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Tiny Superheroes Overcoming Their Challenges and Thriving Last year's NICU reunion celebrated tiny superheroes overcoming their challenges and thriving. Kaiser Permanente Sunnyside Medical Center will celebrated its annual NICU Reunion event, "Little Campers, Big Adventures" on Sept. 8, 2024, outside the Labor & Delivery department. This heartwarming event is a celebration of strength, resilience, and the incredible journey of hundreds of families and children who received life-saving care in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). This fall also marks the 10th anniversary of the Sunnyside NICU, making it an extra special occasion for the entire community. Families, friends, and healthcare workers will be able to reconnect and celebrate the progress and growth of these remarkable NICU graduates. NICU mom Cynthia Hernandez, whose son, Saint, was born at 25 weeks and 6 days gestational age and weighing just 2 pounds 1/2 oz, said “Our journey with Saint in the NICU was one of the most challenging times in our lives, yet one of the most beautiful moments.” Saint was delivered at Kaiser Permanente Sunnyside on Sept. 6, 2023, and spent 107 days in the NICU. “The care that Saint received during his stay in the NICU was absolutely incredible. Saint was on a C-pap from birth until he was 36 weeks gestational age. Throughout his stay he also received two blood transfusions. He was on a feeding tube while in the NICU and was able to come home without it." Hernandez continues, “Saint just celebrated his first birthday! He is full of life and love. You will always catch him smiling and on the go. He is an extraordinarily strong, smart, active and a very alert boy. It was great having the support of the NICU team because they were there every step of the way, making it easier on our family. Especially while juggling two of Saint’s siblings at home and in school."

Actor Known for Iconic Voice Roles James Earl Jones arrives at the Tony Awards on June 12, 2016, in New York. (Photo by Charles Sykes/Invision/AP File) (AP)  James Earl Jones, who overcame racial prejudice and a severe stutter to become a celebrated icon of stage and screen — eventually lending his deep, commanding voice to CNN, “The Lion King” and Darth Vader — has died. He was 93. His agent, Barry McPherson, confirmed Jones died Monday morning at home in New York’s Hudson Valley region. The cause was not immediately clear. The pioneering Jones, who in 1965 became one of the first African American actors in a continuing role on a daytime drama (“As the World Turns”) and worked deep into his 80s, won two Emmys, a Golden Globe, two Tony Awards, a Grammy, the National Medal of Arts and the Kennedy Center Honors. He was also given an honorary Oscar and a special Tony for lifetime achievement. In 2022, a Broadway theater was renamed in his honor. He was also a sought-after voice actor, expressing the villainy of Darth Vader (“No, I am your father,” commonly misremembered as “Luke, I am your father”), as well as the benign dignity of King Mufasa in both the 1994 and 2019 versions of Disney’s “The Lion King” and announcing “This is CNN” during station breaks. He won a 1977 Grammy for his performance on the “Great American Documents” audio book. His legacy will live on forever.

Kendrick Lamar arrives at the MTV Video Music Awards, on Aug. 27, 2017, in Inglewood, Calif. (Photo by Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP, File) (AP) — Kendrick Lamar will pop out on the NFL’s biggest stage next year: The Grammy winner will headline the Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime Show in New Orleans. The NFL, Apple Music and Roc Nation announced Sunday that Lamar would lead the halftime festivities from the Caesars Superdome on Feb. 9. The rap megastar, who has won 17 Grammys, said he’s looking forward to bringing hip-hop to the NFL’s championship game, where he performed as a guest artist with Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Mary J. Blige, 50 Cent and Eminem in 2022. “Rap music is still the most impactful genre to date,” Lamar said in a statement. “And I’ll be there to remind the world why. They got the right one.” Lamar, 37, has experienced massive success since his debut album “good kid, m.A.A.d city” in 2012. Since then, he’s accumulated 17 Grammy wins and became the first non-classical, non-jazz musician to win a Pulitzer Prize for his 2017 album “DAMN.” The rapper’s latest album “Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers” was released in 2022. He was featured on the song “Like That” with Future and Metro Boomin on a track that spent three weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 this year. He also scored another hit with “Not Like Us.” In 2016, Lamar gave a stunning seven-minute performance of tracks such as “The Blacker the Berry” and “Alright” at the 58th Grammy Awards. Lamar dazzled as an opener two years later at the Grammys with a performance of “XXX.” In June, Lamar turned his Juneteenth “Pop Out” concert into a celebration of Los Angeles unity. It came on the heels of his rap battle with Drake during the three-hour concert featuring a mix of p-and-coming LA rappers and stars including Tyler, The Creator, Steve Lacy and YG. Roc Nation founder Jay-Z called Lamar a “once-in-a-generation” artist and performer. “His deep love for hip-hop and culture informs his artistic vision,” Jay-Z said. “He has an unparalleled ability to define and influence culture globally. Kendrick’s work transcends music, and his impact will be felt for years to come.” Roc Nation and Emmy-winning producer Jesse Collins will serve as co-executive producers of the halftime show. The creative direction of Lamar’s performance will be provided by pgLang, a creative company founded by Lamar and Dave Free — who has previously directed the rapper’s music videos. “Time and time again, Kendrick has proven his unique ability to craft moments that resonate, redefine, and ultimately shake the very foundation of hip-hop,” said Seth Dudowsky, the head of music at the NFL. Last year, Usher shined with a star-studded show with guests including H.E.R., Jermaine Dupri, Lil Jon, Ludacris and Alicia Keys. “The Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime Show is a celebration of the music we love and the incredible artists who make it, all on the world’s biggest stage,” said Oliver Schusser, the vice president of Apple Music and Beats.

Program recognizes anniversary and also celebrated National Breastfeeding Month Photo Courtesy of Oregon Health Authority The Oregon Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Program turns 50 this year and is celebrating by highlighting its work bringing healthy foods, connections to community programs, breastfeeding and lactation support, and nutrition education to Oregon families. “WIC has been helping families achieve nutrition security for 50 years,” said Oregon WIC Director Tiare Sanna, RDN. “Spending my career with a program that benefits so many is an amazing gift. I have been with WIC for 24 of its 50 years, and during that time, I have seen thousands of families receive support, I've worked with hundreds of people passionate about the work they do every day, and I've seen a program always working to be better for those it serves.” She added that she “can only imagine the good this program will do over the next 50 years, working to grow healthy families together.” Oregon WIC opened in April 1974 and supported 2,500 women, infants and children in five pilot programs. Last year, more than 114,000 participants in 36 Oregon counties were served through local health departments, nonprofits, Native American Tribal organizations, migrant health centers and a Head Start Program. Oregon WIC has evolved over 50 years and has improved access with technology offering online nutrition education, virtual appointment options, an online sign-up form and texting capabilities. It has also enhanced the shopping experience by offering an eWIC card to buy food and phone app that tracks the food benefit balance. Oregon Wic increased access to local produce and supported hundreds of farmers through the Farm Direct Nutrition Program. It also has expanded healthy food options that include whole grains, vegan alternatives such as tofu, dairy alternatives, and fruits and vegetables. Oregon WIC will further expand its food package next spring. This will help advance health equity and add flexibility and access to more culturally appropriate foods, fruits and vegetables. “Increasing the fruit and vegetable benefit and appeal of the WIC food package, while maintaining its nutrition integrity, is paramount to the success of the program,” Sanna said. Alexia Roy-Miller, former WIC participant and current WIC public health educator, recalled that when her daughter was young, Roy-Miller went to WIC for help to stretch her food budget. “We were met with such genuine care and compassion, and I learned so much about the importance of nutrition,” Roy-Miller said. “My experiences with WIC inspired me to become a lactation consultant to help support other families like mine.” This month, WIC recognizes decades of supporting families during National Breastfeeding Month. Oregon WIC is a leader in lactation support. “We meet our families where they are with their infant feeding goals. We provide encouragement and information so those we serve can make informed decisions that work best for their families,” says Korina Skaff, WIC breastfeeding coordinator. Seventy-one percent of WIC families are working families. WIC supported an Oregon law allowing lactating employees rest periods for expression of milk in the workplace. In addition to serving more than 83,000 infants and children last year, WIC supports dads, grandparents, foster parents, or legal guardians that have kids younger than 5. The program offers state-of-the-art health and nutrition support through personal counseling and group education. WIC is for pregnant people and children under 5.

CEOs of Albertsons and Kroger says shoppers would see lower prices after merger Kim Cordova, President UFCW7, left, speaks about the Kroger and Albertsons Merger. AP Photo/Jenny Kane (AP) — The chief executive officers of Kroger and Albertsons insisted Wednesday — under questioning from the federal government — that  merging  would allow the two supermarket companies to lower prices and more effectively compete with retail giants like  Walmart , Costco and Amazon. Kroger CEO Rodney McMullen and Albertsons CEO Vivek Sankaran appeared in Oregon’s U.S. District Court to testify against the Federal Trade Commission’s  attempt to block  the proposed merger of their companies. During the hearing, the commission’s lawyers suggested that the merger would hurt competition in certain areas where the two are each other’s primary rivals. “The day that we merge is the day that we will begin lowering prices,” McMullen said while under questioning by a lawyer representing his company. The two companies proposed what would be the  largest supermarket merger  in U.S. history in October 2022, after  Kroger  agreed to purchase Albertsons. But the Federal Trade Commission sued to prevent the $24.6 billion deal, alleging it would  eliminate competition  and lead to higher food prices for already  struggling customers. Addressing another issue that has worried shoppers in communities with both Albertsons and Kroger-run stores, McMullen said Kroger was committed to not closing any branches immediately if the merger is finalized but might down the road if it decides location changes or consolidations are needed. Sankaran, Albertsons’ CEO, argued that the deal would boost growth and in turn bolster stores and union jobs, because many of its and Kroger’s competitors, like Walmart, have few unionized workers. But when asked what his company would do if the merger didn’t go through, he said it may pursue “structural options” like laying off employees, closing stores and exiting certain markets, if unable to find other ways to lower costs. “I would have to consider that,” he said. “It’s a dramatically different picture with the merger than without it.” The testimonies of both CEOs were expected to be critical components of the three-week hearing, which is at its midpoint. What the two say under oath about prices, potential store closures and the impact on workers will likely be scrutinized in the years ahead if the merger goes through. McMullen said that Albertsons’ prices are 10% to 12% higher than Kroger’s and that the merged company would try to reduce the disparity as part of a strategy for keeping customers.  “We know that pricing is going to continue to go down,” McMullen said.  “America needs more competition, more grocery stores, and more leverage for workers to secure better pay and staffing – not less,” the United Food and Commercial Workers International union’s Stop the Merger coalition said in a statement Wednesday. McMullen said Wednesday that Kroger was committed to honoring existing labor contracts. Under the proposed deal, Kroger and Albertsons would  sell 579 stores  in places where their locations overlap to  C&S Wholesale Grocers , a New Hampshire-based supplier to independent supermarkets that also owns the Grand Union and  Piggly Wiggly  store brands.

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Significant Transition in Leadership Trent t Aldridge, Chief Executive Officer (Photo courtesy of SEI) Self Enhancement, Inc. (SEI), a nationally recognized youth development organization, is pleased to announce that Trent Aldridge will succeed Tony Hopson, Sr. as CEO. Founder Tony Hopson, Sr. will be transitioning to a new role after an illustrious career of over 43 years dedicated to uplifting the lives of African American youth and their families in the Portland metro area. Tony, a Portland native and graduate of Jefferson High School, founded SEI in 1981. Initially conceived as a one-week Enhancement Camp aimed at offering positive alternatives for African American teens, SEI quickly expanded under Tony's visionary leadership. By 1989, it had become a year-round program offering academic support and comprehensive wraparound services. In 1997, SEI opened the Center for Self Enhancement, which now serves thousands of youths and families annually, providing critical resources that enhance every aspect of a student's life. Over the years, SEI has developed from a youth-serving basketball camp into the largest Black-led human services organization in the State of Oregon. SEI plays a critical role in maintaining Jefferson High School's presence in the community and now boasts two buildings, five properties used for low-income housing programs, replication of the SEI model in Miami, FL and Atlanta, GA. Tony's contributions to education and social entrepreneurship have been widely recognized. He has received numerous awards locally and nationally, including the national "Points of Light" award, Urban League of Portland's "Equal Opportunity Award," the Black United Fund's "Legacy Award," and the "Distinguished Service Award" from the University of Oregon. He has also been a prominent advocate for underserved youth at national forums such as the Harvard School of Education and the Boston College Education Roundtable. Under his leadership, Self Enhancement, Inc. was the recipient of the federal Promise Neighborhood Initiative grant award of over $28 million, which fosters partnerships between students and families, community partners, schools, local government, and businesses. Tony's legacy is defined by his relentless passion for addressing the educational and social challenges faced by children of color and those living in poverty. His work has made a profound impact not only in Portland, but also on a national scale. To honor his legacy, the Center for Self Enhancement is being renamed the Tony Hopson, Sr. Center for Self Enhancement. Trent Aldridge is taking the helm as CEO after a national search through Motus Recruiting and approval from the SEI Board of Directors. Previously serving as SEl's Chief Program Officer, Trent is an expert in developing potential and is an avid supporter of innovation. For the past 20 plus years, Trent's accomplishments include leading SEl's Pamplin Leadership Program, expanding SEl's SUN community presence from serving four public schools to 18 campuses, and oversight of $25M+ operating budgets. As Chief Program Officer, Trent directed five departments, 24 service sites, and 225 full- and part-time staff. In addition to his invaluable contributions to SEI as an organization, Trent has mentored hundreds of SEI students and staff, helping them realize their full potential. Many of his mentees have gone on to become leaders within SEI and in major companies and service organizations across the region. Trent was raised in Portland, Oregon by a single mother. He attended Portland Public Schools, graduating from Benson High School. He then went on to Portland State University to study Communications and Black Studies. Trent is a devoted family man and tech enthusiast, who learned from his mother, a Portland Public Schools teacher, the importance of pouring into his community. "I am humbled and honored to continue the incredible legacy that Tony Hopson, Sr. has built," said Trent Aldridge. "SEI has been a pillar of strength and support in our community, and I am dedicated to furthering our mission and expanding our impact. Together, we will continue to create positive change and provide hope for future generations." Tony expressed his confidence in Trent's leadership, stating, "Trent has been an integral part of SEl's success. His innovative approach and deep commitment to our mission make him the perfect person to lead SEI into the future. I am excited to see the continued growth and impact of SEI under his leadership."

Oregon Job Corps Campuses Honor the Diamond Anniversary Students and leadership from six Oregon Job Corps campuses honor the diamond anniversary at Leadership Summit in Washington, DC The U.S. Department of Labor hosted six center directors and six student leaders from the Oregon Job Corps campuses among the 245 attendees from more than 120 campuses nationwide last week for the third annual Job Corps Leadership Summit. The event marked the culmination of the program’s yearlong 60th anniversary celebration.   “Since its inception, Job Corps’ mission has been, and continues to be, changing lives through good jobs,” said Assistant Secretary of Labor José Javier Rodríguez. “The 60th anniversary is a significant milestone to honor the past and look forward to the next 60 years of creating opportunities and career paths for young adults across the country.” During the summit, held in Washington, D.C., from Aug. 13–15, student leaders from the centers met with government officials, developed their leadership skills and toured the nation’s capital.   “For six decades, Job Corps has empowered young people with the skills and education needed for successful careers in high-demand industries,” said Acting National Director for Job Corps Erin McGee. “As we celebrate our 60th anniversary, we honor our past while building a modernized program that continues to meet the needs of our students and the evolving workforce.”   Established as part of President Lyndon B. Johnson’s Economic Opportunity Act on Aug. 20, 1964, Job Corps has since expanded to include more than 120 centers, including campuses in all 50 states and Puerto Rico. Oregon is home to six Job Corps campuses: Angell Job Corps Civilian Conservation Center (in Yachats), PIVOT (in Portland), Springdale (in Troutdale), Timber Lake Job Corps Civilian Conservation Center (in Estacada), Tongue Point (in Astoria) and Wolf Creek Job Corps Civilian Conservation Center (in Glide).   Job Corps is the U.S. Department of Labor’s largest training program, serving more than 50,000 students annually. Since 1964, the program has trained and educated more than 3 million individuals. It currently offers training in more than 100 areas across 10 industries, providing valuable skills and career opportunities to young adults nationwide.

Recognizing Exceptional Students and Outstanding Achievements The Good in the Hood organization is thrilled to announce the recipients of the 2024 Good in the Hood Scholarships. These scholarships recognize exceptional students who have demonstrated outstanding academic achievements, leadership skills, and community involvement. Mark your calendars! The Good in the Hood Multicultural Festival will be returning on June 28-29, 2025, at Lillis-Albina Park. The Good in the Hood Board and Planning Committee are working diligently to ensure that the 2025 festival will be bigger and better than ever before. We are excited to bring the community together again for a weekend filled with music, food, culture, and fun. To make 2025 a phenomenal success, we need your input and involvement. The Good in the Hood Board will be holding a community meeting to gather insights, feedback, and share our plans for the 2025 festival. Be on the lookout for more information about the meeting date and time. We are also recruiting new board members, planning committee members, and volunteers. If you are interested in helping with these efforts or becoming a member of the board, please reach out to us. Your participation and support are crucial to the success of our events and initiatives. For more information or to get involved, please contact us through our website: Good in the Hood Contact . Stay tuned for more updates and thank you for your continued support of Good in the Hood. Together, we will maintain “unity in the community.”

Migration Brewing Named Oregon’s 2024 Small Business Person of the Year From left, McKean Banzer-Lausberg, Rath, Eric Banzer-Lausberg and Branes In the bustling world of Portland’s craft beer scene,  Migration Brewing  has earned the title of Oregon’s 2024 Small Business Person of the Year by the Small Business Administration (SBA). And, Portland Community College has been there in support for most of its rise. “We are very humbled and very excited,” said McKean Banzer-Lausberg, co-founder and co-owner of Migration Brewing. “It was the first time a craft brewery had received this accolade, so it was an extreme honor when the news broke. Receiving an award that touches on these critical points – longevity, growth, overcoming adversity and community involvement – was extremely exciting and very humbling for us. It validates why we get up every day to work on our business.” As part of the honor, Banzer-Lausberg and his team traveled to Washington, D.C. earlier this summer to accept the award from the SBA. They were in the company of over 40 other businesses that had won in their respective states, sharing stories of success and challenges. “It was an amazing trip,” he added. “We shared all types of stories about our successes and challenges. For a company like ours it was an incredible honor."

Unsafe Food Practices at Unlicensed Food Carts Pose a Risk of Food Borne Illness Photo of the unlicensed food carts, a food vendor license and a copy of the sticker that gets placed on an unlicensed food cart As Portland heads into one of the busiest event weekends of the summer, the Multnomah County Health Department urges the public to purchase food only from licensed food carts and restaurants. Unlicensed vendors operate without inspections or permits, raising serious public health and safety concerns. County Health Department inspectors cannot verify how food is stored and prepared. These carts lack proper food handling equipment, hand washing facilities, clean water or refrigeration. They also pose a fire risk due to their fuel sources. People who unknowingly consume food from unlicensed vendors can potentially contract food borne illness. “We’re asking people this weekend to support your local licensed food vendors,” said Interim Environmental Health Director Jeff Martin. “That’s how we protect our thriving food cart industry and public health in Portland. Our focus is helping small businesses succeed.” Since the summer of 2023, the Health Department has responded to a rise in unlicensed, makeshift red push carts across the city that sell hot dogs near event venues and bars, often operating on sidewalks or in the middle of closed roads. Many of the vendors of these carts are known to be transported to Portland from other areas. “We can’t have people coming from out of town, disregarding County rules, and selling unsafe food that negatively impacts public health and the livelihoods of licensed food businesses,” Martin said. Since last summer, the Health Department shut down four vans with out-of-state license plates dropping off vendors and their carts near Portland venues. And while six carts have been labeled as unlicensed, vendors have covered the Health Department’s “Unlicensed” sticker, misleading customers and continuing to sell food.  The Health Department always takes an education-first approach and has made numerous attempts to engage with these cart operators. Specifically, inspectors have talked to operators about the business permits they are required to have and how to obtain them. The County has provided translated materials and brought in inspectors who speak the primary languages of the vendors. Health jurisdictions in  Washington  and  California   have also reported near-identical issues with similar unlicensed hot dog vending operations. “There is a legal way to operate a mobile hot dog stand: Obtain a temporary license from the Health Department,” said Martin. “We’ve tried working with these unlicensed vendors, but they have been unwilling to follow our guidance, which harms both licensed food vendors and the public.” Licensed mobile food vendors will always have their County-approved health permit displayed. If you do not see one, do not hesitate to ask the vendor.

Providing Students with Laptops and Supplies Before they Head Back to School AT&T, Human-I-T Provide 50 Laptops and Backpacks to Vancouver Students AT&T * and Human-I-T provided Treehouse 50 refurbished laptops and backpacks stuffed with school supplies today to distribute to Vancouver students in need.   This distribution is part of a broader AT&T employee effort to help bridge the digital divide and equip 20,000 students across the country with laptops and backpacks before they head back to school. In addition to supplies like notebooks, pencils and headphones, the backpacks included cards of encouragement written by AT&T employees.   In Washington, it’s estimated that 6% of households  don’t have access to the internet or connected devices needed to fully participate in the online world, an issue known as the digital divide.   This effort is part of the  AT&T Connected Learning ® initiative to help address the digital divide through internet accessibility, affordability and safe adoption. AT&T is committing $5 billion  to help 25 million people get and stay connected to high-speed internet by 2030.   “AT&T is proud to collaborate with organizations like Friends of the Children-Seattle and Compudot to help close the digital equity gap in Seattle and King County,” said Lauren Paolini, Area Manager, External and Legislative Affairs, AT&T Washington. “Connectivity is vital for students, and we’re glad we can provide these resources to those that need them most.”    Learn more at att.com/connectedlearning .