His name is J-R Mcdowell and while he was here with us, he taught those lucky enough to know him much about grace.

I only spent a few hours with J-R earlier this summer when we met him at the Providence Center for Medically Fragile Children.

We were there to do a story on his many accomplishments in his young life.

But, in just those few hours, I, too was touched by J-R's gentle spirit, compassion, sense of humor, humility and faith.

J-R suffered from a nerve crippling disease, neurofibromatosis. Just getting up in the morning was a daunting challenge.Yet, J-R went to Franklin High School determined to graduate with his class.

In the final months, he couldn't attend class, but he continued his classes with a tutor at the hospital.

He was too ill to attend graduation, so the ceremony came to him.

The school awarded him its coveted "Franklin award" for inspiring classmates and teachers.

In addition, J-R became sort of the informal spokesman for all the kids at the Center for Medically Fragile Children.

None of them can speak, but J-R spoke with them.

And they communciated with J-R. He cared for each and every one of them.

At the celebration of J-R's life, parents of some of those children spoke of how J-R helped them endure their own hardships.

J-R loved video games...

He was a master video game player... but the disease robbed his hands of their dexterity and he had to have others use the video controls.

It was J-R's dream to design his own video game based on Bible stories.

A Microsoft game designer had planned to come visit J-R to hear his ideas and show him how games are designed, but J-R never got the chance.

He died just days before the visit. J-R passed away on July 28,2008 at just 19-years old.

J-R touched so many, even those he never met.

The Microsoft game designer, Matt, had seen our Newschannel 8 report on J-R.

After J-R's death he wrote me this email about J-R:

"He is so inspiring to me on so many levels and such an encouragement in the plain old business of daily living. I was really excited about meeting him simply because his is the kind of creative energy that is so rewarding to engage with. I've appreciated your expressions of gratitude but I cannot possibly convey how much I feel that this was as much an opportunity for me as a favor for someone else.

My thoughts are with you both, with J-R's mom and family, and with all the kids that J-R inspired so much and who must really be missing him terribly."

J-R is missed terribly.

However, all of us who knew him, even briefly, are so grateful for the gift of having known him.

J-R has touched us and we are changed.

If you missed the story we did on J-R, you can watch it on kgw.com under News video/special reports.

Fondly,

Laural

Hi everyone. Thank you for checking out our Race for the Cure page here on Kgw.com.

This is a cause I very much believe in.

I lost my Step-mother,Suzan Porter, last year. She was a courageous breast cancer survivor for many years.

In Suzan's memory and as the mother of four children, I am determined, as I know you are too, to help find a cure for breast cancer in our lifetime.

I want to thank all of you who took part in the 2007 Race For the Cure.

You helped us set all kinds of records... most people ever participating in the Portland/Vancouver Race for The Cure... most money raised (2.93 million dollars)... and most number of teams racing.

That made us the largest race of any kind on the West Coast and the third largest Komen Race For the Cure in the country.

Way to go. Because of you we were able to provide 7,000 mammograms to local women who are uninsured.

We also teamed up with other Komen affiliates to fund an all time high of 100 million dollars for breast cancer research in 2008!

That is truly amazing.

Give yourselves a big pat on the back!

Now, we must raise the bar, if we are indeed going to find a cure for breast cancer.

This year, our goal is to have 50,000 people participate in the 2008 race on September 21st and to raise a whopping THREE MILLION dollars.

Together, I know we can do it.

Even though we provided 7,000 mammograms, there is a documented need in our area for 44,000!

The fact still remains that Oregon and Southwest Washington have the highest breast cancer incidence rates in the nation.

Although, we don't know why, that should empower us to be advocates not only for our own health, but also for those who are in desperate need of access to health care, education,and support.

We had a tremendously successful race in 2007. But, we want... we need to do even better.

Together, we must discover and deliver the cures... if we are going to end breast cancer forever.

Thank you for being a part of our team.

Please form your own team by going to the Komen website.

You can also donate on my behalf to my team Team KGW.

Let's go team!

Fondly,

Laural

I was watching the weather forecast like a hawk but I don't think you can really be prepared to be outside in record breaking heat. We started hydrating the girls on Thursday pushing water, water, water. I know my daughter must have felt like she was about to pop! During the matches, we had parents on the sidelines with cups and bottled water coaxing the kids to grab a swig every time the action stopped or the coach made substitutions.

Now that I'm a full fledged "soccer mom" I'm learning the game goes on-- rain or shine. But I have to say after this weekend of scorching temperatures I'm seeing the upside of those cold, wet fall mornings spent shivering under a golf umbrella on a muddy field. Don't hold me to that, though. I'm sure my story will change come October!

Whatever sport your child plays-- here's to a great summer season! Who knows? Maybe I'll see you on the field.

                   Brenda

I found some of the inspiring and often used quotes from Oscar Wilde, Benjamin Franklin, and Ralph Waldo Emerson.
Quotes such as: "Do not follow where the path may lead. Go, instead, where there is no path and leave a trail."
                                    Ralph Waldo Emerson

Or how about this quote?

"Don't judge each day by the harvest you reap, but by the seeds that you plant."
                                             Robert Louis Stevenson

Former NBC News anchorman Tom Brokaw said this:
"You are educated. Your certification is in your degree. You may think of it as the ticket to the good life. Let me ask you to think of an alternative. Think of it as your ticket to change the world."

My second daughter, Kate is about to graduate from high school.
You'd think the second time around would be easier. But, it's not.

I am excited for all the paths Emerson talks about she may follow and all the trails she may leave.

And she'll leave them.

I can't wait to see the seeds Stevenson's quote prompts her to plant.

And I know she will.

And I muse about the ways Tom Brokaw would have her change the world.

And I believe Kate can.

So, my Kate the almost graduate, you "hitch your wagon to a star", and "wherever you go, go with all your heart", and "shoot for the moon, even if you miss, you'll land among the stars."
(Emerson again, Confucious, and Les Brown).

And Matt Zaffino would like this quote for the graduate from Anthony J.D'angelo.

"Wherever you go, no matter what the weather, always bring your own sunshine."
(Great advice this winter and spring in the northwest, isn't it?)

 Fortunately, I have two more teenagers, graduating every two years until 2012, so maybe I'll find the perfect quote by then.

There is one thing I can say that is not poetic or unique, but very heartfelt.

I love you and am so very proud of you.

Congratulations to all of our 2008 graduates!

Anyone else have some words of wisdom?

You can email me at:
<a href="lporter@kgw.commailto:lporter@kgw.com">lporter@kgw.com</a>

When the presidential candidates swing through town we are occasionally granted a few minutes to ask them questions one on one. While the interviews rarely break much new ground, they are a chance to focus on some local issues. But only if you are fast! I mean how many topics can you cover in three minutes?

I thought you might get a kick out of just how long it takes to get 180 seconds on tape. We were told to check in by 8 this morning. That gives the secret service time to sweep our gear and us for security reasons.

 Once in place we waited in an outdoor courtyard for several hours on this brisk morning (no I didn't wear a coat, someone we know said it was going to be 65 degrees today!) for Senator Clinton to arrive. Now, I know this part will shock you, but the campaign was running late!

She arrived at 10:30 instead of 9:30 and participated in a roundtable discussion about the need for health care. (No, there wasn't really a round table. There never is.)

 A little after 11 we were ushered into a small room where we set up our camera and waited some more. I didn't mind since it was heated and it felt good when the feeling slowly returned to my toes. 

Then after several false alarms Senator Clinton arrived in"our room." There was another room next door with a different crew set up for an interview. Because she was running late, our original 5 minute interview slot was chopped to 3! So it averaged out to about an hour of waiting for each minute of interviewing. 

What can you cover in three minutes? You'd be surprised; this is after all an accomplished politician. We hit on Oregon issues, the Governor's endorsement, and a debate with Barack Obama, if she is thinking about quitting the race, and what it has meant to be the first woman with a real shot at the nomination. To be perfectly honest, I squeezed in that last question after my time was up, extending the interview to four minutes. My daughter Ali wanted me to ask her that and face it; I am a mother first and didn't want to disappoint her. Luckily, it would seem that Senator Clinton is a mother first too since no one cut me off and she gave a very emotional response.

For all of you who want to know more personal things about her, there is just not much I can gather in 4 minutes people! But here are a few first impressions. She is beautiful. I don't know what she is doing but I wish she could bottle it for the rest of us. She is seriously smart. I don't know why I can't seem to remember a thing these days and she can rattle off facts and figures and anything else you ask with ease. She laughs easily and has an incredible amount of focus and energy. Meeting her was a moment I will remember and tell my daughters about.

Win or lose it is an historic race. Any woman that follows will be standing on her shoulders.

You can check out the interview tonight on KGW Newschannel 8 and online anytime at kgw.com. Obviously it will only take you a few minutes.

And as always, thanks for watching.

Tracy Barry

Have you picked out your funniest pink hat,combed out your pink wig, or bought your new track shoes yet for the "Race for the Cure"?

No? Okay, that's alright, you have time. It's not until Sunday, September 21st.
I just wanted you to start thinking ahead. Mark that day on your calendar.

I always love to see the crazy outfits people wear to celebrate the Portland- Vancouver "Race for the Cure".

I started thinking about the race today, because I emceed a luncheon where "Susan G. Komen For the Cure" recognized organizations that receive funding from Komen and the race to help fight breast cancer in our community.

I thought you'd like to know where some of the money goes that you help raise.

75% of the money raised stays in Oregon and Southwest Washington to fund vital programs and services.

The other 25% is combined with other Komen affiliates nationwide to fuel national research.

Just today, "Komen for the Cure" announced the awarding of 100-million dollars in scientific research grants to help find a cure for breast cancer.

That is the largest amount in Komen's 26 year history... and a 30 percent increase over last year.

Hip Hip Hooray for all of us!

Nearly 48-thousand of us who raced did our part by raising more than two-million dollars.

Here in Portland, we awarded nearly One and a half MILLION dollars to 28 organizations to help in the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer.

Organizations cover the entire state and SW Washington: from Portland and Vancouver to Medford, Burns,Celilo,Salem and Grants Pass.

Komen's goal is to try to reach as many people as possible in the state regardless of race,nationality,sexual orientation or special needs.

Grantees include the African American Health Coalition; the Asian Health and Service Center;The Celilo Cancer Center serving Native Americans; the Russian Oregon Social Services; Providence Medical Center's Vietnamese-American Health Promoter Training Program; and Hacienda CDC, serving Latina women.

Together, we can meet Komen For the Cure's promise of a world without breast cancer.
We are getting closer to that goal everyday.

So, start thinking about warmer weather and summer time, and getting your team together for this year's "Race for the Cure".

Because we are all on the same team. Thank you for racing for the cure.

Laural

This year the Children's Trust Fund of Oregon asked several local "celebrities" to paint a picture for their upcoming event. We were supposed to come up with an interpretation on the theme "Happy, Healthy Families."

Since my artistic abilities peaked at age 5 with some fine finger-painting masterpieces I knew I needed some assistance. So I enlisted the help of my 9-year-old daughter Ali who is fearless and bold with her expressions on canvas. We decided to offer a whimsical nod to our "Good Fortune" at becoming a family. As many of you know we are a Chinese-American family brought together through adoption. We believe a family is defined not by blood but by the heart.
And we believe we are meant to be together. This is why we decided to include our favorite Chinese legend. It says "An invisible red thread connects those who are destined to be together, regardless of time place or circumstance. The thread may stretch or tangle, but never break." So here is our paintings and a couple of the others that will be on display.

This is a neat one by Margie Boule at the Oregonian.

And my personal favorite from Rama the Elephant at the Oregon Zoo!

It's all for a critical cause. The Children's Trust Fund of Oregon was formed in the mid 1980's with a mandate to find ways to prevent child abuse. Over the past 22 years it has distributed over 6.1 million donated dollars to local programs serving Oregon families.

This Blue Ribbon Celebration is set for Thursday, April 24th from 5 p.m.-7:30 p.m. You'll be able to mingle shop and socialize in the Governor Hotel's Grand Ballroom. And of course admire some art that at the very least comes from the heart. You can find out more at
http://www.ctfo.org

Ali and I send ours with prayers for all the children still waiting for their red thread connection.

And as always thanks for watching.

Tracy Barry

How about some photos for the road?

I took the one below to show you what we see from the anchor chair: 3 cameras with teleprompters and tv monitors. When I started at KGW in 1985, people ran the studio cameras. Robots do the job now.

One of my favorite producers, Scott Collins

Director Chris Pausz and I both started working at KGW in 1985. We were children:)

Meteorologist Ron Pedersen, who fills in regularly at KGW, worked with me at a TV station in Bend many years ago. That was my first job in television

with KGW Up-and-Comer Katherine Cook

NOW FOR SOME GOODBYE PARTY SHOTS...

with KGW News Photographer Brian Robertson, the one who suggested I interview the "I like Turtles" boy (Jonathon Ware- a great kid, by the way) Little did we know that random interview would become an internet sensation.

A GOODBYE PARTY WITH THE WEEKEND CREW (We are a fun and subversive group.)

Joe Becker makes the most delicious chili-cheese dip. Seriously!

My dear friend and long-time producer Nancy Vardanega lovingly grills the hot dogs for our weekend potlucks, which we affectionately call "Hot Diggedy Dog Days."

Editor Emily Albrechtsen dug out embarrassing old video clips from the KGW archives and put together a couple of goodbye montages for my last newscasts.

Click here to watch the Goodby Video Montage she edited.

Here my husband and 3 daughters watch one of the pieces Emily produced. They are startled by my startling outfits from eras past. Such as....

What WAS I thinking?

I took this shot to give you a better view of our robotic cameras. On occasion, they will crash into each other. It's hard not to laugh when this happens.

My daughters on the set on my last night at KGW. Sort of a final "take-your-daughter-to-work" day

My friend and now former co-anchor, Amy Troy

Many thanks to all. I will not forget you.

All the Best,
Nancy Francis

First of all, I want to say thanks for all the kind emails and comments over the past couple of weeks.

Secondly, as promised..my mullet photo. In my defense, I pose this question: Is there anyone 40 or older who did NOT have a mullet at some point? Look... even Jane Pauley had a mullet variation! And how do you like our shoulder pads?

This was taken on the set of "The Today Show" at NBC in New York. That's Bryant Gumbel on the right. We were shooting a promo for "News 8 at Sunrise," my first newscast at KGW. It aired at 6:30 am, followed by "The Today Show" at 7. Easy money, when you consider that "Newschannel 8 at Sunrise" currently starts at 4:30 am!

Now for some more odds and ends from the scrapbook:

With legendary KGW meteorologist Jack Capell. I was visiting the station while on maternity leave with my youngest daughter, Colette.

Joe Becker has worked at KGW longer than anyone else on-the-air right now, including me. This summer, he marks 24 years.

This photo with Tom Browkaw was taken in the KGW newsroom in the late '80s. I had been at my computer typing when I felt someone tap me on the shoulder. Imagine my surprise to see it was Tom Brokaw... who wanted to ask me a question about our computer program. He was in town to anchor NBC Nightly News from the top of the US Bank Tower.

Cover of The Oregonian's "TV Click" with my then-coanchor Russ Lewis in 1999.

FROM "BENJI THE HUNTED"

On the set with Benji in Cascade Locks. The photo below shows Benji in his (actually HER) golf cart. In the kennel below is the stunt dog, Barney. (I am not making this up!)

My scene was shot at the Coast Guard station in Newport on a clear, warm summer night. It was supposed to take place in a fierce rainstorm, which was made possible by several fire hoses that pummeled us on cue. It took about twelve hours to shoot a scene that lasts about two minutes.

New York

With my oldest daughter, Allison (now in college) serving at the annual dinner the Trailblazers host for the homeless. What I remember most about that day was that Rasheed Wallace (who dished out food with us) was kind to Allison.

Newspaper clipping showing me with my daughter, Anna at the Grand Floral Parade

And finally, for those too young to know: That rectangular object in the upper left is called a typewriter. I thought it was cool because it was electric!

My last day at KGW is April 6th.

Some people are astounded when they hear I've been at KGW for 22-plus years. Candidly, the fact is I would not have lasted that long if KGW had not allowed me to work a part time schedule for much of that time.

I have three daughters. After my first daughter was born, I returned to work full time: anchoring weekends (a night schedule) and reporting (a daytime schedule) three days a week. After several exhausting months, it became clear to me I wasn't doing anything particularly well; I wasn't performing to my satisfaction as a journalist or a mother.

I did not want to quit my job. But I knew that, realistically, it would eventually come to that unless there was some kind of compromise. Something had to give.

I don't believe there is a universal formula for a work/family balance. I would never dare to presume to know what other parents should do to achieve the right balance. Furthermore, many parents simply cannot afford to cut back on work, much as they might want to do that. Every situation is different; not everyone has the same options.

All I knew was what seemed best for my child and family in the context of the demanding profession of television news and the particular schedule I had.

My proposal to my then-boss: Reduce my hours, my pay, and my benefits.

I thought it was a win-win, but the news director at that time (1989) was resistant to the idea. After considerable back-and-forth, he agreed and KGW allowed me that privilege for many years, even though it wasn't necessarily always convenient for the news operation. I would like to thank KGW for that.

I hope that sharing my story publicly might encourage other companies to keep an open mind when it comes to compromising with their employees during various phases of their careers and family life. More often than not, in my opinion, it makes good business sense.

Back to the photo album
THEN......

with Allison (now 19)

with Anna (now 14)

with Colette (now 11)

NOW...

Michael told me he's humbled and honored to be recognized but around here we've always recognized his hard work and talent. He's been getting folks where they're going for 15 years in Portland-- the last four here at NewsChannel 8!

One thing you may NOT know about Michael is that he gets cold feet--- not about being on
TV.. I mean.. he gets COLD FEET in our heavily air conditioned HD studio.
This morning I noticed thick, white socks peeking out from his suit slacks and he 'fessed up
to the reason behind this "fashion statement." : )
Dave Salesky couldn't resist snapping a picture

Congrats again, Michael, on the best TV traffic reporter award. Well deserved!
You can catch his traffic reports Monday through Friday on Newschannel 8 at Sunrise from
5 to 7am. He's also watching the roads during the Today Show. Catch his updates at 7:27am, 7:57am and 8:27am.

Brenda Braxton

What's really neat is that word of the bears plight is spreading through knitting groups throughout the country I also heard from a viewer who doesn't knit but has figured out how to make them out of fleece because she can sew.

If you didn't get a chance to see the story when we aired it you can still watch it now. I just checked and it is still on our website. Just go back to the home page, click on news, then special reports and you'll see it there.

I'm going to check with the zoo to see how many are coming in and maybe we can do a little follow up story. I'll let you all know.

Thank you so much for caring about this... and as always thank you for watching.

Tracy Barry

"What a wonderful career I had. I only wish I could remember more of it."
-Me

* * * * * * * * * * * *
Probably the biggest regret of my career is that I did not keep a journal or at least a list of all the stories I covered. That would make it a lot easier to answer all the recent questions about what were my favorite or most memorable stories.

The pace of a television reporter's day is usually so dizzying that once it begins, the previous day's story is like a vapor. I'm sure I've covered a lot of stories that would be considered extraordinarily memorable... if my memory didn't fail me.

I do remember my first live shot in Portland was the grand opening of Pioneer Courthouse Square. I also remember when the first MAX train officially pulled into downtown for its first morning commute, Teresa Richardson and I were broadcasting "News 8 at Sunrise" live from the Square.

I remember exciting election nights, the exuberance at the winners' parties and the awkward quiet at the losers' gatherings...and then the fun esprit de corps in the newsroom later as all the reporters returned from their assignments with election night gossip.

I remember so many gracious and kind people who talked to me even though they didn't have to.

REPORTING FROM THE OREGON STATE PENITENTIARY

I remember so many tragic and/or perverse stories I'd just as soon forget, frankly.

I remember crime victims inspiring for their capacity to forgive.

I remember receiving a phone call from a woman I'd interviewed about 15 years earlier. She'd been part of a story I did about women on welfare trying to improve their lives and become more independent. She was calling to tell me she was getting her PhD!

More recently, I remember marvelling at a march and vigil in NE Portland in honor of Portland Police Officer Mark Zylawy, killed in a crash on I-5. I'd never seen anything like that outpouring of support. The people paying tribute to him were not the types you'd expect would march in the icy rain to honor an officer. One mournful young man politely turned down my request for an interview; he told me there were warrants out for his arrest, so he did not want to be on TV. Yet there he was, mourning the loss of an officer so beloved by that neighborhood.

I remember savoring the beauty of our region: the healing landscape at Mt. St Helens, the majesty of Multnomah Falls seen above from Sky 8, snowflakes big as butterflies on Mount Hood.

Speaking of Mount Hood, I remember hands so cold they hurt.

I remember the best news photgraphers in the Northwest.

UNFORTUNATELY, NOT ALL OF OUR WONDERFUL PHOTOGRAPHERS WERE AROUND FOR THIS PHOTO. NO DOUBT THE ABSENT ONES WERE OUT SHOOTING MORE AWARD-WINNING STORIES.

I remember the day some pranksters "kidnapped" an owl from the zoo. It was found that night, safely perched on the toilet seat in a restroom of an AM/PM market in NE Portland. That's what you call good video!

I remember a campaigning George H.W. Bush (the elder) behind the wheel of a big rig for a photo op at Jubitz Truck Stop.

I remember President Clinton coming to town for the Timber Summit.

I remember interviewing a woman who claimed to be psychic and hoping she could not read my mind because, as she spoke to me, I was thinking she was crazy!

I remember standing outside Julianne Phillips' parents' house in Lake Oswego with a throng of reporters. We were waiting for her fiance, Bruce Springsteen, to drive up for their imminent wedding. We got so excited when a limo rounded the corner, but were disappointed it was full of some high school kids on their way to a prom. A pizza delivery guy later brought pizza to all of us. We learned "the Boss" was inside the house the whole time and he was the one who ordered the pizza for us.

I remember interviewing Oprah Winfrey (twice! I'm lucky.) and falling under her spell. Oprah IS impressive!

Oh yes, and this...

For the record: KGW Videojournalist Brian Robertson should get credit for noticing "Turtle Boy" Jonathon Ware and suggesting that I interview him. I only wish Jonathon made some college money from his YouTube fame.

I guess I remember more than I thought.

Now some ancient photos...
These are from an old article in a now-defunct weekly paper in Bend. I was fresh out of college and working my first TV job.

Yes, that is a MANUAL typewriter in the photo above.

Barely out of college and interviewing Senator Mark Hatfield. Look at the camera!
* * * * * * *
FAST FORWARD TO YESTERDAY...my last day reporting "in the field"
I was fortunate to work with the legendary multi-award- winning photojournalist, Kurt Austin.



GETTING READY FOR OUR NOON LIVE SHOT


KURT WITH SATELLITE TRUCK WIZARD DAN DUGAN

WHAT THE REPORTER SEES DURING A LIVE SHOT.
(What a reporter MAY be thinking during a live shot: "Why am I standing in the cold pouring rain talking about something that happened INSIDE while Matt Zaffino is in the dry warm studio talking about the pouring rain? :=)

HURRAY! OUR DAY IS DONE.

More later, including..."Anchor Hair:Variations on a Mullet"
STAY TUNED.

Iran and Iraq were at war (with each other). A crimson-clad guru was holding court in Central Oregon. And an up-and-coming singer named Madonna was (not) "Like a Virgin."

There was no such thing as blogging.

MY KGW ID CARD, ISSUED MY FIRST DAY

Almost 23 years later, I am getting ready to sign off for the last time. It's time for something new. I've just been accepted into graduate school at Lewis & Clark, where I plan to get a Masters in Education. Ultimately, my plan is to be certified to teach language arts at the high school level.

It's more than a little daunting, changing course at this stage. I have so much to learn, so much to re-learn. Let's just say I haven't written a thesis paper in....uhmmm...about a quarter century.
I'm sure it will be humbling to face a class for the first time.

But I am excited. I feel fortunate to have had all the opportunities KGW has given me. I also feel lucky to have this new one.

My last day reporting "in the field" will be this Friday, March 7th. After that, I will continue my regular weekend anchor duties until Sunday April 6th. That will be my final broadcast.

In the meantime, I'll be going through some old mementos. I'm going to try to make time to share some of them on this blog.

Amy and I had fun with the one below. My first co-anchor at KGW was Teresa Richardson. The ad below appeared in TV Guide in 1985. When I saw it, I was struck by how much Amy resembles Teresa. It's as though I've done a 360! So after the 5pm news tonight, Amy and I struck a pose and enlisted Joe Becker to take a reenactment photo:

Pretty amazing, huh! More later.