Portland, November 30th. The long wait is over. Rose-Tu, an 18-year-old Asian elephant, gave birth to a 300-pound female calf at the Oregon Zoo at 2:17 a.m.
“We’re all delighted at the arrival of Rose-Tu’s new calf,” said Kim Smith, Oregon Zoo director. “The calf is beautiful, healthy, tall and very vigorous. As soon as she hit the ground — before she was even out of the amniotic sac — she was wiggling. And she’s vocalizing loudly. The first time we heard her, the sound was so deep and loud that we thought it was Shine. She’s definitely got a great set of pipes, and it looks like she’s going to be a real pistol.”
Smith said Rose-Tu is doing well after more than 30 hours of labor and more than 21 months of pregnancy, thanks to a daily exercise regimen that has kept her in top shape. Zoo staff and much of the surrounding community had been on baby watch since Nov. 25, when Rose-Tu’s progesterone levels dropped to near zero, indicating labor should begin soon. Rose-Tu entered early labor in the afternoon of Nov. 28 and began showing signs of active labor around midnight last night.
“The main thing determining that will be the strength of the bond between Rose-Tu and the calf,” said Bob Lee, the zoo’s elephant curator. “Rose should allow the calf to nurse regularly, sleep, play and generally act like a calf without trying to stop it and control its movements. Then we’ll determine whether she’s calm and comfortable with staff around. And finally, we want to make sure the calf has had a chance to bond with the rest of the herd.”
Now that elephant keepers know the calf is a girl, they’ll choose a short list of possible names and the zoo’s elephant fans will have a chance to vote online, the same way they helped name big brother Samudra in 2008. Keep an eye on oregonzoo.org for more information.
Excitement over the arrival of a new baby elephant was dampened today as Oregon Zoo staff made the difficult decision to euthanize Coco the chimpanzee, one of the zoo’s most beloved long-term residents.
“Coco was beloved to staff, volunteers and visitors,” said curator Jennifer Davis, who oversees the zoo’s primate area. “During her 50 years here, she touched many lives.”
At around 60 years old, Coco had been the oldest animal at the Oregon Zoo and the second-oldest chimp in the entire U.S. zoo population. The median life expectancy for chimpanzees is 31.7 years for males and 38.7 years for females.
“Coco was quite elderly for a chimp,” Davis said. “Unfortunately, she suffered a debilitating health setback earlier in the week and her quality of life had diminished to the point where euthanizing her was the most humane option.”
Coco, the Oregon Zoo’s oldest resident, was euthanized after suffering a debilitating health setback earlier in the week. She was around 60 years old. Photo by Michael Durham, courtesy of the Oregon Zoo.
Coco’s actual date of birth is unknown. She was born in the wild around 1952, came to the United States through the pet trade (legal at the time) and was donated to the zoo by her owner in 1961.
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. The zoo relies in part on community support through donations to 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 $10.50 (ages 12-64), $9 for seniors (65 and up), $7.50 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.
Portland, November 11th. The Cause + Event Foundation hosted its inaugural race for 300 athletes who like to run for a cause. Instead of an event benefiting one cause, runners selected from several local charities, and some suggested their own beneficiaries. The event featured a 5K walk, 5K run or 10K run in the Bethany area of NW Portland and raised over $6,000.
Launched in January of 2012, the Cause + Event Foundation is donating $5 to every runner’s nonprofit of choice. “I am passionate about a few causes that are close to my heart,” said Amy Little, Race Director. “As with many runners, I want to have the flexibility to run and raise money for MY cause. We hope this event is very successful for years to come.”
Amy Little is the Race Director for Cause + Event Portland – 5K/10K Walk + Run
Utilizing local resources and being environmentally responsible are two of the many unique aspects of the event. “Our goal is to be a zero-impact environmental event and we’ll do everything we can in our first year to reach our goal,” said Waste Management Coordinator and certified Master Recycler Audrey Schaab. The race also featured childcare.
10-K runners
Registration was $30 for runners on a team of five or more, and $45 for individual runners.
When asked why she wants to volunteer her time for the race Amy Little said, “I want to give back and raising money for local nonprofits through my favorite activity is a great way to do it.” Little has a few favorite charities, but most recently she has been supportive of charities relating to women’s health issues. Little was diagnosed with stage 1 breast cancer in June of this year, and throughout her treatment has continued to move forward with plans for the race. “Now, more than ever, I can see the significance of what we’re doing. It’s special, and I’m blessed to have the opportunity.”
The Christmas Ship Fleet averages about 55 to 60 boats between the two Columbia and Willamette River fleets. Both fleets will be out most every night for two weeks beginning December 7, 2012 and running nightly through December 21, 2012. The fleet will do a special performance in Camas, WA on Dec. 1st. As we are an all volunteer organization, not all the boats make it out every night.
Without the donations from the restaurants and the hotels along the waterfront, this parade would not be possible. Please book your Christmas parties at our sponsoring restaurants and hotels. They are listed by viewing dates on the fleet schedule links with phone numbers and links to their websites. Their donations are used to pay for our required “Event Insurance Policy”. Each Christmas Ship skipper pays his own fuel costs and receives no money from the donations. Christmas Ships, Inc is a non-profit organization.
Please visit the Willamette or the Columbia Schedule links for complete schedules with route details including viewing locations and times for restaurants, hotels and outdoor viewing.
Katsura Heritage Tree in Laurelhurst Park, Portland (Phyllis Reynolds)
Portland, November 29th. Did you know that Friends of Trees has a program to help you plant trees? If you are not signed up to buy a tree, visit FriendsofTrees.org to get started.
If you’ve signed up for planting day, had your planting strip inspected, and are now ready to make your tree selection, but which tree will be best for you?
How can you best maximize beauty and habitat value? You like the idea of a flowering tree, but with so many species available, what other characteristics should you consider? Would a tree with fiery red fall color look best with your house, or would a warm, golden yellow go better?
Whether you need help in choosing the right tree for your yard or planting strip, or you just want to learn more about the types of trees that make up Portland’s incredible urban forest, you’ll be happy to know that Friends of Trees has organized two upcoming informative slideshow/Q&A sessions for just these reasons!
Please join local tree expert Jim Gersbach and Friends of Trees staff for an evening of tree talk and light refreshments on one of the following days:
NORTH: Thursday, Nov. 29, 7-9 p.m. – The New Columbia Community Education Center, 4625 N Trenton St., Portland
NORTHEAST: Thursday, Dec. 6, 7-9 p.m. – Kennedy School Community Room, 5736 NE 33rd Ave., Portland
Be sure to note which planting strip size(s) you have been approved for as this is an important part of helping you find the best tree for your location. This information is available when you log into your account (or on the planting permit you may have received from Urban Forestry, if a permit was initiated with them).
If you are not signed up to buy a tree yet, visit FriendsofTrees.org today and we’ll get you started!
Contact Friends of Trees at 503-595-0212 if you have any questions about these tree talk events, or if you’d like some help selecting and ordering a tree.
By Erica Timm,
-Timm is Neighborhood Trees Senior Specialist for Friends of Trees.
Portland, November 4th. Over 600 people raised $150,000 at a special concert featuring Storm Large, Congregation Beth Israel’s Senior Cantor Ida Rae Cahana, and China Forbes. Supporters swayed to the sounds of Thomas Lauderdale and the Pink Martini orchestra.
Under the dome of the historic Temple sanctuary Congregation Beth Israel Board members Linda Georges and Ted Nelson introduced the paddle raise, which – combined with ticket sales and generous sponsorships – generated $150,000. The funds will support spiritual, educational, artistic and social action programming at Beth Israel and throughout the broader community.
The popular concert also featuring the voices of Wendy Westerwelle, Kevin Walsh, the NW Community Gospel Choir and the Pacific Youth Choir, under the direction of Mia Hall Savage.
Guest musicians accompanying the performers included Michael Barnes, John Strege, Bill Crane, Abby Mages, Peter Zisa, Darcy White, Courtney Von Drehle, Ben Sandler and Arthur Steinhorn.
Portland, November 16th. Hundreds of supporters came to toast the 25th Anniversary of CARES Northwest with a festive gala at Leftbank Annex. CARES Northwest is a medically-based child abuse assessment and intervention program which served 4792 children in 2011. (Photo credit, Andie Petkus) Each year, thousands of children in Oregon face physical and sexual abuse, neglect and/or domestic violence. Before CARES was founded, if children were physically or sexually abused they had to tell their painful story again and again and again. CARES brings together all agencies involved for one evaluation.
CARES Board Member Randi Reiten helped organize the event, Patrick Reiten is president and CEO of major sponsor Pacific Power at PacifiCorp. Kevin Dowling is the CARES Northwest Program Manager.
George J. Brown, MD, Chief Executive Officer of Legacy, Dr. Molly Burchell, David Fuller, Carla Harris and Barbara Young
The night included a tribute to Michael D. Schrunk, Multnomah County District Attorney since 1981 and was instrumental in the development of CARES Northwest. Michael D. Schrunk was honored by Rod Underhill who will replace him as District Attorney when Schrunk retires at the end of the year.
For the past 25 years, CARES Northwest has served as a community-based medical program for the assessment, treatment and prevention of child abuse. The program combines the collaborative forces of four of the region’s leading health systems—Kaiser Permanente, OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital, Providence Health & Services and Randall Children’s Hospital at Legacy Emanuel.
“Since opening our doors in 1987, we have served nearly 30,000 children in our medical clinic, and have triaged almost twice that many referrals,” said Kevin Dowling, CARES Northwest program manager. “Most of the children we see are 12 years and younger, with sexual abuse and physical abuse being the most common reasons for referral.
“The need is great and our program is committed to serving all children, regardless of their family’s ability to pay. CARES Northwest relies on generous contributions from the community to ensure our most vulnerable patients receive care.”
The evening included the announcement of a the raffle of a one of a kind retro designer Nike, more details to follow…
Sarah Schrott, David Rubin, Marlys Pierson and Don Girard
Ron van Dongen, Charlotte Reisen, Dave Schrott and Alysa Rose
Chloe Houser from PDX TV was the enthusiastic emcee.
Stephanie and Kevin Lynch are longtime supporters of CARES and were the top bidders for a beautiful handmade quilt.
Scott Taylor, Patrick Reiten, Annie Duden and Phil Iosca
Vibrant Table created the great dinner and the night ended with dancing to soul music.
Portland Society Page was proud to be the media sponsor of the CARES Northwest 25th Anniversary
Presenting Sponsor: Pacific Power
Anniversary Sponsors: Epic Systems Corp.
Philip Iosca and Anne Duden
OHSU – Doernbecher Children’s Hospital
Providence St. Vincent Medical Center
Randall Children’s Hospital at Legacy Emanuel
Smarsh
Silver Sponsors: CBRE Inc./Jan Bottcher
Iberdrola Renewables, Inc.
Dan Leonhardt, M.D. and Kathy Kroeger
Kaiser Permanente Northwest
Leila Keltner and Kevin Dowling
Debby Kernan and Paul Angello
Knowledge Universe
Allison Rhodes
David Rubin
Daniel Staton
Wells Fargo
Photography Sponsor: OnPoint Community Credit Union ($1,000)
Portland, November 14th. The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) 26th Annual Philanthropy Awards luncheon honored an all-star list of community philanthropists including Portland native and billionaire businessman, Lorry I. Lokey, on the right is civic leader Gerry Frank. (Photo credit, Andie Petkus) Lokey was honored with Vollum Award for Lifetime Philanthropic Achievement by the Oregon & SW Washington Chapter of AFP. A student at Alameda Elementary School in NE Portland and graduate of Grant High School, Lokey fought in in World War II.
Emcee, William R. Swindells is pictured with Raddy Lurie, the current principal of Alameda Elementary School who presented Lorry Lokey with his award along with former Alameda principal, Teri Geist. Gwyneth Gamble Booth was the other Master of Ceremonies.
A Stanford Graduate and founder of Business Wire, Lokey has given over $700-million dollars to charity, mostly educational institutions on the west coast. He was one of almost 100 billionaires who signed the Giving Pledge to commit half of their wealth to nonprofits. Lokey has given away about 90% of his wealth, but calls “giving” a misnomer. “It’s investing,” he explains.
Other recipients included Bob and Charlee Moore of “Bob’s Red Mill” who were honored as Outstanding Philanthropists
Additional recipients included: BendBroadband, Outstanding Philanthropic Corporation Northwest Health Foundation, Outstanding Philanthropic Foundation Clark County Food Bank, Outstanding Volunteer Group Alazar Manning, Youth in Philanthropy DonorsResource.org, Outstanding Innovative Project
Lynn Harden presented Della Rae, founder of DonorsResource.org, with the award for Outstanding Innovative Project
Portland Mayor-Elect Charlie Hales with musician Michael Allen Harrison
Lisa Morasch who helped organize the event for the AFP Oregon & SW Washington Chapter; Sandy Wright, Philanthropy Awards Co-Chair and Friends of the Columbia Gorge professional, Gweneth Gamble Booth and Carol Van Natta, AFP President and OSU Foundation professional
Josh Kolberg, Bess Willis, Dan Tonkovich, Lynn Snodgrass, Norman Henry, Mike Button and John Korb
Rena Whittaker, Jan Renfro, Wendy Hill and Shirley Gross from Legacy Health Foundation
Cher Hinerman, Kristin Watkins and Kim Kono from the PCC Foundation
Roger Lee and Susanne Orton, Harsh Investment Properties
Becky Tymchuk Board Chair of the Salvation Army and Lynn Snodgrass from Drake’s 7 Dees
The Oregon & SW Washington Chapter, founded in 1984, serves fundraising professionals in Oregon and Southwest Washington.
AFP, an association of professionals throughout the world, advances philanthropy by enabling people and organizations to practice ethical and effective fundraising. The core activities through which AFP fulfills this mission include education, training, mentoring, research, credentialing and advocacy. AFP is committed to excellence in providing the highest quality services and products for our members and other constituents. We are responsive to their needs and strive to exceed expectations.
Portland, November 16th. Over 450 people traveled from 5 states to converge on the Heathman Hotel for the 11th annual celebration of the release of the French “young wine,” Beaujolais Nouveau. Russ Lewis announced a raffle winner of KGW Newschannel 8, Robert Bourrier of Delta Air Lines, Bernard Lehucher from the Consulate of France in San Francisco, and Françoise Aylmer, the French Honorary Consul for the State of Oregon helped out at the event.
Partygoes Haroon Ishrak, Leslie Averill and Lauren Glandon.
This celebration is part of a worldwide tradition: When midnight strikes on the third Thursday of November, bars, restaurants, bistros and pubs around the world can begin serving the new wine of the harvest. Guests at Portland’s Beaujolais Nouveau Fête enjoyed the 2012 vintage, le vin primeur, of Beaujolais nouveau wines from select French vineyards such as Georges Duboeuf and Joseph Drouhin, select wines from Terroirs Originels, as well as tastings from several major Oregon and Washington wineries including WillaKenzie Estate Winery and Pacific Rim Winemakers (Riesling Rules), while enjoying a grand buffet that will include Sylvie grass-fed beef, seafood, charcuterie, cheese and desserts.
The Alliance Française de Portland is a nonprofit cultural and educational organization with an annual enrollment of 800 students in French grammar and conversation classes, located in the historic Kamm House in downtown Portland. The AF de Portland also organizes social and cultural events in the Portland metropolitan area.
This group is a chapter of the Paris-based Alliance Française which is the world’s largest network of French language and cultural centers, with 1,071 chapters in 133 countries.
Portland, October 27th. Nike and OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital unveiled the 2012 Doernbecher Freestyle Collection at a charity gala. Kate Ehlen was the winning bidder of Autumn’s Nike Air Max 90 shoes. (Photo credit, Izzy Ventura) Over 500 people joined the celebration at the Portland Art Museum. Here’s the Nike website for the collection: www.nike.com/the-doernbecher-freestyle
The Doernbecher Freestyle IX designers unveil their shoes at a VIP Reception for families prior to the event. From left to right, Chad Berg, Finnigan Mooney, Kylie Bell, Autumn Boynton, Grant Olsen and Oswaldo Jimenez. Photo credit: Caitlin Carlson
Each of the six 2012 Doernbecher Freestyle designers took the stage with their Nike designers to unveil their designs. Each pair (signed by Lebron James) was auctioned off to the highest bidder, which raised $600,000. Nike also presented Doernbecher with $890,000 for the sales of last year’s shoes. The Limited Edition Doernbecher Collection shoes will be sold at www.nike.com and at Nike retail locations beginning November 30th. To date, the program has raised more than $4 million.
Doernbecher Foundation Board President Kelly Johnson with his wife Rebecca and kids. Photo credit: Michael Schmitt
Doug McCaslin, Mary Turina, Dr. Rozansky & Henry Hillman photo: Doernbecher Foundation Executive Director Mary Turina with Doernbecher’s David Rozansky, MD, PhD and Henry Hillman, Jr. Photo credit: Michael Schmitt
Nike’s Lee Banks poses with Doernbecher Freestyle IX designer Finnigan Mooney, OHSU President Joe Robertson, MD, MBA and Nike’s Elliott Hill
Event sponsors Kevin & Geni Director with guests of D.A. Davidson. Photo credit: Michael Schmitt
Nike’s Lee Banks, Michael Doherty and Steve Kays. Photo credit: Caitlin Carlson
Doernbecher Foundation Board Member & Ziba Founder and President Sohrab Vossoughi with his wife Haleh, Don & Alicia Morrisette and other guests. Ziba was a sponsor of the event. Photo credit: Michael Schmitt
Doernbecher Freestyle was created in 2004 when Michael Doherty, Nike’s Creative Director of Global Brand Presentations and Doernbecher Foundation board member, was talking to his son, Connor, about ways to raise money for the Hospital. Connor had the idea of having Nike create shoes and sell them to raise funds. Michael then invited one of Nike’s shoe designers to take a tour of the hospital to inspire him to design a pair of shoes for Doernbecher. It was designer Marcus Tayui’s vision to see patients design the shoes with the proceeds benefiting the hospital that in many cases has saved their lives. Now in its ninth year, this extraordinary program has raised over $4 million for the hospital, which uses the funds for everything from clinical programs and hospital construction to providing care for uninsured children.
Portland, November 13th. Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Oregon joined with the Portland Rose Festival to present a donation of $10,478 to The Dougy Center from the proceeds of the 2012 Regence Grand Floral Walk. Nearly 2,000 walkers took the 4.2 mile challenge in the early morning of Saturday, June 9, to help Regence and the Rose Festival raise the total contribution to more than $50,000 in five years of Portland’s Premier Fitness Parade.
Newly elected Portland Rose Festival Foundation President Todd Johnston was joined on stage by Festival CEO Jeff Curtis and Grand Floral Walk Chair Liza McQuade to present the donation to Donna Schuurman (Executive Director) Peggy Maguire (Vice Chair of Board) and Diane Kinkade (Chair of Board) accepting the check on behalf of The Dougy Center.
This donation is an example of one of the many ways the Portland Rose Festival Foundation gives back to the community, making Portland a better place to live and visit.
The Portland Rose Festival Foundation is a 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. For the latest on Rose Festival news and events go to www.RoseFestival.org.
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