Upcoming program will explain history of Pittock Mansion
Our organization has stood the test of time
A22 February 2025 Charbonneau Villager
Charbonneau Women ’ s Association
By BEE BENESH
Upcoming program will explain history of Pittock Mansion
Have you noticed that the days are getting longer ? Even when I lived in colder climates we would say that in February there is always a hint of spring . The Charbonneau Women ’ s Association luncheon on
BENESH Monday , Feb . 10 will be a Valentine Tea , so perhaps , if the weather cooperates , we can dress up in something flowery or pastel . This was a popular event last year when we all enjoyed service on tiered plates of little tea sandwiches , scones and other teatime goodies and it will be similar this year .
Our program that day should be especially entertaining and informative as we focus on the era of the building of the Pittock Mansion . I am sure that many of you have toured this lovely home built in 1914 in Northwest Portland . Our program will give us a special insight into those times and the life of the people who made the mansion their home . Mary Hutchens will portray Mrs . Pittock , and her husband , Mike , will portray her chauffeur , as they tell the stories of Georgiana and Henry Pittock . The Pittocks endured the Oregon Trail and were integral to the growth of the city of Portland . Georgiana Pittock is also dear to gardeners as she is considered the founder of the Portland Rose Festival . For our program , they will focus on the years when the mansion was being built and with things such as Women ’ s Suffrage and World War I , which were influencing the changing times in the city . I think that this type of storytelling really brings history to life and I am sure we will all have a wonderful time learning a bit more about Oregon history .
Reservations for the tea are being taken up
COURTESY PHOTO
Come and enjoy a special Valentine Tea with the Charbonneau Women ’ s Association on Feb . 10 .
until noon Thursday , Feb . 6 . Sign-ups are made in the book in the Activity Center and payments may be handed in at the desk or placed in the slot near the Activity Center doors . The cost is $ 32 for members and $ 37 for guests . You may attend one event as a guest before joining the group . The Charbonneau Women ’ s Association is a social club open
COURTESY PHOTO
Mary Hutchens will be portraying Geogriana Pittock at our Feb . 10 tea .
to women in the Wilsonville area . You do not have to live in Charbonneau to join and enjoy our events . Dues are $ 30 and cover the club year from September through May . Membership forms are online or in the front of the book in the Activity Center Closet and a payment may be made in the same way as for events . There is still a lot of fun to look forward to this year with luncheons on the second Mondays of March , April and May . The May luncheon will feature a fashion show . All these events will be held in the Dining Room of the Charbonneau Clubhouse starting at 11:30 a . m . I hope to see you there .
Boys & Girls Aid
By CATHY LOFFINK
Our organization has stood the test of time
To some the season of giving and sharing may be over ; however , as most of us know , there is an ongoing need for support in whatever form that takes . The Boys & Girls Aid is now in its 140th year and the Cypress Branch celebrates our 35th . One of the reasons for this long history that has stood the test of time is the assistance ,
LOFFINK compassion and positive outcomes for the children and adults it serves .
As you read the details further in the article keep in mind the statistics are just that . Behind them are meaningful individuals and others who have their own stories or circumstances . One such person is Roberta Donaldson , who was a foster parent to an infant she took in while a nurse in 1978 and was involved with this child off and on throughout his youth , at that time through the DHS processes . After moving to Charbonneau , she found the Boys & Girls Aid approach appeared to be a more compassionate one than what she had experienced . Her real-life experience will be shared at the February luncheon .
There are several programs and services offered and how these organizations helped are in the following numbers .
� 90 % of youth had a stable transition out of the foster care programs and that means 1,601 children since 2014 have benefited .
� More than 160 families in 2024 were served by Infant and Foster Care Adoption .
� 160-plus youth in 2024 were supported by the Safe Place Shelter with four out of five achieving positive outcomes .
� The Housing Program served 70 youth in 2024 with 100 % exiting the program into safe and stable housing .
� 96 % of Youth Permanency clients achieved lasting outcomes .
� Over 500 hours of training annually were conducted for foster parents , staff and community members .
� Going forward with future articles , the plan is to share stories of those who have experienced foster care in some way . In addition , I hope to profile individuals who will give insight as to why Boys & Girls Aid has become a significant part of their lives and the reasons why they joined this club .
BEST IN THE AREA HAPPY HOUR DAILY 3 TO 6PM & 12PM TO CLOSE ON SUNDAY
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