The City of Portland’s SmartTrips program is revving up for another successful year as the SmartTrips Green Line program gets underway at the end of March. SmartTrips is an individualized marketing program sponsored by the Portland Bureau of Transportation. The program, which was implemented by the city in 2004, is designed to reduce drive-alone trips by increasing biking, walking, carpooling and public transportation more...

Has anyone ever told you that you seem to have a lot of opinions? Do you have strong ideas and a feeling that you could "get stuff done" in your community? If you fit this description and are between the ages of 13 and 21, the Multnomah Youth Commission (MYC) is the place for you. The MYC started in 1996 with the goal of providing youth voice in the decisions that are made by our elected officials and to change any more...

I’ve learned two key things in the four months I’ve been writing this column: 1) businesses, especially restaurants, will always take longer to open than the initial announcement predicted; and 2) the stream of new Portland businesses making their debut doesn’t show any sign of drying up. You should see the list of rumors I’ve kept to follow up on—every time a place finally graduates to reality, there more...

The best of this week’s upcoming sports events Saturday, March 6 Rumble at the Roseland 50 If you’ve ever seen a Rumble at the Roseland event, you understand the pure adrenaline rush of watching two amateur fighters square off in the octagon for pride, bragging rights and maybe, just maybe, a shot at becoming the next MMA star to come out of Portland. After all, it was this event that launched the careers of UFC more...

An August groundbreaking is tentatively set for the construction of a new Central City Concern medical facility at 707 West Burnside. The building will help expand the capacity of the organization’s primary care operation, while also providing a permanent home for the integrated behavioral health services it offers. Central City Concern is a not for profit agency founded in 1979 that serves single adults and families in more...

Seeking fun-loving volunteers Help formerly homeless families get adjusted to their new homes and community. This may include helping them: buy groceries on a budget, learn how to cook, move furniture, sign-up for programs, find resources, figure out transportation, learn housekeeping tips, learn how to budget, learn computer skills, read/write, or find a job. Prior to serving, a volunteer must meet with the Volunteer more...

The 2010-2011 fiscal year budgeting process is underway for the City of Portland. March marks the beginning of serious budget discussions by and between citizens and city staff. Citizens get their first chance to sound off on the city budget during three community budget forums that are taking place this week. The first will be held tonight, March 1, at Montgomery Park (2701 NW Vaughn Street) from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The second more...

Oregon Volunteers, the Commission for Voluntary Action & Service, is now accepting nominations for the 2010 Oregon Governor’s Volunteer Awards. These awards shine the spotlight on trailblazing individuals, businesses and nonprofits that are creating positive change throughout Oregon. The awards are given at both the regional and statewide levels, and will honor individuals and groups in the following more...

Plans call for doubling recycling, robust sustainability efforts, new jobs and benefits at Metro Central transfer station For the first time since it opened in 1990, operations at the Metro Central solid waste transfer station are changing hands. Metro and Recology Oregon Recovery Inc. have signed an estimated $38 million, seven-year contract that will signal considerable changes for the northwest Portland facility that takes in 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...

Event dates: April 13th, 2010, May 11th, 2010, June 8th, 2010

Event location: La Quinta, 4319 NW Yeon Avenue

Meet and greet, 7-7:30 a.m. Contact: Pamela Ake Email: pake@staff4u.com Phone: 503.228.2335 more...

Event dates: March 9th, 2010, April 13th, 2010, May 11th, 2010, June 8th, 2010

Event location: Hillside Community Center, 653 NW Culpepper Drive

You're invited to join your neighbors at the Hillside Neighborhood Association's Board of Directors meeting. more...

Event dates: March 10th, 2010, April 14th, 2010, May 12th, 2010, June 9th, 2010

Event location: Central City Concern, 232 NW 6th Avenue

You're invited! Contact: Howard Weiner Email: Howard@calsk8.com   more...

Event dates: March 10th, 2010, April 14th, 2010, May 12th, 2010, June 9th, 2010

Event location: CoHo Theater, 2257 NW Raleigh

Neighbors West-Northwest Coalition Board Meeting. Meets most months. Date may be subject to change in order to accommodate guest public policy makers' schedules. If this meeting is scheduled, it will occur at CoHo Theater, 2257 NW Raleigh. more...

Event dates: March 11th, 2010, March 18th, 2010, March 25th, 2010

Event location: NW 10th between Everett & Flanders

Please join us for Infant Play Group at Isobel's Clubhouse. What will we do?  The infant play group is for families with children aged 0 - 12 months, and older siblings are welcome. This program was developed with a special understanding of new parents' need to connect with their parenting neighbors. Whether you want to compare notes, be part of a group that understands the changes in your life, find out more...

Event dates: March 11th, 2010, April 8th, 2010, May 13th, 2010, June 10th, 2010

Event location: Dynagraphics, 300 NW 14th Avenue (at Everett)

Get involved! Attend the monthly meeting of the Pearl District Neighborhood Association's Board of Directors. Hear committee reports and keep up on the latest! Board Chair: Joan Pendergast Email: jpenderx@mac.com more...

Event dates: March 12th, 2010, March 19th, 2010, March 26th, 2010

Event location: Isobel's Clubhouse on NW 10th btwn Everett & Flanders

Please join us for Story Time and Open Play at Isobel's Clubhouse. What will we do? As part of open play, kids can dress up in costumes, play with toys, listen to music, play games or color with crayons. We’ll also read stories, and you’re welcome to bring a book to share. What is the recommended donation? The recommended donation is $3 - $5 per family per hour. You can bring cash, or you're more...

Event date: Mar 12, 2010 → Apr 30, 2010

Event location: Murdoch Collections

Murdoch Collections will host Field Work, an exhibit of contemporary paintings by Portland artist Arn Strasser. The exhibit kicks off March 12th with an opening from 6 to 9 p.m., and runs through Friday, April 30, 2010 at Murdoch Collections, 2219 NW Raleigh Street in Portland. Both the gallery and Strasser will be donating ten percent of artwork sales from Field Work to the Oregon Food Bank. Strasser’s paintings are full of more...

Event dates: March 13th, 2010, April 10th, 2010, May 8th, 2010, June 12th, 2010

Event location: Food Front Co-op, 2375 NW Thurman

Help keep Northwest District clean! Contact: Phil Selinger Email: selingep@msn.com Phone: 503-224-5122 more...

Event dates: March 13th, 2010, March 20th, 2010, March 27th, 2010

Event location: NW 10th between Everett & Flanders

Isobel's Clubhouse is open every Saturday morning from 10:00 - 11:30 AM. There will always be a craft of activity, and you're also welcome to just come, hang out and play with other families. What should I bring? The activity changes each week so please check our monthly calendar. Sometimes our crafts involve paint, glitter and other fun things. So you'll want to know if you should dress for more...