Portland, September 11th. Portland firefighters Wes Laux, Billy Quick, Dwight Englert, Neil Martin and Ed Hall worked on the cleanup at Ground Zero after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. They were among hundreds of firefighters who went to New York City to help with the cleanup. More than 300 New York firefighters were killed when the World Trade Center towers fell in the attack. Portland Fire & Rescue (PF&R) held a ceremony in remembrance of the 2,977 victims who lost their lives eleven years ago. Of the 2,977 people who died, 343 of those were with the Fire Department of New York (FDNY).
Speakers included Fire Chief Erin Janssens, Lt. Damon Simmons, and Lt. Aimee Rooney. In addition, Portland Fire personnel read the name of each fire fighter from FDNY who perished on that day. The bell was rung in remembrance of the lives that were lost on 9-11
9/11 Memorial Ceremony held at the Campbell Memorial in Portland
In addition, PF&R hosted a “Day of Silent Reflection” at the Historic Belmont Firehouse from 9:00 AM until 3:00 PM. The Firehouse is located at 900 SE 35th Ave. where the community was invited to come and see the slideshow and 9-11 bronze sculpture.
On Saturday, September 8th, the Historic Belmont Firehouse marked its 100th Anniversary during the annual Belmont Street Fair.
Many of the visitors expressed what a privilege it has been to have the station in this neighborhood all of these years. Although it no longer serves the community as an active fire station, it continues to add to its legacy of community service by educating both youth and adults alike about the proud history of the fire service and safety.
1914 Station 9 with Engine 9 and crew
The streets were filled with Portlanders walking the closed street, shopping and enjoying culinary offerings by some of the city’s best chefs.
About Portland Fire and Rescue:
Portland Fire & Rescue (PF&R) promotes a safe work environment for all people who live and work in Portland and the surrounding areas.
PF&R is Oregon’s largest fire and emergency services provider. We provide an extensive range of public safety services including fire prevention, public education, response to fire, medical, and other emergency incidents, and disaster mitigation. For Fiscal Year (FY) 2010-11, PF&R was comprised of about 750 employees with a Bureau operating budget of $90.7 million.
PF&R operates 30 engine companies, nine truck companies, two fireboats, a rescue, and three squad units, including two specialized units for Chemical and Biological, Radiological/Nuclear and Explosive (CBRNE) response, and a specialized unit for Hazardous Materials (HazMat). These units allow PF&R firefighters to provide emergency services 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Emergency response is provided from 30 stations, which are strategically located throughout the City of Portland to maximize resources and provide the quickest possible response times.
Forest Grove, July 30th. Over 150 people participated in a summer celebrity golf tournament. They were part of the two day celebration hosted by KISS lead guitarist Tommy Thayer to benefit Pacific University Athletics. The 2012 Pacific University Legends Classic, hosted by the Beaverton native, grossed more than $360,000 to benefit the University’s 21-sport NCAA Division III athletics program. The Golf event was held July 30 at The Reserve Vineyards and Golf Club in Aloha.
Robby Krieger’s group was ready for action.
Mike Bellotti lead a group on the course.
LPGA standouts Stephanie Louden visited with Tommy Masters.
Brian Henninger joined in the fun.
This was NASCAR legend Geoff Bodine’s group.
The Don Felder golf quintet joined in the spirited celebration.
Joining Thayer in supporting Pacific athletics in the two-day event were PGA professionals Casey Martin, Brian Henninger, and Tommy Masters; LPGA standouts Stephanie Louden, Paige Mackenzie, and Perry Swenson; former Portland Trail Blazers Bobby Gross and Jerome Kersey; NASCAR legend Geoff Bodine, former Oregon football coach and ESPN analyst Mike Bellotti and former Major League Baseball player Richie Sexson. Shauna Parsons, anchor of Fox 12 Oregon’s Ten ‘O Clock News, served as master of ceremonies for Sunday’s dinner, auction, and concert.
August 18th. Portland resident wins Toastmasters’ 2012 World Championship of Public Speaking! Rising above 30,000 participants, 25-year-old Ryan Avery is youngest ever to win world’s largest speech contest!
With an inspiring speech that shared insights on pushing past one’s fears to succeed in life, Ryan Avery, a Toastmaster from Portland, WON in the final round of the Toastmasters 2012 World Championship of Public Speaking.
Ryan Avery at the 2012 Semi Finals of Toastmasters in Orlando,FL
In the finals competition, Avery delivered a speech titled “Trust is a Must,” a story about growing up and keeping one’s promise. Avery, a Director of Marketing for Special Olympics Oregon and a member of the Portland Toastmasters club (District 7), impressed and entertained the crowd at the Toastmasters International Speech Contest Semifinals a day earlier. “It took lots of practice to get to this point!” says Avery. “In my bedroom I have a sign that says, ‘What would Michael Phelps do?’ If he could get up early to practice every day and eat healthy, so could I. I also have lots of mentors, and my wife was incredibly supportive. The process has helped me grow as a person and realize that Toastmasters is an amazingly supportive organization: It’s where friendships are made!”
Avery progressed through a six-month process of elimination in the world’s largest speech contest, reaching the top nine finalists from a pool of 30,000 competitors.
A panel of 14 Toastmasters judges evaluate the finalists on a range of criteria, including speech content, organization, voice quality and gestures. The five- to seven-minute speeches cover wide-ranging topics.
The speech contest highlights the annual four-day Toastmasters International Convention, which draws a capacity audience of some 1,500 people from around the world.Contenders in Toastmasters clubs from 116countries enter the contest on a local level, progressing through club, area, division and district competitions.
Congratulations to Ryan!
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About District 7
District 7 is one of 88 districts around the world. It comprises more than 170 corporate and community clubs in Western Oregon and Southern Washington. To learn more, please visit www.d7toastmasters.org.
About Toastmasters International
Toastmasters International is a nonprofit educational organization that teaches public speaking and leadership skills through a worldwide network of clubs. Founded in October 1924, the organization currently has more than 280,000 members in 13,500 clubs in 116 countries. Each week, Toastmasters helps more than a quarter million people of every ethnicity, education level and profession build their competence in communication so they can gain the confidence to lead others. For information about local Toastmasters clubs, please visit www.toastmasters.org. Follow Toastmasters International on Twitter @Toastmasters.
August 17, 2012. The Cat Adoption Team (Sherwood, Ore) is offering cat owners a deal this September. Get your fertile cat or kitten spayed or neutered for FREE. And CAT will also include a free FVRCP and/or Rabies vaccination (based on cat’s need). Qualified cat owners only.
When: Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Cost: Free feline spay/neuter, includes FVRCP and/or Rabies vaccination as well 70 surgery spots available.
Qualified cat owners only: live in Clackamas, Multnomah, Washington, or Clark Counties
AND receive government assistance, such as Medicaid, food stamps, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Section 8/Public housing, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Women, Infants and Children (WIC), Oregon Health plan and Subsidized Lunch Program funding.
Residents in or near Hillsboro may be able to schedule a convenient transport pick up from Washington County Animal Services to the Cat Adoption Team in Sherwood for surgery. Ask about this free service when you call to make your cat’s appointment.
Call: (503) 925-8903 to make your cats appointment now.
Portland, August 8th. The Beach Boy grabbed Marilyn’s wig and ran! It was all part of Cascade AIDS Project (CAP) and Peacock Productions first ever Bat ‘n Rouge softball tournament featuring drag queens, music, and general hilarity at Lillis-Albina Park. The benefit raised $10,600 to send HIV infected and affected kids to Camp Starlight and build scholarships for the Audria M. Edwards Scholarship Fund.
Portland’s legendary Entertainer, Darcelle threw out the first pitch.
The Queen of Drag, Darcelle XV, added, “How could the Queen of Portland not be at an event like this? It marries all the things I love: Camp Starlight, LGBT Youth and Higher Education, drag performance, and hot men. I’m delighted to attend the first Bat ‘n Rouge event.”
The Ambiguously Gay Super Heroes (with tights and capes) were the winners of the event!
The exhibition tournament featured a team of drag queens, each dressed as Marilyn Monroe, as well as a three other archetypal LGBT groups, including: Beach Boys (yes, men in speedos); Ambiguously Gay Super Heroes (with tights and capes); Construction Lesbians (with hard hats and caution vests). Photo credit, Roger.
2nd Place went to The Marilyn Monroes (Drag Queens) who took the field in heels! (Photo credit, Roger)
The benefit softball game attracted spectators of all ages. (Photo Credit, Garbero Photography)
There was a tie for third place between The Construction Lesbians and The Beach Boys!
Portland’s own local comedians, Whitney Streed and Xander Deveaux, offered color commentary while CC Slaughter’s resident DJ, DJ Slutsky spinned tunes.
The Cascade AIDS Project annual AIDS Walk Portland is coming up on Sunday, September 23rd.
About Cascade AIDS Project Incorporated in 1985, Cascade AIDS Project (CAP) is the oldest and largest AIDS Service Organization in Oregon and Southwest Washington. Our mission is to prevent HIV infections, support and empower people affected and infected by HIV/AIDS, and eliminate HIV/AIDS-related stigma. With a staff of 50, and a volunteer corps that includes over 700 individuals providing more than 21,000 hours of service each year, CAP manages a diverse array of programs and an annual budget of $4.6 million. Fifteen percent of CAP’s staff are individuals living with HIV, 25% identify from communities of color, and 30% are bilingual. Our programs serve the broad and diverse set of communities impacted by HIV, from community-specific programs focused on teens, Latinos, the gay community, individuals and families living with HIV, to the thousands of individuals throughout the state who seek education though our AIDS/STD hotline each year. A committed 18-member volunteer Board of Directors provides strategic guidance and oversight to ensure CAP accomplishes its mission and continues to operate with integrity and transparency. www.cascadeaids.org. About Peacock Productions, Inc.
Established in 1999, Peacock Productions, Inc. (PPI) is a 501c3 non-profit corporation whose mission is to enhance the quality of life of members and allies of the LGBTQ community by offering entertainment, providing scholarships, and networking to celebrate diversity and build equality. PPI administers the Audria M. Edwards Scholarship Fund which was founded by Lady Elaine Peacock and Misty Waters, in honor of their Mother in 1988. To date, the AME Fund has granted more than $182,000 to LGBT students and/or the students of LGBT parents throughout Oregon and Southwest Washington. To find out more about Peacock Productions, Inc., visit www.peacockafterdark.com.
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