8 Budget-Friendly Ways to Give a Local Park a Quick Refresh

Portland News Staff on June 28, 2024

If you work with your area’s parks and recreation organization, you may be looking for ways to improve the local parks. However, budget often stands in the way of a full revamp. Fortunately, improvements such as cleaning, painting, and gardening do not require a huge budget. Whether you want vibrant colors or more greenery, there are many budget-friendly ways to refresh your local park.

1. Pick Up the Trash

Picking up trash throughout the park is the ideal way to improve its appearance. Trash not only creates an unslightly area but also poses a health risk for people, dogs, and other animals enjoying the park. A messy, unsafe environment could harm the park’s overall reputation.

2. Plant a Garden

Planting a garden of fresh, colorful flowers adds more beauty to the park. You can plant one large garden or several smaller gardens. One idea is to look into flowers that attract butterflies, bees, and dragonflies. You can even check the budget for an extra bench, small statue, or small fountain for your garden, creating a peaceful spot for everyone.

3. Upgrade the Furniture

There comes a time when you need to upgrade the park furniture, such as benches, picnic tables, and trash bins. The current furniture may be worn, damaged, or even missing. Luckily, you can easily find durable, attractive pieces at reasonable prices. New furniture is worth the investment because it creates a usable space for guests.

4. Clean the Playground

It is not uncommon for playground equipment to show signs of wear, such as fading and smudges. However, a good washing can make the playground look as good as new. It also creates a healthier environment for children who are still developing their immune systems. In addition, a fresh coat of paint adds more color for young guests.

5. Plant Some Trees

If you have enough space, create a change of scenery by planting some trees. Even a few trees throughout the park can make a big difference, especially if other trees are dying. Planting new trees also provides shaded areas for guests while creating new homes for birds and squirrels.

6. Trim Dead Branches

Trimming dead branches off fully-grown trees is just as important as planting new trees. Dead branches look unpleasant and may turn guests away. Additionally, they also pose a safety risk because they could fall on or near guests. This is another upgrade that is a little more costly than others but worth the investment.

7. Repaint the Markings

Repainting markings such as lines on sports courts and bicycle lanes is a quick and easy way to refresh the park. The repainted markings look appealing and make it easier for guests to use the area. You can also use paint to add a splash of color to the entrance points.

8. Update the Signs

Imagine visiting a park with faded, damaged signs on the playgrounds, dog park, and restrooms. Evaluate the park signs to see what needs to be repainted, repaired, or replaced altogether. Upgrading the signs is necessary for making the park more usable for everyone.

While some upgrades may cost more than others, you do not have to go over your organization’s budget to refresh the park. For instance, you can easily change the look by cleaning, painting, gardening, and making minor repairs.

Published by: Nelly Chavez

8 Smart Tips for Creating an Outdoor Living Area You’ll Love

Portland News Staff on June 28, 2024

There’s no better time than now to spend some time outside. But what if you just want to head home and relax after a difficult day at work? The secret is to turn your backyard into an outdoor living space instead. Read on for 8 great tips for building an outdoor living space that anybody will love.

1. Have a Plan

The secret behind every great living space is a strong plan. Having an idea of what you want is the first step in being able to transform a boring lawn into a place of relaxation. Spend some time thinking about what you want and it’s easy to build a space you’ll love.

2.Start With a Strong Foundation

Is your outdoor space windy? Does it have a lot of shade? It’s important to ask these questions and think about how they will interact with the rest of your space. Not being able to sit in the coziest spot because of the sun will ruin anyone’s day.

3. Choose the Right Furniture

One of the great parts of building an outdoor living space is having the chance to add a little personality to it. However, it’s important not to ignore the outdoor part. Any furniture you place should be able to deal with the eventual bad weather that comes from staying outdoors.

4. Think About The Lights

Adding some lighting to your outdoor home allows you to relax outside whenever you want. Not only that, lighting can even be used to add a bit of extra fun to an area. Adding lights to nearby trees or using differently colored lights can quickly give your outdoor living space a different feel.

5. Plan for Insects

Insects are creepy and nobody wants to think about creepy stuff when trying to relax. That’s why it’s important to have an idea of how you’re going to deal with these tiny invaders. A bug lamp might be a quick fix, but do you really want something like that next to you?

6. Make It a Friendly Space

Your outdoor living space should be comfortable and relaxing. That shouldn’t change when you have friends around. Adding some entertaining activities is a great way of making things fun for the people you care about.

7. Decorate Your Heart Out

The great part about an outdoor living space is that it’s fully your own. So, don’t be afraid to decorate however you want. Make things as stylish (or unstylish) as you want. Go grandiose with a water fountain or stay small with a simple cooking fire.

8. Prioritize Comfort

It’s easy to go overboard with transforming your outdoor balcony into an extension of your home. But it’s a good idea to step back once in a while and focus on the important thing: comfort. Sometimes, keeping things simple is the only thing you need.

Having an outdoor living space is perfect when you want to just sit back and relax. That’s why it’s important to make this space easy to relax in. Whether alone or with friends, an outdoor living space makes for the perfect slice of at-home comfort.

Published by: Martin De Juan

3 Benefits of Using a Color Management System for Printing

Portland News Staff on June 28, 2024

Color matching is so much of an inexact science that it might as well be considered more of an art than anything else. Some companies have decided to abandon the whole idea and have elected to let everything they distribute come out in whatever color was convenient at the time. Unfortunately, this can quickly lead to strange situations where color prints look entirely out of focus.

Before you consign yourself to a future of monochrome prints rendered down to 256 shades of gray, take a look at these three advantages of deploying a color management system in your place of business and see if there isn’t a better way to do things.

1. Matches Screen Displays to Printed Material

Using an industry-standard color model forces onscreen displays to look the same as the eventual hard copies will. Digital displays are usually untrustworthy as far as print information goes, which is an issue for those who do all of their layout work with a drawing tablet. By investing in a color management system, every single piece of software used in the process will display material in the same fashion. Hues used by one program will look very similar to those of another, provided compatible monitors are attached to each display output.

2. Ensures That Prints Are Uniform on All Devices

Say you managed a print shop that sent documents to several different plotters and lithography machines. If each of these come from a different vendor, then there’s a good chance that they’ll produce slightly different hard copies based on the same input. Color management technology can render each hue as a dedicated point of color data, so every machine prints things out the same way. Users will especially want to take advantage of this benefit since it goes a long way toward enabling a truly automated workflow. Print managers who have to provide hard copies for multiple customers will also like it since it gives them the freedom to accept several different file formats from artists without having to worry about the printouts looking strange.

3. Leverages the Power of WYSIWYG Technology

Desktop publishing systems have relied on what you see is what you get (WYSIWYG) technology since around the time the modern graphical user interface was developed. While this kind of technology helps users to design things with nothing more than a mouse and keyboard, apps that use can also be challenging to work with. Operating systems that don’t come with a standalone color profile will make these programs give feedback that’s an approximation of what printouts would look like, which is a shame because that behavior is in direct opposition to their original goal. Installing an aftermarket color management system and loading it as a plugin will force this kind of software to act much more like it was intended to.

Though it might seem like configuring management programs will just make the setup process take more time, doing so will save a great deal of work later on.

Published by: Martin De Juan

Electric Mud: The Band Born from Navy Grit and Rock Dreams

Portland News Staff on June 28, 2024

Electric Mud, a band deeply rooted in both musical ambition and military camaraderie, is making significant waves in the rock scene. Formed by brothers Marc and Matt Hansen, along with Colton Cori, Matthew Sorena, and David Stagno, the band’s journey from Navy service to the stage is a testament to their dedication and resilience.

Marc and Matt Hansen, who share a profound brotherly bond, started Electric Mud during their time in the Navy. Stationed in San Diego, they managed to keep the band alive by playing gigs whenever they were on leave. Sometimes, they’d perform in New York, and other times, they’d fly their bandmates out to San Diego, playing shows in unlikely venues like parking lots. Their dedication to their music remained steadfast, even amidst their military commitments.

The band’s inspiration came largely from Matt, who had an innate sense that something special would emerge from their jam sessions. Despite Marc’s initial inexperience with band dynamics, he quickly developed a passion for songwriting. The early positive feedback from friends and family who attended their Staten Island gigs fueled their dream. The bars loved them too, given their knack for drawing crowds and their lively, high-spirited performances.

One of the biggest challenges Electric Mud has faced is the difficulty of maintaining a cohesive band. Each member brings their own ideas and preferences, from song selection to rehearsal schedules. The financial strain of pursuing music without guaranteed income adds another layer of complexity. Over the years, the band has had to navigate these obstacles, balancing personal commitments with their shared vision. When members left, finding suitable replacements and integrating them into the band was a constant hurdle.

What sets Electric Mud apart is their unique life experiences, especially their military background. Both Marc and Matt served in the Navy, with Marc even becoming a SEAL. This background instills a different perspective and work ethic into their music. The bond they share as brothers, coupled with the inclusion of their cousin Matthew Sorena on bass, adds a familial depth to their dynamic. Their diverse influences and the commitment to their craft are evident in their music, despite limited resources.

Electric Mud’s career highlights include opening for the Rolling Stones, a milestone that underscores their growing influence in the rock world. As they look to the future, their primary goal is to elevate their music to new heights, producing albums that resonate deeply with audiences. Each step forward is driven by a desire to create impactful, enduring art.

The band is firmly rooted in the traditions of rock and roll, aiming to contribute to a legacy that dates back to legends like Muddy Waters and Hank Williams. Their focus is on writing meaningful songs, making emotionally charged records, and touring extensively. Marc emphasizes that the essence of their music lies in its ability to touch people, a goal that transcends any need for novelty or uniqueness.

A personal anecdote that highlights the band’s early days involves a jam session with Keith Richards. Richards’ impromptu lyrics during a cigarette break inspired Marc’s first song, “Gimme Some Fire.” This session marked a pivotal moment in Marc’s journey as a songwriter and lead singer, setting the foundation for the band’s future.

Looking ahead, Electric Mud dreams of performing in stadiums filled with fans singing their songs. Marc envisions their music inspiring others, just as he was inspired by his musical idols. The band aspires to create albums that are recognized as great works of art, leaving a lasting legacy for future generations.

In essence, Electric Mud is more than a rock band; it is a fusion of military discipline, familial bonds, and a relentless passion for music. Under Marc’s leadership, the band continues to evolve, inspiring audiences and reshaping the rock landscape one performance at a time.

Published By: Aize Perez

One Stop Tree Shop: Pioneering the Future of Tree Services

Portland News Staff on June 28, 2024

Brittany Parsons Engel, founder of One Stop Tree Shop, is pioneering a new era in the tree service industry by creating a centralized hub for professionals and resources. With over 12 years of expertise as the owner and operations manager of Am/Pm Tree Service, Brittany brings a wealth of experience as a fifth-generation entrepreneur. Raised by a self-employed mother, she developed a strong entrepreneurial mindset and a passion for success from a young age. At 18, Brittany became a project manager at a construction company, and by 19, she had already started her first business in accounting and consulting.

The inspiration behind One Stop Tree Shop came from Brittany’s firsthand experiences with the unpredictability of catastrophic events. When disasters like hurricanes strike, there is an urgent need for rapid mobilization of resources, including skilled employees. Recognizing this global challenge, Brittany envisioned a platform that could streamline these processes, allowing the entire tree industry to connect in one place, facilitate mass hiring requests, and ensure efficient cleanup and restoration efforts. This vision led to the creation of One Stop Tree Shop. Brittany has faced numerous challenges in her career, from accessing appropriate equipment to finding the right staff. The tree industry is inherently dangerous and requires skilled and patient employees, who are often difficult to find. Additionally, the competitive nature of the industry typically discourages collaboration among tree companies. Brittany’s innovative approach aims to change this culture by fostering a sense of community and collaboration. She believes that working together and sharing resources can significantly enhance the quality and efficiency of tree services.

One Stop Tree Shop was born out of necessity, providing a convenient location for all tree industry connections. This platform addresses several challenges, including the difficulty of finding skilled employees and the appropriate equipment for various jobs. By connecting individual tree service equipment providers in one spot, Brittany’s platform saves time and money, facilitating quicker scaling and growth for tree service companies. For the last decade, Brittany and her team have never considered other tree companies as competition but rather as allies. They have learned from other companies, participated in safety training together, and partnered on larger scale jobs by combining teams and equipment. One Stop Tree Shop’s Connection Section is designed to facilitate these relationships, enabling future allies to connect across the US and globally in the future.

Brittany’s unwavering commitment to integrity, innovation, and education sets her apart in the tree industry. She is a dynamic problem solver who thrives on identifying issues and creating systematic solutions that drive long-term change. Her tenacity and dedication have enabled her to survive and thrive through several economic waves, staying relevant with changes in regulations and technology. In a male-dominated industry, Brittany has been relentless in her pursuit of excellence, focusing on building strong relationships with other tree companies and staying up-to-date with industry trends and regulations. Brittany’s career highlights include being a multigenerational woman entrepreneur, a mother of five boys, and a mentor to other entrepreneurs. She has participated in a reality TV show that features entrepreneurs competing based on their business acumen and experience. In addition to her achievements in the tree industry, she is also a licensed real estate agent in California and the owner of Spark Session, a platform offering guidance and solutions for entrepreneurs facing challenges in life, love, or business.

Looking ahead, Brittany envisions One Stop Tree Shop becoming a global platform that transforms the way the tree industry operates. She believes in the power of collaboration and its impact on various levels, aiming to build a community rather than just an industry. By removing fear and encouraging entrepreneurial innovation, Brittany hopes to inspire others to take the leap of faith and pursue their business dreams. Brittany’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, innovation, and community-building. Through One Stop Tree Shop, she is paving the way for a more connected and efficient tree industry, where resources are easily accessible, and collaboration is the key to success. Her story serves as an inspiration to entrepreneurs everywhere, demonstrating that with the right mindset and dedication, it is possible to create meaningful change and achieve greatness.

Brittany thrives on connecting the right people with the right resources. Her passion for making introductions between entrepreneurs who can benefit from knowing each other is a principle she brings to One Stop Tree Shop. The platform encourages industry leaders to connect and leverage the power of collaboration, fostering a sense of community and mutual support. Brittany’s message to aspiring entrepreneurs is clear: remove your fear and take the leap of faith. She didn’t initially see herself as the owner of a technology company, but her problem-solving nature led her to identify a need in the marketplace. One Stop Tree Shop came to fruition through careful consideration and research, aiming to connect tree industry personnel in one convenient location. Brittany hopes to inspire others to innovate, reinvent themselves, and achieve greatness by doing so.

Published By: Aize Perez