WORLD

The leaning tower in Italy, the Garisenda, has been standing sturdy, yet slanted for nearly 1,000 years, according to CNN. Now, the Italian government is installing a protection plan in case of an unplanned fall. The tower is expected to fall at some point, whether that time is this month, or in 15 years, but since the exact time of the fall can’t be predicted, they are constructing a metal cordon to accommodate the tower’s fallen debris. 

NATIONAL

Ever since April 1972 when the National Zoo got its first panda, people have had a love for the pandas. With panda mugs, posters, pajamas, and ice cream, the love for pandas wasn’t hard to see. Due to the U.S-China tension, China has asked for the returns of the pandas. On Nov. 8 2023, two of the zoo’s adult pandas Mei Xiang and Tian Tian were transported to China where they will join 150 other pandas in a lush nature preserve in the misty mountains of Sichuan Province. 

STATE

On Dec. 1, Portland set sail the 69th annual Christmas Ship parade. With the lights on the boats lit up, they set off from RiverPlace Marina, and arrived at 6 p.m at Lake Oswego. From there they traveled to George Rogers Park, then headed back to Portland. The parade started near Salty’s Restaurant in North Portland at 7 p.m.

A WALK IN THE BOOK

 This year is the 47th anniversary of Albany’s Storybook Land. Opening on Dec. 2, and open through Dec. 16, the display covers 40,000 feet of storybook fun with magical storytelling. While entry is free, packaged food for the local food bank is gladly accepted. For more information, go to www.christmasstorybookland.org. 

HOLIDAY MARKET

     On Dec. 16, the Two Rivers Market, located on 250 Broadalbin St SW, will be hosting the Two Rivers Market Holiday Show. From 10 a.m.-7 p.m., you can enjoy the holiday spirit with cookies, ornament decorating, a grand prize of over $1,000, raffles, giveaways and more. Come experience this year’s holiday show at Two Rivers to witness the holiday spirit spread. 

MAKING IT LOCAL

Leadership students sophomore Jake Ly (bottom middle), junior Cameron Washburn (bottom right), and sophomore Jakob Ylen (top right) discuss the food drive. The seniors had the most food brought in at the end, with juniors and the sophomores behind. The counting of the food, along with organization, happened on Nov.17.

Originally in the December 2023 issue 2 WhirlWind page 5.