Just had an amazing interview with Noelle Sosaya from Whole Foods Markets.  She spent a month working with the Whole Planet Foundation in Guatemala.  The foundation offers micro loans ($200 USD average) to people in developing nations who need help starting a business, etc.

Incredible how such a relatively small amount can literally change an entire community.  Make sure you tune in to KXL Monday morning for the full story and to hear from Noelle herself.

And, make sure you make a donation to the foundation in the coming weeks.

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Great news for Wilsonville (and the entire green/sustainable contingent in PDX).  SoloPower has confirmed it will stay in Wilsonville for ten years.  For details on the agreement, check out the write up in The O.

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Hi Everyone . . . sorry for the sparse posting.  We’ve been working through technical issues.

Should be back to full strength now.  And, as always, tune in to the Good News Update Mondays at 6:50 and 8:50 on KXL.

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Portland-based Cami Curtis Performing Arts Center is expanding north.  The studio offering classes in dance, music and theatre has opened a location in the Vancouver/Camas area.

The brainchild of veteran performer, Cami Curtis, CCPAC opened in PDX a few years ago with the structure of a traditional New York dance studio (rather than seasonal classes, every section is drop-in based).  Offering age-appropriate performing opportunities the studio will now provide 30+ classes per week in Clark County.

Curtis says they are thrilled by the expansion.  For students, many familiar teachers will have the opportunity to take on additional classes at the new location while it appears that some new faces will join the CCPAC family.

Courses are offered for all ages and skill levels.  For registration info, check out their website.

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The Portland Center for the Performing Arts is looking at a HEALTHY holiday season this year.  Ticket sales are strong for all of their shows this season.  Reps with the group say that, as the economy has struggled, more families have focused on creating memories during the holidays as opposed to buying things for one another. 

And there are plenty of opportunities to make traditions and memories.  From old standbys like the Singing Christmas Tree and the Nutcracker, to OBT’s new Holiday Review.  For a full list of shows and tickets go here.  And yes, there are plenty of shows already on sale for 2011 that make great Stocking Stuffers.

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On KXL this morning, we told you about the Stand Down in Portland this week.  It’s an event, targeted at offering as many services in one place as possible, for Portland’s homeless veterans.

Everything from job and educational resources, to free clothes and haircuts.  It’s Tuesday and Wednesday at The Coliseum. For details go here.

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When I say “Musical Theatre” … what comes to mind?

Cheery chorus lines, dancing and singing with shining smiles and peppy choreography?  Light hearted love stories and catchy songs?

That’s the common conception.  But Musical Theatre can be much deeper, more complex, and delve into more dramatic story lines.  And if you doubt it, you need only check out the production of VIOLET running now through the 21st at the Interstate Firehouse Cultural Center.

The latest production by STAGED! PDX (the local theatre company dedicated to minimalist sets and costumes, focusing on complex musical scores and rich stories) is producing (so there’s a win right there).  It’s the story of a young woman, scarred by her father (literally) as she travels through the deep south in the 1960’s.  Mature themes abound so audience members should be at least in middle school.

For details and ticket info, check out the Staged Website.

*full disclosure, I am a volunteer with Staged although I am not affiliated with this production*

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Great story today about the Hyundai Hope on Wheels program.  They’re donating $100K to Doernbecher Children’s Hospital for cancer research.  In total, the program is donating several million dollars across the country this year.  For details on donations check out their site.

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It’s an exciting week for Staff Sgt Christian Bagge.  After losing his legs overseas, a swarm of volunteers are breaking ground on a brand new home for him.  It will be specially adapted to fit his needs including custom cabinets, doors and even light switches.

For more on how you can help Homes for our Troops go here.  Or ask for info at your local Advantis Credit Union.

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For more info on this morning’s story about the Platt Golf Challenge (which has raised MILLIONS of dollars for CF over the years … and hopes to raise$150K this year alone), check them out here.

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