Lines for Life Gala Raises Funds for Substance Abuse and Suicide Prevention

Lines for Life Gala Raises Funds for Substance Abuse and Suicide Prevention

Portland, February 20th, 2015. Generous donors supporting the Lines for Life mission to prevent substance abuse and suicide. Organizers say it was wonderful night at Portland’s Sentinel Hotel. Honorary Chairs Rick and Erika Miller were all smiles. From Haley Johnsen’s rendition of the National Anthem to the final wave of auctioneer Johnna Well’s hand, it was an evening celebrating the fact that there’s Always Hope 24/7/365. Thanks to the generosity of our donors we were able to raise a record amount of money to support the lifesaving work.

Board members Doug Lyons and Anne Naito-Campbell catching up

Board members Doug Lyons and Anne Naito-Campbell catching up

Committee Chair Julie Elkins welcoming guests

Committee Chair Julie Elkins welcoming guests

Johnna Wells, International Auctioneer Champion, Benefit Auctions 360

Johnna Wells, International Auctioneer Champion, Benefit Auctions 360

YouthLine supporter Pacific Bells, Inc represented by Eric Simko, presenting a scholarship to YouthLine volunteer, Jampa Lhasawa

YouthLine supporter Pacific Bells, Inc represented by Eric Simko, presenting a scholarship to YouthLine volunteer, Jampa Lhasawa

Senator Ron Wyden

Senator Ron Wyden

Lines for Life is a non-profit dedicated to preventing substance abuse and suicide because they touch so many families in our society. We have served thousands of people with addiction, mental health and suicide intervention services, treatment referral and drug prevention education.

Lines for Life Crisis Lines receive approximately 35,000 calls per yearWe are able to de-escalate 98 percent of the over 13,000 suicide calls we receive. Our suicide LifeLine is available free not only to those in crisis, but to concerned friends & family members who sense something seriously amiss and need information on what actions they should take. (800) 273-TALK

The Military Helpline offers free, anonymous assistance 24/7/365 to active duty service members, veterans and their families through telephone and text support.

Our YouthLine offers a confidential teen-to-teen phone line and texting to help youth deal with bullying, depression, substance abuse or other issues that can make those years especially painful.

The Alcohol & Drug Helpline offers crisis counseling and referrals to appropriate treatment options.

The Lines for Life staff works closely with schools, parents, treatment professionals, law enforcement and the military. We train and support community anti-drug coalitions. We lead public awareness campaigns on underage drinking, youth access to alcohol and reducing illegal drug use.

Kaiser Permanente Northwest Dentists Bring Smiles to Uninsured Kids

Kaiser Permanente Northwest Dentists Bring Smiles to Uninsured Kids

Portland, February 7th, 2015. Kaiser Permanente Northwest provided more than $80,000 in free dental care and vaccinations to approximately 200 uninsured and underinsured children at seven locations in Oregon and Southwest Washington. More than one-quarter of those children received both dental and medical care. The free clinics, called Give Kids a Smile, were offered in conjunction with National Children’s Dental Health Month and in partnership with the American Dental Association. These events also were timed to Oregon’s immunizations exclusion date.

Dylan Kruse, 3 1/2, was among the nearly 200 children who received free dental care and vaccinations at Kaiser Permanente Northwest's Give Kids a Smile events taking place in Oregon and Southwest Washington on February 7. Credit: Courtesy of Kaiser Permanente Northwest

Dylan Kruse, 3 1/2, was among the nearly 200 children who received free dental care and vaccinations at Kaiser Permanente Northwest’s Give Kids a Smile events taking place in Oregon and Southwest Washington. Credit: Courtesy of Kaiser Permanente Northwest.

Hager Arheim, 5, is all smiles as registered nurse Dawn Sorensen prepares to give her a vaccination at one of Kaiser Permanente Northwest’s seven free Give Kids a Smile clinics on February 7. Credit: Andie Petkus Photography

Hager Arheim, 5, is all smiles as registered nurse Dawn Sorensen prepares to give her a vaccination at one of Kaiser Permanente Northwest’s seven free Give Kids a Smile clinics on February 7. Credit: Andie Petkus Photography

Kaiser Permanente dentist Cyrus Lee and dental assistant Crystal Schnacky provided 7-year-old August Ebalaroza with free dental care as part of the Give Kids a Smile clinics that took place throughout Oregon and Southwest Washington on Feb. 7. Credit: Andie Petkus Photography

Kaiser Permanente dentist Dr. Felix Lee and dental assistant Crystal Schnacky provided 7-year-old August Ebalaroza with free dental care as part of the Give Kids a Smile clinics that took place throughout Oregon and Southwest Washington. Credit: Andie Petkus Photography 

 

Valentine-A-Thon Sweethearts Raise $700,000 for CCA

Valentine-A-Thon Sweethearts Raise $700,000 for CCA

Portland, February 14th, 2015.  The Portland metro community showed some serious love for CCA this Valentine’s Day. 15-year-old Nathalie Traller, picked the winning raffle ticket in CCA’s “Win the Keys to Our Heart” car raffle, as Kent Van Arnam, Dick Hannah Dealership’s Director of Marketing, FOX 12 Oregon’s Mark Nelson, 105.1 The BUZZ’s Daria, Nathalie’s Chemo Pal mentor, Charae Gibbs, Nathalie’s dad Nathan, and her sister Kelly look on. Highlighted by the nonprofit’s annual two-day Valentine-A-Thon on FOX 12 Oregon and 105.1 The BUZZ, all festivities this year raised more than $700,000 to support CCA’s mission of Joy.

Andrea Lauer, Product Data Quality Director at Nike, Inc., talks to FOX 12 Oregon’s Wayne Garcia about her family’s journey with daughter Maddie and her first-hand experience with CCA.

Andrea Lauer, Product Data Quality Director at Nike, Inc., talks to FOX 12 Oregon’s Wayne Garcia about her family’s journey with daughter Maddie and her first-hand experience with CCA.

FOX 12 Oregon’s Andy Carson welcomes Northwestern Mutual’s Gay Davis, Financial Advisor, and Cory Mahaffey, Managing Partner, to the studio to present CCA Founder and CEO, Regina Ellis, with a $25,000 check. Davis was this year’s recipient of Northwestern Mutual’s Community Service Award for his philanthropic efforts on behalf of CCA.

FOX 12 Oregon’s Andy Carson welcomes Northwestern Mutual’s Gay Davis, Financial Advisor, and Cory Mahaffey, Managing Partner, to the studio to present CCA Founder and CEO, Regina Ellis, with a $25,000 check. Davis was this year’s recipient of Northwestern Mutual’s Community Service Award for his philanthropic efforts on behalf of CCA.

Betsy Reed, Business Developer, and Allison Clarke, President Allison Clarke Consulting and CCA Ambassador Board Co-Chair, add two purple heart tattoos to Fox 12 Oregon’s Any Carson’s cheeks to fulfill a viewer request in exchange for a $2,000 dollar donation.

Betsy Reed, Business Developer, and Allison Clarke, President Allison Clarke Consulting and CCA Ambassador Board Co-Chair, add two purple heart tattoos to Fox 12 Oregon’s Andy Carson’s cheeks to fulfill a viewer request in exchange for a $2,000 dollar donation.

CCA’s power three: Clare Hamill, VP Global Growth Initiatives, Nike Inc. and Founding Board Chair and current Board Member, Regina Ellis, CCA’s Founder and Chief Joy Officer, and Andy Lytle, Division Vice President at Jackson Family Wines and CCA’s current Board Chair. During the final two hours of the Valentine-A-Thon, Clare and Andy both offered up matching hours so donors could double their gifts.

CCA’s power three: Clare Hamill, VP Global Growth Initiatives, Nike Inc. and Founding Board Chair and current Board Member, Regina Ellis, CCA’s Founder and Chief Joy Officer, and Andy Lytle, Division Vice President at Jackson Family Wines and CCA’s current Board Chair. During the final two hours of the Valentine-A-Thon, Clare and Andy both offered up matching hours so donors could double their gifts.

From left: Fox 12 Oregon’s Wayne Garcia, Amy Troy, and Shauna Parsons, 105.1 The BUZZ’s Daria, Mitch, and Ted, and FOX 12 Oregon’s Mark Nelson, proudly display the total at the close of the Valentine-A-Thon.

From left: Fox 12 Oregon’s Wayne Garcia, Amy Troy, and Shauna Parsons, 105.1 The BUZZ’s Daria, Mitch, and Ted, and FOX 12 Oregon’s Mark Nelson, proudly display the total at the close of the Valentine-A-Thon.

 

CCA’s Director of Development, Jenny O’Bryan, FOX 12 Oregon’s News Director and CCA Board Member, Corey Hanson, and CCA Founder and Chief Joy Officer, Regina Ellis. Corey and the FOX 12 team make so many good things happen for CCA.

CCA’s Director of Development, Jenny O’Bryan, FOX 12 Oregon’s News Director and CCA Board Member, Corey Hanson, and CCA Founder and Chief Joy Officer, Regina Ellis. Corey and the FOX 12 team make so many good things happen for CCA.

Kent Van Arnam, Director of Marketing for Dick Hannah Dealerships, with Regina Ellis, CCA’s Founder and Chief Joy Officer.  For the fifth year in a row, Dick Hannah Dealerships has donated the car for CCA’s “Win the Keys to Our Heart” car raffle.

Kent Van Arnam, Director of Marketing for Dick Hannah Dealerships, with Regina Ellis, CCA’s Founder and Chief Joy Officer. For the fifth year in a row, Dick Hannah Dealerships has donated the car for CCA’s “Win the Keys to Our Heart” car raffle.

FOX 12 Oregon’s Mark Nelson got funky for a donor who said she’d pledge $1,000 if Mark would do the chicken dance on air. There wasn’t a second’s hesitation – he simply threw off his jacket and got down!

FOX 12 Oregon’s Mark Nelson got funky for a donor who said she’d pledge $1,000 if Mark would do the chicken dance on air. There wasn’t a second’s hesitation – he simply threw off his jacket and got down!

Regina Ellis, CCA Founder and Chief Joy Officer, presents FOX 12 Oregon’s Pete Ferryman with a tiny birthday cake with five lit candles, each representing a $1,000 donation. Also pictured are: Allison Clarke, President Allison Clarke Consulting and CCA Ambassador Board Co-chair, FOX 12 Oregon’s Andy Carson, Kimberly Maus, and Tony Gonzalez.

Regina Ellis, CCA Founder and Chief Joy Officer, presents FOX 12 Oregon’s Pete Ferryman with a tiny birthday cake with five lit candles, each representing a $1,000 donation. Also pictured are: Allison Clarke, President Allison Clarke Consulting and CCA Ambassador Board Co-chair, FOX 12 Oregon’s Andy Carson, Kimberly Maus, and Tony Gonzalez.

In honor of her daughter, Caitlyn, a CCA Community Hero in 2012 who died from cancer in 2013, Shawna Higgins-Buscher, and her sister, Tiffany Higgins, volunteered at the phone bank.

In honor of her daughter, Caitlyn, a CCA Community Hero in 2012 who died from cancer in 2013, Shawna Higgins-Buscher, and her sister, Tiffany Higgins, volunteered at the phone bank.

The two-day Valentine-A-Thon was complemented with various other fundraising activities to reach this fundraising record:

  • Dick Hannah Dealerships donated a brand new car for CCA’s “Win the Keys to Our Heart” car raffle
  • More than 100 retail locations, including area Elmer’s, Papa Murphy’s, and Joe’s Burgers, sold paper “Hearts of Joy”
  • Nike employees once again pitted the women vs. the men to see who could raise the most for CCA – and the women won, again.
  • 10 kids became young philanthropists in CCA’s Kids Calling for Kids project

CCA believes joy matters and music heals. Learn more and get involved at JoyRx.org and MyMusicRx.org.

 

Providence Child Center Heart of Gold Gala Raises $495,000

Providence Child Center Heart of Gold Gala Raises $495,000

Portland, February 12th, 2015. This year’s Providence Child Center Heart of Gold Dinner was an evening full of heartwarming tributes and an outpouring of generosity. Carole Vranizan, Dave Rianda, former Governor Barbara Roberts, and Valerie Fisher enjoyed the evening. The event raised more than $495,000 for Providence’s Center for Medically Fragile Children to support the life enriching programs and therapies that help these children reach their fullest potential.

Jeff Weston, Honoree Joe Weston, Marilyn Weston, and Tiffany Weston

Jeff Weston, Honoree Joe Weston, Marilyn Weston, and Tiffany Weston

Portland real estate developer and philanthropist Joe Weston was honored with the evening’s Heart of Gold Award for his efforts to provide children with the foundation needed to meet their fullest potential. A video presentation at the event highlighted his commitment to giving back through the OCF Joseph E. Weston Public Foundation, administered through The Oregon Community Foundation. Sales of his properties are put back into community organizations and his generosity has touched more than 400 non-profit organizations last year, including Providence Child Center.

Pat Budo, Administrator, Providence Child Center, presenting Joe Weston with a special gift at the Heart of Gold Award dinner.

Pat Budo, Administrator, Providence Child Center, presenting Joe Weston with a special gift at the Heart of Gold Award dinner.

Carole Vranizan, Dave Rianda, former Governor Barbara Roberts, and Valerie Fisher

Carole Vranizan, Dave Rianda, former Governor Barbara Roberts, and Valerie Fisher 

Kathy and Mark Kralj, Archbishop Sample, Marti Sample

Kathy and Mark Kralj, Archbishop Sample, Marti Sample

Past Heart of Gold Award recipient and Portland Trail Blazers legend Bill Schonely was master of ceremonies and shared stories of the inspirational children at the Providence Center for Medically Fragile Children.

From The Providence Child Center:

The Providence Child Center provides services for children of all abilities to help them reach their fullest potential and includes the Center for Medically Fragile Children, the only facility in the Northwest offering24-hour care for children with profound disabilities and complex medical needs, Providence Neurodevelopmental Center for Children, Swindells Resource Center and Providence Wee Care. For more information visit www.providence.org/childcenter.

Sneak Peek Charity Auto Show Preview Party on Fast Track

Sneak Peek Charity Auto Show Preview Party on Fast Track

Portland, February 4th, 2015. The number of attendees was up from hundreds to thousands at the Oregon Convention Center for the “Sneak Peek Charity Preview Party.” Julie Hubbard, Kathi Dordevic, Kristin Rousseve, Lori Pratt and Janice Wilson were at the official kick-off of the Portland International Auto Show. Supporters bought tickets for $100 and the proceeds benefited six local nonprofits including:  Meals on Wheels People, Victory Academy, Boys & Girls Clubs of Portland Metropolitan Area and more. The evening included the chance to stroll through over 400,000 square feet of showroom and admire 500 of the best production, exotic and concept vehicles and technologies 2015 has to offer.

Fox-12 News Director Corey Hanson with Mark Nelson and Shauna Parsons.

Fox 12 News Director Corey Hanson with Mark Nelson and Shauna Parsons.

Mary Krummel, Martin Kehoe, Eric English and Allison Kehoe took in the auto show.

Mary Krummel, Martin Kehoe, Eric English and Allison Kehoe took in the auto show.

This Porsche 2015 Cayman GTS has a $200,000 price tag.

This Porsche 2015 Cayman GTS has a $200,000 price tag.

Elizabeth English looks over the new Mercedes.

Elizabeth English looks over the new Mercedes.

DSC_0340 DSC_0341 DSC_0355   Here’s more info about the auto show, it continues through Sunday at the Oregon Convention Center.

2015 Portland International Auto Show

Thursday-Sunday, February 5-8, 2015

Show Hours:

10am-10pm Thursday-Saturday

10am-7pm Sunday

Ticket Prices:

$12.00 Adults

$10.00 Seniors (65+)

$10.00 Full-time Military w/ID

$7.00 Children (7-12yrs)

6 years and under free

$30 Family Pass (2 adults + 2 children)

OCC Ticket windows open at 9:30am each day.

Advance online tickets available through the shows website

www.portlandautoshow.com

 For more information go to www.portlandautoshow.com

 

Rose City Rollers Ready to Rumble in 2015

Rose City Rollers Ready to Rumble in 2015

Portland, February 1st, 2015. The Rose City Rollers are one of the top roller derby leagues in the country and the sport is gaining in popularity. The organization is run by volunteers. The nonprofit also raises money for other charities including “First Book Portland.” First Book Portland serves low-income families in Multnomah, Washington, and Clackamas Counties by addressing one of the most important factors affecting literacy–access to books. Rose City Rollers presented First Book with a check for $1,000 at the January Season Opener at Memorial Coliseum and collected 138 books from fans and league members for the organization.

Break Neck Bettie's Team

The Break Neck Bettie’s Team taking a lap on the flat track.

The Guns and Rollers Team

The Guns and Rollers Team.

How is modern-day roller derby different than when it started? Roller derby used to be somewhat scripted. Now all of the games and our plays are real. We follow the WFTDA rules developed for skater safety and competitive sports play. Elbow jabbing, for example, now gets a skater sent to the penalty box. The Rose City Rollers have no professional players. Skaters spend countless hours practicing and training, as well as working volunteer jobs to keep the league running.


Roller derby used to be somewhat scripted. Now all of the games and plays are real.  It follows the WFTDA rules developed for skater safety and competitive sports play. Elbow jabbing, for example, now gets a skater sent to the penalty box. The Rose City Rollers have no professional players. Skaters spend countless hours practicing and training, as well as working volunteer jobs to keep the league running.

Here’s all you need to know about the sport:

MISSION STATEMENT
The Rose City Rollers develop women of attitude, athleticism and passion to play a hard-hitting sport of speed and skill. As pioneers in the rebirth of roller derby RCR continues to foster its growth. The league’s goals are to serve our community by empowering women and girls, providing entertainment for our fans and supporting charitable causes. (We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit, formed in 2004, and a founding member of the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association.)

VALUES
Dedication- The dedication of fans, community and league members are the driving force of our success, and allows RCR to be self-owned and self-managed. Athleticism- Roller derby both requires athleticism and provides and outlet for fostering athleticism. RCR enables self-identified women of all levels of ability, ages and body types to train to play a sport.
Empowerment – We express desire for our members to feel empowered by providing varied opportunities for personal growth. We foster individual empowerment through commitment to skate training, responsibility to teams, and work within the RCR community.
Entertainment- Both the sporting and theatrical aspects of RCR entertain our fans, which is critical to the generation of revenue to meet our goals and to increasing the popularity of the sport, which fosters a sense of community.
Community- We strive to be responsible members of each of the various communities that we belong to and on whom we rely for our success.

Visit our Homepage for information on events, try-outs, team standings, livestreaming links and much, much more!

http://www.rosecityrollers.com/

What are the teams?

Rose City Rollers is a league that consists of 4 home teams, 2 travel teams and a junior derby team (Rosebuds). Home teams include the Break Neck Betties, Guns N Rollers, Heartless Heathers and the High Rollers. Our travel teams are made up of all stars from the home teams: the Axles of Annihilation and our nationally ranked “A” team, the Wheels of Justice. We also have an expansion team, the Gorge Roller Girls, out of Hood River in the Columbia River Gorge.

What other teams do the Rose City Rollers play?
Home teams play head-to-head with other home teams. The Axles of Annihilation take on competition from across the Northwest. The Wheels of Justice compete in the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA), and take on the best teams from across the country. Once in a while, we’ll throw in a few surprises to keep our fans on their toes.

How much do games cost?
Currently admission to games (also known as bouts) costs $14-$20 per person. Find out more on the Tickets page. Season passes are available, pro-rated as the season goes on so they’re always a good deal.

Where can I go see a game?
We currently hold bouts at the Memorial Coliseum and The Hangar at Oaks Park. Maps and directions are available on the Locations page. Check out our Events page for upcoming bouts.

Can I join a team?
We have tryouts every few months for our Fresh Meat training program. Check the tryouts page for further updates on the exact dates.

If you have skates and gear, you can play derby with our Wreckers recreational team! It’s a great place to get started on derby skills if you’re thinking about trying out.

Rose City Rollers play women’s flat track roller derby. Competitive league players and Wreckers must be over 18 years old. Teenagers should check out the Rosebud program. Men interested in playing derby should contact Portland Men’s Roller Derby.

How is the game played? Are there rules?

Basics:
The pack starts four blockers from each team in the “pack” behind the pivot starting line. One jammer from each team lines up at the jammer start line behind the pack.

At the first whistle, the pack takes off. When the pack passes the pivot start line, a double whistle blast sends the jammers to start fighting their way through the pack. The first jammer through the pack without fouling any opposing players is called the “lead jammer” for that jam.

After the initial pass through, jammers receive one point for each member of the opposing team they pass. Jammers don’t need to be the “lead jammer” to score points. Each jam lasts a maximum of two minutes, but the “lead jammer” has the right end the jam at her discretion by placing her hands on her hips.

If you’re new to derby, keep an eye on your favorite team’s jammer. Then, watch the blockers to see how they help or hinder her.

Rules:
Flat track roller derby has very specific, standard sporting rules. We follow the most recent version of the WFTDA rules. Have questions? Ask a roller girl. We tend to be pretty friendly off the track.

For those who don’t want a 30-page technical explanation, here’s a real simple video explanation:

How is the winner determined?

Whoever has the most points at the end of the last jam wins. The last jam occurs when the game clock reaches zero. Tie scores at broken by a final over time jam.

For bout outcome records, check our Statistics and Standings page.

What are the positions? Who is the girl with the star on her head?
Roller derby has 3 player “positions.”

Pivot: Sets the pace for the pack and is the last line of defense. Wears a helmet cover with a stripe. Can become the Jammer through passing the star. Otherwise just another blocker.

Blocker: Plays offense and defense at the same time. Tries to stop the opposing team’s Jammer, and knocks around the opposing team’s blockers to help her own Jammer.

Jammer: Scores points by passing members of the opposing team. Wears a helmet cover with stars. Only the Jammers score points.

What are the penalties? What’s that referee whistling and waving about?
Some of the most common penalties include use of elbows, blocking another skater in the back, and passing out of bounds (cutting the track).

What do these words mean? What’s a Bout? What’s a Jam? What’s a Pivot?
This lexicon is intended to be a primer for new fans explaining the basic concepts of the game and the terms you’ll hear referring to our sport and gameplay. This is not a complete list of derby technical terms or rules. Terminology and definitions based on WFTDA ruleset published December 2009. Definitions influenced by the WFTDA rulebook glossary and Silicon Valley Roller Girls derby glossary.

First Woman to Win “Great Balls of Fire” Toughest Tongue Benefit is Mackenzie Stewart

First Woman to Win “Great Balls of Fire” Toughest Tongue Benefit is Mackenzie Stewart

Portland, January 26th, 2015. For the first time the Great Balls of Fire Toughest Tongue belongs to a woman. Mackenzie Stewart ate a record 37 great balls of fire. Crowds gathered at Salvador Molly’s in Southwest Portland for an eating contest that tests the tolerance for spicy food, while raising money for HEAT Oregon, a nonprofit which helps low-income families pay their heating bills. Salvador Molly’s holds its ‘Toughest Tongue’ contest every year. The goal is to see who can eat the most of the restaurant’s ‘Great Balls of Fire,’ which its menu lists as “habanero cheese fritters.” The restaurant takes donations and has raised $60,000 for HEAT Oregon. (Photo credit, Jeremy Cropf from Salvador Molly’s.)

The Great Balls of Fire are always on the menu at Salvador Molly's and if you can eat just five of them with the sauce, you get your photo on the "Wall of Flame."

The Great Balls of Fire are always on the menu at Salvador Molly’s and if you can eat just five of them with the sauce, you get your photo on the “Wall of Flame.”

World, meet "Cat Woman" Mackenzie Stewart, who with 37 #Greatballsoffire eaten yesterday, is our #ToughestTongue 2015 champion! Join her in our fight to heat Oregon homes - $1 donated for each GBOF eaten between now and February 28th!

Mackenzie Stewart had tears streaming down her cheeks while eating 37  of the “Great balls of fire” to win the title of Toughest Tongue.

 

From HEAT Oregon:

Our Mission Statement

HEAT Oregon: Gifting Warmth and Power to Oregonians Facing Hardships

What is HEAT Oregon?

It is estimated that nearly 1 in 4 Oregon families may not have the money to pay for heat or keep the lights on when needed most. HEAT Oregon is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1989 to help Oregonians and hard-working families keep those vital utilities on during unforeseen emergency situations.

At HEAT Oregon, we are people just like you who want to ensure area families are safe and warm in their own home. Together, we are neighbors helping neighbors, providing warmth and kindness through heartfelt donations.

Your Donation Stays In Your Community

At HEAT Oregon, we work with 32 local social service and community organizations throughout Oregon that help us determine if a family is eligible for assistance. We then use donated funds from those comunities to help those in need pay their utility and heating bills.

As careful stewards of your donation, 90 cents of every dollar go directly to help qualifying households in your community pay their heat and electric bills. Charity Navigator, the Internet’s best guide to intelligent giving, awarded HEAT Oregon its highest 4-star rating for its accountabilty and transparency. It’s all thanks to the dedication of our board of directors, focused staff, and your kindness.

Join Us In Gifting Warmth and Power

Part of our continuing mission is to work with our network to provide Oregonian households facing harships with the tools they need for self-reliance via energy conservation education and energy resources. With their dedication, we are helping more of our neighbors be self sufficient.

Give to HEAT Oregon

No one is immune to emergencies and hardships. Each year thousands of Oregon families find themselves in need of temporary assistance to weather the long winter months. If you have the means, please donate today to help ensure that parents and their children, seniors and people with disabilities do not go without basic light and power.

Seventh Annual Fertile Ground Festival Lifts Local Artists

Seventh Annual Fertile Ground Festival Lifts Local Artists

Portland, January 31st, 2015. It’s time for local artists to shine and for fans to enjoy the fruits of their labors. Fertile Ground takes place around the Portland area for 11 days and will finish up February 1st. The festival was launched by the Portland Area Theatre Alliance in 2009 to provide a platform for Portland theater companies to showcase their commitment to new work and to invite regional and national artists to discover for themselves that Portland truly is fertile ground for creativity and innovation. Fertile Ground has grown its scope of offerings to include dance, comedy  and visual arts.

Brute, Edward Lyons' 1950s take on Shakespeare's Julius Caesar. http://tinyurl.com/navq85v http://gorillabombpro.weebly.com/ Produced by Gorilla Bomb Productions + Bob Parsons Cast: Heidi Hunter; Matt M Ostrowski; Edward Lyons; Jonathan Miles; Terry Lybecker Ethan LaFrance — with Matt M Ostrowski, Edward Lyons and Jonathan Miles at The Hostess.

Brute, Edward Lyons’ 1950s take on Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar features actors including
Matt M Ostrowski Edward Lyons and Ethan LaFrance

Lakewood Center for the Arts the cast of "Upon a Winter Road" by Kurt Misar — with Emily Sahler, Matt Hayward, Leah Seligman, Ron Harman, Kurt Misar and Ernie Casciato at Lakewood Center for the Arts.

Lakewood Center for the Arts the cast of “Upon a Winter Road” by Kurt Misar — with Emily Sahler, Matt Hayward, Leah Seligman, Ron Harman, Kurt Misar and Ernie Casciato at Lakewood Center for the Arts.

Polaris Dance Theatre company performing at Groovin' Greenhouse. http://tinyurl.com/pkmef3j Choreography by M'Liss Stephenson Quinnly feature re Groovin' Greenhouse: http://www.ambitmag.com/groovin-greenhouse/ — with M'Liss Stephenson Quinnly at Polaris Dance Theatre.

Polaris Dance Theatre company performing at Groovin’ Greenhouse.
Choreography by M’Liss Stephenson Quinnly

January 22 – February 1, 2015

By Caroline Miller

Directed by Cassandra Schwanke

Always Without Warning

By Tobin Gollihar & Ian Paul Sieren

Directed by Tobin Gollihar

& Ian Paul Sieren

Bruté

By Edward Lyons, Jr.

Directed by Edward Lyons, Jr.

Genuis

By Sean Bowie

Directed by Mary Rose

David Saffert’s 40th Birthday –

The Liberace Edition!

By David Saffert, Jillian Snow Harris & TriptheDark Dance Company

Directed by Stephanie Cordell

Please Validate Your Identity

Directed by Aiyana Cunningham

The Snowstorm

By Eric Nordin

Directed & choreographed by Jessica Wallenfels

The Jungle Book

Adapted by Anita Menon, Sarah Jane Hardy & John Ellingson

Directed by Sarah Jane Hardy

ID[ea]

By the Third Rail

Mentorship Company

The Essex

By Lawrence Howard

Directed by Lynne Duddy

Tramps

Written & directed by Annie Rimmer & Jayne Stevens

Gender Tree

By Cassandra Boice

Directed by Cassandra Boice

& Ty Boice

“Mom?” A Comedy of Mourners

Created by Laura Loy, Anna Sell & Jeff Desautels

Alice’s 1-Woman Wonderland: The Original Adventure

By Lewis Carroll,

adapted by Anne Rutherford

The Snow Queen: A Folk Opera

Directed by The Broken Planetarium

Written & Composed by Laura Dunn

One Off! – Completely Improvised One Act Plays

By Infinite Improv

Oregon Based Star-Studded Film Premiers at Sundance

Oregon Based Star-Studded Film Premiers at Sundance

Park City, January 24th, 2014. Executive producer Brad Pitt and actor James Franco were at the premiere of “True Story” during the 2015 Sundance Film Festival. Franco plays Christian Longo, who killed his wife and three children on the Oregon coast in 2001 and fled to Mexico, where he said he was Michael Finkel, a reporter for The New York Times.

Hill stars as Michael Finkel, a disgraced New York Times reporter who meets accused killer Christian Longo (James Franco), who has been living abroad under Finkel's name. Directed by Rupert Goold, who co-wrote with David Kajganich, adapting Finkel's memoir. Executive producers include Brad Pitt. Part of the Premieres slate.

Jonah Hill stars as Michael Finkel, the disgraced New York Times reporter who meets accused killer Christian Longo (James Franco), who has been living abroad under Finkel’s name. Directed by Rupert Goold, who co-wrote with David Kajganich, adapting Finkel’s memoir. Executive producers include Brad Pitt.

Here’s a bit more about the film from its studio: When disgraced New York Times reporter Michael Finkel (Jonah Hill) meets accused killer Christian Longo (James Franco) – who has taken on Finkel’s identity – his investigation morphs into an unforgettable game of cat-and-mouse. Based on actual events, Finkel’s relentless pursuit of Longo’s true story encompasses murder, love, deceit and redemption. Rupert Goold’s first feature pits Jonah Hill against James Franco in a psychological cat-and-mouse game obscured by many “truths.” As the two calculating men share their stories in private, their similarities become clear while their motivations are less so. David Kajganich scripts Finkel’s memoir into a subtle portrait of an unlikely friendship. “True Story” will be theaters starting on April 10th.

Here’s a trailer for the film: 

 

“True Story” is one of dozens of films premiering at the Sundance Film Festival in Park City.

The Sundance Film Festival, a program of the Sundance Institute, is an American film festival that takes place annually in Utah. With 46,731 attendees in 2012, it is one of the largest independent film festivals in the United States.[1] Held in January in Park City, Salt Lake City, and Ogden, as well as at the Sundance Resort, the festival is a showcase for new work from American and international independent filmmakers. The festival comprises competitive sections for American and international dramatic and documentary films, both feature-length films and short films, and a group of out-of-competition sections, including NEXT, New Frontier, Spotlight, and Park City At Midnight. The 2015 Sundance Film Festival is scheduled for January 22 to February 1, 2015.

With over 46,000 attendees in 2014, the Sundance Film Festival is one of the largest independent film festivals in the United States.The festival is a showcase for new work from American and international independent filmmakers.

Sundance includes competitive categories for American and international dramatic and documentary films, both feature-length films and short films, and a group of out-of-competition sections, including NEXT, New Frontier, Spotlight, and Park City At Midnight.

John Cooper, left, director of programming for the Sundance Film Festival, leads Robert Redford, founder of the Sundance Institute, to the podium before the premiere of the documentary film "What Happened, Miss Simone?," on the opening night of the 2015 Sundance Film Festival on Thursday, Jan. 22, 2015, in Park City, Utah.

John Cooper, director of programming for the Sundance Film Festival, leads Robert Redford, founder of the Sundance Institute, to the podium before the premiere of the documentary film “What Happened, Miss Simone?”

The 2015 Sundance Film Festival is scheduled through February 1, 2015.

The Junior Joy Team & Elementary Students Deliver Joy to ER

The Junior Joy Team & Elementary Students Deliver Joy to ER

Vancouver, WA.  Members of The Junior Joy Team and Hough Elementary Leadership Team delivered Happy Packets with hand-written notes of appreciation and candy to the entire staff of PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center’s Emergency Department over the holidays. The notes express thanks for all the care and healing the ER team provides everyday to people living in Vancouver, Washington. Founded in February 2010, The Joy Team is a 501c3 corporation based in Vancouver, Washington, with the mission of building community by spreading joy, optimism and inspiration.

Tourning an ambulance.

Touring an ambulance.

Donna Mairose teaching Abby Mowery about crutches.

Donna Mairose teaching Abby Mowery about crutches.

Donna Mairose masking Hough student.

Donna Mairose masking a Hough student.

The Joy Team and Hough Leadership Team at the hospital.

The Joy Team and Hough Leadership Team at the hospital.

Donna Mairose applying neck brace to Taryn Larsen .

Donna Mairose applying neck brace to Taryn Larsen .

ER doctor getting Happy Packets.

ER doctor getting Happy Packets.

The kids learning how to correctly wash hands.

The kids learning how to correctly wash hands.

An ambulance paramedic talking to kids.

An ambulance paramedic talking to kids.

There were lots of thank you notes.

There were lots of thank you notes.

bandaid thank you learning about cat scan thanks for saving grandma

ER Nurse Donna Mairose led a tour of the ER for the kids, who passed out Happy Packets along the way. The educational tour included hooking up kids to a heart monitor, applying wrist, neck and clavicle braces, measuring oxygenation of the blood and sitting inside an ambulance. Donna also stressed the importance of wearing helmets EVERY time kids ride bikes or skateboards and showed them the proper way to thoroughly wash hands as one of the best ways to stay healthy. 

The doctors, nurses and staff in the Emergency Department were selected to be recipients of The Joy Team’s Happy Packets because every day they’re working to save lives. “They take care of us when we need it the most,” said Michele McKeag Larsen, founder of The Joy Team, “and we wanted to say thank you.” On December 5th, ER nurse Stephanie spoke at a Hough Elementary assembly and the students wrote their thank you notes the following week.

The Joy Team has been partnering with Hough Elementary School in Vancouver since 2012 as a way to connect our youth in a new way to the community they live in, giving them the opportunity to express gratitude for the services that make our lives better in so many ways while spreading joy to the very people who provide those services.

From The Joy Team:

 Projects of the positive thought organization include putting up 100 positive messages (and counting), delivering over 2,250 Happy Packets to the staff of organizations serving the community through The Junior Joy Team, giving over 4,000 jars of joy-wrapped peanut butter to hungry kids through the PB & JOY Project and the annual Chalk the Walks event. Learn more at thejoyteam.org, like them on Facebook.com/TheJoyTeam or follow them on Twitter @TheJoyTeam.