MONDAY, NOV. 14

New leadership — Marilyn Clint has taken over as chief executive officer of the Portland Rose Festival. Meanwhile, the Rose Festival Foundation has elected its 2023 leadership group.

Contesa Diaz-Nicolaidis is the new president of the foundation. An active board member, she grew up in a Cuban-American family in Northeast Portland, graduated from St. Mary's Academy and has worked for more than 26 years as a flight attendant for Alaska Airlines. She also has worked as a project manager with Alaska Airlines within community marketing, sales, training, recruitment, brand activation and public relations.

She's also been a union representative with AFA-CWA, among other industry positions.

Diaz-Nicolaidis lives in Camas, Washington, with husband Cristo and son Andreas.

Other 2023 foundation officers: Jeremy Emerson, president elect; Cheryl Zander, vice president; JJ Spriet, secretary; Kirk Newell, treasurer; Melissa Damm, assistant treasurer.

New directors are: Lisa Duvall, Jeffrey Farnsworth, Jasmine Goodwin, Trevor Laine, Heavenly Littleton, Steven Nemer, Linda Spaulding, E'an Todd, Tim Wells, Veronica Vasquez.

Cole birthday — There'll be a combination CD release party and celebration of Walter Cole's birthday, 5 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 16 at Mother's Bistro, 121 S.W. Third Ave.

Cole, aka the famous drag queen Darcelle, is turning 92. He and Thomas Lauderdale of Pink Martini recorded two songs to be released on CD, "The Rose" and "What'll I Do."

The CD will be available for sale, and visitors can have photos taken with Lauderdale and Cole.

Mother's Bistro owner Lisa Schroder and Triangle Productions are hosting the CD release/birthday party.

New leader — Oregon Ballet Theatre has named Shane Jewell as its new executive director. His appointment will be effective Jan. 9, 2023, and he replaces Thomas Bruner.

Jewell joins OBT with over 20 years of experience in performing arts administration including eight years leading dance companies. Jewell currently serves as the general manager for Gibney Company a contemporary dance company based in New York City.

"It is an absolute honor to join the incredible team at Oregon Ballet Theatre during such a momentous time in the organization's trajectory," said Jewell. "I am so excited to immerse in the community and culture of Portland and to work diligently with the dedicated staff and board to help build upon the rich history here while our eyes are firmly fixed on the future."