Member Column
A New Year Resolution
Life insurance may be one of the most important purchases you’ll ever make. In the event of a tragedy, life insurance proceeds can help pay the bills, continue a family business, finance future needs like your children’s education, protect your spouse’s retirement plans, and much more.
Life insurance provides cash to your family after your death. This cash (known as the death benefit) replaces your income and can help your family meet many important financial needs like funeral costs, daily living expenses, and college funding. What’s more, there is no federal income tax on life insurance benefits. Most Americans need life insurance.
To figure out if you need life insurance, you need to think through the worst-case scenario. If you died tomorrow, how would your loved ones fare financially? Would they have the money to pay for your final expenses (e.g., funeral costs, medical bills, taxes, debts, lawyers’ fees, etc.)? Would they be able to meet ongoing living expenses like the rent or mortgage, food, clothing, transportation costs, healthcare, etc? What about long-range financial goals? Without your contribution to the household, would your surviving spouse be able to save enough money to put the kids through college or retire comfortably?
When you’re married, you share everything with your significant other, including your financial obligations. Many people mistakenly believe that they don’t need to think about life insurance until they have children. Not true. What if one of you was to die tomorrow? Even with the surviving spouse’s income, would that person be able to pay off debts like credit-card balances and car loans, let alone cover the monthly rent and utility bills.
Most families depend on two incomes to make ends meet. If you died suddenly, could your family maintain their standard of living on your spouse’s income alone? Probably not. Life insurance makes sure that your plans for the future don’t die when you do.
The truth is it’s always a struggle when you lose someone you love. But your emotional struggles don’t need to be compounded by financial difficulties. Life insurance helps make sure that the people you care about will be provided for financially, even if you’re not there to care for them yourself. So whether you’re young or old, married or single, have children or don’t, take a moment to consider how life insurance might fit into your financial plans.
For more information, contact Agent Curtis Phelps, American Family Insurance, at (541) 617-0671.
“Boomers” Hearing Loss Dilemma 
Hearing is essential to full enjoyment and participation in life. Today 1 in 10 Americans — over 30 million people — experience some degree of hearing loss. Unfortunately, the problem of hearing loss is "growing younger." Prolonged or loud noise appears to have overtaken age as a cause of hearing loss in the U.S., at least for the Baby Boomer generation, the group aged 45-65 that currently makes up the largest segment of American society. About 40 percent of the hearing impaired are younger than 65* and Baby Boomers themselves are the fastest-growing group to suffer hearing loss today.**
Car horns. Jet planes. iPods. Headphones. Rock concerts. Aerobics classes. Lawn mowers. These are all hallmarks of the Baby Boomer generation. They have witnessed, and contributed to, a greater increase in noise than any other generation. This generation is now most vulnerable to hearing loss.
You might be surprised to know the typical person with hearing loss waits over five years to seek a professional hearing health evaluation. Although hearing loss is not a life threatening condition, it is a condition that lowers the overall quality of life for those suffering from it. The good news is clinical studies have shown when hearing aids are properly fitted, they significantly improve the overall quality of life for their users.
“Auditory deprivation” is the term used to describe a decrease in speech understanding resulting from a hearing loss. In simple terms, hearing loss starves the brain’s auditory centers of acoustic information. The good news is hearing aids, which allow the auditory centers of your brain to “stay busy,” have been proven to help this potential problem. Using hearing aids now will fight off the effects of auditory deprivation.
Learn more about your possible hearing loss, or the loss experienced by a loved one, from Miracle-Ear Hearing Consultant, Shanelle Vega. Miracle-Ear Center provides a free, no obligation hearing consultation, call today at 541-330-5503!
* Source: Hearing Alliance of America, Inc.
** Source: National Academy on an Aging Society
#1 Killer of Your Business Dream is None Other Than-You
 Your self-image, the “you” that you wake up with every morning and go to sleep with every evening, is the silent killer. It is the Trojan Horse that seems to keep you in a state of doubt, uncertainty, and fear. At the end of the day, do you ever ask “What did I accomplish?”
The “you” that has been influencing your life and all of your decisions was programmed into your brain, subconsciously, by the time you reached 4-5 years of age. The subconscious operates like a computer, simply compiling information, it doesn't make any rational judgments on right or wrong, good or bad, possible or impossible, real or imagined. It simply records the information being provided by the five senses on a 24/7 basis from birth. Some people refer to the subconscious by other names, such as the “Little Voice” or even “A little birdie told me to do it.”
This early programming dictates how our lives will play out. We may have heard rich people are all crooks, money will not make you happy, you are too short or too tall to do some particular sport, you are a klutz, being a dancer is for girls, etcetera. The majority of professionals with whom I have talked and have studied say by the time a child reaches 18 they have heard “no” 148,000 times and “great job” only 50 times, if at all.
Thus, finding the true “You” will be difficult; as you will need to build a new paradigm about who you really are. I did not have a coach, mentor, or wise person to guide me in this search. It took decades of trial and error and research for me to find my true self.
Once the paradigm shift begins, you will feel relief and excitement to put down that 100 lb sack of negativity and limitation. A whole new world of opportunity will be opened for you.
For more information contact Bob Schuster, at bob@robertschuster.com, 541-480-0222 or go to www.sagebusinessadviser.com. Schuster is a certified coach for small businesses and individuals.
Survey Reveals Hiring Trends Remain Steady For Administrative and Commercial Jobs
The hiring outlook in all regions of North America continues to remain steady for administrative and commercial jobs, according to a hiring trends survey conducted by Express Employment Professionals. Express surveyed more than 17,000 current and former clients across the United States and Canada.
Hiring trends in all regions continue to be greatest in commercial and light industrial, with 32 percent of respondents planning new hires, while 28 percent anticipate adding administrative and office clerical staff. Thirty-two percent of respondents plan to fill positions in “other” sectors, that include clinical/healthcare, customer service, food service, general labor, maintenance, medical/dental/nursing, sales, and more.
Additionally, 14 percent of respondents plan to hire for engineering positions, 13 percent plan to add marketing jobs, 10 percent plan to hire for accounting and finance, and nine percent have plans to hire information technology specialists.
“Survey results of those who responded indicate that 80 percent of companies plan to hire one to three people across all business sectors during the fourth quarter, a 13 percent increase from the third quarter,” said the Bend, Oregon franchise owner Connie Druliner.
“We are seeing an increase in the number of people we are placing in jobs,” Druliner said. “Companies across the country continue to rely on staffing firms to recruit and fill positions in a variety of professional, commercial, and administrative jobs. Companies have work that needs to be done and many are turning to a flexible staff to meet their needs and ease the stress on existing workers.”
While companies are planning new hires, the current ease of recruiting and filling positions is up, according to the survey. In fact, half of the respondents believe it is “somewhat easy” to “very easy” to recruit and fill positions, an increase of three percent compared to the previous quarter. Employee referrals, online job boards, and staffing firms remain the top three recruiting resources for companies. When considering new hires, employers are looking closely at work ethic and integrity, attitude, and credible work history.
The Bend Express Employment Professionals is located at 400 SW Bluff Drive. For more information, call 541-389-1505 or visit www.expresspros.com.
What's New
Bend Chamber Seeks Sponsor/Volunteers for March Madness Membership Drive
With a dedication to helping businesses grow, the Bend Chamber is proud to announce its upcoming March Madness Membership Drive on March 21 and 22.
The Bend Chamber hopes to further increase the voice of business in the community and continue to push forward its mission of “Creating a Strong Local Economy.” The strength of our voice is in our numbers and with your help we will increase our membership. Join the team effort today and become a volunteer for the drive. Remember, members have access to over 1,200 of the most successful, influential, and powerful business people in the community!
Volunteers for the drive will receive a quick and easy two hour training session on the expectations of the drive, goals, and some tips for being successful. If you are interested in volunteering, contact Membership Consultant, Shelley Junker or Director of Marketing, Diana Haffner at 541-382-3221 or at shelley@bendchamber.org or diana@bendchamber.org.
Don’t have the time? Consider sponsoring this fantastic event. As the title sponsor, you will receive recognition on all marketing communications including the Business Journal, Chamber Weekly, the website, Press Releases, radio and television spots, and the Chamber’s own Facebook Page! You’ll also have the opportunity to speak one-on-one with drive volunteers. For more details, contact Membership Consultant Shelley Junker at 541-382-3221 or at shelley@bendchamber.org.
Not looking to be the title sponsor, but still want to help? Consider donating prizes for drive volunteers or offering a new member incentive. This is a great way to get your name out into the community and connect with members! Contact Membership Consultant Shelley Junker at 541-382-3221 or at shelley@bendchamber.org.
January at High Desert Museum
Events the High Desert Museum are included in admission unless otherwise noted.
January 21 - Mid Oregon Credit Union Free Family Saturday - Enjoy the High Desert Museum for free. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sponsored by Mid Oregon Credit Union.
January 22 - Leapers & Creepers: The Living World of Frogs and Reptiles - More than 20 species of fascinating native and exotic frogs and reptiles up close, from poison dart frogs, chameleons to geckos and snakes. Learn about their fascinating natural history and conservation topics through interactive activities.
January 27 - Your Land, My Land: Using and Preserving Oregon’s Natural Resources - Oregonians are known for their independence and rugged individuality, qualities associated with work such as logging, fishing, farming, and ranching. The state is also known for its progressive environmental policies. Join Oregon Humanities Scholar Veronica Dujon, professor of sociology at Portland State University, in considering how our connection to a place forms our values and our approaches to conflicts over resources. 6:30 p.m. Free at the Tower Theatre in Bend. www.towertheatre.org
January 28 - Solar Viewing - Take a look at the Sun using safe viewing techniques made possible by volunteers from Pine Mountain Observatory and Sunriver Nature Center. It all happens just steps from the Museum’s doors, in our meadow (weather permitting). 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
January 31 - History Pub: Brews and Basques - Take a close look at an ancient culture that helped shaped our region. Curator of Western History Bob Boyd presents “Basques of the High Desert,” about the people who came to the High Desert as sheepherders in the late 1800s. This presentation will include slides, artifacts, and discussion. The program starts at 6 p.m. and doors at 5 p.m. Free at McMenamins Old St. Francis School’s Father Luke Room. (www.mcmenamins.com) In partnership with the Deschutes County Historical Society.
Collins Foundation Grant Award to Bethlehem Inn
The Bethlehem Inn will receive a $30,000 grant from the Collins Foundation.
The Collins Foundation grant funds will provide the opportunity for the Bethlehem Inn to develop a self-supporting and sustainable organization to meet the basic needs of those seeking support from the Inn. Ultimately, funding support will assist the Inn in fulfilling its mission to provide shelter, food, support services, and avenues to self-sufficiency for adults and families experiencing homelessness in Central Oregon.
The Collins Foundation exists to improve, enrich, and give greater expression to the religious, educational, cultural, and scientific endeavors in the state of Oregon and to assist in improving the quality of life in the state.
To learn more about the Bethlehem Inn and how to be a part of Central Oregon’s solution to end homelessness, please call 541.322.8768 or visit www.bethleheminn.org. Donations may also be mailed to Bethlehem Inn, P.O. Box 8540, Bend, OR 97708.
Join 5 Fusion January 23 for a Very Special Chinese New Year Celebration!
On Monday, January 23, 5 Fusion pulls out all the stops to celebrate the Chinese New Year and benefit the KIDS Center!
You will experience a traditional, eight course Chinese New Year dinner, expertly prepared by special Guest Chef Di Long and 5 Fusion Executive Chef Joe Kim. The number eight is widely regarded in Chinese culture as a universally lucky number, and dining on eight courses is a truly auspicious way to usher in the New Year. Each course is paired with the perfect wines, cocktails and sakes.
The cost to attend is just $100 per person - fully inclusive! All net proceeds will be donated to KIDS Center in support of their vital work. Tickets may be purchased by contacting Joni at KIDS Center at 541-383-5958. Remember - seats are limited!
What’s New? BluConnect!
Did you know that you can turn your hearing aids into a wireless stereo headset with the MEBluConnect device from Miracle-Ear? Listen to cell phone conversations in both ears, enjoy music on your MP3 player and watch your favorite TV programs at your preferred volume levels. Make convenient volume and program adjustments with built-in remote-control capabilities.
Call Miracle-Ear today at 541-330-5503 for more info on this amazing new device!
Chronic Conditions Classes Now Available in Madras & Prineville
Do you or someone you know, live with a health condition that affects daily life? Workshops to achieve a healthier way of living for people living with ongoing health conditions begin January 26. Workshops now being held in Deschutes, Crook, and Jefferson Counties, in both English and Spanish.
A chronic health condition is one that people must learn to live with for many years such as diabetes, emphysema, arthritis, migraine headaches, and heart disease. A healthy way to live with a chronic condition is to work at overcoming the symptoms.
The Living Well with Chronic Conditions program, sponsored by Living Well Central Oregon, is designed to complement and enhance medical treatment and disease management. Through the series of classes, participants will learn what they can do to feel better and manage their condition more effectively.
One series of classes and the book, Living a Healthy Life with Chronic Conditions, costs each participant a total of $10.
To receive Living Well class information or to register for classes, please call
541-322-7430 or visit the Living Well Central Oregon website at www.livingwellco.org.
Rep. Jason Conger Announces Re-Election Campaign
Rep. Jason Conger has announced his re-election campaign for the Oregon House of Representatives. After an effective first session, Conger said he's running to continue his efforts to improve Central Oregon's economy, make government more efficient and improve our education and healthcare systems.
"Our community has made some progress in reducing local unemployment, but it is not enough and I won't be satisfied until our economic recovery is complete," Conger said. "I look forward to the upcoming campaign and sharing my solutions for putting people back to work."
During the 2011 session, Rep. Conger secured passage of legislation to finance the purchase of a permanent building for Oregon State University Cascades graduate programs. He successfully worked to extend the Enterprise Zone program so it will continue creating jobs in Central Oregon. Conger earned a 100 percent score on bills promoting job creation and economic growth according to the Oregon Prosperity Project, a coalition of Oregon business and trade advocates.
Announcing the Environmental Organization Partners in City Walls at City Hall’s INSIDE::OUT Art Show
The City of Bend Arts, Beautification & Culture Commission (ABC Commission) announces the partner organizations in the fourth City Wall’s at City Hall art show titled INSIDE::OUT, opening April 6, 2012.
With the theme of “Bend’s external environment inspires our internal environment (mental, physical, emotional & spiritual)”, the ABC Commission will partner with The Environmental Center and its members.
Juried artists will be paired with a partner organization to express the theme through the inspiration of the organization’s work. Mike Riley, executive director of The Environmental Center said, “We are very excited to participate in this project. It’s a unique opportunity for The Environmental Center and our member groups to tell our stories and reach a new audience.”
The ABC Commission acts in an advisory capacity, making recommendations on the appropriate role for the City of Bend to take in supporting the arts, beautification and culture, and annually identifies the appropriate City involvement in arts, community beautification and culture with emphasis on community gatherings, events, cultural tourism and the arts.
Free Computer Training at the Deschutes Public Libraries
The Deschutes Public Library begins its Winter/Spring Series of free, hands-on computer classes for adults in January. The formal classes offered at the Downtown Bend, Redmond, Sisters, and Sunriver libraries introduce users to computers, email, and the Internet. Attendees can explore word-processing and spreadsheet software, learn how to effectively search the Internet, and become expert at accessing and using email. There are also classes on Digital Books, Craigslist, and Facebook.
A complete schedule of Winter/Spring classes is available now at your local library. Classes are free and class size is limited, so the library urges those who are interested to make their reservations as soon as possible. Sign up online at www.deschuteslibrary.org or in person at the Reference Desk of your local Library or call to make reservations at 617-7050.
Not interested in a formal class? Join us for Open Lab. Use this free time to practice on your computer skills or work on any computer problems you’re having with DPL staff on hand to help. Open Lab sessions are available at the Downtown Bend on Thursdays from 2 to 3:30 p.m. and at East Bend on Tuesdays from 2 to 3:30 p.m.
Mt. Bachelor Announces Sponsorship of US Ski Team Athlete Laurenne Ross
Mt. Bachelor has signed Laurenne Ross to its team of sponsored athletes. Ross spent much of her childhood growing up in Oregon and now calls Mt. Bachelor her home mountain.
A former Mount Bachelor Sports Education Foundation (MBSEF) standout, Ross is a four-discipline threat on the World Cup (Slalom, Giant Slalom, Super G and Downhill). Ross saw a meteoric rise in the ranks on the US Ski Team and world rankings last winter, finishing 10th in downhill and 16th in Super G at the 2011 World Championships, followed by a career-best fourth place finish at the World Cup Super G in Tarvisio, Italy.
“Growing up at Bachelor taught me how to ski in every condition over varying terrain, and it fostered my love for skiing and ski racing”, Ross said. “MBSEF helped me through every step of my career-they are still helping me to succeed today. I owe so much to my home club, the mountain and the people who pushed me along the way. I could not be more thankful to have grown up with such an amazing resort in my backyard-Mt. Bachelor is still my favorite place to ski!”
Hasson Company Branch to Join Central Oregon Builders Association
The Central Oregon branch of premiere Northwest brokerage Hasson Company Realtors has become a member of the Central Oregon Builders Association (COBA). As an organization, COBA advocates politically and locally for the housing industry, and provides opportunities for the public to become educated on issues affecting contemporary homebuilding.
COBA will provide the Hasson Company with monthly networking meetings with other businesses dedicated to local building, as well as opportunities for classes on topics such as Green Building, Sales & Marketing, Building Codes, and Jobsite Safety.
“Our membership in COBA will benefit both of our organizations immensely,” said Jason Gooing, Principal Managing Broker of the Central Oregon branch. “Our agents will have crucial information about homebuilding as soon as it becomes available, which will further their knowledge and expertise in all stages of homebuilding and buying. These benefits can then be passed on directly to our clients.”
Oregon Employer Council Central Oregon invites you to attend Time Management and Burnout
It is no secret that we have all experienced a larger workload and less time to manage it. We have all felt the effects of the economy, less man power and more work. We all have been told to work smarter and not harder. How do you do this when there are so many things already on your plate?
Increasing productivity when you are feeling burned out can seem far fetched and almost impossible. How do you encourage your team to do more when you need assistance yourself? Do you find yourself replacing good quality people because in your opinion they can’t adapt to your work environment?
Attend this seminar and learn:
- What “time management” really is
- How burnout and stress link with “time” management
- How to sort through urgent and important demands in the workplace
- And much more…..
Linda J. Nolte, MA, CMC, RODC, will lead this informative and time saving seminar. Linda has a Masters Degree in Human Resources and Organizational Development and over 25 years of experience as an Organizational Professional.
This seminar is sponsored by Barrett Business Services and will take place at the Fireside Lounge at Tetherow Golf Club on February 7. The cost to attend is $50 per person. This seminar qualifies for Continuing Education Credits for a variety of industries. For information, contact Janet Ainardi at janet.ainardi@state.or.us or 541-388-6095.
Free Small Business Counseling at the Downtown Bend Public Library
Avoid time-consuming and costly mistakes by learning from someone who’s “been there, done that.” Beginning in January, SCORE business counselors will be available every Tuesday from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. for free one-on-one small business counseling. Individuals who operate or wish to start small businesses can discuss business planning, organization and start-up, finance, marketing and other critical business issues with SCORE volunteers in private, confidential sessions. No appointment necessary.
SCORE is a nonprofit association dedicated to educating entrepreneurs and helping small businesses start, grow, and succeed nationwide. They are a resource partner with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and have been mentoring small business owners for more than forty years. For more information about Central Oregon SCORE please visit their web site at www.scorecentraloregon.org.
The Nature of Words to Offer Adult Haiku Class
Jeb Barton will teach his popular Zen/Taoist haiku class (Level II) at The Nature of Words (NOW) on Thursdays, starting January 19th, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. The five-part class meets at NOW’s Literary Arts Center at 224 NW Oregon Avenue in downtown Bend. The class is open to adults of all writing levels. First-time haiku writers may attend an additional meeting with Barton for a basic overview of the practice.
Barton has been a student and teacher of Eastern Philosophy and Mysticism for more than 40 years. He conducts seminars and workshops on Consciousness and Reality, writing classical haiku, and on the art of Zenga brush painting. In 2009, he received the Nautilus Book Award, Silver Medal, for a three-volume publication of his life’s work in Haiku poetry.
Barton’s Level II Zen/Taoist haiku class takes place on Thursdays from Jan. 19 through Feb. 23, with no class Feb. 9. Registration is $75 and all proceeds benefit NOW’s free creative writing workshops for teens at The Storefront Project. To register, call 541-647-2233 or email programs@thenatureofwords.org.
Oregon Adaptive Sports Sends Program Director to Ski Spectacular in Colorado
Oregon Adaptive Sports (OAS) is proud to announce local participation in the 24th annual Hartford Ski Spectacular in Colorado. More than 800 individuals from more than 30 states and five foreign countries descended upon Beaver Run Resort and Breckenridge Ski Resort in December. They gathered to enjoy a week of learning new adaptive snow sports teaching techniques and to participate in on-the-snow activities. OAS was privileged to send Program Director, Jeremy Fox, to volunteer as an instructor.
“The Hartford Ski Spectacular is a great place for individuals with disabilities to develop independence, confidence and fitness,” said Fox. “ It was an emotional moment on the first day to see all the wounded veterans in the skier preparation room--men and women missing arms, legs, eyes, some with skin burns covering much of their upper body, all getting out of their prosthetic limbs and wheelchairs and into their ski clothes and equipment. To see all that destruction from wars half way across the world in one room in Colorado was overwhelming.”
Fox continues, “The highlight of my week was assisting to teach a wounded vet of my age a monoski lesson.”
New Public Works Director Chris Doty Starts Jan. 23
Chris Doty begins his employment with Deschutes County on Monday, January 23. Previously the City of Redmond Public Works Director, Doty is a professional civil and traffic operations engineer.
Doty’s new responsibilities at the County’s Road Department includes directing staff in the areas of road construction and equipment maintenance, civil engineering activities; and directing each Road division with the help of supervisory staff.
“I am very excited to join the Deschutes County team and am honored by the trust placed in me to fill some pretty big shoes in the Road Department,” Doty said.
“I am very pleased to hire Chris as the County’s new Public Works Director for our Road Department. He has a proven track record of successfully managing a public works department. Chris brings a mix of technical knowledge on roads, transportation systems and management experience to the County,” said Interim County Administrator Erik Kropp.
SocialEatia.com’s Preferred Dining+Bar Card Satisfies Hungry Customers and Hungry Restaurants!
SocialEatia.com announces the launch of the Central Oregon Preferred Dining+Bar Card. Unlike punch cards and one time use restaurant coupons, the card can be used every day through June 30, 2012 to save 15 percent on meals or 50 percent on one alcoholic beverage. Sixteen of Bend’s best restaurants are participating along with local, Flash Savings merchants who are offering incredible daily discounts by simply flashing the card.
The real value of The Preferred Dining+Bar Card is that there is no minimum spend. Simply present your card with your bill and your savings will be deducted. You can use your card multiple times per day for meals, and once per day, per restaurant for an alcoholic beverage.
With a cost of just $25, the Preferred Dining+Bar Card easily pays for itself while dining at some the best restaurants in Central Oregon. The card is available for purchase at the Bend Chamber.
Local Golfers Raised Funds to Help Prevent Child Abuse and Neglect
Golfers from all over Central Oregon raised over $16,500 in birdie contributions for MountainStar Family Relief Nursery through its Birdies 4 BabiesTM program, an annual grassroots golfing fundraiser. Completing its seventh season, Birdies 4 BabiesTM has generated more than $120,000 since its inception. All proceeds support MountainStar’s child abuse and neglect prevention programs that serve at-risk families with babies and toddlers throughout Deschutes County.
The Birdies 4 BabiesTM season-long program welcomed golfers of all abilities, from beginners to professionals, to collect money for birdies (one under PAR) and for other great golf shots made during the 2011 golfing season. Funds raised were contributed to a collection spot at participating golf clubs, including Crosswater Club, Widgi Creek, Bend Golf and Country Club, Broken Top Club, and Juniper Golf Club. Bank of the Cascades also supported the program with a significant sponsorship donation.
“We are excited and overwhelmed by the generosity of the local golfing community,” says Tim Rusk, Executive Director of MountainStar. “This has been a very tough year for fund raising and Birdies 4 BabiesTM not only helps to bring in critical dollars to support our program, it has also helped create much needed public awareness for children and families who desperately need the services we provide.”
Saving Grace participates in Stalking Awareness Month
January is National Stalking Awareness Month, a time to focus on a crime that affects 3.4 million victims a year. This year’s theme—“Stalking: Know It. Name It. Stop It”—challenges the nation to fight this dangerous crime by learning more about it.
Stalking is difficult to recognize, investigate, and prosecute. Unlike other crimes, stalking is not a single, easily identifiable crime but a series of acts, a course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause that person fear. Stalking may take many forms, such as assaults, threats, vandalism, burglary, or animal abuse, as well as unwanted cards, calls, gifts, or visits.
Communities that understand stalking, however, can support victims and combat the crime. “If more people learn to recognize stalking,” said Paula Little, Saving Grace Development Director, we have a better chance to protect victims and prevent tragedies.”
Saving Grace has teamed up with various restaurants around Central Oregon to promote awareness and public education about stalking during the annual observance. Look for more information on stalking on the tables local restaurants. | 
