New executive director revealed at JCWC annual gala

Discover the connection between their new Executive Director, and Johnson Creek. And, learn about all of those celebrated at their annual gala event …

Checking in guests at the Johnson Creek Watershed Council Riffle Awards evening is their Community Outreach Coordinator Sara Volk, and past AmeriCorps member – and now a volunteer – a Sima Seumalo.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton

Continuing a tradition in place before the pandemic, the Johnson Creek Watershed Council (JCWC) again hosted their annual “Riffle Awards” banquet in Reed College’s Kaul Auditorium – this year, on Thursday evening, May 29.

The night featured a large silent auction, and hors d’oeuvres served in the building’s lobby. It was a time when many of the volunteers in attendance renewed acquaintances and made new friends.

Meet the new JCWC Executive Director, Jennifer Hamilton.

This was also the first opportunity for many JCWC volunteers to meet the nonprofit’s newly revealed Executive Director, Jennifer Hamilton, who had been announced only a week before. Stepping away from the gathering for a few minutes, she spoke with THE BEE East Portland News about her background, and how she came to JCWC.

“I’ve been in the environmental and sustainable food sector for about 15 years,” Hamilton began. “I’ve always had a bit of a ‘cause girl heart’, so my heart is activated by causes that are activated by my beliefs.

“Here’s my connection with the JCWC: I just recently bought a piece of property here in Sellwood, and Crystal Springs Creek runs through my backyard,” Hamilton explained. “In looking to learn more about that creek, and the watershed, a neighbor told me about the Crystal Springs Partnership and then – from there – I completed the Backyard Certification Program, which in turn led me to the Johnson Creek Watershed Council.

“I saw the job announcement – and now, I’m so pleased to be part of the JCWC!” Hamilton exclaimed.

Just before the silent auction closes, a past JCWC Board Member, but one still involved with the Crystal Spring Partnership, guest Mary Ann Schmidt checks out the artwork for sale, along with guest Kathleen Glanville.

Guests serve themselves a toothsome supper from the buffet.

Hamilton, along with the other 136 attendees at the gala, were ushered into the auditorium, which was set up with tables for dining. Guests served themselves dishes such as red beans and coconut rice, roasted yams, curried coconut chickpeas, and jerk chicken.

As guests concluded supping, several organizations and individuals were honored with a JCWC “Riffle Award” – in four categories this year.

Meet many of this year’s JCWC Riffle Award recipients: Community/Nonprofit Partner Lydia Moges and Yonas Kassie with Ethiopian Resource and Cultural Center; Business Partner Jeremiah Green, Lucas Evans, and Heather Clegg with Wolf Water Resources; School Partner Christina Friedle, Benjamin Kronenberg, Brian Newkirk with PCC Geographic Information System Program; and Ernie Francisco Award recipients, “Super Volunteers” Andrew Villagrana and John Powers.

Business Partner Riffle Award:
Wolf Water Resources

School Partner Riffle Award:
Portland Community College Geographic Information System Program

Community/Nonprofit Partner Riffle Award:
Ethiopian and Eritrean Cultural and Resource Center

Ernie Francisco Awards:
Andrew Villagrana and John Powers

“The highlight of the event for me this year was that, in addition to presenting the ‘Riffle Awards’, all our staff were able to share about their programs and the impact that our funders, sponsors, and volunteers have on the watershed,” commented its organizer, JCWC Volunteer Program Manager Marlee Eckman told us after the program. “All of our programs do such different but crucial and interconnected work that I take a lot of pride in being able to stand in front of everyone and share the ways we are making a difference.

“Oh, and we almost met our goal of raising $30,000 tonight; the total was $29,130 – but people can still contribute at any time,” Eckman said.

The Johnson Creek Watershed Council offers volunteer opportunities for people in the community almost every weekend. Learn more, at their website: CLICK HERE.

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