Portland, June 26, 2013. The board and staff of Portland Reading Foundation announced that the nonprofit has rebranded itself as ‘Reading Results.’ The new name and logo are part of a larger strategic plan to expand services and partnerships to provide a greater number of low-income, struggling readers with the necessary supports to reach grade-level reading proficiency. Currently, Reading Results works with 269 students in four partner school districts.
Reading Results is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing quality reading instruction for kids who are struggling with basic reading skills. Their program is a unique and successful collaboration with schools, which takes place during the school day. Their model utilizes retired early-grade educators and parents from the low-income school community and employs them to tutor students and build reading skills.
“I could not be happier with how the new name and brand better reflect our commitment to ensuring all children have a fair chance to read and succeed,” said Reading Results Executive Director Jennifer Samuels. “The work speaks for itself in terms of helping struggling elementary students gain an average of 1.5 grade levels in reading skills over the course of the school year. Our goal is to serve an expanding number of students, through partnering with additional schools, educators and passionate parents.”
Reading Results has been a local nonprofit partner since 2000, having successfully worked with thousands of low-income students since it was founded. The organization is driven by the vision that all children have the right to read and succeed.
In addition to the new brand, Reading Results is happy to announce a new partnership with Vibrant Village Foundation. A $75,000 grant over three years to Reading Results will provide for expansion into a new school and cover the costs for the next three years.
Vibrant Village Foundation is interested in this program as it aligns with the Cradle to Career continuum. “Seeing the data about the importance of early literacy makes supporting programs like Reading Results an easy choice. We know that our investment will pay back dividends,” says Vibrant Village Foundation Program Manager Laura Koch.
For more information, please visit www.readingresultspdx.org
Reading Results (formerly the Portland Reading Foundation) Mission: Reading Results delivers a proven reading intervention program focused on primary grade, low-income children who are failing to learn to read, ensuring every child reads by the end of the third grade.
Founded in 2010, the Vibrant Village Foundation is a private foundation that provides direct assistance and grants to vulnerable communities worldwide, as well as in Portland. The foundation operates in nine countries, including Haiti, Indonesia, Ecuador, Ghana, Guatemala, Kenya, Nicaragua, Niger and the United States. To date, the Vibrant Village Foundation has provided nearly $3 million in project grants. For more information, go to the foundation’s website at www.vibrantvillage.org.
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
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