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Rose Bak
Howard's Heart provides holiday cheer for teens in foster care
The Portland-based non-profit focuses efforts on needs that are not provided by the foster care system. The holidays can be hard for many people, but for kids in foster care, the season is not always happy. Separation from family, the feeling of being an outsider, and not being able to participate in holiday traditions make kids feel even more isolated.
Portland area braces for first summer heatwave
Officials prepare to help residents stay safe. While most of the country has already been experiencing high temperatures and "heat domes", the Portland area has remained stubbornly cool and rainy. That's about to change. This weekend meteorologists are predicting weather in the mid-90s, which will be a shock to the system for those who are not acclimated to high temperatures.
Employers Struggle to Bring Employees Back into the Office
Not all the pandemic changes were bad, and most workers don’t want to go back to “normal”. Here are 3 ways you can make a healthy transition back to the office. As states and cities around the country lift mask mandates and companies recall workers to the office, many employees are concerned. And rightly so. There’s still a pandemic, and even if there wasn’t, workers are loathe to give up some of the benefits they’ve attained over the last two years.
Providers prepare to help the homeless during the anticipated severe weather
The Portland metro area may experience up to a week of life-threatening weather for those living outside. The National Weather Service is increasingly confident that the State of Oregon, including the Portland metro area, will enter into a sustained period of severe weather beginning the evening of December 25th.
Thinking about getting someone a pet for Christmas? Don't.
Animal shelters will be overwhelmed with abandoned pets come January. Don’t contribute to this problem. At some point in their lives, chances are good that your kid is going to ask for a puppy for Christmas. Or a kitten. Or maybe a rabbit.
Can yoga be more than a balance exercise?
Why you should stop pushing yourself to fit your preconceived notions of what “good yoga” looks like. I was teaching a yoga class recently when I asked the students to move from a standing position to a seated position. As I moved myself to the floor, I lost my balance a little and dropped with a hard thump, leg cocked out at an odd angle.
"Critters Make Merry": Christmas is back at the Pittock Mansion
Holiday displays are fun for the whole family. The Pittock Mansion announced the return of one of Portland's favorite holiday traditions: Pittock Mansion Christmas. The theme of this year's holiday event is "Critters Make Merry". From now until January 4th:
Looking to end the year on a positive note? Here are some financial moves that might help.
Set yourself up for success with these smart year-end financial strategies. Another year is coming to a close but there’s still time to make some great changes to help your finances. Early December is a great time to maximize your benefits and get ready for a prosperous new year.
Portland's "Christmas Street" is back for the holidays
After taking a pandemic hiatus last year, Peacock Lane is back and better than ever!. Good news Portland - Peacock Lane is back this Christmas!. After a yearlong hiatus due to the pandemic, Portland's "Christmas Street" is returning from December 15 through December 31.
Here's how you can make a difference on "Giving Tuesday" in Portland
Small acts can make a big difference for those who are struggling in our community. If you've been on social media over the past few days, you've likely seen multiple posts asking you to support organizations on "Giving Tuesday".
How to support local Portland shops this "Small Business Saturday"
Ditch Amazon and the big guys at the mall and support your neighbors instead. Each year on the Saturday after Thanksgiving we celebrate "Small Business Saturday" in the U.S. "Small Business Saturday" was started by American Express back in 2010 as a way to encourage consumers to shop locally and support neighborhood businesses. It's part of the nationwide "Shop Small" campaign.
Opinion: Black Friday has become a tasteless and classist spectator sport
It's time to retire the schadenfreude aspects of the biggest shopping day of the year. I hate shopping. I really, really hate it. I’d rather do almost anything than go shopping. I haven’t stepped foot in a mall in years — malls make me claustrophobic and cranky.
How to get your shopping done this Black Friday without breaking the bank
You can get some bargains on Christmas gifts without going into debt. The big meal is over, the leftovers are stashed in the fridge, and it’s time to think about day two of the big Thanksgiving holiday: Black Friday.
Letting go of family expectations to have the Thanksgiving you really want
Why I choose to do nothing on Thanksgiving — and it’s the best decision I've ever made. The same thing happens every year the night before Thanksgiving. Around 6:00 p.m. I put on my pajamas and a thick pair of socks. I sigh happily because I know I’m not taking those pajamas off until Friday.
Thanksgiving entertainment options to watch instead of football
Football is awesome, but these classics really represent the best — and worst — of the holiday. Thanksgiving will likely be different this year, but one thing that is always the same for me: my Thanksgiving TV line-up. Although I rarely watch TV or movies, each holiday I make sure to get these three classics in, no matter what.
Portland International Airport preparing for busiest travel period of the year. Here's what you need to know.
After pandemic slow-downs last year, Thanksgiving is back and the airport will be crowded with travelers. Thanksgiving weekend is traditionally the busiest travel time of the year in the United States, and this year looks to be another hectic one.
It's not too late to get a holiday pie in Portland, but you'd better hurry
Portland pie shops are selling out fast. Here's where to get your Thanksgiving treat before it's too late. As much as we all love the traditional Thanksgiving feast, for many people, the best part is the dessert. And if there's one dessert that's synonymous with the Thanksgiving holiday, it's pie. Pumpkin pie is, of course, always a holiday favorite. But apple pie and pecan pie are also top contenders.
Rose Bak
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Rose Bak is a freelance writer who lives in Portland, Oregon with her family and special needs dogs. She writes on a variety of topics including local news, homelessness, poverty, relationships, yoga, and aging. She is also a published author of romantic fiction. For more of Rose's work, visit her website at rosebakenterprises.com or follow her on social media @AuthorRoseBak.
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