A giant outdoor mural (over 50,000 square feet) is being created at Wilhelm’s Portland Memorial and Mausoleum, located at 6705 SE 14th Avenue in the Westmoreland area of Portland. The mural, which will feature local flora and fauna, will cover two walls that face the already stunning Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge.

Plans state that mural will be completed in early November, and it's expected to draw attention from national media.

If you've never visited Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge, this autumn is the perfect time to check it out. The trails are well taken care of, and they are extremely accessible, even if you're not an experienced hiker. Find out more about Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge.

Last month, I was sad to hear that the Portland Jazz Festival was going to shut down due to lack of funding. Not all of us can travel to the bigger Jazz Festivals such as the one in New Orleans, and Portland's Festival is considered to be one of the nation's best.

However, thanks to a sponsorship from Alaska Airlines, Jazz Festival organizers are proud to announce that the show will go on. The dates for 2009 are set for Feb. 13-22, during which there will be about 150 concerts, films and interviews with artists.

Find out more about Portland Jazz Festival online.

October 8 – 12, 2008, is Portland Fashion Week, so get ready for runway shows, swanky parties, and opportunities to mix and mingle with amazing local designers. Tickets are available now, and they start at $20 (right on up to $750 for a one-week pass at the patron level).

The Children's Cancer Association will benefit from Portland Fashion Week, so you can feel good about your financial contributions. Get your tickets online for the opening party or other events. You can also buy tickets at the following locations:

Lucia Apparel
424 NW 11th Ave

Sameunderneath West
806 NW 23rd Ave

Sameunderneath East
915 North Shaver

IDOM
1600 NE Alberta Street

Sofada boutique
2937 E Burnside St

Dragonlily Boutique
1740 SE Hawthorne Blvd

If you've moved since the last time you voted (even if you just moved across the street), or you've never been registered in Oregon, please, (please) get registered. It's really easy to do, and in order to be eligible to vote, you must be registered 21 days prior to Election Day.

You can get a voter registration card? The forms are available online or you may pick one up:

• At your county elections office: the Multnomah County office is at 1040 SE Morrison St.
• At most banks, post offices, libraries, schools and DMV offices.

Find out more about voting with the Portland Voting FAQ.

Interested in helping others get registered? Call the Oregon Bus Project and offer your time.