Central City Concern is one of the groups behind the event

Here’s a question: who has a higher unemployment rate … civilians or veterans? 

Would it surprise you if I said that the Veteran unemployment rate is about 2% HIGHER than non-vets?  (Well it shocked the heck out of our staff).  The reasons are varied, including the slumping economy …. but we here at GNPDX are less interested in the “why” and more interested in the “how” … as in “how do we get these brave men and women back to work?”

Some local groups are hoping to offer at least a small piece of a solution to the problem.  They’re hosting a Stand Down and Job Fair (taken from the traditional meaning of the term “to stand down’ or “to rest and recoup during times of war”).

The event that happens TODAY at the Ambridge Event Center by the Lloyd District promises about 25 potential employers, job search counselors and advice plus other resources for things like housing.

For specifics click here.

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Cool story just popped up on Oregonlive …. One of the most reputable economic pundits out there pegs Oregon as one of the states to lead us out of recession by the end of this year (could start to see job growth in just a few months).

Hope they’re right!

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At age 14, Brook Davis tried her first sip of booze.  The attraction was immediate and eventually led to a relationship with drugs.  Her addiction’s kept her from going to High School, let alone getting a degree.

By age 21, Brook had sobered up from drugs and alcohol, but she transferred her focus to other addictions with which she would wrestle for 20 years.  

“I was really broken inside” explains Davis in an exclusive interview with GNPDX.  At the encouragement of loved ones, she visited the Portland Rescue Mission and immediately found a safe place to heal.

After two years of hard work, Davis finally considered herself recovered and managed to restart her education.  Now working on a double major in Social Work and education, Davis is offering her story as support for others in need.

What started as an occasional volunteer gig has turned into a regular job for Davis.  She’s now on staff at the Mission, helping moms and children transition out of tough situations and regularly turns to her own struggles as an example.  It’s a position she relishes, saying that her faith helped get her through her darkest points … the least she can do is offer the same gift to others.

For more info on the Rescue Mission click here.

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Predictions are good for this year’s Cherry crop in Oregon (apparently there are experts who can predict this kind of thing based on everything from the weather to pollination patterns).  While this has ice cream sundae fans jazzed, it should also strike a chord with everyone else in Oregon (even if you prefer your dessert sans-fruit).

Lot’s of cherries means farmers will make more money and give a boost to that entire industry.  BUT, it will also mean those farms have to hire more people to get the fruit from the trees to your tummy.  That means lots of new jobs for local people.

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Happy Valley, OR

The City of Happy Valley has a rather unique approach to the housing crunch.  Instead of waiting for a stimulus plan or for the market to simply rebound, they’re holding an Open City.  Well, they call it the City of Dreams event according to Steve Campbell with Happy Valley.  He tells GNPDX it’s kind of like an Open House but on a super sized scale.

While 150+ homes open their doors to prospective buyers this weekend in a massive tour-de-house, there’ll be an expo at city hall of all the municipal services (e.g., libraries, schools, police, fire department).  In short, potential new residents can check out more than their new digs, they can really connect to the community from the get go.

Campbell says they’ve never seen an event like this before and expect it will draw some great attention to the area (especially with temps in the 80’s to draw out the crowds).  For more info, click here.

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When I say “Science Fair” what image comes to mind?  A baking soda volcano?  Some diagrams of a frog’s insides?  Those tornadoes you create by attaching two 2-liter bottles with some water and then shake them up?

How about a bike that can be ridden by someone in a wheelchair?

That last one will be on display Saturday at the World Trade Center.  So will countless other gizmos, widgets and doo-dads, dreamed up by people right here in the Beaver State. 

It’s all part of the Micro-Enterprise Inventor’s Program of Oregon annual show case.  Four categories of whatchamacallits ranging from life-changing transport options for people with disabilities to technologies designed to make nursing easier for new moms will compete for top honors. 

And the winner doesn’t just walk away with a fancy ribbon.  They’ll get a full-scale marketing campaign AND the opportunity to meet with distributors in the hopes of launching their doo-dad to the public.

Space is still available.  For sign up or attendance info click here.

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Make A Wish

Want to go the “extra mile” for a local charity?  Want to get more “mileage” out of your donations this year?  (Sorry, couldn’t resist the puns) well you might consider donating Flier Miles to Make A Wish.

According to Andrew Asato, Oregon’s executive director, the main cost with most wishes is the airfare.  BUT, you can donate frequent flier miles directly to the charity for use right away (he says Alaska Air miles are their favorite because they come with zero blackout dates and can be used immediately).

The cool part?  People are already doing this.  Even though cash donations are down thanks to the economy, they’ve received 8 million miles this year. 

To donate go here.

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OHSU

OHSU is making life easier for patients.  They’re also making things easier for doctors and hospitals.  Oh, and they’re creating a bunch of new jobs, too.

Cool, huh?

It’s all thanks to Informatics (fancy word for “new way to share information through new technology” … we’ll try to explain it as best we can but might be best to visit the link down below for a more indepth look).  OHSU is pioneering the study and implementation of Informatics, which positions the place on the hill at the front of this booming field.

With federal stim money targeted for Informatics technology, we’re going to see a bunch of new jobs both in the manufacture of the new tech and people to operate it.  Plus, patients can expect smoother medical appointments as it gets easier to share info between offices.

Click here for more info.

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The Food Bank hopes Gardeners keep them in mind

What’s the number one rule when it comes to donating stuff to a food drive?  NON PERISHABLE.  Right?  Not this time.  The Oregon Food Bank is opening the door for perishable donations . . . the only catch is you have to grow the stuff yourself. 

It’s actually a really cool idea.  Through the Plant a Row program, gardeners simply dedicate one row of their garden to the Food Bank (it can be all one row of zucchini, a mix of rutabaga and carrots, whatever you like), then in the fall, you harvest and bring it to one of their distribution agencies. 

To sign up go here.

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Nolita

There are a lot of local kids who don’t have a single pair of jeans in their closet.  Some may have a pair or two, but they are not in the best shape.  A  local boutique is going to change that.

For the past three years, Nolita has been hosting an annual denim swap.  Customers bring in their gently worn jeans (Nolita tends to attract a lot of designer donations but any brand works) and in exchange, customers get 20% off a brand new pair from the famed Nolita denim bar. (For those who don’t know, Nolita features one of the best jeans-buying experiences in town including a wide selection of brands you can’t find anywhere else and knowledgeable staff who can custom tailor in house).

The donations go to Big Brothers Big Sisters and to date, they’ve brought in around 500 pair.  The goal this year is an even 250.

For more info, and details about the big wrap party click here.

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