By David Nguyen

Nick was pleased to join fellow Portland City Council members last night at the Doubletree Hotel for the 27th annual Spirit of Portland awards ceremony.

The City created the Spirit of Portland awards in 1985 to recognize those who have made a positive difference in our community. The individuals and organizations chosen for these awards have helped make Portland a better place.

Nick was honored to recognize the University of Portland Women's Soccer Team and the Grant High School Community Garden Team with Commissioner's Spirit of Portland awards this year.

The UP Women's Soccer Team members regularly volunteer for soup kitchens, neighborhood clean-ups, and children's soccer camps.  This year, the team rallied to support fundraising efforts for Harper's Playground- a new, inclusive and accessible playground in Arbor Lodge Park.  Harper's Playground will celebrate its grand opening this Saturday, November 3 at 11 am.   

Students in the Grant High School Environmental Club spearheaded the effort of creating the Grant Community Garden - a 43-plot neighborhood garden which will also serve as a Learning Garden for students. The students not only led the process of creating the garden, they also secured a $50,000 State Farm grant to develop the garden.  Produce grown by the different classes will be used in the school's cafeteria and donated to the Oregon Food Bank.

Nick presented the Mt. Tabor Park Weed Warriors with the "Sandy Diedrich Environmental Stewardship Award" for outstanding dedication to our natural environment.  For over 10 years, the Weed Warriors have worked to remove invasive species to preserve Mt. Tabor Park's natural vegetation. 

Nick was also pleased to present a Community Stewardship award to Kathy Fuerstenau for her 25 years as a community volunteer.  Kathy is a strong advocate for the Cully neighborhood, and has helped organize neighborhood cleanups and activities to bring the neighborhood closer together.  She also helped secure $90,000 for the Thomas Cully Park Master Plan.

Congratulations to all of this year's outstanding recipients.  Thank you all for your dedication and commitment to making Portland a better place!