Articles
Stories of Belonging: The Story of a Remarkable Tree
By Karen Malanga
The western larch is a superb teacher of how appearances can be deceiving! This species is one of the only conifers to lose all its needles every autumn after they turn yellow, a trait usually found only among deciduous trees. This needle loss is actually an advantage in periods of heavy snowfall because the bare branches seldom accumulate excessive amounts of either snow or ice, leading to less uprooting and large limb breakage. This yellow color of the autumnal tree was originally put on the design of the Oregon license plate, but there were too many complaints about a “dead” tree being depicted, and so it later was colored green!
As a pioneer species western larch is one of the first trees to return following a forest fire since it thrives in the openings created by wildfires or man-made disturbances. Because of their intolerance to shade, larches often grow in stands of uniform age. Their primary associate trees are usually the same age as larch, but have the deceiving appearance of being younger, because they grow more slowly than larch. As larch stands mature, shade-tolerant companions continue to take hold. So the larch eventually provides the shady environment that other trees actually need.
Western larch thrives in the wettest, coolest microclimates of the driest, hottest eastside forests. Though they thrive in cool biomes within the heat and dryness, paradoxically they really need the sun, and will not survive in the shade. Only during the seedling stage can they endure partial shading. If larch is overshadowed, its crown quickly deteriorates, and vigor severely declines. As a thrust toward survival, larch grows faster in height than all other conifers in the West for its first century, giving this highly shade-intolerant species the height advantage it needs to survive. Perhaps there are lessons here for each of us regarding finding our optimal environment and life situation!
This species can live well over 500 years, and growing very straight, reach up to 180 feet. Though larch often need fire to get established, there is another paradox: Mature larches are some of the most fire-resistant trees in the West because of their massive bark, their high-up branching pattern, and the low flammability of their foliage! The largest larch trees provide habitat for nesting bald eagles, osprey and other raptors, and the seeds are an important food for some smaller birds, such as Two-barred Crossbill, Redpoll and Pine Siskin.
Larch wood is tough and durable, but paradoxically it is also flexible in thin strips, and thus is particularly valued for yacht building. It is actually the best domestic source of the water soluble gum arabinogalactan, which of all things is very useful as a prebiotic, helping beneficial bacteria to reproduce in our large intestines! Indigenous peoples chewed the gum produced from the tree, and they ate the cambium and sap.
Multifamily Investors Recognize Growth Opportunity in Bend.
The Cedarwood Apartment complex located at 427 NE Thurston Avenue has sold to Medford, Oregon based investors, Orchard Park Apartments, LLC. Compass Commercial brokers, Ron Ross, CCIM and Terry O’Neil represented Cedarwood Holdings, LLC in the sale of the building for a value of $2,220,000.
“The buyers were impressed with Bend’s future growth prospects and strong rental market — now at an approximately one percent vacancy rate,” said Ross. “Their plan is for a long term hold and gradual upgrades to the property.”
The buyer was represented by Wade Six of Medford based VI Commercial Real Estate, LLC.
Contact Ron Ross or Terry O’Neil at Compass Commercial at 541-383-2444 for information regarding this transaction.
Bethlehem Inn Receives Multiple Awards
The Bethlehem Inn recently received multiple grants from various foundations. The Inn was awarded a two-year $20,000 grant from the Safeco Insurance Foundation as part of its Basic Services Initiatives.
The Inn also received a $3,000 grant from the U.S. Bank Foundation in support of its emergency shelter and support services for over 1,100 adults and children experiencing homelessness in Central Oregon.
The Bill Healy Foundation awarded a $15,000 grant to the Inn in support of its Families First Program.
The Bethlehem Inn also received a $5,000 grant from The Herbert A. Templeton Foundation in support of its Families First Program.
The Oregon Employer Services Portal – How will it work for you?
Last year, the Department of Justice’s Division of Child Support launched a new employer website that combined the ease of online reporting and payment services with the power of enhanced security and account administration. The aim of the Oregon Employer Services Portal (the Portal) is to make it easy, accurate and efficient to handle all aspects of employer obligations. From New Hire Reporting to National Medical Support Notice (NMSN), requests and responses, this one-stop shop provides employers and the businesses who provide payroll services to them an effective management tool designed to deliver benefits to employers, the state, and the families served through this vital program. And more features are on the way.
Hear firsthand from state Employer Services experts how the Portal functions, what security measures are in place to protect all employer accounts, and how payroll service companies can serve clients through enrollment in the Portal. Find out what more than 6500 employers already registered in the Portal know about its benefits and user friendly design, and what new features are coming down the pike in this informative presentation and training. If you are an employer and/or provide payroll services to employers, this is a don’t-miss opportunity.
This event is free and will take place on July 25 from 8-9 a.m. at COCC Pioneer 201, Hitchcock Auditorium.
RSVP to Tanya Bautista at 541-317-0100 or tanya@preciselypayroll.com
Total Property Resources Joins Leverage Global Partners, A Unique International Network of Independent Luxury Real Estate Brokers.
F. Ron Smith, President of Leverage Global Partners, recently welcomed Total Property Resources as the Network’s exclusive member in Bend and the rest of Central Oregon. A unique alignment of the most prestigious independent real estate brokerage firms around the world, Leverage Global Partners offers its members the opportunity to better serve their clients’ relocation and real estate portfolio needs by establishing the principals of each member firm as key players in the international real estate arena.
As a member of Leverage, Total Property Resources will be promoted as the sole representative for Bend and surrounding areas in Central Oregon with all contact and inquiries being directed to the company’s President and Chief Executive Officer, Janis Alexander. Through this network, Alexander and the brokers of Total Property Resources are offered introductions and provided access to their partners at member brokerages around the world, ensuring them incomparable networking ability in the worldwide luxury real estate market.
New Venture Catalyst Named
Economic Development for Central Oregon (EDCO) is pleased to announce the hiring of Brian Vierra as its Venture Catalyst, effective June 23, 2014.
“We are very excited about Brian, who brings personal credibility to the position as a business founder and angel investor. He expressed a sincere interest in helping young companies prosper,” said Chris Kraybill, a local technologist and entrepreneur who served on the volunteer hiring panel for the position.
Vierra is a relatively new resident to Central Oregon, relocating here with his wife and two children two and a half years ago from Singapore. During that time, he has quickly plugged into Oregon’s startup scene as an active investor in Portland-based Oregon Angel Fund and the newly formed Cascade Angels, which was established in Bend earlier this year.
Prior to moving to the region, Vierra founded two companies in Vietnam, Embers Asia Ltd and Phat Tire Ventures. Embers was a consulting firm providing corporate training services to multinational corporations, government and international schools in Asia, and was successfully sold in 2008. Prior to establishing Embers, he launched Phat Tire Ventures, a full service adventure sports outfitter, running everything from White Water Rafting Trips to International School Excursions. The company has maintained 12 years of consecutive growth to become the largest business of its type in Vietnam. Vierra continues to hold the title of Director at Phat Tire, a role he intends to wind down over the next year. He will remain an owner and investor.
Northwest Consultants – Cost reduction specialists
In today’s economy, many companies are struggling to stay in business. What if you could reduce your expenses through Government Programs available to you on a state and Federal level? This is where Northwest Consultants comes in and with over 20 years of Cost Reduction Experience, their team of Engineers, IP Attorneys, Senior Tax Consultants, and Service Specialists determine quickly and accurately how to increase your cash flow and reduce expenses. Their team looks at programs on a Local, State, and Federal level. First, they do a business assessment to determine if you qualify for any programs. Based on the programs for which you qualify, they then will walk you through which programs fit and how much you are entitled to receive. Everything is based on a NO RISK, contingency basis. In other words, if you don’t get paid, they don’t get paid! You can contact Northwest Consultants, LLC at 800-851-3188.
Crossings Restaurant Recognized for Outstanding Restaurant Community Service by National Association
The National Restaurant Association (NRA) and Oregon Restaurant & Lodging Association (ORLA) have announced Crossings Restaurant is a recipient of the Restaurant Neighbor Award. The award promotes restaurants’ roles as cornerstones of their communities, and it highlights their efforts to improve the quality of life. Other Oregon winners included Hopworks Urban Brewery in Portland and Figaro’s Pizza in Salem.
For more than 22 years, The Riverhouse Hotel & Convention Center and Crossings Restaurant have partnered with Central Oregon Visitors Association, Horizon Broadcasting and The Maybelle Clark Macdonald Fund to coordinate the Gala at The Riverhouse.
The Riverhouse Gala has raised over $2.3 million benefiting many Central Oregon nonprofit groups including Bend La Pine Education Foundation, Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Oregon, Grandma’s House, Sparrow Clubs USA, KIDS Center, Ronald McDonald House, The Every Kid Fund, Habit For Humanity, Tower Theater, Cascade Youth & Family Center, Deschutes Children’s Foundation and Volunteers in Medicine.
Two-hour ‘Business Start-Up’ Workshops in Central Oregon
The Small Business Development Center at COCC is giving several short workshops in Central Oregon this summer for people contemplating business ownership:
• Bend: COCC’s Chandler Lab building (off-campus on Trenton Avenue) from 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, August 6;
• Redmond: COCC Redmond Campus from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, August 21.
The two-hour session, entitled “Business Start-Up,” covers all the basic steps needed to open a business. Cost is $29. Pre-registration is required. Call 541-383-7290 to register.
Family Access Network Receives Support from Pacific Power Foundation
The Family Access Network is the recipient of a $2,000 grant from the Pacific Power Foundation to help support a FAN advocate at Jewell Elementary School, a high needs school in Deschutes County. The FAN advocate will connect over 250 children and family members to basic-needs including food, shelter, clothing, heating and healthcare.
FAN’s mission is to improve lives by ensuring all children in Deschutes County have access to basic-need services, which aligns well with the Pacific Power Foundation’s mission to provide services through charitable investments to support growth and vitality in the communities served by Pacific Power.
“Pacific Power Foundation is committed to serving our communities. We are pleased to support the Family Access Network in its efforts to connect local children and families to their most essential needs.” said Angela Price, Pacific Power Regional Community Manager.
The Bend Memorial Clinic Munch and Music 2014 Line Up Announced
This year’s 2014 Bend Memorial Clinic Munch and Music kicked off its 24th year on July 10 from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. The series continues for six consecutive weeks every Thursday through August 14th. This weekly series continues to be a summertime favorite and provides the community of Central Oregon a great chance to strengthen their bond while enjoying the arts, outstanding food and free music.
The evening will include an opening band and headlining band. Many local food vendors, a Deschutes Brewery Libation Station with Beer, Wine, and Specialty Cocktails, as well as great kids activities in the Family Fun Zone!
2014 Line Up
July 10: Fruition
July 17: Too Slim and the Taildraggers
July 24: Nahko and Medicine For the People
July 31: Cash’d Out
August 7: Shook Twins
August 14: Cooper and The Jam
Sneak Peek Performances are August 1, 2 and 3 at Cascades Theatre!
Catch a glimpse of what is in store for their 36th Season! Cascades Theatre will hold “Sneak Peek” performances of next season’s main stage productions on Friday, August 1 and Saturday, August 2 at 7:30 pm, and Sunday, August 3 at 2 p.m.
Suggested donation: $10.00
Purchase tickets by calling: 541-389-0803.
Introducing CTC’s 36th Season’s Main Stage Productions
Brighton Beach Memoirs – Playwright: Neil Simon
Panic – Playwright: Joseph Goodrich
Humbug – Playwright: John Wooten
The Glass Menagerie – Playwright: Tennessee Williams
The Language Archive – Playwright: Julia Cho
School for Scandal – Playwright: Richard Sheridan
A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum – Book by Burt Shevelove and Larry Gelbart; Music and Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim; Based on the plays of Plautus
The Butch’s Place Peak Summer Nights Concert Series 2014 Concerts Announced
This year’s The Butch’s Place Peak Summer Nights series at the Athletic Club of Bend boasts several highly touted artists/musicians for your enjoyment. Medeski, Scofield, Martin & Wood will launch the series on June 19. Other performers in the series include the John Butler Trio on August 8, and Aimee Mann and Ted Leo (The Both) on August 28. There is one show left in the series that will be announced in the near future. Each show will feature a special guest performance to open the show. Opener will begin at 6:30 p.m., and the headliner will follow at 7:30 p.m. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., subject to artist approval. These are rain or shine events. Please do not bring any outside food or beverages.
General admission is on sale now at Newport Avenue Market in person or charge by phone, 541- 382-3940. Dinner tickets are on sale at the Athletic Club of Bend, 541-385-3062. www.peaksummernights.com
Mid Oregon Personnel Launches New Website
Mid Oregon Personnel, a Central Oregon employment agency with a long history in the community, recently launched a new and improved website that includes an updated digital application form. The interactive, visually engaging site was created by Intrepid Marketing of Bend and included a custom photoshoot by Timothy J. Park on-site at client locations including Contact Industries in Prineville and Entreprises Climbing Systems in Bend.
“We are extremely pleased with our new site, its functionality and the attention to detail Intrepid paid to portray our company culture and brand promise,” says Founder and President, Greg Lambert.
Mid Oregon Personnel reports vigorous growth in its mission of finding quality employees for its corporate clients, as well as in finding satisfying jobs for applicants. The company has offices in Prineville, Bend, Redmond and Madras.
For more information and to visit the new website, log on to www.midoregonpersonnel.com.
Northwest Quality Roofing LLC has received the GAF award as Master Elite Contractor
Northwest Quality Roofing LLC achieves exclusive status as Master Elite™ Weather Stopper® Roofing Contractor for GAF, North America’s Largest Roofing Manufacturer.
Northwest Quality Roofing LLC is honored to be one of the 3% of roofing contractors throughout the United States to meet the professional qualifications it takes to receive this prestigious certification.
GAF has awarded us the Master Elite Contractor status due to our uncompromising commitment to the highest standards in sales, services and installation, and our pledge to ensure that each customer reviews their “best and safest choice” in roofing.
As a Master Elite Contractor, Northwest Quality Roofing LLC is specially qualified for installing the Weather Stopper® 3-Part Roofing system and has one of the top reputations in the country for both quality and quantity of these installations.
Efficient and Effective Industrial Lighting
July 23, 2014
This year of 2014, LED products have really become cost effective. LED high bays with 120+ lumens per watt, 100,000+ hours rated life, up to 10 year warranty are usually the best solution for many projects. But it is important to get the best ones, and sometimes other technologies can be better. This class also focuses on hooded industrials, strips, troffers and as well as some exterior lights. Different conditions such as wet locations, explosion proof lighting, food safety and other issues will be discussed. Attendees will learn about wired and wireless controls. Attendees will also learn about some of the benefits of human centric lighting, which includes improved circadian rhythms, mood, visual acuity, performance and sustainability. Case studies, and low cost/no cost options will also be discussed during class.
Information link: https://conduitnw.org/Pages/Event.aspx?rid=1395
Registration link: www.regonline.com/129neea-industrialtraining
Registration fee: $139
Special note: this lighting training will be applicable to a wide variety of organizations including:
Agricultural processing
Cold Storage
Industrial processing
Greenhouses
Schools, colleges and universities
Warehouses
Any facility with significant outdoor lighting