The NW Facts Newspaper - NWFacts.com

When Diversity Matters Most. The Strength Lies In Differences, Not In Similarities

You are here: Home / Archives for Featured Stories

Airport Rental Car Suppler Diversity Outreach

by Leave a Comment

Airport Rental Car Suppler Diversity Outreach
4/30/2019
Time: 11:30 AM – 4:00 PM (PDT)
Where: Seattle-Tacoma International Airport/Central Auditorium

Registration Deadline: 4/28/2019 (PDT)
Fee: No fee

Contact: seatacshops@portseattle.org

Program Format: Outreach/Networking
Topic: Airport Rental Car Supplier Diversity Outreach
Description:

In efforts to increase diversity within the Airport’s Car Rental industry. The Port of Seattle and airport car rental concessionaires will be holding a half-day outreach event to provide contracting opportunities to small diverse businesses.

Join us if you are interested in finding out what these contracting opportunities are. Find out how certain business certifications can benefit your small business firm with car rental concessionaires. We will provide information on how the Airport Concessions Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE) and other Supplier Diversity certifications can benefit your small business. You do not have to be certified to attend. Free parking and lunch provided.

Register at: http://bit.ly/adroutreach

Agency urges drivers to slow down, pay attention in work zones

by Leave a Comment

Washington State Department of Transportation held a ceremony Wednesday to remember the 60 Washington workers lost on the job since 1950, honor workers injured on the job and remind drivers to be aware in work zones. The vast majority who died were working in marked roadway work zones.

Lt. Gov. Cyrus Habib spoke at the annual Worker Memorial ceremony, which included families of fallen workers, WSDOT staff, Washington State Patrol, state officials and industry partners. This week marks National Work Zone Awareness Week.

Free job fair for LGBTQ youth and allies on March 30 at Miller Community Center

by Leave a Comment

Seattle Parks and Recreation will host a free job fair for LGBTQ youth and allies on Saturday, March 30, 2019 from 1 to 3 p.m. at Miller Community Center (330 19th Ave. E). Youth of all ages are welcome to attend and there will be many employment opportunities for high school-age youth (14-19) and young adults (19-24). Attendees should come prepared to spend some time visiting the various booths, which will have representatives from private employers as well as City of Seattle youth-employment and stipend programs.

Several City departments offer summer employment appropriate for teens and young adults, including positions in Seattle Parks and Recreation Aquatics (life guards, boat ramp monitors), Seattle Parks and Recreation Youth Engaged in Service (job shadowing an adult mentor, usually in an office setting), Seattle Parks and Recreation Student Teen Employment Program and Summer of Service (building trails in local parks as well as working on restoration and other projects), Youth Participatory Action Research (exploring social justice issues), and the Seattle Public Libraries Student Assistance program. Many local businesses will also be in attendance.

The Youth Job Fair for LGBTQ and Allies is a collaborative effort led by the Youth Employment and Service Learning Unit of Seattle Parks and Recreation. To participate in the fair or for more information contact Gwen Wessels, Seattle Parks and Recreation, at Gwen.Wessels@seattle.gov.

Embracing Diversity in the Workplace

by 1 Comment

Christine Disnute – The Ports of Tacoma Facilities Management Specialist

by John A. Huguley – Freelance Writer

Since the 1970’s, The Port of Tacoma has embraced diversity in the workplace by employing talented job applicants from multicultural backgrounds as well as seeking out qualified women and minorities to help their vision for the future. Both past and present employees discuss their experiences working at the Port.

Bernice Griffin began her service at the Port of Tacoma in 1997 as the Ports the EEO/Diversity Coordinator. She retired in 2014 as Senior Manager, Human Resources.

Bernice Griffin began her service at the Port of Tacoma in 1997 as the Ports the EEO/Diversity Coordinator. She retired in 2014 as Senior Manager, Human Resources. During Ms. Griffin’s tenure at the Port, she helped launch programs designed to reach out and employ talented individuals from multiple backgrounds. Griffin says, “management had the vision to make the workforce reflective of the community.”

With the blessings of management, the port commission, and the executive team, Griffin and her fellow staff were able to work with local labor organizations, technical colleges, nearby Native American tribes, and job fairs to recruit new employees. The goal was to seek talented people while broadening the perspective of what good talent looks like.

Some of the positions at the Port require skilled journey level workers; these positions include carpenters, electricians, equipment mechanics, and plumbers. To meet the requirements of the maritime industry for these journey level positions, Bernice Griffin and her team launched an apprenticeship program with the goal to increase the number of women and minorities at the port.

While working in the Human Resources Department, Griffin also managed a diversity training program which started in the early 70s and continues to this day. Among other events, she led Black History Month and Martin Luther King Day celebrations which occurred while she was employed there.

Bernice Griffin is exceptionally humble and wants it to be clear that several pioneers came before her, who did wonderful things at the Port of Tacoma to increase the number of minorities and women. She says, “it took a community of folks with diverse talents and experiences to help the port develop and grow – and to make a difference.” Griffin goes on to say, “if it were not for the leadership, her team would not have been able to do all the things that were accomplished.”; concluding with, “the People are the Key,” they were the reason she stayed until retirement.

Today the Port of Tacoma employs about 200 people consisting of administration, maintenance, security, and skilled traits. It offers training and development opportunities. The Port continues to work in the community as well as on social media to help make people aware of new job openings.

Louis P. Cooper Jr. is the current Senior Director of Security and Labor Relations. Cooper has served in multiple positions at the Port over the last 15 years. During his time at the Port he has seen positive improvements, in terms of diversity, inclusion, and equality – but also understands there’s still work to be done. Cooper expressed that moving forward the Port and its management, “must continue to be deliberate in their mission to the people that reflect this community.” Cooper finishes by saying, “we need to reengage in the things we were committed to doing years ago – when it comes to cultural events, diversity, and inclusion.”

Christine Disnute is the Ports current Facilities Management Specialist. She joined the team in December 2017. Disnute says, “there is lots of diversity in management,” and, “since I’ve been here, the Port has made big strides to make the workplace more diverse.” Disnute is optimistic of the progress and goes on to explain how her diverse upbringing helps her to be successful at her job.

Christine Disnute is a woman of color. She recently finished her MBA program and hopes to apply it to helping the Port grow in an ever-expanding industry. Disnute would like to one day move into executive management where she can also do more for diversity at the workplace. Disnute concluded with, “I love working for the port and take pride in everything I do.”

Founded in 1918, the Port is located on the Tacoma waterfront at the South East corner of the Puget Sound, it supports more than 29,000 jobs and generates $3 billion in annual economic activity. It is among the largest container ports in North America, and a major center for automobile shipments, bulk, breakbulk and heavy-lift cargoes.

 

About: John A. Huguley – Freelance Writer

Born in 1966, John is a native Seattle Washington. He grew up in the original Holly Park government housing projects which were built in 1942. His old neighborhood was demolished a few years after John moved out on his own, but the vivid memories of living in this tight-knit, low-income community shaped who he is today.

As a kid, John formed a fascination for creative writing, drawing and making original comic strips. Some of his inspiration came from two of his childhood literary idols; Charles M. Schulz (Peanuts Comics) and Theodor Seuss Geisel (Dr. Seuss).

At a young age, John was also drawn to advertising after watching episodes of the American television sitcom “Bewitched”. On the show, the lead characters’ husband Darrin Stephens was an Advertising Agent. John would mimic the workings of the television Ad-Agent, and create his own storyboards for numerous sales pitches.

In the first grade, John put together a unique idea for teaching students how to manage money. He pitched his clever idea to his first-grade teacher, Miss Cochran at Van Asselt Elementary School. She liked it so much that she later implemented it into her curriculum. The word of his brilliant idea spread, and eventually made its way to being featured on the local evening news.

In addition to John’s passion for creative writing, he loves to take photographs; thousands of them. John received his first film camera at around age six and has not stopped taking pictures since. John currently has an archive of over 124,000 personally taken photos; some dating back to the 1970’s.

When John was ten years old he purchased his first pull-start motor-bike for fifty-dollars; using money that he saved from his paper route, mowing lawns, and being a young entrepreneur.

John earned some of his money as a kid selling a ten-cent homemade frozen treat, that he creatively named “Cupsicles”. To promote his product, he created a glimmering poster made of cardboard covered with aluminum foil. On the poster, he used colored markers to write sales pitches like: “Better Than Popsicles”, “Limited Amounts Left” and “Get Yours Now!”. By the end of his first summer in business, John couldn’t produce “Cupsicles” fast enough to stay up with the neighborhood demand.  John was onto something…

Today John is still doing all the things he grew up loving; creative writing, photography, riding motorcycles, and developing material to promote everyday ideas.

With over 25 years of professional experience and a lifetime of passion for the business, John would love to work on your next project, contact him today – you’ll be glad you did.
Visit: JohnHuguley.com

Join us for a special March Gallery Hours event to kick off our 2019 Student Ambassador Program!

by Leave a Comment

This summer two Hilltop Artist students (Ellye and MiShawn) will travel to Biot, France for 3 weeks to study with master glassblower Antoine Pierini. In return, we will host a glassblowing student from Biot during our
Summer Glass Arts Program.
To inspire our community to support our Student Ambassador program,
our gallery will be open on
Thursday, March 14, 2019 from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Hilltop students have made special Biot floats, which will be for sale and are specifically made to help fund the Biot students’ travels. All proceeds from the sale of the floats will be dedicated to this once-in-a-lifetime experience. We will also have some French-themed treats (charcuterie anyone?), a french conversation section, and live demos by students in the hot shop
For added excitement, we will have a French themed door prize, a Gift Certificate to Savor Creperie on Pacific Ave in Tacoma.

Meet Ellye

Since she started at Hilltop Artists over five years ago, Ellye says glassblowing has taught her about herself by encouraging self-reflection, while also strengthening how she connects with others. She appreciates the lifelong friendships she has forged at Hilltop Artists through collaboration and teamwork. She is looking forward to learning more about coldworking from Antoine Pierini and getting immersed in French culture

Meet MiShawn

When MiShawn talks about Hilltop Artists, the deep sense of joy it brings him is readily apparent. Since joining Hilltop Artists in middle school, MiShawn has embraced every opportunity provided to him with relentless enthusiasm. Kind and caring, MiShawn is not only passionate about glassblowing, but also the community he has found through Hilltop Artists. He looks forward to absorbing new techniques while working with Antoine in France and incorporating them into his body of work. Watch MiShawn’s speech at our 2016 Better Futures Luncheon to learn more of his story.

Rainier Beach Job & Resource Fair

by Leave a Comment

We are pleased to inform you of Rainier Beach Job & Resource Fair, Saturday, March 23rd, 2019, 12 PM – 2:00 PM, at the Rainier Beach Community Center, 8825 Rainier Avenue S., Seattle, WA., 98118. Interviews will be available on-site, so come prepared and dress appropriately. Over 800 jobs available. Volunteers needed, sign up HERE.
Help us spread the word by sharing with your students, clients, customers, members, circle of friends, family and neighbors. Fliers can be posted on community boards, near your mailboxes, laundry room, elevator, announcement and at the office.
To volunteer sign up HERE
For job seekers sign up HERE
In Service for You,
Danielle Jackson, CHAMPS President/Founder

Buy Tickets NOW For Charlie Wilson At Puyallup Fairgrounds.

by Leave a Comment

Saturday, Sept. 21 7:30 pm Doors open at 6:00 pm

Online Only Presale

Pre-sale starts Wednesday, March 6 at 10 am and ends Saturday, March 9 at 10 am.
Tickets go on sale to the general public Saturday, March 9 at 10 am.

To get the pre-sale password, subscribe to the Fair’s E-Club and select Concerts as one of your interests. You’ll automatically receive an email with the password the morning of the pre-sale.

Tickets

Reserved Concert Seating – $40 – $65*
Concert tickets include Washington State Fair gate admission, a $14 value.
Ticket required for children 2 years of age and older.

*Online orders subject to standard fees. A $4.50 service fee will be added to each ticket purchased in person at the Box Office.

http://www.thefair.com/fun/details/charlie-wilson-2019

 

About the Artist

Some people might say that after notching ten No. 1 singles, 13 Grammy Award nominations, a New York Times best-selling memoir and ongoing sold-out, coast-to-coast arena tours, Charlie Wilson has proven his point….and he isn’t planning to slow down anytime soon.

Wilson’s latest album, In It to Win It (P Music Group/RCA, Feb. 17 2017), includes a 2019 Grammy nomination for Best Traditional R&B Performance for the track “Made For Love,” his enchanting duet with Lalah Hathaway. In 2018 Charlie was also nominated for three 2018 NAACP Image Awards, Outstanding Male Artist, Outstanding Duo, Group or Collaboration and Outstanding Album.

The set boasts two number one singles which hit two different Billboard charts in April, 2018. “Chills” was #1 on the Adult R&B Songs chart and “I’m Blessed” ft. T.I. was #1 on the Hot Gospel Songs (and stayed in the top 5 for 65 weeks). This is the first time an artist has had two different #1 songs on these charts at the same time. “I’m Blessed” was also nominated for a 2018 Billboard Top Gospel song.

Jitterbug Perfume – Join the party at Café Nordo’s Culinarium!

by Leave a Comment

World Premiere Theatrical Adaptation

of Seattle Author Tom Robbins’ Classic Novel

Jitterbug Perfume

Join the party at Café Nordo’s Culinarium!

Don your Mardi Gras beads and indulge your senses through story, food, music, and song

Café Nordo is proud to present its first ever solo adaptation, Jitterbug Perfume at Café Nordo’s Culinarium in Seattle’s historic Pioneer Square. The show runs from March 14 – May 12, 2019. Set during New Orleans’ Mardi Gras, Jitterbug Perfume titillates the senses as it immerses you in the experience of living each day to its fullest; great food, passionate love, great sex, and passionate living.

THE ADAPTATION“This was the first time we’ve had to obtain the rights to anything,” said Café Nordo’s Artistic Director and Executive Chef Erin Brindley. “As luck would have it, a friend of mine penpals with Tom Robbins, so I asked for an introduction. I pitched the adaptation, and after a few weeks, I had a snail mailed letter from him, in his signature flowery language, he said, ‘the very audaciousness of the idea is what most appeals to me’ .”

The show is an adaptation of Jitterbug Perfume, Robbins’ 400-page novel that spans thousands of years. This daunting task was a theatrical challenge that co-adapters Stephan Robinson and Café Nordo’s co-Artistic Director Terry Podgorski were eager to accept.

The Café Nordo creative team met with Robbins at his home in La Conner, Washington, in the summer of 2018. “He answered the door with a cupcake [for Brindley’s birthday] and lit a candle,” said Brindley. “He showed us his home. We had a lovely time.” After meeting for two and a half hours, Robbins offered advice and words of wisdom as he gave the company adaptation rights to Jitterbug Perfume.

THE MUSIC

“There’s so much inspiration to pull from in Robbins’ writing, it’s a goldmine,” said composer Annastasia Workman. “Mardi Gras and New Orleans are central to the plot of the show, where I’ve drawn from Dr. John’s bluesy style piano, Terence Blanchard’s score for A Tale of God’s Will, and the bands Galactic and Michot’s Melody Makers. The music for this show is all over the space-time continuum, with other influences coming from Bollywood scores, György Ligeti, Marconi Union, and Hildegard von Bingen.”

This three-hour immersive experience is complete with an original score arranged and composed by Workman. Infused with the sounds of New Orleans jazz, Workman, along with Matt Manges and Beth Fleenor, transport audiences deep into the revelry of Mardi Gras.

THE CULINARY EXPERIENCE

Those familiar with Café Nordo’s style of integrating theater, food, and drink into a multi-sensory experience can anticipate that Jitterbug Perfume takes that adventure further than ever before. Playing off the dueling perfumiers in the story, Café Nordo’s award winning Chef Brindley uses aroma to create a theatrical culinary experience. “The obvious will not be on the menu,” said Brindley with a smile. “This epic tale gave me the opportunity to think deeply about aroma, how it enhances flavors and how it changes the experience of eating.” The menu merges New Orleans and Seattle cuisines with choose-your-own-adventure olfactory decisions that create a unique, individualized experience.

To enhance the festivities, beverages intentionally selected to pair with the food include  specially selected Wine Steward, Wine Sommelier, and Cocktail Flights, or, a specially-made Jitterbug Perfume wine from Chad Stock of Minimus Wine, an avant-garde Oregon winemaker. Beverages are not included in the ticket price.

THEATRICAL CREDITS

JITTERBUG PERFUME by Tom Robbins 
Copyright © 1984
Available in Bantam Trade Edition
Adapted by Terry Podgorski & Stephen Robinson
For Café Nordo

Director: Erin Brindley
Chef: Erin Brindley
Actors: Priscilla – Helen Roundhill
Alobar – Brian Picheu
Kudra – Marie Bolla
Pan the Goat God – Matt Manges
Ensemble: Chris Shea, Mara Palma, Lisa Viertel, Ronnie Hill, Opal Peachey, Madison Jade Jones.
Original Music: Annastasia Workman (keyboard, accordion)
Additional Musicians: Beth Fleenor (vocals, clarinet, electronics), Matt Manges (drums)
Costume Design: Fantasia Rose and Katrina Hess
Set Design: Terry Podgorski
Lighting Design: Ryan Dunn
Properties: Robin Macartney
Sound Design: Evan Mosher

FOR CALENDAR EDITORS

What:
Indulge all five senses as Nordo’s first in-house adaptation takes on this cult classic from beloved local writer Tom Robbins. Don your Mardi Gras beads and revel in humanity’s search for immortality as dueling perfumiers open Pan’s bottle, causing past, present, and future to collide at your table in a soaring ode to love eternal. Tickets include a four-course meal and the performance. Recommended for adults 18 years or order. The book, Jitterbug Perfume © 1984, was written by Tom Robbins. Adaptation by Terry Podgorski and Stephen Robinson for Café Nordo.

Where:
Café Nordo’s Culinarium
109 South Main Street
Seattle, WA 98104
(206) 209-2002

When:
March 14 – May 12, 2019
Wednesdays – Saturdays at 7:00 p.m.
Sundays at 6:00 p.m.

Tickets:
$99.00, includes the performance and a prix fixe menu. Beverage and cocktail service additional.
*suitable for audiences 18 years and older.
Online Box Office: bit.ly/JitterbugNordo

Photos:
Please find high-res assets for download here: http://bit.ly/JitterbugPerfume_PressRoom

Social:
Website: www.cafenordo.com
Facebook Page – https://www.facebook.com/CafeNordo/
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/cafenordo/
Instagram – @cafenordo
#jitterbugperfume

About Café Nordo
Food, like theater – and to that end, life itself – is a communal experience. Routines are safe and comforting, predictable, and pleasant. Café Nordo was born to shake things up; it’s a seismic culinary event wrapped in an unpredictable theatrical experience. Erin Brindley and Terry Podgorski created Café Nordo in 2009 with their pop-up food show, A Modern American Chicken. They have since reinvented the concept of dinner theater with 10 years of original, immersive theatrical productions that have garnered critical praise and a loyal subscriber base.

In 2015, they moved into a permanent venue called “Nordo’s Culinarium” where the Elliot Bay Book Company once lived in historic Pioneer Square. Café Nordo’s menus are created through relationships with local farmers, ranchers, and fisherman; Café Nordo’s shows are born from the hive mind of inventive composers, actors, visual artists, and carpenters. While the address remains the same from show to show, every other element will be a complete surprise for both frequent guests and first-timers.

LATINO LEGISLATIVE DAY CELEBRATES 14 Years of CIVIC ENGAGEMENT, ADVOCACY & CIVIC AWARDS Community & Civic Leaders to receive Award Recognition

by Leave a Comment

 Latino Civic Alliance (LCA) will host its annual event “Latino Legislative Day” Monday,18th and will mark its 14th year. Special ceremony in the Capital Rotunda to honor 6 individuals that have demonstrated exemplaryleadership in their communities. Through their contributions, recipients have been an influential role model, advocate for services and the rights for Latinos, and have shown continuous and effective involvement in the Latino community.
Award ceremony will be held in the Capital Rotunda at 12p.m.
“I believe in humanity’s capacity to do what right, I know we have that in us, I knew in my heart that people most good people outweigh the bad, I used that knowledge to reach them” – Marilyn Covarrubias, Award recipient
“It is an honor to recognize these amazing leaders that have made significant accomplishments in their communities. One of the unique qualities they have is understanding that the community needs to come above self interest.”
– Nina Martinez, LCA Board Chair
 LATINO LEGISLATIVE DAY:
  Monday, March 18, 2019 9:00a.m- 5p.m. Special award ceremony state rotunda 12p.m.
WHERE: Capital Campus Office Building 2 (DSHS Building) 14th Ave Southeast Olympia WA 98501
                                 AGENDA of event on website www.latinocivicalliance.org   
About (Latino Civic Alliance)
Latino Civic Alliance (LCA) formed in 2005 is a statewide, is a 501c.3 nonpartisan, organization that promotes Latino/as to participate in civic engagement and advocacy in their communities. LCA advocates improved policies in education, immigration, healthcare, small business, public safety and labor. Firmly rooted in the belief that Latino/as and Washingtonians should have direct access to local public officials, state legislators and state government.

Attorney, Community Non-Profit Leader Girmay Zahilay Announces Campaign for King County Council, District 2

by Leave a Comment

Former Perkins Coie attorney and current nonprofit leader Girmay Zahilay is
announcing his campaign today for Martin Luther King County Council, District 2. Girmay lives in the Rainier Valley and is a founder of the nonprofit Rising Leaders, Inc., which empowers underserved middle school students by expanding their professional networks, providing them high-quality mentorship, and equipping them with leadership development training. “We live in one of the wealthiest counties of the wealthiest nation on the planet and yet too many are struggling in our region. This reality contradicts the dream we have for Martin Luther King County, and together we can change the way things are done. I’m running for Council to continue the work of those that came before us, to build on the legacy of activism in our community, to get people involved, and to fight for bold progressive policies.” said Girmay.
Born to Ethiopian Refugees in Sudan, Girmay immigrated to South Seattle as a four year old
and was raised in various housing projects including Rainier Vista and Holly Park. He watched his single mother raise three children by working double shifts, 7 days a week, on the salary of a nursing assistant. Experiences like this shaped his drive to fight for and secure the economic security of working families. After graduating from Franklin High School, Girmay became the first in his family to attend college when he enrolled at Stanford University. After graduation, he worked directly to fight hunger and poverty in Brooklyn, New York as an Emerson National Hunger Fellow, and then applied those experiences to develop better federal policy in Washington, D.C. Girmay then attended the University of Pennsylvania Law School, and in his third year, interned in the Obama White House. After practicing law in New York, Girmay returned home to South Seattle to serve the community that raised him. Rising Leaders, Inc., under Girmay’s leadership, has expanded to serve students in Seattle, Washington, DC, and Harlem, New York. District 2 includes the communities of the Central Area, Capitol Hill, Beacon Hill, the Rainier Valley, Seward Park, Skyway, University District, Fremont, Ravenna, and Laurelhurst.