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About Portland observer. (Portland, Or.) 1970-current | View Entire Issue (July 24, 2024)
Page 8 July 24, 2024 Arts & ENTERTAINMENT Keller Auditorium Closure Proposal Concerns Portland Opera Supports Alternative Location After months of reflection, Portland Opera announces its full support of Portland State Univer- sity as the alternative location for a new performance venue to re- place the Keller Auditorium. Portland Opera has deep con- cerns regarding the Halprin Land- scape Conservancy’s proposal requiring a staggered closure of the Keller. In previous statements addressing the potential impact of this closure, Portland Opera em- phasized the severe consequences a complete closure would have on the organization, and the broader arts community. “The arts community in Portland was devastated by COVID-19, especially the Port- land Opera,” said Carole Morse, Portland Opera Board chair. “Thanks to our wonderful part- ners, staff, donors and subscribers, we are slowly coming back. The Halprin Landscape Conservancy’s The Keller Auditorium. Photo by M.O. Stevens proposal would close the Keller for two to three years, undo all our efforts, and essentially force us to go through pandemic-level im- pacts again.” The performing arts sector was among the hardest hit during the pandemic, being one of the first to shut down and the last to reopen. The extended clo- sure caused significant financial and emotional strain on countless individuals and organizations that depend on venues like Keller Au- ditorium for their survival. Anoth- er disruption would exacerbate this trauma, particularly for those whose jobs and livelihoods are contingent on work at the Keller. “The Keller Auditorium re- maining open until a new one is built is not only key to rebuilding our performances and revenue, but also necessary for our continued existence,” said Sue Dixon, Gen- eral Director and CEO of Portland Opera. “Closing the Keller, even for one day, threatens the arts community and all of the artists, performers, technicians and sup- port staff who all contribute to a thriving arts ecosystem.” The proposed Keller renova- tion project by Halprin would re- quire full or periodic shutdowns, which would have a significant impact on the Portland Opera’s finances. In contrast, the PSU project presents a more practi- cal and less disruptive option, allowing continued operations of the existing Keller Auditori- um until the new replacement is built five blocks away on a large four-acre parcel. “We cannot afford to under- mine the progress we have made in recovering from the pandem- ic’s effects on the arts sector,” said Dixon. “We have a respon- sibility to our employees, the community who benefit from the arts in so many ways, and future Oregonians who one day may sit in a beautiful 21st-century venue on PSU’s campus and experience performances put on by a thriving arts community.” Metro conducted a study that estimates a two-year closure would cost nearly $100 million in lost economic benefit, particularly at a time when downtown Port- land is still recovering. The Port- land City Council is scheduled to discuss the proposals again on August 14th. “It is crucial that we support the continuity and growth of our cultural institutions,” said Dixon. “We strongly urge the City Council to reject Halprin’s Keller renovation project in fa- vor of endorsing PSU as the most viable solution.” Summer EBT is Available Continued from Page 6 Black Health Matters North by Northeast Community Health Center is the only clinic in Oregon devoted to African American health. We provide welcoming, high quality health care to adults who have Oregon Health Plan. Since 2006, our priority has been to serve the local African American community and to reduce the deadly effects of high blood pressure and diabetes. We are accepting new patients, and if you’re uninsured, we can help you get covered! To make an appointment or learn about our services, contact us: www.nxneclinic.org (503) 287-4932 714 NE Alberta Street Portland, Oregon 97211 achievement and strengthens stu- dent well-being, Summer Meals keep students connected to proper nutrition so they can stay active and engaged while classes are out. And its why Oregon jumped at the chance to provide Summer EBT to eligible families this year. Giving our families more access to gro- ceries during the summer means students will show up for the first day of class ready to learn." ODHS Director Fariborz Pak- seresht said, “On June 28, 2024, more than 321,000 children were automatically enrolled in Summer EBT because they participate in other programs like the Supple- mental Nutrition Assistance Pro- gram, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, or receive ser- vices through Medicaid. So far, 322,500 children have received Summer EBT. This adds up to $38.7 million in federal funds that families are spending at grocery stores and farmers' markets in their communities.” ODHS estimates another 30,000 children in Oregon may be eligible for Summer EBT if they apply. To be eligible, children must attend a school participat- ing in the national school lunch or breakfast programs and be in households with incomes at or below 185 percent of the Federal Poverty Level. ODHS encourages families to visit the Summer EBT website in English and Spanish to review eligibility criteria. If a family be- lieves their children may be eligi- ble, please call the Summer EBT Call Center to verify that they need to apply. The Summer EBT Call Center number is 833-673- 7328 and can provide customer service in many languages. Families that need to apply can do so online in English or Spanish, or by email or regular mail in mul- tiple languages. Don’t delay—the deadline to apply is Sept. 2, 2024. Families have 122 days from the day they received Summer EBT food ben- efits before they expire. For ex- ample, if benefits were issued on June 28, 2024, families have un- til Oct. 28, 2024, to use Summer EBT benefits.
