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Applications are being accepted until 5 p.m. on May 14 Sen. Aaron Woods The Clackamas Community College Board of Education passed a declaration of board vacancy during its April 16 regular meeting. The vacancy is in Zone 5, which covers West Linn and Wilsonville and was previously filled by Sen. Aaron Woods, who resigned from the position on April 2 and subsequently passed away on April 19.   CCC Board of Education members are elected to four-year terms and represent each of the seven zones in the college's service district. To meet the college district's needs, the board oversees the development of programs and services and the adoption of policies and the budget.   Sen. Woods joined the CCC Board of Education in 2020. While serving on the board, he was elected to the Oregon Senate in 2022. A U.S. Army veteran who began his career in strategic communications, he later spent more than two decades as a senior executive in Oregon’s tech industry. His leadership continued in civic life, including service on the Wilsonville Development and Review Board, the Planning Commission and the CCC Board of Education.   “Sen. Woods was a dedicated public servant, a tireless advocate for equity and opportunity, and a kind, thoughtful leader. During his time on our board, he brought wisdom, compassion and a deep belief in the power of education to transform lives. He was a champion for students, and he reminded us often — through both words and actions — of what it means to lead with purpose and integrity,” CCC President Dr. Tim Cook said.   Applications for the vacant position are being accepted until 5 p.m. on May 14. The new board member will take office upon appointment by the board and serve until June 30, 2027.   Applicants must be registered voters residing within Clackamas Community College Zone 5 boundaries and not be officers or employees of the college. Visit the CCC Board of Education webpage at www.clackamas.edu/about-us/leadership/board-of-education-documents  for more information about the board, a map of the college district, and the application. For questions, contact Kattie Riggs at 503-594-3004 or kattie.riggs@clackamas.edu .

Offering Education, Stability, and a Path Forward Photo Courtesy of Transitional School It’s often challenging to perceive our circumstances as fortunate. Many of us are feeling the burden of work, the pressure of relationships, or are exhausted from giving our ultimate effort as parents. The reality is, however, that if you’re reading this, you’re a homeowner or renter, live in a safe neighborhood, and you’ve acquired the knowledge and support to reach this point in your life. Not everyone is so fortunate.   For the past 35 years, the Community Transitional School (CTS) in Portland has been dedicated to educating PreK-8th grade homeless children with the intention of providing them the opportunity to change the course of their lives. Whether sleeping in a shelter, motel, a car, or on a friend’s floor, every morning their school buses cover a 120-square mile area to pick these children up and bring them to a school they can be proud to call their own.   Given their circumstances, most, if not all, of these students are well behind grade level, and most, if not all, of the students don’t have the support at home to advance. The classroom in their safe haven. A place that provides stability and promise in their otherwise turbulent environments. A place where they can find community and build hope of a brighter future.   “For most of these children, the problem is generational,” says Cheryl Bickle, one of the founders, school principal, and 3rd through 5th grade teacher, “We hold them to a high standard, because that’s what the world will expect of them regardless. The point is to show them a path forward, but it’s up to them to walk it.”   Most students will relocate at least once throughout the school year, but as long as they remain within the service area, bus routes will be adjusted to ensure they remain at CTS and continue their academic progress. As a nonprofit up against the support that the public school system and larger private schools receive, the Community Transitional School can only do so much, but it’s doing everything it can.   To learn more or to help support these children in need, visit www.transitionalschool.org

Moving Forward Separately Legacy Good Samaritan Medial Center (Photo Courtesy of Legacy Health) In August 2023, Oregon Health & Science University and Legacy Health announced their intent to combine and create an integrated health system. However, the organizations have now entered into a mutual agreement to terminate the transaction. After careful consideration of the evolving operating environment, the organizations have determined that the best way to meet the needs of the communities they serve is to move forward as individual organizations. OHSU and Legacy will remain focused on each health system’s individual strategic objectives, with the goal of remaining well-positioned to continue supporting their people, patients and communities. OHSU and Legacy Health will continue to promote the health and well-being of people in Oregon, Southwest Washington and beyond.

A Bold, Witty New Adaptation of The Importance of Being Earnest Featuring Tyler Andrew Jones. Photo by Andres Lopez. Portland Center Stage is proud to present the world premiere of The Importance of Being Earnest, Oscar Wilde’s iconic comedy of manners, newly adapted by playwright Kamilah Bush. Directed by Josiah Davis, this wildly funny production runs June 1–29 on the U.S. Bank Main Stage. Tickets are on sale now, including sliding scale tickets for BIPOC Affinity Night, a.k.a. The People’s Party, on Thursday, June 12 at 7:30 p.m., and Pay-What-You-Will performances on Sunday, June 1 and Wednesday, June 18, both at 7:30 p.m.   Set in a version of 1919 that nods knowingly at today, this Earnest unfolds in a world not unlike D.C. in our current moment—where wealth, identity, and reputation remain a currency of survival. Bush reimagines Wilde’s dandies as queer-coded, class-hopping schemers: Jack is the “femme fastidious one,” Algernon, the “masc party boy.” The result is a joyful farce with teeth—delivering Wilde’s infamous wit while interrogating who gets to shape the rules of decorum, desire, and decency. Come for the farce, stay for the romance! This Earnest is a visual feast, with a sumptuous, maximalist design that marries gorgeous period silhouettes with contemporary flair. Lavish costumes, striking scenic elements, and vibrant color palettes create a world that’s as deliciously over-the-top as Wilde’s wit.   “The rare work of art that achieves perfection on its own terms.” — The New York Times on Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest. For more information on the show, please visit https://www.pcs.org/the-importance-of-being-earnest .

82nd Avenue of Roses Parade was held on April 26 Photo: S. Washington On  April 26th, marchers and community members held the 19th annual 82nd Avenue of Roses Parade that started from Eastport Plaza Shopping Center to SE Clinton Street . The parade featured community groups, businesses, elected officials, dancing horses, youth performers, motorcyclist and diverse cultural groups.

Crash Involved Community College Softball Team Jami Strinz, Head Softball Coach AP-Oregon police have arrested the driver behind a fatal crash involving a community college softball team that left a player and a coach dead. Jonathan Dowdy, 32, was being held Tuesday at the Coos County Jail, where he has been booked for offenses including manslaughter, reckless endangering and driving under the influence of intoxicants, Oregon State Police said. As of Tuesday morning, Dowdy did not have a defense attorney who could speak on his behalf. When reached by phone, the jail said Dowdy had yet to have his initial court appearance, which is when a defense attorney would be appointed to the case. State police said they were actively investigating the collision. Dowdy was driving his pickup truck on Friday when he crossed a center line and crashed into a bus carrying 10 members of the Umpqua Community College softball team, police said. Kiley Jones, 1st Baseman Jami Strinz, 46, described on the school’s website as the  head softball coach , was driving the Chevrolet Express bus. Police said she was later declared dead at a hospital. Kiley Jones, 19, was declared dead at the scene. The freshman from Nampa, Idaho, played  first base , according to the athletics department’s website. The team was traveling from a game in Coos Bay, according to a statement from the school. “We are deeply saddened to confirm that one of our student-athletes, Kiley Jones, and one of our coaches, Jami Strinz, lost their lives in the accident,” President Rachel Pokrandt said in the statement. “These individuals were cherished members of our campus — an exceptional student-athlete, and a passionate and talented coach. Our entire community is grieving this tragic loss, and our heartfelt condolences are with their families, teammates, and loved ones.” The other eight occupants of the bus suffered “moderate to serious injuries and were provided emergency medical services,” according to police. Some staff and students received treatment in hospitals in Eugene and Portland on Saturday, according to the school, which did not immediately respond to an email on Tuesday asking to confirm whether they were still hospitalized. Dowdy was also injured and was admitted to a hospital to receive care, state police said. Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek said in a statement on the social platform X that her “heart aches” for the school family reeling from the tragedy. “Oregon is here for you in your grief and loss,” she said.

200 Local Vendors, 4 Stages of Music and New Partnerships! Locals celebrate at the FREE street fair and music festival that’s kicks off Portland’s summer festival season, featuring a stacked lineup of iconic bands, delicious food and beer, and amazing handmade crafts Sorry, Portland. It looks like last year’s bigger-than-ever St. Johns Bizarre wasn’t quite big enough.  Because when our FREE street fair returns for its 16th year on May 10 — unofficially kicking off Portland’s summer festival season — we’re stepping things up one more time with our biggest event yet! Our craft fair is growing again — to a record 200 local craft vendors, plus food carts and community groups — up from 180 last year. Our footprint is growing again, too, with an expanded street closure that brings in our friends at Two Rivers Books & Weird Sisters Yarn, Havalina, Bees and Beans and Wonderwood Springs, offering even more family-friendly activities and our third and fourth stages for music. And, in another first, while you’re standing front row at the Plaza Stage, your friend who couldn’t get off work that day can tune in to  XRAY.fm  and listen live on the go! Some things, of course, won’t change at all.  The St. Johns Bizarre will still take place from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., we’ll be right in the heart of downtown St. Johns (centered around the plaza in N. Lombard and Philadelphia). The music will still be entirely free — with offerings for families and a commitment to diversity that straddles genres from hip hop to electronica to rock to punk to jazz.  And, as always, the Bizarre will wrap around the historic and beloved St. Johns Parade — another Portland favorite that’s roared back to life since the pandemic. Both the Parade and the Bizarre are all-volunteer efforts that serve to showcase the St. Johns community and business district by bringing people from all around the city to dance, shop for art, eat food and more.

Portland WNBA Team Breaks Ground on Training Center WNBA Portland owner Lisa Bhathal Merage speaks at a groundbreaking ceremony for a new joint WNBA-NWSL training facility as Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek looks on, Tuesday, April 22, 2025, in Hillsboro, Ore. (AP Photo/Anne M. Peterson) AP-There’s no team name just yet, but the expansion Portland WNBA team broke ground Tuesday on the training facility it will share with the Thorns of the National Women’s Soccer League. The $150 million project set to be built west of Portland is the first such alliance between the two women’s leagues. Portland’s WNBA team will join the league in 2026. The team is owned by the Bhathal family, which also owns the Thorns and has a stake in the NBA’s Sacramento Kings. Lisa Bhathal Merage said it was important to create a space that centered the needs of women. “I think this performance center will be changing the dynamic for women’s sports for generations to come. It’s the first dual-purpose professional women’s sport performance center in the world, and we may not see any others after this,” Bhathal Merage said. “Our view is to collaborate, involve the community and really lift up everybody by that collaboration.” Among those at the ceremony were NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman, U.S. Senator Ron Wyden and Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek. The new training facility will repurpose buildings once owned by Nike. Berman said that while some NWSL teams share facilities with Major League Soccer teams, the Bhathal’s approach is not only unique, but smart investment-wise. “Instead of thinking about it through the lens of the same playing surface or playing environment, you both have female athletes and there are going to be economies of scale in our ability to service those professional athletes as women. So, we’re going to build this center of excellence around female athletes that’s rooted in our investment in the WNBA and NWSL. Makes total sense to me,” Berman said. “And certainly, there are both strategic and tactical investments that can be made that can be leveraged for both properties that wouldn’t have to be duplicated.” As for the much-anticipated team name? That’s coming. “We’ve literally compiled every single comment from every single person into a massive spreadsheet and rank them in order of how popular they were. And we’ve worked with the WNBA on all of those names,” Bhathal Merage said. “So, we are getting closer. We’re waiting for final league approval and, hopefully within the next two, maximum three months, we’ll be able to unveil everything.”

Elevated Race Experience for Runners Photo Courtesy Portland Marathon The Portland Marathon has officially announced Nike –– the world’s leader in running product design, innovation and marketing –– as the event’s official footwear and apparel sponsor. This sponsorship will provide participants with Nike Running products while elevating race day experiences at the 53rd annual event taking place on Oct. 5. In addition to producing all event merchandise, Nike will curate pre-race experiences for all runners, extend volunteer opportunities and registration discounts to employees and the Nike community, elevate race day experiences throughout the course and equip all race participants with Nike branded shirts.  "Ever since we took over the production of the Portland Marathon in 2019, it has been a dream of ours to partner with Nike at this event. Nothing could be more iconic than to have Nike, born and bred in Oregon, join forces with us at the signature running event in Portland,” said Darrell Phippen, head of events at Brooksee, producer of the Portland Marathon. “We look forward to this partnership as it will elevate the race experience for all of our runners." This partnership announcement comes as organizers continue preparations for the event's next edition, which will feature new additions and beloved traditions. In recent years, the Portland Marathon has worked closely with local run clubs to create pre-race activations. A shakeout run was put on in partnership with 10 local run clubs and attracted over 300 runners last year, which toured participants along the famous Portland waterfront. Community members and visitors can expect the return of the shakeout run with participation predicted to exceed last year’s numbers. The Portland Marathon also provides the opportunity for spectators to get involved on race day through their “neighborhood cheer station” competition, where running groups and neighborhood associations can gather a group to cheer on participants. This can include fun signs, music, dressing in costumes, or any other unique way the groups come up with to encourage the runners. Participants on the course vote for their favorite cheer station and the group with the most votes takes home a prize of $1,000. Registration for the 2025 event is currently open. For more information about the Portland Marathon, visit www.portlandmarathon.com

Inclusive Sacred Space Unveiled Legacy Emanuel President Bahaa Wanly and Pastor Matt Hennessee, Vancouver Avenue Baptist Church, celebrate the opening of Legacy Emanuel new Interfaith Chapel at the hospital (Photo Courtesy of Legacy Health. Over a decade in the making, a new Interfaith Chapel is now open at Legacy Emanuel Medical Center. This non-denominational sacred space honors the hospital’s roots in the Lutheran tradition while reflecting its ongoing commitment to holistic care for a diverse community. The chapel will serve patients, visitors, and staff from Legacy Emanuel, Randall Children’s Hospital, and the Legacy Oregon Burn Center. As a Level 1 trauma center, Legacy Emanuel recognizes the importance of providing a peaceful space for solace, especially for those facing unexpected or critical medical situations. “While there are great complexities in healthcare, we continue to remain grounded in the simple reality that we are human beings caring for other human beings. And we are excited and grateful for all the ways our new chapel will support us in this work,” said Bahaa Wanly, president of Legacy Emanuel. Designed to welcome people of all backgrounds and faith traditions, the chapel offers a quiet place for pause, prayer, reflection, and meditation. Its design incorporates meaningful elements that represent universal themes of nature, life, and renewal. These include a labyrinth to encourage mindfulness and indicate the direction of Mecca; the calming presence of water symbolized through blue light and fountains; and a striking glass depiction of a willow tree, symbolizing resilience and the cycles of life. With accessibility and inclusivity at the heart of its design, the chapel stands as a vital extension of Legacy Emanuel’s mission to care for the whole person—mind, body, and spirit.

Clark Scholars Recognized for Academic Excellence and Service Seth Stigall Barranco Two Clark College honor students were recognized for their outstanding academic achievement and community service at the 28th annual All-Washington Academic Team ceremony on April 24 at South Puget Sound Community College in Lacey.  Seth Stigall Barranco and Anton Vlasov represented Clark College as members of the prestigious  All-Washington Academic Team , a statewide program that honors high-achieving students from the state’s 34 community and technical colleges. The program is part of  Phi Theta Kappa , the international honor society for two-year colleges.  They joined more than 80 scholars from across Washington State who are pursuing transfer or workforce pathways and demonstrating excellence both in and out of the classroom. Each student received a medal and a $250 scholarship from Key Bank. They also are eligible for additional scholarships from private sponsors and transfer scholarships for four-year colleges and universities. Anton Vlasov Two Clark College honor students were recognized for their outstanding academic achievement and community service at the 28th annual All-Washington Academic Team ceremony on April 24 at South Puget Sound Community College in Lacey.  Seth Stigall Barranco and Anton Vlasov represented Clark College as members of the prestigious  All-Washington Academic Team , a statewide program that honors high-achieving students from the state’s 34 community and technical colleges. The program is part of  Phi Theta Kappa , the international honor society for two-year colleges.  They joined more than 80 scholars from across Washington State who are pursuing transfer or workforce pathways and demonstrating excellence both in and out of the classroom. Each student received a medal and a $250 scholarship from Key Bank. They also are eligible for additional scholarships from private sponsors and transfer scholarships for four-year colleges and universities.

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