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Celebrating Hip Hop’s legacy with local talent and a post-show cypher Bay area indie rapper LaRussell Bay area indie rapper LaRussell hits the stage October 18 for an all-ages show to kick off  Rhythm & Revolution , a yearlong exploration of the legacy of Hip Hop culture.  A huge proponent of uplifting his community, LaRussell has made it his art and his business to celebrate locality in everything he does. He has been working for years to build a framework for the music business outside of traditional channels; releasing records on his own label, running a concert series in his backyard, and creating resources for other musicians. Hosted by D.J. OG ONE  and featuring Raaqel  and Drew Dru , the winner of the Friends of Noise Young MC Contest. This show will start at 6 PM and will be followed by a free + participatory MC cypher in the lobby hosted by Sypher Saturdays.   Grab your tickets today!

Karanja Crews, M.Ed An Op-Ed for Portland Observer The numbers came out again this month: 17% proficiency for Black and African American students in English/Language Arts, compared to 67% for white students. These statistics will shape conversations in boardrooms, staff meetings, and family dinner tables across Portland. But what if we're asking the wrong questions about what these numbers actually tell us? I want to share a different perspective on assessment—one grounded in both educational research and the lived experiences of our children. Because understanding what we're measuring, and what we're missing, is the first step toward transformation. Understanding What Tests Actually Measure The Oregon Statewide Assessment System (OSAS) that produces these proficiency rates is what educators call a criterion-referenced test. Developed by the Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium, it measures student performance against specific Oregon learning standards. But here's what's important to understand: standardized assessments measure a very specific type of knowledge under very specific conditions . Research from the National Center for Fair & Open Testing shows that standardized test scores correlate more strongly with family income and parental education than with actual student learning and potential. This doesn't make our children less capable. It means we're using a limited measurement tool to draw sweeping conclusions about unlimited human potential. The Power of Street Data: A Different Way to See In her transformative book, Street Data: A Next-Generation Model for Equity, Pedagogy, and School Transformation, Dr. Shane Safir introduces a powerful framework. She distinguishes between "satellite data"—the high-altitude, distant view from standardized tests—and "street data"—the qualitative, experiential information we gather at eye level with our students. Dr. Safir writes: "Satellite data gives us a 10,000-foot view, but it can't tell us why students are struggling or what they need to thrive." Let me share what street-level observations reveal in Portland classrooms: I've witnessed a fifth-grader masterfully navigate complex social situations, demonstrating emotional intelligence and conflict resolution skills that will serve them throughout life. I've watched students seamlessly code-switch between languages and cultural contexts—a sophisticated cognitive skill that reflects deep learning. I've seen children create compelling digital narratives, showing creativity and technical literacy that speaks to their generation. None of this shows up in the 17% proficiency rate. But all of it matters for their future. What the Testing Process Actually Looks Like To truly understand assessment data, we need to understand the testing experience itself. For the OSAS English/Language Arts assessment, students typically spend 4-5 hours across multiple sessions answering questions designed to measure reading comprehension, writing ability, and language skills. But the testing environment includes variables that significantly impact results: ● Students take tests on different days and times, under varying emotional and physical conditions ● Testing happens regardless of recent trauma, food security, housing stability, or access to healthcare ● The cultural context of test questions may reflect experiences unfamiliar to many students of color ● Time constraints may advantage students with certain types of processing speeds over others Understanding these factors doesn't excuse low performance—it helps us see the complete picture of what we're measuring and what we're missing. Learning from the Marathon: Building Sustainable Excellence Nipsey Hussle taught us that "The Marathon Continues"—and his Marathon Brand philosophy offers profound insights for education. Nipsey didn't measure success solely by comparing himself to others. He measured it by: jobs created in his community, ownership transferred to his people, knowledge shared across generations, and long-term impact on the neighborhood he loved. This approach to measurement—focusing on growth, community impact, and sustained development—offers a model for how we might think about educational success. What if we measured: ● How students' sense of belonging grows over time ● The depth of relationships between students and caring adults ● Students' ability to see themselves reflected in what they're learning ● The development of critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills ● Growth in cultural knowledge and multilingual abilities These aren't "soft" measures—they're indicators of the skills that actually predict long-term success, well-being, and contribution to community. Our Policy Foundation: Building on Equity Commitments Portland Public Schools Racial Educational Equity Policy 2.10.010-P provides a strong foundation. It states: "The District shall remedy the practices, including assessment, that lead to the over-representation of students of color in areas such as special education and discipline, and the under-representation in programs such as talented and gifted and Advanced Placement." This policy acknowledges a crucial point: assessment practices themselves can perpetuate inequity . The question before us isn't whether to eliminate assessment—it's how to develop assessment practices that reveal rather than obscure our children's capabilities. What Research Tells Us About Effective Assessment Dr. Safir's research, along with decades of educational scholarship, points us toward "assessment for learning" rather than just "assessment of learning." This approach includes: Formative Assessment : Regular, low-stakes checks for understanding that help teachers adjust instruction in real-time. When teachers have adequate planning time—like the 440 minutes weekly that Portland Association of Teachers (PAT) negotiated for—they can develop these responsive assessment practices. Culturally Responsive Assessment: Evaluation methods that honor diverse ways of knowing, multiple forms of expression, and the cultural knowledge students bring to their learning. Student-Centered Assessment : Approaches that help students understand their own growth, set meaningful goals, and develop self-assessment skills that serve them throughout life. Community-Based Assessment : Methods that involve families and communities in understanding and celebrating student learning. Moving Forward: Questions That Lead to Solutions Instead of asking "Why aren't Black children achieving?" we can ask: ● What barriers exist in our system that prevent Black children from demonstrating the brilliance they already possess? ● How can we create assessment systems that reveal rather than obscure student capabilities? ● What would it look like to measure the skills that actually predict long-term success and well-being? ● How can families and communities be partners in defining and assessing meaningful learning? These questions open up possibilities. They shift us from deficit thinking to asset-based approaches. They position our children as capable and our systems as the variables we need to adjust. Practical Steps for Families and Educators For Families : Understanding your rights and options empowers informed decision-making. Oregon law (ORS 329.479) allows families to opt children out of state assessments while requesting alternative learning activities. Many families find it valuable to: ● Ask teachers about multiple forms of assessment used in the classroom ● Request regular updates on student growth using various measures ● Share observations about your child's learning strengths and interests ● Connect with other families through parent networks to share insights and strategies For Educators: Professional growth comes from reflecting on our assessment practices: ● Document the full range of student capabilities you observe daily ● Explore culturally responsive assessment strategies through professional learning ● Use planning time to develop formative assessments that inform instruction ● Connect with colleagues to share effective assessment practices ● Engage with resources like Dr. Safir's work to deepen understanding For Community Members: Informed advocacy strengthens our schools: ● Attend school board meetings to learn about assessment policies and practices ● Ask questions about how multiple measures are used to understand student learning ● Support initiatives that provide educators with time and resources for effective assessment ● Celebrate the diverse forms of excellence you see in our children The 16th Annual Teaching With Purpose Conference On October 10, 2025, we're gathering to explore these very questions. Dr. Kimberlee Armstrong, Portland's Superintendent, will share PPS's vision for more comprehensive approaches to understanding student learning. Blacc Sam, representing the Marathon Brand and Nipsey Hussle's legacy, will connect community ownership to educational excellence. Our workshops will focus on: ● Mental health literacy and assessment ● Economic and technology literacy ● Restorative practices that honor student dignity ● Community school approaches that engage families as partners ● Assessment practices that reveal student brilliance This isn't just a conference—it's a community coming together to envision and create the educational experiences our children deserve. The Invitation Forward The 17% proficiency rate tells us something important: our current measurement systems are insufficient for capturing what our children know and can do . This isn't a reflection of student capacity—it's a call to develop better ways of seeing, understanding, and supporting our children's learning. Our children possess remarkable capabilities: ● Emotional and social intelligence that helps them navigate complex situations ● Cultural knowledge and multilingual abilities that reflect sophisticated cognitive development ● Creative and critical thinking skills demonstrated in how they engage with their world ● Resilience and strategic thinking developed through their lived experiences The question isn't whether our children can learn and achieve. The question is whether we can develop systems of assessment that reveal and nurture the brilliance that's already there. Dr. Safir reminds us: "When we listen closely to street data—the voices, experiences, and wisdom of students and families—we discover solutions that satellite data could never reveal." This is our opportunity. To move from a narrow focus on test scores to a comprehensive understanding of student growth and potential. To build on the strong foundation of our equity policies. To honor the wisdom in our communities. To create assessment systems worthy of our children's brilliance. The marathon continues. And we're running it together, measuring what truly matters, celebrating every form of excellence, and building the educational experiences our children deserve. Join us on October 10th at Benson Polytechnic High School. Together, we're not just talking about change—we're building it. For more information and to register for the 16th Annual Teaching With Purpose Conference, visit teachingwithpurpose.org. Karanja Crews is the founder of Teaching With Purpose, an organization dedicated to advancing educational equity through culturally relevant pedagogy and community engagement. A retired Portland educator, he continues to work with families, educators, and communities to create learning environments where all children can demonstrate their brilliance. For questions or to connect: info@teachingwithpurposeconference.com

Low-Cost Permits Made Easy Vending in Parks. (Photos are courtesy of Portland Parks & Recreation, Portland, OR.) Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R) is opening new doors for local entrepreneurs to bring their food, crafts, and services directly to the people—right in Portland’s beloved city parks. With a new, simple and affordable same-day permit system, self-contained mobile vendors can now operate in designated parking areas at select parks across the city. Whether it’s food carts, craft vendors, or mobile services, this streamlined program is designed to support small businesses while energizing public spaces. “This initiative removes financial and administrative barriers for small, mobile vendors to operate within parks,” said Priya Dhanapal , Deputy City Administrator for Public Works. “It’s about creating opportunities on Parks property, bringing vibrancy to Portland’s public green spaces, and supporting local enterprise year-round in a way that benefits everyone.” Vendors who meet the requirements can use an easy online payment system to secure a daily permit and begin vending that same day—no long waits, no complicated paperwork. It’s a do-it-yourself, business-friendly model designed with small businesses in mind. “We’re excited to reduce costs and make it easier than ever to bring energy and innovation into Portland’s parks,” said Sonia Schmanski, Interim Director of Portland Parks & Recreation. “This new permitting option gives vendors the flexibility they need to thrive while helping us activate parks in fresh, community-driven ways.” Qualified vendors can learn more and apply at portland.gov/parks/mobilevending . To participate, vendors must operate a fully self-contained, licensed food truck or trailer, hold all required licenses and insurance, use only designated parking spaces, manage their own trash removal, and comply with all county and state health and business regulations. Parking spaces are first-come, first-served, but can be reserved in advance through a separate special use permit. Vendors must follow all park rules under City Code, Title 20. Vending is allowed in the parking areas of several Portland parks, with daily rates varying by location. Most parks, including Cathedral Park, Chimney Park, Clinton Park, Columbia Children’s Arboretum, Creston Park, Duniway Park, East Holladay Park, Ed Benedict Park, Forest Park, Foster Floodplain, Fulton Park, Gabriel Park (excluding the community center lot), Glenhaven Park, Harney Park, Kelley Point Park, Knott Park, Lents Park, Luuwit View Park, Marquam Nature Park, Mt. Tabor Park, Northgate Park, Oaks Bottom, Parklane Park, Pier Park, Portland Heights Park, Powell Butte, Sellwood Park, Sellwood Riverfront Park, Springwater Corridor, SW Terwilliger Blvd Parkway, Thomas Cully Park, Ventura Park, Westmoreland Park, and Whitaker Ponds Natural Area, have a $5 daily vending rate. Higher rates apply at certain locations, including $10 per day at Multnomah Arts Center (Lot C only) and Willamette Park, $12 per day at Waterfront Park Morrison Bridge Lot, $13 per day at Waterfront Park Hawthorne Bridge Lot, and $40 per day at Pittock Acres Park.

Decades of Experience, New Roles Mary L. Hill General Manager Sam Desue Jr. has selected two women who spent decades growing and learning with TriMet for exciting new roles with the agency. He tapped Inessa M. Vitko to serve as Chief Operations Officer and promoted Mary L. Hill to the position of Executive Director of Transportation.  The promotions come at a time of historic change at TriMet. They are part of an agency-wide focus to improve fiscal efficiency and stewardship. Over the summer, TriMet announced a large-scale effort to reduce costs amid a significant and growing budget gap and impending fiscal cliff. Changes to the agency’s executive leadership team are among the many steps TriMet is taking to achieve a balanced budget by July 2028. “As we work toward this goal, I felt it was important to begin with adjustments at the highest level of management,” said TriMet General Manager Sam Desue Jr. “As I’ve also committed to you, we are doing this all with care, compassion and transparency. I am honoring that commitment.” Inessa M. Vitko The executive-level promotions reward two dedicated transit professionals for decades of hard work and commitment. Both Vitko and Hill began their professional careers with TriMet, with Vitko coming on in 2006 as a training services administrator and Hill beginning her career at TriMet in 2003 as a bus operator. Coincidentally, both left TriMet to gain additional experience at C-TRAN, before returning in the 2020s for more challenging roles. “Moving into this new role nearly 20 years after I started my career at TriMet is an incredible privilege, and to be honest, it’s a little surreal,” remarked Vitko. “I am excited and thankful to continue to be part of an invested and dedicated leadership team, and look forward to TriMet’s future as we navigate our path ahead.”   Formerly TriMet’s Senior Director of Operations Command Center and Rail Operations, Hill joins TriMet’s executive leadership team in her new role, assuming the position previously held by Vitko.  “I’m honored to continue my journey with TriMet in this new role, building on the lessons I’ve learned from the front lines as a bus operator to our leadership team,” said Hill. “This promotion reflects the incredible opportunities TriMet provides for growth and the importance of supporting women and people of color in leadership.” In addition to a breadth of transit industry experience, Vitko holds a Master of Public Administration and a Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics and Statistics from Portland State University. Hill holds a Master’s Degree in Business Administration and a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management, both from Western Governors University.  As part of the reorganization at TriMet, Desue eliminated the agency’s Chief Operating Officer role, which has been vacant since May. Vitko’s position as Chief Operations Officer is different, with a revised scope and narrower focus on day-to-day operations. TriMet is conducting a full-scale operational assessment to identify additional opportunities for streamlining and reducing costs, as the agency works to close our budget gap. Some of the earliest efforts focus on changes at the top of the organization. For example, the Executive Director position for the agency’s Transit Systems Asset and Support Division, open since May, has been eliminated, as the agency considers the division’s future. Staffing changes and internal savings alone, however, will not be enough. TriMet will also begin reducing service this fall, as they look for new avenues to increase revenues.

Connecting volunteers to service opportunities at dozens of amazing nonprofits Photo courtesy of United Way Columbia-Willamette United Way of the Columbia-Willamette (UWCW) invites you to sign up for a project during Community Impact Week (October 7–11, 2025), a week-long volunteer event uniting community members, corporate partners, and nonprofits across the Portland metro region. Powered by UWCW’s Hands On Greater Portland (HOGP), the event will mobilize hundreds of volunteers to roll up their sleeves and make a tangible difference in neighborhoods across Multnomah, Washington, Clackamas, and Clark counties.    Volunteers will participate in a variety of projects - from preparing STEM kits for local schools, to beautifying parks and community spaces, to supporting organizations serving families in need. The event is designed not only to meet immediate needs, but also to strengthen long-term community connections by forging bonds between community members and local nonprofits they’re interested in.    “Community Impact Week is about bringing people together to create lasting change,” said Kelly O’Lague, President and CEO of UWCW. “The experiences volunteers have are often remembered for years – whether it’s learning a new skill or meeting a new friend – it just feels good to give back… and it’s fun!”     HOGP, a program of UWCW, connects thousands of volunteers each year to opportunities with local nonprofits, schools, and community organizations. Community Impact Week serves as a spotlight on this year-round work, reminding residents that service doesn’t end after the week concludes.    “This week showcases the best of what’s possible when we give our time, talent, and energy to the places we call home. Our Hands On team is proud to power this event, but more importantly, we’re proud to offer pathways for people to stay engaged 365 days a year,” said John Afryl, Senior Program Manager at HOGP. “Whether you’re an individual, family, or workplace team, there’s always a way to contribute.”

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Invitation to Bid No. 245124 For Pedestrian Safety Improved Crossings (Salem) The Contracts and Procurement Manager of the City of Salem will receive bids electronically through Equity Hub’s Bid Locker until but not after 2:30 p.m., (Local Time) Tuesday, November 4, 2025,  at which time said bids will be publicly opened and read virtually using Zoom, for the project specified herein. The Zoom call-in information will be posted on OregonBuys at least 3 days prior to bid opening date and time.   WORK DESCRIPTION:  This project entails construction of pedestrian crossings on River Road N, State Street, and Lancaster Drive NE. Work under this Contract includes construction of ADA ramps with truncated domes; sidewalk, curb, and gutter; a hardscaped median island; rapid rectangular flashing beacon systems; street lighting; high visibility crosswalk striping; and other appurtenant work.    PREQUALIFICATION:  Bidders are required to be prequalified by ODOT for the following work classifications: ·        EART – Earthwork and Drainage ·        ELEC – Electrical ·        MHA – Misc. Highway Appurtenances ·        TTC – Temporary Traffic Control   Applications for Prequalification shall be submitted to ODOT no later than 10 days prior to the bid closing/opening date. See 00120.00 for more information.   PROCUREMENT DOCUMENTS: Bidders may obtain the bid documents by registering on the OregonBuys website and downloading them. Bidders shall consult the OregonBuys system regularly until closing date and time to avoid missing any notices. To register on OregonBuys go to https://oregonbuys.gov/ . The City shall advertise all Addenda on OregonBuys. Prospective bidders are solely responsible for checking OregonBuys to determine whether or not any Addenda have been issued. Bid documents will not be mailed to prospective bidders.   PRE-BID CONFERENCE:  No pre-bid conference is scheduled for this project.   BID SECURITY:  Bid security in the amount of 10 percent of the bid must accompany each bid in accordance with the Instructions to Bidders.   BUY AMERICA:  This federally funded project is subject to the “BUY AMERICA” requirements.   BUILD AMERICA BUY AMERICA:  This federally funded project is subject to the “BUILD AMERICA BUY AMERICA” Act requirements.   HUMAN RIGHTS:  It is the express policy of the City that no person shall be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be otherwise subjected to discrimination under any program or activity on the grounds of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, marital status, familial status or domestic partnership, age, mental or physical disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or source of income as provided by Salem Revised Code Chapter 97, Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and other federal nondiscrimination laws. The City’s complete Title VI Plan may be viewed at ( http://www.cityofsalem.net ). Contracts for work under this bid will obligate the Contractor to comply with all applicable requirements of federal, state, and local civil rights and rehabilitation statutes, rules and regulations.   DISADVANTAGED BUSINESS ENTERPRISES (DBE): This project is subject to Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program requirements and the DBE policy statement as cited in 49 CFR 26. See the DBE Commitment Requirements, ODOT Policy Statement DBE Program, DBE Information page, the DBE Supplemental •              The DBE goal percentage for this project is 9% by ODOT.   PREVAILING WAGE RATES:  Pursuant to ORS 279C.800 through 279C.870, bids exceeding $50,000 are subject to both the applicable Oregon prevailing wage rate law (BOLI) and the federal Davis Bacon Wage Rate Act (40 U.S.C. 3141 et seq.), and any amendments in effect at the time of solicitation.  See the project wage rates page for more information and which rates apply.    The Work will take place in Marion County, Region 3.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS - ON-CALL SOLAR PANEL MAINTENANCE & REPAIR SERVICES Proposals Due: October 30, 2025 The City of Milwaukie is seeking proposals from qualified and experienced contractors to provide commercial solar panel maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair services on an as-needed basis. The city currently has two facilities with solar panel systems – the Ledding Library and Public Works Administrative building. Services must include all labor, materials, machinery, tools, equipment and other means necessary to complete the work. All services performed under the awarded contract will be subject to the State of Oregon prevailing wage rates in compliance with ORS 279C.800 to 279C.870. City utilizes Euna Procurement for its eProcurement solution. To access the solicitation documents, be added to the distribution list for this solicitation’s automatic notices, and to submit proposals electronically, please visit https://milwaukieoregon.bonfirehub.com/ to log in or register. Proposals are due by 2:00 p.m. PDT on Thursday, October 30, 2025. Proposals submitted after the deadline will not be accepted. There will be no formal opening of proposals.

Project Meadowlark | Canby, OR

Nation’s Highest Civilian Honor Ben Carson (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall, File) (AP) President Donald Trump said Saturday that he will award Ben Carson the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor, the third such award he’s announced this month. “Congratulations, Ben. He didn’t know this,” Trump said in a speech during an event at Mount Vernon for American Cornerstone Institute, founded by Carson. “He didn’t know it. I hope he’s happy.” A former neurosurgeon who ran against Trump for the 2016 Republican presidential nomination, Carson, 74, went on to serve as Housing and Urban Development secretary during Trump’s first administration. The one-time rivals developed a strong bond, and Carson — seen at one point as among the top contenders for Trump’s running mate in the 2024 campaign — served as Trump’s national faith chairman during last year’s race. A staunch social conservative who has opposed abortion rights and same-sex marriage, Carson has become a popular conservative speaker and author. The Medal of Freedom, established in 1963, is awarded to individuals who have made especially meritorious contributions to the security or national interests of the United States, world peace, or cultural or other significant public endeavors. Trump bestowed the honor on 24 people during his first term and has already announced two other recipients since his return to the White House. Trump mentioned no date for giving the honor to Carson, but other honorees are already in the pipeline. Earlier this month, Trump said he would bestow the award on former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, two days after his longtime political ally was seriously injured in a car crash. During a Sept. 11 commemoration event at the Pentagon, Trump announced that he would posthumously give the award to conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was assassinated earlier this month.

Launches $1M Phase 2 Campaign for Centennial RestoreOregon2024 & Billy Webb Elks Lodge Window Workshop (Photo by Carey Cramer) The historic Billy Webb Elks Lodge, a cornerstone gathering place of Portland’s African American Albina neighborhood, has completed critical structural repairs following a devastating fire in 2021 that permanently shuttered the building. The Lodge now launches a capital campaign to complete Phase 2 restoration with the goal of reopening during its 100th anniversary year. Listed in the National Register of Historic Places, the 99-year-old building (6 N. Tillamook St.) has served the traditionally African American neighborhood of Albina as a Black YWCA, a USO center for black servicemen, and as a Black Elks Lodge at a time when national membership excluded African Americans. Before the fire, the Lodge was a hub for community services, events and cultural gatherings for people of all colors who have long and deep ties to the Albina community. “The most urgent repairs are complete and we’re turning our focus to restoring the inside so we can welcome the community home again, said Lou McLemore, Exalted Ruler of the Billy Webb Elks Lodge. “This building is part of Portland’s soul.” Photo by Mark Washington/Portland Observer In Phase 1, Resolve Architecture + Planning and Andersen Construction collaborated closely with Lodge leadership to repair the heavily damaged structure and secure the building from further weather damage. This phase focused on completing the major exterior elements necessary to enclose the building. Key accomplishments included rebuilding the roof infrastructure, replacing the entire roof, rerouting essential systems, creating a new emergency egress, and preparing the structure for interior finish work. The construction was completed at the end of July. Funding for this work came from transformative grants provided by Meyer Memorial Trust and the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund, along with insurance proceeds and generous community contributions. Several critical partners also played a vital role in this effort, including Restore Oregon, the Kinsman Foundation (in support of Oregon’s Most Endangered Places), Shiels Obletz Johnsen (Kim Knox), Davis Wright Tremaine (Marcus Eyth), Debora Leopold Hutchins, James Posey (President of the NAACP), Constructing Hope, the City of Portland, Westminster Presbyterian Church (Rev. Beth Merrill Neel), Moreland Resource Consulting, and Works Real Estate. The Billy Webb Elks Lodge is now focused on securing additional funding for Phase 2 of its restoration project, which is essential for fully reopening the historic building to the public. This final phase will concentrate on restoring the interior spaces, beginning with the iconic ballroom, upgrading the electrical and HVAC systems, completing the commercial kitchen, finishing exterior details, and revitalizing the surrounding landscaping. While Prosper Portland and the Kinsman Foundation have already pledged initial support, the Lodge must raise an additional $1 million to complete the work and reopen its doors. “We are working extremely hard to get the Lodge reopened during its 100th Anniversary year. In order to get back in service to the community, we are now raising approximately $1,000,000,” said McLemore. In 2020, Restore Oregon, a non-profit that works to save historic places in Oregon, listed the Billy Webb Elks Lodge as one of Oregon’s Most Endangered Places. Since then Restore Oregon has served as a vital partner to help secure the lodge from further disrepair and create a plan for the lodge’s future, including intensive technical assistance and preservation consultation in addition to capital fundraising support for the restoration project. “Our volunteer capacity needed support and the resources provided by Restore Oregon, before and especially now since the fire, have been invaluable,” said Deborah Roache’ Daughter Ruler of the Billy Webb Elks Lodge. Get involved is by supporting the Phase 2 campaign through a GoFundMe donation or by becoming a Lodge member.