May 2, 2016

May 1^st marks the beginning of STEM Week Oregon!

STEM Week Oregon is a two-week state-wide celebration that engages young people in activities involving science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).

According to the U.S Department of Education, only 16 percent of American high school seniors are proficient in math and interested in a STEM career.

Our very own Betsy Quitugua has been a huge STEM fan since childhood, and is currently pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering.

This week she will join students across the state indulging in many fun STEM related activities.

Interested in participating in a STEM related activities? Check out STEM Oregon’s Toolkit of resources for Educators and Community Partners.

For more information, visit the STEM Oregon website.

May 3, 2016

May 1^st kicks off National Small Business Week! And, join Venture Portland as they celebrate neighborhood businesses for the entire month of May!

Venture Portland encourages Portlanders to spend the month of May honoring our local small businesses. With the warm, sunny weather we’ve been having, it’s the perfect time to get out and shop local.

Portland’s small businesses create and help drive the economy and contribute to the city’s quality of life. Here are some facts about our small businesses:

• More than half of Americans own or work for a small business.
• Small businesses create 2 out of every 3 U.S jobs.
• 98 percent of Portland’s 19,200 businesses have 5 or fewer employees, but provide more than 267,000 jobs in total.
• 70 percent of every dollar spent stays in the local economy.

To learn more about Portland’s small businesses, check out Venture Portland’s website.

May 5, 2016 

Older adults are an important part of the Portland community – and this month, we celebrate them!

Yesterday, Council presented a City proclamation honoring May as Older Americans Month in Portland.

Created by President John F. Kennedy, Older Americans Month became a nationwide celebration in 1963. This year’s theme is Blaze a Trail. It emphasizes ways older adults are reinventing themselves through new work and passions, engaging their communities, and blazing a trail of positive impact on the lives of people of all ages.

Nick is proud to serve as Council liaison to Elders in Action, a local nonprofit dedicated to creating a vibrant community of elders who are active in civic engagement.

Learn more about upcoming opportunities for older adults on the Elders in Action website.

Commissioner Nick Fish Has ‘Concerns’ About Mayor Charlie Hales’ Tax Hike
Beth Slovic in Willamette Week

Hall Monitor: Boom Town Budget Fight!
Dirk VanderHart in the Portland Mercury

Amid Record Revenue, Portland Mayor Charlie Hales Proposes Cuts to City Watchdog
Beth Slovic from Willamette Week

Portland Commissioners Dan Saltzman and Steve Novick Pan Charlie Hales’ Tax Hike
Beth Slovic in Willamette Week

Google Discloses: Mark Wiener, Political Consultant to Mayor Charlie Hales, Lobbies Portland for Them
Beth Slovic from Willamette Week

Portland goes big on affordable housing
Jim Redden in the Portland Tribune

Novick: Tax heavy truck companies for roads
Jim Redden in the Portland Tribune

May 9, 2016

This Thursday, Work for Art is hosting its 1^st Annual Battle of the Bands competition at the Crystal Ballroom.

Come see bankers, lawyers, surgeons, and engineers rock out! All proceeds benefit Work for Art and its tenth anniversary campaign to raise $1 million for local arts and culture organizations.

Work for Art, a program of the Regional Arts & Culture Council (RACC), distributes all donations to arts organizations in Clackamas, Multnomah, and Washington counties.

Nick is proud to serve as Council liaison to RACC. It’s a wonderful local organization, committed to funding diverse and accessible art programs that reach all people in our community.

For more information, check out the RACC website.

Battle of the Bands

Thursday, May 12, show starts at 7 pm

Crystal Ballroom, 1332 W Burnside St. Portland, OR 97209

General Tickets: $10; VIP Tickets: $100