May 222013
May 222013
Courtesy photo
Usually vines are for wine, shufflin’ is for sawdust on boards and jazz is for toe-tappin…but there’s always somebody who comes up with a whole new approach to things. And wouldn’t you know it! The Newport Senior Activity Center is behind it. Click here.
Share on FacebookMay 222013
Garden Getaway Weekend
for Samaritan House
The Samaritan House Homeless Family Shelter in Newport is excited to announce that tickets are available beginning May 1 for its Garden Getaway weekend, a wonderful opportunity for gardeners and non-gardeners alike to enjoy a delicious dinner, experience the natural beauty Oregon, and listen to great music, all while supporting a worthwhile cause.
Taking place Saturday, June 22, and Sunday, June 23, this two-day event is fun for people of all ages. It begins on Saturday evening with the second annual Garden Gala Dinner and Auction at the Newport Shile Inn and Suites. Tickets are $50 per person, with doors opening at 5:30 and dinner starting at 6:00. The full-course dinner includes dessert and complimentary wine. Tickets must be purchased in advance for this great evening. In addition to the dinner, music will be provided by the Bad Lee Bent Jazz Trio, and there will be other activities including a silent auction, a live auction, a 50/50 raffle, and other games of chance.
The eleventh annual Samaritan House Secret Garden Tour and Garden Party will take place on Sunday, June 23 from noon – 6pm, with self-guided tours of beautiful gardens on Yaquina Bay Road and in the Toledo area of Lincoln County. Tickets are $20, and come with a map and garden descriptions.
This year’s Garden Tour will feature seven gardens with live music, an art raffle, and door prizes, along with snacks, wine, and desserts. The gardens vary from an organic vegetable garden to gardens with beautiful vistas and water features.
These fun fundraisers benefit Samaritan House, which provides homeless families in Lincoln County with safe shelter as well as assistance in transitioning to self-sufficiency. In operation since 1988, celebrating 25 years of service, there is comprehensive case management as well as educational programming for the residents in a supportive and sympathetic atmosphere, where they can learn the skills necessary to be independent.
Tickets for both events are available for purchase at Samaritan House (715 SW Bay Street, Newport), JC Thriftway/Newport, Toledo Feed and Seed, Bear Valley Nursery, and Solaluna Gallery. Tickets for the garden tour will also be for sale at the various gardens on the tour. Shuttles will be provided for most of the homes, with parking easily accessible and the shuttles running frequently.
There is also a joint Gala/Garden Tour package for $65 per person for those who want to attend both events. Shilo Inn and Suites, 536 SW Elizabeth, 541-265-7701, will offer a 15% discount on the price of any room to those attending one or both of these wonderful events.
Tickets for both events will go on sale beginning May 1. More information on Samaritan House is available at www.samfamshelter.org, or by calling 541-574-8898.
May 222013
Josephine County Courthouse
Grants Pass
Courtesy photo
A majority of voters in Curry and Josephine Counties have decided to play “chicken” with their law enforcement, fire protection and other vital services, daring the state to step in and levy a county personal income tax to pay for them.
Residents of both counties pay the bottom two property tax rates in the state so without federal funds from federal forest logging, the counties don’t have the funds to have local governments. So it’s a face off with Salem.
The story is in the Oregonian. Click here.
Share on FacebookMay 222013
May 222013
May 222013
May 222013
May 222013
Hardly looks like a dog, more like a frog that stayed out too late the night before. But Ken Gagne got a picture of it up the Yachats Valley.
Click photo to enlarge.
Photographer Ken Gagne never seems to run out of scenery to take pictures of up the Yachats Valley. This time he presents us with a photo of what he called a “Water Dog.” We’ll take his word for it.
Share on FacebookMay 222013
This morning the Senate voted to give generous Oregonians more protections against phony charities. House Bill 2060A, which also was passed by the Senate, allows the Attorney General to disqualify a charitable organization from certain tax benefits if the organization does not spend at least 30 percent of its annual expenses on program services.
“Charities that abuse the trust of benevolent Oregonians shouldn’t be subsidized by taxpayer money,” said Senator Floyd Prozanski (D-Eugene). “We are fortunate in Oregon to have many charities that truly serve people in need. We should make it easier for people not to be fooled by the few bad actors who mislead their donors.”
Organizations that the Attorney General disqualifies under HB 2060A must disclose to donors that they do not meet the minimum standards for a charitable group. Disqualified organizations would also no longer be eligible to receive tax deductible donations or claim a property tax exemption.
“This bill provides donors with a way to ensure charities make good on their intention to help people in need,” said Senate Majority Leader Diane Rosenbaum (D-Portland). “We’re working hard this session to make sure tax credits and deductions serve their intended purpose so that we can fund vital services.”
House Bill 2060A will now go to Governor John A. Kitzhaber for his signature.