August 1, 2013

We’d like to share an interesting survey about our community’s aging adults. The National Council on Aging surveyed 4,000 older adults from 5 different U.S cities to seek their perspective on aging, and how the country can better prepare for our rising senior population.

4 out of 10 older adults shared that staying connected with friends and family was the top priority, ahead of having financial means. Another finding revealed that focusing on their health made older adults more optimistic about aging. Nearly two-thirds of the surveyed adults have set one or more specific goals for managing their health in the last 12 months.

The survey also showed that 71% of older adults feel that they live in a responsive community that deals with their needs. However, less than half believe their community is doing enough to prepare for the future needs of the growing senior population.

Visit the National Council on Aging’s website to see the full survey results.

In Portland we have many resources for our older adults, including senior recreation programs through Portland Parks & Recreation, and our older adults advocacy group Elders in Action. Nick is proud to be the Council Liaison to Elders in Action.

PDX Tonight: Washington Park Summer Festival

Ben Lacy, KGW News - Live at 7

Reminder: Marriage Equality and a Free Concert in a Park

Denis C. Theriault in the Portland Mercury

Craford refuses to drink Fish's water

KOIN News

Washington Park Summer Festival returns with 10 days of free music performances

Sara Hottman in The Oregonian

Portland arts tax: Portland Public Schools to fund 15 more teachers with secured arts tax revenue

Nicole Dungca in The Oregonian

Mayor's Office: Arts Tax Money Cleared for Release

Denis C. Theriault in the Portland Mercury

Big Float 3 on the Willamette River

In The Skanner News

New Columbia families launch farmers market specializing in international produce

Casey Parks in The Oregonian

Crystal Springs Creek restoration project at Westmoreland Park

Benjamin Brink in The Oregonian

Parking meters to Northwest Portland in January: Portland City Hall Roundup

Brad Schmidt in The Oregonian

Changes to Portland arts tax call for a public vote

Oregonian Editorial Board

Forest Park meeting to address park development -- tense topic for cyclists and hikers

Sara Hottman in The Oregonian

August 2, 2013

Last night, the Portland Gay Men's Chorus kicked off the Washington Park Summer Festival with an outstanding performance. KGW News captured a great rendition of "Seize the Day" - watch the video above to listen!

The Festival continues tonight with a performance of OTELLO by the Portland Summerfest Opera.  Saturday night, join us for sponsor appreciation night when PDX Jazz presents the Carlton Jackson - Dave Mills Big Band.

Special thanks to our sponsors, including our premiere sponsor, DAIMLER Trucks North America, for making the Festival possible.

Free nightly performances continue through August 10 with performances by Black Prairie, Sean Ghazi, NW Dance Project, and more.

Visit Portland Parks & Recreation's website to see the full schedule!

PDX Tonight: Washington Park Summer Festival

Ben Lacy, KGW News - Live at 7

Reminder: Marriage Equality and a Free Concert in a Park

Denis C. Theriault in the Portland Mercury

Washington Park Summer Festival returns with 10 days of free music performances

Sara Hottman in The Oregonian

August 5, 2013

On Saturday evening, Nick was pleased to join Commissioner Amanda Fritz, Portland Parks & Recreation Director Mike Abbaté, and other community leaders to celebrate and thank our wonderful Summer Free For All sponsors. The crowd enjoyed an evening of music by The Carlton Jackson - Dave Mills Big Band, presented by PDXJazz.

The Summer Free For All is a great example of public-private partnership. A summer full of free movies, music, and performances in the park would not be possible without the help of our sponsors. For every dollar of public funds invested in the Free For All, we leverage $5 in private support.

Free For All events continue into September - view the full schedule online.

Through August 10, join us for the Washington Park Summer Festival, sponsored by DAIMLER Trucks North America. Tonight, the fesival continues with a traditional West African performance by DiaTribe, honoring the legacy of Obo Addy. View the full line up on PP&R's website.

August 6, 2013

The “dog days” of summer are upon us. With temperatures rising and reduced rainfall, Portlanders are using a lot more water to keep their lawns green and their flower and vegetable gardens happy. To help households be smarter with their water, the Portland Water Bureau (PWB) is offering water-saving tools for free!

Pick up a water-efficiency plant guide, a hose nozzle to avoid running a hose when watering by hand, and watering gages to measure the amount of water used by sprinklers on your lawn.

Visit the PWB Customer Service Center at 1120 SW 5^th Ave to pick up your set of water-conserving tools, email conserve@portlandoregon.gov, or call (503) 823-7439.

To learn more about smart landscaping and find out other water efficiency tips visit the PWB’s efficiency website.