Operations Manager: Note to Self . . . . paying $100 to walk 26.2 miles is NUTS (Fun!)

Yes, its true, Operations Manager Shelly Williams walked the Portland Marathon finishing at 6:47. Yes, that's six hours and 47 minutes!




Near mile 21 she met up with CSO patron Natcharee Ayanaputra and they finished together! Thanks Natcharee . . . .good job!

Symphonic Safari 2009

It was a BEAUTIFUL day at the Center for the Arts Plaza where the Columbia Symphony Orchestra held its annual Symphonic Safari!

Children sampled dance, theater, puppets, crafts and an instrument petting zoo.



Then it was time for the SAFARI through the orchestra while they played the music. What fun wild animals!

Thank you to Joe Cantrell for the Photos!

FORE the ARTS Golf Tournament - August 24, 2009

It was BEAUTIFUL day at Rock Creek Country Club!

68 golfers hit the course for an afternoon scramble benefiting MEET the BEAT, the education program of the Portland Columbia Symphony Orchestra.

A big thank you to the players, the hole sponsors, Monte Shelton Motors for the Jaguar at the Hole In One (bummer--nobody won it!), Titleist, and all the auction donors and great volunteers.

Because of your generosity, children, families and individuals served through social service agencies, will MEET the BEAT!

Check out the string quintet of 5 Notes (Ashley, Lauren, Taylor Yoon & Hailey and Lindsey Kang) as they played for the tournament dinner!

Chamber Camp of Portland 2009

114 students enjoyed a week of Chamber Camp on the campus of the University of Portland. From master classes to ensembles to full orchestra rehearsals. Thank you to the faculty and staff for creating a very fun week! Special thanks to Robert Leong for the great photography. To see more of his work visit: http://www.gallery.me.com/robertleong/100929.

Thank you Jennifer!

Jennifer A Pittsley completed her tenure as President of the Board of Directors on Sunday, August 2. Jennifer has worked tirelessly on the Board for the last twelve seasons in various capacities. As a CPA, she was the treasurer for two years before managing the front of the house at concerts for several seasons followed by two years as Vice-President and then serving as President for the last three seasons. During Jennifer's service, Portland Columbia grew from a a six-concert series to twelve and from a $125,000 budget to over $300,000.

Our deepest gratitude to Jennifer for a job well done. And with all best wishes to her in all her future plans. Thank you, thank you!

Board President gets Mauied!

Board President Jennifer Pittsley and John Raitz were married in Hawaii in February. Our best wishes for a long and prosperous future!

ALL THAT GLITTERED

CSO celebrated its annual Gala Dinner Concert & Auction on January 24, 2009 at the Portland Marriott Downtown Waterfront. Over 200 guests attended the event and raised over $50,000 for the Portland Columbia Symphony Orchestra.

Attendees were especially enthralled with violinist Brandon Garbot's magnificent performances in Massenet's "Meditation" and Sarasate's Carmen Fantasy.

Thank you to our Auctioneer Tom Fletcher, Director of Sponsorship with the Portland Trailblazers (pictured below with CSO Executive Director Betsy Hatton), all the Auction Donors, the hard-working CSO Board Members, and generous Patrons for a successful evening of beautiful music and fundraising.