Subtle energy, the invisible aspect of our being, is an integral part of our every day experience, whether we are consciously aware of it or not. The condition of our energy anatomy directly influences us on many levels: physical, mental, emotional. When our energy fields are clear and strong, we enjoy a physically vibrant body; quietness of mind; and emotional balance / calmness in stressful situations. When the energy field is compromised or depleted, these qualities are impaired, possibly contributing to burnout, job dissatisfaction and personal illness.

PORTLAND, Ore. – If you’re feeling charitable, you can help "stamp out hunger" on Saturday.

“Stamp Out Hunger” is the annual food drive by the Oregon Food Bank and Oregon State Association of Letter Carriers. Postal carriers in Oregon and southwest Washington delivered 1.5 million yellow, biodegradable bags to homes this week.

If you would like to donate, simply fill the bag with non-perishable food – like canned soups, cereal and pasta – and leave it outside for your mail carrier. Items like peanut butter and tuna fish are in high demand for kids, since schools and food pantries need help with their summer lunch programs.

“Nobody raises more food in one day than letter carriers do across the country  by l,” said Kevin Card, the president of the Oregon State Association of Letter Carriers. “It's that one time we can work with our customers to do something really incredible.”

The drive can bring in two million pounds of food for Oregon and southwest Washington; however, donations were down by 18 percent last year. Organizers do not know the reason.

WEST LINN, Ore. -- Zach Gilburne was recently named as the winner of the 2012 "If I Were Mayor ..." essay contest.

Here is a copy of his award-winning essay:

"If I were mayor I would make after school more fun for middle school students. I think that an after school center would benefit us because so many kids go to Safeway after school and disrupt things there. It would also give kids a safe fun place to hang out and work. An ideal place would be somewhere about the size of a Blockbuster store and one story high.

"The most important part would be the cafe. This is because so many kids need snacks after school to keep them going till dinner. I think the cafe should serve a wide variety of healthy choices. You should also be allowed to do homework there. That way, kids could be more productive by eating and working at the same time.