School of African Roots Open House

A coalition of community groups has joined to launch an independent educational concept called the School of African Roots (SOAR). This concept will consist of a series of classes created with a strong dose of love, respect, patience, and inspiration, that is strongly influenced by the rich cultural traditions that have sustained African-descended people for more than years.

There will be an open house event at the school location from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Aug. 20 at the Abbey Art Center at 7600 N. Hereford in Portland. This event will include an interactive presentation on the objectives and operations of the school.

Members of the community community are invited to come and meet the organizers, ask questions, give input and register children to participate in classes.

For more information: please reach out to us at our School of African Roots Facebook page @Facebook.com/SOARPDX. You can call at (707) 456-SOAR or email organizers at soar@beamvillage.org.

Six-Week Series for Caregivers Begins Sept. 8

Registration is now open for an annual six-week series called Powerful Tools for Caregivers that begins Sept. 8. Washington County Disability, Aging and Veteran Services and Tuality Healthcare sponsor the series.

The classes take place on Thursdays, September 8 through October 13, from 1:30–4 p.m., at Forest Grove Library Rogers Room, 2114 Pacific Ave. Class size is limited, and registration is required by calling (503) 846-3089.

This educational series is designed to help unpaid family caregivers take care of themselves while they are caring for a relative or friend with a chronic illness. Participants will learn how to reduce personal stress, communicate their needs effectively in challenging situations, deal with difficult emotions, and make tough caregiving decisions.

The class is appropriate for anyone helping a parent, spouse or friend. The person in their care may live at home, in a facility or across the country.

There is a suggested donation of $30 to help defray the cost of the book, but payment is not required to attend the class.

Call Washington County's Family Caregiver Support Program at 503-846-3089 to register or for more information.

Hispanic Chamber to Celebrate ¡BRAVO! Awards

The Hispanic Metropolitan Chamber (Hispanic Chamber) will celebrate the many contributions that Latinos make locally in Oregon and the United States during its annual Hispanic Heritage Celebration, Sept. 8.

During the event, the Hispanic Chamber will present the ¡BRAVO! Awards to recognize outstanding individuals and organizations that are role models, and have contributed to the economic and social advancement of Latinos in Oregon and Southwest Washington. The following awards will be presented:

• Latino Business: Rosa Martinez, President, Professional Minority Group
• Latino Health: Gil Muñoz, CEO, Virginia Garcia Memorial Health Center
• Latino Justice: Monica Herranz, Circuit Court Judge Pro Tem & Referee for Multnomah County
• Latino Community Service: John Jackley, Director of Communications and Social Equity, Portland Development Commission
• Public Partnership: City of Beaverton
• Community Partnership: Northwest Health Foundation

The event will also recognize our 10th Latino Leadership program graduating class, and welcome our 11th incoming class. It will be held from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Sept. 8 at the Oregon Convention Center in Portland.

The public is welcome and encouraged to attend. Ticket prices are $135 for members and $150 for non-members. Corporate tables are available for $1,500 each, which includes listing in the evening program.

Sponsors for the event include Altria, Comcast, Fred Meyer, JP Morgan & Chase Co., Multnomah County, Oregon Lottery, Portland Development Commission, Providence Health & Services, Southwest Airlines, University of Oregon and Wells Fargo.

To RSVP, call (503) 222-0280, or e-mail: info@hmccoregon.com.

More information is available at: http://www.hmccoregon.com/events.html

For more Portland and Seattle area events, see the Community Calendar.