It's Downtown Worker Appreciation Day! Though Mother Nature apparently read the memo wrong and thinks it's Torture the Workers Day. She's given the task over to Wind, who's taking the opportunity to express his anger over being stuck in middle management for too many centuries to count. He's chosen to deflect his frustrations on the good people of Portland.

But on the upside, Portland Downtown District and Portland Buy Local volunteers are out in full force to warm our collective working hearts.

There are booths set up in three locations: Portland Museum of Art, Lobsterman's Park and Monument Square.

There's coffee and breakfast goodies (including a salmon and bagel sample from K. Horton)

Volunteers are handing out bags filled with stickers, pens and valuable coupons for local businesses. (Any from "Get a free treat at Old Port Candy Co." to "Free long stem rose from Harmon's Bartons" to "Free Guatemalan friendship bracelet at Mexicali Blues.")

There's even a fellow giving massages (at least at the Monument Square booth).

A coworker just asked me if I feel appreciated. I said absolutely. But it has less to do with the coupons and coffee and more to do with these folks. ====>

It's freezing outside this morning and they're standing out in the brisk wind just so we feel appreciated.

Thanks guys. We do!

Downtown Worker Appreciation Day details