I participate in community events most Saturdays.  On May 23, I had the honor of cutting the ribbon at the NAMI Walk, supporting the National Alliance on Mental Illness.  If you wanted to attend but couldn't for whatever reason, you can still help by donating here.  I am $100 shy of reaching my fundraising goal.

The following weekend, I was out of town in New Jersey attending my son's graduation at Princeton University.  I am proud both of Maxwell and of the fine education he received in Portland Public Schools.

Last Saturday morning, I helped with the North Portland Graffiti Clean Up organized by Pastor Edgar Rodriguez of Life Fellowship Church on Lombard and our Office of Neighborhood Involvemet staff Marcia Dennis, Mark Wells and Angela Wagnon.  North Lombard has less graffiti than major streets in other areas of the city I've helped in - well done, volunteers and staff!

That afternoon, I worked with neighbors at an apartment complex on SE Gladstone to remove ivy, changing the landscaping from this and this to this and this.  The remaining green is strawberries planted by my new friend Amy.  I especially like Bob's comment on this photo on his Flickr page, which also shows some of the other Gladstone Street improvements.  I love the Village Building Convergence.

Last but not least, this year was my turn to be invited to participate with my own entry in the Starlight Parade.  Faithful volunteers Mark Sturbois and Robert Wilson carried my banner, and office staff (and awesome dancers) Cary, Milena, and Sara donated their time to march.  Here we are waiting for the parade to start (photo by kind Rose Festival volunteer using Robert's camera)

.... and This Is Us on West Burnside at 4th:

 Photo by Steve Fritz

I bought the Roses dress at the SE 82nd Avenue Value Village, aptly after the 82nd Avenue of Roses parade in April.  And yes, my feet hurt a tad at the end, but as they used to say on Saturday Night Live, "it's better to look good than feel good".  The Starlight Parade was very, very fun.  Thank you, Portlanders and the Rose Festival organizers.

This Saturday, I am leading the Grand Floral Walk, in which anyone may walk the route before the parade.  I get to wear nurses' shoes, since the walk is to promote health.  The organizers save a great spot for walkers at the end near Lincoln High School.   I hope you will join me.