Portland News and Events for Aug. 21 Through September

PHOTO: Portland's African American Health Coalition held its annual Soul Stroll Health Walk 2014 Saturday, Aug. 16. More than 100 people turned out to Wilshire Park for the event which included encouraging words from Multnomah County Commissioner Loretta Smith and African American Chamber of Commerce president Roy Jay.

Providence Hood To Coast Relay / Portland To Coast Walk Relay this Weekend

The Providence Hood To Coast Relay is the most popular relay race in the world with nearly 20,000 runners and walkers participating in three events; Hood To Coast Relay, Portland To Coast Walk Relay, and Portland To Coast High School Challenge.

The event is held from Aug. 22 to 23 and stretches from Timberline Lodge to Seaside, where over 70,000 people will attend the finish line party.

The Providence Hood To Coast Relay waiting list reaches over 40,000 potential participants annually. In 2013, the three events included runners and walkers from all 50 U.S. states and 35 countries.

For more information go to www.hoodtocoast.com.

Unprecedented Union Vote of Street Canvassers

Monday morning, workers at Grassroots Campaigns Inc. in Portland Or. unanimously to be represented by the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW).

Grassroots Campaigns Inc., fundraises for progressive and charitable groups such as Planned Parenthood, ACLU, and The Nature Conservancy.

A rally in support of the the workers is Wednesday, Aug. 27, 6:30 p.m. at The American Service Committee Building, 2249 E Burnside St. The rally is expected to draw a large crowd of labor and community allies.

The union campaign began in response to a lack of adequate training, misleading pay policies, an unprofessional and disrespectful work environment, exceptionally high turnover, and a failure of the company to follow labor laws, such as paid sick leave and overtime pay.

For more information go to www.portlandiww.org.

Portland Sunday Parkways in Southeast Portland

The City of Portland Sunday Parkways presented by Kaiser Permanente will host the fourth Sunday Parkways of the season August 24 in Southeast Portland. Southeast Portlanders and thousands of others are expected to turn out to bicycle, walk, stroll, roll and dance along the seven miles of traffic-free streets.

The Southeast Portland route connects Colonel Summers Park, Laurelhurst Park, Ivon Park and Universal Cycles Marketplace. Music, vendors and activities are located in the parks and marketplaces and along the route. The event is free and takes place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Universal Cycles, located at SE 22nd Avenue and Ankeny Street along the route, is hosting a free block party organized by the Bicycle Transportation Alliance. Portland Sunday Parkways invites everyone to stop by and enjoy family-friendly games, food and drink. Proceeds from beverage sales will go towards supporting Sunday Parkways.

For more information about Sunday Parkways, including volunteer information, visit www.PortlandSundayParkways.org or call 503-823-7599.

You And Your Racist Brain: The Neuroscience Of Prejudice

Science on Tap is a science lecture series where you can sit back, enjoy a pint, and laugh while you learn, Wednesday, Sept. 10, at the Kiggins Theatre, 1011 Main St., Vancouver, Wash. Doors at 6 p.m. event at 7 p.m.

Cost is $8 online advance tickets, $10 suggested cover at the door with beer, wine, pizza slices, popcorn and snacks available.

Dr. Larry Sherman, a senior scientist in the Division of Neuroscience at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) will explore the neuroscience behind prejudice and racism. He will discuss the so-called "cross-race effect" and how the brain can overcome this reaction, raising intriguing possibilities about how prejudice and racism can be reversed.

Listen to experts talk about the science in your neighborhood and around the world. You don't have to be a science geek to have fun--all you need is a thirst for knowledge.

Mitchell S. Jackson selected for Everybody Reads 2015

In January, 2015, Multnomah County Library will launch Everybody Reads 2015, the library’s 13th annual community reading project, with Mitchell S. Jackson’s debut novel, “The Residue Years.”

Set in 1990s Portland, The Residue Years is Jackson’s semi-autobiographical account of a family’s struggles in a neglected black neighborhood of a predominantly white city.

Mitchell S. Jackson received an M.A. in writing from Portland State University and an M.F.A in Creative Writing from New York University.

He has been the recipient of fellowships from Urban Artist Initiative and The Center For Fiction and teaches writing at New York University. His writing has appeared in publications including the New York Times, Salon, and Vice Magazine.

Jackson will speak on Tuesday, March 10, 2015 at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall. Tickets are available from Literary Arts.

To read more about Multnomah County Library, visit www.multcolib.org.

Entrepreneurship Course for Baby Boomers Coming to Portland

Portland-area residents aged 50 and over soon will be able to learn how to more effectively turn their entrepreneurial ideas into business success thanks to a new program from Kauffman FastTrac® and AARP. “FastTrac NewVenture™ for the Boomer Entrepreneur” is specifically designed to help Baby Boomers who are considering entrepreneurship to hone their unique strengths, experience and expertise in order to start their own businesses.

The 10-week course will meet one evening per week beginning on Sept. 16 at the Avita Business Center, located at 5257 NE Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. in Portland. In an outreach to its membership, AARP is offering $500 scholarships to 60 aspiring entrepreneurs who were born prior to 1965. Learn more at www.states.aarp.org/category/oregon.

The Human Bean Schedules Share Food Drive Aug. 22

The Human Bean drive-thru espresso franchise in Vancouver is holding their second annual food drive on Friday, Aug. 22.

Human Bean customers will enjoy drink discounts and a chance to win Oregon Ducks or Beaver college football tickets with their donations during the one-day food drive. All food donations benefit the local community through Share Food Bank.

The Human Bean will raffle off both (2) University of Oregon and (2) Oregon State football tickets for an upcoming home game this season.

The Human Bean at 15630 NE Fourth Plain will be accepting food donations during their operating business hours of 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Aug. 22. The community is encouraged to donate nutritious non-perishable foods like canned soups & vegetables, peanut butter, pasta, rice and cereal. Be sure donated food items are packaged in non-breakable containers.

For more information go to www.sharevancouver.org.

YWCA Clark County Holds Open House for Volunteers

YWCA Clark County will host a free open house on Thursday, Sept. 4, 6-7:30pm for prospective volunteers to learn about the wide variety of volunteer opportunities available at YWCA. Staff will be available to discuss how volunteers contribute to the mission of eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all. No reservation is needed.

Opportunities include providing advocacy and support to survivors of assault, representing the best interests of abused and neglected children in the court system, offering encouragement and information to women who are incarcerated, and supporting the safety and healing of families experiencing domestic violence. Additionally, volunteers with previous experience can help out in a preschool classroom, assist youth aging out foster care, or provide support for trainings on racism and social change.

To learn more about volunteering at YWCA Clark County, visit www.ywcaclarkcounty.com/volunteer or contact Nichole Peppers at 360-906-9112 or [email protected].

Oregon State Athletic Commission Seeking Ringside Physician Candidates

The Oregon State Athletic Commission is conducting a statewide recruitment for interested, qualified candidates to serve as Ringside Physicians. The recruitment will close Sept. 15.

The Oregon State Athletic Commission (OSAC) is charged with regulating professional boxing, mixed martial arts and entertainment wrestling in the State of Oregon.

The Commission has a Medical Advisory Committee that recommends Ringside Physician applications under consideration.

Ringside Physicians must meet the following minimum qualifications, must be approved by the Medical Advisory Committee and consent to and pass a background investigation:

Must be a medical doctor or osteopath licensed in the State of Oregon;
Must be familiar with or willing to learn the physical standards for licensing boxers and mixed martial arts contestants as outlined in Oregon Administrative Rule 230 Section 20 and Oregon Revised Statute 463;
Must be willing to provide pre and post-fight medical exams prior to and during events; and
Must be willing to travel to and attend events on weekends when able.

Ringside Physicians receive payment for their services at OSAC sanctioned events. Interested persons should contact Sgt. Jeff Lewis of the Oregon State Athletic Commission, at 503-378-3578, or email at [email protected].

Celebrate the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival

Celebrate the Mid--‐‑Autumn Festival, one of the four most important holidays on the Chinese calendar, at Lan Su Chinese Garden on September 6 & 7!

Most cultures have an autumn harvest festival and China is no exception. Zhong Qiu Jie (中秋节) or the Mid--‐‑Autumn Festival, has roots back to ancient times and is an important Chinese holiday. Taking place on the fifteenth day of the eight month of the lunar calendar, the Mid--‐‑Autumn Festival is usually on or close to the time of the “Harvest Moon” when the moon appears at its fullest during the autumnal equinox.

Traditional Mid-Autumn Festival activities include:

Gathering together with family and friends to watch the moon, a symbol of family
harmony and unity
Eating mooncakes, a round, sweet--‐‑filled pastry decorated with a variety of designs
and fillings including seeds, nuts, date paste and smashed beans
Storytelling, particularly of tales about the moon and its cultural inhabitants
Reading poetry and playing games at twilight, many of which having to do with flights of the soul, spirit possession, or fortune telling

Lan Su Mid-‑Autumn Festival Events & Activities

All events occur at the same time both Saturday, Sept. 6 & Sunday, Sept. 7. All programs are free with admission or membership.

11 a.m.-4 p.m. Meet Miniature Horses from the NW Miniature Horse Club (this event occurs adjacent to the garden and does not require admission)
10 a.m.-12 p.m. Chinese Story Time
10 a.m.-4 p.m. Make Your Own Red Lantern Family Activity
11 a.m.-3 p.m. Learn about Mooncakes with Red Robe Teahouse & Cafe
11 a.m.-4 p.m. Chinese Calligraphy Demonstrations
1 p.m. Lion Dance with the Lee’s Association Dragon & Lion Dance Team
2 p.m. Chinese Folk Dance Performance
3-5 p.m. Traditional Chinese Music

Daily admission is $9.50 with reduced rates for students, seniors & a special family rate. Open 10 a.m.–6 p.m. daily. Learn more at www.lansugarden.org.

da Vinci Arts Fair - December 6th & 7th 2014 - CALL FOR ARTISTS

This year marks the 10th annual da Vinci Arts Fair. Held the first weekend in December, now is the time for interested artists to apply.

Each year about 70 artists are chosen to display and sell their artwork. Artists set up their own displays, but do not need to be in attendance throughout the show as there is a central cashier. The show is managed by the da Vinci PTSA and proceeds benefit the students and programs at da Vinci Arts Middle School, Portland Public School’s only arts-focused middle school. Fee to the artist: $15 non-refundable application fee; 30% of sales.

Applications are available on the school’s main webpage: www.pps.k12.or.us/schools/davinci The application is due, along with digital images of your work and an application fee by September 12th. Inquiries should be emailed to [email protected]

Free Festival Will Help Students Prepare for First Day of School

For most kids, the first day of school means new supplies, clothing and haircuts. But not everyone can afford a new outfit--or even the required pencils and paper.

Vancouver Public Schools wants all its students to be ready to learn on the first day of school. That's why the district's Family-Community Resource Center team is hosting a new event designed to help students and families prepare.

Go Ready! Back-to-School-Readiness Festival

Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2014
1 p.m. to 7 p.m.
4040 Plomondon Rd., Vancouver, WA 98661 (Boys & Girls Club)
This event is free and open to all VPS students and their families.

More than 30 community partners have collaborated with the district to provide school essentials. Students can take home free shoes, socks, backpacks and school supplies, as well as receive complimentary haircuts, vaccinations and dental screenings. Parents can be vaccinated at no cost as well. Participants also are eligible for free ice cream, snacks and drawings for Winco gift cards and Boys and Girls Club memberships.

Go Ready! is designed to serve the growing number of VPS students eligible for free or reduced-price meals, an indicator of poverty, which can affect school-readiness. Since the 2004-2005 school year, the number of the district's nearly 23,000 students eligible for free or reduced-price meals has increased from 39 percent to 53 percent.

Learn more about the event at www.vansd.org/goready.

Workforce Development Council Receives $1.1 Million YouthBuild Grant

Up to 60 at-risk Clark County youth will get a helping “hand up” and support with academic and construction skills training from a group of nonprofit organizations that banded together and recently received a $1.1 million YouthBuild Grant from the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL).

Led by the Southwest Washington Workforce Development Council (SWWDC), the group includes Partners in Careers, Innovative Services NW, Evergreen Habitat for Humanity, Vancouver Housing Authority and WorkSource.

“Youth unemployment is high in our region and these funds will enable us to provide opportunities for youth to complete their high school education while learning construction and other skills that will help them throughout their work years,” said Jeanne Bennett, SWWDC’s Chief Executive Officer. “We anticipate a need for additional construction workers in the near future and this program will give our youth the training they need to compete for these jobs.”

Vancouver YouthBuild will launch later this year and help at-risk youth obtain high school diplomas or GEDs and learn construction and other work-related skills through academic trainings, on-site work experiences and community service activities. Participants will also have access to apprenticeships and industry certifications in the construction trades as well as transitional housing opportunities through the Vancouver Housing Authority.

“This opportunity is truly transformational, not only to service delivery for our youth, but also for the organizations involved in this partnership,” said Sharon Pesut, Executive Director of Partners in Careers. “We look forward to aligning our efforts.”

Comment on Portland Accessibility Issues
In an effort to make City of Portland facilities and programs accessible to all, the City has embarked on a comprehensive process to create the Americans with Disabilities (ADA) Title II Transition Plan. The Plan identifies barriers which impede access to City facilities that are open to the public. The Office of Equity and Human Rights ADA Title II Transition team invites the community to review and comment on the Draft Transition Plan.

There are several ways to get more information and provide comments:

View the materials online at http://www.portlandoregon.gov/oehr/adaplan and provide comment on the provided electronic form.
Attend an informational open house and provide comment:
Tuesday, August 19, 4:00-6:30 p.m. at Independent Living Resources 1839 NE Couch St.
Tuesday, August 26, 12:30-2:30 p.m. at The Portland Building 1120 SW 5th Ave. Room C
Thursday, September 4, 4:00-6:00 p.m. at East Portland Community Center 740 SE 106th Ave.
View the materials at one of the following locations:
Office of Equity and Human Rights, 421 SW 6th Ave. Suite 500
Midland Library, 805 SE 122nd Ave.
St. Johns Library, 7510 N Charleston Ave.

Small Farm School

Registration is open for Small Farm School 2014, which will take place at Clackamas Community College in Oregon City on Saturday, Sept. 6, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The Small Farm School is a full-day day event with hands on and classroom workshops for beginning farmers and small acreage landowners. Field and classroom workshops address small farm topics such as pig and poultry management, fruit and vegetable production, soil management, tractor safety and operation, on-farm veterinary care, and other topics.
The event is sponsored by OSU Extension Service, Clackamas County Soil & Water Conservation District and CCC. The cost is $65 for adults and $40 for youth. For more information, please visit http://smallfarms.oregonstate.edu/small-farm-school .

Find more events in Portland and Seattle on The Skanner News' Community Calendar