ways will provide mentorships, internships, college and career readiness supports, and need-based funding to support each student, over the course of six years, beginning in junior year of high school and continuing through college graduation.
US Dream Academy will use its funding to aid in the continuation of the Children of Incarcerated Parents initiative, providing mentorship, leadership training, educational support and career readiness for a unique population of primarily Black and Latinx young people in communities harmed by racial bias and mass incarceration.
Portland, OR. Portland Rose Festival Foundation has elected Dave Todd (pictured with his grandson, Henry) as the new president for a two-year term. Todd is a retired Navy Captain (Reserve) and recently retired from a 33-year career as a university-level teacher. Todd plans on leading a group of board members into the new year of 2021 with the theme “Hope Reigns” for the Portland Rose Festival.
Todd shared his thoughts on the transition into the new year, “All of us feel a sense of loss as we look back on the year that spun out of control and changed our Festival so dramatically. Even so, those of us who work and volunteer for the Festival remain grateful that we are privileged to be a part of the world’s best Festival. The pay-forward for that privilege is we must do everything we can to make sure that the Festival does what it needs to do whenever people are able to return to it. We want the Festival always to be an escape, a celebration, and not a reminder of what was lost.”
“Hope Reigns” 2021 Portland Rose Festival Theme
Todd also served as a Rose Festival Director for 31 years where he worked on a wide variety of committees, held all but one of the Foundation’s elective offices, and chaired multiple committees including seven terms as Chair of the Fleet Committee.
Secretary Dr. Thompson Faller – University of Portland (Retired)
Treasurer Bill Poppino – Corporate Airline Pilot
Assistant Treasurer Dayna Kirk – The Standard
The Festival board has also elected three new directors for 2021 including Steve Welch, a Senior Mortgage Banker with Guild Mortgage Company and member of the Rose Festival Clowns. Tragically on Jan. 3, 2021, Welch passed away due to a non- COVID illness.
Welch was well respected by the Rose Festival staff and volunteers not only for his wonderful antics as a member of the Festival’s clown family but as an incredibly warm and compassionate person.
The elected 2021 Directors include:
Tamara (Tam) Allison – Associate Financial Analyst at Portland General Electric
Steven Welch – Senior Mortgage Banker with Guild Mortgage Company (deceased)
Mary Abbott Young – Realtor with Coldwell Banker
Looking forward, Todd speaks on health and continuing the tradition of the Portland Rose Festival, “The health of our community and our friends around the world remains the most important thing. The Portland Rose Festival is here to stay. We continue to plan for a Rose Festival celebration when conditions allow.”
From Portland Rose Festival website: The Portland Rose Festival Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit that serves families and individuals with programs and events that promote the arts, education, and volunteerism. We value environmental responsibility, diversity, patriotism, and our historic & floral heritage.
Portland, OR. With ongoing COVID-related restrictions still in place, you may be looking for some fun and fulfilling ways to pass the time. Portland’s Architectural Heritage Center (established back in 1987) has a “Virtual Museum” online series exploring the history of South Portland. Images like the one above are part of the collection. For those who’ve grown up in and around Portland, or even those new to the city, the black-and-white historical photographs and accompanying information offer an intriguing gaze back into a not-so-distant past.
The Architectural Heritage Center located at 701 SE Grand.
Part of this new online platform includes a partnership with Brian Libby’s XRAY.FM podcast. With an episode focusing on the specific Portland block of 10th Avenue and Alder Street and its 125-year history, the podcast explores the ever-changing culture here in Portland through historical records, photographs, and more. It’s free to listen to and has a whole lot of content available, including episodes on the Portland Art Museum, the Lincoln Hall, and the Portland Building.
Pictured is a c.1910 postcard of the Hazelwood Creamery, located in the Selling-Hirsch building, one of the places discussed in the podcast.
AHC’s biggest event is its annual Gala. This event, typically attracting over 250 members, aims to connect the community while showcasing the AHC’s work within Portland. While COVID restrictions will not allow this event to take place in-person this year, the Gala will still continue on to a virtual format. This will take place on February 25, 2021, and will be free and open to all who desire to attend.
Grocery and Deli in South Portland, 1958. Photo courtesy Portland Archives and Records Center.
The Architectural Heritage Center has always been a nonprofit and thrives off of volunteer work. It is currently looking for volunteers who are passionate about the mission and goals. If you don’t have the skill requirements or availability for one of these positions, they are always happy for any donations received from patrons and this can be done in a number of ways.
About Portland’s Architectural Heritage Center from their website:
The Architectural Heritage Center is a significant historic preservation education facility for the Portland region and plays an important role in celebrating and advocating for the architectural heritage of our city and region. The Center includes two exhibition galleries, two classrooms, workshop space, a library, collections storage spaces, and the Foundation’s offices.
Public historic preservation programming, begun in 1992, continues at the AHC, as well as at historic sites and neighborhoods throughout the Portland metro area. We have served the needs of more than 65,000 people. Continued progress is being made on the professional inventory and documentation of the collections.
Portland, OR. A message from editor, Elisa Klein. First, thank you for caring about our local nonprofits! At Portland Society Page, our coverage is often of exciting events held to raise money for worthy causes. We also spotlight inspiring volunteers who are the lifeblood of many local charities. Necessary Covid-19 restrictions meant that most volunteers had to stay away from the charities they love. Supporters who usually flock to galas were social distancing in 2020 and lamenting the fact that large gatherings had to be prohibited. All the while, nonprofit professionals put forth Herculean efforts to keep their organizations afloat, many from their home offices. Some sectors, like human services, have seen a surge of donations, while arts organizations have struggled mightily without the benefit of ticket sales.
Yet through these exceptional times, the generosity of our community remains constant. Nonprofits promoting social justice have seen renewed interest. Donations have brought hope to thousands of our friends and neighbors. The thankful include the elderly living alone receiving hot meals, children with learning differences finding support through zoom, brilliant performance artists feeding their families with grant money, and bone-tired frontline workers using donated personal protective equipment.
2020 zoom photo, Elisa Klein
Martin Luther King, Jr. said, “We must accept finite disappointment, but we must never lose infinite hope.” Your interest in the nonprofit community offers hope. Together, let’s look forward to a better and brighter 2021!
Thank you, Elisa Klein
Now, we’ll share the stories you read most this year in reverse order.
So there you have it, the most-read stories of 2020 on Portland Society Page! We look forward to providing our coverage of local nonprofit news in 2021. Upward on onward!
A Lifestyle Story: Skiers are getting the hang of adhering to new Covid-19 restrictions at Mount Hood Meadows (MHM). Many have been impressed with the respect shown by others.
Physical distancing, face masks, regular sanitizing, individual responsibility, and accountability are required for guests and employees.
Skiers must buy tickets in advance, so here’s a link: https://www.skihood.com/ Mount Hood Meadows is the largest ski resort on Mount Hood. It’s located about 67 miles east of Portland.
MHM spokesperson, Dave Tragethon explains how skiers should think about hitting the slopes. “Think of Meadows as your fitness and meditation center. Come on up, get your workout, spend time reflecting, gain some insight, and then head back down the mountain refreshed. Make room for others who are in need of this same enrichment.”
The team at Meadows put together a video of one “Bluebird Day” in mid-December, with, “Fresh snow from the night before, temps in the teens, and a great groom. A lot of mountain open, with all six high-speed quads, plus four other lifts operating, helped spread out the crowd.”
Dave Tragethon explains that messaging about being patient and kind is resonating with skiers who have taken 2020 suggestions to heart, including:
Giving each other space at the lift lines
Observing and respecting the indoor capacity signage
Sharing outdoor dining space – limiting their time to the allotted 30 minutes and only for those who have purchased
Giving space on shuttle buses and in the queuing lines
Being considerate of those who are arriving for the noon and 2 PM shifts. Once you’ve got your turns in, head out to make room for others coming in
If Meadows reaches parking capacity, don’t park in other Sno-Parks, such as Teacup – leave room for others who want to cross country ski or snowshoe. There is no shuttling service to these Sno-Parks, and hiking is dangerous
“We thank all those who are putting others first while protecting themselves by wearing face masks properly at all times in our parking lots, lodge and deck areas, in lift lines, and on the lifts. Let’s take this spirit of caring for each other another step when planning our time on the mountain.”
Liftlines can be a bit longer than usual even though attendance is limited. Because of Covid-19, skiers are no longer seated four across with people from outside of their families. Most skiers ride up two at a time.
Masks are required on chairlifts and in lift lines.
Covid-19 protocols also necessitate that masks or face coverings are required:
• Indoors at all times (except when eating)
• On shuttles
• In parking lots
• All other outdoor locations where you can’t maintain six feet of distance from those not in your party
From Mount Hood Meadows, here are answers to FAQ:
Are reservations required? Season pass holders don’t need a reservation. Lift tickets must be purchased online in advance by at least 3 PM the day before you want to come up. Lessons and rentals must be purchased at least 48 hours in advance online. We will not sell any tickets, lessons or rentals at the resort this season.When do I need to purchase a lift ticket? Tickets must be purchased online in advance by at least 3 PM the day before you want to come up. Lessons and rentals need to be purchased online at least 48 hours in advance.What days can I use my Value Pass? Value Passes are valid every day, but on Peak Days they won’t work until 2 PM. Peak Days are December 26 – January 3, Saturdays and Sundays from January to March 7, MLK and Presidents Day Mondays. Get all the details on our Value Pass FAQ page.What if I want to use my Value Pass during the day on a Peak Day? You will need to purchase a ticket to ride during the day on a Peak Day.
When is my Night Pass valid? Night Passes are valid starting December 16, 2020, Wednesday through Sunday nights (from 2 to 9 PM), as well as extended night operations during the holidays. Night operations are scheduled to run through early March.
Do I need a reservation with my USSA Gold Pass? No, but you do need to pick up a ticket from the Concierge Desk.
Do I need a reservation with my Elite Pass? No, you can either purchase a pass and piece of media for $12 for the season, or just a piece of media for $2 and come have it reloaded at the Ticket Booth when you want to use it.
I have a season pass, but couldn’t park in the lot because it was full. Is there anything you can do? We are sorry you didn’t get in the lot. On busy days, we recommend getting here early or planning on coming up in the evening for night skiing and riding.
What if I come up without a Season Pass or lift ticket – can I take my chances? No, sorry lift tickets, lessons and rentals must be purchased online in advance. We will not be selling these at the resort this season.
What if I lost my pass? You can get a new piece of RFID media to replace your lost pass for $2 at the ticket booth outside the main lodge, or at the ticket windows at HRM.
Portland, OR. The season of giving doesn’t have to end with Christmas; it can continue through AmazonSmile, a program that automatically donates to a nonprofit organization of your choice. The program offers all of the same items, prices, and benefits of online shopping while donating 0.5% of your purchases to the charity of your choice. Some even use AmazonSmile while shopping on their phones, as seen above.
A recent quarterly AmazonSmile notification informed shoppers that the Oregon Food Bank (seen above before the pandemic) recently received a donation of $1,752.15, at no cost to them.
AmazonSmile launched in 2013 and for the past seven years, it has provided a way for customers to support organizations they care about every time they shop. This program comes at no cost to the organizations or customers, and donations could help a wide range of organizations from global humanitarian efforts to local hospitals to school PTA’s.
“Donations from AmazonSmile have resulted in hundreds of thousands of charities expanding their meaningful work across global communities making a difference in people’s lives,” said Llew Mason, Vice President of Consumer Engagement at Amazon. “We are thrilled to have given over $215 million on behalf of customers to the causes they care about most.”
AmazonSmile can be accessed through a web browser and also through the app for iPhones and Android phones. Another way to directly donate items is through the AmazonSmile Charity Lists where the organization will have a list of items of what is needed most.
For first time users, to access the program first visit smile.amazon.com. Then follow the steps below.
Sign in with your Amazon credentials
Choose a charitable organization to receive donations or search the charity of your choice
Then just select the organization and start shopping
Current spotlight organizations include UNCF (United Negro College Fund), Equal Justice Initiative, Feeding America, Save the Children, and Meals On Wheels America. In addition, there are also thousands of organizations to browse and choose from which are sorted into categories such as international or even by state.
When beginning to give back and donate there will be a choice between spotlight charities and searching for an organization.
Organizations can also register for AmazonSmile by visiting: org.amazon.com/signout and follow the steps below.
Click the yellow “Register Now” button
Search for your organization by name or EIN
Click the yellow “Register” button next to your organization’s name
Follow the instructions to complete registration
Tanya Ramos, CEO for Pencils of Promise, explains how the donations with AmazonSmile have helped the organization, “Education is the most powerful tool we can use to change the world. Thanks to the generosity of AmazonSmile customers, Pencils of Promise has helped provide access to quality education for over 100,000 children around the globe.”
From the AmazonSmile Foundation website: The AmazonSmile Foundation is a 501(c)(3) private foundation created by Amazon to administer the AmazonSmile program. All donation amounts generated by the AmazonSmile program are remitted by a subsidiary of Amazon.com, Inc. to the AmazonSmile Foundation. In turn, the AmazonSmile Foundation donates those amounts to the charitable organizations selected by our customers. Amazon pays all expenses of the AmazonSmile Foundation; they are not deducted from the donation amounts generated by purchases on AmazonSmile.
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At Simpson, we are building a 10-home community in the heart of the Cully neighborhood. Located on the 6300 block of Killingsworth Street, this community will be home to a diverse set of homebuyers. Of the 10 homes, there will be two-, three-, and four-bedroom options along with one parking space per unit and will feature electric-powered appliances, fenced backyards, and Earth Advantage certification. Currently, three of the four duplexes and triplexes have been framed. The first unit’s mechanical, electrical, and plumbing installation has been completed with the next units’ rough-installs occurring in January and February. 
In Kenton, Habitat is building a 30-home community consisting of two structures reaching three stories high. These 30 sustainable homes are located at the intersection of N. Interstate Avenue and N. Kilpatrick Street in the Kenton neighborhood. Many of the homes will be sold to homebuyers who have generational ties to the area, as part of the City’s North/Northeast Preference Policy—a tool that helps address the harmful impacts of marginalization and displacement. 
Located in the Mill Park neighborhood in SE Portland, Habitat’s newest community will consist of 31 homes. This community will feature a green space, playground, one garage for each unit, and the homes will vary in size from two- to five-bedrooms. Right now, we’re installing the retaining walls to secure the homes on the property’s slope. The stormwater, sewer, and water service pipes installation is complete. Soon, we will lay foundations and framing for each home. 
Denney Gardens is located in SW Beaverton and will be a 16-home community. Currently, the project is about half-way completed. Eight homebuyers and their families have already purchased and are now living in their homes. The remaining eight units consist of two triplexes and a duplex. Right now, one building is nearly through electrical and plumbing installation and will have insulation and drywall installed at the end of January. On the other two homes, we are excavating the final portion of land and pouring concrete foundations, which include: home slabs, garages, and sidewalks. This process is scheduled to be completed by the end of January, soon followed by framing. 
We are excited to announce that Olin Townhomes in the Portsmouth Neighborhood is nearly complete! We are so grateful for all of the support we have received to get these N/NE Preference Policy homes built. Congratulations to Habitat’s newest homeowners! 
