Tag Archives: Oregon Business

Larrea Press Announces ‘Miscalculated Risks’ Nominated for Book of the Year

SISTERS, Ore., April 15, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Larrea Press today announced its book “Miscalculated Risks: Attacked, Crippled, Paralyzed, Drowning, Unconscious and Freezing in The Wild (Just Not All At Once)” (ISBN: 979-8998909504), by Michael Cooper has been selected as a finalist for Adventure, Sports & Recreation Book of the Year by Foreword INDIES – one of the most respected international literary award panels.

Image caption: Michael Cooper is shown on the cover of his memoir “Miscalculated Risks.”

As part of its mission to discover, review, and share the best books from university presses and independent publishers, Foreword Magazine, Inc., hosts an annual awards program. Finalists represent the best books published each year.

The Forward INDIES nomination comes on the heels of Cooper being nominated for the Eric Hoffer Montaigne Medal for “the most thought-provoking book” of the year and winning both the American Writing Awards and Literary Global Book Awards – distinctions prompting National Today to recognize Cooper as “a leading voice in adventure literature.”

“My wish is that readers of ‘Miscalculated Risks’ will be inspired to pursue their own dreams, whether adventuring in the wild, resurrecting a sidelined passion, or striving toward a longed-for career,” said author Michael Cooper. “Dream big, live big. Don’t wait. The first steps lead eventually to the summit. And to the adventurer whose time at the forefront has passed, I hope you enjoy my love letter to the wild that is ‘Miscalculated Risks’ and are vicariously transported to the edge of the map.”

Michael Cooper’s bestselling memoir blends adventure, personal reflection, and gripping storytelling as it chronicles his many near-fatal expeditions, extreme wilderness encounters, and the relentless drive that pushed him more than 8,000 miles into some of the most remote and uncharted landscapes in North America.

Across its exhilarating, often darkly humorous chapters, “Miscalculated Risks” recounts Cooper’s close brushes with death in the wild:

Mortally wounded in a Mexican jungle, twenty pathless miles from medical help
Severely hypothermic on an isolated Oregon river, battling sixty-nine miles of rapids during a weeklong blizzard
Deathly ill and out of water in sun-scorched desert
And several more life-threatening episodes that tested the limits of endurance, resolve, and luck

Cooper’s memoir explores themes of wilderness survival, camaraderie, the lure of untouched landscapes, and the human drive to test boundaries – sometimes recklessly so.

“The wilderness comes alive on the page in this (literal) trailblazer’s memoir. … Cooper portrays his adventures in immersive detail. His descriptions of his experiences in untouched areas are lyrical. … Lovers of the outdoors and armchair travelers alike will enjoy adventuring along with him. OUR VERDICT: GET IT” – Kirkus Reviews

“An outdoors adventure memoir packed with hair-raising encounters, gripping moments of life-or-death, and confrontations with nature that will leave readers on the edges of their seats. … Libraries seeking adventure stories of mountaineering and outdoors encounters will want to add ‘Miscalculated Risks’ to their collections. … Nothing short of remarkable.” – D. Donovan, Senior Reviewer, Midwest Book Review

“This isn’t some slow-burning narrative; it’s a series of high-stakes moments when things went completely wrong during backpacking, climbing, and rafting trips. Cooper walks the reader through several terrifying scenarios … The honesty in ‘Miscalculated Risks’ is what makes the memoir work so well. Michael Cooper doesn’t try to sound like a legendary explorer; he sounds like a guy who is genuinely lucky to be breathing and wants to show you exactly where he tripped up. There is a lot of vulnerability here, especially when he describes the mental toll of being completely helpless in the wild. The pacing is great because the intensity of the accidents is balanced by some really thoughtful reflections on why people take these kinds of risks in the first place. … It is a gripping, cautionary book that definitely stays with you after you finish it. I highly recommend this book!” – Kristen A. Peters, Readers’ Favorite

ABOUT MICHAEL COOPER:

A wilderness adventurer, mountaineer and backcountry navigator, Michael Cooper has trekked through thousands of miles of wild terrain, including areas untouched by any recorded explorer. He is also a respected recording engineer and producer, working with Academy Award winner William Hurt, ABC World News anchor Barry Serafin, and Grammy-winning singer/songwriter Ashley Cleveland. Cooper’s journalism has appeared over 500 times in eight national and international magazines.

Learn more at https://MichaelCooperAdventurer.com

ABOUT LARREA PRESS:

Larrea Press is an independent publisher primarily recognized for publishing the bestselling and award-winning adventure memoir “Miscalculated Risks: Attacked, Crippled, Paralyzed, Drowning, Unconscious and Freezing in The Wild (Just Not All At Once)” by Michael Cooper. Larrea Press focuses on adventure non-fiction.

Learn more at https://soloist.ai/larreapress

MULTIMEDIA:

Image link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/26-0414-s2p-miscalrisks-300dpi.webp

Image caption: Michael Cooper is shown on the cover of his memoir “Miscalculated Risks.”

SOCIAL:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-cooper-b828362b/

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/60598391.Michael_Cooper

https://bsky.app/profile/michaelcooper-wild.bsky.social

NEWS SOURCE: Larrea Press

This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (Larrea Press), who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by Send2Press Newswire. Image, if any, was provided by the news source and not this website or the wire service. Information is believed accurate, as provided by the news source, but is not guaranteed.

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/larrea-press-announces-miscalculated-risks-nominated-for-book-of-the-year/

Larrea Press Announces ‘Miscalculated Risks’ Nominated for Book of the Year

Image caption: Michael Cooper is shown on the cover of his memoir “Miscalculated Risks.”

Across its exhilarating, often darkly humorous chapters, “Miscalculated Risks” recounts Cooper’s close brushes with death in the wild:

Mortally wounded in a Mexican jungle, twenty pathless miles from medical help
Severely hypothermic on an isolated Oregon river, battling sixty-nine miles of rapids during a weeklong blizzard
Deathly ill and out of water in sun-scorched desert
And several more life-threatening episodes that tested the limits of endurance, resolve, and luck

Cooper’s memoir explores themes of wilderness survival, camaraderie, the lure of untouched landscapes, and the human drive to test boundaries – sometimes recklessly so.

ABOUT MICHAEL COOPER:

Learn more at https://MichaelCooperAdventurer.com

ABOUT LARREA PRESS:

Learn more at https://soloist.ai/larreapress

MULTIMEDIA:

Image link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/26-0414-s2p-miscalrisks-300dpi.webp

Image caption: Michael Cooper is shown on the cover of his memoir “Miscalculated Risks.”

SOCIAL:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-cooper-b828362b/

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/60598391.Michael_Cooper

https://bsky.app/profile/michaelcooper-wild.bsky.social

NEWS SOURCE: Larrea Press

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/larrea-press-announces-miscalculated-risks-nominated-for-book-of-the-year/

New Collaboration Strengthens Trust in Oil and Gas Certification Data

Diode and CleanConnect.ai Announce AI-Driven Framework for Verifiable Real World Assets

PORTLAND, Ore., March 17, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Diode, the leader in blockchain-defined networking, today announced a collaboration with CleanConnect.ai to strengthen the integrity and traceability of oil and gas production certificates. The initiative integrates Diode’s zero trust networking technology, Oasis’ privacy preserving blockchain, and CleanConnect.ai’s ProveZero multi-certification pathway system to deliver authenticated production proofs with source level provenance. The AI-driven verification framework safeguards regulated industrial information while ensuring the validity of on-chain Real World Assets (RWAs).

Image caption: Diode, the leader in blockchain-defined networking.

“Every certified performance target, every methane measurement, every evidence document is only as valuable as the trust chain behind it,” said Mark Smith, Chief Strategy Officer of CleanConnect.ai. “By routing production data generated by ProveZero through Diode’s zero-trust network and anchoring it on Oasis, we give producers, traders, and buyers cryptographic proof that the attributes encoded in every Environmental Attribute Certificate reflect real, verified, source-level data — not a registry spreadsheet someone emailed. Our ProveZero multi-certification platform can now generate tokenized energy as a verifiable Real World Asset on the blockchain, spanning ISO 14067, ISCC, EO100™, MiQ, OGMP, EUMR, and more — giving the market a single, auditable chain of custody across every major standard simultaneously.”

“We see private, automated, and cross-vendor AI systems as the next frontier for regulated data,” said Hans Rempel, CEO of Diode. “By leveraging our private AI control plane anchored on Oasis, CleanConnect.ai can rapidly deploy new assurance capabilities without sacrificing privacy, compliance, or control.”

“Oasis provides the private foundation that makes zero-trust networking so powerful for regulated industries,” said Marko Stokic, Head of AI at Oasis. “Seeing that infrastructure now underpinning real-world certification workflows in the energy sector is the kind of adoption we built for. We look forward to seeing CleanConnect.ai and Diode push the boundaries even further.”

To read the case study on how Diode, Oasis, and CleanConnect.ai are delivering verifiable Real World Assets, go to https://diode.io/blog/diode-cleanconectai-oasis-verfiable-rwa.

ABOUT OASIS

Oasis makes applications private and verifiable, empowering developers to build experiences where data ownership and user confidentiality are foundational and where user data is protected by default. Learn more at https://oasis.net/.

ABOUT CLEANCONNECT.AI

CleanConnect.ai provides AI-driven automation solutions that monitor and reduce methane emissions across oil and gas operations, enabling cost savings, regulatory compliance, and environmental sustainability in real time. Learn more at https://cleanconnect.ai/.

ABOUT DIODE

Diode is the innovation leader in Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) technology, providing blockchain‑secured networking that automates defense of teams, systems, and AI infrastructure while securely unlocking collaboration across organizational boundaries. Learn more at https://diode.io/.

For media inquiries, contact
Hans Rempel
media@diode.io

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NEWS SOURCE: Diode

This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (Diode), who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by Send2Press Newswire. Image, if any, was provided by the news source and not this website or the wire service. Information is believed accurate, as provided by the news source, but is not guaranteed.

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/new-collaboration-strengthens-trust-in-oil-and-gas-certification-data/

Beaverton Motorcycles Launches Industry-Leading Upgrade Promise Program

TIGARD, Ore., Feb. 26, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Beaverton Motorcycles today announced the launch of its new Upgrade Promise, a customer-first program designed to remove one of the biggest pain points in powersports purchasing: the fear of committing to the wrong machine.

Image caption: Beaverton Motorcycles.

The Upgrade Promise allows customers who purchase any new unit to ride with confidence, knowing they have built-in flexibility if their needs change. Under the program, customers may trade in their original unit and upgrade to a newer larger unit within one year and receive 100% of their original purchase price toward another new unit. If they choose to upgrade within two years, customers can still receive 75% of their original purchase price applied toward their next new vehicle.

“Our goal has always been simple, help customers have fun without the pressure of making the perfect choice on day one,” said Bob McLaughlin, General Manager. “Too often, riders hesitate because they’re worried they’ll outgrow their machine or wish they had gone bigger. The Upgrade Promise removes that hesitation and gives people the confidence to start riding now.”

The program reflects the long-standing customer-first philosophy of the dealership’s ownership.

“Work hard, take care of the customer, and everything else will take care of itself. That’s how we do business,” said Bob Lanphere Jr., owner of Beaverton Motorcycles. “The Upgrade Promise is simply putting that belief into action in a way that gives our customers real peace of mind.”

Unlike traditional trade-in programs that fluctuate with market conditions, the Upgrade Promise provides a clear, predictable path forward for customers who anticipate moving into a larger or different unit. The program was designed with first-time riders, growing families, and step-up buyers in mind, particularly those entering the powersports market for the first time.

“This program is a game-changer for customers who are on the fence,” added Nick Mueffleman, General Sales Manager. “Whether someone is starting on their first street bike, moving up in a side-by-side, or buying for a fast-growing young rider, the Upgrade Promise gives them room to evolve without feeling locked into their first decision.”

The Upgrade Promise applies to any new unit across Beaverton Motorcycles’ major product categories, including street motorcycles, dirt bikes, ATVs, side-by-sides (SxS/UTVs), and personal watercraft. By expanding the program across multiple vehicle types, the dealership aims to support customers throughout their entire powersports journey rather than just a single purchase moment.

The program officially launches March 2, 2026, and is available immediately at Beaverton Motorcycles. Customers are encouraged to speak with a sales specialist or visit the dealership’s website to review full eligibility details and program guidelines.

Beaverton Motorcycles, doing business since 1964, is a leading powersports dealership serving the greater Portland area, offering a full lineup of motorcycles, ATVs, side-by-sides, and personal watercraft from top manufacturers. The dealership is committed to helping riders of all experience levels find the right machine and enjoy the ride with confidence.

Bob Lanpheres Beaverton Motorcycles & Powersports is located on 10380 SW Cascade Ave, Tigard OR. For any questions regarding the Beaverton Motorcycles Upgrade Promise call (971)358-3206. Open Monday-Friday 10 a.m.-7 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m.-6 p.m. https://www.beavertonmotorcycles.com/

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NEWS SOURCE: Beaverton Motorcycles

This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (Beaverton Motorcycles), who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by Send2Press Newswire. Image, if any, was provided by the news source and not this website or the wire service. Information is believed accurate, as provided by the news source, but is not guaranteed.

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/beaverton-motorcycles-launches-industry-leading-upgrade-promise-program/

Beaverton Motorcycles Riders Win Big at Daytona

BEAVERTON, Ore., May 14, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — March 10th at the 2025 Daytona American Flat Track races, two of the Pacific Northwest’s finest, Kody Kopp and Davis Fisher, came home with hardware. Kody Kopp clinched 1st place in AFT Singles, continuing his dominance as a 3-time back-to-back champion. Kopp raced his KTM 450 SX-F to the top spot. Davis Fisher took 3rd in AFT SuperTwins in his Daytona debut on the KTM 790 Duke, Beaverton Motorcycles announced today.

Photo Caption: Beaverton Motorcycles Riders Win Big at Daytona.

Though 2,514 miles away, Bob Lanphere Jr. took the trip and couldn’t have been prouder. Beaverton Motorcycles, the first dealership to carry the Lanphere name, has been a cornerstone of the community for over 60 years. Today, that legacy continues as BMC sponsored rider, Kody Kopp, brings home the gold at Daytona.

What ties Bob Lanphere Jr., Kody Kopp, and Davis Fisher together isn’t just their impressive performances on the track—it’s the love of racing passed down from their fathers.

Beaverton Motorcycles first sponsored Davis Fisher when he was just 10 years old. Now, 18 years later, he continues to represent BMC. But Davis wasn’t the first Fisher to be supported by BMC—his father, Rex Fisher, was originally sponsored by the dealership back in 2006.

Similarly, Kody Kopp’s journey is fueled by the same passion. Following in the footsteps of his father, Joe Kopp, a former Grand National Champion with a distinguished racing career of his own, Kody is now building his own legacy in the sport. As he follows in his father’s path, Kody strives to achieve greatness and continue the family tradition of success in American Flat Track racing.

Motorcycling is more than just a sport – it’s a family legacy. This weekend at Daytona, we saw that legacy shine through. From Bob Sr. opening a motorcycle shop driven by his passion for the community, to Bob Lanphere Jr. sponsoring the 1st place champion of the 2025 Daytona AFT races, the spirit of racing runs deep.

The love for American Flat Track racing was passed down from Rex Fisher to Davis at just 3 ½ years old. The champions torch was passed from Joe Kopp to Kody who is carving his path to greatness, continuing a tradition that spans generations.

The performances at Daytona speak volumes about the strength of the riding community and the enduring power of family traditions. These riders aren’t just honoring their roots – they’re inspiring the next generation to race with the same heart, dedication, and passion that have been passed down through the years.

For more information about Beaverton Motorcycles, please visit: https://www.beavertonmotorcycles.com/.

MULTIMEDIA:

Photo link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/25-0514-s2p-bewaverton-300dpi.jpg

Photo Caption: Beaverton Motorcycles Riders Win Big at Daytona

NEWS SOURCE: Beaverton Motorcycles

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/beaverton-motorcycles-riders-win-big-at-daytona/

New Biography ‘The Power of His Bread’ Chronicles Fadi Arnout’s Extraordinary Life and Prophetic Dreams

PORTLAND, Ore., Oct. 22, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Deeply spiritual entrepreneur Fadi Arnout is the focus of an intriguing new biography by author E. A. Peters, titled “The Power Of His Bread: True Life Story Of Fadi Arnaout” (ISBN: 978-0228888246; released August, 2024 through Tellwell Publishing). This captivating narrative explores Arnout’s remarkable journey, detailing his struggles and successes in America, all through the lens of his prophetic dreams that have shaped his life and continue to guide his future.

Image caption: Cover, “The Power Of His Bread.”

“The Power of His Bread” is an inspiring biography that delves into the life of Fadi Arnout, whose dreams have provided foresight and guidance throughout his life. E. A. Peters recounts the extraordinary story of how Arnout, in 1996, dreamt of meeting a two-year-old girl who would later become a pivotal part of his life. Two decades later, this very individual walked into his restaurant, and Arnout, recognizing her from his dream, hired her without revealing his prior knowledge. This young woman, an English major taking a break from her studies, eventually wrote his life story, fulfilling the prophecy he had envisioned.

Arnout’s life is a testament to the power of faith and perseverance. His biography captures the essence of a man who has always believed in the prophetic power of his dreams. “The Power of His Bread” includes:

The early dreams that predicted significant events in Arnout’s life.
His journey as an immigrant in America and the challenges he faced.
The prophetic visions that have come true and those he believes are yet to unfold. The unique relationship with the young woman who ultimately penned his biography.

E. A. Peters masterfully captures the intersection of reality and prophecy, providing readers with a profound look at Arnout’s life. This biography is a compelling narrative of resilience, faith, and the incredible journey of a man whose dreams have been his guiding light.

Arnout himself reflects on his life and the significance of this book: “I have seen the book in my second dream in 1996, written, sold, and made a movie after I die… I didn’t believe that I would write a book …until I saw so many events happen exactly like I saw in that vivid dream of 1996. It became clear for me that I have to write my book after I saw my third dream with the Lord Jesus Christ. The more people couldn’t believe what I told them about my life the more I was convinced to write a book. I was blown away when E.A. Peters walked into the restaurant asking for the job, I knew that I had seen her face in my dream and she was the one to write it…”

“The Power of His Bread” is now available on Amazon and other online retailers.

SUMMARY:

Author: E.A. Peters

Email: authorpress@tellwell.ca

Website: FADI ARNAOUT – https://thepowerofhisbread.com/

Buy Link: https://a.co/d/6KstRXD

Genre: Memoir

Released: August 30, 2024

PAPERBACK ISBN-13: 9780228888246

Publisher: Tellwell ( https://www.tellwellpublishing.com/ )

NEWS SOURCE: Tellwell Publishing

This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (Tellwell Publishing), who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by Send2Press Newswire. Image, if any, was provided by the news source and not this website or the wire service. Information is believed accurate, as provided by the news source, but is not guaranteed.

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/new-biography-the-power-of-his-bread-chronicles-fadi-arnouts-extraordinary-life-and-prophetic-dreams/

Lanphere Auto Group Celebrates its 60th Anniversary

BEAVERTON, Ore. /ScoopCloud/ -- Lanphere Auto Group and Beaverton Motorcycles announces its 60th anniversary. February 2024, marks 6 decades of exceptional service, growth and community involvement. Established in 1964 by the late Bob Lanphere Sr the journey began with the passion for motorcycles in downtown Beaverton. The motorcycle store has expanded with a vision from a streetwise motorcycle rider, growing up in southeast Portland, to Lanphere Auto Group and Motorcycles, with over 350 employees.

Lanphere Auto Group and Motorcycles now includes Beaverton Honda Automobiles, Beaverton Motorcycles and Powersports, Beaverton Infiniti, Beaverton Kia, Newberg Dodge-Jeep, Lanphere Auto Collection and Canyon Road Auto Body.

Today, the company is still family owned and operated by Bob Lanphere Jr, Sharon Lenz and Mary Wiggins, ensuring the values instilled by Bob Lanphere Sr continue to drive success.

Reinforcing its role as a responsible corporate citizen, Lanphere Auto Group and Motorcycles are continuing to upgrade the facilities and remain involved in the community. Beaverton Motorcycles has the largest service department in the Pacific NW and actively supports amateur and pro motorcycle racers. Beaverton Honda supports various local initiatives, charities and events. Beaverton Kia holds the distinction of being the oldest Kia dealership in the country and is remodeling the showroom. Beaverton Infiniti is the sole INFINITI dealership in Oregon. Newberg Dodge-Jeep has recently completed a million dollar upgrade to its service department.

Bob Lanphere Jr expressed his gratitude for the community's support through the years, saying, "We are immensely proud to celebrate this significant milestone. It's a testament to the dedication of our employees, the loyalty of our customers, and the vibrancy of the communities we serve. As we reflect on the past 60 years, we are excited about the future and the continued opportunity to serve and support our community."

For more information about Lanphere Auto Group, please visit their dealer group website at: https://www.lanphereautogroup.com/

Lanphere Auto Group and Beaverton Motorcycles announces its 60th anniversary. February 2024, marks 6 decades of exceptional service, growth and community involvement. Established in 1964 by the late Bob Lanphere Sr the journey began with the passion for motorcycles in downtown Beaverton. The motorcycle store has expanded with a vision from a streetwise motorcycle rider, growing up in southeast Portland, to Lanphere Auto Group and Motorcycles, with over 350 employees.

Related link: https://www.lanphereautogroup.com/

Sports marketing guru turns mystery writer for old guys

PORTLAND, Ore. /ScoopCloud/ -- Marketing guru, Jon Spoelstra, has always had a penchant for pushing the outrageous. He wrote "Marketing Outrageously," a Wall Street Journal bestseller, and now he's at it again. This time he's written a series of mystery novels for what he calls "old guys" in the "Old Guys Murder Mystery Series." This fifth novel in the series, "Who is Killing all the Old (and mostly lovable) Mystery Writers?" (ASIN: B0C5S1ZP9M) is scheduled to publish on November 7, 2023.

A free copy can be downloaded here: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/jawmsj0657.

When Spoelstra first presented the idea to his non-fiction literary agent, Nat Sobel, he was met with doubt and disapproval.

"His exact words were 'this is crazy,'" Spoelstra says.

Sobel told him that there was no market for the idea and that women were mostly the fiction book buyers, not old guys.

"Of course I ignored his advice," Spoelstra says.

Two years later, Spoelstra is releasing his fifth book in the series. The first book in the series, "Who's Killing All My Old Girlfriends" (ASIN: B09RRZ8XM3) sold in Amazon's top one percent.

"Who is Killing All the Old (and mostly lovable) Mystery Writers?" features seven top mystery writers who meet in a remote Western resort. Their mission is to write another number one global smash-hit bestseller. To kick off the retreat, they invite Charlie North, a retired columnist and now famous blogger, to be the opening night speaker.

The writers are cocksure about the financial return. They're already counting on movie rights for big bucks. They just have to sit down and do what they do best: write about murder. But what happens when the writers start getting killed off for real? North and his buddy, retired LAPD cop Ben Tucker, jump in to investigate.

The mystery writers keep writing and another body falls. North and Tucker think they have it all figured out, but these writers are a strange and crafty bunch. They specialize in thinking up how to kill somebody, covering tracks and not getting caught.

In a single room, it starts to become clear and justice is about to be served. But wait - there's more. One last scene delivers plenty of surprises.

"I'm not sure I have one reader under the age of 50," Spoelstra says. "There are plenty of five-star reviews on Amazon that come from the older crowd. They enjoy old guys chasing down murderers."

Before Spoelstra turned into a mystery writer for old guys he served as top executive for three NBA teams: the Portland Trail Blazers; the Denver Nuggets; and the New Jersey Nets. While at the Trail Blazers, he was part of the strangest trade in sports' history. As a sports executive, two weeks of his consulting time was traded for the starting point guard, Don Buse, of the Indiana Pacers. Read the story here: https://www.si.com/nba/2020/02/05/most-bizarre-nba-trade-in-history.

And, while he was president of the New Jersey Nets, Spoelstra tried to change the team's nickname from Nets to Swamp Dragons.

"The Nets had such an awful history, I was trying to put them in a version of the witness protection program," he says. "You know, change the name and erase the past."

That didn't quite work out, but it's now legendary in the NBA annals: https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/15155466/once-nets-seriously-considered-becoming-swamp-dragons.

Spoelstra has written five marketing books, the first was "Ice to the Eskimos" (ISBN: 0887308511). He says he started writing novels because there's only so much one can write about marketing.

"There's no limit to murder mysteries," he says. "You're supposed to write about what you know, and while I don't know murder, I do know old."

Review copies and interviews arranged upon request.

Learn more at: https://www.jonspoelstra.com/

Marketing guru, Jon Spoelstra, has always had a penchant for pushing the outrageous. He wrote "Marketing Outrageously," a Wall Street Journal bestseller, and now he's at it again. This time he's written a series of mystery novels for what he calls "old guys" in the "Old Guys Murder Mystery Series." This fifth novel in the series, "Who is Killing all the Old (and mostly lovable) Mystery Writers?" (ASIN: B0C5S1ZP9M) is scheduled to publish on November 7, 2023.

Related link: https://www.jonspoelstra.com/

Inked Gaming Launches August Kickstarter Campaign to Introduce New Customizable Trading Card Game Supplies

CORVALLIS, Ore. /ScoopCloud/ -- A leading provider of high-quality trading card game accessories, Inked Gaming, is thrilled to announce the launch of its first-ever Kickstarter campaign on Aug. 17, 2023. This initiative will gather support from the tabletop game community, worldwide, to help launch a range of custom and artist-designed products.

Premium custom pieces will include new customizable sleeves, deck boxes and playmat tubes. These items are designed to give gamers the opportunity to present their unique personalities during the biggest battles, along with inspiration and creative edge to play their very best.

The primary goal of this Kickstarter campaign is to give Inked Gaming the final push they need to bring back quality custom sleeves. Ever since custom sleeves were discontinued from their collection, due to limitations in the production process that impacted quality, they've been looking for ways to change that.

This Kickstarter campaign will help fund the end stages of the production machinery and setup so Inked Gaming can establish an exceptional print-on-demand system. This will help with the production of these custom and artist-designed pieces and bring them to life.

Inked Gaming has also teamed up with several gifted, legendary artists to provide artist-designed versions of these new products for this Kickstarter. These popular artists include: David Lozeau, Michael Whelan, Clint Cearley and others.

"This is an exciting time for the entire Inked Gaming community, and we want everyone to be part of it," Inked Gaming's founder and CEO, Thomas Pool, says. "This year, my goal is to expand our collection and introduce custom sleeves, deck boxes and playmat tubes - all items that our community has been anxiously awaiting and we can't wait to showcase them on our site."

The Kickstarter campaign will last for 30 days and present a host of rewards. There will also be exclusive rewards and limited-edition sets available for early backers.

Anyone can learn more about and back the project on Kickstarter's website: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/inkedgaming/inked-gaming-customized-sleeves-deck-boxes-and-playmat-tubes?ref=7dv5pv

About Inked Gaming

Built by gamers for gamers, Inked Gaming is a top supplier of premium gaming gear based out of Corvallis, Oregon. Since 2011, Inked Gaming has provided its customers with both pre-designed and custom goods to enhance their gaming experience. These goods include playmats, mousepads, dice bags and more. Whether it's Pokémon, MTG, D&D, Flesh and Blood or any other tabletop game, Inked Gaming helps gamers to take their game and style to the next level of play. Learn more: https://www.inkedgaming.com/.

A leading provider of high-quality trading card game accessories, Inked Gaming, is thrilled to announce the launch of its first-ever Kickstarter campaign on Aug. 17, 2023. This initiative will gather support from the tabletop game community, worldwide, to help launch a range of custom and artist-designed products.

Related link: https://www.inkedgaming.com/

Kraken Cards Builds Oregon Gaming Community – Continues Growing Magic Regional Championship Qualifiers

CORVALLIS, Ore. /ScoopCloud/ -- Kraken Cards, an Inked Gaming store, is excited announce that it's working to be the go-to-spot for Oregon gamers who are looking to stock up on premium gaming gear while having some fun to boot. Ever since it opened its downtown gaming store three years ago, it's been on a mission to be the region's leading gaming supplier.

With its sights set on becoming the top gaming event space in town, Kraken Cards has plans in place that are sure to spark the interest of all gamers in Corvallis and beyond. Those plans include engaging events that will be packed with fun for trading card gamers (TGC) of all ages and experience levels.

"We're excited to continue pushing our magic regional championship qualifiers even further and to support larger and more competitive events," Kraken Cards, manager, Bill Adkins, says.

The following lists weekly events that gamers can look forward to in 2023:

* Dungeons and Dragons (D&D): Sundays at 1 p.m. - Wizards of all ages are invited to drop in and out for some D&D fun!

* Pokémon: Sundays at 3:30 p.m. and Mondays at 6 p.m. - Trainers of all ages are encouraged to stop by, especially young trainers who are looking to learn.

* Flesh and Blood: Thursdays at 6 p.m. and Saturdays at 2 p.m. - This is a community-driven game for all players and those who want help with their decks.

* Magic Pioneer: Tuesdays at 6 p.m. - This competitive environment is ideal for passionate spellcasters.

* Magic Commander: All day Wednesdays - Social Magic for players of all levels who wish to hone their skills.

* Magic Friday Night Magic (FNM): Fridays at 6 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. - For new players, draft begins at 6 p.m. followed by modern format for competitive spellcasters.

So, no matter the time of day or game played, the Kraken Cards' team is ready to meet some local wizards, trainers and spellcasters who stop in for a quick - or long battle. Kraken is committed to creating a fun, friendly environment that all gamers can enjoy. Even if gamers don't have time for a game, the Kraken team will see to it that they find what they're looking for, so they're ready the next time.

"We want to grow all the possible event games we can and ensure the community always has a place to sit down and play," Adkins shares.

Kraken Cards is also working to build community through its Consortium rewards program which offers special discounts and event opportunities to everyone who joins.

"My vision for Kraken Cards is for us to continue to build up the community and we're excited for more events and special occasions for everyone," Thomas Pool, founder and CEO, Kraken Cards, says. "Community, fun and inclusivity; that's what we're all about."

About Kraken Cards

Located in the heart of downtown Corvallis, Kraken Cards is a place where gamers can not only shop, but have fun doing it. They will find all the necessary essentials to enhance game play - sports cards, playmats, deck boxes, sleeves, collectibles and so much more. No matter what the TCG, Kraken Cards helps gamers to find the best gear for their favorite game.

For more information: https://www.krakentradingcards.com/

Kraken Cards, an Inked Gaming store, is excited announce that it's working to be the go-to-spot for Oregon gamers who are looking to stock up on premium gaming gear while having some fun to boot. Ever since it opened its downtown gaming store three years ago, it's been on a mission to be the region's leading gaming supplier.

Related link: https://www.inkedgaming.com/

Avenu Partners with League of Oregon Cities to Provide Expertise and Support to Local Governments

PORTLAND, Ore. /ScoopCloud/ -- Avenu Insights & Analytics (Avenu), the leading provider of revenue recovery and administration solutions for state and local governments, is proud to announce its partnership with the League of Oregon Cities (LOC). As part of this collaboration, Avenu will offer its expertise in various subjects to cities across Oregon, helping them maximize revenue, maintain compliance, and improve their operations.

With Avenu's vast experience in serving cities of all sizes across the country, they are well-positioned to provide some dedicated webinars as well as subject matter expertise on a range of critical issues. Among the topics that Avenu will cover as part of its partnership with the League of Oregon Cities are short-term rental compliance and administration, compliance auditing, tax administration, transient occupancy tax, digitizing documents, and cybersecurity.

"Through this exciting partnership, the LOC's 241 member cities will have access to Avenu's extensive experience and proven success in finding cost-effective solutions for local governments," said LOC Executive Director Patty Mulvihill. "Avenu clearly has the capabilities to provide high-impact resources to cities of diverse size throughout Oregon."

In addition to dedicated webinars, Avenu will also invite cities to participate in national events, with the first being a National Economic Forecast in partnership with the UCLA Anderson Forecast. By providing cities with access to these events, Avenu hopes to help them stay up-to-date on the latest trends and best practices in their field, ultimately helping them provide better services to their communities.

"We are excited to partner with the League of Oregon Cities and offer our expertise to cities across the state," said Paul Colangelo, Avenu's CEO. "Our team is dedicated to helping local governments succeed, and we look forward to working with city officials and staff to tackle the challenges they face."

The partnership between Avenu and the League of Oregon Cities is a testament to the importance of collaboration and knowledge sharing among local government organizations. By working together, Avenu and the LOC hope to help cities across Oregon thrive and provide their residents with the best possible services.

About League of Oregon Cities:

Founded in 1925, the League of Oregon Cities (LOC) is a voluntary association representing all 241 of Oregon's incorporated cities. The LOC helps city governments serve their citizens by providing legislative advocacy services, policy consultation, intergovernmental relations assistance, networking and training, technical assistance, and publications.

About Avenu Insights & Analytics:

Over 3,500 state and local governments have partnered with Avenu to drive positive results for their communities through software administration and revenue recovery solutions. Avenu's comprehensive software solutions digitally transform government by modernizing processes, providing online access to records, and reducing costs. Avenu also provides a robust ecosystem of revenue management services that identify and recover untapped revenue. State and local governments work closely with Avenu to increase revenue without raising taxes, streamline internal operations, and improve services by enhancing connectivity for constituents. Avenu is a portfolio company of Mill Point Capital. To learn more, visit https://www.avenuinsights.com/.

About Mill Point Capital:

Mill Point Capital LLC is a private equity firm focused on control investments in lower-middle market companies across the business services, technology and industrials sectors in North America. Mill Point's experienced team of investors and Executive Partners seek portfolio company value enhancement through rigorous implementation of transformative strategic initiatives and operational improvements. Mill Point is based in New York, NY. For more information, please visit https://millpoint.com/.

Avenu Insights & Analytics (Avenu), the leading provider of revenue recovery and administration solutions for state and local governments, is proud to announce its partnership with the League of Oregon Cities (LOC). As part of this collaboration, Avenu will offer its expertise in various subjects to cities across Oregon, helping them maximize revenue, maintain compliance, and improve their operations.

Related link: https://www.avenuinsights.com/

Combating Inflation: Inked Gaming Lowers Prices on Print-on-Demand Gear

CORVALLIS, Ore. /ScoopCloud/ -- As inflation continues to rise, Inked Gaming is doing its part to help keep their customers happy and coming back for more. With budgets tight, many people are focused on ensuring everyday needs are met, while tending to cut back on the things that make their days a bit brighter. That's why the Inked Gaming team have decided to make their signature pieces for gamers more accessible and affordable than ever.

General costs may be up, but creativity is still at an all-time high among gamers, breakers, streamers and dreamers who wish to put a personal touch on their favorite pastimes. So, Inked Gaming has lowered the prices of its print-on-demand products by at least seven percent.

This decision came directly from Inked Gaming's founder and CEO, Thomas Pool, who said in a letter to all customers, "We know how important it is to have an outlet for creativity and relaxation, especially during these challenging times. That's why we want to make sure that our high-quality gaming products are within reach, even as the world around us changes."

By cutting the prices of their print-on-demand products, the Inked Gaming team gives gamers the chance to keep being creative, without breaking the bank. Customers can use this seven percent price reduction to update their setup, snag some new gear to explore, or even double up on purchases, without worrying as much about cost.

Shopping and personalizing gear should be a fun and affordable experience. And, while this has always been Inked Gaming's mission, it's even more important now when so many are struggling to stay within the bounds of their budget.

"Whether people are into card games, board games, PC games or tabletop role playing games (RPGs), we've got them covered with our wide selection of custom playmats, mousepads, dice bags and more," Pool says.

About Inked Gaming:

Based in Corvallis, Oregon, Inked Gaming is built by gamers for gamers. Since 2011, it's been a top supplier of premium gaming gear and has provided its customers with pre-designed and custom goods to enhance their gaming experience. These goods include playmats, mousepads, dice bags and more. Whether it's Pokémon, Magic: The Gathering(MTG), Dungeons and Dragons (D&D), Flesh and Blood, or any other tabletop game, Inked Gaming helps gamers step up their style and game.

For more information: https://www.inkedgaming.com/

As inflation continues to rise, Inked Gaming is doing its part to help keep their customers happy and coming back for more. With budgets tight, many people are focused on ensuring everyday needs are met, while tending to cut back on the things that make their days a bit brighter. That's why the Inked Gaming team have decided to make their signature pieces for gamers more accessible and affordable than ever.

Related link: https://www.inkedgaming.com/

Acoem Acoustic Threat Detection, Archer Energy Solutions, and CIP-014 Standard – A perfect fit!

GRANTS PASS, Ore. /ScoopCloud/ -- Gun violence is a growing concern that affects every aspect of our lives. In response, Acoem has developed its Acoustic Threat Detection technology, a military-proven solution that is now available for civilian use. The technology has been refined over 30 years through constant innovation and millions of gunshot data collected from multiple combat theaters.

A growing threat facing our nation today is gun damage to critical infrastructure, with recent incidents of rogue gunmen shooting and damaging electric substations. To address this growing concern, Acoem is proud to partner with Archer to provide companies and service providers a solution to meet evolving security regulations through effective risk-based physical security programs.

Archer specializes in assessing, consulting, and testing to ensure compliance with NERC standards, including CIP-014, which recommends the use of Acoustic Detection to provide real-time alarms and awareness of gunshots or explosions as they happen. Acoem and Archer make a strong team, with Archer providing expertise in compliance and Acoem and its integration partners offering expertise in acoustic threats and physical security technology.

"We are creating a solid partnership to help companies and service providers stay updated with evolving security standards through risk-based physical security controls. Archer is excited to partner with Acoem to bring remarkable technology and value to our client's physical security and compliance demands. At the same time, help identify attacks at the earliest moment," said Nick Weber, Archer's Managing Partner.

Learn more about securing substations and other remote critical infrastructure, the Acoem ATD technology, and Archer services, by registering for an upcoming webinar on February 27, 2023.

Our teams will discuss these critical topics and provide insights on how to develop a comprehensive security and a response plan to mitigate ballistic attacks on critical infrastructure.

WEBINAR REGISTRATION LINK:

https://archerint.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_3GlH7BXXSRikTL3UHFpJvA

LEARN MORE:

Acoem ATD: https://acoematd.com/

Archer Energy Solutions: https://archerint.com/

Gun violence is a growing concern that affects every aspect of our lives. In response, Acoem has developed its Acoustic Threat Detection technology, a military-proven solution that is now available for civilian use. The technology has been refined over 30 years through constant innovation and millions of gunshot data collected from multiple combat theaters.

Related link: https://acoematd.com/

Singing Dog Vanilla’s newest product, Organic Vanilla Syrup, opens a wide range of beverage and baking options for vanilla enthusiasts

EUGENE, Ore. /ScoopCloud/ -- Singing Dog Vanilla is adding to its diverse line of high-quality vanilla products by introducing organic vanilla syrup made with their signature double-strength vanilla extract. Singing Dog Vanilla's vanilla products are used in bakeries, coffee shops, breweries, scoop shops, restaurants, and distilleries across the United States. For most of the company's history, customers have asked about the possibility of vanilla syrup, and now the wait is finally over.

Singing Dog Vanilla's organic vanilla syrup will start hitting shelves and be used in coffee shops and more throughout the summer of 2022. It is available on their website now.

The syrup will add a pure and complex vanilla flavor to teas, lattes, iced coffee, Italian sodas, cocktails, and much more.

"We don't typically add any kind of syrup to our coffee here at the shop, but we've consistently found ourselves adding a splash of Singing Dog Vanilla's syrup to our morning cup of coffee ever since we first started helping them test their new syrup," Eric Pierce, Owner of Caffe Pacori in Eugene, OR, said. "Caffe Pacori customers have loved the smooth vanilla flavor that the syrup added without being full of corn syrup like most flavored syrups on the market. This organic syrup is perfect for all coffee lovers."

For more information about Singing Dog Vanilla's Organic Vanilla Syrup, visit: https://www.singingdogvanilla.com/product/organic-vanilla-syrup/

About Singing Dog Vanilla:

Founded on April Fool's Day in 2004, Singing Dog Vanilla has offices in Eugene, Oregon, and Phoenixville, Pennsylvania. They partner with over 500 vanilla-growing families in Indonesia to bring organic vanilla products to food manufacturers, bakeries, scoop shops, restaurants, and breweries. Singing Dog Vanilla also has a full line of retail products sold in natural grocery stores across the USA and internationally. Profits are shared with their vanilla farmers and employees.

The Singing Dog Vanilla motto is "Silly Name ... Serious Vanilla."

Learn more at https://www.singingdogvanilla.com/

MULTIMEDIA:

*VIDEO (YouTube): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WDD2GcZNpzI

Singing Dog Vanilla is adding to its diverse line of high-quality vanilla products by introducing organic vanilla syrup made with their signature double-strength vanilla extract. Singing Dog Vanilla's vanilla products are used in bakeries, coffee shops, breweries, scoop shops, restaurants, and distilleries across the United States.

Related link: https://www.singingdogvanilla.com/

Singing Dog Vanilla Sponsors a New Guinea Singing Dog From a Wildlife Sanctuary

EUGENE, Ore. /ScoopCloud/ -- Singing Dog Vanilla has partnered with Wizard of Paws Wildlife Education & Conservation Inc. in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Vanilla company, known for its silly name, will sponsor a New Guinea Singing Dog named Kora Nakako. They will help support the animal's well-being and educate their fans about the breed.

The company chose the name Singing Dog Vanilla after these dogs and to honor the first Fair Trade Plus+ Farmers in Papua New Guinea. The farmers found the name hilarious. Co-Founders Bill Wiedeman and Marty Parisien felt a silly name was perfect for the brand.

"We're thrilled to work with Wizard of Paws Wildlife Education. The opportunity to follow Kora and learn about these animals is very exciting. We hope our fans will enjoy learning about these dogs from a closer perspective," said Marty Parisien, the company's co-founder.

Singing Dogs are a rare but fascinating species native to the island of Papua New Guinea. One of the many unique qualities of these dogs is that they do not bark; instead, they "sing."

Wizard of Paws Wildlife and Singing Dog Vanilla hope to learn more about this captivating species. Studying Kora will help preserve the New Guinea Singing Dog for years to come.

To learn more and hear these dogs sing, visit: https://www.singingdogvanilla.com/get-to-know-kora-nakako-the-papua-new-guinea-singing-dog/

About Singing Dog Vanilla:

Founded on April Fool's Day in 2004, Singing Dog Vanilla has offices in Eugene, Oregon, and Phoenixville, Pennsylvania. They partner with over 500 vanilla-growing families in Indonesia to bring organic vanilla products to food manufacturers, bakeries, scoop shops, restaurants, and breweries. Singing Dog Vanilla also has a full line of retail products sold in natural grocery stores across the USA and internationally. Profits are shared with their vanilla farmers and employees.

The Singing Dog Vanilla's motto is "Silly Name ... Serious Vanilla."

Learn more at https://www.singingdogvanilla.com/

*VIDEO (YouTube): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_DbqR6tLKYg

Singing Dog Vanilla has partnered with Wizard of Paws Wildlife Education & Conservation Inc. in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Vanilla company, known for its silly name, will sponsor a New Guinea Singing Dog named Kora Nakako. They will help support the animal's well-being and educate their fans about the breed.

Related link: https://www.singingdogvanilla.com/

Dementia Map Plans for Future Growth Through New Affiliate Program

PORTLAND, Ore. /ScoopCloud/ -- JADCOM Media LLC announced today that its Dementia Map Global Resource Directory, which includes an Events Calendar, Glossary, and more, now offers an Affiliate Program. The Dementia Map Affiliate Program will enable both professionals and individuals supporting the dementia community to capitalize on their respective audiences when recommending Dementia Map as a marketing and brand visibility tool.

Dementia Map designed the Affiliate Program to be easy to use and beneficial to all parties. Approved affiliates are assigned a unique Discount Code. When companies, professionals, and individuals use that Discount Code, they receive a discount off one of Dementia Map's paid plans, the affiliate earns a commission, Dementia Map expands its resource base, and visitors enjoy a richer collection of dementia-related resources.

Positive Approach to Care (PAC) is First Dementia Map Affiliate:

As the first affiliate under the Dementia Map Affiliate Program, Teepa Snow's Positive Approach® to Care (PAC) will bring value to the PAC community and beyond, and greatly expand Dementia Map's visibility.

"The affiliation and collaboration between Dementia Map and Positive Approach to Care is an important step forward in how we change the world for people seeking help when the brain changes of dementia happen," says Teepa Snow of Positive Approach to Care. "It is vital to unite efforts to provide a centralized location for individuals and professionals who are seeking information and options, with those who are offering support and opportunities to learn and change."

About Positive Approach to Care:

Positive Approach to Care (PAC) - https://www.TeepaSnow.com - was founded by Teepa Snow in 2006, and now collaborates to improve dementia care in over thirty countries worldwide. PAC provides online and in-person services, training, and products to professionals, family members, and the general public, with the mission of creating a more inclusive culture for people living with brain change.

PAC offerings include educational video clips, DVDs, books, information on individual certifications, online support groups, virtual and onsite trainings, and a free monthly newsletter.

Follow Positive Approach to Care on Facebook (@teepasnows.pac), YouTube (@teepasnow), TikTok (@teepasnow), Twitter (@teepasnow), Pinterest (@positiveapproach), and LinkedIn (@positive-approach-llc).

About Dementia Map:

Dementia Map Global Resource Directory - https://www.dementiamap.com - is free for visitors to search for dementia-related and other caregiving resources. In addition to its Resource Directory, it offers an Events Calendar with both virtual and in-person events published by Dementia Map members. The Dementia Map Glossary explains many common (and not so common) terms in simple, straightforward, three-sentence descriptions. A blog shares unique and valuable perspectives from the Dementia Map member community.

Resources can join Dementia Map through a no cost plan and two paid tiers. Paid plan members receive substantially more visibility and active promotion through on-site ads and social media posts.

Visit https://www.dementiamap.com/affiliate to learn more about the Dementia Map Affiliate program.

Follow Dementia Map on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Find them at @demmapgrd.

Dementia Map is a joint effort between Lori La Bey of Alzheimer's Speaks, and Dave Wiederrich of Memory Cafe Directory. Dementia Map is wholly owned by JADCOM Media LLC, an online media publishing company based in Portland, Oregon.

ADCOM Media LLC announced today that its Dementia Map Global Resource Directory, which includes an Events Calendar, Glossary, and more, now offers an Affiliate Program. Dementia Map Global Resource Directory is free for visitors to search for dementia-related and other caregiving resources.

Related link: https://www.dementiamap.com/

Church of Scientology Portland Celebrates its History and its Future

PORTLAND, Ore. /ScoopCloud/ -- May 11 marks the ninth anniversary of the Ideal Church of Scientology of Portland. The Church invites everyone to visit - whether in person or online. The Portland Church of Scientology holds a very special place in the hearts and minds of Scientologists. At the dedication of the Church on May 11, 2013, Scientology ecclesiastical leader Mr. David Miscavige explained why.

Portland was the site of the 1985 Scientology Religious Freedom Crusade. Tens of thousands of Scientologists and other religious freedom advocates joined Portland Scientologists to protect their right to practice their religion in the face of a legal decision that violated First Amendment rights.

For some 60 days, they assembled for peaceful marches, concerts and candlelight vigils. And, in the end, the decision was reversed in a landmark legal victory affirming religious freedom in America.

"Portland was our test," said Mr. Miscavige at the grand opening of the new Church. "It was a test of our resolve, our fortitude and determination to avert a grave assault on the First Amendment of the United States Constitution. So when you look at where we stand today, remember it was all because our voices were heard."

That victory not only guaranteed "our inherent right to spiritual salvation," said Mr. Miscavige, but it was also "intrinsically linked to tolerance, brotherhood and the right of every faith to champion the divinity of humankind... And so I ask that you now extend your help to all who would dream of such a freedom, so they too may realize their destiny."

As it does in many cities, the Church meticulously preserved a building of historical importance. Its new home, the Sherlock Building, is recognized as among the most noteworthy late-19th- century structures in Portland.

The Church welcomes anyone wishing to visit to come right in. And those who can't make it in person are invited to do so through the Scientology Network.

Destination: Scientology-Portland is an episode of an original series on the Scientology Network that takes viewers inside Scientology Churches all around the world and discovers what makes each one unique.

The Church of Scientology Portland is an Ideal Scientology Organization, configured to service Scientologists in their ascent to spiritual freedom and serve as a home for the entire community - a meeting ground of cooperative effort to uplift people of all denominations.

The Scientology Network debuted in 2018. Since launching, with a special episode featuring Mr. Miscavige, it has been viewed in 240 countries and territories worldwide in 17 languages.

Satisfying the curiosity of people about Scientology, the network takes viewers across six continents, spotlighting the everyday lives of Scientologists, showing the Church as a global organization, and presenting its social betterment programs that have touched the lives of millions worldwide. The network also showcases documentaries by independent filmmakers who represent a cross-section of cultures and faiths, but share a common purpose of uplifting communities.

Broadcast from Scientology Media Productions, the Church's global media center in Los Angeles, the Scientology Network can be streamed at Scientology.tv and is available through satellite television, mobile apps and via the Roku, Amazon Fire and Apple TV platforms.

LEARN MORE:

https://www.scientology-portland.org

https://www.scientology.tv/series/destination-scientology/portland.html

https://www.scientology.org/scientology-today/church-openings/grand-opening-scientology-ideal-organization-portland.html

May 11 marks the ninth anniversary of the Ideal Church of Scientology of Portland. The Church invites everyone to visit - whether in person or online. The Portland Church of Scientology holds a very special place in the hearts and minds of Scientologists.

Related link: https://www.scientology.org/

Strange & The Familiars Create A Mesmerizing Trip Into The Bizarre With New Video ‘Agent Strange!’

PORTLAND, Ore. /ScoopCloud/ -- After successfully teaming up in 2021 to create the grim & gritty video for the title-track "Pretty Deadly" from their debut EP, it was a foregone conclusion that the right person to take on the brand-new single by Strange & The Familiars this year, would once again be none other than Jordan Henline of 88.8 Films.

With an otherworldly concept shot in the heart of Portland in the Pacific Northwest, "Agent Strange" is a bold introduction to the persona of Stephanie Strange, an "impartial observer" tasked with documenting the bizarre events & people of planet Earth. Attempting to uncover the details of her own origin story while witnessing the shocking horrors of extremely real issues faced in daily human life - what Strange has absorbed has warped the mechanics of her mind, rendering her into an unreliable narrator whose perspective is askew and untethered to any kind of recognizable reality that would provide any comfort.

She hears voices, she both sees & talks with ghosts, she finds solace in nature, and is genuinely mortified by the way humanity abuses such beauty without sparing a second thought towards the impact of global warming, social inequities, or the pure butchery of Earth's uniquely special, yet finite, natural resources. Dancing as the world is ending and the atmosphere is closing in, Strange & The Familiars take viewers & listeners on a final tour of a dying planet, done in by its own erratic indifferences & callous carelessness.

From mythical & magical forest scenes & imagery laden with the true majesty of nature, to the furthest reaches of outer space & aliens monitoring our every move "Agent Strange" is as insightfully artistic & compelling as it is authentically fun & entertaining. With the X-factor talents & soulful vocals of Strange alongside the exquisite instrumentation and musicianship of The Familiars, combined with the visionary expertise of Jordan's direction & the proud support of the entire 88.8 Films crew - "Agent Strange" has become a groundbreaking video & single capable of taking them all straight to the next-level & beyond.

"Agent Strange" is the lead cut & gateway into the new album Strange World by Strange & The Familiars - it's a wildly unforgettable experience & officially available on every major music platform online now!

Watch the Music Video: https://youtu.be/HEpTZn8UvX8

Listen to the Single here: https://open.spotify.com/track/1GJNavX499pEkKj8mTsVeW?si=35abefd4b031445f

Visit Strange & The Familiars Home Page here: https://www.strangeandthefamiliars.com/

After successfully teaming up in 2021 to create the grim & gritty video for the title-track "Pretty Deadly" from their debut EP, it was a foregone conclusion that the right person to take on the brand-new single by Strange & The Familiars this year, would once again be none other than Jordan Henline of 88.8 Films.

Related link: https://www.strangeandthefamiliars.com/

Thousands Brave the Frigid February Waters for A Record-Breaking 2022 Polar Plunge Benefiting Special Olympics Oregon

PORTLAND, Ore. /ScoopCloud/ -- Oregonians have a longstanding and beloved winter tradition of Plunging into the frigid waters each February to raise money and awareness for Special Olympics Oregon (SOOR) athletes. Last month, donning their wildest costumes and swimming attire, more than 2,400 brave (some might say crazy) supporters gathered to take the Polar Plunge.

The 2022 event took place in seven locations throughout the State (Portland, Salem, Corvallis, Eugene, Bend, Medford, and Warrenton) with the largest, Rose City Polar Plunge, taking place at Willamette Park in Portland on Saturday, February 26, 2022. After a year of virtual Plunging to support athletes, SOOR was more excited than ever to relaunch this signature fundraising event with the addition of two new cities and expanding the Polar 5K|10K fun run across the state.

With water temperatures registering in the low 40 degrees, this rambunctious annual event continued to make a splash as one of the most chilling and thrilling fundraisers in Oregon. This year's Polar Plunge was exceeding exciting, not only because it saw Plungers returning in-person, but also because it broke all previous fundraising records for Special Olympics Oregon. Plungers across the state raised more than $479,000 so far - with funds continuing to roll in throughout the month of March. The 2022 Rose City Polar Plunge, Polar 5K|10K, and Super Plunge in Portland raised a record-breaking $282,000.

The 2022 Rose City Polar Plunge was made possible by the generous support of statewide and local sponsors: Law Enforcement Torch Run of Oregon, Clackamas Federal Credit Union, Lithia & Driveway, Mattress World Northwest, Jiffy Lube, T-Mobile, Aerotek, Aston Carter, Actalent, Swire Coca-Cola, Hyatt, Southwest, Specialty Athletic Training, Starbucks, and Papa John's.

About Special Olympics Oregon:

Special Olympics Oregon serves more than 14,000 participants with intellectual disabilities year-round and statewide through the organization's life changing sports programs. Athletes gain self-confidence, social competency, develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy, and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills, and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes, and the community. Learn more at https://soor.org/.

Oregonians have a longstanding and beloved winter tradition of Plunging into the frigid waters each February to raise money and awareness for Special Olympics Oregon (SOOR) athletes. Last month, donning their wildest costumes and swimming attire, more than 2,400 brave (some might say crazy) supporters gathered to take the Polar Plunge.

Related link: https://soor.org/

Linn Benton Lincoln Education Service District in Oregon Selects Synergy Education Platform

ALBANY, Ore. /ScoopCloud/ -- Edupoint Educational Systems announced today that Linn Benton Lincoln Education Service District (LBL ESD) has selected the company's industry-leading Synergy® Student Education Platform for its K-12 student information and learning management needs. The consortium's Synergy solution will include Synergy Student Information System (SIS), Synergy Online Registration, Synergy MTSS, Synergy Analytics, and Synergy Special Education (SE). LBL ESD serves over 33,000 students across 12 school districts and more than 89 schools in Linn, Benton, and Lincoln counties.

Linn Benton Lincoln ESD leadership began to look seriously at replacing their in-house SIS after noting significant advances made within the student data management industry in recent years. The consortium issued an RFP and embarked on a rigorous three-round evaluation process, narrowing the pool of contenders based on the ability of each system to meet an extensive list of requirements. The evaluation team decided on two finalists following a series of user-focused product demonstrations and selected Synergy Education Platform in the final round after consulting with numerous districts using each solution. The evaluation process included users with a broad range of roles and job titles, with participants from all 12 component districts.

Synergy Education Platform is a comprehensive student data management ecosystem that provides the real-time performance data educators need to improve learning outcomes for students while also helping districts streamline processes, improve communication, and increase collaboration. Synergy provides student information management, online registration, learning management, assessment, MTSS, special education, and analytics in one seamless platform that includes a powerful suite of native, role-based mobile apps.

"Of the many products we looked at, Synergy stood out not only for its functional capabilities but also for its intuitive design and the ability for users - including parents - to do everything in once place," said Tim Jones, Deputy Information Technology Manager at LBL ESD. "We offer a fully-fledged helpdesk to all of our districts, so we wanted not only a SIS that would work well for our users, but also a partnership that would enable us to provide the level of support that our districts are accustomed to receiving. After speaking with Edupoint, we felt we had found that partner."

"Through Linn Benton Lincoln ESD's selection of Synergy Education Platform, the consortium's component districts and schools will have the opportunity to adopt a powerful, centralized data management ecosystem with an extensive toolset rich in advanced features," said Bob Weathers, Founder and CEO at Edupoint. "We look forward to partnering with the district over the long term to provide users with a robust, evolving data management system that supports positive learning outcomes for all students."

Learn more at: https://www.edupoint.com/Products/Synergy-Education-Platform

About Edupoint

For over 35 years, the leadership of Edupoint Educational Systems has provided well-designed, technologically advanced student data management systems that empower K-12 stakeholders to improve student achievement. Synergy Education Platform by Edupoint is an industry-leading student data management ecosystem built to fit the way educators already work. Synergy is unique among K-12 student data management solutions in providing an array of role-based mobile apps designed to give all stakeholders access to the tools they need when and where they need them. More than 5 million students use Synergy in 22 states. Learn more: https://www.edupoint.com/.

Edupoint Educational Systems announced today that Linn Benton Lincoln Education Service District (LBL ESD) has selected the company's industry-leading Synergy® Student Education Platform for its K-12 student information and learning management needs.

Related link: https://www.edupoint.com/

Oregon Youth Soccer Makes a Five Year Commitment to Grow Participation with U.S. Soccer Connect

PLANO, Texas /ScoopCloud/ -- Oregon Youth Soccer Association, the governing body for US Youth Soccer in Oregon, and U.S. Soccer Connect powered by Stack Sports have announced a five-year extension of their long-standing partnership.

For over 10 years, Stack Sports has served as a trusted partner of Oregon Youth Soccer, providing sports management technology solutions for the state association, its member clubs and associations, and the participating players, coaches, families, and volunteers.

"We are excited to continue our partnership with U.S. Soccer Connect to further our vision of providing the tools our volunteers and staff need to manage their clubs, so they can focus on bettering young players on and off the field," said Roberta Cloutier, Executive Director of Oregon Youth Soccer Association. "Extending this partnership ensures our members have access to dependable club management technology to keep their season running smoothly."

Currently powering over 20,000 clubs as well as 50 National Governing Bodies and State Associations, Stack Sports will continue to deliver best-in-class technology and service through the U.S. Soccer Connect platform, an exclusive version of Sports Connect developed in conjunction with U.S. Soccer. The platform provides club management solutions including athlete safety features, Mobile-First Registration, email and text, comprehensive financial reporting, automated coach compliance, and direct integration with the U.S. Soccer Federation.

"We are thrilled for the opportunity to continue collaborating and developing innovative solutions for years to come with Oregon Youth Soccer and its member clubs," said Adam Abney, General Manager of Sports Connect. "We greatly value long-term partners like OYSA that commit the time and resources needed so that we can continue to grow the game of soccer together."

This connected ecosystem of U.S. Soccer Connect was built to reduce the number of administrative hours spent by volunteers and staff annually and will continue to improve the connectedness of the game globally.

In addition to Oregon Youth Soccer's partnership with U.S. Soccer Connect, the state is also deeply committed to teaching life skills through Stack Sports' Skyhawks Sports Academy, the leader in providing safe, fun, and skill-based sports experiences for kids.

About Oregon Youth Soccer Association

Oregon Youth Soccer Association ("OYSA"), founded in 1974, is a nonprofit youth organization that administers, supports and grows soccer across the state of Oregon. The organization's mission is to foster an environment that promotes the physical, mental and emotional development of Oregon's youth through the sport of soccer. For more information, visit https://oregonyouthsoccer.org/.

About Stack Sports

With nearly 50 million users in 35 countries, Stack Sports is a global technology leader in SaaS platform offerings for the sports industry. The company provides world-class software and services to support national governing bodies, youth sports associations, leagues, clubs, parents, coaches, and athletes. Some of the largest and most prominent sports organizations, including the U.S. Soccer Federation, Little League Baseball and Softball, and Pop Warner Little Scholars, rely on Stack Sports technology to run and manage their organizations. Stack Sports is headquartered in Dallas and is leading the industry one team at a time focusing on three key pillars - Play, Improve, and Engage. To learn more about how Stack Sports is transforming the sports experience, please visit https://stacksports.com/.

Oregon Youth Soccer Association, the governing body for US Youth Soccer in Oregon, and U.S. Soccer Connect powered by Stack Sports have announced a five-year extension of their long-standing partnership.

Related link: https://stacksports.com/

Breast Cancer Patient Seeks Help with Funding for Proven Alternative Cancer Therapy

OREGON CITY, Ore. /ScoopCloud/ -- When Dee Lake found out she had an aggressive form of breast cancer this past September, she decided to take matters into her own hands. Not typically the type of person to ask for help, she put her qualms aside and launched a GoFundMe campaign where she's asking for $45,500 - the amount needed to start treatments at CMN Hospital for Alternative Cancer Treatment. She's already been accepted as a patient, but her insurance doesn't cover this type of care. A bed is waiting for her 28-day treatment, but she needs financial help to begin.

Dee's breast cancer is invasive and fast-growing and has spread to her lymph; she has to act quickly.

"CMN's extraordinary treatment program could potentially save my life," she says. "I'm calling on everyone I know - and don't know - for their help and to be my angels. The hospital has a five-star rating on the world's largest cancer resource and I am hoping I will be able to get there quickly."

While $45,500 will pay for the initial 28-day treatment, any money raised above and beyond that amount will go towards add-on treatments and aftercare.

To date, Dee has met about 20 percent of her goal. While she's waiting to begin treatment, she's been working on writing a series of romantic short reads that are all about true love and have happy endings. As a small incentive, she's offering a free copy of one of these reads to anyone who donates on her GoFundMe page and leaves their email here: https://gofund.me/59a54c3e.

"Prior to writing these short reads, I was a health and wellness professional who had to quickly pivot when COVID hit," she says. "I'm a survivor. I'm calling on anyone and everyone to be an 'angel for Dee,'" she says. "I need my own happy ending."

Learn more about who Dee Lake is here: https://youtu.be/2y45-wzUwNw.

About CMN Alternative Cancer Treatment

Founded in 1986 by Dr. Payan Garcia, CMN Hospital is located in San Luis, Mexico. This full-service health facility includes a state-of-the-art, alternative cancer treatment (ACT) program - the first of its kind. CMN Hospital's ACT program was launched 13 years ago and is very comprehensive and formulated to simultaneously boost the immune system, destroy harmful pathogens and gently detoxify the body. People diagnosed with cancer of various stages travel worldwide to receive CMN's advanced ACT program.

Learn more about CMN Hospital's ACT program: https://www.cmnalternativecancertreatment.com/.

When Dee Lake found out she had an aggressive form of breast cancer this past September, she decided to take matters into her own hands. Not typically the type of person to ask for help, she put her qualms aside and launched a GoFundMe campaign where she's asking for $45,500 - the amount needed to start treatments at CMN Hospital for Alternative Cancer Treatment.

Related link: https://gofund.me/59a54c3e

Nick Hess Announces Run for Oregon Governor

TIGARD, Ore. /ScoopCloud/ -- Nick Hess, local business owner and entrepreneur, announced today his candidacy for the Republican nomination as Oregon Governor for the 2022 election.

Mr. Hess is running as a moderate, fiscal conservative in hopes of bringing Oregonians together.

About Nick Hess

Nick Hess is an entrepreneur and business owner. He is a lifelong Oregonian. He grew up in Portland and graduated from Lincoln High School. At age 14, he started his first company--a residential IT business. With 21 years of real-world, business experience, Mr. Hess is well-versed in managing budgets, fostering relationships, and creating opportunities for growth.

Currently, he acts as CEO and owner of:

* SureTec IT (a cybersecurity and IT managed services provider located in Tigard, OR & Dayton, OH),

* SureTel (a nationwide VoIP telecommunications company),

* Cookin' Class ( a cooking class business he owns and operates with his wife, Christy, in Tigard, OR).

In addition, he is father to a 9-year-old son.

About Vote Hess Campaign

Nick Hess is running for all Oregonians stuck in the middle of the political divide. He is looking to give a voice to those who feel forgotten and left behind.

Mr. Hess's campaign is focused on common-sense solutions for Oregon. As a business owner, he is comfortable making tough decisions, negotiating, and finding common ground.

His campaign will center around 4 main principles:

* Transparency
o Building trust through transparency. Oregonians should be allowed access to budget information and data collected by state agencies.

* Voice
o Giving Oregonians a voice through the creation of the Oregon Ideas Portal (www.ideasoregon.com). Every Oregonian--regardless of party affiliation--can directly voice their ideas, opinions, and concerns. Creating real change begins with a conversation.

* Re-envision
o Establish accountability and realistic solutions to Oregon's drug and homelessness problem. Change the national image of Oregon and increase state tourism.
o Additionally, he wants to reinvigorate the police force by giving them the tools they need to operate effectively in 2022.

* Improve
o Modernize and future-proof both Oregon's digital and physical infrastructure by utilizing modern technology.

To learn more about Nick Hess visit https://votehess.com

-Logo: https://votehess.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/VoteHessLogo.png

-Nick photo: https://votehess.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Nick_Hess_Governor-scaled.jpg

PAID FOR BY HESS FOR OREGON

Nick Hess, local business owner and entrepreneur, announced today his candidacy for the Republican nomination as Oregon Governor for the 2022 election. Mr. Hess is running as a moderate, fiscal conservative in hopes of bringing Oregonians together.

Related link: https://votehess.com/

Singing Dog Vanilla Hires New Marketing Professional from The University of Oregon

EUGENE, Ore. /ScoopCloud/ -- Singing Dog Vanilla is proud to welcome Andrew Gillen to the team as our new marketing specialist. Andrew will be responsible for engaging with our fans via social media, communicating with the blogging/influencer community, and connecting with food industry groups. He will also be accountable for monitoring search traffic and media to discover market-related trends.

Andrew, a 2021 graduate from the University of Oregon in Eugene, holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration / Marketing. Andrew is excited to join the team and apply his skills to help Singing Dog Vanilla's marketing efforts and be the voice of Singing Dog Vanilla.

As a recent college graduate, Andrew will bring a fresh mind full of new ideas to the company. Singing Dog Vanilla's hire exemplifies the growing pipeline of the University of Oregon and Oregon State University students finding roles at Eugene, Oregon, area brands.

"We're finding that many students choose to pursue food business dreams at The University of Oregon primarily because of the opportunities to apply their studies directly via internships and job opportunities at local brands," says Micah Elconin, Director of Eugene's Table, a partnership of Eugene area brands. "With 172 food and beverage manufacturing companies in the county, there's a lot of great work to be done!"

For more information about Andrew, visit the Meet Our Team page at https://www.singingdogvanilla.com/meet-our-team/.

About Singing Dog Vanilla:

Founded on April Fool's Day in 2004, Singing Dog Vanilla has offices in Eugene, Oregon, and Phoenixville, Pennsylvania. They partner with over 400 vanilla-growing families in Indonesia to bring organic vanilla products to food manufacturers, bakeries, scoop shops, restaurants, and breweries. Singing Dog Vanilla also has a full line of retail products sold in natural grocery stores across the USA and internationally. Profits are shared with their vanilla farmers and employees.

The Singing Dog Vanilla motto is "Silly Name ... Serious Vanilla."

Learn more at https://www.singingdogvanilla.com/

*VIDEO (YouTube): https://youtu.be/WDD2GcZNpzI

Singing Dog Vanilla is proud to welcome Andrew Gillen to the team as our new marketing specialist. Andrew will be responsible for engaging with our fans via social media, communicating with the blogging / influencer community, and connecting with food industry groups.

Related link: https://www.singingdogvanilla.com/

Agri-Investment Services Hires Willamette Valley Representative

SALEM, Ore. /ScoopCloud/ -- Agri-Investment Services recently employed Kendall Vasek-Jones as their Willamette Valley Representative in Oregon. Ms. Vasek-Jones has degrees in Viticulture-Enology and Wine Business Management from Washington State University and was previously employed by Chateau Ste. Michelle in Washington.

Brett Veatch, Regional Director of Agri-Investment Services, states: "Kendall is a fantastic addition to our growing team. She brings a wealth of knowledge and will be a great asset to our clients in the vineyard and winery sector."

In additional to her expertise in viticulture, Ms. Vasek-Jones also has experience with many of the field crops grown in the Northwest and livestock operations. She will assist the Regional Director's office and work with clients throughout the Willamette Valley on valuation, marketing and brokerage services.

About Agri-Investment Services:

Agri-Investment Services is the agricultural and natural resources division of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Northwest Real Estate which has more than 30 locations in Oregon and Washington. As the leading Oregon farm broker, Agri-Investment Services specializes in assisting clients with the acquisition and disposition of farm, forest, ranch and recreational assets throughout the Northwest.

To learn more about Agri-Investment Services please visit: https://www.agriinvestmentservices.com/ or call 503-708-4663.

MULTIMEDIA

VIDEO (Vimeo): https://vimeo.com/476550747

Agri-Investment Services recently employed Kendall Vasek-Jones as their Willamette Valley Representative in Oregon. Ms. Vasek-Jones has degrees in Viticulture-Enology and Wine Business Management from Washington State University and was previously employed by Chateau Ste. Michelle in Washington.

Related link: https://www.agriinvestmentservices.com/

Agri-Investment Services Hires Central Oregon Representative

SALEM, Ore. /ScoopCloud/ -- Agri-Investment Services recently employed George Riggins as their Central Oregon Representative. Mr. Riggins has a degree in Business Marketing from Carolina University and was previously employed as a market analyst for Fiat Chrysler and as a marketing executive for the Zane Firm.

Brett Veatch, Regional Director of Agri-Investment Services, states: "George is a wonderful asset to our growing team. He brings significant expertise and experience in market research, digital promotion and content creation."

George will assist the Regional Director's office to design marketing campaigns for assets throughout Oregon. He will also act as the Central Oregon lead for the Farm & Ranch Division. As the Farm & Ranch lead, George will represent brokerage clients throughout Central Oregon in the marketing and sale of farm, ranch and recreational real estate. George will operate out of Bend, Oregon.

Agri-Investment Services is the agricultural and natural resources division of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Northwest Real Estate which has more than 30 locations in Oregon and Washington. Agri-Investment Services specializes in assisting clients with the acquisition and disposition of farm, forest, ranch and recreational assets throughout the Northwest.

To learn more about Agri-Investment Services please visit: http://www.agriinvestmentservices.com/

For further information contact:
Brett Veatch - 503.212-2735

MULTIMEDIA:

*VIDEO: https://vimeo.com/476550747

Agri-Investment Services recently employed George Riggins as their Central Oregon Representative. Mr. Riggins has a degree in Business Marketing from Carolina University and was previously employed as a market analyst for Fiat Chrysler and as a marketing executive for the Zane Firm.

Related link: https://www.agriinvestmentservices.com/

Zootility Reimagines Beer Pong – A New Competitive Wall Game

PORTLAND, Maine /ScoopCloud/ -- Zootility, a design-driven U.S. manufacturing company, proudly announces the next great innovation in recreational games - a wall-hung beer pong game. Free Pong is quick to pick up and play and easily converts into minimal home decor when not being played.

The Free Pong design team recognized that traditional beer pong takes a lot of space to play, cups can get knocked over and spilled, and it's not a fit for most social gatherings. Free Pong is a vertical take on a classic drinking game that allows the game to be played quickly, cleanly, and in any home living space. It uses patent-pending Tension Grip Technology™ that locks brackets in place. The brackets or cups won't fall out even when struck by hard shots. The light design allows it to mount on any surface. When brackets are removed, Free Pong fits seamlessly into the living space as a piece of decorative wall art showcasing engraved mountain peak details.

Free Pong game play follows the same basic principles of beer pong. Alternating turns, the goal is to eliminate cups by landing shots in cups before your opponent. A two-board game of Free Pong can be played in teams, the first team to clear their board wins.

"Our company has always had an affinity for recreational games. During our Friday social hour, we started chatting about our own 'Zootility twist' on beer pong. We applied the idea to our laser cutting technology and Free Pong was born," says Nate Barr, Founder of Zootility.

Visit Zootility's Kickstarter page to pre-order your Free Pong, meet the creators, and learn more about the product that's bridging the gap between recreational games and interior decor: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/wall-pong/310474365?ref=3l29v9&token=fdb46462.

ABOUT ZOOTILITY:

Zootility designs, launches, and manufactures exciting functional everyday products that solve interesting problems using clever solutions, quality materials, and futuristic technology. For more information on Zootility, please visit https://zootility.com/.

*PHOTO link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/21-0504s2p-Zootility-beer-pong-300dpi.jpg

*Caption: Zootility introduces a wall-hung beer pong game that easily converts into minimal home decor when not being played.

Zootility, a design-driven U.S. manufacturing company, proudly announces the next great innovation in recreational games - a wall-hung beer pong game. Free Pong is quick to pick up and play and easily converts into minimal home décor when not being played.

Related link: https://zootility.com/

Portland, Oregon-based Western Machine Works Expands its Hydro Power Capabilities with the Hiring of Industry Pro, Rob Adams

PORTLAND, Ore. /ScoopCloud/ -- Western Machine Works, an engineering-focused equipment service and maintenance provider based in Portland, Oregon is pleased to announce the hiring of Rob Adams as a dedicated Hydro specialist, sales engineer to provide in-depth knowledge and expertise to its hydro clients.

Rob brings more than 13 years of experience in the Hydroelectric power industry. Previously with PGE (Portland General Electric), Rob was appointed primary maintenance engineer and was tasked to oversee the project management of hydro turbine and generator overhauls. Prior to PGE, Rob worked with Southern California Edison as a field engineer, and with Delaval Turbine/Engine division in California and overseas.

"Rob Adams is the ideal Hydro Sales Engineer to fuel our growth in the industry. He has the technical expertise, business growth mindset, and solid reputation in the hydro industry. I have worked with Rob on previous projects, and I know first-hand that what sets him apart is his work ethic. We are excited to work with Rob in building and growing relationships with the hydro power providers, O&Ms and OEM clients," said Frank Van Liew, President of Western Machine Works, LLC.

"I am pleased to work for Western Machine and look forward in helping fellow utility peers on repairing their vintage hydro components to ensure long-term reliability," Rob Adams added.

Hydropower accounts for over 90% of all electricity that comes from renewable resources, producing more than 90,000 megawatts of electricity annually. In the Northwest, up to 80% of electricity is produced by hydropower each year.

To learn more, visit: https://westernmachine.com/industries/hydro-power-services/.

About Western Machine Works:

Western Machine Works was founded in 1985 in Portland, Oregon, specializing in equipment repair, upgrades, and manufacture of heavy machinery, including critical hydro components such as turbine runners, wicket gates, turbine shafts, gate shift rings, and other precision equipment.

Visit https://westernmachine.com/ for more information.

*LOGO link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/21-0406s2p-wmworks-logo-300dpi.jpg

Western Machine Works, an engineering-focused equipment service and maintenance provider based in Portland, Oregon is pleased to announce the hiring of Rob Adams as a dedicated Hydro specialist, sales engineer to provide in-depth knowledge and expertise to its hydro clients.

Related link: https://westernmachine.com/

Book Release: How to Learn to Laugh at Humanity’s Self-Destruction

PORTLAND, Ore. /ScoopCloud/ -- Azaria Press has released "WE'RE DOOMED! A Humorous Exploration of Humanity's War Against Life." Award-winning humor writer Scott Erickson turns his attention to the most humorous issue of our time: Humanity's impending self-destruction!

Perhaps you've wondered whether there's a single root cause of our impending social-economic-environmental collapse. Guess what? There is!

The common cause is: Humanity is at war against life.

To examine this bold claim, Erickson spends a bit of time exploring the phenomenon of life. If we're at war with it, shouldn't we know what it is we're at war with? Also, it would probably be a good idea to know what life is, in case if we ever got the crazy idea to live in harmony with it or something like that.

The book includes the answer to the question: "WHAT IS THIS 'LIFE' THING, ANYWAY?"

The book also includes retirement advice, personal growth tips, and a great recipe for whiskey sours.

"WE'RE DOOMED! A Humorous Exploration of Humanity's War Against Life" is published by Azaria Press; ISBN: 978-09898311-9-2.

Available via Amazon.com: https://www.amazon.com/Were-Doomed-Humorous-Exploration-Humanitys/dp/0989831191

About the Author

Scott Erickson is an award-winning writer of humor and satire. His humorous works include the novel Icons are People, Too. His satirical works include the semi-satirical The History of the Decline and Fall of America. He is possibly the nicest curmudgeon you'll ever meet.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Visit http://www.scott-erickson-writer.com/ for more information, including: Full author bio and author Q&A.

Review copies available upon request.

PHOTO link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/21-0331s2p-DOOMED-book-300dpi.jpg

Azaria Press has released "WE'RE DOOMED! A Humorous Exploration of Humanity's War Against Life." Award-winning humor writer Scott Erickson turns his attention to the most humorous issue of our time: Humanity's impending self-destruction!

Related link: http://www.scott-erickson-writer.com/

Singing Dog Vanilla Introduces Organic Double Strength Pure Vanilla Extract for the home user

EUGENE, Ore. /ScoopCloud/ -- Singing Dog Vanilla is introducing an Organic Double Strength Pure Vanilla Extract to the retail market for use in making ice cream and boosting the vanilla flavor in baked goods. Until this launch, Singing Dog Vanilla's double strength vanilla extract was only available in commercial volumes for ice cream manufacturers and large food manufacturers.

The company decided to release a 4-ounce retail version of their double strength vanilla extract after it was recommended by Tyler Malek in his new book "Salt & Straw Ice Cream Cookbook" https://saltandstraw.com/products/ice-cream-cookbook. When homemade ice cream fans read the book, they started emailing and calling Singing Dog Vanilla asking to purchase their double strength vanilla extract. In response, they quickly made it available on their website with a plain-white label and then went to work preparing for a proper launch.

"We are grateful to the Salt & Straw folks for mentioning us in their book. It was a nice surprise when people started calling," said Marty Parisien, Co-founder of Singing Dog Vanilla. "We had to move quickly to get this product on the market because of the demand from fans of the book."

Standard single strength vanilla extracts, also called single-fold, are made with 13.35 oz of vanilla beans per gallon of 35% alcohol. Double-Fold vanilla is preferred by ice cream manufactures because it has twice the vanilla beans within the same 35% alcohol, thus reducing the amount of liquid per ice cream batch.

For more information about Singing Dog Vanilla's Organic Double Strength Pure Vanilla Extract, visit: https://www.singingdogvanilla.com/product/double-strength-vanilla-extract/

About Singing Dog Vanilla:

Founded on April Fool's Day in 2004, Singing Dog Vanilla has offices in Eugene, Oregon and Phoenixville, Pennsylvania. They partner with over 400 vanilla-growing families in Indonesia to bring organic vanilla products to food manufacturers, bakeries, scoop shops, restaurants, and breweries. Singing Dog Vanilla also has a full line of retail products sold in natural grocery stores across the USA and internationally. Profits are shared with their vanilla farmers and employees.

The Singing Dog Vanilla motto is "Silly Name ... Serious Vanilla."

Learn more at https://www.singingdogvanilla.com/

MULTIMEDIA:

*PHOTO link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/21-0331s2p-sdv-double-300dpi.jpg

*Photo caption: Organic Double Strength Pure Vanilla Extract from Singing Dog Vanilla.

Singing Dog Vanilla is introducing an Organic Double Strength Pure Vanilla Extract to the retail market for use in making ice cream and boosting the vanilla flavor in baked goods. Until this launch, Singing Dog Vanilla's double strength vanilla extract was only available in commercial volumes for ice cream manufacturers and large food manufacturers.

Related link: https://www.singingdogvanilla.com/

Tumelo Skin Care Introduces So Sensitive! Body Lotion

REDMOND, Ore. /ScoopCloud/ -- Lampella International, LLC, a skin care company, is launching its So Sensitive! Body Lotion, the first in a range of premium specialty body care products.

So Sensitive! - which retails for $19.99 - is formulated to soothe parched, itchy, sensitive skin. A nutrient-rich blend of Macadamia and Coconut oils combined with pure plant extracts aids in calming and restoring insanely distressed skin. So Sensitive! boasts promising visible results in restoring skin's moisture balance and suppleness at a cellular level.

"Comfort seekers - that's what we all are, right?" says Rod Lampella, CEO of Lampella International, LLC. "And, one thing that robs us of comfort is being uncomfortable in our own skin due to dryness, itchiness, ﬂaking or signs of aging. We become not only uncomfortable with how our skin feels, but also with its appearance. Our products are designed for ultimate comfort! The number one thing that sets our lotions apart from all others is our use of highly effective, bio-available, natural ingredients that truly absorb into the skin.

"Our products are formulated to penetrate the skin like no other lotions you've ever experienced. We believe there is no point in applying a skin care lotion if it will sit on the skin's surface and not penetrate down into the deeper layers, where changes will become evident in your skin's appearance and ultimate health."

Tumelo's vegan products are free of parabens, petroleum, GMOs, soy, and gluten. They are never tested on animals and are developed using the safest available resources-from the latest scientiﬁc advances to botanical extracts used for centuries.

Lampella went on to say, "We are beyond excited to be introducing our Tumelo brand. The meaning of Tumelo is 'faith and belief.' We believe you will love our products. And, we have faith that you will see a tremendous change in your skin as a result of using our products. Our commitment to producing the highest quality, effective products means we don't take shortcuts.

"We have spent years thoughtfully and carefully formulating our products to be safe and effective. We will soon be introducing unparalleled solutions for a variety of other skin concerns, guided by our unwavering commitment to improving your skin's health and comfort."

The Tumelo(tm) brand will be brought to life through a multi-channel digital marketing campaign. The product is available for purchase on the company's website at https://www.tumeloskincare.com/.

For more information about the products, the company or wholesale purchase opportunities, please email care@tumeloskincare.com

Follow us on IG @ Tumeloskincare and on FB @ Tumelo Skin Care.

Lampella International, LLC is a Redmond, Oregon-based skin care company dedicated to offering premium, skin-nourishing products for a variety of skin care concerns. Learn more: https://www.tumeloskincare.com/.

IMAGE Links for media:

[1] https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/21-0208s2p-tumelo-sensitive-300dpi.jpg

[2] https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/21-0208s2p-tumelo-sensitive-bath-300dpi.jpg

Caption: Tumelo Skin Care So Sensitive! Body Lotion.

Lampella International, LLC, a skin care company, is launching its So Sensitive! Body Lotion, the first in a range of premium specialty body care products. Tumelo's vegan products are free of parabens, petroleum, GMOs, soy, and gluten.

Related link: https://www.tumeloskincare.com/

BE BOLD, GET COLD! 2021 POLAR PLUNGE Benefiting Special Olympics Oregon Goes Virtual

PORTLAND, Ore. /ScoopCloud/ -- Oregonians have a longstanding and beloved winter tradition of Plunging into the frigid Columbia waters and even some icy cold pools every February to raise money and awareness for Special Olympics Oregon. Donning their wildest costumes and swimming attire, more than 1,500 brave (some might say crazy) supporters across Oregon would have been preparing to take the Polar Plunge next month.

In a normal year, the Plunge would take place in 5 locations throughout the State (Portland, Eugene, Corvallis, Bend and So. Oregon/Medford). However, nothing about the last year has been normal. With safety of the athletes and Plunge participants as a priority, we won't be gathering to Plunge together in 2021. Instead, the 2021 Polar Plunge is going virtual across Oregon to continue to support athletes during a time when we cannot in-person events.

Recreating the craziness and magic of Polar Plunge in a virtual landscape might seem like a stretch. However, Special Olympics Oregon has created a choose your own adventure for this year's event and a full lineup of virtual challenges and fun to engage our community throughout "Freezin' February." Plungers can choose to Hit the Great Outdoors and Plunge down the slopes, go sledding, have a snowball fight or make a snow angel in a swimsuit.

They can also opt to Chill at Home and take a cold Plunge in the shower or bath, kiddie pool, or get doused with a sprinkler, water balloons or hose! Those not wanting to brave the cold can choose to run in the Polar 5K/10K or just hibernate by donating to Special Olympics Oregon. This year it's not important HOW you Plunge, it's just important THAT you Plunge.

Location is no longer a barrier to joining the fun, as anyone from across the state can join the Virtual Polar Plunge!

The entire month of February will be packed with fun themes, challenges and events to connect with others in the Polar Plunge and Special Olympics communities, and the chance to win swag and prizes.

Kickoff Celebration - Livestream February 1 at 10 a.m.

Superhero Week - February 1 - 6

K103 Facebook Live w/Stacey & Mike - February 2

Super Hero Dance Party - February 4 at 6 p.m.

Scavenger Hunt Week - February 7 - 13

Trivia Night - February 9 @ 5:30pm

Sponsors Week - February 14 - 20

Sponsor Coffee Chats - Livestream February 16 & 18

Super Plunge Week - February 21 - 27

Trivia Night - February 23 at 5:30 p.m.

Polar 5K/10K - February 27 at 9 a.m.

Finale Celebration - Livestream February 27 at 12 p.m.

Each person participating in Virtual Polar Plunge will receive a commemorative event shirt if they raise a minimum of $50, though most raise significantly more on behalf of Special Olympics Oregon. Anyone wishing to take the Virtual Plunge for Special Olympics Oregon can register and get the full details at http://www.plungeoregon.org/.

The Portland Plunge is made possible by the generous support of statewide and local sponsors: Law Enforcement Torch Run of Oregon, Supply Source, Clackamas Federal Credit Union, Lithia Auto Stores, Aerotek, Mattress World NW, Spirit Mountain Casino, Jiffy Lube, iHeart Media, and Entercom Radio.

About Special Olympics Oregon

Special Olympics Oregon serves more than 12,000 participants with intellectual disabilities year-round and statewide through the organization's life changing sports programs. Athletes gain self-confidence, social competency, develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy, and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills, and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes, and the community. Learn more at https://soor.org/.

VIDEO (YouTube): https://youtu.be/BomT0Ea0zmk

Oregonians have a longstanding and beloved winter tradition of Plunging into the frigid Columbia waters and even some icy cold pools every February to raise money and awareness for Special Olympics Oregon. Donning their wildest costumes and swimming attire, more than 1,500 brave (some might say crazy) supporters across Oregon would have been preparing to take the Polar Plunge next month.

Related link: https://soor.org/

Fairway America, LLC selects Pereview as its new asset management platform

PORTLAND, Ore. /ScoopCloud/ -- Commercial real estate and private equity investment firm Fairway America (fairwayamerica.com) has chosen Pereview Software (pereviewsoftware.com) to support its growing portfolio.

Fairway America is a full-service private equity and advisory firm specializing in commercial real estate asset-based investments across the United States middle market headquartered in Portland, Ore.

"We have always been very good at tracking our data and producing quality reports for our investors, but, with our growth it has simply become a time-consuming chore. Pereview will allow us to automate our asset reporting as well as now perform deeper analytics across our fund and asset level data, giving us greater insights as we continue to outperform our competitors," said John Wilson, CFO at Fairway America.

Wilson said Pereview's data validations will allow their users to now directly access trustworthy data, all in one place, creating efficiencies not previously achievable at Fairway America. "It gives us a centralized repository of all of our clean data with no more silos enabling us to confidently make data-driven decisions to drive value for 100% of investors," he said.

Pereview is the only all-in-one asset management platform that manages all of a client's data across the entire asset lifecycle from acquisition to disposition. By aggregating, integrating, and interpreting internal and external disparate data into a single source of truth, Pereview provides actionable insights while delivering unparalleled reporting and analytics capabilities.

Daryl Pitts, SVP of global sales for Pereview, said they will aggregate all of Fairway America's Operating Partner native property level data into the Pereview platform while also connecting to Fairway America's commercial, multifamily and self-storage valuation, underwriting, budget and waterfall Excel models to fully capture all historical and projected data in their ecosystem.

"We are very excited to expand the rapidly growing Pereview customer base into the Northwest and are honored to be partnering with such an experienced team of real estate visionaries that know the power of data and how they can continue growing their portfolio with it," he said. "Having all of their data in one place will allow the Fairway America transactions, asset management, fund/portfolio, IR, Marketing, and senior leadership teams to do more with their data across the Life of the Asset."

Learn more at: https://pereviewsoftware.com/

Commercial real estate and private equity investment firm Fairway America has chosen Pereview Software to support its growing portfolio. Pereview is the only all-in-one asset management platform that manages all of a client's data across the entire asset lifecycle from acquisition to disposition.

Related link: https://pereviewsoftware.com/

Vanilla Prices Coming Back Down to Earth After Years of Record Highs

EUGENE, Ore. /ScoopCloud/ -- Starting in 2016, global vanilla prices skyrocketed when below average harvests in Madagascar and Indonesia coincided with increased consumer demand for natural flavors and "clean" labels, notes Singing Dog Vanilla. What began as unusually high vanilla prices quickly became unsustainably high prices with 2019 global vanilla prices surpassing the value of silver ounce-for-ounce.

"While farmers reaped the benefit of spectacularly high prices for their vanilla crop, theft and violence became a problem causing farmers to hire security guards and sleep in their fields to prevent their green vanilla beans from being stolen in the night," says Bill Wiedmann, Co-founder of Singing Dog Vanilla.

The good news is that high vanilla prices also encouraged vanilla farmers to plant more vines and enticed new growers to enter the vanilla market. With a lag time of about 3 -4 years before newly planted vanilla orchid vines produce a good harvest, we now have an increased supply coming to market. This has resulted in a decline in prices from the stratospheric highs which caused problems for everyone in the supply chain. Vanilla is now trading at a price level that is attractive to farmers because it is a profitable crop for them to grow but does not attract theft.

"Our family farmers in Indonesia are relieved to see the prices coming down to sustainable levels," adds Wiedmann. "We expect that over the next several months farm-gate prices in Indonesia for cured vanilla beans will come down to approximately Rp 1.5 - 2 million (US$110 to US$150) per kilogram. This is a price that everyone in the supply chain can benefit from."

Lower market prices for vanilla beans and vanilla extracts mean that home users can be more generous with vanilla in their kitchens. Bakeries and Ice Cream Shops can bring back their favorite vanilla recipes and develop new ones without focusing on the cost of that one critical ingredient.

About Singing Dog Vanilla:

Founded on April Fool's Day in 2004, Singing Dog Vanilla has offices in Eugene, Oregon and Phoenixville, Pennsylvania. They partner with over 400 vanilla-growing families in Indonesia to bring organic vanilla products to food manufacturers, bakeries, scoop shops, restaurants, and breweries. Singing Dog Vanilla also has a full line of retail products sold in natural grocery stores across the USA and internationally. Profits are shared with their vanilla farmers and employees.

The Singing Dog Vanilla motto is "Silly Name ... Serious Vanilla."

Learn more at https://www.singingdogvanilla.com/

MULTIMEDIA:

*VIDEO (YouTube): https://youtu.be/WDD2GcZNpzI

*PHOTO link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/20-1208s2p-vanilla-production-300dpi.jpg

*Photo caption: Farmer in Indonesia tending vanilla vine. Credit: Singing Dog Vanilla.

Starting in 2016, global vanilla prices skyrocketed when below average harvests in Madagascar and Indonesia coincided with increased consumer demand for natural flavors and "clean" labels, notes Singing Dog Vanilla.

Related link: https://www.singingdogvanilla.com/

Lincoln County School District in Oregon Selects Synergy Education Platform

NEWPORT, Ore. /ScoopCloud/ -- Lincoln County School District (LCSD) has selected the industry-leading Synergy® Education Platform by Edupoint® Educational Systems for its K-12 student information and learning management needs. The district's cloud-hosted Synergy solution will include Synergy Student Information System (SIS), Synergy Online Registration, and Synergy Special Education. LCSD serves over 5,500 students across 14 schools on the Oregon coast.

Lincoln County's move to Synergy began when Superintendent Dr. Karen Gray asked Technology Director Vince Dye to research Synergy as a possible replacement for the district's SIS. Dr. Gray and several other administrators had come to LCSD from Oregon districts that used Synergy and believed that Lincoln County could benefit from what the platform had to offer. Dye visited several Synergy districts, attended a regional Synergy user conference, and thoroughly analyzed the functionality and utility of both Synergy and the district's existing SIS before determining that Synergy had more of the cutting-edge features and functionality LCSD needed.

Synergy is a comprehensive student data management ecosystem, accessed through a single interface with one login and real-time data systemwide. Synergy will simplify processes across the district, including the generation of a key LCSD report that pulls together behavior, attendance, and grade data that teachers can use for getting students to their teaching and learning targets.

"We have to be able to monitor those indicators to bring interventions to students so they can be successful," Dye said. "We've been making continuous improvements in the technology of our district both in front and behind the scenes and this will be a monumental step in taking our district to the next level. The student information system we have been using is good, but Synergy is the best. I'm excited about the opportunity we have to bring it on."

"This is the kind of student information system and dashboard our teachers, families, and students deserve," said Dr. Karen Gray, Superintendent at LCSD. "Having gone through the conversion to Synergy in another school district, it was the best thing we ever did. Synergy is even better in 2020, very much on the cutting edge and exactly where Lincoln County School District should be. It is going to save us a lot of time and energy."

"With Synergy Education Platform, Lincoln County School District is getting a seamlessly integrated student data management solution with a robust, evolving feature set," said Rob Wilson, President and Chief Innovation Officer at Edupoint. "Synergy will make it easier for district users to do things they were already doing and also make it possible to do new things they have never done. We are pleased to join with LCSD in a long-term partnership focused on continuous improvement and improved student outcomes."

About Edupoint

For over 35 years, the leadership of Edupoint Educational Systems has provided well-designed, technologically advanced student data management systems that empower K-12 stakeholders to improve student achievement. Synergy Education Platform by Edupoint is an industry-leading student data management ecosystem built to fit the way educators already work, with seamlessly integrated student information management, learning management, MTSS, assessment, special education management, and analytics. Synergy is unique among K-12 student data management solutions in providing an array of role-based mobile apps designed to give all stakeholders access to the tools they need when and where they need them. Thousands of schools choose Synergy to support 5 million students in 21 states.

Learn more at: https://www.edupoint.com/

*PHOTO link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/19-0430s2p-edupoint-sis-300dpi.jpg

Lincoln County School District (LCSD) has selected the industry-leading Synergy Education Platform by Edupoint Educational Systems for its K-12 student information and learning management needs. The district's cloud-hosted Synergy solution will include Synergy Student Information System (SIS), Synergy Online Registration, and Synergy Special Education.

Related link: https://www.edupoint.com/