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Networking doesn't have to feel like a sale. Or an awkwardly ostentatious forum for egotistical schmoozing and one-upmanship. Networking should feel more like socializing—finding common interests and then sharing ideas and solutions to problems—especially in Portland's diverse but cooperative small business culture. So-called networking "events" shouldn't even necessarily be formal affairs or paid more...
This month’s Armchair Mayor is Tony Fuentes—also our first honoree to go by the title “Chief Executive Papa.” This is in reference to the Milagros Boutique that he runs with his wife Jennifer in the Concordia neighborhood, providing baby supplies for “little miracles and their mamas.” If your child is not feeling all that miraculous that day, there is also a play area and a rocking chair. Tony more...
Portland's micro coffee roasters and our D.I.Y. spirit in the press is nothing new. And last week The New York Times' travel section gave another tip of the hat to what it called Portland's "D.I.Y. coffee culture." Did The NYT cover a few of our great, local micro roasters? Yes. But our D.I.Y. coffee culture? Not so much. As Mr. Green Beans, Portland's "Do-It-Yourself destination" where you can more...
Although amari are most commonly drunk as a post-meal digestif, the unsung heroes of the Italian bitters family should not be limited only to soothing diners who have overindulged with one too many courses. Usually drunk neat, the complex, herb-infused digestifs can vary widely in flavor and even alcohol content, but they also lend depth to cocktails and make excellent compliments to dark and light liquor alike. But, if you're not more...
There are many unwritten, long-practiced rules of communication. We all know (or at least we should) that when confronted with big decisions, whether in work or love, it's always best to "sleep on it." Another truism is: "Don't ask a question if you don’t want to know the answer." And despite the fact that many men and women find true love in the workplace, we're told: "Don't date someone more...
Believe In Movement, formerly known as Believe Movement Studio, is kicking off 2012—its third year in business—with a new partner, a new look, a wider variety of exciting movement classes, and a goal to become a gathering space for the community. In light of difficult economic times Believe In Movement has proven it has staying power, attracting a committed group of students from the Woodlawn neighborhood and adjacent more...
The trend of new businesses seen sprouting up in October, November and December shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon. A diverse array of businesses opened in January that, when cobbled together, include candy, pizza, bottle, and specialty burger shops, a Doctor Who-themed English pub, a modern musical and improv theater-cabaret-bar, and a retail store that sells, among other things, handmade oddities, antiques, sweaters, kimchi, more...
From multi-week courses to single workshops, a variety of small business education opportunities are available to all entrepreneurs more...
"Local business make our region great. And loving local businesses just got sweeter." —Supportland Neighborhood Notes recently sent out more than 75 Supportland rewards cards loaded with points as a thank you to those that filled out our reader survey. And in response, we got a few questions, like “How do you use this thing?” Supportland co-founder Katrina Scotto di Carlo isn’t caught off guard: more...
With Portland’s ubiquitous farmers markets, a committed locavore “foodie” movement, and the great luck of being located in the Willamette Valley—home to some of the most fertile soil on the planet—how could the Rose City possibly face any food security issues? But the facts don’t lie. According to the Multnomah Food Action Plan, adopted by the County Board of Commissioners in January 2011, there are more...
Event date: Feb 22, 2012
Event location: Mr. Green Beans
Learn how to roast your own coffee! Using appliances that you may already have, and techniques that are easy to learn. We will show you just how easy it really is to roast your own coffee. $20.00 Class fees include a pound of raw coffee to take home and roast yourself. Register for this class. more...
Event date: Feb 22, 2012
Event location: Project Grow at Port City
This performance is part of Jump Town: Williams Avenue, Remembering Portland's Artery of Jazz and Culture hosted by Project Grow. From Louispain.com: Organist Louis Pain has been dubbed, "Portland's boss of the B-3" by The Oregonian. And soulful vocalist Sweet Baby James has been called, "A human landmark of Portland jazz," by Willamette Week. Ever since these two joined forces as King Louie & Baby more...
Event date: Feb 25, 2012
Event location: Mr. Green Beans
Kombucha is a raw, living beverage. Why pay $3-5 for a bottle of kombucha from the store when you can make your own at home for $3 a gallon? You choose the flavors, you make it flat or fizzy according to your taste, and you can make as much as you want. In class we will cover the basics of making your own delicious kombucha, from brewing to bottling. We'll be sampling a few different flavors of kombucha, and each person in the class more...
Event date: Feb 26, 2012
Event location: The Jasmine Pearl Tea Merchants, 724 NE 22nd Ave.
Join the owners of Portland-based Jasmine Pearl Tea Merchants for a tea odyssey. They will share with you their combined two decades of experience with—and love for—tea. Included will be a discussion of the various styles and origins of tea, hints about what to look for when cupping teas, a review of the art of blending and crafting, and insights into responsible sourcing and what The Jasmine Pearl is doing to make tea more more...
Event date: Feb 28, 2012
Event location: Concordia University, 2811 NE Holman
The Northeast Coalition of Neighborhoods and Concordia University have teamed up to host two Mayoral and City Council Forums. On February 28, please join us to hear the candidates address questions on jobs, housing and transportation. A second forum, on March 22nd, will focus on education. Who Mayoral Candidates: Eileen Brady, Jefferson Smith, Charlie Hales Council Candidates: Amanda Fritz, Mary Nolan, Jeri Williams,Teressa Raiford, more...
Event date: Feb 29, 2012
Event location: Mr. Green Beans
Demystify soap making. Learn the basics of soap making from scratch. You will learn to properly handle Lye both in it’s dry form and after you’ve added it to water. You will learn about fats and how they changed the performance of your custom soaps. You'll also learn about essential oils and how to add them to your soap. Class fee includes all materials, and participants will be able to take home 1-2 pounds of soap. more...
Event date: Mar 3, 2012
Event location: Mr. Green Beans
Learn to make this delicious cheese, which is commonly used in preparing Indian food. It’s easy to make in your own kitchen using equipment you probably already own. We’ll sample already-made panir and then class participants will make a batch to take home. Each participant will leave with about a half pound of panir and Indian recipes to try at home. $25 Register for this class. more...
Event dates: March 4th, 2012
Event location: June Key Delta Community Center
Just when you thought it was time to hang up your garden gloves…winter is a prime time to plan for spring! Join Bonnie Bruce of Celilo Gardens for 4 Garden Classes beginning in January 2012: “The Real Dirt on Dirt”, “Get Your Feet Wet—Rain Gardens”, “Perfect Bedfellows—Edibles and Perennials” and” Lawn, What a Yawn!” Registration details and class descriptions can be more...
Event date: Mar 24, 2012
Event location: Mr. Green Beans
Kombucha is a raw, living beverage. Why pay $3-5 for a bottle of kombucha from the store when you can make your own at home for $3 a gallon? You choose the flavors, you make it flat or fizzy according to your taste, and you can make as much as you want. In class we will cover the basics of making your own delicious kombucha, from brewing to bottling. We'll be sampling a few different flavors of kombucha, and each person in the class more...
Event date: Mar 31, 2012
Event location: Mr. Green Beans
Impress friends and neighbors by arriving at your next party with fresh mozzarella—no need to tell them it only took 30 minutes to make. In this class you’ll learn what the mozzarella should look like at each step, how to stretch it properly and a few little tricks for getting your mozzarella to turn out great every time. Each participant will make about a half pound of mozzarella to take home (or eat right away). $25 more...
