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Oregon Celebrates Advanced Practice Providers Advanced practice providers (APP) at OHSU celebrate after delivering their declaration to unionize with ONA to OHSU administration in January 2024. (Photo Courtesy of ONA). The Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) is proud to join elected officials, healthcare providers, patients and labor leaders in celebrating Oregon’s advanced practice providers (APPs) during APP Week, September 23-29, 2024. APP Week is a national celebration honoring the invaluable contributions of nurse practitioners (NPs), physician associates (PAs), certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs), clinical nurse specialists (CNSs), and certified registered nurse midwives (CNMs) whose advanced clinical skills, compassion, and patient-centered approach help hundreds of thousands of Oregonians lead healthier lives. APPs are nationally recognized for expanding access to healthcare, improving patient outcomes, and filling critical gaps in Oregon’s healthcare systems. Many APPs work in underserved communities where they combat health disparities and increase health equity. As demand for healthcare continues to rise, Oregon’s more than 9.000 APPs are vital to ensure all Oregonians have access to timely, comprehensive healthcare. Oregon State Representative Travis Nelson (Portland), a registered nurse and experienced healthcare advocate recognized Oregon’s APPs for their service in a letter this week stating: “Thank you to all of ONA’s APP members and all APPs across the state especially during this week of September 23 - 29, 2024,” Representative Nelson said. “APPs significantly improve access to healthcare in rural and underserved communities, providing primary and specialized care to Oregonians in areas where access to healthcare services are limited. APPs also play a crucial role in frontline hospital systems providing comprehensive services including trauma, ECMO and complex medical care … I encourage all Oregonians to join us in recognizing and honoring APP’s vital contributions to the health and wellbeing of our great state.” Oregon is a national leader in APP care. From becoming one of the first states to empower nurse practitioners to practice independently more than 40 years ago to passing the nation’s first nurse practitioner payment parity law and organizing APPs into unions to better advocate for their patients, colleagues and communities; Oregon’s APPs have been at the vanguard of work to enhance patient safety; expand healthcare access and services; and improve working conditions. Over the past two years, hundreds of APPs at OHSU, Legacy Emanuel and Good Samaritan, Legacy’s Women’s Health Clinics and other worksites have voted to unionize with ONA or the Pacific Northwest Hospital Medicine Association (PNWHMA)—a physician and advanced practice provider union staffed by ONA. This growing “white-coat labor movement” is rapidly giving healthcare workers and patients a stronger collective voice to push back against corporate-style healthcare systems and to raise healthcare standards throughout Oregon. “Oregon’s advanced practice providers are incredible advocates who bridge the gaps in our healthcare system and rise to meet the challenges facing their communities. From serving on the frontlines of Oregon’s COVID-19 response to leading some of the only healthcare clinics in Oregon’s backcountry, their dedication to their patients and willingness to do what it takes to get the job done has made them indispensable,” said ONA President Tamie Cline, RN. “I am proud to stand with them and honor their unwavering commitment to providing excellent healthcare for every Oregonian.”

Initiative Spotlighting Diverse Artists Portland-based artist Julian V.L. Gaines will be included in the National Football League Artist Replay program for 2024, reimagined to spotlight BIPOC and emerging artists throughout the season and culminating in an exclusive gallery during Art Basel. Inspired by the world of football, he has created a one-of-a-kind piece that will be on display at Miami Art Week. Originally from Chicago, Julian V.L. Gaines now lives and works in Portland, Oregon. He received his BFA in Drawing and Painting from Northern Michigan University in 2015. Julian V.L. Gaines (Photo Courtesy of nfl.com) Gaines collaborated with Nike to create the collection "Game Worn". As part of the sneaker release, he led a weeklong workshop that included art classes at Chicago's South Shore Cultural Center. Gaines has received editorials from Northern Magazine, HYPEBEAST, and The New York Times. In December 2020, his artwork was featured on the cover of New York Magazine. His work has been exhibited in numerous solo and group exhibitions, and is in notable private, public, and corporate collections, including NIKE, Beaverton, OR; Portland Art Museum and SoHo House, Portland, OR. Established to amplify diverse voices, the Artist Replay program connects the NFL’s rich culture with the broader arts community. Renowned photographer Cam Kirk will curate five artists, including Gaines, inspired by the world of football, as they each design and create one-of-a-kind pieces that will be on display at Miami Art Week. Beginning in September and going throughout the season, the NFL will spotlight these five artists in content that gives an in-depth look at their artistic journeys, the creative process in their chosen mediums and the inspiration behind their Artist Replay pieces. Each profile video will set the stage for a special gallery event during Art Basel in Miami, where their designs will be displayed, providing a unique glimpse into the cultural impact of football through art. “The goal is always to create platforms for diverse artists to shine, and where their work can resonate with people around the world,” said Cam Kirk, photographer, program curator, and founder of Cam Kirk Studios. “By amplifying their art, we’re not only elevating their voices but also deepening the connection between the game and its fans.” Kirk, known for his work with prominent hip-hop artists like Megan Thee Stallion, Migos, Future and 21 Savage, brings a unique perspective to the program, further connecting the worlds of sports and culture. “NFL Artist Replay blends the worlds of art and football, and with Cam’s artistic expertise and guidance, this program will bring to life talented artist interpretations of the sport,” said Eddie Capobianco, vice president of influencer marketing at the NFL. “Being able to feature their pieces in all different mediums at Art Basel is a huge opportunity to authentically connect with football fans and art lovers on a whole new level.” As part of the program, the five selected artists will join Kirk in Miami in December to showcase their work at the NFL’s Art Basel gallery event. The artist selection includes: Cristina Martinez , contemporary visual artist (Seattle, WA) Julian Gaines , painter (Portland, OR) Sophia Yeshi , illustrator and designer (Brooklyn, NY) Murjoni Merriweather , sculptor (Temple Hills, MD) Mike Ham , oil painter and illustrator (New York, NY)   Since its inception, the Artist Replay program has been a platform for diverse artistic expressions and this season promises to build on the initiative, bringing even more voices and stories to the forefront.   NFL Artist Replay will be featured across NFL platforms, highlighting the artists and their work at nfl.com/artistreplay

Celebration of Dr. Millner’s Legacy Dr. Steven Holt, chair, Portland Housing Bureau N/NE Oversight Committee, Dr. Darrell Millner, Tony Hopson Sr., president and founder, Self Enhancement Inc., Eric Paine, CEO, Community Development Partners, and Trent Aldridge, CEO, Self Enhancement Inc. (Photo Courtesy of Noble Communications) The legacy of Dr. Darrell Millner, a pioneering scholar and educator who uncovered the history of Black people in Oregon, will now live on in the heart of North Portland. Last week, Community Development Partners (CDP) and Self Enhancement, Inc. (SEI) to announced the grand opening of The Dr. Darrell Millner Building, a six-story affordable housing community located at 5050 N. Interstate Ave. in the Overlook neighborhood. On September 12, a ceremony was held at the building in honor of Dr. Millner’s contributions to the Black community. The new development brings 63 new affordable apartments to an area where Black families have been displaced due to urban renewal and gentrification. The Millner is the third major development to open under the Alberta Alive initiative—a collaborative, multi-stage effort by CDP and SEI to foster a thriving Black community in North and Northeast Portland. The partnership between CDP, a mission-driven affordable housing developer, and SEI, Oregon’s largest African American-led nonprofit, combines CDP’s expertise in building life-enhancing communities with SEI’s longstanding dedication to serving Portland’s African American communities through culturally responsive services. Together they are leading a community-driven revitalization effort aimed at creating long-term stability and opportunity for residents. Millner, 78, a professor emeritus at Portland State University and renowned expert on African American history in the West, expressed his gratitude for the recognition. His work laid the foundation for understanding the Black experience in Oregon, and now this development ensures the continuation of that legacy by supporting Black residents and families. “It’s an honor to see my name attached to a project that provides such vital housing for Portland’s Black community,” Dr. Millner shared. “This development represents hope for future generations and reminds us that our history and culture have a permanent place in this city.” All of The Millner’s 63 units are reserved for households that qualify under the City of Portland’s N/NE Preference Policy, which prioritizes people with generational ties to North and Northeast Portland. The building includes one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments, available to individuals and families earning up to 60% of the area median income (AMI). Monthly rents range from $1,327 for a one-bedroom unit to $1,841 for a three-bedroom, offering much-needed affordable options in a rapidly changing neighborhood. In addition to providing housing, The Millner also includes 2,500 square feet of ground-floor commercial space, a community garden, an outdoor play area and parking, all designed to enhance the quality of life for residents. Tony Hopson, Sr., founder of SEI, emphasized the importance of collaboration in addressing systemic inequities: “This is more than just a building—it’s a symbol of our commitment to ensuring that Portland’s Black community not only survives but thrives in neighborhoods they helped build. Working with CDP on The Millner is an extension of SEI’s decades-long mission to support youth, families, and adults in realizing their full potential.” Eric Paine, CEO of Community Development Partners, also highlighted the collaborative approach that made The Millner possible: “We have been partnering with SEI on this and other Alberta Alive projects since 2017, a relationship that has allowed us to deepen our connection with Portland’s Black community. Together, we are creating spaces where people can feel supported, find stability and reclaim their place in the neighborhood.” The Millner is the third Alberta Alive development to open in the past nine months. The Ronnie Herndon Building, which opened in December 2023, provides 21 units for families, while the Paul and Geneva Knauls Building offers 31 homes for veterans. These projects are part of a larger vision by CDP and SEI to create a network of five affordable housing developments within one mile of each other, addressing a variety of housing needs in the historical heart of Portland’s Black community. SEI will oversee resident services at The Millner, helping residents connect to its wide range of programs, including youth services, family support, and workforce development, offered at the Tony Hopson Sr. Center for Self Enhancement, located just one mile away. Two additional Alberta Alive projects are in the pipeline: the 75-unit Strong Family Apartments and the Alberta Alive Townhomes, which will provide eight Black households the opportunity for homeownership. Both projects are expected to break ground later this year. The Millner was made possible through a combination of funding sources, including $9.2 million from the Metro Regional Affordable Housing Bond and $14.7 million from Oregon Affordable Housing Tax Credits (LIHTCs), with equity investment from R4 Capital. Other sources include a Transit Oriented Development (TOD) Grant from Metro. The development team for The Millner included Carleton Hart Architecture, LMC Construction and Guardian Management. KeyBank provided construction financing, with Citibank providing permanent financing.

One in 3 African American Blood Donors is a Match Sickle Cell Awareness Walk 2024 Pastor Taylor and Charletta Malone During Sickle Cell Awareness Month in September, the American Red Cross is called on African American and Latino blood donors to help ensure a diverse blood supply to help meet the transfusion needs of those battling sickle cell disease – the most common inherited blood disorder in the U.S.  In the U.S. sickle cell disease impacts more than 100,000 people, most of whom are of African descent or Latino descent. Blood and platelet donations are vital in supporting patients with sickle disease undergoing gene therapies and stem cell transplants, as well as those who need regular blood transfusions to alleviate pain and help manage their disease.   New cell-based gene therapies provide groundbreaking treatment options for people battling sickle cell disease in the U.S., but blood donations remain critical to helping ensure these medical procedures can be completed. During Sickle Cell Awareness Month in September, the American Red Cross is hosting over 500 blood drives nationwide and highlighting the vital role of blood donors to support these and other life-changing treatments for patients with this inherited blood disorder. As many as 50 units of blood and up to 25 units of platelets may be needed for a single patient undergoing gene therapy for sickle cell disease. Seasonal changes can trigger pain crises for those battling sickle cell – possibly increasing the need for lifesaving blood transfusions. As summer ends, book a time to give blood by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting  RedCrossBlood.org  or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Construction Will Modernize Space Draft rendering of St. Johns Library children’s area and community room courtesy of Bora Architecture and Interiors Multnomah County Library is starting construction on another of its transformative renovations and expansions. St. Johns Library will grow to approximately 8,500 square feet, maintaining the historic Carnegie building and adding a new addition. To start on these updates, St. Johns Library will close to the public on October 11. St. Johns Library has one of the smallest footprints in the Multnomah County Library system, at approximately 5,600 square feet. Its size reflects the space shortage the library bond is working to fix. As part of the 2020 library bond, St. Johns is one of eight libraries the library will expand, renovate or construct. Through this expansion and update, St. Johns can serve patrons even more efficiently with features that reflect the community. To amplify the community’s vision, Community Design Advocates (CDAs) were part of a paid program to connect with their communities about how this library can represent them. Based on additional community input through focus groups, public meetings, surveys and more, new features will include a large play and learning space for children and families; flexible meeting spaces for community use; teen area with space for technology, homework and creative expression; updated technology and internet; and new art that represents the community. Bora Architecture and Interiors led the design for St. Johns Library, along with Convergence Architecture, an architecture firm based in St. Johns that brings their knowledge and love of this neighborhood to the project. Howard S. Wright, a Balfour Beatty company, is the General Contractor for this $13 million project. During St. Johns Library's construction, the library encourages patrons to visit the following locations:   Kenton Library :  8226 N Denver Avenue, Portland, OR 97217 Northwest Library :  2300 NW Thurman Street, Portland, OR 97210   St. Johns Library is scheduled to reopen in spring 2026.    Community members can stay up-to-date on the latest news about Belmont Library and all Multnomah County Library building projects at multcolib.org/planning .

Encouraging Support for PCC’s Programs and Scholarships Gina Eygenhuysen (Photo Courtesy of PCC) From Oct. 8-9, the PCC Foundation will host its sixth annual “Big Give Day,” a community giving event designed to encourage support for Portland Community College’s programs and scholarships. This year, the goal is to raise $100,000 in 36 hours. “Big Give Day” kicks off at noon, Tuesday, Oct. 8 and runs until 11:59 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 9. Using the power of networking and crowdfunding, the event invites alumni, faculty, staff, and friends of PCC to contribute to vital initiatives. Donors will have the option to support one of 24 college scholarships and programs. According to a recent survey by the Hope Center for College, Community and Justice, a staggering 64% of PCC’s students reported experiencing basic needs insecurity. This crisis extends beyond Portland, with over 52% of students in Oregon’s community colleges facing housing insecurity during the pandemic. “Big Give Day” provides critical resources that can change lives and support the goals of PCC students. Dance enthusiast Mson Gongora, a recent graduate, was the first in his family to attend college and earned two associate degrees. He credits a scholarship through PCC’s Future Connect Program, a program for students who identify as first-generation or low-income, for his success. Future Connect made up the biggest contribution towards his education expenses but he also received funding from other sources like the Oregon Opportunity Grant, the Pell Grant and a PCC Foundation scholarship. He incurred no debt, having paid for college solely through grants and scholarships. “PCC helped a kid who grew up with nothing to want more,” Gongora said. “They gave me the ability to dream.” Gina Eygenhuysen transitioned from an unfulfilling marketing job to pursue a nursing degree at PCC. It wasn’t easy – unable to work while immersed in the demanding program, she struggled to make ends meet. Free food pantries became her lifeline, and PCC Foundation scholarships provided the crucial financial support she needed to stay focused on her studies. “Thank you to the donors who supported me,” she said. “I hope PCC continues receiving donations so more students can pursue their education. There are so many people who want to learn, but financial barriers hold them back.” The Foundation distributes $2.3 million in scholarships annually to more than 1,500 students, ensuring they have access to training and education at PCC and the support needed to succeed, regardless of their ability to pay. “We are so thankful to everyone who comes together each year to support PCC programs and scholarships," said PCC Foundation Executive Director Christina Kline. “It’s incredible what we can achieve when we join forces. The funds raised on ‘Big Give Day’ have a profound impact on our students’ lives.” Learn more and help spread the word at pcc.edu/biggiveday

Team to Begin Play in 2026 WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert speaks to the media before the WNBA basketball draft on Monday, April 15, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger, File) (AP) The WNBA is headed back to Portland, with Oregon’s biggest city getting an expansion team that will begin play in 2026. The team will be owned and operated by Raj Sports, led by Lisa Bhathal Merage and Alex Bhathal, who also own the Portland Thorns of the National Women’s Soccer League. They paid $125 million for the franchise. “This is huge for Portland. We are so honored and humbled to be the vessel that delivers this WNBA franchise to Portland,” Bhathal Merage said. “And that’s really how we consider ourselves. Portland is this incredibly diverse, enthusiastic community. We saw the passion first-hand when we started looking into the Portland Thorns and this is Basketball City so we’re very excited about the future.” The Bhathals started having conversations with the WNBA late last year after a separate bid to bring a team to Portland fell through. The city is well known for its embrace of women’s sports. In addition to the Thorns, who are drawing more than 18,000 fans on average to each home game, Portland is home to the nation’s first bar exclusively for women’s sports, the Sports Bra, which opened in 2022 and recently announced plans for additional franchises. “It really wasn’t our intention when we came to the Portland community, but we saw the opportunity, the stars aligned and here we are. We are at the epicenter of women’s professional sports,” Bhathal Merage said. It’s the third expansion franchise the WNBA will add over the next two years, with Golden State and Toronto getting the other two. The Golden State Valkyries will begin play next season and Toronto in 2026. “We’ve been working on Portland for a while, so when we did our original data analysis, I guess two and a half years ago, Portland was one at the top of the list, after the Bay Area,” Engelbert said. “So I’ve had my eye on Portland.” Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek was unable to attend at the Moda Center, home of the Portland Trail Blazers, but issued a statement. “The decision to choose Portland for the next WNBA team is just as much a recognition of our past as it is about faith in our future,” Kotek said. “Portland has an unequivocal love of women’s sports. ” Engelbert has said she hopes to have more teams by 2028 but doesn’t think that the league will be adding any more that will start playing before 2027. Portland had a WNBA team, the Fire, from 2000 until it folded in 2002. That franchise averaged more than 8,000 fans when games were played at the Rose Garden. The new franchise will play at the same arena, now known as the Moda Center, and the Bhathals plan to build a dedicated practice facility for the team as well. In addition to the Thorns, the Bhathal family has been a co-owner of the Sacramento Kings since 2013. The Bhathals added to their sports portfolio earlier this year when they bought the women’s soccer team for $63 million. “When you look at our numbers, not just the Thorns’ off-the-charts attendance, which is incredible, what you’ve seen, in Eugene, what you’ve seen in Oregon State, we knew that this was going to be one of the great moments in sports for Oregon,” Wyden said. “We saw, February of 2023, what was possible. So I can tell you that right now there are women playing in Portland. They’re rebounding in Roseburg, they’re hooping in Hermiston. Every nook and cranny of our state is into this.” The new Portland WNBA team is not yet named. The Bhathals said they wanted to tap into the community to select one.

5 Executions Set Over a Week’s Span in the US Joseph Amrine, who was exonerated two decades ago after spending years on death row, speaks at a rally to support Missouri death row inmates Marcellus Williams on Wednesday Aug. 21, 2024, in Clayton, Mo. (AP Photo/Jim Salter) AP- Death row inmates in five states are scheduled to be put to death in the span of one week, an unusually high number of executions that defies a yearslong trend of decline in both the use and support of the death penalty in the U.S. If carried out as planned, the executions in Alabama, Missouri, Oklahoma, South Carolina and Texas will mark the first time in more than 20 years — since July 2003 — that five were held in seven days, according to the nonprofit Death Penalty Information Center, which takes no position on capital punishment but has criticized the way states carry out executions. The first execution was carried out on in South Carolina, and if the other four scheduled this week proceed, the United States will have reached 1,600 executions since the death penalty was reinstated by the U.S. Supreme Court in 1976, said Robin Maher, the center’s executive director. The first of the five executions took place on Friday when South Carolina put inmate Freddie Owens to death for the 1997 killing of a convenience store clerk during a robbery. It was South Carolina’s first execution in 13 years, an unintended delay caused by the inability of state prison officials to obtain the drugs needed for lethal injections. To carry out executions, the state switched from a three-drug method to a new protocol of using a single sedative, pentobarbital. Alabama is preparing to carry out the nation’s second execution ever using nitrogen gas after becoming the first state to use the new procedure in January. Alan Miller is set to die by the process in which a mask is placed over the inmate’s head that forces the inmate to inhale pure nitrogen. Miller, who was given a reprieve in 2022 after his execution was called off when officials were unable to connect an intravenous line, was sentenced to die after being convicted of killing three men during back-to-back workplace shootings in 1999. Texas is scheduled to execute Travis Mullis, a man with a long history of mental illness who has repeatedly sought to waive his right to appeal his death sentence. Mullis was sentenced to death for killing his 3-month-old son in January 2008. Mullis’ attorneys did not plan to file any appeals to try and stay his lethal injection. Also in Missouri, Marcellus Williams is set to receive a lethal injection for the 1998 stabbing death of a woman in the St. Louis suburb of University City. Williams’ attorneys argued on Monday that the state Supreme Court should halt his execution over alleged procedural errors in jury selection and the prosecution’s alleged mishandling of the murder weapon. But the state’s high court rejected those arguments, and Gov. Mike Parson denied Williams’ clemency request, paving the way for his execution to proceed. In Oklahoma, Emmanuel Littlejohn is set to receive a lethal injection after being sentenced to die for his role in the 1992 shooting death of a convenience store owner during a robbery. Littlejohn has admitted to his role in the robbery, but claims he did not fire the fatal shot. The state’s Pardon and Parole Board voted 3-2 last month to recommend Gov. Kevin Stitt spare Littlejohn’s life, but the governor has yet to make a clemency decision.

The Cheese and Meat Festivals are back Photo courtesy of The Cheese and Meat Festival The much-anticipated Cheese and Meat Festivals are back this November, marking a culinary celebration across Seattle, Portland, and Vancouver. Known for selling out year after year, this year's festivals promise to be more intimate and curated. The festivals will feature over 40 vendors, each carefully selected to complement one another and create organic pairings that play matchmaker with guests’ taste buds. Guests will have the unique opportunity to explore an array of artisan food and beverage pairings while gaining insights directly from the producers. As always, the festival is designed to make discovering new products fun and approachable, transforming what could be a daunting task in a grocery store aisle into an immersive, educational experience. “Dancing the alleys of your local grocery store seems as daunting as learning about a new product. This is where the concept of the Cheese and Meat Festival comes into play. We’ve created an immersive experience where you can taste, play matchmaker, and shop while learning directly from the producers. It takes the riddles out of your next party or serving platter - or just simply shopping,” said David Bain, Director. The first festival will be in Vancouver, Canada – November 2nd at The Pipe Shop. The Second festival will be in Seattle, USA – November 9th at The Collective and lastly a festival will happen in Portland, USA – November 23rd at The Leftbank Annex. The all-inclusive tickets for the 2024 events are extremely limited, as the festivals are dedicated to maintaining a boutique atmosphere that allows for meaningful interactions between guests and producers.  Don’t miss this exclusive opportunity to join the ultimate fall tasting experience. Secure your tickets starting August 27th at 9:00 AM via www.cheeseandmeatfestival.com

Traci Rose 2013 (Photo courtesy of Portland Trailblazers) The Portland Trail Blazers organization is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of longtime Trail Blazer, Traci Billick Rose. Rose passed away on Wednesday after a battle with ovarian cancer at the age of 62. An icon of the Portland community, Rose effected positive change across the region through her work with the Trail Blazers, Boys & Girls Club of Portland Metro Area, and many more organizations. In lieu of flowers, the Rose family is asking that individuals make donations to Albina Head Start or SnowCap Community Charities – find more info below. Service details will be announced at a later date.    Traci Rose began her career with the Trail Blazers in the accounting office, eventually rising to Vice President of Communications and Community Relations while serving as the CEO of the organization’s original make it better Foundation. Throughout her 27-year career with the Blazers, Rose served in prominent roles within the communications and community departments, establishing strong connections with the media and local community and business organizations. Her work contributed to the team, its corporate partners and several athletes earning local, state and national awards for outstanding work in the community. In 2008, Albina Head Start dedicated one of their classrooms, ‘The Traci Rose Center’, in recognition of her work with youth throughout the community.  As one of the most visible executives in the organization, Traci led with compassion and care, encouraging others to strive for their best while always helping those in need.    Following her nearly three-decade career with the Trail Blazers, Rose served as a Chief Executive for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Portland Metro Area for nearly five years, advancing the crucial work the Clubs do for the youth of the region. Most recently, Rose worked as the Director of Community Relations and Public Information Officer for the Tigard-Tualatin School District, ensuring the next generation of Oregonians have ample opportunity to succeed. Rose earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Marylhurst University, majoring in Organizational Communication, PR and Integrated Marketing.     Traci was a longtime supporter of Albina Head Start, an organization committed to serving our community’s youngest and most vulnerable children with early learning, literacy, and emotional development, and was considered a champion for children living in poverty in Portland. In honor of all her efforts, Albina Head Start named one of its classrooms “The Traci Rose Center” in 2008.     The Johnson Charitable Trust, where Traci served as highly valued Trustee for many years, is spearheading the design and build of Traci’s Garden at SnowCap Community Charities which will become a lasting tribute to her legacy in the Rockwood area she was so devoted to. The Garden will serve the many SnowCap families that depend upon it for food, while also providing a beautiful gathering and reflection space. Traci was able to see the initial landscape design before her passing and knew how her memory would be honored with this garden oasis at one of Oregon’s most essential nonprofits.     In lieu of flowers, the family is asking those interested to make a donation to either of these causes near and dear to Traci’s heart – Albina Head Start or SnowCap Community Charities. Donations for Albina Head Start can be made via the Trail Blazers Foundation at Trailblazers.com/donate   by noting your gift in memory of Traci Rose and for general support, 100% of gifts made will be donated to Albina Head Start. For SnowCap Community Charities, visit   HERE   and please check in honor of, and mention it is for Traci’s Garden project in the Additional comments section.    "The passing of Traci Rose, a cherished Portland Trail Blazers family member for many years, deeply saddens me,” said Terry Porter, Trail Blazers Alumni. “Traci’s invaluable contributions to our organization and her guidance to countless players, both on and off the court, helped profoundly shape their professional and personal journeys. Beyond her impact on the team, Traci was a driving force within our community. Her tireless dedication to improving the lives of children and families continues to resonate through the numerous programs she helped establish. These initiatives, which still provide meaningful support to those in need, are a testament to her enduring legacy and a reassurance that her work will continue to make a difference. Traci’s impact on the Trail Blazers and our community will never be forgotten. Her legacy will live through the lives she touched, the players she guided, and the programs she inspired. We honor her memory today and forever.”    “The Portland community lost a legend last week,” said Dewayne Hankins, President of Business Operations, Portland Trail Blazers & Rose Quarter. “Traci’s passion and genuine care for others was infectious, providing opportunities and care for countless individuals and groups. She leaves a legacy of heartfelt commitment to improving the lives of others that we should all strive to replicate. The entire Trail Blazers organization sends our heartfelt condolences to her friends and family.”     “Traci was a very kind soul who had a positive impact on everyone she met, and we will miss her dearly,” said Joe Cronin, General Manager, Portland Trail Blazers. “Traci’s ability to make a genuine heartfelt connection with everyone was impressive and invaluable. She will always hold a special place in our hearts, and we know her legacy will live on through the many lives she touched.”

Jesus Mendoza, Jr. with Children (Photo courtesy of Oregon Dept. of Human Services) The application deadline for the n ew Summer EBT program has been extended to midnight Sept. 30, 2024 . The program offers $120 per child to help cover grocery costs when school food programs are not as easy to access. Eligible families should act now . Thousands of families may be unaware that they qualify for this essential benefit. The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) and the Oregon Department of Education (ODE) urge families to check their eligibility and apply before the extended deadline . Remember, once benefits are received, they must be used within 122 days.  Most eligible children received their benefits automatically on June 28, 2024, if their households: Participate in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Participate in Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Are Oregon Health Plan (Medicaid) members in households with incomes under 185 percent of the Federal Poverty Level  Children in foster care also automatically received Summer EBT.  However, families who did not receive benefits automatically , particularly those with children enrolled in a school during the 2023-2024 school year who were eligible for the National School Lunch or Breakfast Programs, should still apply to determine their eligibility . Families are encouraged to visit  sebt.oregon.gov  or contact the Summer EBT Call Center to verify their eligibility and apply. ODHS Director Fariborz Pakseresht said, “We are grateful to our federal partners for making this extension. The extra time is so important for us to reach families who may be eligible because we know access to nutritious food is critical.”  “Staying engaged in school and active in life requires proper nutrition,” said ODE Director Dr. Charlene Williams. “We know that there are many more families out there who have children who may be eligible for the $120 Summer EBT benefit and this important extension boosts our opportunity to reach them.” Since June 28, 2024, more than 336,198 eligible school-aged children have been issued $40.3 million in Summer EBT food benefits. More than 60 percent of families receiving benefits in the initial issuance were able to immediately use benefits on existing Oregon EBT cards; the rest received new cards in July. Act now  and don't let this opportunity pass by. Make sure your family receives the assistance it deserves by applying for Summer EBT before midnight Sept. 30, 2024. To learn more: Call 833-ORE-SEBT (833-673-7328). The call center is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific Time. Visit  sebt.oregon.gov .

Providing an Opportunity for the Community to Support Black-Owned Businesses Street wear brand Stackin Kickz and restaurant Norma Jean’s Soul Cuisine showcase the impact that PCC alums have in the North Portland community and beyond August is National Black Business Month , providing an opportunity for the community to support and celebrate Black-owned businesses in the Portland area. Portland Community College supports many great local owners through classes or support services that assist their business that has had an impact on the community.   Core to this is PCC’s Small Business Development Center,  which has helped thousands of business owners over the last four decades. The center combines one-on-one business advising with training programs taught by business experts, giving small business clients the resources they need to grow. Nominated in their first year for Best Soul Food and Family Friendly Restaurant, Norma Jean’s Soul Cuisine  is more than just a place to eat—it is a community hub. With a menu of soul food classics, Norma Jean's also offers dishes like cajun chicken and shrimp pasta, citrus blackened salmon and award-winning brisket mac. Plus, house specialties like crawfish etouffée and whole dungeness crab, served with red beans and rice, greens and oxtails. But the heart of Norma Jean’s is Cross, whose commitment to making guests feel at home is as vital as the scrumptiousness. Located in Northeast Portland, the restaurant's proximity to Cross’s childhood home holds deep significance.  “As a kid, when my grandmother cooked homemade meals for us, I felt loved, appreciated and valued,” he said. “Now, I strive to make our customers feel at home like I did.” As a teenager, Cross wanted to open a restaurant. But his success simmered until 2000, when it boiled.  “I always knew I would become a restaurateur, so I enrolled in business classes at PCC,” Cross said. “I went solely to add to my skills as a future business owner. I took business management, accounting, speech, and various business-related classes. All of these have helped me in business today.” Then the pandemic became a flipping point. Cross launched Gourmet Brothers Catering, eventually leading to food carts and then the opening of Norma Jean’s Soul Cuisine  in 2023, named in honor of his grandmother. But Norma Jean’s is dedicated to more than just great food; it’s committed to the people.  “We’re here to serve the community with love, care and concern—and most importantly, taste—but we also do our part for the less fortunate,” said Cross. “I think it's important to highlight the great work of Black-owned businesses because a lot of times we come from underserved communities and don't have a lot of resources available to us historically,” said Marquise Cross, owner of Norma Jean’s Soul Cuisine and proud PCC alum. “Including, but not limited to, loan and grant access; being unfairly pushed out of buildings; and in some cases, targeted. “All in all, I appreciate the opportunity to give voice to this and to share my journey,” he continued. “I'll continue to do my part to support my community.”  In 2010, PCC alum David Jefferson embarked on a journey that would transform him and the fashion landscape in Northeast Portland. Founding Stackin Kickz, a cutting-edge streetwear brand, Jefferson introduced a dynamic blend of style and began shifting the culture. Located in the Lloyd Center Mall, the brand quickly resonated. Stackin Kickz’s mission statement was, “Embrace the sneaker culture and create a dynamic of confidence, individuality, and expression through fashion that makes it clear to the world exactly what we care about: without having to say a word.” Fourteen years later, Stackin Kickz is a cornerstone in the community and the Lloyd Center.  “It dawned on me how inspiring my journey has been to others who are looking to create their own definition of self,” Jefferson said. “As I’ve grown as a human being, the brand has elevated as well. It’s become synonymous with energy, inspiration, community, leadership, and love.” Jefferson’s influence extends beyond fashion. Passionate about community engagement, he frequently speaks at middle schools, high schools and youth entrepreneurship programs like Micro Enterprise Services of Oregon (MESO) . His outreach efforts also include talks at business organizations, Oregon’s state universities, and correctional facilities, where he inspires both youth and adults in custody. Jefferson’s roots in Portland and his education at PCC played a crucial role in shaping his path. His early exposure to PCC’s summer youth programs, and later accounting classes, laid the foundation for his academic journey, culminating in a degree in Political Science from the University of Oregon. “PCC has always been a community staple since I was a child,” he said. “I lived off Kerby and Alberta for some years and we would always walk through (Cascade) campus. It was literally the only college I had ever heard of at that point.” for more information about PCC’s SBDC, check out www.pcc.edu/professional/small-business/