CCNND

How long has your organization been in the community?

The Clatskanie Arts Commission was formed in 1987 by three local piano teachers who wanted their students to have the experience of performing on a grand piano.

Their first goal was raising money for that piano with the theme, 88 in ‘88. Through various fundraising events like bake sales, they were able to meet their goal and purchased an 8-foot Knabe grand piano, which is now housed at Clatskanie Middle/High School. After completing this goal, the ladies formed an official, all-volunteer commission and began the first Performing Arts Series, which included performances on the piano.

Soon it became evident that the scope of the performances should be broadened to include all types of performances. First, under the umbrella of the City of Clatskanie and then as its own 501-C3 organization, the Clatskanie Arts Commission has continued to meet its goal of “providing a variety of entertaining programs and events which enrich the lives of the people of the Lower Columbia River Region.

The organization is proud to be presenting its 34th Performing Arts Series this year with its free Big Band in the Park concert on Labor Day.

What service do you provide?

In addition to its annual Performing Arts Series, CAC has worked with various groups and organizations in our community to expand artistic experiences. Other activities have included the bare book project in the schools, the Raymond Carver Writing Festival in May, and its corresponding poetry contest in April. It has worked with local artists on the Clatskanie Mural Project and is presently supporting the revival of the Clatskanie Bluegrass Festival, which is scheduled to return to Clatskanie on September 12-15, 2024.

The Clatskanie Arts Commission was very proud to have partnered with the Clatskanie Foundation in the restoration of the Clatskanie Cultural Center (originally the IOOF Hall), which includes the Birkenfeld Theatre, which the commission has the privilege of managing for not only performances but a variety of community events.

What do you want the community to know about your organization?

The Clatskanie Arts Commission has remained an all-volunteer organization whose members include those in their 70s and 80s as well as one who just graduated from high school, present teachers, retired teachers, visual artists, etc.

CAC depends on the support of local businesses and individuals to survive. COVID was a tough time when the theatre was closed for 18 months, but our local support has continued, and we are now strong and excited to continue. We are very grateful for this continued support. Clatskanie has always been a community which supports and enjoys the arts, and we are thrilled to see artistic performances in other venues such as the Library, the Hub, Saturday Market , the CC Stern Foundry, and local restaurants.

August 17, 2023

Highlighting Columbia County’s nonprofits

As part of our spotlight on nonprofits in Columbia County, The Chronicle has sent questions to several nonprofits in the area to find out more about what they do, when they were established, and what they would like the community to know about them. Let’s take a look at the what some of Columbia County’s nonprofits offer the community, from the voices who make it possible.

How long has your organization been in the community?

ShoeString Community Players has been in our community for 41 years.

What service do you provide?

We offer live theater. This may include adult material, family-friendly, or kids’ shows. We have produced a wide variety of musicals, dramas, mysteries, comedies, and originals. We also have shows or

scares for Halloween. We have offered theater workshops for kids, and we are just wrapping up our second week of acting for beginners’ theater camp.

What do you want the community to know about your organization?

Our nonprofit wants our community to know that we are dedicated to keep offering live theater and encouraging participation. We are run by 100% volunteers.

Elsa Wooley, Secretary Treasurer of the Clatskanie Arts Commission

Shannon Vaerewyck President of ShoeString Community Players

Cassie Fellabaum, Development Director lifempowered

How long has your organization been in the community?

We have been a part of Columbia County since 1974. Previously known as Riverside Training Center, we changed our name to lifempowered a few years ago to better align with our mission and vision. We are a not-forprofit organization that focuses on supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), such as autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, and other related conditions.

What service do you provide?

Our mission is to support people to live the life THEY choose at home, at work, and in their community. The people we support consist of individuals who face unique challenges and vulnerabilities due to limited funding, restricted access to resources, and a lack of social and

St. Helens

community engagement opportunities.

These individuals require specialized support and services to lead fulfilling lives and exercise their right to choose their own path at home, in their workplaces, and within the community. We aim to address the specific needs of this population by providing a range of programs and resources.

These may include assistance with daily living skills, community integration activities, advocacy, and support for individuals and their families. By offering these services, we seek to empower individuals with I/DD to overcome barriers, maximize their potential, and actively participate in all aspects of community life.

What do you want the community to know about your organization?

We are at a very exciting turning point, investing in a capital campaign to replace our current administrative

Garden Club

office with an Empowerment Center. This new space will be fully accessible and will cater to the needs of the people we serve, our staff, and the broader community.

The current non-ADA-accessible building, which is more than four decades old, was built for manufacturing purposes and does not align with our mission/ vision, limiting use by the community.

The Empowerment Center will feature amenities to meet multiple needs, including administrative offices. There will be opportunities for community members to share their skills by teaching and learning alongside those with I/DD. This partnership will create a space for everyone to come together.

We are creating a new space. A space anyone can access. A space to relax, socialize, learn, and grow. A place to be EMPOWERED.

national nonprofit day 2023

Judy Thompson, Chair of NAMI Columbia County

How long has your organization been in the community

NAMI Columbia County had a support group in St. Helens as far back as 1999 when I became part of NAMI. The St. Helens support group then moved to Rainier and was there with two meetings a month, they were together for eight years, and then there was no support group for a couple of years until we started up a St. Helens support group in 2016 to current. We vary where we meet because everyone’s needs and life events are different. Contacting NAMI Oregon 503-230-8009 is the best to find out meeting dates, and they will contact me.

What service do you provide?

NAMI Columbia County serves as an Affiliate for NAMI Oregon. We offer a monthly support group for those who have a loved one (or ones) with mental illness. Our group focus is on self-care.

We serve on Local Behavioral Health Advisor Committee that CCMH facilitates, that brings other local service organizations together and work on prioritizing needs for our community mental health and that follow Oregon Health Authority and Columbia Pacific Coordinated Care funding and policy guidelines.

We are able to give donations/sponsors other local nonprofits that promote mental health & well-being. We donate/sponsor Veterans, Alano Club, Amani Center, Jordan Center, Run With Neil, and Out of the Darkness.

Our biggest giving is we do a Christmas party meal, gift cards, and Santa for CCMH Clients! We help people in making connections to resources.

Black Tie and Blue Jeans

One on our members Kathy Thomas, just made sure six of our County Libraries have a copy of the NAMI book, You Are Not Alone: the NAMI Guide to Navigating Mental Health, by Kevin Duckworth, MD.

What do you want the community to know about your organization?

That mental illness carries so much stigma and guilt for individuals seeking help and their loved ones seeking help is a very big barrier. NAMI brings support, education, advocacy, and resources to individuals, families, and communities, and there is no cost for NAMI services. It is so important to “You Are Not Alone” with the challenges that come with mental illness.

NAMI saved our family and fighting stigma, and I have been in a place since 2011 to really be open and visible with having a family member with mental illness and to not just survive, we thrive.

Highlighting Columbia County’s nonprofits

These are just some of the nonprofit organizations that operate in Columbia County. For more information on these organizations, visit their websites to find out more.

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P.O. Box 538, Rainier, OR 97048 info@unitedwayofcolumbiacounty.com www.unitedwayofcolumbiacounty.com

Big Band in the Park

Monday, Sept. 4, 1-4 p.m., Music from 2-4 p.m. at Clatskanie City park

Black Swan Classic Jazz Band

Sunday, Oct. 22, 3

Sunday, Dec. 3, 3 p.m., Tickets: Adult: $25, Senior/Student: $23, Child: $20

Sunday, Feb. 18, 2024, 3 p.m., Tickets: Adult: $25, Senior/Student: $23, Child: $20

Quintet performing modern chamber music, tango, klezmer, Latin and world music

Skamokawa Swamp Opera

Sunday, March 10, 2024, 3 p.m. Tickets: Adult: $20, Senior/Student: $18, Child: $15

Will Martin

Friday April 26, 2024, 7:30 p.m.

Tickets: Adult $25, Senior/Student: $23, Child: $20