Decmeber 16, 2011

Nick was honored to join a celebration today for Chuck Amato, a personal trainer who's been with Portland Parks & Recreation for 50 years. To mark his extraordinary service, we declared today a citywide day of recognition for Chuck. Nick read the official City proclamation at today's celebration, where dozens gathered to share their appreciation for Chuck's work.

But, writes Larry Bingham in The Oregonian, "even that commendation still did not seem like quite enough to thank a man lauded for his positive energy, healthy habits and inspiration to generations of North and Northeast Portlanders."

So, in a surprise announcement, Nick shared that the fitness center at the Matt Dishman Community Center will be officially renamed for Chuck Amato. Said Chuck, "When people talk about longevity and what makes people live a long time, they say it's interactions with other people. That's been one of the richest parts of my job. I'll be forever grateful to Portland Parks & Recreation. To all the people I've met and been able to help, I say thank you."

Chuck Amato, 50-year trainer at Portland Parks, honored with surprise announcement Friday in Northeast Portland ceremony

Larry Bingham in The Oregonian

Photo courtesy Larry Bingham of The Oregonian - thank you!