August 31, 2015

On Friday, Nick enjoyed the opportunity to get out of the office and into the community.

First, he visited his friends at Rossi Farms in the Parkrose neighborhood.

The farm dates back to the 19th century, and the Rossi family has been providing fresh, healthy produce to East Portland families since 1920. Rossi is famous for its 18 varieties of handpicked heirloom potatoes – you can buy them at the farm or local farmers markets across Portland.

Thanks to Joe Rossi, his daughter Gabrielle, and Market Manager Aaron for hosting Nick. Visit Rossi's website to learn more about this great family-owned business.

Next, Nick stopped by Leach Botanical Garden in the Lents neighborhood.

The City-owned garden has been open to the public for more than 30 years. Led by Executive Director David Porter, the garden has grown to more than 17 acres – including native and exotic plants, and an extensive botanical library!

The garden is hard at work on its next phase: transforming 8 undeveloped acres into a new Upper Garden.

Nick also joined The Skanner publisher Bernie Foster and the Skanner Foundation at a screening of The Wake of Vanport, a documentary about the once second-largest city in Oregon.

Vanport, located in North Portland, was home to about 40,000 people. 40% were African American. Many Vanport residents worked in the Kaiser Shipyards during World War II.

In 1948, a section of the dike holding back the nearby Columbia River collapsed, and flooded the city – leaving all of its residents homeless.

The Wake of Vanport captures the stories of Vanport survivors, and reminds us about this important piece of Oregon history.

On Sunday, Nick was honored to join The Circus Project for their free Summer Community Showcase.

The Circus Project launched in 2008, connecting social justice and the arts. Its mission: to empower homeless and at-risk youth and young adults through circus performance.

Over the last seven years, they’ve expanded their programs to include classes for the general public, and even a Professional Performance Troupe!

The organization moved into their new home in Northwest Portland earlier this year – with even more opportunities for youth to access their innovative programs.

Finally, Nick joined a sell-out crowd of fellow Portland Thorns fans on Sunday evening for the women’s final home game of the season.

Soccer City, USA will proudly host the National Women’s Soccer League championship game on October 1 at Providence Park!

'Wake of Vanport' Draws More Survivor Stories

The Skanner News