Saturday Market Survival Guide   

Summertime is the perfect season to visit the Portland Saturday Market, which is now in full swing Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. With so many local artists and vendors, part of the market's excitement is the hustle and bustle, but it can seem a little overwhelming. The PSM has a checklist to help you navigate the market like a pro, or to print for your out-of-town guests when they explore Old Town Chinatown and the waterfront.  

• Layers: Having the right clothing can make the shopping experience better.  Over 60% of the Market is covered, but it's an outdoor market and the weather can change quickly.  And don't forget sunscreen!  
• A tote or backpack: You'll want something to carry your layers as you peel them on and off, and something to hold your purchases.     
• Comfortable shoes: These puppies go a long way to keep your dogs from barking. Remember to pace yourself; it's not a race.
• Notepad and camera: Sometimes it's hard to remember what product belongs to which artist. Some simple notes will help you to follow up later.

For more tips on how to make the most of your Saturday Market excursion, read the full article at PDX Pipeline and visit the Saturday Market website. 

Make a Difference in Portland Public Policy 

Are you interested in increasing the community's impact on government decisions?  Would you like to work on a team to develop policies that will assist the City with involving the public in ways that are more inclusive, transparent and accountable?

If so, consider applying for the Public Involvement Advisory Council for the City of Portland.  Applications are now being accepted through August 10, 2011.  The goal of the council is to strengthen and institutionalize the City of Portland's commitment to public involvement and to assist City bureaus in creating consistent expectations and processes for public involvement activities.  This advisory council is made up of both community members and city staff.

For more information and to download an application form, please visit the PIAC website, or contact Afifa Ahmed-Shafi, 503 823-5202. 

Pearl, the Beautiful!

by Lanai Hoyt, PDNA Livability Committee

For nine years I lived in the heart of the Pearl District. I commuted three blocks to work, walking down beautiful, safe streets. Recently I moved to the far edge of the Pearl. On my new route I was dodging broken glass, garbage, and saw quite a bit of graffiti.

So I joined the Pearl District Neighborhood Association's (PDNA) Livability Committee. We went to the area where I had seen the graffiti and found some disturbing garbage, which included dirty needles and broken glass. I took pictures and sent them to the city. It took less than three weeks to see the garbage and graffiti removed!

The PDNA has a successful graffiti abatement program called "Graffiti-Free Zone 97209", which is in its final stages. You can help us meet our September deadline by becoming a "Graffiti Buster" (you will receive special training and a graffiti removal kit). Email Jan Valentine if interested or if you want to join the PDNA.  

Please report graffiti as soon as you see it. Send pictures, along with an exact location, to Marcia Dennis. Stand in front of the graffiti, taking pictures straight on, not at angles. Let's keep our neighborhoods clean, safe and beautiful! Art doesn't belong on other people's properties without permission! That's not art; that's criminal activity!

Town Hall With State Rep. Mitch Greenlick  

Oregon State Representative Mitch Greenlick (D-Portland, Dist. 33) will be holding two town hall meetings with Sen. Suzanne Bonamici (D-NW Portland/Beaverton Dist. 17) to discuss the recently adjourned legislative session. The first will be at 10 a.m. on Saturday, August 13, at the Leedy Grange, 835 NW Saltzman Rd., near NW Cornell Rd.  The second will be held that same day, starting at 2 p.m. at the Northwest Multnomah County Library at the corner of NW 23nd and Thurman. For more information click here.