by Elisa Klein | Aug 10, 2019 | Events, Features, News |
Portland, OR. The seventh annual Forage in the Forest on August 3rd was the largest event to date for the nonprofit Hoyt Arboretum Friends. The event raised over $127,000 and drew 130 people who started their evening with a walk along the Bristlecone Pine Trail. The Hoyt Arboretum is located in Washington Park and has over 2,300 tree species from six continents. Twelve miles of hiking trails course through its 189 acres.
Supporters told auctioneer Johnna Wells about upcoming plans for 2020.
Joey Pope and the Pope Family were honored for over 30 years of leadership at Hoyt Arboretum. Joey was joined by daughter Molly Pope and granddaughter Josephine Pope as well as friends and neighbors.
Bartlett Tree Experts was the Diamond Sponsor for the Forage in the Forest event and national Bartlett President Jim Ingrahm was in Portland for the evening.
Portland Parks & Recreation Director Adena Long joined table sponsors Brad and Nancy Miller.
Cameron Winery donated the wine for the event
The meal featured a first course of chilled cucumber soup and smoked tuna prepared by Chef Greg Higgins, his seventh time donating his food in support of this event. Other courses were provided by Artemis Catering. John Paul attended and donated wines to complement all courses from his Cameron Winery. A short auction was followed by a paddle raise.
From Hoyt Arboretum Friends:
Hoyt Arboretum grows through a longstanding partnership between Portland Parks and Recreation (PP&R) and Hoyt Arboretum Friends (HAF), a membership-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Through fundraising and volunteer recruitment, HAF enhances visitor experience and provides educational opportunities around the trees and collections in the Arboretum. Hoyt Arboretum staff and volunteers run the Visitor Center, distribute literature, and help fund major projects. HAF volunteers maintain the trails and trees, provide tours and classes, and help to catalog the Arboretum’s collection.
Our Board of Directors and Advisory Council are volunteer positions. We employ a staff of four to manage our education, volunteer, fundraising, and communication efforts.
Our mission is to maintain and improve Hoyt Arboretum and its collections for all people through advocacy, resources, awareness, and education. To learn more about our long-term goals, read the executive statement of our current five-year Strategic Plan.
by Elisa Klein | Aug 10, 2019 | Events, Features, News |
Depoe Bay, OR. If you’d like to catch a glimpse of some of the largest animals on earth, you’re in luck. A whale spotting program called, “Whale Watching Spoken Here” will take place last week of August through the first Monday in September. Volunteers will be stationed at 26 different locations along the coast to help visitors see resident gray whales.
Oregon is known for having a small population of “resident” gray whales that appears to live off our Pacific Northwest coast in the summer and fall. They don’t make the long migration north to the frigid but rich feeding grounds of the Arctic Ocean.
The Marine Mammal Institute in Newport, Oregon studies these whales. It found that one male gray whale earned the title of “resident,” remaining offshore from northern California to the central Oregon coast for 383 days. His preferred spot was between Point St. George in northern California and the Oregon/California border, where he stayed for 137 days straight.
Another “hotspot” for these resident gray whales is Depoe Bay.
What causes this small population of whales to remain off the Pacific Northwest instead of going north to the Arctic? Researchers from the Marine Mammal Institute at OSU’s Hatfield Marine Science Center in Newport are not certain.
“It is possible that the whales have concluded that our local food is sufficient to sustain them,” Barbara Lagerquist said. “It also is possible that this group of 200 hasn’t grown larger because that local food supply isn’t sufficient to feed a bigger population. In other words, the local population is at carrying capacity.
Here’s a list of locations where you can spot whales:
From north to south, these are the 26 Whale Watching Spoken Here sites. With or without a volunteer to assist, these are the best locations along the coast to spot whales.
- Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center, Ilwaco, Washington
- Ecola State Park
- Neahkahnie Mountain Historic Marker Turnout on Highway 101
- Cape Meares State Scenic Viewpoint
- Cape Lookout State Park – 2.5 mile hike to site at tip of Cape
- Cape Kiwanda
- Inn at Spanish Head Lobby on 10th floor
- Boiler Bay State Scenic Viewpoint
- The Whale Watching Center/Depoe Bay Sea Wall
- Rocky Creek State Scenic Viewpoint
- Cape Foulweather
- Devil’s Punchbowl State Natural Area
- Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area
- Don Davis City Park
- Cape Perpetua Interpretive Center
- Cook’s Chasm Turnout
- Sea Lion Caves Turnout – large Highway 101 turnout south of tunnel
- Umpqua Lighthouse, near Umpqua Lighthouse State Park
- Shore Acres State Park
- Face Rock Wayside State Scenic Viewpoint
- Cape Blanco Lighthouse, near Cape Blanco State Park
- Battle Rock Wayfinding Point, Port Orford
- Cape Sebastian
- Cape Ferrelo
- Harris Beach State Park, Brookings, Oregon
- 9th Street Beach, Crescent City, California
People from all over the world come to the Oregon Coast to learn about the gray whales.
Look for these signs along the coast.
“This is a wonderful way to support marine mammal conservation on a local and even a global basis,” said Bruce Mate, director of the Marine Mammal Institute based at Oregon State University’s Hatfield Marine Science Center in Newport.
The plate costs $40 to order or renew – $35 of that total will go to the OSU’s Marine Mammal Institute for marine mammal research, graduate education, and public outreach. People who have previously purchased vouchers for the plates may submit those at DMV offices in lieu of this fee. Those transferring new whale plates to an existing Oregon-registered vehicle will have some small additional fees to transfer new month and year stickers to the new plates. More details about the license plate can be found here: http://bit.ly/2B2LeSz.
“Some of the proceeds from the plate sales will target marine mammal research and education,” Mate said. “The plates are a way that citizens can support marine mammal research at a very modest biannual basis and let other folks know about their interests, support and concerns for the coast as they drive down the road.”
About OSU’s Hatfield Marine Science Center: The center is a research and teaching facility located in Newport, Ore., on the Yaquina Bay estuary, about one mile from the open waters of the Pacific Ocean. It plays an integral role in programs of marine and estuarine research and instruction, as a laboratory serving resident scientists, as a base for far-ranging oceanographic studies and as a classroom for students.
To learn more about the Depoe Bay Whale Watching Center and whale watching all year long, please click HERE.
by Elisa Klein | Aug 3, 2019 | Events, Features, News
Portland, OR. Two-time Tony Award-winning Broadway star Sutton Foster will be the featured performer at the Portland Opera gala, “The Flora + Fauna Fall Ball” on Saturday, September 14th. Foster has performed in 11 Broadway shows—most recently the revival of Violet.
Sutton Foster is a two-time Tony Award-winner for her performances in Anything Goes and Thoroughly Modern Millie, and she will return to Broadway in 2020 alongside Hugh Jackman in a revival of The Music Man.
“We are delighted to host our 2019 gala, the Flora and Fauna Fall Ball,” says Sue Dixon, interim general director of Portland Opera. “We cannot wait to welcome Sutton Foster to Portland for what is sure to be an unforgettable evening.” The gala event at the Portland Art Museum will begin with a champagne and welcome reception, followed by dinner, live auction, and private performance by Foster. The goal of the Flora + Fauna Fall Ball is to raise one million dollars for Portland Opera.
Sutton Foster currently stars in the TV Land series “Younger,” now in its 6th season.
As a solo artist, Sutton has performed around the globe with her musical director Michael Rafter, including performances at Carnegie Hall, Feinstein’s, Lincoln Center’s American Songbook series, and Joe’s Pub.
Co-chairs for Portland Opera’s Flora + Fauna Fall Ball gala are Bill Sweat and Donna Morris, proprietors of Winderlea Vineyard and Winery. Sutton Foster’s performance is made possible by Joanne M. Lilley, Ellyn Bye and Dream Envision Foundation, Dorothy Piacentini, and The Harold & Arlene Schnitzer CARE Foundation.
From Portland Opera:
Table reservations for the Flora + Fauna Fall Ball are available starting from the $5,000 level. Single tickets at the $500 level are currently on sale and subject to availability. For more information please visit www.portlandopera.org/gala, or contact Portland Opera’s Development team by calling (503) 417-0601 or emailing[email protected]
For over five decades, Portland Opera has contributed to the cultural, artistic, and economic landscape of the Pacific Northwest. Proceeds from the Flora + Fauna Fall Ball will strengthen Portland Opera’s ability to serve audiences throughout the region, by supporting operational costs as well as special programming and projects. Areas of focus include: Portland Opera’s commitment to professional development for the next generation of artists, storytellers, and leaders in the field through the Resident Artist program; the Portland Opera To Go program, which presents 50-minute English-language versions of classic operas for young audience members in schools throughout the state; and Portland Opera a la Cart, a mobile music performance truck inspired by Portland’s food cart culture that is designed to go where people gather, and share opera in a new way.
During the 2019/20 season, Portland Opera will share the beauty and breadth of opera with 300,000+ people; including nearly 15,000 young audience members in schools throughout the state. The corporate partners, community allies, and arts advocates who support Portland Opera at the Flora + Fauna Fall Ball will help ensure the bright future of Portland Opera by making it possible to continue and expand upon those successes.
by Elisa Klein | Aug 3, 2019 | Events, Features, News
Portland, OR. The Maurice Lucas Foundation held its 16th annual Celebrity Golf Invitational tournament at The Reserve Vineyards and Golf Club in Aloha on July 25th. Pam and David Lucas address the crowd at Invitational tournament. David is the son of the late Trail Blazer and NBA all-star, and Pam is his widow. They started the foundation to honor Maurice’s legacy of serving the needs of local children. David serves as the executive director of the foundation and Pam serves on its board. The event raised almost $100,000 to support the academic and athletic programs, sports camps and post-secondary education scholarships the foundation provides to underserved middle school students in the Portland area. (Photo credit, Kris Cavin)
Former Portland Trail Blazer announcer Bill Schonely was among the celebrities and local sportsmen who competed in16th annual Celebrity Golf Invitational tournament.
Former Trail Blazer Cliff Robinson and former Jackass cast member Ehren “Danger” McGhehey were among the celebrities participating.
The winning team of the Maurice Lucas Foundation’s Celebrity Golf Invitational tournament pose with their trophies. From Mass Mutual, they are Kasey Closs, Jason Daily, Justin Smithhiesler and Robbie Ziegler. The team will receive a free trip to Pinehurst Resort in North Carolina, where it will compete in the Mercedes Benz national golf tournament in October.
The 150 participating golfers prepare to start their carts at the beginning of the Maurice Lucas Foundation’s Celebrity Golf Invitational in Aloha.
Executive Director David Lucas poses with former Trail Blazer Martell Webster.
First Republic Bank was the title sponsor. Mercedes Benz of Portland and Mercedes Benz of Beaverton were among the additional sponsors.
The field of 150 golfers included many celebrities and former members of the 1977 champion Trail Blazers, including Bill Schonely, Larry Steel, Bobby Gross, Lloyd Neil, Cliff Robinson, Ehren “Danger” McGhehey, Greg Smith, Tom Gorman, Mike Walters, Antonio Harvey, Ken Boddie, Martell Webster, Michael Allen Harrison, Scott Haskins, Charlie Sitton, Steve Johnson, John McCullough and Dale Osbourne.
The winning team from Mass Mutual included Kasey Closs, Jason Daily, Justin Smithhiesler and Robbie Ziegler. They will receive a free trip to Pinehurst Resort in North Carolina and compete in the Mercedes Benz national golf tournament in October.
From The Maurice Lucas Foundation:
The golf tournament is one of the nonprofit foundation’s major sources of funds. The tournament continues a tradition started decades ago by the late Maurice Lucas, the leading scorer on the 1977 NBA championship Trail Blazers team. The foundation’s other major fundraiser, its ninth annual Celebration Dinner and After Party, will take place Saturday, Sept. 7, at the Portland Hilton. Go to ML20.org for tickets and more information.
by Elisa Klein | Aug 1, 2019 | Features, Upcoming Events
FALL PREVIEW: Portland, OR. Lan Su Chinese Garden supporters want you to join them on September 7th for a remarkable benefit called: Under the Moonlight. It’s Lan Su’s premier fundraising event of the year. Click here for more information and tickets options.
Here’s what you can expect: Guests arrive to a cocktail hour and silent auction followed by a brief live auction. After the auction guests enjoy an intimate evening in the twilight of the garden and a three course dining experience with wine pairings prepared exclusively for their table by one of Portland’s prominent chefs. Participating restaurants are Tanner Creek Tavern, LeChon, Swank and Trattoria Gallo Nero.
Here are some images from last year’s benefit. (Photo credit, Jingsi Photography)
Tanner Creek Tavern staff prep meals for guests.
Jazz singer Mia Nicholson entertains guests during the cocktail hour.
Auction emcee Tracy Barry
Table sponsorships for Under the Moonlight are available for $5,000 or $3,500 and seats are sold for $350. All revenue from the event goes directly to maintaining and improving the garden and the hundreds of cultural programs offered throughout the year.
For more information: https://lansugarden.org/things-to-do/events/under-the-moonlight.
Tickets are available at www.lansugarden.org/utm2019
Editor’s note: Fall Preview is a PortlandSocietyPage.com feature and is sponsored content.
From Lan Su Chinese Garden:
The mission of Lan Su Chinese Garden is to cultivate an oasis of tranquil beauty and harmony to inspire, engage and educate our global community in the appreciation of a richly authentic Chinese culture.
Lan Su Chinese Garden is one of Portland’s greatest treasures and most interesting sites to see while visiting Portland. A result of a collaboration between the cities of Portland and Suzhou, our sister city in China’s Jiangsu province that’s famous for its beautiful Ming Dynasty gardens, Lan Su was built by Chinese artisans from Suzhou and is one the most authentic Chinese gardens outside of China.
Much more than just a beautiful botanical garden, Lan Su is a creative wonder — a powerfully inspiring experience based on a 2,000-year-old Chinese tradition that melds art, architecture, design and nature in perfect harmony.
Once inside the garden’s walls, you’ll feel as if you’ve traveled through time to another era in a faraway world. Lan Su is a window into Chinese culture, history and way of thinking. Ever changing, Lan Su always has something new to offer — by the minute, by the hour, and with the seasons. Enter the wonderland.
Our Name
The garden’s name represents this relationship: sounds from both Portland and Suzhou are combined to form Lan Su. “Lan” (蘭) is also the Chinese word for “Orchid” and “Su” (蘇) is the word for “Arise” or “Awaken,” so the garden’s name can also be interpreted poetically as “Garden of Awakening Orchids.” (蘭蘇園)
