Call for Entries: Looking for Oregon Youth to Design Shirt Promoting Sexual Violence Prevention

SALEM, ORE. 22 JULY 2009 – Break the Chain® Apparel and the Oregon Attorney General’s Sexual Assault Task Force (SATF) are sponsoring “Roots of Change” to seek design concepts and slogan ideas related to sexual consent. Oregon residents between the ages of 14 and 21 are eligible to participate. “Our goal is to curb sexual violence,” says SATF prevention specialist Ethan Young.

Roots of Change is a two-part contest in which young Oregonians submit one or both of the following:
· A slogan promoting consent and healthy relationships
· A design concept promoting consent and healthy relationships

Entries may be submitted by mail, fax or e-mail no later than Mon., Sept. 14 to:
Mail: Attorney General's Sexual Assault Task Force
859 Liberty St NE
Salem, OR 97301
Fax: 503.990.6547
E-mail: ethanyoung@oregonsatf.org

The winning design is selected based on concept, not artistic talent. The winner will receive a free hooded sweatshirt with the final slogan and design. The shirt will be unveiled at the Roots of Change: Men, Sex and Justice conference October 28-30 at Portland State University.

Figgy Pudding Carolers Support Art Walk

Ask most people what figgy pudding is and they’ll have an idea that it’s somehow connected to Christmas and that it surely contains figs. But this holiday season, it’s also the name of a brand new event happening in downtown LaGrande – the Union County Figgy Pudding Caroling Contest.

On Thursday, December 20, caroling teams of five people or more will sing between 6 pm and 7 pm adjacent to the art galleries and businesses open late for the monthly art walk. Teams will be judged by celebrity judges in two categories:
Best Wild and Wacky Performance
Best Choral Performance

The audience will be able to select their favorite team, too, in a Peoples Choice Award, by voting with cans of food, which will be donated to Union County food pantries.

Seven teams have committed to the event, thus far, including U.S. Bank, La Grande City Council, Northeast Oregon Physical Therapy, Eastern Oregon University, John Howard & Associates, ODOT and the Alleluia Bells.

Organizers Christy Barber and Kelly O’Neill expect more teams to sign up and say the competition will be tough, with both silly and serious groups.

One team is made up of motorcycle enthusiasts who are planning to wear their leathers while caroling. Another team is writing custom lyrics to traditional tunes.

“Expect to be entertained,” says Barber. “It’s another great reason to come downtown and do some last minute holiday shopping, too,” she says.

Teams have until December 17 to register and the first 10 teams to sign up avoid paying a $25 “Figgy Fine” that will be donated to Mt. Emily Safe Center, a local non-profit that provides coordinated and compassionate medical services for children who may have been victims of child abuse.

Just come up with a fun name for your team and call Christy Barber at 541-786-1613 or Kelly O’Neill at 541-663-6117 to enter. Everyone is invited to participate including employers, churches, clubs, friends and families and individuals of all ages and voices.


The Union County Figgy Pudding Caroling Contest is sponsored by the Union County Chamber of Commerce.

Beautiful Jewelry

It is NOT too soon to start your Christmas shopping! In fact, I find that if I haven't started by August, I'm in big trouble! Well I'm about to make that task much easier! I am happy to introduce Sabina Mulryan and her one of a kind, hand crafted jewelry from Moonlight Treasurez. I was thrilled when I met Sabina and saw her gorgeous works of art. Each piece is unique with an intriguing style of it's own. No two pieces are alike! All sets come with a necklace and matching earrings. I wear mine all the time and constantly receive compliments and comments. This year, give her the one of a kind gift she will never forget. Visit http://www.moonlighttreasurez.com/. If you see something your like, don't hesitate! Once that piece is gone, it's gone! Enjoy your shopping!

Winter Art Gallery Walks

In this season I always feel deprived of my gallery art trips. But I have found a wonderful way to keep focused on art and keep my collection complete. I recently discoved a wonderful gallery in Joseph Oregon called Aspen Grove Gallery. Mark Kortnik and Carol McLaughlin are wonderful and highly talented artists with an eye for art that suites the Pacific Northwest and beyond. I encourage everyone to take a virtual tour of their gallery and add to you own unique collection. Their work is superior and photos do not do it justice. You will not be sorry if you purchase their work at www.aspengrovegallery.com