January 5, 2016

During the winter months, it’s important for families in our community to stay warm – and healthy.

And, January is off to a chilly start. The Portland Housing Bureau issued a severe weather alert for tonight and tomorrow morning. Wind chill temperatures are forecasted to drop to 21 degrees!

211info is a wonderful nonprofit dedicated to connecting Oregonians with life-saving services  - like warming centers - that are available in their area. Other services include shelters, food, economic opportunities, and much more.

Dial 2-1-1 toll free, text your zip code to 898211, or email help@211info.org to find out about resources in your area. 

Check out www.211info.org for more information.

January 6, 2016

The Portland Art Museum has a beautiful exhibit that explores the evolution of landscape.

Seeing Nature: Landscape Masterworks from The Paul G. Allen Family Collection is an incredible collection of paintings by world-renowned artists, including Claude Monet, Gustav Klimt, Georgia O’Keeffe, and many more.

Seeing nature celebrates nature’s beauty, with 39 awe-inspiring masterpieces that span five continents.

The Portland Art Museum is funded in part by the Regional Arts & Culture Council’s (RACC) General Operating Support program.

Seeing Nature is up through January 10.

Check out Portland Art Museum’s website to learn more.

Photo courtesy of the Portland Art Museum.

January 7, 2016

Fit-It Fairs are great, free events that teach you easy ways to save money and keep your family healthy.

The fairs feature a diverse array of workshops and exhibits from the City of Portland and our community partners. Experts will be on hand to discuss water and energy conservation, recycling, yard care and composting, and much more.

The Portland Water Bureau is a proud sponsor of the fair. While you are there, visit staffers at the Water Bureau and the Bureau of Environmental Services’ booths to learn about water conversation at watershed health.

Attends can get free lead blood testing, minor bike tune-ups, and flat-tire repairs for students and families. Free, professional childcare and lunch are also provided.

Fix-It Fair ¡Clases en español!

Saturday, January 23, 9:30 – 3 pm

Ron Russel Middle School

3955 SE 112^th Ave.

2015 Year in Review

Nick Fish

Uber fined 42,000 for violating Portland lobbying rules

Brad Schmidt in The Oregonian

Portland approves Rooney Rule to tackle diversity at top

Brad Schmidt in The Oregonian

OHSU study links lead poisoning with ADHD

Lisa Balick and KOIN 6 News Staff

 January 8, 2016

Yesterday, Nick was proud to serve as “Teacher for Day” at the Metropolitan Learning Center (MLC) in Northwest Portland.

The MLC is a K-12 program that focuses on an experimental learning model, with non-traditional classroom structures. Teachers provide a project and adventure based learning environment for students.

Nick shadowed Dana Absgarten, who teaches Language Arts classes for 7^th and 8^th graders. Highlights of the day included: reading a short story to the class, participating in the group discussions, meeting Principal Pamela Joyner, and visiting a number of other classrooms.

Nick was especially pleased to learn that Dana’s students had been studying civil rights leaders like Ida B. Wells. Nick’s wife Patty wrote an award-winning biography of Ms. Wells.

Afterwards, Nick attended a luncheon hosted by the Gwen Sullivan and the Portland Association of Teachers (PAT), and shared his experience with other participants.

Thanks MLC, Ms. Absgarten, and PAT for an inspiring day!

 Check out the Metropolitan Learning Center’s website to learn more about this great school.