SOLVE Cannon Beach Clean-Up Helps Clear Tsunami Debris

SOLVE Cannon Beach Clean-Up Helps Clear Tsunami Debris

Cannon Beach, July 7th. SOLVE organized an extra beach clean-up this summer to pick up garbage and any debris washing up on Oregon beaches from the 2011 Japanese Tsunami. 109 volunteers collected 850 pounds of debris including a very large Styrofoam cylinder. No hazardous waste was reported. SOLVE is helping clear any tsunami debris found by working with the Oregon Tsunami Debris Task Force. Oregon Parks and Recreation has established 32 drop-offs locations for debris collected on the beach. Debris dropped off at the collection locations must be in official SOLVE bags, which can be picked up at any state park or transfer station in an Oregon coastal county.

Bob Mushen, Carla Moya, Jenee Pearce-Mushen and Charilyn Vantassel from OBRC

Bob Mushen and Carla Moya are SOLVE and City of Cannon Beach volunteers, Jenee Pearce-Mushen is the SOLVE Captain of Cannon Beach volunteers and Director at Pacific Alarm Systems. Charilyn Vantassel is with OBRC

 

Gary Loveless, Nadine Norquist and Lisa Habecker

SOLVE volunteers Gary Loveless, Nadine Nordquist and Lisa Habecker

 

Visitors flock to the tidepools near Haystack Rock during low tide.

Visitors flock to the tide-pools near Haystack Rock during low tide.

 

Volunteers Allison and Tess Kehoe, from the National Charity League, Inc., were two of the more than 100 SOLVE volunteers.

Volunteers Allison and Tess Kehoe, from the National Charity League, Inc., were two of the more than 100 SOLVE volunteers.

Fish, birds, and other aquatic life can mistake small bits of trash for food. This trash travels through these animals’ digestive systems often resulting in malnutrition, entanglement, and strangulation.

Fish, birds, and other aquatic life can mistake small bits of trash for food. This trash travels through the digestive system often resulting in malnutrition, entanglement, and strangulation.

 

Due to the increased use of plastic and other synthetic materials, marine debris causing increasing damage to ocean ecosystems and wildlife. Scientists estimate that more than 5 million square miles of the Pacific Ocean is covered with trash, and most of it is believed to be made up of plastic remnants from the world's shorelines.

Due to the increased use of plastic and other synthetic materials, marine debris is causing increasing damage to ocean ecosystems and wildlife. Scientists estimate that more than 5 million square miles of the Pacific Ocean is covered with trash, and most of it is believed to be made up of plastic remnants from the world’s shorelines.

 

SOLVE helps keep Oregon Beaches beautiful.

SOLVE helps keep Oregon Beaches beautiful.

SOLVE is working with the Oregon Tsunami Debris Task Force which includes representatives of State Police, Parks, Environmental Quality, Fish and Wildlife, Public Health, Transportation and the Marine Board, as well as local and tribal governments, state legislators, community organizations, and federal agencies.

For more information on how to handle beach debris, here’s a website:
From SOLVE:
SOLVE is a non-profit organization that brings together proud Oregonians (native and newly-transplanted) to improve the environment and to build a legacy of stewardship. By making connections between individuals, business groups, and service and conservation groups through volunteering and education, we are building a stronger tomorrow for this place we all love. This place that, let’s face it, is pretty much the biggest reason why we came (or stayed) here in the first place. We’ll take care of it, together.
The organization originally called S.O.L.V. (Stop Oregon Litter and Vandalism) was created by Governor Tom McCall and other community leaders in 1969 to address the need for community action in the ever-growing state. Today SOLVE is building on their vision with a strategic plan that will guide us as we work to improve the environment of Oregon and build a legacy of stewardship. 
In response to what is becoming an unprecedented amount of marine debris in Oregon, SOLVE has taken a leading role with partners Surfrider Foundation, Oregon Shores Conservation Coalition, Oregon Sea Grant and Washed Ashore, in forming a plan for a coordinated response. Our group, collectively operating as the Oregon Marine Debris Team, is working in an effort to engage volunteers in cooperation with local, state and federal agencies in marine debris removal projects. A network of 32 drop-off sites on the Oregon coast are now ready to receive beach debris washing ashore from the tsunami that struck Japan in March 2011. The drop-off sites are free and are a combination of state parks and independent recycling and transfer stations located in every county. Visitors and residents can call 211 (or 1-800-SAFENET) to report tsunami debris they see on the beach. The drop-off sites will accept debris in official beach cleanup bags produced by SOLVE. Beach cleanup bags are available at state park campgrounds.There will also be an increased number of beach cleanups scheduled on the Oregon Coast. Join the Marine Debris Team volunteer list if you are interested in helping with this effort.

Volunteer!

  • Pickup trash along the beach the next time you visit the beach. Bags are available at every state park and transfer station along the Oregon coast. Full bags can be left at beach debris drop-off points.
  • Organize a beach cleanup with SOLVE through the Project Oregon program.
  • Sign up to volunteer for ongoing beach cleanup efforts. 
  • Learn more about Tsunami Debris by visiting the Oregon Parks and Recreation Webpage.
  • Learn more about the impact of litter and marine debris on wildlife and water quality by clicking here.

Donate!

Art Lovers flock to 49th Annual Lake Oswego Festival of the Arts

Art Lovers flock to 49th Annual Lake Oswego Festival of the Arts

Lake Oswego, June 24th. The Lakewood Center for the Arts earned high praise from supporters enjoying the creative endeavors of  artists like Brandis Sarich who is pictured with her husband, Kevin Sarich.  The Lake Oswego Festival of the Arts attracted an estimated 25,000 visitors during its three day run. The Festival included several art exhibits, food booths, entertainment, a Craft Faire and featured a special juried and invitational show of photography.

Anne Schauffler and Danny Schauffler

Anne Schauffler and Danny Schauffler

Tonya Bunick and Bailey Bunick were volunteering through the National Charity League

Tonya Bunick and Bailey Bunick were volunteering through the National Charity League

 

Robin and Bob Endres

Robin and Bob Endres

 

Lake Oswego Festival of the Arts 2012

Lake Oswego Festival of the Arts 2012

 

 

Bill Warner and Ashley Wase from the Lakewood Theatre Company

Bill Warner and Ashley Wase from the Lakewood Theatre Company

 

Janeen Rundle, Danny Schauffler Norman Sylvester (The Boogie Cat) Kevin Rankin

Janeen Rundle, Danny Schauffler,Norman Sylvester (The Boogie Cat) Kevin Rankin

From The Lake Oswego Festival of the Arts:

The festival is a program division of the Lakewood Center for the Arts, a 501(c)(3) not for profit organization.

The Festival of the Arts takes place at the Lakewood Center for the Arts and George Rogers Park, both on State Street in downtown Lake Oswego, Oregon USA.

In the park, you will find a juried Craft Faire of 110 booths featuring fine arts crafts, a delightful variety of foods at the Food Court, a wine and beer pavilion, and a variety of musical entertainment on the Park Entertainment Stage. The park also features Family Day Activities, and ongoing demonstrations by the artisans of their craft.

At the Lakewood Center for the Arts, several different art exhibits are featured. The largest exhibit is the Visual Arts Open Show with over 1,100 pieces of art submitted by artists from all over the region. In addition, the Festival also presents a Special Juried Exhibit of fine artwork as well as a series of hands-on arts activities. The Festival also partners with the Lake Oswego School District to present a high quality K-12 exhibit and the Lake Oswego Foundation for the Arts to provide the Lake Oswego Arts Chronicle, an invited visual art exhibit.

Mission Statement

The Lake Oswego Festival of the Arts’ primary goal is to educate by promoting, supporting, coordinating, and exhibiting the arts of the region.

History

The Festival was originally started by the Lake Oswego Chamber of Commerce and moved under the umbrella of the Lakewood Center for the Arts 20 years ago, as an annual activity of the Center. It is sustained by valuable partnerships with the City of Lake Oswego, Clackamas County Tourism and Development Council, the Chamber of Commerce, the Lake Oswego Rotary Club, the School District, small and large businesses, the “Friends of the Festival,” plus more than 500 volunteers who work throughout the year and the weekend to make the Festival the success it is.

The Festival, a sub division of the Lakewood Center for the Arts, a non-profit arts center, is committed to arts education, performance and exhibition. Contributions to the Festival are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. Our tax ID number is 93-0700108.

This is a weekend to experience, to be educated and to enjoy!

3rd Annual JoyRide for Children’s Cancer Association Lifts Spirits

3rd Annual JoyRide for Children’s Cancer Association Lifts Spirits

Tigard, June 23rd. The JoyRide starts from Paradise Harley-Davidson with registration at 9am and the first bike out at 10am. JoyRide concludes at CCA’s Caring Cabin in Pacific City. 7-year old cancer survivor, Austin, cuts the ribbon to officially start the ride

Welcome to the most caring motorcycle ride around, the 3rd Annual JoyRide benefitting the Children’s Cancer Association’s Caring Cabin. Join us for this heartwarming exprience and make a difference in the life of a child.

Mike and Cheryl Durbin, owners of Paradise Harley-Davidson, help kick off the 2012 Children’s Cancer Association JoyRide

Mike and Cheryl Durbin, owners of Paradise Harley-Davidson, help kick off the 2012 Children’s Cancer Association JoyRide

 

Over 50 riders braved the rain to ride to CCA’s Caring Cabin in Pacific City

Over 50 riders braved the rain to ride to CCA’s Caring Cabin in Pacific City

 

Iris Harrison and the KGON team come out to kick off the 3rd Annual JoyRide

Iris Harrison and the KGON team come out to kick off the 3rd Annual JoyRide

 

Cliff, Zach and Kate Ellis enjoying the sun out at the Caring Cabin

Cliff, Zach and Kate Ellis enjoying the sun out at the Caring Cabin

From CCA: 3rd Annual JoyRide for Children’s Cancer Association Lifts Spirits

For seriously ill children, teens and their families, every moment is precious. When kids need more than medicine, CCA is a voice of experience and hope. We prescribe JOY.
Mission
When seriously ill children and their families need more than medicine, CCA’s innovative programs create joy one moment at a time.
Company Overview
In 1995, Regina Ellis’s daughter Alexandra died after a 2 1/2 year battle with cancer. Out of those dark days, a beacon of hope emerged. Alexandra’s family knew through hard experience that even the best medical care cannot provide for the many non-medical needs of families with seriously ill children. That same year, with the help of wonderful community leaders, the Children’s Cancer Association …was born. It’s mission was to give other families a compassionate resource for critical needs and programs that bring joy to young hearts. We understand the unique needs of families in medical crisis. We work with an extraordinary team of staff, medical professionals and community volunteers to meet those needs with innovative programs and services. As we begin our 14th year, we’re grateful to be recognized as a national leader bringing Joy Rx to tens of thousands of kids and their families.
PortlandCreativeList Helps Celebrate Children’s Healing Art Project (CHAP)

PortlandCreativeList Helps Celebrate Children’s Healing Art Project (CHAP)

PAF pARTy Benefiting CHAP

Start:

August 9, 2012 7:00 pm
End:
August 9, 2012 11:00 pm
Cost:
$12/Advance, $15/At Door
Venue:
On Deck Sports Grill
Phone:
503-358-8178
Address:
910 Northwest 14th Avenue, Portland, 97209

The Portland Advertising Federation, an ad club of leaders in Portland’s creative business community, proudly presents the 1st Annual PAF pARTy. This event was formed to connect young professionals in the creative community and benefit non-profits that support the arts. The 1st Annual PAF pARTy will take place on Thursday, August 9, 2012 at On Deck Sports Grill in Portland’s premiere Pearl DIstrict. This evening includes networking, cocktails, a silent auction, music and dancing. All event proceeds will go directly to the Children’s Healing Art Project (CHAP) to fund art programs for children with a life-threatening disease.

Thank you http://www.portlandcreativelist.com/ for helping to spread the word!

For more info visit: http://www.pafparty.com

Global Business Luncheon Benefits Special Olympics Oregon

Global Business Luncheon Benefits Special Olympics Oregon

Portland, May 16th. State Senator Betsy Johnson and other civic leaders were honored at the Global Business Awards Luncheon. The evet organizer, former Hilton executive Serge D’Rovencourt, earned high marks from  Special Olympics Oregon athletes like Jen Darris.  Other awards were given to Dick Alexander, Clayton Hering, Dr. Cheryl Roberts and Dr. Herbert Semler.

Global Business Luncheon

Global Business Luncheon

Best-selling author and philanthropist Gerry Frank emceed the luncheon, which recognized Oregon’s outstanding individuals in international business and honored the legacy of past civic and business leaders. State Treasurer Ted Wheeler accepted a memorial tribute on behalf of his father, Samuel C. Wheeler. Other tributes memorialized C. M. “Mort” Bishop, Jr., John Perry Bledsoe, Roger S. Meier, Warne H. Nunn, Carol Brooks Rawlinson, Stanley M. Samuels, Harold J. Schnitzer and U.S. Senator Mark O. Hatfield.

Gerry Frank, Ken and Joan Austin and SOOR

Ken and Joan Austin, Herb Semler, M.D. and Gerry Frank,

The luncheon was held at the Portland Hilton and Tower and featured special guests Ken and Joan Austin, founders of A-dec, Inc., and Kerry Tymchuk, Executive Director of the Oregon Historical Society and Board Chair of Special Olympics Oregon.

“The Global Business Awards has become a tradition where some of Oregon’s truly great individuals are honored. Special Olympics Oregon is very thankful to benefit from this luncheon, and will use any and all donations to further our mission of providing training for life for children and adults with intellectual disability and serving the largest disability population in the state,” said Mr. Tymchuk.