Lake Oswego, June 25th, 2015. Park Academy hosted its first ever benefit featuring a lighthearted talk with Larry King. School Founder, Piper Park, had a chance to pose with 81 year old news personality. The veteran news personality entertained the over 150 guests during an interview conducted by Margie Boulé. The event raised $256,800 for the school. Funds will benefit the Park Academy Scholarship Program, which ensures deserving students are able to receive the instruction they need to help address their dyslexia.
This inaugural event allowed the school an opportunity to share their mission and reflect on the critical need for students with dyslexia to receive an educational experience that meets their unique learning profiles.
The evening consisted of a cocktail hour, followed by dinner, a live auction, then an interview with Ms. Boulé and Mr. King. Being dyslexic herself, Margie shared how she has always seen her dyslexia as a gift rather than a deficit.
Using evidence-based teaching methodologies and individualized instruction, Park Academy serves grades 3-12 and fills a critical void in the traditional education system.
Park Academy, which is located in Lake Oswego, is unique because it provides articulated elementary through high school curriculum specifically designed for students with dyslexia.
Park Academy students are enjoying great success. According to Yale Center for Dyslexia & Creativity, “Dyslexia affects 1 out of 5 people. It crosses racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic lines, and with proper instruction and accommodations, it can be remediated.”
Park Academy serves students with dyslexia and other language learning differences in grades 3-12. Using the Orton Gillingham-based multi-sensory instructional methodology, students develop fundamental academic skills. The Academy offers a low student-to-teacher ratio with a complete range of core academic and enrichment classes, including Theater, Spanish, Visual Arts, Music, Videography, Culinary Arts and Physical Education.
Founded in 2015, Park Academy is located on South Shore Boulevard in Lake Oswego, approximately ten minutes south of downtown Portland. Park Academy is accredited by the Northwest Accreditation Commission (AdvancED) and is a designated Subscriber School with Northwest Association of Independent Schools (NWAIS). These organizations provide both program oversight and professional development resources.
Portland, July 24th, 2015. What could be better than helping children “dig” gardening? That was the goal at a special event: “Seed for Today, Root for Tomorrow: Dennis’ 7 Dees presents a Farm-to-Table Garden Party benefiting Human Solutions.” The event raised approximately $10,000 for programs like the SE gardening project at Lincoln Woods where kids are getting dirt under their nails and loving it. Lincoln Woods is 74 unit family housing complex managed by the the nonprofit, Human Solutions. It’s home to low income families including over 200 children. Last spring, Dennis’ 7 Dees volunteered to spruce up the complex. As word spread that there were going to be garden boxes built and flowers planted , there was tremendous interest shown by the children. It was a great success and so Dennis’ 7 Dees wanted to step in and make the program bigger and better by hosting this new fundraiser.
The inaugural benefit took place at the SE Portland Dennis’ 7 Dees Garden Center at 6025 SE Powell Boulevard. Over 100 guests and sponsors gathered to help Human Solutions with their new children’s Garden Program at their various locations. The program will help homeless and low-income families around the Portland area.
This fundraiser was born from a long-term partnership between Dennis’ 7 Dees Garden Centers and Human Solutions which was strengthened during previous Earth Day/Day of Service events held at their shelters and housing facilities over the last few years. At these events, the staff from Dennis’ 7 Dees volunteered their time and supplies to help brighten and improve the grounds at the various Human Solutions’ shelters and housing complexes for the homeless or low-income families residing there.
Dennis’ 7 Dees owner David Snodgrass featured his own heirloom tomatoes for a unique tomato-tasting. Guests walked around the grounds and shopped in the garden store where proceeds from the evening’s sales went towards the new Garden Program.
As Master of Ceremonies, local celebrity Garden Expert Mike Darcy welcomed all guests as they sampled local food and beverages from Portland-area vendors.
Executive Director Jean DeMaster explains why the program is important: “Human Solutions owns and operates affordable housing complexes that are home to hundreds of very low-income families. We have witnessed the children in these housing facilities thrive when exposed to gardening. Dennis’ 7 Dees and Human Solutions are committed to helping homeless and low-income children continue to grow and develop in positive ways. With the proceeds from this event, we will continue to work to help vulnerable children achieve their full potential so they can grow into responsible adults who give back to their community.” Raised Garden Beds are now available at four housing complexes operated by Human Solutions: Lincoln Woods, Arbor Glen, Green Tree Court, and The Pines. Additional beds could be developed at any of the other 14 Human Solutions properties as funds become available.
Human Solutions builds pathways out of poverty by promoting self-reliance for homeless and low-income families and individuals in East Portland and East Multnomah County. Human Solutions shelters or houses more than 550 homeless people each night. The agency’s four primary program areas are: overcoming homelessness, affordable housing, employment and economic development, and safety net services such as rent and utility assistance. For more information or if you wish to donate to this program, visit www.humansolutions.org. For more information about Dennis’ 7 Dees, go to: www.dennis7dees.com.
Hillsboro, July 18th, 2015. With record-breaking sell-out crowds, the Oregon International Airshow soared into the metro area for a hot July weekend. Net proceeds from the event are returned to the community through donations to local charities and non-profits. Since 1988, the Air Show has donated more than $1.4 million to 475 organizations. On Sunday July 19th, gates open at 9:00, and the show starts at 11:00am.
Southern Oregon University graduate LT Amber Lynn Daniel of the U.S. Navy Blue Angels received the celebrity treatment at the air show. Lt Daniel is the Blue Angels Public Affairs Officer.
Public Affairs Officer, Lt. Amber Lynn Daniel, @SouthernOregonUniversityAlumniAssociation is signing autographs at the University’s booth
Jacquie B is getting ready to go live on KGW to talk about this weekend’s Intel Oregon International Air Show Presented by Standard TV & Appliance.
At age 50, Jacquie B. began her career as an aerobatics pilot. She is the first woman to do so at such an age. Since her start, she has switched from a biplane to a sleeker Extra 300 monoplane with two seats. She can now give rides and share her love and passion of flying with others across the country.
She holds a Commercial Certificate in land-based aircraft as well as a seaplane rating and holds a Level 1 ACE card which allows her to perform down to the surface.
Blue Angel #7 Capt. Jeff Kuss arrive in Oregon in preparation for the Intel Oregon International Air Show
The U.S. Navy Blue Angels made their first appearance at the show since 2007.
There’s also an annual Run on the Runway 5K and experience the unique opportunity to actually run on the Hillsboro Airport runways. The 5K course winds around the airport runways and taxiways and send runners out to places only planes can go. It supports Hillsboro Schools Foundation. The 2nd annual event is open to just 500 runners aged 14 and older and is open to individuals and groups.
Are you interested in becoming an organization supported by the Air Show?
GRANT INFORMATION:
Are you interested in becoming an organization supported by the Air Show? Organizations which are well suited for Air Show grants are those focusing on Education, Social Services, Community Events /Projects and Veteran/Military Foundations.
NEW IN 2015!
The application process has been simplified. We no longer require a preliminary Letter of Inquiry. Grant Application deadline: August 20
Charity Information:
The Air Show is making a difference every year in Oregon. Since 1988 more than $1.4 million has been given to local charities and non-profit organizations. The Air Show is a strong supporter of schools and encourages community involvement and volunteerism.
2014 Benefactors of Air Show dollars:
Adventure without Limits
Albertina Kerr
Alternative Services of Oregon
Amy Roloff Charity Foundation
A Place of Worship
ARC of Multnomah County
ARC of Washington County
Bag & Baggage Productions
Bethesday Lutheran Home
Big Brothers Big Sisters
Boys & Girls Aid
Boys & Girls Club: A Safe Shelter
Boy Scout Troop 240
Boy Scout Troop 581
Boy Scout Troop 606
Candlelighters: Children with Cancer
Cascade Behavioral Healthcare
Celebrate Hillsboro
Chehalem Youth & Family Services
Children’s Cancer Association
Christian Youth Theater
Clackamas Firefighters Pipes & Drums
Clark Co. Veteran’s Assistance Ctr.
Classic Aircraft Aviation Museum
Community Access Services
Community Action of Wash. Co.
Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation
DePaul Youth & Family Center
Edwards Center
Eliot Group Home
Essentials Health Clinic
Evergreen Middle School Endeavor Program
Folk Time Inc.
Forest Grove Chamber of Commerce
Forest Grove Elks
Forest Grove Elkettes
Friends of the Carpenter
Friends of the Children
Friends of the Cornelius Library
Good Neighbors
Girl Scout Troup 42293
Harmony Housing
Hillsboro 20/20
Hillsboro Chamber of Commerce
Hillsboro Community Foundation
Hillsboro Elks Lodge 1862
Hillsboro Library Foundation
Hillsboro Rotary Club
Hillsboro Schools Foundation
Hillsboro Tuesday Market
HomePlate Youth Services
Homeward Bound
Hospice & Palliative Care of WA. Co
Independence Northwest
The Inn BRS Programs
Inukai Family Boys & Girls Club
Lifeworks NW
Luke-dorf Inc: Safe Haven &
Hartner House
Make A Wish
Meals on Wheels People
Memorial Fund for Veterans of WA Co.
Mobility Impaired Golf Association
Mt. Wave Search & Rescue
Muscular Dystrophy Association
National Assoc. for Black Veterans
NAMI of Wash. County
Newport Chamber of Commerce
No. Coast Down Syndrome Network
NW Council of Air Shows Found.
Northwest Senior Theater
Off the Couch Events
The Olalla Center for Children & Families
Oregon Crusaders
Oregon Fire Service Honor Guard
Oregon Friends of Shelter Animals
Oregon Hunters Assoc. of Tualatin Valley
Oregon r.i.s.e. Center
Oregon Symphony Association
Oregon Youth Authority
Orenco Presbyterian Church
Providence Health Foundation
Portland Homeless Family Solutions
Portland Rose Festival Foundation
Public Safety ChaplaincyPublic Safety Reserves:
-Hillsboro
-Clackamas CountyWashington Co. Explorers
Quiet Waters Outreach
Rebuilding Together Wash. County
Returning Veterans Project
Red Cross Blood Drive
Rotary Club of McMinnville
Royal Rosarians
Salvation Army – Tualatin Valley
Self Determination Resources Inc
Society for Design Engineers
Sonrise Church: Food Pantry
Special Olympics
St Mary’s Home for Boys
Starlight Children’s Foundation NW
Supporters of Comm. Sr. Center of Hillsboro
Tualatin Valley Harmony Masters
United Cerebral Palsy
Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2666
Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial Wall
Virginia Garcia Memorial Found.
Wash. Co Bicycle TransportationCoalition
Wash. Co Health & Human Services
Washington County Museum
Westside Community Focus
West Tuality Habitat for Humanity
Young Life – Hillsboro
Youth Contact Inc.
Youth Village Oregon
Schools
Barnes Elementary
Beavercreek Elementary
Beaverton School District:
Aloha-Huber Park Elementary
Kinnaman Elementary
Oak Hills Elementary
Chinook PTSA
Echo Shaw Elementary – Cornelius
Elmonica Elementary
Emmaus Christian
Faith Bible Christian
Fern Hill Elementary – Forest Grove
First Cong. United Church School
Forest Hills Lutheran School
Gaiser Middle School
Hillsboro Schools Foundation
Hillsboro Schools
David Hill Elementary
Groner Elementary
Jackson Elementary
Lincoln Street Elementary
Minter Bridge Elementary
W.L. Henry Elementary
W.V. McKinney Elementary
Century High School
Glencoe High School
Hillsboro High School
Liberty High School
Horizon Christian
Kelly Elementary – Portland
Marrion Elementary – Vancouver
Montclair Elementary
Mountain View Comm. School
Nevah Shalom
Scholls Elementary
Springwater Environmental
Gresham, July 18th, 2015. Thousands did as they were told and, “grabbed a pint and a banger” at the Portland Highland Games. The purpose of the nonprofit games is to foster & preserve traditional Scottish culture & to sponsor the annual presentation of the Portland Highland Games at Mt Hood Community College.
Senior dancers pose before their competition on July 18th. Competitive Highland dancing for ladies started at the turn of the century. Over the centuries the dancing style has become more refined and now shares many elements from classical ballet. Although historically Highland dancing was restricted to men, today it is mostly performed by females. Highland dances require both stamina and artistic skill.
A British tea tent offered sweets and biscuits.
Andrew Wolfman Huston was the fastest man on the track.
The Kilted Mile Race has a tradition dating to the reign of King Malcolm III. The Kilted Mile has been an event at the Portland Highland Games since 1991. This year will mark the 20th Kilted Mile race. Runners today are required to wear their Highland kilts for the entire race.
Daniel Fraser was the fastest super senior on the kilted mile race and finished with a time of 6:57.
The Portland Highland Games Association was established in 1960 to help keep the Highland Games alive in Portland. The first Oregon Scottish Games was held in 1952, sponsored by Sir James McDonald, British Consul. Due to the first Games’ popularity, it was repeated the following year.
The Games’ first membership chairman and program which listed sponsoring members’ names came in 1970. This reflected both the stability and growth of the organization. The 70’s also brought the establishment of the current traditions to recognize extensive past meritorious service on the part of volunteers. In 1972 Annie Munro was chosen as the Games’ first official Guest of the Day, followed the next year by Duncan MacKenzie.
Under the leadership of Association President Robert A. Johnson, Sir James McDonald was chosen as the Games’ first official Chieftain of the Day. This Tradition established in 1976 continues today.
In 1978 fresh ideas were explored, and these focused on enhancing spectator interest. This was the first Games in which a clan tent made its appearance. Col. John McNeil introduced a Clan McNeil tent, and a Clan Donald tent was also set up.
The Portland Games hosted the U.S. Inter-regional (Highland) Dancing Championships in 1982, 1987, and for a third time in 1999. These were held on the Sunday following the Games. In 1988, the Games moved to its present site at Mt. Hood Community College in Gresham, OR.
Our goal will always be to bring Portland the finest Scottish Highland Games possible. Loosely based upon the founding statement of the St. Andrew’s Society, a similar goal of our Games could well be stated: “to preserve the memories of our Scottish inheritance while serving our American community.”
– See more at: http://www.phga.org/history/#sthash.XRBZ7rCt.dpuf
The Portland Highland Games has a variety of competitive events. We are proud to have world-class athletes and musicians come to the Games every year.
Portland, July 17th, 2015. Twelve corporate teams competed in the sand sculpture competition and Team Nike/Camp Rosenbaum came out on top with its “Active Kids, Active Minds” creation. Judges liked the detail and the height of the sand sculpture. Volunteers who build sculptures at Sand in the City say, “Since sand is monochromatic using texture is key. Light and shadow is all that you get to work with so you need to make the most of it.”
2nd Place went to team Logitech/Ultimate Ears. Builders use things like forks, brushes, spray-bottles and other basic tools can create quick effective textures.
The annual event in Pioneer Courthouse Square is a fundraiser benefiting children’s local charities. Team donations, sponsorships, and gate proceeds combine to raise about $120,000 each year for kids.
Yoshida’s Sand in the City began in 1996 with 13 corporate teams working together to raise money in support of The Kids on the Block Awareness Program, a non-profit children’s program using puppets to help educate children to be more accepting of others with disabilities and differences.
From the beginning Junki Yoshida and Yoshida Group have been the presenting sponsor of the event. Yoshida was interviewed by several local television stations.
SRG Partnership, Inc. attributed their 3rd place finish to great teamwork between employees and helpers from both KPFF Civil Engineering and PLACE Studio.
Here’s a look at the finished product.
Congratulations were given to the Portland Fire Bureau and\Coffman on its Rookie team win.
Each year, corporate teams are matched with the design expertise of local architectural firms. Each team receives training and support as they prepare for the July sand castle competition. Hoffman Construction Company has participated as a major sponsor from the beginning, coordinating the arrival and removal of more than 150 tons of sand. Compaction is the ‘glue’ that makes the magic possible. Sculpting tools – Many kitchen, masonry and garden tools will work for this. Volunteers use spoons, spatulas, melon ballers, pallet knives, clay loops, you name it. Some sculptors shun tools altogether preferring to use only their hands.
The event runs through Sunday, with a suggested entry donation of $4 per person/$10 for family.
Here’s more information about the participants and the recipients of the donations:
Community Transitional School
Dedicated to the educational needs of children whose families are homeless or in transition.
An innovative, educational program that draws from the latest research on violence prevention to leverage the power of individuals, families and communities to value and advance the well-being and safety of children.
Open Meadow’s mission is to develop connection, capability, and confidence in disconnected youth through relationship-based, quality learning experiences that result in academic, personal, and community success.
Portland, July 11th, 2015. Summer is the time that the generous supporters who bought items at Tucker-Maxon Elementary School auction enjoyed their purchases. For example, one donation brought the Transformer, “Optimus Prime” to visit the SE Portland school and entertain the kids. The school specializes in teaching deaf and hearing students together to promote strong speech skills. “This was an auction item for our school auction,” principal Linda Goodwin said. “So parents and friends and family signed up to make this happen.” Art work was also delivered as a thank you to sponsors.
Rebecca Archer’s Uncle Charlie receives some very special artwork from the kids at Tucker-Maxon for being an auction sponsor. Frances and Charles Emerick were thanked for supporting the students.
The annual auction Celebrate the Sounds of Tucker was held on Saturday, April 25th at the Hilton downtown and raised a record $160,000 for the nonprofit.
Ginny Burt, Kimberly Jack Ferry, Mike Rakozy, Lee Vandegrift, Kerry Chin, and Guy Pratt,all alums at Tucker Maxon School
Kindal Zerr and Malia Pham, auction committee members.
From Tucker-Maxon:
The Tucker-Maxon School was founded in 1947 by a Harvard-educated attorney, Paul Boley, whose daughter became deaf at the age of 18 months due to meningitis. Initially, Paul Boley enrolled his daughter in the preschool program at Portland’s Hosford Public School for Deaf Children. At Hosford, he was introduced to instructor Alice Maxon who believed ‘Deaf children can talk.’ Boley dreamed of a small school in Portland where his daughter Barbara Ann and other deaf children could learn to speak. At the request of Boley, the then president of Cascades Plywood Corporation, Max Tucker, sponsored the school during its earliest years.
Tucker-Maxon has been ranked among the top schools in the country and valued for its innovative service and dedication to teaching hearing impaired and typical hearing children to speak, learn, laugh and sing together!
Portland, June 25th, 2015. It took a village (and events like the Heart of Doernbecher ) to raise the needed $500 million dollars in matching funds to meet the $1 billion Knight Cancer Challenge. The Knight Cancer Challenge was launched in 2013 after Nike Co-founder Phil Knight and his wife, Penny, pledged $500 million for cancer research if OHSU raised an equal amount by February 2016. (A $100 million dollar donation from Columbia’s Gert Boyle helped speed the process.) On June 25th, Phil Knight and Dr. Brian Druker celebrated hitting the matching amount on Good Morning America with Anchor Robin Roberts. They thanked the more than 10,000 donors who made it possible. Those included the supporters who attended the Doernbecher Children’s Hospital Foundation gala where organizers welcomed 450 guests to the Sentinel Hotel. It was the 17th Annual Heart of Doernbecher and the $1.1 million raised was the largest amount to date.
Doernbecher patient and three time cancer warrior Lauranne Ackelson was the guest of honor and shared great news with the crowd – she had clean blood work at her most recent check-up.
Doernbecher’s interim Chair of Pediatrics Dana Braner, M.D., with Brooke Ervin, Doernbecher Foundation Executive Director Jim Ervin and OHSU Foundation Chief Financial Strategist Mary Turina.
Doernbecher Foundation Board Member and former Portland Trail Blazer Terry Porter is all smiles at the Heart of Doernbecher.
OHSU President Joe Robertson Jr., M.D., M.B.A. poses with event co-chairs Cathy Rudd, Linda Rae Hickey and Craig Wessel.
The evening began with a cocktail reception featuring a silent auction and hands-on “Experience Doernbecher” activities where guests could try their hand at surgery simulation or meet Doernbecher’s Chief Canine Officer, Hope. The dinner program was emceed by KGW’s Drew Carney and featured presentations from OHSU President Joseph Robertson Jr., M.D., M.B.A. and Governor Kate Brown. The live auction, under the direction of auctioneer Bill Menish, included incredible packages such as a Vespa, custom painted by Jennifer Winship Mark, a heli-hiking trip in the Canadian Rockies, a suite at the upcoming Madonna concert, and a penthouse condo in Cabo.
The event was presented by Wentworth Subaru and was chaired by Linda Rae Hickey, Cathy and Jim Rudd, and Craig Wessel. The subcommittee chairs were Nathan Bailey, Kelly Montoya, Deanna and Bill Shake and Todd Stucky.
About OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital and the Doernbecher Children’s Hospital Foundation:
Doernbecher Children’s Hospital is Oregon’s premier pediatric health center, providing the region’s widest range of children’s health care services and serving as the primary center for OHSU pediatric programs. As part of Oregon Health & Science University, Oregon’s only academic health center, Doernbecher offers patients exceptional primary care and access to the region’s most advanced treatments. In addition, Doernbecher is Oregon’s primary teaching hospital. Its staff educates tomorrow’s pediatric specialists.
The Doernbecher Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization that exists to secure private philanthropic support for Doernbecher Children’s Hospital. The foundation raises funds from individuals, companies, foundations and organizations, and invests and manages gifts in accordance with donors’ wishes.
The 29th annual Friends of Doernbecher Softball Tournament is Saturday, July 25 at Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District. Help support the children at Doernbecher by registering your team today!
Portland, June 10th 2015. The American Diabetes Association and Father’s Day Council of Oregon and Southwest Washington honored three outstanding Portland business leaders at the third annual Father of the Year Awards Dinner: Rob Maletis, President of Maletis Beverage, Executive Vice President of DiabetOmics, Inc. Dave Gunderson, and Dr. William Johnson, President of Moda Health. The awards dinner raised over $300,000, with over 470 guests in attendance supporting the honorees. Pictures are National Chair Elect of American Diabetes Association (ADA) Robin Richardson; Michael Greene, Board Chair of ADA Oregon/SW Washington; honoree’s Rob Maletis, Dave Gunderson, and Dr. William Johnson; and Andrea Bruno, Executive Director of ADA of Oregon/SW Washington chapter. (photo credit, Andie Petkus)
Board Members of the Oregon/SW Washington chapter of the American Diabetes Association Ruth Bangert, Natasha Holstein, Gary Holstein (husband to Natasha Holstein) and Betsy Hartley.
Board Member Dr. Andrew Ahmann; Jordan Schnitzer, accepting the inaugural Darlene Cain Award on behalf of parents Arlene and the late Harold Schnitzer; and Kevin L. Hagan, National Chief Executive Officer of American Diabetes Association.
The Association recognizes men from across the nation annually for the outstanding strength, commitment and love they exhibit as fathers. “Father of the Year” honorees have both attained success in their chosen field or endeavor, and carved out time to teach and mature their children, while also becoming good citizens and proud members of the community.
The Association awarded the inaugural Darlene Cain Award to Arlene Schnitzer and the late Harold Schnitzer for their leadership in the fight to Stop Diabetes. Jordan Schnitzer, son of Arlene and Harold, accepted the award on behalf of his parents. The Schnitzer’s founded the Safe at School program, a program that allows families to send their child with diabetes to school and feel confident that the school will be prepared to provide the diabetes care that meets their child’s needs, as well as The Harold Schnitzer Diabetes Health Center at OHSU, the premier diabetes center in the country. The Darlene Cain Award is the highest award bestowed by the American Diabetes Association of Oregon and Southwest Washington and is given in memory of Darlene Cain; a passionate volunteer and community leader who dedicated her life to preventing and curing diabetes and improving the lives of all people affected by diabetes.
In attendance was the new National Chief Executive Officer of the American Diabetes Association, Kevin L. Hagan. The Father of the Year Awards Dinner was his first site visit since he began his tenure with the Association on June 1, 2015. Hagan joins the Association from Feed the Children, one of the largest charitable organizations in the world.
The awards dinner featured heartwarming videos paying tribute to each honoree as well as a special appeal video highlighting Paige Maas, an 11 year old with type 1 diabetes from Camas, Washington, and her family’s journey with diabetes. The special appeal portion of the event raised over $150,000.
Moda Health was the premier sponsor of this year’s event. Gold Sponsors were Maletis Beverage, Novo Nordisk and Spirit Media. Silver Sponsors were Fred Meyer, The Harold & Arlene Schnitzer CARE Foundation, The Portland Trail Blazers and DiabetOmics, Inc. Media Sponsor was Pamplin Media Group. Wine Sponsors was Ste Michelle Win Estates. Centerpiece Sponsor was Washman Car Washes. In-Kind Sponsors were Pacific Seafood and The Original Cakerie.
The Father of the Year Awards are hosted in 35 cities across the country in collaboration between the American Diabetes Association and the National Father’s Day Council. The regional councils in each city are comprised of volunteer community leaders, who strive to heighten the meaning of fatherhood, while raising funds for philanthropic purposes.
All proceeds benefit the American Diabetes Association, founded in 1940 and celebrating 75 years ofdiscovery, innovation and progress towards its mission to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes. Over 29.1 million children and adults throughout our country are affected by diabetes and pre-diabetes; nearly one million of those live in Oregon and Southwest Washington. A quarter of those living with diabetes do not know they have it. If current trends continue, 1 in 3 American children born today face a future with diabetes.
Portland, JULY 11th, 2015. Portland Center Stage’s Playwrighting Festival features free staged readings and a host of performances and artists labs. JAW is Portland’s chance to digest new plays while they’re still in development, with Community Artists Labs and Press Play performances that enhance the festivities with dance, theater, clowns, cabaret and more. JAW: A Playwrights Festival is free and open to the public at the Gerding Theater at the Armory (128 NW Eleventh Avenue, Portland, OR). No tickets are required.
Wes Guy & the Road Trip Massacre Crew was part of the JAW lineup in 2013.
This year, four featured playwrights make their JAW debuts with exciting new scripts – Adam Szymkowicz’s Colchester, Jen Silverman’s Wink, Boo Killebrew’s Miller, Mississippi and James Presson’s Long Division. The Press Play events scheduled to surround the staged readings include performances by Susannah Mars and Merideth Kaye Clark, Éowyn Emerald & Dancers, The Seseisiunists, SubRosa Dance Collective, Stumptown Clown Productions and POPgoji. In-depth Community Artists Labs will be presented by JAW Festival Director Rose Riordan and two of the featured JAW playwrights.
Audience members circle the block to get in for the free presentations each year.
Venerable Showers of Beauty Gamelan was a featured presentation in the past.
THE JAW STAGED READINGS
All staged readings are free and open to the public. No reservations or tickets required. Talk backs with the playwrights are held after most readings. Please Note: The staged readings presented at JAW are works in progress. Staged readings are an important part of the play development process and do not represent completed scripts.
COLCHESTER BY ADAM SZYMKOWICZ
Friday, July 24 at 4:00 p.m. | U.S. Bank Main Stage
Welcome to Colchester, a town of dashed dreams and fervent hope, history and longing. And there’s a hardware store too.
WINK BY JEN SILVERMAN
Friday, July 24 at 8:00 p.m. Sofie is an unhappy housewife, Gregor is her bread-winning husband, Dr. Franz is their psychiatrist … and Wink is the cat. Violent desires, domestic terrorism and feline vengeance at any cost make Wink a dark comedy about the thin, thin line between savagery and civilization.
MILLER, MISSISSIPPI BY BOO KILLEBREW
Saturday, July 25 at 4:00 p.m.
A lurid family drama set against the backdrop of Civil Rights era Mississippi. As volatile racial progress barrels forward, we witness one family’s downward spiral.
LONG DIVISION BY JAMES PRESSON
Saturday, July 25 at 8:00 p.m.
For Meryl, the bubble is finally bursting: she’s stuck in a loveless marriage, there are street-level protests raging day and night, and Dad’s dying upstairs from an incurable, unpronounceable disease. What’s to be done but drink the worries away? Long Division is a disaster-comedy depicting the cruel demise of the .0001%
PRESS PLAY PERFORMANCES
Press Play performances engage JAW audiences before and after each staged reading. Performances are free and open to the public in various locations around the Gerding Theater at the Armory.
Mothers & Daughters: A cabaret with Susannah Mars and Merideth Kaye Clark
Friday, July 24, 3:00-4:00 p.m., Main Lobby
Mothers and Daughters; Merideth Kaye Clark and Susannah Mars are both. Take a peek into their process, as they create a playful and touching cabaret on this theme.
Éowyn Emerald & Dancers
Friday, July 24, 3:00 p.m. and 3:30 p.m., 7:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Audience will be led to the performance spaces.
Sign up at the concierge desk in the main lobby to participate.
Éowyn Emerald Barrett is a Canadian born choreographer and dancer, currently creating in Portland, Oregon, who was recently selected by The Times of London as “a talent to watch.” For JAW, she has developed a site specific work that explores two contrasting spaces in the beautiful Armory building; one is a bright and spacious kitchen, the other a dark and stormy hallway with unique lighting offering opportunities for shadow play.
The Seseisiunists
Friday, July 24, between 7:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. outside in the Vera Katz Sliver Park
The suh/se/shun/ists (noun): A high energy traditional Irish folk band with a twist! The Seseisiunists have collected tunes and songs from their Celtic heritage, and have taken them out of traditional Irish seisiuns and brought them into eclectic venues for everyone to enjoy. Beware: Dancing to their music is infectious. Slainte!
SubRosa Dance Collective’s The Process
Saturday, July 25, 3:00 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. in the mezzanine lobby
Cerrin Lathrop, of SubRosa Dance Collective, debuts her piece The Process at JAW. SubRosa dancer’s Kailee McMurran, Jessica Evans and Lena Traenkenschuh give the audience a glimpse into the rehearsal process and what the repetition, the exploration and the choreographer’s requests demand of dancers. From outside the glass room, observe the stress and joy of the choreographic process.
Stumptown Clown Productions’ Pat McKensie Presents …
Saturday, July 25, 3:00-4:00 p.m. outside in the Vera Katz Sliver Park
Pat runs a salon typically speaking … or atypically if you will. An artist shows up. Things don’t go as planned. An interactive experience brought to you by Stumptown Clown Productions with Emily June Newton and Wendy Allegaert.
POPgoji
Saturday, July 25, from 7:00-8:00 p.m. in the main lobby
POPgoji is a mash up of American pop/soul and infectious Brazilian beats. Fine-tuned vocal harmonies, layered percussion and unique strings pay tribute to spiritual traditions of the African diaspora. Recreating the community energy of a Rio-style pagode jam session, POPgoji packs dance floors with hot Afro-Brazilian dance rhythms and familiar lyrics.
THE Complete 2015 JAW FESTIVAL SCHEDULE:
THURSDAY, JULY 23, 2015
8:30p Kick Off Event: Promising Playwrights Ellyn Bye Studio
FRIDAY, JULY 24, 2015
12-3p Artist Lab: Directing a Staged Reading with Rose Riordan Admission by Lottery
12-3p Artist Lab: Form Forward Playmaking with Boo Killebrew Admission by Lottery
3-4p Press Play: A cabaret with Susannah Mars and Merideth Kaye Clark Main Lobby
3p Press Play: Éowyn Emerald & Dancers Sign up at the concierge desk
3:30p Press Play: Éowyn Emerald & Dancers Sign up at the concierge desk
4 p.m. STAGED READING: Colchester by Adam Szymkowicz U.S. Bank Main Stage
7p Press Play: Éowyn Emerald & Dancers Sign up at the concierge desk
7:30p Press Play: Éowyn Emerald & Dancers Sign up at the concierge desk
7-8p Press Play: The Seseisiunists Vera Katz Sliver Park
8p STAGED READING: Wink by Jen Silverman U.S. Bank Main Stage
SATURDAY JULY 25, 2015
12-3p Artist Lab: Exploring Character and Conflict with Jen Silverman Admission by Lottery
3p Press Play: SubRosa Dance Collective’s The Process Mezzanine Lobby
3:30p Press Play: SubRosa Dance Collective’s The Process Mezzanine Lobby
3-4p Press Play: Stumptown Clown Productions’ Pat McKensie Presents Vera Katz Sliver Park
4p STAGED READING: Miller, Mississippi by Boo Killebrew U.S. Bank Main Stage
7-8p Press Play: POPgoji Main Lobby
8 p.m. STAGED READING: Long Division by James Presson U.S. Bank Main Stage
AGE RECOMMENDATION: JAW is recommended for high school age and up.
ABOUT JAW Since launching in 1999, JAW (short for Just Add Water) has created a space for playwrights to have complete creative control and the recourses to work on whatever they want. Each summer, four playwrights are chosen from nearly 200 submissions nationwide to collaborate with directors, dramaturgs, actors and other theater professionals from across the United States. Of the 60+ plays that have received workshops at the festival, more than 50% have received world premiere productions at a regional theater, ranging from the NY Theater Workshop to Steppenwolf Theatre, to Berkeley Repertory Theatre to Portland’s own Third Rail Repertory Theater. Fourteen JAW plays have later received fully staged productions at PCS, giving Portland a strong national reputation for not only incubating new work, but helping to see that work to successful fruition. JAW COMPANY The JAW Festival Director is PCS Associate Artistic Director Rose Riordan, and her JAW team at PCS includes: Kelsey Tyler, JAW Festival Producer; Brandon Woolley, JAW Festival Assistant Director; Don Kenneth Mason, JAW Festival Company Manager; and Paul J. Susi, Education Programs Coordinator. By the Big Weekend, countless numbers of PCS staff and volunteers have brought their talents and energies to the final readings.
JAW: A Playwrights Festival is made possible in part by funding from the National Endowment for the Arts, Kinsman Foundation, Don and Mary Blair, and Ronni Lacroute/Willakenzie Estate. Additional support is provided by the Oregon Arts Commission and Regional Arts and Culture Council. Portland Center Stage’s season is funded in part by Season Superstars Tim and Mary Boyle and Lead Corporate Champion Umpqua Bank; Season Sponsors the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation, Oregon Arts Commission and the National Endowment for the Arts, the Regional Arts and Culture Council, Work for Art, and Season Supporting Sponsor KINK FM. The Mark Spencer Hotel is the official hotel partner for Portland Center Stage. Portland Center Stage is a participant in The Wallace Foundation’s Building Audiences for Sustainability Initiative as well as the in the Audience (R)Evolution Program, funded by the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation and administered by Theatre Communications Group, the national organization for the professional not-for-profit American theater.
Portland Center Stage inspires our community by bringing stories to life in unexpected ways. Established in 1988 as a branch of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, PCS became an independent theater in 1994 and has been under the leadership of Artistic Director Chris Coleman since May 2000. The company presents a blend of classic, contemporary and original productions in a conscious effort to appeal to the eclectic palate of theatergoers in Portland. PCS also offers a variety of education and outreach programs for curious minds from six to 106, including discussions, classes, workshops and partnerships with organizations throughout the Portland metro area. The Gerding Theater at the Armory houses the 590-seat U.S. Main Stage and the 190-seat black box Ellyn Bye Studio. It was the first building on the National Register of Historic Places, and the first performing arts venue, to achieve a LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Platinum certification. The Gerding Theater at the Armory opened to the public on Oct. 1, 2006. The capital campaign to fund the renovation of this hub for community artistic activity continues.
Portland, July 2nd, 2015. Nonprofit organizations across the region are working hard this summer to take advantage of the abundance of fresh Northwest produce. Ben Root, the Metropolitan Family Service (MFS) Chief Development Officer, Matt Bartolotti, MFS Chief Strategy Officer, and Judy Strand MFS Chief Executive Officer, helped distribute 4,000 pounds of fresh produce in partnership with the Oregon Food Bank to all attendees at the MFS Community Cup. It celebrated families and soccer positive play in East Multnomah County. The event was a great way to experience MFS helping the entire family in under-resourced neighborhoods; and highlight the importance of community-based schools as a broader connection between education, family economic stability, and health. (Photo Credit: Darrin Swaim.) One of the event’s nonprofit partners was Urban Gleaners. It’s a small, volunteer organization that picks up edible food from farmers markets, restaurants, grocery stores, event sites and delivers it to local agencies that feed the hungry.
Providence Health & Services – Oregon Region and Portland Timbers donated 40 cases of bananas left over from their kids health fair today Healthful food for kids is what Urban Gleaners is all about.
Products like Okra are donated by World Foods.
From Metropolitan Family Service:
In its 65th year, MFS provides help to more than 30,000 children, families, and older adults in the greater Portland and SW Washington area each year. With a mission to help people move beyond the limitations of poverty, inequity and social isolation, MFS delivers proven programs to help people succeed at home, in school and in the community
Thank yous!
The following partners also provided resources and activities for all who attended: AC Portland, Urban Gleaners, Growing Gardens, Multnomah County Environmental Health, Parents As Teachers, MFS Financial Literacy, Legacy Emmanuel Trauma Nurses Talk Tough, Safe Routes PBOT, MFS Ways to Work/Ways to Save, the Multnomah Library SchoolCorps/Books 2 U Program, the Rockwood Library, and the Gresham Fire Department.
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