Portland, July 1st, 2013. House Bill 2060 will eliminate state and local tax subsidies for charities spending more than 70 percent of donations on management and fundraising over three years. The new law may chase out nationally-based telemarketers who collect money in Oregon thereby making it easier for reputable local charities to raise funds. The bill is getting national attention with write-ups in publications like The Washington Post and is believed to be the first of its kind; it was passed June 4th, 2013. Oregon Attorney General Ellen F. Rosenblum is offering resources about the new regulations on the Oregon Department of Justice website.
The Nonprofit Association of Oregon is fielding questions about how HB 2060 will impact local charities. According to the Nonprofit Association of Oregon:
An organization that fails to meet the 30% floor over the course of three years will be disqualified from receiving tax deductible donations for Oregon income tax purposes and will be required to notify its Oregon donors in writing of this fact before they make their giving decision. Such organizations to the extent they have Oregon property may also lose their property tax exemption.
Donations made to an organization that has been disqualified in Oregon will not be tax deductible for Oregon income tax purposes, but will remain tax deductible for federal income tax purposes. However, this legislation will help to inform donors that the disqualified charity is one they may not wish to support and many prospective donors upon receiving this information will chose to make their donations to more effective organizations.
The Oregon Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Charitable Activities Section anticipates that relatively few Oregon charities will be impacted by this legislation; rather, it will only affect organizations that rely heavily on professional fundraising companies that keep most of the donations. Small nonprofits (generally those making less than $200,000) are exempt from HB 2060, and additional exemptions take into account circumstances that can lead to high management and fundraising costs among organizations that are otherwise dedicated to their charitable missions.
Contact DOJ’s Charitable Activities Section with any questions or concerns regarding this legislation through the Section’s email address, which is [email protected].
Frequently Asked Questions:
If organizations are raising funds and not spending them on their missions, what do they spend the funds on?
The majority of nonprofits that would fall afoul of this law use the funding for marketing and fundraising. Unfortunately, numerous telemarketing companies have realized that they can set up or become associated with a nonprofit, raise funds under contract, and then give only a small portion of those funds to the nonprofit. This bill was designed to weed out that kind of organization. Each organization on the annualOregon Attorney General’s Twenty Worst Charities List falls below the 30% mark and all are located outside of Oregon. These bad apples tarnish the nonprofit sector and cause us all to look bad. Take a look at this recently released major investigative report into the type of charities impacted by HB 2060.
How is the 30% program expenditure threshold calculated?
The program expenditure calculation is based on the full IRS Form 990 Part IX Statement of Functional Expenses, using a three-year average.
Does this legislation impose any new record keeping or accounting requirements on organizations with budgets over $200,000?
No. Currently, organizations with gross receipts exceeding $200,000 are already required to file the full IRS Form 990—which includes the Part IX Statement of Functional Expenses—and register with the Attorney General.
In order to complete the Part IX Statement of Functional Expenses, organizations must already have a reasonable method of allocating their expenses between program, management, and fundraising. In addition, organizations must maintain documentation that supports the information contained in their returns. Accordingly, an organization documents compliance with this legislation the same way it documents compliance with existing 990 requirements.
Even before and apart from this legislation, the Charitable Activities Section of DOJ has recommended that organizations be cognizant that the 990 is a public document. The public and the media often look to the 990’s Statement of Functional Expenses for an understanding of how the organization is utilizing the funding it receives. An organization consistently reporting that it spends less than 30% on program services should be prepared to explain why that is the case and may want to incorporate that explanation into Schedule O.
Will nonprofits with budgets under $200,000 now have to keep records that document functional versus other expenses?
No. One goal of this legislation was to avoid imposing any additional obligations on nonprofits beyond their current reporting requirements. Small nonprofits—990N and 990EZ filers—are not required to complete the full 990 and therefore are not affected by this legislation.
What general steps can organizations take to avoid falling below the 30% mark?
It is highly unlikely that nonprofits filing the full IRS Form 990 will fall below the 30% program expenditure threshold as long as such organizations make some effort to reasonably allocate expenses. Many types of expenses can be properly allocated to charitable programs as opposed to management and administration.
Example 1: An organization with a small paid administrative staff, unpaid Board members, and program volunteers that rents a facility and uses part of that facility to provide program services should allocate a portion of the rent to program services. Similarly, if any of the paid staff’s time is spent engaged in program services, then a portion of that person’s salary can be allocated to program services.
Example 2: The salary of a single staff person that performs only management functions for a nonprofit that has annual expenditures in the vicinity of $200,000 would have to be fairly high (i.e. around 70% of its expenditures or $140,000) to be impacted by this legislation. That seems like an unlikely situation.
Organizations that have reviewed the 990 Part IX Statement of Functional Expenses and still believe they will be unfairly impacted by the legislation because of exceptional circumstances are encouraged to contact the Charitable Activities Section for assistance:[email protected].
How will organizations and the public be informed of their disqualified status?
The Charitable Activities Section is in the process of developing additional guidelines related to this new law, but the law requires that the charity be given advance notice of the disqualification determination. The charity will then have the ability to challenge that determination under the framework provided by the Oregon Administrative Procedures Act. Assuming the determination is upheld, the disqualification order will become effective and remain in effect until the charity demonstrates that its program services expenditures meet the 30% threshold requirement.
The listing of disqualified organizations will be posted on the Department’s website. Donors will not be able to claim a tax deduction for contributions made more than 30 days after the charity’s disqualified status was posted to the Department’s website, unless the donor has a receipt from that charity that did not include information about the charity’s disqualified status.
Many nonprofits operating in Oregon could be effected including those on The Attorney General’s 20 worst charities of 2012. That list was published in December. Charities are required to file periodic financial reports with the Oregon Department of Justice documenting their national fundraising and expenditures and explaining how donations were spent. Under guidelines issued by the Better Business Bureau (BBB), organizations should dedicate at least 65% of their funds to charitable programs, with no more than 35% toward administrative and fundraising costs. The following charities registered to do business in Oregon failed to meet that standard based on a three-year average of annual expenditures. This is not an exclusive list, but represents the 20 charities that fell farthest from the BBB guidelines. For more
information, visit http://www.oregonattorneygeneral.gov.
Organization Average Annual Percent Spent On Expenditures Charitable Cause
Law Enforcement Education Program $2,299,994. Percent Spent On Expenditures Charitable Cause: 2.7%
Troy, MI Purpose: To create and support educational programs for the betterment of both the general public and the law enforcement community.
Shiloh International Ministries $846,340. Percent Spent On Expenditures Charitable Cause: 3.2%
La Verne, CA
Purpose: To improve the quality of life of America’s disabled and needy children
by providing medical necessities and moral support.
American Medical Research Organization $783,217. Percent Spent On Expenditures Charitable Cause: 4.2%
Sarasota, FL
Purpose: To support medical research in the cause, cure, and treatment of macular degeneration.
Firefighters Support Foundation $3,263,878. Percent Spent On Expenditures Charitable Cause: 7.0%
Greenfield, MA
Purpose: To offer training programs and support injury prevention initiatives for
firefighters and other first responding public safety agencies.
Disabled Police Officers Counseling Center, Inc. $681,599 7.4%
Niceville, FL
Purpose: To provide educational and counseling programs to assist disable police officers, and to educate the public on the needs and abilities of disabled police officers.
Woman to Woman Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc. $4,921,015 8.0%
Lauderdale Lakes, FL
Purpose: To support women by promoting regular examinations, early detection and aggressive treatment for those suffering from breast cancer.
Disabled Police Officers of America $1,488,122 8.8%
Officers of America Niceville, FL
Purpose: To provide financial scholarships to those disabled and retired law enforcement officers requesting them.
Firefighters Charitable $6,924,179 8.8%
Foundation
Farmingdale, NY
Purpose: To provide financial assistance to individuals who have been affected by a fire or disaster and to support other disaster or prevention related charities, and volunteer fire departments.
The Wishing Well $1,249,566 10.0%
Foundation
Metairie, LA
Purpose: Fulfilling the fondest wish for any terminally ill child not expected to reach 18 years of age. 3
Foundation for American Veterans, Inc. $6,655,583 10.2%
West Bloomfield, MI
Purpose: Promoting social and recreational welfare for current and past U.S.
Armed Forces members, dependents, widows, widowers and others.
Dogs Against Drugs/Dogs Against Crime $1,042,284 11.1%
Anderson, IN
Purpose: Dedicated to the betterment of law enforcement K9 operations
throughout the United States.
National Vietnam Veterans Foundation $4,374,031 11.2%
Alexandria, VA
Purpose: Funding of programs and projects which benefit American veterans and their families.
Operation Lookout National Center for Missing Youth $1,589,751 11.5%
Everett, WA
Purpose: To locate missing children.
Committee for Missing Children $2,368,192 12.1%
Lawrenceville, GA
Purpose: Distribute pictures of missing children by encouraging educational
dealers, manufacturers and publishers to produce pages of missing children and
distribute them throughout the country.
Law Enforcement Legal Defense Fund $2,932,662 14.6%
Arlington, VA
Purpose: Conduct research on legal issues, use and publish results of such
research; support and engage in litigation safeguarding human and civil rights;
and assist similar charitable and educational organizations. 4
Caring for Our Children Foundation $618,658 15.3%
Everett, WA
Purpose: Provide administrative assistance to other non-profits and give small
grants to underfunded nonprofits that help victimized and missing children.
United American Patriots, Inc. $1,625,517 18.4%
Greensboro, NC
Purpose: To value individual liberty, protect and preserve the Constitution of the
United States and our national sovereignty, to promote Free Enterprise, National
Defense, traditional American Values and the education of youth.
National Veterans Service Fund $9,333,238 18.8%
Darien, CT
Purpose: To inform and educate in conjunction with service-related illnesses and
work to raise public awareness of the contributions of veterans to our society.
American Border Patrol $1,383,812 20.8%
Sierra Vista, AZ
Purpose: To monitor the border on regular basis and to educate the public about
border control issues.
Dakota Indian Foundation $1,255,942 21.7%
Chamberlain, SD
Purpose: Assist in education of Indian people and preservation of Native
American culture.
Portland, June 27th, 2013. Dog of all ages, shapes, sizes and personalities competed for the coveted title of Portland’s Next TopDog Model. Finalists walked the runway and the judges selected one Large Dog and one Small Dog TopDog Model. Tail wags of congratulations to Barley, Portland’s Next TopDog Model (Large Dog), on the left and Sachi, on the right who won the titles of Portland’s Next TopDog Model. “Portland’s Next Top Dog Model” won prize packages with goodies valued at over $1,000 and will be invited to special events and TV appearances to represent the Oregon Humane Society in the community.
The audience also got to select their favorites.
Fan Favorite (Small Dog): BOBO Bobo is an 8-year-old Maltipoo A dog’s life should be filled with: Snuggles, belly rubs, friendly laps, toys to carry upstairs and pile onto the big bed, car rides, feline sisters to chase and wrestle, doggie play groups, sandy beaches, post bath crazy running sessions, and bacon treats.
Fan Favorite (Large Dog): NOAH Noah is a 6-7 year old Great Pyrenees/Maremma Sheepdog/Giant Schnauzer A dog’s life should be filled with: Belly rubs, a king-sized bed, car rides for napping, and bananas, apples, and turkey.
This annual event is a benefit for the Oregon Humane Society.
Doggie contestants desiring to become Portland’s Next TopDog Model are divided into two categories: small dogs (under 30 lbs.) and large dogs (30 lbs. and over). Judges select 12 small dog finalists and 12 large dog finalists from the entries received. During the finale judging event, one dog from each group will be selected as the big winner and earn the coveted title.
The Finalists were:
Small Dogs
Bobo, Maltipoo, 8 years, Parent: Erin
Bruno, Cockapoo, 2 years, Parent: Lauren
Coco, Miniature Schnauzer, 1 year, Parents: Karla & Nancy
Finian (Finn), Terrier-Pug-Chihuahua-Spaniel, 2.5 years, Parent: Darcy
Finnegan, Jack Russell Terrier Mix, 2 years, Parent: Chandra
Posh, Yorkie, 3 years, Parents: Mike & Kristan
Milo, Long-haired Chihuahua mix, 1.5 years, Parent: Laura
Miss Sadie Mercedes, Beabull (beagle/English bulldog), 6 years, Parent: Ryan
Sachi, Mini Aussie/Sheltie, 1.5 years, Parent: Jennifer
Tucker, Chihuahua mix, 3 years, Parents: Heidi & Devon
Tully, French Bulldog, 3 years, Parent: Kris
Zelda, pug, 1 year, Parent: Jaime
Large Dogs
Barley, Mixed-Up Pup, 3 years, Parent: Elma
Bourbon Boudreaux “Bubba”, Chocolate Lab, 8.5 years, Parent: Kim
Casey, Australian Labradoodle, 5 months, Parent: Jen
Gomer, St. Bernard, 2 years, Parents: Julia & Kerry
Henry, Great Dane, 1.5 years, Parent: Jane
Lowell, Yellow Lab, 2 years, Parent: Kim
Luna, Siberian Husky, 1.5 years, Parents: Mercedes & Zahne
Noah, Great Pyrenees/Maremma Sheepdog/Giant Schnauzer mix, 6-7 years, Parent: Terry
Raven, Border Collie, 4 years, Parents: Shawna & Angel
Rogue, Doberman, 2.5 years, Parent: Sarah
Samson, Golden Retriever, 7 years, Parent: Ann
Sophie Bear, Chow Chow, 6 years, Parents: Bill & Matthew
The panel of celebrity judges for the final competition includes Betty Norrie, member of the OHS Board of Trustees; Helen Raptis, host of AMNW on KATU; Kimberly Maus, anchor for KPTV; Mitch Elliot, host for 105.1 fm The Buzz; and Sheryl Stewart, host for 105.1 fm The Buzz. Andy Carson from KPTV will provide plenty of laughs as emcee of the event.
Prizes, Titles, and More for the Winners
All finalists received gift bags valued at over $100, and the two dogs named “Portland’s Next Top Dog Model” won prize packages with goodies valued at over $1,000 and will be invited to special events and TV appearances. Two Fan Favorites were also selected from the participants, and these competitors also received prize baskets.
To foster an environment of respect, responsibility, and compassion for all animals through education, legislation, and leadership. To care for the homeless, to defend the abused, and to fight with unrelenting diligence for recognition of the integrity of all animals.
Portland, June 11th, 2013. Nearly 100 friends gathered in Zidell Hall at the Rose Schnitzer Manor for the Oregon Jewish Community Foundation 2013 Annual Reception. Min Zidell was surrounded by family as she was honored as Oregon Jewish Community Foundation’s outstanding Legacy Society Member for her endowment fund created for Oregon’s Jewish Indigent Burial Society, Hesed Shel Emet. (photo credit, Elie Bulka) Family members include: Steve Lippman, Matt French, Vicki French, Mike French, Jessica Justice, Jason and Athena Zidell, Stephanie Sherwood, Charlene Zidell, Becky Polley and Jay Zidell. Mackenzie Polley is on Min Zidell’s left.
Outgoing President, Eric Rosenfeld, presents an award to Min Zidell as OJCF’s Outstanding Legacy Society Member for her endowment fund created for Oregon’s Jewish Indigent Burial Society, Hesed Shel Emet.
Hesed Shel Emet recognizes that all Jews deserve to be buried with dignity regardless of their financial circumstance. The program was spearheaded by Cedar Sinai Park chief development officer Debbi Bodie in 2009, and is led by Steering Committee Chair Rabbi Ariel Stone, the Oregon Board of Rabbis and a committee of community leaders. Ms. Bodie continues to administer Hesel Shel Emet with the support of Cedar Sinai Park.
This is the first permanent endowment for Hesed Shel Emet. The ultimate goal is to have the financial needs of the program met through endowment funds like this.
Julie Diamond, Executive Director presents Eric Rosenfeld, Outgoing President with an award and a capybara t-shirt. Mr. Rosenfeld is President of Capybara Ventures.
Charlene Zidell speaks about her mother, Min Zidell’s, endowment for the Oregon Jewish Indigent Burial Society, Hesed Shel Emet.
Sharon Morell, Incoming President with Bob Philip and OJCF Board Member Jill Edelson
Attendees also paid tribute to OJCF outgoing president Eric Rosenfeld, who has led the foundation since 2010 and welcomed incoming president Sharon Morell. Mr. Rosenfeld is a managing partner at Capybara Ventures and a co-founder of the Oregon Angel Fund. Ms. Morell is a relationship manager for Morley Financial. She is also a member of the foundation’s investment committee, the OJCF Youth Foundation Advisory Committee and is the treasurer of Cedar Sinai Park.
The board and fund holders also approved the 2013-2014 roster of board members which include new members Owen Blank and Mrs. Zidell’s daughter, Charlene Zidell. Mr. Blank is a partner with Tonkon Torp LLP and has served on the boards and advisory panels of many local organizations. Ms. Zidell, is the Director of Corporate Relations and Communications for Zidell Industries and is actively engaged in the community sitting on numerous non-profit boards, donating her time and resources.
Jeffrey Wolfstone, who formerly served as Congregation Beth Israel’s representative for OJCF, will continue on the board as Vice President on the Executive Committee as an at-large member. Mr. Wolfstone is a shareholder at Lane Powell. He continues to serve on the board of Congregation Beth Israel and is a member of the Portland Angel Network.
About OJCF
The Oregon Jewish Community Foundation is dedicated to creating, promoting, and facilitating a culture of giving, and serves as the guardian of permanent funds available to safeguard the quality of Jewish communal life in Oregon and Southwest Washington. The Foundation invests its assets to foster strong support of the community’s current needs while also providing resources for future generations.
Portland, June 24th, 2013. One of the the terrific aspects of summertime in Portland is the long list of outdoor concerts and movies scheduled though the City of Portland’s Parks Bureau. The links below will give you more details and there’s also full listing of events below. YES! It’s music to our ears!
Individuals may enter and exit the site, and watch movies and concerts from a paved pathway. Closed Captioning – For availability please contact movie staff 10 business days in advance. 503-823-5970* Silent movie with live voice actors, musicians and sound effects.
Couldn’t resist this Portlandia clip to put you in the outdoor movie mood…
Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R)’s Summer Free for All, the wildly popular annual series of free outdoor concerts, movies, playground programs and more, is back after a record-setting 2012 season! The Summer Free for All is one of Portland’s most anticipated and innovative (and FREE!) annual activities.
FREE COMMUNITY CONCERTS!
• SELLWOOD RIVERFRONT PARK, Mondays at 6:30pm SE Spokane St & Oaks Parkway
July 8: Nikki Hill, Rootsy Rock ‘n Roll
July 15: The James Low Western Front, Dusty, Original Folk Pop
Little Smiles Pediatric Dentistry presents
July 22: Brownish Black, Vintage, Basement R&B and Soul
Windermere CCRG, Sellwood Branch presents
July 29: The Machete Men, Driving “Rock en Espanol”
Aug 5: Lloyd Jones, Swingin’ Rhythm & Blues
• MT. TABOR PARK, Tuesdays at 6:30 pm In the Volcano – SE 60th Ave & Salmon
Warner Pacific College presents
July 9: LoCura, Rebel-Spirited Bay Area Latin
July 16: Sassparilla, Raucous Dust-Bowl Blues
July 23: Nancy King, Portland’s Legendary Jazz Chanteuse
July 30: Dr. Theopolis, Wacky Funk & Hip-Hop
• VENTURA PARK, Wednesdays at 6:30pm SE 115th & Stark
Aug 7: Jujuba, Danceable Nigerian Afrobeat
Aug 14: Midnight Honey, Harmonious Sister Soul
• PARKLANE PARK, Wednesdays at 6:30pm
SE 155th & Main
Aug 21: Contigo, Afro-Latino World Music
Aug 28: Will West and the Friendly Strangers, Tuneful Americana
• BERRYDALE PARK, Thursdays at 6:30pm SE 92nd & Taylor
Aug 15: The Midnight Serenaders, Prohibition-Era Swing Jazz
Aug 22: Casey Neill and the Norway Rats, Lyrical Indie Rock
• WILLAMETTE PARK, Wednesdays at 6:30pm SW Macadam & Nebraska
National College of Natural Medicine presents
July 10: Lisa Mann and her Really Good Band, Female-Fronted Award-Winning Blues
July 17: The Buckles, Western Honky-Tonk Meets Beatles
July 24: Reggie Houston, New Orleans Jazz Sax Legend
July 31: The Strange Tones, Volcanic, Psychobilly Blues
• WALLACE PARK, Thursdays at 6:30pm NW 25th & Raleigh
July 11: Ashleigh Flynn, Foot-Stompin’ Original Americana SELCO Community Credit Union presents
July 18: The Stolen Sweets, ‘30s Swing Jazz Confection
SELCO Community Credit Union presents
July 25: 3 Leg Torso, Cinematic Virtuosic Chamber
• COUCH PARK, Thursdays at 6:30pm NW 19th & Glisan
Aug 8: Mo Phillips, Indie Kids’ Rock
Aug 15: The Chancers, Rollicking Irish Pub Tunes
• LOVEJOY FOUNTAIN PARK, Fridays at 6:30pm SW 3rd Ave & Harrison
Aug 9: Aaron Meyer, Portland’s Concert Rock Violinist
Aronora presents
Aug 16: Conjunto Alegre, Salsa, Cumbia, Bachata and more
• ELIZABETH CARUTHERS PARK, Sundays at 3pm 3508 SW Moody Ave.
Oregon Health and Science University presents
Aug 11: Bon Ton Roulet, Uproarious Cajun & Zydeco
Aug 18: Luke Winslow King & Esther Rose, Washboard Pickin’ Blues in North & Northeast Portland
• KENTON PARK, Tuesdays at 6:30pm 8417 N. Brandon Ave
Aug 13: Soul Vaccination, Horn-Driven Funky Dance Music
Aug 20: The My Oh Mys, Moody Alternative Indie Pop
Aug 27: Dirty Martini Trio, Harmonious Pop Siren Trio
• DAWSON PARK, Wednesdays at 6:30pm N. Stanton & WIlliams
July 10: Devin Phillips, New Orleans Sax Sensation
Legacy Emanuel Medical Center presents
July 17: Curtis Salgado, Triumphant, Joyful Blues
July 24: Atomic Gumbo, Louisiana Roots Music
July 31: LaRhonda Steele Band, Blues & Funk Diva
• GLENHAVEN PARK, Thursdays at 6:30pm NE 82nd & Siskiyou
July 11: Melao de Cuba, Vibrant, Traditional Cuban
July 18: 7th Seal, Groovin’ Reggae & Ska
July 25: Geno Michaels and Soul City, Neo-Soul, R&B, Funk
• FERNHILL PARK, Fridays at 6:30pm NE 37th & Ainsworth
July 12: Tony Starlight, Comedic ‘70s Gold
July 19: Andy Stokes, Old-School Rhythm & Blues
July 26: Boy and Bean, Warm Jazz-Era Harmony
Aug 2: Toque Libre, Passionate Acoustic Latin
Special Bonus Concert National Night Out
Concordia Neighborhood Association presents
Tuesday, August 6: Chervona, Eastern-Euro Carnival Insanity
• McCOY PARK, Sundays at 6:30pm N. Trenton & Newman
July 14: Ocean 503, Reggae, R&B, Funk & Soul
July 21: The African Showboyz,
Ghanaian Percussion & Dance
Special Bonus Concert National Night Out
New Columbia Community Campus Partners present
Tuesday, Aug 6: Dina y Bamba Su Pilon D’Azucar,
Incendiary Havana SalsaPortland Parks & Recreation
A proud tradition in Portland, the Washington Park Summer Festival offers ten consecutive evening performances in the gorgeous Washington Park Rose Garden Amphitheater.
Portland Gay Men’s Chorus An exuberant, powerful, and witty gathering of talented men whose musical artistry will astound and delight
Fri
August 2
Portland Summerfest Opera – Otello by Giuseppe Verdi An accomplished local opera company which draws hot young opera singers from all over the country for a memorable concert performance with full orchestra
Sat
August 3
PDX Jazz Presents The Carlton Jackson – Dave Mills Big Band A revered line-up of Portland’s most-loved jazz musicians paying homage to great composers of the jazz form
Sun
August 4
Portland Festival Symphony Celebrating the magic and power of classical music for over 30 years under the inspired baton of Maestro Lajos Balogh
Mon
August 5
Obo Addy’s Legacy: DiaTribe – From The Village To The Streets Traditional West African music, dance and drumming evolve into hip hop and break dance in this dynamic and provocative tribute to a Portland legend
Tue
August 6
Black Prairie A swiftly-rising, cross-pollinated Portland supergroup that exposes the venerable, forgotten roots of folk and bluegrass
Wed
August 7
Vagabond Opera Bohemian absurdist cabaret, exploring numerous Euro musical traditions, delivered with an operatic heart and a punk soul
Thu
August 8
Sean Ghazi Award-winning Malaysian actor, singer and dancer recently located to Portland, known for melding traditional Malaysian music with old jazz, and for his periodic cameos with Pink Martini
Fri
August 9
NW Dance Project’s In Good Company, With Deejay Anjali & Eden Hana Portland’s own award-winning dance company explores the mix of innovative movement, sounds found on vintage vinyl and live vocals for an unforgettable evening
Sat
August 10
Caña Son The traditional music of Cuba, played by newly-resurrected faves Caña Son with indomitable spirit and great reverence for its role in the evolution of modern salsa
Portland, June 22nd, 2013. The five new Humboldt penguin chicks that hatched at the Oregon Zoo this spring have begun to emerge from their nest boxes and explore their surroundings, keepers say. The young penguins are easy to identify: they are gray all over and lack the black-and-white markings of adult Humboldts — notably the distinctive horseshoe-shaped band in the chest area. In the photo, Keeper Kyla Holligan holds a young Humboldt penguin at the Oregon Zoo. The five chicks that hatched this spring have begun to emerge from their nest boxes and explore the zoo’s penguinarium. (Photo by Michael Durham, courtesy of the Oregon Zoo.)
Keepers have named the chicks after well-known conservationists, wildlife experts and scientists:
· Irwin (for Australian wildlife expert and “crocodile hunter” Steve Irwin)
· Attenborough (for English nature historian David Attenborough)
· Jane Goodall (for the renowned chimpanzee expert and conservationist)
· Tesla (for the famous scientist and inventor Nikola Tesla)
· Linus (for Nobel prize winner and Portland native Linus Pauling).
Visitors can see the young birds waddling over the rocky terrain and darting through the clear water of the zoo’s penguinarium. (Penguins start swimming right away, and don’t need lessons the way young river otters do.)
It is the first time in four years visitors are able to see penguin chicks in Portland. The zoo’s breeding program had been on hiatus, in part due to renovations at the zoo’s penguinarium. The penguinarium reopened to the public last November, following a much-needed upgrade of its water-filtration system, one of many sustainability improvements funded by the community-supported 2008 zoo bond measure. The upgrade saves 7 million gallons of water each year.
Humboldt penguins (Spheniscus humboldti), which live along the South American coastline off of Peru and Chile, are classified as “vulnerable” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, and in 2010 were granted protection under the U.S. Endangered Species Act. Of the world’s 17 penguin species, Humboldts are the most at risk, threatened by overfishing of their prey species, entanglement in fishing nets, and breeding disruption due to commercial removal of the guano deposits where the penguins lay their eggs. Their population is estimated at 12,000 breeding pairs.
Through its Future for Wildlife program, the Oregon Zoo has long supported Peru-based conservation organization ACOREMA’s work to protect the vulnerable Humboldt penguin. ACOREMA monitors penguin mortality and works closely with San Andrés fishermen to mitigate the practice of hunting penguins for food. The group also trains volunteer rangers, reaching out to 3,000 students, teachers and Pisco-area residents a year to raise awareness about penguin conservation.
The zoo is a service of Metro and is dedicated to its mission of inspiring the community to create a better future for wildlife. Committed to conservation, the zoo is currently working to save endangered California condors, Oregon silverspot and Taylor’s checkerspot butterflies, western pond turtles and Oregon spotted frogs. Other projects include studies on Asian elephants, polar bears, orangutans and giant pandas. Celebrating 125 years of community support, the zoo relies in part on donations through the Oregon Zoo Foundation to undertake these and many other animal welfare, education and sustainability programs.
The zoo opens at 9 a.m. daily and is located five minutes from downtown Portland, just off Highway 26. The zoo is also accessible by MAX light rail line. Visitors who travel to the zoo via MAX receive $1.50 off zoo admission. Call TriMet Customer Service, 503-238-RIDE (7433), or visit www.trimet.org for fare and route information.
General zoo admission is $11.50 (ages 12-64), $10 for seniors (65 and up), $8.50 for children (ages 3-11) and free for those 2 and younger; 25 cents of the admission price helps fund regional conservation projects through the zoo’s Future for Wildlife program. A parking fee of $4 per car is also required. Additional information is available at www.oregonzoo.org or by calling 503-226-1561.
Camp Fire Columbia President & CEO René Léger accepts the Oregon Ethics in Business Award for a not-for-profit organization at a ceremony June 12 at the Portland Art Museum.
The Oregon Ethics in Business (OEIB) Awards honor those organizations and individuals who have demonstrated ethical business practice in its broadest interpretation: in the workplace, the marketplace, the environment, and the community. The recipients of these awards have, by act and example, gone beyond the expected to achieve excellence in ethical business practices.
Camp Fire was selected as this year’s recipient for a not-for-profit organization after a rigorous and comprehensive vetting process, said Kenton R. Hill, Chair of OEIB Selection Committee.
“This recognition honors not only Camp Fire’s exceptional after school and summer programs for youth, but also their quality treatment of people (employees, volunteers, students), commitment to environmental stewardship, and for maintaining high ethical standards in the face of adversity,” Hill said. “The overall performance of Camp Fire Columbia is clearly beyond the expected in ethical business practices and sets it apart from the mainstream of not-for-profit organizations.”
Camp Fire Columbia serves over 3,500 youth in grades K-12 each year. Camp Fire partners with 20 schools in and around Portland to offer before, during, and after school programs during the academic year. During the summer, the organization runs resident and day camps and a teen leadership program.
Youth in Camp Fire’s program are shown to improve their academics and school attendance while also developing fundamental skills and assets like confidence, motivation, and compassion for others.
“Ethical conduct is a core value that Camp Fire seeks to nurture in youth. As role models to youth, we strive to ‘walk the walk’ every day,” said René Léger, Camp Fire Columbia President & CEO. “As stewards of community resources, we are whole-heartedly committed to honoring the trust that our donors, volunteers, parents, and partners place in us and our mission.”
About Oregon Ethics in Business: The Oregon Ethics in Business Awards began in 2004 and developed as a partnership between Rotary Club of Portland, Atkinson Graduate School of Management at Willamette University, and the Portland Business Journal. Customers, co-workers and friends who witness exceptional ethical behavior nominate organizations and individuals for the awards. Willamette University/Atkinson MBA students research the finalists, and a selection committee of business and community leaders choose the award recipients based on their reports. For more information about the Oregon Ethics in Business Award, visit www.oregonethicsinbusiness.org
About Camp Fire: Camp Fire Columbia is a co-ed, non-profit organization that directly serves over 3,500 youth grades K-12 each year. Camp Fire partners with local kids, schools, and families to provide diverse, best practices programming that: Supports academic achievement, builds social and life skills, fosters community engagement, and develops career and college readiness. For more information about Camp Fire visit us at www.campfirecolumbia.org
Portland, June 14th, 2013. Many of Oregon’s notable citizens were on hand when The Oregon Historical Society hosted a celebratory dinner for sponsors of Windows on America. The exhibit showcased for the first time 120 artifacts from the private Mark Family Collection, including: John F. Kennedy’s Oval Office Table and Rocking Chair, Truman’s Inaugural Top Hat, George Washington’s handwritten plans for Mount Vernon and a swatch of fabric from Lincoln’s Fords Theater Chair. Pictured at the event are: Linda Andrews, Pete Mark, and Maddie Andrews, (back row) Joe Maddalena, who helped collect the itmes, Scott Andrews, Peter Andrews, and Paul Andrews.
Ray Auel, Jean Auel, and Susan Belluschi, (Back row) Ann Hudson, Jerry Hudson, Sue Metzler, Peter Belluschi, Kate Brown (Front Row)
Pete Mark tells supporters about his unique collection.
Antoinette Hatfield and Laura Meier
Here’s more information about the exhibit:
This summer, the Oregon History Museum is proud to showcase a world-class collection of presidential history, never before seen to the public. Carefully acquired over more than fifty years, the Mark Family Collection, consisting of over 100 artifacts and documents, focuses on American presidential leadership and major turning points in the history of the United States. Inspired by the ways in which these great leaders communicated their views, persuaded and cajoled others, and responded to crisis, the collection consists of documents, images, and objects that gives unique perspective to more than two centuries of American history. This exhibition, opening to the public on June 15, 2013, opens windows into the hearts, minds, and councils of the most influential leaders of our nation.
The treasures in this exhibit rival the Smithsonian collections. Beginning with a letter from George Washington, the exhibit is graced by the likes of Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, and John F. Kennedy. The compelling content leaps from everyday personal possessions and letters to iconic items like the only known copy of the Atlantic Charter signed by both Franklin Roosevelt and Churchill.
Some of the other notable highlights in this extensive collection include:
An exact reproduction of the Declaration of Independence
George Washington’s handwritten plans for Mount Vernon
Official copy of the Thirteenth Amendment
Swatch of fabric from Lincoln’s Fords Theater Chair
The letter, pierced by a bullet, which was in Teddy Roosevelt’s pocket during an assassination attempt in 1912
Only copy of the Atlantic Charter signed by Churchill and Franklin D. Roosevelt
U.S.S. Antares Log from the Attack on Pearl Harbor
Truman’s Inaugural Top Hat
John F. Kennedy’s Oval Office Table and Rocking Chair
The Oregon Historical Society is located at 1200 SW Park Avenue between SW Jefferson and Madison on the South Park Blocks in downtown Portland. Groups should enter through the Pavilion doors off of SW Park Avenue and check in at the Visitor Services Desk. For directions to the Oregon Historical Society please visit www.ohs.org/visit-ohs/locations-directions-parking.cfm or call 503.222.1741.
Portland, June 13th, 2013. OMSI supporters flocked to the largest exhibition of mummies and related artifacts ever assembled. Mummies of the Worldpresents a compelling collection of naturally and intentionally preserved mummies and artifacts from Asia, Oceania, South America, Europe, as well as ancient Egypt, dating as far back as 6,500 years. Among them are, “The Tattooed Woman.” This young woman with long, black hair was naturally mummified in the warm desert air, seated in the burial position typical in Chile before 1400 A.D. She was wrapped in fabric after her death, the impression of which is still visible on her chin and cheeks. Little is known about the meaning of her mysterious tattoos. (Photo credit: Darryl Moran)
Harry Hall, Lilisa Hall, and Bob Speltz
Thomas DeSouza from Baird Private Wealth Management addressed the crowd.
Nancy Stueber, OMSI President explained the collection.
Through the use of modern scientific techniques, the mummies in the exhibition have revealed extraordinary details about the past: how tall people were, how long they lived, what kinds of food they ate and what diseases they suffered from. Clothing, jewelry and other personal artifacts placed on or with a mummy can tell us about the person’s status and lifestyle, as well as the values, beliefs, and attitudes of the culture in which they lived.
Plan about 60 to 90 minutes to explore the exhibition.
Mummies of the World is the largest exhibition of mummies and related artifacts ever assembled.
The exhibition includes this never-before-seen collection of 150 objects and specimens including human and animal mummies and related artifacts from South America, Europe, Asia, Oceania and Egypt. Artifacts include Egyptian and South American burial objects including amulets, statues and fragments from the Book of the Dead.
The breathtaking exhibition offers visitors state-of-the-art multi-media and hands-on interactive stations, and along with cutting-edge 3-D animation gives audiences the opportunity to learn how mummies are created, where they come from and who they were.
Using state-of-the-art scientific methods including Computer Tomography (CT), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), DNA analysis, and radiocarbon dating, researchers provide insight into people from ancient civilizations and cultures of every major region of the world.
The exhibition explains what a mummy is, how mummification occurs both through intentional and natural processes, and that mummies come from all over the world – found in bogs, caves, cellars, deserts and environments all over the globe.
The exhibition was derived from the research of the Germany Mummy Project, led and curated by the Reiss-Engelhorn Museums in Mannheim, Germany, which worked with an international team of scientists from many disciplines to study the mummies. The research is presented in Mummies of the World, and was made possible through the collaboration of 20 world-renowned museums, organizations and collections from seven countries.
Mummies of the World presents an extraordinary, never-before seen collection that has been assembled for a limited three-year U.S. tour. The rare and priceless collections contained in the exhibition will be returned to the loaning institutions after the tour concludes. Learn more information about the exhibition: www.mummiesoftheworld.com.
The exhibition offers visitors state-of-the-art multi-media and hands-on interactive stations along with 3-D animations, transforming audience into amateur “mummyologists” as they learn how mummies
are created, where they come from and who they were.Some of the most fascinating aspects of Mummies of the World include: The Detmold Child, a Peruvian child mummy in a remarkable state of preservation,
radiocarbon dated back 6,420 years – about 3,000 years before the birth of King Tut. The Orlovits family – Michael, Veronica and their son Johannes –who are part of a group of 18th-century mummies discovered in a long-forgotten church crypt in Vác, Hungary in 1994. Baron von Holz, a 17th-century nobleman believed to have died in or near Sommersdorf,Germany during the Thirty Years’ War (1618–48), discovered by
descendants of his relatives in the crypt of the family’s late 14th-century castle. Baroness Schenck von Geiern, another von Crailsheim ancestor, was also discovered in the family crypt.mummiesoftheworld.com
An Egyptian cat mummy elaborately wrapped in painted linen bandaging, dating to the Ptolemaic period. The sarcophagus and mummy of an Egyptian man named Nes-pa-qa-shuti, found in a necropolis at Akhmim, an important site in Egypt with ties to the royal families. He dates back to about 650 B.C. South American mummies including a Pre-Columbian woman found in the Peruvian desert, dating to about 1400 A.D. Complete and partial Egyptian mummies, illustrating both how people were mummified and how the dead were treated. Animal mummies including a howler monkey from Argentina; a lizard mummified in the Sahara desert; and bird, dog, fish and reptile mummies. Artifacts including South American burial objects; Egyptian salts and resins used in the mummification process; fragments of an Egyptian Book of the Dead; and a 19thcentury pharmaceutical price list including an ingredient for medications made from ground mummies. More information about Mummies of the World: www.mummiesoftheworld.com.
The exhibit opened June 14, 2013, and will close September 8, 2013.
Portland, June 1st, 2013. The Comcast Foundation honored 2013 Oregon and Southwest Washington recipients of its annual Leaders and Achievers® Scholarship Program. Four Portland Public Schools students receive Leaders and Achievers scholarships. Pictured are, Jerome Kersey, Former Portland Trail Blazers All-Star; Dr. Hilda Rosselli, Oregon Deputy Director of College & Career Readiness; Pamela Flores-Sandoval, Lincoln High School; Vanessa Dominguez, Roosevelt High School; Carole Smith, Portland Public Schools Superintendent; Katrina Rapp, Grant High School; Mimi Ly, Benson Polytechnic High School; and Rodrigo Lopez, Comcast Oregon and Southwest Washington Regional Vice President. (Photo credit, Andie Petkus)
About 175 guests attended the 2013 Comcast Leaders and Achievers Celebration at the Portland World Trade Center on Saturday, June 1st. Photo by Andie Petkus.
Comcast awarded 65 Oregon and Southwest Washington students with $73,000 in college scholarships. Thirty-two of the students attend high schools in the Portland, OR Metro Area and ten of those are in the city of Portland. Each of the 65 students won a $1,000 scholarship, and two students were surprised with an additional Comcast Founders scholarship totaling their awards to $5,000 each. Fifteen of the students were also given iPad minis to use in college. The Comcast Foundation was founded in 1999 to provide charitable support to its local communities and to empower and enrich lives.
Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum joins the Leaders and Achievers celebration as a guest speaker and helps surprise Vanessa Dominguez, Roosevelt High School senior, with a Comcast Founders scholarship with Rodrigo Lopez, Comcast Oregon and Southwest Washington Regional VP. Christina Chen (not pictured) from Hudson’s Bay High School in Vancouver also won a Comcast Founders scholarship. Photo by Andie Petkus.
“Each year, we are excited to provide scholarships for these talented students,” said Charisse R. Lillie, President of the Comcast Foundation and Vice President, Community Investment of Comcast Corp. “Comcast seeks students who demonstrate leadership abilities in school activities and who reflect a strong commitment to community service. These students are our future leaders, and we hope these scholarships will help to power their dreams for success.”
Ellen Rosenblum, Oregon Attorney General, and Rodrigo Lopez, Comcast Oregon and Southwest Washington Regional VP, announce fifteen lucky students to receive an iPad mini to use in college. Photo by Andie Petkus.
Carole Smith, Portland Public Schools Superintendent, remind Leaders and Achievers scholarship recipients that they are agents of change and role models for their peers. Photo by Andie Petkus.
Former Portland Trail Blazers All-Star Jerome Kersey joins the celebration as a guest speaker and helps give Leaders and Achievers scholarship recipients medals to honor and symbolize their achievements. Kersey urged the students to go on to do great things, as teachers and parents have seen in them the ability to make a difference. He also gave a reminder to the students that every leader needs to hear now and then again: while everyone expects them to achieve greatness, they should also expect it of themselves. Photo by Andie Petkus.
Melaku Arega receives iPad mini in addition to a $1,000 Leaders and Achievers scholarship. Photo by Andie Petkus.
One of the Comcast Founders scholarship recipients is Vanessa Dominguez, a senior at Roosevelt High School located in North Portland. She was selected based on her outstanding essay and demonstrated leadership. Dominguez recently helped lead a documentary youth crew for “Papers: Stories of Undocumented Youth” and co-founded Student Alliance Project. While active with the Roosevelt varsity volleyball team and other activities, she also contributes her time as the youth director for Momentum Alliance. Christina Chen from Vancouver’s Hudson’s Bay High School was the other Comcast Founders scholarship recipient.
Honored students and guests heard from Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum, Oregon Deputy Director of College & Career Readiness Dr. Hilda Rosselli, Portland Public Schools Superintendent Carole Smith and former Portland Trail Blazers All-Star Jerome Kersey. Rosenblum and Rosselli both advised the high school seniors to continually be involved outside the classroom throughout college. Smith reminded the scholars that they are agents of change and role models for their peers. Kersey urged the students to go on to do great things, as teachers and parents have seen in them the ability to make a difference. He also gave a reminder to the students that every leader needs to hear now and then again: while everyone expects them to achieve greatness, they should also expect it of themselves.
“We are continually impressed with the leadership responsibilities and commitment to community service the students in Oregon and Southwest Washington take on while working hard to succeed academically,” remarked Rodrigo Lopez, Comcast Oregon and Southwest Washington Regional Vice President. “These sixty-five students will undoubtedly do well in college and go on in life to inspire their peers to make change happen within their lives, schools and communities.”
2013-2014 OREGON AND SW WASHINGTON LEADERS AND ACHIEVERS® SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS
Portland Metro Area
Student Name
School
School City
Cameron Ainslie
Central Catholic High School
Portland, OR
Melaku Arega
De La Salle North Catholic High School
Portland, OR
Bethany Burgess
Parkrose High School
Portland, OR
Mario DeSimone
Southridge High School
Beaverton, OR
Vanessa Dominguez
Roosevelt High School
Portland, OR
Madison Egan
Lake Oswego Senior High School
Lake Oswego, OR
Kyle Farrell
Century High School
Hillsboro, OR
Pamela Flores-Sandoval
Lincoln High School
Portland, OR
Angeleesha Frierson
Jefferson High School
Portland, OR
Nils Hagberg
Tualatin High School
Tualatin, OR
Jesse Hanson
Scappoose High School
Scappoose, OR
Tyler Hoffeditz
Gladstone High School
Gladstone, OR
Jordan Hurwitz
Sunset High School
Portland, OR
Alejandra Ibarra
Sam Barlow High School
Gresham, OR
Danielle Kirby
Oregon City High School
Oregon City, OR
Tayla Kuyl
Gaston High School
Gaston, OR
Vanlena Le
Reynolds High School
Troutdale, OR
Peter Lommen
Forest Grove High School
Forest Grove, OR
Mimi Ly
Benson Polytechnic High School
Portland, OR
Molly McGuckin
Liberty High School
Hillsboro, OR
Christopher Munjar
Banks High School
Banks, OR
Mackenzie Olson
Centennial High School
Gresham, OR
Katrina Rapp
Grant High School
Portland, OR
Megan Risinger
Tigard High School
Tigard, OR
Tracy Robert
David Douglas High School
Portland, OR
Brittany Rosenthal
Beaverton High School
Beaverton, OR
Haley Schaeffer
Gresham High School
Gresham, OR
Nicole Streeter
Alpha High School
Gresham, OR
Josiah Thurston
St. Helens High School
St. Helens, OR
Edward Tran
Aloha High School
Beaverton, OR
Connor Tripp
Glencoe High School
Hillsboro, OR
Matthew White
Lakeridge High School
Lake Oswego, OR
The Comcast Leaders and Achievers® Scholarship Program provides $1,000 scholarships to students who strive to achieve their potential, who are catalysts for positive change in their communities, who are involved in their schools, and who serve as models for their fellow students. The philosophy behind the program is to give young people every opportunity to prepare for the future and to engage them in their communities. The program also demonstrates the importance of civic involvement, and the value placed on civic involvement by the business community.
To date, Comcast has awarded nearly $19 million to nearly 19,000 Leaders and Achievers Scholarship winners.
The Comcast Foundation was founded by Comcast Corporation in June 1999 to provide charitable support to qualified nonprofit organizations. The Foundation primarily invests in programs intended to have a positive, sustainable impact on their communities. The Foundation has three community investment priorities—promoting community service, expanding digital literacy, and building tomorrow’s leaders. Since its inception, the Comcast Foundation has donated more than $123 million to organizations in the communities nationwide that Comcast serves. More information about the Foundation and its programs is available at www.comcast.com/community.
Portland, May 12th, 2013. Oregon Symphony’s “Night of the Decade” gala honored Maestro Carlos Kalmar’s 10 years with the Symphony. 400 guests attended the event held at the Nines Hotel and raised over $270,000 to benefit the Oregon Symphony’s education and outreach programs and the musicians who make these vital programs possible. Gala Co-Chair Rebecca Johnson, Oregon Symphony Associate Concertmaster Chair Peter Frajola, Laurie Frajola, and Oregon Symphony Board Member Kelly Johnson.
Beth Hulsman, Sudee Hering, Alice Davies, Jill McDonald, and Barbara Wagner at the Night of the Decade on May 12th.
Janet Geary, Sue Keil and Dick Geary at the Night of the Decade
Bill and Janet Kretzmeier with Walt and Jean Meihoff at the Night of the Decade
Oregon Symphony Music Director Carlos Kalmar with Portland Youth Philharmonic’s Young String Ensemble and their conductor, Carol Sindell.
Funds raised during the Night of the Decade Gala help the Oregon Symphony reach over 20,000 children in the upcoming year who do not have music education in their schools. Over 220,000 students will experience the splendor in the concert hall through the Classical Series, Pops, and Specials, and now, more children will have access to education and outreach programs in schools, libraries, and at the concert hall.
The Oregon Symphony’s mission is to inspire a love and understanding of music in our lives by bringing great music to all. Its primary goal, in the words of Music Director Carlos Kalmar, is to “touch the heart and soul of every Oregonian.” For more information about the Oregon Symphony and the education and outreach programs they provide, visit www.orsymphony.org or call 503-228-4294.
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