January 28th, 2010 by Angie Marsh
WCVA CEO Ruthie Reinert holds the prizewinning photo while congratulating winner Christopher Pokorny during the event.
WCVA staff, stakeholders and partners convened in late January at The Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge to network while discovering the natural wonders of the Refuge at sunset.
In addition, the grand prize winner of WCVA’s Vineyard and Valley Scenic Tour Route photo contest was recognized and awarded his prize money.
Taking top honors as the grand prize winner was Christopher Pokorny of Portland, Ore., for the photograph titled, “Tiller Curves,” which showcases a tractor tiller.
Pokorny took a moment to address attendees, expressing his thanks and enjoyment of driving the 50-mile Scenic Tour Route–which he has done seven times.
Pokorny also won the “History” category of the contest with his photograph titled, “Grossen.” This stunning photo is named after the family who owns the land along the Tour Route, where Pokorny had permission to enter their property to compose the perfect shot.
Overall, four photographers were selected as the winners of contest, and all were invited to attend this event. Winners, whose images best represent Washington County’s agricultural- and wine-focused scenic drive, will share a total of $3,000 in prize money.
Attendees were also treated to a raffle of prints of the award-winning photographs from Pokorny.
WCVA Board Members Norm Penner, Jonae Armsrong, Terry Goldman and Teri Koerner and CEO Ruthie Reinert congratulate contest winner Christopher Pokorny at the Refuge.
The Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge provides a variety of recreational and educational activities and an ever-changing panorama of wildlife viewing. Located on the “Pacific Flyway,” the Refuge is an important stopover where migrating waterfowl, songbirds, and shorebirds stop to rest, refuel, and raise their young. The Refuge is open daily, offering new exhibits, a non-profit nature store, and indoor and outdoor viewing areas.
WCVA’s Westside Spotlight is a program where stakeholders partner with the WCVA to host an open house at their businesses/venues to create industry-wide promotional and networking events. Westside Spotlight showcases Washington County’s diversity of unique attractions and venues, and is designed to familiarize partners in the area to increase the number of both leisure and business visitors to Washington County.
Thanks to It’s Party Time Catering for providing light refreshments at this Westside Spotlight event.
The Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge building.
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Tags: Tualatin, Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge, Vineyard & Valley scenic tour route, washington county oregon, WCVA photo contest
Posted in WCVA News | No Comments »
January 27th, 2009 by Rhiannon
Last Friday, I gave a colleague who is new to the area a tour of Washington County, which I touted as a “Hidden Gems of Washington County” tour. The purpose of this tour was to show-off parts of the region that, for one reason or another, seem to be overlooked.
What I didn’t expect was that I was going to be amazed by this tour. I discovered new things about the places I’ve been talking about for more than a year. Because I have a child-like enthusiasm for things, I will share these discoveries with you.
Did you know that Tigard, Ore. based Stash Tea (yes, the same Stash Tea you find in your local supermarket) has more than 200 loose-leaf teas in its retail shop located near Bridgeport Village? There you can taste the three selected teas of the day. Also, the tea company has a personal relationship with the farmers from whom it gets the tea leaves, rather than purchasing the leaves in bulk from a wholesaler. In addition, Stash Tea doesn’t use any artificial ingredients in the teas, so I can sip my cup of “Double Bergamot Earl Grey” tea with a clear conscience.
The “hidden gems” tour also included a stop at the Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge. This sanctuary for migrating and indigenous birds, waterfowl and mammals is operated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. I enjoyed the interpretive center, which opened nearly a year ago. The display gave a nice overview of the U.S. refuge system and the history of birds and mammals in the Portland area and how the development of the area by humans has affected many indigenous species. And, because I love to shop, I didn’t leave the gift shop without purchasing a couple of books about the birds of Oregon.
For lunch, we stopped in the Lavender Tea House in Sherwood, Ore. This quaint tea house, located in the heart of Old Town, is a renovated home and serves traditional “high tea” staples, such as scones, tea sandwiches, and, of course, tea. However, what makes this place unique is its new baker program.
The concept allows entrepreneurial bakers to use the Lavender Tea House’s new industrial kitchen – for a fee – and showcase their creations at the tea house’s bakery. So far, a handful of stay-at-home mothers have signed up for the program. More information about this program is available on the Lavender Tea House website.
The day of exploring ended with a wine tasting at the new Barron-Wahl winery, also in Sherwood. Owned by Gordon Barron and Bill Wahl, with the wine created by renowned Oregon winemaker Joe Dobbs, Barron-Wahl’s pinot noir is one to keep your eye on.
Don’t just take my word for it, come explore for yourself. Or, better yet, tell us about your hidden treasures of Washington County.
Tags: bakery, Barron-Wahl, Lavender Tea House, new wineries, Stash Tea, tea, Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge, Wineries
Posted in Family Fun, Food & Drink, Shopping, Wineries | 1 Comment »
