Portland, June 10th. An appreciative crowd cheered for the founder of the Metropolitan Youth Symphony as he passed the baton. (Photo Credit, John Rudoff, M.D.) Lajos Balogh is the founding music director of the Metropolitan Youth Symphony and has been the principal conductor since the organization’s inception in 1974.
For many young local musicians MYS is more important than ever because public school music programs are vanishing.
Lajos Balogh’s farewell concert feature a world premiere by one of the orchestra’s alumni, Steffen Schmidt. He’s a student at the Berklee College of Music in Boston, and composed an orchestral piece in honor of Balogh and John Richards: “Theme for Extraordinary Gentlemen.
Lajos Balogh plans to keep working with students and will also be conducting the 32nd year of the Portland Festival Orchestra in a series of seven free outdoor concerts, one of which will be in a new band shell that Balogh donated to Marylhurst University.
Lajos Balogh’s friends in the music community are numerous and include 3 Leg Torso, Michael Allen Harrison, and Julianne Johnson.
Mr. Balogh is also the conductor of the Marylhurst Symphony Orchestra. Lajos Balogh spent many years as Principal Second Violin with the Oregon Symphony, and has served on the faculties of Marylhurst College, Portland State University and Lewis and Clark College.
Mr. Balogh holds a Bachelor of Music degree from the Liszt Academy of Music in Budapest, where he studied with Dezsö Rados, Pal Jardanyi, Anton Molnar and Zoltan Kodaly, and a Master of Music degree from the University of Oregon. He has appeared as soloist with the Munich, Nuremberg and Göttingen symphonies and has recorded for radio stations worldwide.
MYS is dedicated to offering a challenging, rewarding and fun musical experience for all young musicians. Our ensembles are designed to accommodate players of all levels of experience and ability. We offer students a chance to explore different musical styles with chamber and specialty ensembles. Musicians are placed in ensembles by playing ability, not by age, so that all students can progress at their own pace. The Symphony’s new Music Director is Andres Lopera.
Portland, June 29th. Amidst a competitive field of adorable and talented dogs, two were crowned Portland’s Next TopDog Models. Moby, the white standard poodle who won in the large dog category, sports “elegantly goofy Rasta-poodle dreadlocks.” (Photo Credit, Leslie Zemenek) He’s helping to Keep Portland Weird with his unique style and energy. The sixth annual “Portland’s Next TopDog Model” at Hotel Monaco, on S.W. Washington is a benefit for the Oregon Humane Society and drew a sellout crowd of over 200 people cheering on their favorite dogs.
Here’s a snapshot from the fun event!
Andy Carson emceed this quirky contest. Honored judges were Mitch Elliott, Sheryl Stewart, Helen Raptis, Kimberly Maus, and Betty Norrie. From the 24 finalists, the celebrity panel of six judges also selected Dexter, a 10-year-old Dachshund/terrier-mix and Oregon Humane society alumnus, as the winner of the small dog category (Dexter is pictured at top left).
The finalists, chosen from more than 200 applications, were judged on style, personality, and runway attitude as they strutted along the “dogwalk” at the Hotel Monaco.
Each dog also had to answer a series of lifestyle questions. Dexter, a handsome Dachshund/terrier mix with endless love for his toys, goes by the motto, “Keep calm and carry a tennis ball.” Dexter is determined to enjoy an active lifestyle throughout his golden years. Dexter appeared at the 2011 TopDog Model event, not as a competitor, but as an adoptable dog visiting from OHS. Dexter’s now-forever-family saw him at the event and adopted him shortly after, making this TopDog a double success story.
The event raised an estimated $7,000 for the animals at OHS.
The event was sponsored by LexiDog Boutique & Social Club and the Hotel Monaco.
Portland, June 13th. Rotary Club of Portland and Willamette University Atkinson Graduate School of Management joined forces to celebrate stand-out business leaders. Rotary Club of Portland President Dick Wingard, congratulated Jim Wildish (one of the four Award Recipients) who is pictured with Yvonne Wildish, and Julie Olson, Chair of the Oregon Ethics in Business Awards Event. The awards dinner at the Governor Hotel drew 360 people. (Photo Credit, Andie Petkus)
Administrative Director of the Rotary Club of Portland Melissa Cikara and Rotary Club of Portland Dick Wingard. The Rotary Club of Portland is a founding partner in the Oregon Ethics In Business Awards Event.
Keynote Speaker, President and CEO of the Oregon Community Foundation Max Williams
Rotarians Jeff Tennant and Gretchen Walker, Chairs of the Rotary Club of Portland Enterprise Academy.
The event raised several thousand dollars earmarked for the Rotary Club of Portland’s Enterprise Academy Committee. For more than 30 years, the Rotary Club of Portland has provided the opportunity for high school students to explore the challenges and opportunities of our free enterprise system and the dynamics of the business world through Enterprise Academy. This innovative weekend retreat allows students to interact with successful business people and to participate in a highly informative and enjoyable team project.
Rotary Club of Portland President Dick Wingard and Award Recipient George Rode.
Rotary Club of Portland is an organization of local business and professional leaders dedicated to humanitarian service in everyday life, high ethical standards in business and professions, and promoting understanding and goodwill through community programs.
About Rotary Club: With 33,000 clubs and 1.2 million members throughout the world, Rotary has an extensive network of volunteers working locally, regionally, and internationally under the motto “Service Above Self.”
To learn how to get involved with Rotary Club of Portland call 503 228 1542, or visit the website for more information www.rotarypdx.org .
From Willamette University Atkinson Graduate School of Management: The Atkinson Graduate School of Management is committed to providing world class management education to U.S. and international students in all stages of their careers. We help our graduates acquire life-long learning skills and become outstanding leaders and managers in business, government, and nonprofit organizations worldwide by offering an intimate learning and practice environment, an integrated, cross-sectoral approach to management education, and dedication to quality teaching, instructional development, basic and applied research, and exceptional, customized career services.
Portland, May 10th. More than 730 Portland business and community leaders gathered for the 2012 Friends of the Children Friend Raiser presented by KeyBank. Supporters raised over $1.42 million for the mentoring program transforming the lives of Portland’s vulnerable children. Melvin ‘Pete’ Mark Jr., Melvin Mark Brokerage, and Bobbi O’Neill, Friend Raiser Steering Committee member, walk through the ‘high-five tunnel’ to enter the live auction tent.
Duncan Campbell, Friends of the Children Founder, and Linda Rae Hickey, director of the Ray Hickey Foundation.
Friends of Children exceeded its goal for the Quest Foundation Match of $132,000. The funds will support four Friends and 32 youth in the program. The Friend Raiser benefit was held at the Friends of the Children offices. The steering committee was led by Cindy Campbell and Geri Miner.
Brian Rice, President of KeyBank in Oregon and Southwest Washington. KeyBank was the Friend Raiser presenting sponsor.
Thanks to the continued success of this event, Friends of Children has been able to provide professional mentors to more vulnerable children than in the past; currently the nonprofit serves over 400 children in over 100 schools in the Portland metropolitan area.
We provides our most vulnerable children a stable relationship with a professional mentor for 12 ½ years – from kindergarten to high school graduation. 12 ½ years. No matter what.
Mission To provide our most vulnerable children a nurturing and sustained relationship with a professional mentor who teaches positive values and has attainable expectations for each child to become healthy, productive members of the community.
Vision To provide a Friend to all vulnerable children who need one and to change the way the world views and treats our most vulnerable children.
Portland, June 24th. Oregon Symphony supporters gathered to honor their beloved “Pops” conductor, Norman Leyden. The benefit at the Nines Hotel featured Pink Martini’s China Forbes in a duet with Norman Leyden. (Photo Credit, John Rudoff, M. D.) The Oregon Symphony also announced the creation of, The Norman Leyden Award saying it, “Recognizes outstanding individuals or groups who bring exceptional creativity, innovation and leadership through music to the community. The Award will be presented only when merited and is inaugurated by honoring its namesake.”
Oregon Symphony President, Elaine Calder, who announced earlier this month she is leaving her post.
For over 35 years, conductor Norman Leyden helped make the Oregon Symphony one of the most subscribed-to orchestras in the nation. Explained Symphony leaders, “In his 95th year, we honor his 75 years of performing, conducting, arranging, music directing, and composing for artists such as Glenn Miller, Arthur Godfrey, Gordon MacRae, Jane Powell, Sarah Vaughan and Tony Bennett.”
The evening included musical entertainment and dancing.
The event featured a special performance by Pink Martini lead by Thomas Lauderdale.
Pink Martini’s performance was sponsored by Janet & Richard Geary. Other donors included: Connie & Carl Clark, Kristine & Josh Collins, Bill & Karen Early, Barbara & Jerry Giesy, Robert & Janis Harrison, Clayton & Sudee Hering, Gretchen Holce, Allison Howard & Sarah Seitz, Renee & Irwin Holzman, Jerry & Beth Hulsman, Thomas Lauderdale & Philip Iosca, Lynn & Jack Loacker, Louis & Judy McCraw, Laura Meier, Arlene Schnitzer, Karl & Peggy Smith, Larry & Dorie Vollum, Walter & Nancy Weyler, and Jack & Ginny Wilborn.
From the Oregon Symphony: Since the Oregon Symphony was established more than 100 years ago, it has been recognized for its internationally acclaimed music directors, skilled performers, diverse programs and outstanding community services in education and regional touring. The Oregon Symphony now ranks among the largest orchestras in the nation and as one of the largest arts organizations in the Northwest, with an attendance of more than 225,000 people annually and 76 full-time musicians. Tickets for the 2012-2013 season are now on sale.
Portland, June 19th. Supporters raised their glasses to salute the American Red Cross Oregon Trail Chapter at its annual membership meeting. The event included a celebration of key Red Cross partners and volunteers. Cassy Martin from Fred Meyer, John Prescott, incoming chair of American Red Cross Oregon Trail Chapter, and Judy Robinson from Fred Meyer joined in the festivities. (Photo Credit, Andie Petkus)
The celebration was held at American Red Cross Oregon Trail Chapter headquarters on North Vancouver Avenue.
Leading up to the event, which recapped the year’s accomplishments, Oregon Trail Chapter leadership sought to recognize local businesses that support the mission of Red Cross through direct philanthropy, training employees how to save a life, allowing employees to volunteer and encouraging individual preparedness by sponsoring blood drives.
John Prescott, incoming chair of American Red Cross Oregon Trail Chapter, with Jason Redding, owner of Horizon Restoration. Redding, a member of Red Cross board of directors, was awarded a board leadership award and the organization’s Philanthropist of the Year Award for his personal and professional dedication to Red Cross services.
“This full-circle support – training, volunteerism, philanthropy and blood donations – is a 360 degree partnership and one to which only a handful of companies in metropolitan Portland have committed. We are very grateful.” said Maree Wacker, chapter CEO.
John Prescott, incoming chair of American Red Cross Oregon Trail Chapter, with Don Pearson, regional President of Wells Fargo. Wells Fargo is one of 16 companies to receive the full-circle award.
John Prescott, with Intel executives Elisabeth Zeller and Tripp Robinson. Elisabeth Zeller is senior finance and operations manager, Intel Foundation; Tripp Robinson is emergency manager at Intel and is a board member for American Red Cross Oregon Trail Chapter.
Lauren Woodward, volunteer services, and Laura Reese, donor relations coordinator, welcomed guests to the event.
Anne Kinnaman and Lindsay Pour support American Red Cross health & safety services.
In 1917, concerned community members joined together and opened the Portland Red Cross. Their mission was to assist their neighbors during one of the world’s greatest disasters: World War I. For almost a century, the community has relied on the Red Cross during times of both conflict and peace.
For more than 90 years, thousands of Oregon Trail Chapter volunteers have provided disaster relief, blood and blood products, health education and services to military families in Clackamas, Clatsop, Columbia, Multnomah, Tillamook, Washington, and Yamhill counties. Our chapter responsibilities now include Hood River, Wasco, Sherman, Gilliam, Morrow, Umatilla, Union, Wallowa and Baker Counties.
We count on the generosity of our donors and the commitment of our volunteers to ensure our history continues well into the future. Clara Barton once said, “It is not in its past that the glories of the Red Cross lie, but in the possibilities it has created for the future.”
Portland, June 21st. Returning Veterans Project (RVP) supporters gathered at the First Unitarian Church to celebrate success. Carol Levine (RVP Founder) and Belle Landau (RVP Executive Director) enjoyed the social hour. Carol Levine talked about the nonprofit’s history and the outstanding work of its members, supporters and volunteers. Cameron Smith read a message from Governor Kitzhaber and the tone was set for Joe Buck (RVP Client) to offer his personal “Thank You from a Veteran”. His message brought some to tears.
Carol Levine and Belle Landau hugged Vetern, Joe Buck after a heartfelt speech.
Margaret Eichler PhD, LPC, and Suzanne Best, PhD both generously volunteer for the RVP. Margaret works in trauma care and helps many of her interns get involved with RVP. Suzanne has been working with veterans since 1996 and got involved in RVP when it was just a year old.
RVP Providers Barbara Steven, the only Chaplain in the RVP, Kyra Plume, LMT, and Sonia Connolly, LMT, smile as they prepared for The Welcome to begin.
Bryan Baisinger, Belle Landau, Abe Cohen, DC, Carol Levine and Sarah Smith gather together during the social hour and prepare for the start of the movie.
Throughout Oregon and Southwest Washington Returning Veterans Project works with veterans to provide a “holistic healing model” that creates a “new model of mental healthcare”, as Sarah Smith put it. The organization connects independent and politically unaffiliated health care practitioners to current service members and returning veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. RVP also offers its services to other members of the families. Sarah Smith explains the “holistic healing model” as a program which goes beyond mental health and provides services from acupuncturists, massage therapists, naturopaths, and many others. Program managers say counseling provided through the RVP is safe, confidential, and dedicated to the well-being of the service men and women and their families.
RVP will hold another event on June 30th at 7:00 pm. This event will also be held in the First Unitarian Church in Portland. This event is titled “Voice of Veterans” and is a welcoming ceremony featuring author Michael Meade and original poetry.
From The Returning Veterans Project:
“Returning Veterans Project was created as a conduit for professionals to give to veterans and their families, and for veterans to find health services in confidential settings that help them feel welcome in the community.”
At the event supporters also had a chance to get their first look at the award winning documentary, The Welcome.
About the film: The Welcome offers a fiercely intimate view of life after war: the fear, anger and isolation of post-traumatic stress that affects vets and family members alike. As we join these vets in a small room for an unusual five day healing retreat, we witness how the ruins of war can be transformed into the beauty of poetry.Their examples of unflinching honesty, courage and love lift us up, inspiring all of us once again to feel our common humanity, always the first casualty of war.
Portland, June 11th. An intimate group of friends and donors gathered to honor the dedication of supporters to the PSU School of Social Work. Gerard McAleese, Lucille McAleese, and Bill Furman were on hand for the event. (Photo Credit, Andie Petkus) The School of Social Work has been Changing Lives for 50 years as the only graduate social work program in the State of Oregon.
Unveiling of the Joyce N. Furman Memorial Fountain
Adreanne Hazen and Gary Maffei
Adreanne Hazen, PSU President Wim Wiewel, PSU Dean David Springer, and Bill Furman
Gary Maffei and Joan Allen
President Wiewel, MSW Student Joanna House, Interim Dean Nancy Koroloff, and Dean David Springer
Four major gifts were recognized at the event:
The Furman Charitable Trust gave $200,000 to support a project of the School of Social Work’s Center for Improvement of Child and Family Services, which is improving systems change work for youth aging out of foster care.
Bob and Barre Stoll gave $150,000 to create an Endowed Dean’s Fund for Special Projects which will provide a resource for ongoing innovation in the School of Social Work.
Alumni Bill, (MSW ’92) and Julie (MSW ’93) Young, pledged a $50,000 matching gift to match any gift between $500 and $1000 to any scholarship fund in the School of Social Work
Homer “Spike” Wadsworth, MSW ’67 and Sherry Sheng gave $100,000 to expand on scholarships awarded to MSW and PhD students in the School of Social Work.
Tony Leinweber, Sherry Sheng, and Duane McDougall
Sandy Wiscarson, Beryl Robison, MSW ’72, and Professor Emerita Joan Shireman
The New Avenues for Youth crew serving up Ben and Jerry’s Sundaes
From Portland State University:
Through the support of contributors like these our work will continue to thrive for the next 50 years! For more information on supporting scholarship funds at the School of Social Work contact Crystal Froembling at (503) 725-9914 or [email protected].
Portland, June 14th. 600 people gathered at the Oregon Convention Center in support of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Oregon, SW Washington, Idaho, and Montana Chapter. Every year local candidates compete in a spirited 10-week campaign for the title of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Man & Woman of the Year. Organizers say, “Candidates are judged solely on their ability to raise the most money to fund cancer research to bring help, hope, and save lives.”
This year’s candidates included: Henry Alvarez from Bank of the Cascades, Matt Elmgren from Mercer, Tony McQuade from Kaiser Permanente , Timber Jim Serrill from the Timbers Army, Tam Driscoll, Alison Goldwater from Regence BlueCross BlueSheild of Oregon, Miesha Johnson from LifeWise Health Plan of Oregon, Julie Peterson from Pinnacle Capital Mortgage, Katie Peterson from The Partners Group and Lisa Tracy from United HealthCare.
Geoff Roach, candidate Tam Driscoll, Kathryn Willimas and Emilia Branch
Tom Lambert, Kelly Schweiger, Kara Tsuruta-Alvarez and candidate Henry Alvarez
Board Chair Stacey Simpson and Executive Director Sarah Harris
Top fund raisers “Man of the Year”, Matt Elmgren from Mercer and “Woman of the Year”, Julie Peterson from Pinnacle Capitol Mortgage stand aside “Boy and Girl of the Year”, Cyrus Zentzis and Karina Miziolek. The children provide inspiration to the candidates during the campaign.
Breez Phillappay, Ty Phillippay, Steve Cain and Stefani Crocker
Andi Correa, Jocelyn Haugen and Meghan Johnson
Steve Morse and his daughter, Julieann Morse
“Girl of the Year” Karina Miziolek and her family, Irene Miziolek, Konrad Miziolek and Bogdan Miziolek.
Celeste Mock, Kristi Hart, Dawn Miller, James Chance, Lisa Tracey who was a candidate, and Jamie Sewell
Jamie Carlton and candidate “Timber Jim” Serrill
Amy Roloff and Howard H Hedinger
Steve Dunn from KATU was the Master of Ceremonies
Mark Soloos stands next to “Boy of the Year” Cyrus Zentzis, Noah Zentzis and Beth Zentzis
The mission of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) is: Cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families.
LLS is the world’s largest voluntary health agency dedicated to blood cancer. LLS funds lifesaving blood cancer research around the world and provides free information and support services.
Our Key Priorities will ensure that: The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society helps blood cancer patients live better, longer lives.
Portland, June 20th. Supporters of Third Angle Ensemble had a chance to preview the 12/13 season with a musical teaser to whet the appetite for new chamber music. Dr. Ronald W Naito MD and Megan Flynn (Editor in Chief, Beer West Magazine) enjoyed the beautiful weather in the Nel Centro courtyard. Summer Soiree attendees gathered to support the cultural landscape of new music in the Pacific Northwest. (Photo Credit, Tom Emerson) The benefit raised as estimated $4,500.
Elizabeth Anderson and her friend were all smiles.
We are devoted to creating and presenting musical events, works and collaborations that reflect the highest artistic expressions of our time, to instigating a creative dialogue through the works and artists presented, and to reinforcing the necessity for the voice of the living composer in our cultural heritage.
Since 1985, Third Angle has presented more than 90 programs of contemporary music, commissioned more than 25 new works and released nine recordings to critical acclaim. These achievements firmly establish the ensemble as one of the Northwest’s foremost presenters of contemporary American music.
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