Bits ‘N’ Pieces: Newsman Competes for Good Cause

Dave Erickson

A fter Dave Erickson completed his first Ironman triathlon in June, the Vancouver native was looking for a new challenge.

“I was trying to think of something I could do to draw attention to a local charity,” said Erickson, who graduated from Washington State University Vancouver and is now a news anchor for Spokane TV station KXLY.

He came up with the idea of doing 30 triathlons in 30 days and turning that personal challenge into a fundraiser for Cancer Patient Care, a Spokane nonprofit organization that helps cancer patients who have limited finances.

The idea quickly got traction. Among other things, Erickson received backing from the Lance Armstrong Foundation, which provided 500 LiveStrong wristbands to be given out as donor gifts along with a signed photograph of Lance Armstrong that will be auctioned at an Oct. 17 fundraising dinner. Erickson started his 30-in-30 challenge Sept. 1. Every day he swims one-half mile, rides a stationary bike for 13 miles and runs 3.1 miles. If Erickson, 36, completes his 30- in-30 challenge, he believes he’ll be the first to do so. So far he’s raised roughly $3,000.

For information on how to contribute to Erickson’s fundraiser visit cancerpatientcare.org .

Taking the stage

The first opera Jos Rubio ever saw was a Portland Opera production of “Rigoletto.” Now the baritone and Vancouver native will be appearing with the company in “Rigoletto” as Marullo.

“It’s kind of come full circle for me,” said Rubio, 25.

Rubio was one of five young singers selected for the 2008-09 Portland Opera Studio Artist program. He’s making his Portland Opera debut in “La Traviata,” which opens Friday. He plays Baron Douphol, who tries to buy courtesan Violetta’s love; conflict arises when she falls for Alfredo, a young suitor. In addition to “La Traviata” and “Rigoletto,” which opens in May, he’ll appear in “La Calisto” as Mercury in March.

Rubio credits much of his passion for music to positive choir experiences at Wy’east Middle School and Mountain View High School, where he got his first solo.

Being in a familiar place with family and friends nearby is making his first professional gig out of graduate school a little easier.

“It’s been a tremendous luxury and a blessing,” Rubio said.

Bringing back memories

When Vancouver’s Magenta Theater chose to stage “Arsenic and Old Lace” as its latest production, the play brought back memories for artistic director Jaynie Roberts.

As a theater student in the 1970s at Chapman College in Orange, Calif. (now Chapman University), Roberts had the chance to pick director Frank Capra’s brain about his work and filmmaking in general. Capra directed the film version of “Arsenic and Old Lace” in 1944.

Capra spoke to Roberts’ class after the school staged a series of his films. He discussed his work and fielded questions from students.

Roberts, 53, of Vancouver, remembers more about Capra’s demeanor than the advice he gave.

“He was very kind. You could tell that the kind of man that he was, and the movies that he directed, they tied together really well,” she said. “Those were the kinds of movies he did: The ones where you watch now and go, ‘Those were the good old days.’ “

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