Surprise Snow
01/02/2009 Just in case you’re not sick of the fluffy white stuff, here's a glimpse of last night’s snowfall. I was working late and noticed the noise from the rain had stopped.  When I looked outside, about an inch of snow had already fallen. The flakes were big, heavy, and very wet. It was coming down fast enough to accumulate, but s.... more >>

Portland Water Bureau unveils toilet rebate program
01/02/2009 Beginning January 1, 2009, Portland Water Bureau customers are invited to take advantage of a new toilet rebate program sponsored by the Portland Water Bureau for a limited time. Customers can apply for a $100 rebate for replacing a traditional toilet (1.6 gallons per flush (gpf) or more) with a newer, more water-efficient m.... more >>

Notes of Interest » Jan 1, 2009
01/02/2009 Welcome to 2009!  The New Year starts off with a breath of fresh air: no smoking in all workplaces—including bars!  We also have some good news about a local restaurant, and Brian Libby at Portland Architecture offers a look back at the year in Portland architecture.  Lastly, if you're looking for something relaxing to do: P.... more >>

Cinema Junkies » The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
01/02/2009 If you have been thinking about seeing The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, run, don't walk to see this remarkable film on the big screen. The film was directed by David Fincher (Fight Club) and based on an F. Scott Fitzgerald short story of the same title. Fitzgerald wrote that the story was inspired by a comment made by Ma.... more >>

Thank You Isabel Pearl
01/01/2009 Thank you Isabel Pearl for hosting a fun and delicious Cookie Decorating Party for families in Central Portland. Our generous hostess, Isabel Cruz, thought of everything. Hot cocoa, grilled cheese sandwiches and noodles for the kids. And sangria, pulled pork tacos and savory tofu for the adults. Oh, and let's not forget the .... more >>

Youth Action Grants for up to $2,000 available through the City of Portland
12/31/2008 The Vision into Action Coalition and the Youth Planning Program are excited to announce that money is now available directly to youth to improve their communities!2009 YOUTH ACTION GRANTS PROGRAM Click here to view the grants guidelines & sample application A pool of $10,000 is available for community-based projects initiate.... more >>

Achieve Your Fitness Resolution For 2009
12/30/2008 How many years have gone by where your New Year's resolution was to exercise and get in shape, but by the end of the year you've found yourself having to renew that promise? If you aren't a hardcore athlete, and don't plan to be, then yoga lessons may be the genie in a bottle that makes your New Year's wishes come true in 2.... more >>

Henny Penny Says Goodbye
12/30/2008 A note from Henny Penny: After six years Henny Penny is closing its doors. We are sorry to disappoint our loyal customers, and have truly appreciated their patronage and will always cherish the joy of offering our unique gifts and apparel to the Portland community.Please stop by and help clear our racks! All of our new sprin.... more >>

Snowpocalypse 2008 - The Movie
12/29/2008 I thought everyone might enjoy reminiscing about Snowpocalypse 2008, so I put together this video from the bits I shot during the storm.  I've been experimenting with the FlipVideo camera and the storm provided the perfect reason for further experimentation.  As I reviewed what I shot, I thought it would be fun to piece the .... more >>

Happy Holidays!
12/24/2008 Thank you for reading Neighborhood Notes!  We appreciate your support, feedback and, most of all, conversation. Your participation has been a real gift. We'll be taking some time off for the holidays, though we may post a story from time-to-time.  Happy Holidays and we'll see you in the New Year!!Shooter & Pearlgirl    

Snowpocalypse 2008 — The Photos
12/24/2008 I spent a bit of time out in the snow shooting photos and had a ton of fun. Call me crazy, but I enjoyed going out in the worst of it.  Here, for you, are the results of my excursion.  Enjoy them in the warmth of your home, that is, if you're not sick of seeing snow.                                              Here is a sli.... more >>

The Story of the Missing Menorah
12/24/2008 If you read "The Grinch That Stole Hanukkah?" in the Portland Mercury, you may be wondering if hoping there is more to the story than religious intolerance and hatred. Fortunately, there is more to the story. The real story is about the struggle of community participation—something improved by better communication and proces.... more >>