Guest post by Irvington neighbor Sharon Eldridge. If you have been to downtown’s Central Library recently, you may have noticed something: fewer library staff and no DVDs on hold in the lobby checkout area. And what was the checkout isn’t even the checkout anymore. Now, we're supposed to use self-checkout stations in the center of the lobby to check out our materials. All hold materials are now kept in the more...

Join Portland Saturday Market for the kickoff weekend of its 37th season, March 6th and 7th. The tradition continues with a new look for the Market, under an 8,000-square-foot open-sided pavilion, a cantilevered deck overlooking the river and a circular plaza containing the Legacy Fountain in a beautiful park setting along the waterfront. The two-day celebration on March 6th & 7th will include: Five daily give-a-ways more...

Reverend Kate Lore remembers what it was like to be a young child, confused about not having a permanent place to call home. Thanks to the kindness of a schoolteacher and some neighbors, Lore, her mother and her siblings were given a place to live until they could get back on their feet. Today, Lore, social justice minister at the First Unitarian Church, is paying the favor forward. She is one of the many forces behind Thirteen more...

The families involved in the Good Works Committee have found another great way for children to help children in Haiti. Here's a message from Anjali, who leads the Good Works Committee: "Molly Highwater's Mission Statement reads, "All these kids in Haiti are really poor. They don't have shoes or any place to stay after the earthquake. It's good that they're getting shoes. We're going to more...

Neighborhood children from Isobel's Clubhouse decided to hold a bake sale to benefit the Haitian earthquake relief effort. They made signs, told their friends, chose Mercy Corps as the beneficiary and helped their parents make delicious baked goods. But they couldn't control the weather which was cold, rainy and downright unpleasant. The chilly temperatures didn't stop the neighborhood from coming out to support the more...

Zimmerman Community Center’s 2010 Community Survey has been up for a month, and you’ve given us great feedback on the adult groups, activities and topics that interest you. Thank you for telling us what you wish you could find in the neighborhood. We’re evaluating survey responses against our mission and community resources, and hosting Community Conversations to learn more. Invitation to Community more...

Portland Classical Chinese Garden is a great neighbor. They provide a beautiful place for us to relax, watch the seasons change and learn about art and culture.  As part of their 10 year anniversary the Garden is offering 10 days of free admission, as well as daily special activities such as planting narcissus bulbs, learning to play Go, and live music  performances in the tea house.  The festivities start more...

2,140 pounds of food. That's a lot. Almost 900 cans of tuna. About 2,000 jars of peanut butter. And, you guessed it, 2,140 one pound bags of pasta. More than a ton. That's how many pounds of food were donated to Sunshine Division during Isobel's 2nd annual food drive. Nineteen condominiums and apartments had bins in their lobbies, and the Henry donated the most, at 305 pounds of food. Wow! CMI had a bin in their more...

Thank you to everyone who came to the Children's Healing Art Project party last week, and huge thanks to the anonymous donor who made it possible.  The children had a great time making ornaments for CHAP to sell. Mr. Bossy always has the best selection of art materials and this event was no exception. Glitter, feathers, googly eyes, moldable putty and much more was available for the children to apply to their more...

We're excited to introduce Ms. Tric to Isobel's Clubhouse families.  Tric, better known as Danica and Milana's mom, started December 1st. She's transitioning into the role of host and activity leader, and we're excited about the talents and experience she brings to our community. Tric (pronounced Trish) has over a decade of experience teaching children, and a strong arts background.   She's more...