Bookshelf - "Women for Hire: The Ultimate Guide to

Bookshelf - "Women for Hire: The Ultimate Guide to Getting a Job" - Jobs calendar

By Joshua Sommer

Friday,February 10, 2006

Edition: Sunrise, Section: Advertorial JOBS, Page G02

"Women for Hire: The Ultimate Guide to Getting a Job," By Tory Johnson (Perigee

Books; $15.95)

This book gives readers the advice they need to help get a job, and identifies specific ways for job-seekers to maximize search efforts. The book includes networking necessities for the shy to the gutsy; the truth about job functions; answers to resume dilemmas; smart interview strategies; mess-ups to avoid; tips on negotiating salary and benefits; overcoming obstacles faced by women job seekers; and how to keep a job once you land it. One last perk is that the book also includes interactive exercises and resource lists.

Joshua Sommer

Jobs calendar

* Feb. 16: Beaverton Employer Presentation --DePaul Industries; 1 to 2 p.m.; Portland

Community College, Capital Career Center, Room 1508 (Auditorium), 18624 N.W.

Walker Road, Beaverton; 503-533-2754; parking free from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. Thursdays.

* Feb. 23: Beaverton Employer Presentation --City of Portland; 1 to 2 p.m.; Portland



* Feb. 28 and April 11: Oregon Tradeswomen --a group dedicated to promoting success for women as electricians, carpenters, heavy equipment operators, and other trades -provides education, leadership and mentorship, holds recruitment meetings, tradeswomen classes, and job fairs. Their free Trades and Apprenticeship Career class meets every

Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., for seven weeks beginning

Feb. 28 and April 11; 503-335-8200; www.tradeswomen.net.

* Those interested in a career at a truck or car dealership can visit a virtual job fair at www.oregonlive.com/jobs/virtualjob/.

* To search more than 9,000 current job openings in the state of Oregon's Employment

Department database, visit www.emp.state.or.us/jobs.

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sound check notes from the Northwest music scene

By Byjoshua Sommer

Special to The Oregonian

Tuesday,February 7, 2006

Edition: Sunrise, Section: Arts & Entertainment, Page 18

ROUGH-CUT DIAMOND --With the fingers on one hand you can tick off the popular singer-songwriters with less-than-perfect voices and great lyrics: Tom Petty, Bob Dylan,

Willie Nelson.

Here's another --one you've probably never heard of, but someone you should get to know: Jon Itkin.

The Eugene songwriter's voice may not be the sexiest around, but his lyrics and melodies more than make up for it. With his disheveled red locks, 5 o'clock shadow and laid-back attire, Itkin looks comfortable perched atop a stool behind a microphone, sloppily strumming away on an acoustic guitar. He doesn't much look like a rocker, and he doesn't sound much like one, either. But don't throw tomatoes just yet.

"I'm a songwriter all the way, I do my best to sing my songs, but my 'right hand' gets nervous when I perform," Itkin admits. "When I play solo or with the band, I'll hit a wrong note, and I try to plow through it and hope that no one notices it."

He's the first to admit that he's more a songwriter than a singer or musician. Itkin's songs sound like country with a little bit of rock 'n' roll, and Northwest locals will recognize landmarks throughout his lyrics.

A 23-year-old journalism major at the University of Oregon, Itkin heads up from Eugene to play Ash Street Saloon on Wednesday. The gig likely will be equal parts raw musicianship, unique melodies and thoughtful prose.

"Jon has the 'it,' " says Portland musician Scotland Barr. "I'm not exactly sure what 'it' is, but it's what makes writers good." The frontman of Scotland Barr and the Slow Drags used two of Itkin's songs on his group's latest CD, and plans to use more. "He has the ability to be honest and original. He has a knack of making his songs intimate, personal and digestible.

"I was happy that he entrusted me with his songs; they're two of the best tracks on the

CD."

But even those who look past Itkin's admittedly imperfect voice and strumming skills still might not become fans. The type of clubgoer who would hate his set? In Itkin's own words, "The majority. Anyone with a short attention span, or who wants glitter, beautiful vocals, ear candy, bombastic rock and roll, or someone who can shred on an instrument.

The people who might like my stuff is anybody that likes the lit angle of songwriting."

Itkin has a rare ability to match highly literate lyrics with unusual, catchy melodies. (Plus, he's been playing guitar for only 10 years --a relatively short time in the music biz.) Other musicians playing his songs, Itkin ticks off, include "a guy in Michigan named Mark

Duval, an old guy in Eugene and some kids from a high school in a band that had a demo of a song I wrote. It's actually kind of an honor."

Joshua Sommer is a Portland freelance writer.

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Bookshelf "Working in the Dark:

By Joshua Sommer



Edition: Sunrise, Section: Business Jobs, Page G02

Bookshelf

"Working in the Dark: Keeping Your Job While Dealing with Depression" by Fawn

Fitter and Beth Gulas (Hazelden Publishing and Educational Services; $16)

Authors Fawn Fitter and Beth Gulas provide a reassuring, informative guide to dealing with depression in the workplace. They address questions such as: Should I ask my boss for time off? Should I tell my colleagues about my depression? Are my treatment records confidential? With self-assessment tools and decision-making guidance, this book is a good resource for anyone working through depression and the hardships it creates -including loss of energy, feelings of worthlessness, and difficulty concentrating and making decisions. The book is inspired by one of the authors' personal experiences with major depression.

Jobs calendar

* Feb. 9: Employer recruitment --Quiznos is holding a recruitment session for 12 full and part-time positions at its restaurants, both day and evening shifts. Pay ranges from $7.60 to $9 an hour. Come dressed for an interview and bring a resume if possible; 1:30 to 4 p.m.; Oregon Employment Department, 1433 S.W. Sixth Ave; 503-872-6852

* Feb. 9: Beaverton Employer Presentation --Comcast showcases its organization and discusses industry trends and news, current positions available, and the application process. Learn how you may fit in or how your skills could be utilized; meet the recruiters one-on-one, do some networking and ask questions; 1 to 2 p.m.; Portland



* Feb. 16: Beaverton Employer Presentation --DePaul Industries; 1 to 2 p.m.; Portland



* Feb. 23: Beaverton Employer Presentation --City of Portland; 1 to 2 p.m.; Portland



* Oregon Tradeswomen --a group dedicated to promoting success for women as electricians, carpenters, heavy equipment operators, and other trades --provides education, leadership and mentorship, holds recruitment meetings, tradeswomen classes, and job fairs; 503-335-8200; www.tradeswomen.net.




To submit calendar items, fax them to Marketplace/Jobs, The Oregonian, 503-294-5185.

Please include phone number for verification.

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OBSERVED Big-bang theorists

By Joshua Sommer

The Oregonian

Tuesday,January 31, 2006


The end of the world is nigh! Wanna dance?

It is with this disposition that Mythmedia, a self-described group of "preemptive postapocalyptics" who embrace and celebrate the end of civilization, last weekend launched the Nuclear Winter Formal, a fundraiser for the group.

The event was held in the stark, cold, unfinished space next door to Backspace (115 N.W.

Fifth Ave.), in what was really just a long, rectangular, brick box with a stage at one end and free beer at the other.

Mythmedia's underground movement consists of people who believe that civilization will collapse in the next 100 years, and features everyone from artists to inventors and scientists.

A press release for the event read, "This year's lineup is killer, just like the genocides, famines and ecological destruction inherent in civilization!"

There you go.

Painted head-to-toe in yellow and orange to symbolize nuclear fallout, Peter Bauer, the executive director of Mythmedia who goes by the moniker Urban Scout, said,

"Agricultural civilization has a little under 100 years left."

Bauer, 23, wearing only a loincloth and a camouflage cap, with a fake pistol tucked into the back of his loincloth, refuses to let the doom and gloom of a nuclear winter dampen his spirits.

Other attendees included folks in all sorts of costumes, including several wearing gas masks, a dude in a bloody, ripped-up suit and post-apocalyptic lasses looking to go out with a kaboom.

Performing at the formal were the Hunches, a punk rock band; Hillstomp, two guys playing melancholy rock, who were quite good; and The Alberta Street Clowns.

According to Bauer, the purpose of this formal is "to promote the idea of Mythmedia."

"We would like Mythmedia to be an art collective of people creating art that deals with the collapse of civilization," Bauer said. "At the same time, we want to show people that during the collapse many will die, like 6 billion people. I may not survive the collapse of civilization, but I want to support new ideas and changes that people can do now to create a Noah's Ark that will last through that collapse. So, right now, we're starting with media and action."

The formal also featured a post-apocalyptic costume contest, with gas masks, "Mad Max"

DVDs, survival kits and a computer as awards.

Cash raised from the fundraiser was earmarked to fund the creation of Mythmedia's Web site, its quarterly print publication and a scholarship fund for low-income people to attend programs --such as myth-making workshops for artists, and post-apocalyptic survival summer camps for homeless teens --which is sure to include how to test roadkill to see if it's fresh.

"Most predators and scavengers are not a very good meal," Bauer said. "Stay away from opossums."

Bauer, a man who practices what he preaches, admits that the last roadkill squirrel he ate was not good. Apparently, it needed to be marinated.

On the Web: www.mythmedia.org

--Joshua Sommer

Special to the Oregonian

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BOOKSHELF; JOBS CALENDAR

By Joshua Sommer

Friday,January 27, 2006

Edition: Sunrise, Section: JOBS Advertorial, Page F03

"Job Search Handbook for People with Disabilities" by Daniel J. Ryan (Jist Publishing;

$17.95)

Designed for people with physical and mental disabilities, this book is a complete career planning and job search guide. The book helps job seekers identify their strengths; explore career options; find job openings; search the "hidden" job market; understand and navigate employment law; write resumes, cover letters, and follow-up letters; and perform well in interviews. The book also shows how to tell potential employers about disabilities and ask for accommodations. Finally, after the reader lands a job, this book prepares them for job success.

Jobs calendar

* Jan. 30: The Oregonian's free Career Expo includes representatives from American

West Steamboat Co., Ameriprise Financial, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Golden State Foods,

Gunderson, Opti Staffing Group, Resource Staffing Services, Waddell & Reed and the

Warner Pacific College Adult Degree Program; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Oregon

Convention Center; free to attendees; for updates of participating employers, visit www.oregonlive.com/jobfair/index.ssf.

* Feb. 01: Employer Recruitment --Cruise West, Alaska, is looking for drivers, deckhands, galley assistants, guest services representatives and an exploration leader with good customer-service skills and job-related experience. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age, pass background, reference and drug screenings, and be able to work 12hour days onboard vessels or driving guests. Pay is $9 to $11.50 per hour, plus overtime pay and a season-end bonus; 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.; Oregon Employment Department, 1433

S.W. Sixth Ave; 503-731-4139.

* Feb. 02: Beaverton Employer Presentation --The Oregonian Circulation Department showcases its organization and discusses industry trends and news, current positions available, and the application process. Learn how you may fit in or how your skills could be utilized; meet the recruiters one-on-one, do some networking and ask questions; 1 to 2 p.m.; Portland Community College, Capital Career Center, Room 1508 (Auditorium),

18624 N.W. Walker Road, Beaverton; 503-533-2754; parking free from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. Thursdays.

* Feb. 02: First Strike Environmental is conducting an orientation and accepting applications for forest firefighting positions; experienced and new forest firefighters encouraged to apply; 10 a.m., noon, and 2 p.m.; Downtown Worksource Oregon

Employment Office, 1433 S.W. Sixth Ave.; 503-731-4139.

* Oregon Tradeswomen --a group dedicated to promoting success for women as electricians, carpenters, heavy equipment operators, and other trades, provides education, leadership and mentorship --holds recruitment meetings, tradeswomen classes and job fairs; 503-335-8200; www.tradeswomen.net.






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FIRST GLIMPSE Logan's Backyard Barbecue

By Joshua Sommer




Alarmingly, clouds of smoke billow from the small house on Lake Oswego's B Avenue.

At first glance a call to the fire department seems in order. But then the sweet scent of smoking meat hits and the clouds part to reveal several large barbecues in the driveway of the home that has been converted into a restaurant.

As the menu states, it's "Not just another hibachi in the back of a Volkswagen." Said owner Matthew Ramey, "Logan is my little boy. He's 9, and we named it after him because we wanted it to reflect the neighborhood and that this is a place for families."

The menu ranges from chicken seared until crisp ($6), to beef and pork ribs ($3-$15) and the signature Santa Maria-style Tri-Tip ($7-$27). "The tri-tip is the most popular,"

Ramey said. "Everything is dry-rubbed in sugar, salt and spices and cooked over mesquite wood. And the quality of beef that we use is very high because we serve

Brandts Beef --it's all-natural, grain-fed and rated as USDA Prime."

As for ambience, Logan's lives up to its goal and is family friendly. Don't let the beer paraphernalia fool you, Ramey said. "We're probably never going to offer beer and wine here because we just don't have the space to keep it, but the next restaurant (planned to open in Portland) will offer both beer and wine."

So put down the phone: no need for 9-1-1 here. The only emergency you're likely to encounter will have something to do with Wet-Wipes.

Logan's, 342 B Ave., Lake Oswego; 503-675-1139.

Joshua Sommer:flotsam2000@gmail.com

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Downtown Monthly Calendar


Edition: Sunrise, Section: Advertorial Downtown Monthly, Page DM04


Feb. 5,

John Stossel lecture

John Stossel of the ABC News program "20/20" presents "Freedom and its Enemies," a lecture about the benefits of individual freedom and free markets, at the The Multnomah

Athletic Club. A book signing will follow; 503-242-0900; $35 lecture only, or $125 private reception and lecture.

Through April 29,

Jews at Work

"Jews at Work: 150 Years of Commerce and Industry in Oregon," an exhibit at the

Oregon Jewish Museum, chronicles Jewish businessmen and women making a living in

Oregon from 1922 to the present; 503-226-3600; www.ojm.org.

Through March 31,

Lillian Pitt exhibit

"Building on the Frames of My Ancestors," a new exhibit at the Oregon Historical

Society, features works based on the forms of the Native American longhouse and salmon drying racks; 503-222-1741; www.ohs.org.

Through May 29,

Sesame Street on the hill

The Portland Children's Museum features "Can You Tell Me How To Get To Sesame

Street," a nationally touring exhibit that recreates the set of the TV show; 503-223-6500; www.portlandcm2.org.

Jan. 29 to Feb 12,

Chinese New Year

The Portland Classical Chinese Garden will host special events in recognition of the Year of the Dog, or lunar year 4704, which starts Jan. 29 with the new moon; 503-228-8131; www.portlandchinesegarden.org.

Feb. 10 to 25,

PDX film fest

The 29th Annual Portland International Film Festival, presented by The Oregonian, features outstanding international cinema at three venues throughout February: Guild

Theater, Whitsell Auditorium, and Regal Broadway Metroplex; $8; 503-221-1156; www.nwfilm.org.

Feb. 17 to 26,

PDX Jazz Fest

The 2006 Portland Jazz Festival, presented by The Oregonian, includes shows at several downtown locations; portion of festival proceeds benefits NOLA2PDX

(www.nola2pdx.com), a program to assist New Orleans jazz musicians displaced by hurricanes Katrina and Rita; 503-228-5299; www.pdxjazz.com.

Feb. 18 and 19,

I Love the Zoo

Celebrate Valentine's Day at the zoo and experience its nighttime wonders with guided tours, animal visitors and behind-the-scenes peeks and projects. Dinner, evening snack and continental breakfast included; $45; call 503-220-2781 to register; www.oregonzoo.org.

Submit calendar items to Joshua Sommer, 503-294-4112; joshuasommer@news.oregonian.com. Deadline for next publication is Feb. 1.

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COVER STORY Happiest happy hours

By Grant Butler, Kyle O'brien, Lee Williams, Christina Melander, Shawn Levy, Shawn

Vitt, Inara Verzemnicks, Joshua Sommer




SUMMARY: A penny-pincher's guide to the 25 best bite bargains in the city

Newport Seafood Grill

It's not like Northeast Broadway needed another restaurant, but it got one anyway. While dinner in the main dining room can be a mixed experience, during its three happiest hours you'll be treated to a nice array of bargain appetizers and entrees, from $1.95 to $3.95.

Hits: Indulge yourself. With 16 food items to choose from, there's bound to be something that tempts you. A few choices: Cabo Shrimp Cocktail ($2.95), loaded with bay shrimp, avocado, tomatoes and salsa; three Oyster Shooters ($2.95); and Cajun Penne Pasta

($1.95), topped with reggianito cheese.

Misses: With its businesslike atmosphere, the place could stand being a little less contemporary and a little more rock 'n' roll. C'mon, it's called happy hour.

Sips: All the old standbys are here, a full bar, wine, sake and beer.

The details: 1200 N.E. Broadway St.; 503-493-0100; $1.95 drink minimum; served 3-6 p.m. daily.

-- Joshua Sommer

Rivers Restaurant

Unfortunately situated behind stale, boxlike offices on Southwest Macadam Avenue,

Rivers nonetheless shines with its fantastic Willamette River view and an amazing range of happy hour meals ($3-$7).

Hits: The light and succulent Another Salad ($4) blends salt roasted beets, frisee, housecured guancale and citrus flavors to tease and satisfy the tongue. Pair the salad with a juicy burger ($5), served on a potato bun with a side of Rivers' signature fries, and you will make your mouth very happy.

Misses: Like many places, the happy hour portions are smallish and generally designed to stave off hunger until a later meal.

Sips: Putting a new spin on old favorites, the Magellan Martini (Magellan Quadruple

Distilled Gin and Vya Dry Vermouth), and the Chambord Kamikaze (Absolut Vodka,

Cointreau, a splash of Chambord, fresh-squeezed lime juice and sour mix) are cold, beautiful companions to the food menu.

The details: 0470 S.W. Hamilton Court; 503-802-5850; $2 drink minimum; 3:30-6 p.m. daily.

-- Joshua Sommer

Sellwood Public House

Possibly the only place in town that offers Texas-style barbecue for happy hour, this classy pub has a smokin' deal for hungry folks looking for good food after work. Dishes,

$2 to $4, include brandy mushrooms with focaccia ($4), huge short ribs that are so tender that regulars refer to them as prime rib on a stick ($4), and jalepeno brisket burgers, an amazing invention of the owner's that you won't find anywhere else ($3). The place also offers New York-style pizza slices for $2 to $3.

Hits: If you like a little heat and tender, smoked meat, try the jalepeno brisket burger.

Actually, the entire unique menu is a welcome relief from your standard happy hour fare, and each item is delicious.

Misses: The entrance is hidden between a couple of storefronts; you'll miss it if you're not careful.

Sips: Being a pub and a family-friendly restaurant, the place has everything from soda to a full bar. It's also one of the only spots around town that carries Tuck's Brewery beers

(try the vanilla porter or imperial IPA), and if you happen to drop in on a Sunday or

Wednesday, microbrew pints are 2 bucks.

The details: 8132 S.E. 13th Ave.; 503-736-0179; one drink minimum; 3-6 p.m. Tuesdays-

Sundays.

-- Joshua Sommer

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Bookshelf "Work Worldwide: International Career Strategies for the Adventurous Job

Seeker"

By Joshua Sommer


Edition: Sunrise, Section: Advertorial JOBS, Page F02

"Work Worldwide: International Career Strategies for the Adventurous Job Seeker" by

Nancy Mueller (Avalon Travel Publishing; $14.95)

This book shows how to research, apply for, and obtain international jobs. It includes quizzes to help define goals, culturally specific information for doing business in a foreign country, and a resource directory with helpful e-mail and Web site addresses.

JOSHUA SOMMER

Jobs calendar

* Jan. 19: Beaverton Employer Presentation --Affiliated Computer Services (ACS) showcases its organization and discusses industry trends and news, current positions available, and the application process. Learn how you may fit in or how your skills could be utilized; meet the recruiters one-on-one, do some networking and ask questions; 1 to 2 p.m.; Portland Community College, Capital Career Center, Room 1508 (auditorium),

18624 N.W. Walker Road, Beaverton; 503-533-2754; parking free 12:30 to 2:30 p.m.

Thursdays.

* Jan. 26: Beaverton Employer Presentation --Labor Ready; 1 to 2 p.m.; PCC, Capital

Career Center, Room 1508 (Auditorium), 18624 N.W. Walker Road, Beaverton; 503-

533-2754; parking free 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. Thursdays.

* Jan. 30: The Oregonian's free Career Expo; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Oregon Convention

Center; for updates of participating employers, visit www.oregonlive.com.






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Choice of reception mostly matter of taste

By Sonja Johnston And Joshua Sommer


Thursday,January 12, 2006

Edition: Sunrise, Section: 2006 Guide for Brides, Page 02

Back in the day, as they say, many a wedding reception was held in a church hall. The provisions were simple: a beautiful cake, champagne, coffee, tea, nuts and mints.

But times have changed and so have guests' expectations of where they'll be received and what they'll be offered to eat at a wedding reception. They arrive hungry.

For most weddings, the cost of the reception site, food and beverages adds up to about half of the total budget.

So the big question is: Where is the best place to have your wedding reception? And how do you feed those seemingly always hungry wedding guests?

What makes it both easy and hard to decide is that there's no set answer.

The recent wedding receptions featured in this section --from a simple, homemade buffet to a catered event at an island resort --illustrate the range of choices available to couples today.

Bottom line: It's your wedding and the reception site and food should suit your style. To help you get started, here's a list of Northwest venues that comprises a range of styles, prices and places.

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Downtown Monthly Calendar Through Dec. 21,

Friday,December 16, 2005



Through Dec. 21,

Ship parade

For the 51st year, the Christmas Ship Parade lights up the Columbia and Willamette

Rivers. The fleet averaging 55 to 60 boats is out every night during the parade's twoweek run; www.christmasships.org.

Through Dec. 24,

Saturday Market

More than 350 local craftspeople sell items that they've made, baked or grown themselves under the west end of the Burnside Bridge; www.saturdaymarket.org.

Through Dec. 27,

Art by Chinese youths

The Portland Classical Chinese Garden hosts a show of Chinese children's artwork depicting the environment. "Flying the Child's Hope" shows what kind of world the children believe they will inherit in adulthood; www.portlandchinesegarden.org.

Through Dec. 31,

Christmas Treasures

The Pittock Mansion has vintage toys, trains, dolls and Santa and angel collections throughout its 23 rooms during December; noon to 4 p.m.; $6; 503-823-3623; www.pittockmansion.com.

Through Dec. 31,

ZooLights 2005

This annual feature at the Oregon Zoo includes a lighted train, choral and ensemble music, puppet shows, a model train display and a winter wonderland of more than a halfmillion lights; 503-221-1561.

Through Dec. 31,

Tokyo Nights

See how the Japanese illuminated their evenings at an exhibit featuring antique Japanese woodblock prints of Edo nightlife at Shogun's Gallery; 503-224-0328; www.shogunsgallery.com.

Through Dec. 31, wine and art discounts

Vinopolis is offering a 15-percent discount on all wines regularly priced under $10 and a

15-percent discount on displayed artwork, along with free tastings and extended hours every day; 503-223-6002; www.vinopoliswineshop.com.

Through Dec. 31,

Dance in Cuba

Lawrence Gallery hosts an exhibit of black-and-white photography from former Los

Angeles County district attorney Gil Garcetti's recently published book, which attempts to convey the spirit of the Cuban people through their dance; www.lawrencegallery.net.

Through Jan. 1,

More than sauce

Yoshida's Fine Art Gallery/Wine Bar and Bistro is featuring Bend artist Tracy Leagjeld and her new collection of colorful, oil-based monotype paintings; 503-227-3911; www.yoshidagallery.com.

Submit calendar items to Joshua Sommer, 503-294-4112; joshuasommer@news.oregonian.com. Deadline for next publication is Jan. 1.

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FIRST GLIMPSE Barcode

By Joshua Sommer


Monday,November 21, 2005


Barcode

Conspiracy theorists and food industry types have a new venue downtown to add to their

"to-do" list of places to check out. At times, Barcode is clearly a sports bar. Later in the night, it's a vibrating club. Regardless, there is something for nearly everyone who lurks downtown in the wee hours: good food.

With operating hours that blanket the vast time period of 4 p.m. to 4 a.m. (closed

Tuesdays) and a menu with offerings from mac and cheese ($6.95-$8.95) to oven-roasted mussels ($3.95 at happy hour), finding something tasty is a cinch. Food service industry workers whose restaurants have closed can dig into Barcode's breakfast menu, served from 11 p.m. to closing. There's Cajun-style biscuits with spicy sausage gravy ($7.50), chicken-fried steak ($6.75), even Thai breakfast dishes ($4-$7.95).

Perhaps the most appealing menu is during happy hour, 4 to 8 p.m. daily and all day

Sundays and Mondays, when dishes are only $1.95 to $3.95. There's barbecued chicken tenders in pineapple sauce, steamed clams, salmon cakes, fresh salad rolls. Plus well drinks to wash it down ($2-$3).

Boasting five separate food menus, Barcode --at once a thumping club, sports bar and chic late-night hang --aims to please the palate at all the crucial times, early to late and then early again.

Located at Southwest Second Avenue and Pine Street; 503-242-0019; www.barcodeportland.com.

Joshua Sommer


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By Joshua Sommer

The Oregonian

Friday,November 25, 2005



Through Dec. 4

Bovine theatre

The Oregon premier of Ferdinand the Bull, from Oregon Children's Theatre, includes songs in both Spanish and English; Miracle Theatre, 425 S.E. Sixth Avenue; 503-228-

9571.

Through Dec. 11

Venetian etchings exhibit

The Portland Art Museum displays prints and etchings by Venetian architect Giovanni

Battista Piranesi; www.pam.org.

Through Dec. 24

Saturday Market

More than 350 local craftspeople sell items they've made, baked or grown themselves under the west end of the Burnside Bridge; www.saturdaymarket.org.

Through Dec. 31

Christmas Treasures

The Pittock Mansion displays vintage toys, trains, dolls and Santa and angel collections throughout its 23 rooms during December; noon to 4 p.m.; $6; 503-823-3623; www.pittockmansion.com.

Through Dec. 31

ZooLights 2005

This annual event at the Oregon Zoo includes a lighted train, choral and ensemble music, puppet shows, model train display and a twinkling wonderland of more than a halfmillion lights; 503-221-1561.

Through Dec. 31

Tokyo Nights

Antique Japanese woodblock prints of Edo nightlife exhibited at Shogun's Gallery; 503-

224-0328; www.shogunsgallery.com.

Through Dec. 31 wine and art discounts

Vinopolis wine merchants offer a 15-percent discount on all wines regularly priced under

$10 and a 15-percent discount on displayed artwork, along with free tastings and extended hours every day; 503-223-6002; www.vinopoliswineshop.com.

Dec. 1 - 4

Winter ale fest

The 2005 Holiday Ale Festival features 29 craft brewers in heated tents at Pioneer

Courthouse Square; free admission; www.holidayale.com.

Dec. 1 to Dec. 31

"Dance in Cuba"

Black-and-white photography by former Los Angeles County district attorney Gil

Garcetti's from his published book, "Dance in Cuba" (Princeton Architectural Press; $65);

Garcetti attempts to convey the spirit of the Cuban people through dance. An artist's reception will be Dec. 1, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Lawrence Gallery; www.LawrenceGallery.net.

Dec. 1 to Jan. 1

Monotype exhibit

Yoshida's Fine Art Gallery/Wine Bar and Bistro is featuring Bend artist Tracy Leagjeld's new collection of colorful oil-based monotypes, including cityscapes and landscapes.

Artist reception Dec. 1, 5 to 10 p.m.

Also, a special holiday art event will be held from Dec. 1 to 11 with 45 percent of proceeds benefiting the Salvation Army; 503-227-3911; www.yoshidagallery.com.

Dec. 8 to Dec. 21

Ship parade

For the 51st year, the Christmas Ship Parade lights up the Columbia and Willamette

Rivers. The fleet averages 55 to 60 boats, sailing every night for two weeks; routes and times at www.christmasships.org.

Submit calendar items to Joshua Sommer, 503-294-4112; joshuasommer@news.oregonian.com. Deadline for next publication is Dec. 1.

*************** cheap eats feeding frenzies with pocket change Gladstone Street Pub

By By Joshua Sommer


Monday,November 14, 2005


Gladstone Street Pub

Gladstone Street Pub, "The Stone" to locals, has helped to fill the desperate void of good grub and brew in the community surrounding Southeast 37th Avenue and Gladstone

Street.

The chow: Taking a siesta from generic pub fare, The Stone delivers a full range of plates from a Tex-Mex portion of the menu from $4 to $6.50. They also offer sandwiches from

$5 to $7, along with other pub grub including a delicious charbroiled hamburger or chicken-burger for under seven bucks.

Real deals: The Stone offers a hearty half-sandwich along with soup or salad as a lunch special during the week ($4.50) and $3 soups, salads and chips and salsa.

Hangout factor: Comfy and rustic, the place has a lot of charm and potential. Because it's a newer spot, time will tell if it is able to develop enough character to compete with established pubs close by.

Liquids: Beer ranges from $2 for Pabst to $3.50 for micros, with 50 cents off all draft beer during happy hour (3 to 7 p.m., daily and all day Sunday).

What's half-baked? As far as neighborhood pubs go, this place is all right. Tight seating on the interior might make this place a better bet for sunny days with outside seating.

Inside tips: Go for something off the Mexi-Faves portion of the menu. A sure bet is the chili-cheese quesadilla ($4.75), which comes spicy and fully loaded.

The numbers: 3737 S.E. Gladstone St.; 503-775-3502


**************

SCENE AND HERD Game for adventure

By Joshua Sommer


Wednesday,October 26, 2005


ILLUSTRATION: Photo by The Oregonian / MOTOYA NAKAMURA

Andrew Denton (from left), Jacob Wood, Ashley Wood and Darin Briskman - Playing

Dungeons & Dragons at NerdCon

Ah, the sweet scent of adventure --be it a dew-drenched battlefield at dawn, or a dueling of wits between rivals overcoming impossible odds in a strategic chase wherein death or wealth or shame or prominence lurks around every corner.

It's a crisp morning. The early sun coats the asphalt of Southeast 82nd Avenue like the gleam of blood splashed across a dark knight's armor.

Through the doors of the Denny's at Southeast 82nd Avenue and Oregon 224, deadly battles rage and adventures unfold. Battles and adventures between everything from bionic cattle with heavy artillery to pirates, orcs, Munchkins (the name of one of the roleplaying games) and futuristic miniatures (Combat Assault Vehicles, or CAVs) similar to

MechWarriors.

As Optimus Prime (of Transformers fame) would say, "What the slag? Is this the Spawn of Unicron? I'll blast the frag out of him!" (These are Transformer curses.)

To which we'd have to reply (gently), "Stay calm, sir. This is NerdCon 2005. A convention featuring board and card games, and role-playing games, including miniatures. It's prime!"

NerdCon is a three-day event with players moving from table to table every few hours, when their games end. Games include Battle Cattle (cows with guns and other armaments), Living Arcanis, Eberron, Munchkin, Sword and Skull and CAV.

A guy going by Mugsy and Josh Masher, two youngish gamers, demo a practice game of

CAV (www.reapermini.com/?nav=Games) for bystanders. With a tape measure and die, they show how to measure out a strike against the enemy in this complex and addictive game of strategy with miniatures on realistic, scaled-down terrain (officially: miniature wargaming ).

You've got to love the real-world, hands-on approach of these games.

"We know these games are competing against video games," said Mugsy. But they have their benefits, educational and otherwise. "My son turns 6 in January and he already knows his multiplication tables, and basic math. And he can read," added Mugsy. "We demo this game each Thursday at Bridgetown Hobbies on Sandy Boulevard ."

Ada Kerman , convention coordinator and co-coordinator of local gaming club Clan of the Cave Nerd , said, "The next convention is GameStorm in March in Vancouver and it's only $20 if you register by Oct. 30 . It usually draws upwards of 500 players." Kerman is not the coordinator of GameStorm.

The whole point of the convention is to "bring people into town to a premier event where the stories can evolve with new characters. When people bring their characters in from other places, the games get really interesting," said Eric Gorman , one of the refs for

Living Arcanis at NerdCon.

Adventurers rage on in a room that is a maze of bodies, chairs, tables and dice --12-sided, more or less. Players are crying out when they take or make hits and the aroma of battle and Denny's "Moons Over My Hammy" sandwiches fills the air.

To catch one of these games yourself, visit www.bthobbies.com , www.gamestorm.org or www.kermanenterprises.com/cavenerds .

-- Joshua Sommer

*************

FIVE QUESTIONS City Ambassadors walk the talk

By Joshua Sommer


Wednesday,October 26, 2005


A geeky guy sits with his beautiful wife at the lovely new Thai restaurant Peemkaew in the North Park blocks. They're sharing a plate of delicious pumpkin curry while he waits for bocce ball players to populate the court in the park across from where they're sitting.

Mid-meal, a Downtown Sidewalk Ambassador strolls through the door of the restaurant in his smashing green-and-black outfit emblazoned with a gigantic "i."

The geeky guy doesn't know a thing about bocce, but he's curious, so he asks the

Sidewalk Ambassador if he knows anything about the sport. In less than five minutes the information guru has stepped out of the restaurant, consulted his PDA, talked into his two-way radio and come back to the couple's table with the complete history of bocce, the game's rules, where it can be played locally and places to purchase equipment.

How did he do that? Sidewalk Ambassador Mark Twohy, sheds some light on the

Ambassadors program.

Q: What is the strangest question ambassadors are asked?

A: Are you a forest ranger? Are you a cowboy? (a 4-year-old regarding my Seattle

Sombrero rain hat).

Q: Sidewalk Ambassadors are helpful, happy, energetic and informative. Why do you like your job?

A: We get to help people. This is the way downtown businesses keep downtown Portland friendly and easy to navigate. There's something really cool about helping a lost tourist find their way to Powell's Books or even a Portland resident who knows downtown like the back of their hand discover a new, exciting restaurant.

Q: How do you guys know so much?

A: We have a lot of resources. We cross-reference with each other; we have pocket PCs;

Internet access; and we're part of the Portland Business Alliance, which is greater

Portland's Chamber of Commerce, so we stay connected to what's going on and have access to a lot of information.

Q: Your hours of operation are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday. How safe are you?

A: We're out walking the streets all day and feel safe because downtown Portland is a safe place to be. To ensure that, we're in direct two-way radio contact with the Clean and

Safe officers (who are managed by the Portland Business Alliance and work with local police to enhance security) who patrol downtown.

Q: How much territory do you cover?

A: The Business Improvement District, a 213-block area downtown, roughly bounded by

Naito Parkway, Southwest Harrison Street, 11th Avenue, and the Broadway Bridge. The property owners in the district ensure that the area is patrolled for safety, cleanliness and friendliness --that's our part!

-- Joshua Sommer


******************

FIRST GLIMPSE Lilith

By Joshua Sommer


Tuesday,October 4, 2005


Ladies (and some gentlemen) who like to shop for women's clothes and have a preference for locally made items should drop by Lilith, a new boutique on Northeast Alberta Street that carries clothes and jewelry that are mostly designed and made in Portland (a few items come from Seattle).

"I live in the neighborhood and wanted my store to be on Alberta as well," said Snowzie

Roze.

The classy, compact store gleams with jewelry and beautiful fabrics that have been nipped and tucked to form one-of-a-kind items including basic sweatshop-free tees, undershirts, boy shirts, dresses, funky trousers, vintage jeans, contemporary jeans and recycled and restructured sweaters, dresses and coats.

Roze saw a niche that could be filled on the increasingly popular street and decided to do something about it.

"There's a thriving and growing fashion scene in Portland. And it's great to see a woman walking down the street wearing something made in Portland. There's something very intimate about it."

Lilith, catering primarily to outerwear, also has something for everyone, naughty or nice.

"If you need some pasties (Bosom Blossoms), we have those too," she said.

Commenting on local designers that Lilith carries, Roze said, "I love (Portland jewelry designer) Tiffany Thomas. I think her work is amazing. Every piece is unique . . . very modern and earthy at the same time. My two favorite clothing designers are Genna

Golden (Portland) and Suzabelle (Seattle). Both are really strong designers and very different. They represent the spectrum you'll find at Lilith.

"This is the best job I have ever had. I look forward to going work. What a concept!"

Lilith, 1524 N.E. Alberta St.; 503-282-2762; closed Monday, Tuesday by appointment,

11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday to Saturday, and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday.

-- Joshua Sommer


**************

Downtown Monthly Calendar Sept. 28 Nob Hill specials

By Joshua Sommer

Friday,September 23, 2005



Sept. 28

Nob Hill specials

The Nob Hill Business Association presents What's on Wednesday (WoW), with more than 50 retail stores and restaurants participating; www.nobhillbiz.com.

Through Oct. 23

The Lion King

Fred Meyer Broadway in Portland presents The Lion King at the Portland Center for the

Performing Arts; www.pcpa.com.

Through Dec. 24

Saturday Market

More than 350 local craftspeople sell items that they've made, baked or grown themselves under the west end of the Burnside Bridge; www.saturdaymarket.org.

Through Dec. 11

Rome etchings exhibit

The Portland Art Museum will display prints and etchings by Venetian architect

Giovanni Battista Piranesi; www.pam.org.

Oct. 7 to 16

Fall ballet program

The Oregon Ballet Theatre kicks off its fall series with works by Christopher Stowell,

Jerome Robbins and Julia Adam at the Newmark Theatre; 503-222-5538; www.obt.org.

Violence summit

Raphael House of Portland presents bands, speakers and a silent vigil at Pioneer

Courthouse Square; www.raphaelhouse.com.

Oct. 9

Portland Marathon

The 34th annual Portland Marathon will begin at 7 a.m. at Southwest Fourth and Third avenues between Salmon and Jefferson streets; www.portlandmarathon.org.

Oct. 16

Run for the Cheetah

The Cheetah Conservation Fund will present 8k and 5k runs to increase awareness about and raise funds for the endangered cheetah; www.cheetah.org.

Oct. 20

Author lecture

Simon Winchester, author of "The Professor and the Madman: A Tale of Murder,

Insanity, and the Making of the Oxford English Dictionary," will speak at the Arlene

Schnitzer Concert Hall; 503-227-2583; www.literary-arts.org.

Oct. 27 to 30

Halloween at the zoo

Trick-or-treaters may enjoy a scavenger hunt and activity stations around the zoo and goodie bags filled with candy and prizes; 503-226-1561; www.oregonzoo.org.

Through Oct. 30

Portland Center Stage

PCS brings Glen Berger's (author of "O Lovely Glowworm") "Underneath the Lintel" to

Winningstad Theatre; www.pcs.org.

Submit calendar items to Joshua Sommer, 503-294-4112; joshuasommer@news.oregonian.com. Deadline for next publication is Oct. 1.

**********

Many bites, few bucks

By Joshua Sommer

The Oregonian

Wednesday,September 21, 2005

Edition: Sunrise, Section: Arts & Living, Page 19

You've just cashed in a grocery bag full of empty Pabst cans, and you've now got $2 tucked in your wallet. If you're like me, you are either looking forward to blowing the cash on a 22-ouncer of Mickey's or you're looking for someplace inexpensive to grab grub.

Fortunately, the $2 meal still exists in Portland -- though you have to do some serious looking to find the great buys. Here's a week's worth of some of the best -- as well as a few bites you can take a pass on.

Saturdays and Tuesdays the owners of Penguin Pub and Eatery (8117 S.E. 17th Ave.;

503-232-4629) and the Drift On Inn Bar and Grill (12611 S.E. McLoughlin Blvd.; 503-

652-7966) offer delicious 75-cent tacos from open to close.

"We've been doing this for 28 years, and I'm really careful about the ingredients. I go for the best and freshest quality in all our food because I want people to enjoy it and keep coming back," said DeAnn Charpentier, one of the pub's owners.

This philosophy shows even in the inexpensive tacos, which come piled high with seasoned beef (a top-secret recipe), lettuce, cheese, sour cream and salsa. After a couple of these, you'll be stuffed.

On Mondays and Tuesdays, Jake's Place (8039 S.E. 17th Ave.; 503-233-8257) offers less-than-tasty tacos at 50 cents a pop. Beware! Though the price may be inviting, only those with the strongest stomachs should brave the things. Instead, this place has a great plate of chicken gizzards or a wicked kielbasa dog for a buck-and-a-half during all hours of operation.

Who-Song and Larry's (4850 S.W. Macadam Ave.; 503-223-8845) offers tasty steak and chicken tacos for 99 cents from 3 to 10 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. The tacos come on fresh, handmade corn tortillas, and a small salsa and veggie bar is provided for patrons to doctor their meals.

One of the best deals in town is at The Slammer tavern (500 S.E. Eighth Ave.; 503-232-

6504), which offers three tacos for a buck on Wednesdays from 5 p.m. until they run out of the ingredients. If tacos aren't your game, try one of the super hot dogs (any time) for

$2 or a bowl of chili for the same price.

All week long, the lounge of Carrows Restaurant (10900 S.W. 69th Ave.; 503-246-5588) offers a nice substitute if you, like me, have been eating tacos most of the week. For 2 bucks you can get ample portions of several entrees including a cheeseburger, Southwest chicken wraps, spaghetti with garlic bread and fettuccine Alfredo, again with garlic bread. These are available daily from 3 to 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. to close and all day Sundays.

Still starving for a taco? Every day except Sunday you can score a delicious pork, chicken, steak or shredded-beef taco for $1 all day, starting at 11 a.m., at Taqueria Los

Reyes, a mobile canteen truck near Southwest 86th Avenue on Barbur Boulevard. All the meats can be ordered regular or spicy.

So, keep a bib in your glove box because there are scads of places around (besides obvious happy-hour destinations such as McCormick & Schmick's, Stanford's and the like) that are willing to trade you food for a couple of bucks. The secret is to keep your eyes open, because these places (usually on a strict advertising budget) often only post their best deals on sandwich boards or in their windows. So keep your laundry change clenched tight in your fist the next time you're feeling low on dough and have a seriously growling stomach.

Did I miss your favorite $2 food find? I'm always hunting for ultracheap eats. E-mail me at flotsam2000@gmail.com.

************* sound check notes from the Northwest music scene HITTING ALL THE RIGHT NOTES

By Joshua Sommer



Edition: Sunrise, Section: Arts & Living, Page 13

HITTING ALL THE RIGHT NOTES -- Any band that has the words "bar" and "drags" in its name already has a swanky coolness going for it. Throw in music that punches the heart like a fist with brass knuckles, and a package emerges that could be the beginning of a steamy love affair.

It's "Merle Haggard (expletive) slaps the Beach Boys," is the way Scotland Barr, lead singer of Scotland Barr and the Slow Drags, puts it.

"Most of us are from San Diego," Barr says. "We grew up listening to Kiss, Circle Jerks,

John Denver. Mik (Mik Nucci, bass) and I have played in bands together since we were

14."

The band members' familiarity shines in the seamless sets when they perform live and on their new CD, "Legionnaires Disease."

The songs range from the catchy Americana of "When You Cried" to the brooding "5 years in Nashville," about a songwriter who gets stranded and loses his girl: "Well, time is a butcher for dreamers and cattle/ Both get sold off by the pound."

There's also plenty of straight-up rock, especially the title track, that will get your toes tapping, hips swaying and heart pumping.

Made up of Nucci; Charley Adams, guitar; Matt Nicely, drums; Chris Hubbard, keys;

Brian Daste, pedal steel; and Barr, vocals and guitar, the group faces the challenge of gaining exposure as a great band in a town that's full of great bands already looking for attention and bad bands that somehow get a lot of it.

Acknowledging a band scene that's standing-room-only, Barr ticks off some of his favorite local competition: "I'm listening to Morgan Geer/Drunken Prayer, the

Lonesomes, the Imprints, the Sort of's/Chris Robley and Mission 5."

They're in good company. Barr and the boys should feel proud of producing something some good bands never pull off: an attractive, wholly listenable album that hits all the right chords with powerful, painful and beautiful accuracy.


**************

Sake cocktail dazzles palate

By Joshua Sommer


Wednesday,August 31, 2005

Edition: Sunrise, Section: Arts and Entertainment, Page 09

Every third Saturday, in a watering hole in Forest Grove, a Geisha, an Emperor, someone named Wasabi Mary and a Happy Sumo line up at a bar -- ready to be picked up by anyone brave enough to initiate the first move.

Actually, those aren't people -- they're Saketini cocktails made with the likes of Tabasco sauce, wasabi, lime, cranberry juice and other ingredients.

The sakery at SakeOne recently introduced Saketini Saturdays, from noon to 5 p.m. the third Saturday of each month.

On these select Saturdays, the tasting room fills with eager palates searching for the latest sake cocktail or tried-and-true favorites.

In the cedar-lined room, there's a casual, relaxed euphoria among the staff and patrons on

Saketini Saturdays, which began mostly by accident.

"We started out as traditionalists when it came to making sake and then we moved on to the fruit-infused sakes. The truth is that Saketini wasn't our idea," said Steve Boone, president and chief executive officer. "I started getting e-mails from restaurants in Miami,

San Francisco and New York, and they would say, 'Did you know that if you mix your

Pearl with a little cream and some Midori melon liquor and shake it up, you get an amazing cocktail? My answer was no.

"At first I was like, I'm not sure about these Saketini things, but as we started making them we discovered that they were really delicious. Then we started experimenting and making them here and at home. And people started calling us locally to let us know that they were going to put on Saketini tasting parties. Major papers picked it up, like the San

Francisco Chronicle, the L.A. Times and papers from New York and Miami, with stories about sake and how mixable it is. The thing sort of took off on its own."

Even folks who don't usually favor traditional sake will likely find something to wet their whistle with a fruity sake cocktail that helps to mask the initial bite of the Japanese brew.

Want to experiment with the elixirs without leaving Portland proper? Local restaurants including Saucebox, Dragonfish and P.F. Chang's serve several versions and even new inventions for the Saketini-curious.

For more information, including cocktail recipes, visit www.sakeone.com.

-- Joshua Sommer

Special to The Oregonian.

************

Downtown Monthly Calendar Through Aug. 3, Paolo Design opening Through Aug. 31,

Vinopolis events Through Aug. 29 and Sept. 6, Ballgames Through Sept. 1, Noon Tunes

Concert Series Through Sept. 2, Zoo Summer Camp Through Sept. 5, Summer gu

By No Byline

Friday,July 22, 2005

Edition: Sunrise, Section: Downtown Monthly, Page DM04

Madoka Ito and Paolo Design will be on display at The Lifeline Story Project (Series I &

II), at Paolo Design Group, 1031 N.W. 11th Ave.

Madoka Ito's series of seven pen-and-ink tablets explores the evolution of art through audience participation. Ito asks viewers to select and remove key pieces of the series, which Ito will later replace with a new scene, changing the meaning of the story that is unfolding.

Also on display in the gallery space will be several new furniture pieces from Paolo

Design Group. New designs include mobile and dynamic danza tables, which can be arranged to serve as banquet tables, buffet tables, office desks, casual dining tables, homework stations, or end tables.

Open 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, call 503-222-1757, ext. 15.

Vinopolis Wine Shop's August discount section will be Oregon wines. Shoppers can buy a bottle of Ponzi or Beaux Freres and get a case discount. The section discounts apply to in-store purchases only.

On First Tuesday, Aug. 2, the Women's Wine Class, "Sangria & Cider in the Dog Days of Summer," will cover the classic elements of sangria. Participants will create four or five different versions and learn which foods they complement. Space is limited and preregistration is required. Tickets can be purchased online in the "Shop Online" section of the company site by clicking on "Classes."

Cost is $15; 7 p.m.; 1025 S.W. Washington St.; 503-223-6002; www.vinopoliswineshop.com.

Through Sept. 6, the Portland Beavers baseball team will play home games at PGE Park.

Also, through Aug. 29, the Portland Timbers soccer team will play home games at PGE

Park.

For ticket prices, dates and directions, visit www.pgepark.com.

This annual program hosted by Pioneer Courthouse Square, presented by Volkswagen and co-sponsored by KINK FM 102, features lunchtime performances by local, regional and national musical acts.

The free shows run Tuesdays and Thursdays from noon to 1 p.m.

The August lineup includes Valerie Day with Tom Grant, Aug. 2; Rye Hollow, Aug. 4;

Stephen Kellogg & The Sixers, Aug. 9; Careen, Aug. 11; Stephanie Schneiderman Aug.

16; Laura Gibson, Aug. 18; and Geoff Byrd, Aug. 30.

* At Pioneer Courthouse Square through Sept. 1 is the Live After 5 Summer Blues

Concert Series. The free shows are Thursdays at 5 p.m.

Performances include Jesse Samsel and Crosstown Traffic, Aug. 4; Paul deLay Band,

Aug. 11; and the Jay "Bird" Koder Band featuring Carl Joiner, Aug. 18.

For more information, visit www.pioneercourthousesquare.org.

Four-year-olds to ninth-graders can spend five days at the zoo this summer studying endangered species, taking tours, playing games, making crafts and more; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, throughout the summer. For more information, call 503-

220-2781, or visit www.oregonzoo.org.

Volunteer zoo guides will present extensi animal talks from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, and from 1 p.m. to close on $2 Tuesdays (the second Tuesday of each month). Guides throughout the zoo will give brief presentations and answer questions about zoo animals. For more information, visit www.oregonzoo.org.

The Oregon Historical Society has an extensive collection of paraphernalia on display from the Lewis & Clark Centennial & American Pacific Exposition & Oriental Fair, the

1905 world's fair held in Portland. The exhibit will be open through the summer.

Admission is $10; 1200 S.W. Park Ave; 503-222-1741; www.ohs.org.

The Portland Saturday Market has opened for its 32nd year with more than 350 local craftspeople offering items that they've made, baked or grown themselves -- from clothes to pottery to crafts.Other highlights include live music and the International Food Court, featuring 26 vendors. Open every Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; under the west end of the Burnside Bridge on Southwest 1st Avenue. Admission is free; www.saturdaymarket.org.

The movie "Ghostbusters" will be shown at dusk at Pioneer Courthouse Square. Free.

The annual celebration of Italian culture, with live entertainment, dancing and food, will take place at Pioneer Courthouse Square. Free events also include a grape stomp, pizza toss and more. Times vary; for more information, visit www.festa-italiana.org.

The Nob Hill Business Association presents What's on Wednesday (WoW) on the last

Wednesday of each month. More than 50 retail stores and restaurants participate by offering store discounts and dinner specials. For more information, visit www.nobhillbiz.com.

Submit calendar items to Joshua Sommer, 503-294-4112; joshuasommer@news.oregonian.com. Deadline for next publication is Aug. 1.

***************

PLUGGED IN FIRST GLIMPSE GOGO MONGOLIAN FEAST

By Joshua Sommer


Source: THE OREGONIAN

Friday,July 8, 2005

Edition: SUNRISE, Section: ARTS AND LIVING, Page 09

Friday, July 8, 2005

PLUGGED IN FIRST GLIMPSE GOGO MONGOLIAN FEAST

Gogo Mongolian Feast

For Mongolian barbecue fans who eat close to Portland proper, but live farther out on the west side, there's good news in the form of Gogo Mongolian Feast, a spiffy spot that satiates with a superb grill and snazzy atmosphere.

Instead of the stand-alone sauces usually found at the end of the buffet -- after noodles, meat and veggies -- several tried-and-true premixed sauces can be scooped into tiny bowls and added to your food on the huge, round grill right at the end of the cooking process.

Manager Brian Luu explains the reason behind adding the sauces at the last minute:

"When we first opened we relied a lot on customer feedback to perfect the menu. We found that if the sauces were added too soon on the grill that they would burn and add a burnt flavor to the meal. Other places douse the food with water on the grill, but we found that this dilutes the flavor. So we created some of our customer's favorite premixed sauces and we add them last on the grill."

Rather than reinventing the Mongolian barbecue wheel, Gogo has simply perfected the way it operates, streamlining the buffet counter's key ingredients, spices, and they've done it with a snazzy flare that makes the restaurant strike all the right notes. Lunch plates range from $6.95 to $9.95 and dinner from $7.95 to $11.95.

For hours and directions, call 503-531-9988, or visit www.gogofeast.com.

-- Joshua Sommer


***************

SOUND CHECK SQUIDS' INFLUENCE MAKES A SPLASH

By Joshua Sommer






SOUND CHECK SQUIDS' INFLUENCE MAKES A SPLASH sound check notes from the Northwest music scene By JOSHUA SOMMER

SQUIDS' INFLUENCE MAKES A SPLASH -- Eugene's Dan Jones, along with his band, the Squids, has become a familiar name in a city that nurtures some of the finest musicians in Oregon. That reputation is stretching the long reach of its tentacles north on the wave of several live shows, two previous albums and a tour for Jones' latest release,

"Get Sounds Now."

"This CD has a level of relaxed ensemble playing that people have never heard in support of the songs I write," Jones said. "I've recorded stripped-down acoustic, I've recorded with bombastic slabs of rock, and I've recorded in a highly detailed, multilayered production environment. But this album is a band playing live in a studio -- playing songs they know, but not too well." Jones plays the Rock Creek Tavern on Friday.

"The tracking sessions only took a day and a half -- there's a lightness to this, I guess the pleasure of the company I was keeping and the level of musicianship."

His two previous CDs include a self-produced acoustic album titled "For Your Radio," released in 1998; and the pop/punk-rock "One Man Submarine" that made a critical splash with its release in 2003.

Two years later, "Get Sounds Now" is a refreshing bit of songwriting with witty yet passionate lyrics and masterful orchestration. The album shines with Jones' and the

Squids musical maturity and the powerful acceptance of reality.

"These songs seem to be about daily life and work in a lot of ways," said Jones. "But it's also just the usual things: love, suffering, hope, finding courage. I look at things from the side in my songs, or pretend I'm not there, but my heart is in there somewhere, I hope."

His casual approach to songwriting belies a certain seriousness masked with humor. "I catch onto a phrase or a story line while I'm doing something mundane, or even trying to entertain someone in a mundane environment like work, and then I write it on a piece of paper shove it in my pocket and hope I find it later.

"Did your mom ever have a bad day and try to make it fun by saying, 'Let's have breakfast for dinner'? It's kind of like that."

For influences and inspiration, Jones turns to musicians such as the Minutemen, D. Boon and Lou Reed, and such writers as William Stafford, James Lee Burke, Julia Cameron and Natalie Goldberg.

"Cooling Off," the second track on the new album, acknowledges William Faulkner with the quip, "Dropped my Sound and Fury in the sea/The pages stick together and they stink," and follows with the yearning chorus, "I wonder what became of the girl/With the

'I Shot Reagan' tattoo on her stomach."

Billy Barnett, owner of Eugene's Gung-Ho Studio (where "One Man Submarine" was recorded and mixed), says of Jones' songs, "They tend to be musically straightforward, unpretentious, melodic; lyrically smart and thoughtful; and the angst and angles within the story lines come across with a wry humor and sympathy . . . never the urgent, needy, in-your-face variety."


**************

THE 45TH ANNUAL MCMINNVILLE TURKEY RAMA MCMINNVILLE FLUFFS

ITS FEATHERS

By Joshua Sommer

STAFF RESEARCHER


Thursday,July 7, 2005

Edition: SUNRISE, Section: SOUTHWEST ZONER TURKEY RAMA, Page 01

Thursday, July 7, 2005

THE 45TH ANNUAL MCMINNVILLE TURKEY RAMA MCMINNVILLE FLUFFS

ITS FEATHERS

Kicking summer off with a sizzle, the city of McMinnville will once again transform into a three-day, open-air festival in celebration of the 45th Annual Turkey Rama, an event

that started in 1961 when turkey growers joined with the Chamber of Commerce to form a community event.

To this day it is the largest event of its kind in McMinnville, with 148 booths featuring ethnic foods, local craft makers and commercial vendors. Attendees come from all over to gobble up the entertainment, food and visual feast, which will run July 7 to 9 this year.

Around 25,000 to 30,000 people attend the event each year over three days, according to

Celia Wheeler, president of the McMinnville Chamber of Commerce. People come from as far away as Citrus County, Fla., for the event.

"I started working on Turkey Rama in 1994, just to help with the downtown setup," said

Dick Windle of Citrus Springs, Fla. "Each year after my involvement kept expanding. In

1996 I designed and built the current chamber information booth and have handled the setup and tear down ever since. I was the general chair for the barbecue until last year."

The event has grown steadily for a number of years. Last year, 700 whole turkeys were slowly cooked over 5,000 pounds of charcoal for the popular Saturday barbecue. For each turkey half sold (at $15), $1.50 went to the Community Action Agency of Yamhill

County's (YCAP) food bank. In 2004, the barbecue raised slightly more than $1,600 for the program, Wheeler said.

Groups benefiting from funds raised at the event include the McMinnville Chamber of

Commerce, Hospice of Yamhill County, YCAP Food Bank, Kiwanis, Willamette Valley

Cancer Foundation and about 20 nonprofit vendors. The Hospice of Yamhill County hosts the Biggest Turkey Contest each year.

With the help of fundraising efforts on the part of contest participants, last year's event raised $44,000 for the hospice.

New to the community festival this year is the Turkey 2-Step, a community dance to be held from 7:30 to 11 p.m. Saturday. Live music performances, always a festival favorite, return this year with the Jake Blair Band, one of Portland's leading blue grass bands;

Dukes of Juke, performing oldies and classic rock; and White Rhino, a marimba group playing African music.

Complementing the stage performances will be the Golden Valley Brew Pub's beer garden near the stage, which will be open from 4 to 10 p.m. each night. Another festival feature is the Turkey Trot run/walk on Saturday from 8 to 11 a.m. Day-of-the-race registration is from 7 to 7:45 a.m., and the cost is $15. Also at the event will be a kick-off parade; a pancake breakfast; a farmers market; soccer, softball and baseball tournaments; a car cruise-in; and, the morsel that will have folks tying bibs around their necks and getting Handi-Wipes ready, the Famous Turkey Barbecue.

Head cook Bill Bach has been slowly turning turkeys on spits at the festival for 12 or 13 years and he starts early with his preparation. Bach lights the coals Friday night for the

Saturday event because it takes the coals a few hours to get hot enough to suit his expert eye.

For the returning Windle, the event hasn't always been pain-free.

"I once broke my right arm putting up the road signs for Turkey Rama two weeks before it started," he muses. "I'm returning because I'm proud of how the event has worked and all the help and cooperation from the community. The committee has it down to a very good system and I think everyone who helps -- from the Elks cooks who start cooking turkeys at midnight to our key cleanup lady, a local salon owner -- really enjoys the effort and the success. I'm also returning because of the people and many friends I have made via Turkey Rama. A year ago in April, just before the event, I had prostate cancer and the support and prayers of my many friends in McMinnville were just overwhelming."

The turkey barbecue is Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., or until sold out. The meal

(includes turkey, potato salad and coleslaw, dinner roll, watermelon, cake and drink) costs $12 for adults, $8 for seniors, $6 for children. Freshly grilled turkey halves are $15, with a $1.50 from each sale benefiting YCAP.

************

DINING CHEAP EATS SALAD WORLD

By Joshua Sommer

Special to The Oregonian<


Friday,July 1, 2005



DINING CHEAP EATS SALAD WORLD cheap eats feeding frenzies with pocket change

Salad World

Picture your perfect salad. Now, imagine that salad available with every conceivable dressing and side dish in a deceptively simple, streamlined buffet that includes four long smorgasbord tables.

The chow: Everything from lettuce to fruit to exotic toppings is farm-fresh. Many forms of salad are here, from Caesar to spinach. Also: noodles, entrees and meat dishes, including teriyaki chicken.

Real deals: Plates are $5.15 a pound. If you're going with vegetables, they weigh in much less than meat and, when paired with cheeses and nuts, are filling.

Hangout factor: To go. No inside seating, only two small tables outdoors.

Liquids: The usual sodas, juices and bottled water.

What's half-baked? At $5.15 a pound, the cost of your meal can add up quickly, especially if you're going for some of the denser items, such as meats.

Inside tips: Eat lightly and it's entirely possible to get out of the place for under $5. So pack your to-go container with a medium quantity of salad and a chunk or two of teriyaki chicken.

The numbers: 837 S.W. Second Ave.; 503-222-9726. Hours: 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. daily.


****************

DINING CHEAP EATS SUPER BURRITO EXPRESS

By Joshua Sommer



Friday,June 24, 2005


Friday, June 24, 2005

DINING CHEAP EATS SUPER BURRITO EXPRESS cheap eats feeding frenzies with pocket change

By JOSHUA SOMMER

Super Burrito Express

The name of the place fits so well, they should hang tiny "SBE" capes on the burritos.

The chow: Burritos range from basic bean and cheese ($2.75) to the more extravagant, such as the tasty al pastor, with a filling of barbecued pork chunks, beans, onions and cilantro ($4.25); and the All Meat, with shredded beef and green chili sauce ($4.35).

Also: tacos ($1.55 to $1.95), tostadas ($3.25) and quesadillas ($1.95 to $3.95), plus hamburgers, sandwiches and nachos.

Real deals: Tacos are large. Two of these and you'll be sated for hours.

Hangout factor: The building is clean and bright compared with many taquerias. The combination of fast service, a drive-through and a location off the beaten path makes it an ideal weekday lunch destination.

Liquids: Sodas and juices galore. Try the tamarindo juice ($1.35, $1.65 and $1.85), a sweet-and-sour concoction that tempers the spicy dishes.

What's half-baked? The surrounding shopping complex is evolving, with parking delays and construction noise likely.

Inside tips: Get the tacos. Meal-worthy choices: Express Taco, shredded beef, onions, cilantro and red chili sauce ($1.55); and the carne asada taco, charbroiled steak, tomatoes, onions, cilantro, chili and avocado sauce ($1.55). If you're not fond of corn tortillas, choose a burrito, but be warned: You're likely to have leftovers.

The numbers: Open daily 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., with drive-through open until midnight; 10506 S.E. 42nd Ave., Milwaukie; 503-786-8231.


***************

NEW HOME MONTHLY NOTEBOOK: VILLEBOIS MODEL HOMES SHOWCASE

DEVELOPMENT'S EUROPEAN FLAVOR

By Joshua Sommer

Staff researcher, The Oregonian<


Saturday,June 18, 2005

Edition: SUNRISE, Section: NEW HOME MONTHLY, Page 06

Saturday, June 18, 2005

NEW HOME MONTHLY NOTEBOOK: VILLEBOIS MODEL HOMES SHOWCASE

DEVELOPMENT'S EUROPEAN FLAVOR

The grand opening of three model homes at Arbor Custom Homes' portion of Villebois, a

500-acre development planned by Costa Pacific Communities on the former site of

Dammasch State Hospital in Wilsonville, will be June 18 and 19.

The three model homes represent new designs.

"We believe our new designs are unlike anything currently being built in a masterplanned community elsewhere in the metropolitan area. True to the French meaning of

Villebois as a 'village near the woods,' our neighborhoods here will have a distinct

European village flavor," said Dennis Sackhoff, president of West Hills Development, parent company for Arbor Custom Homes.

The new designs range from 1,707 to 3,533 square feet, with prices from $231,000 to

$550,000.

Model homes will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. both days. From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., a balloon-sculpting clown will perform and refreshments will be available.

When complete, Villebois is expected to have 2,500 homes, including town homes, single-family houses, apartments and condominiums, by various builders.

For more information about Arbor Homes at Villebois, call Judy Cross or Rhianna Bayse at 503-582-0472, or visit www.arborhomes.com.

Habitat for Humanity starts building in Lents

Portland Habitat for Humanity begins construction this month on 16 paired town homes at Southeast 83rd Avenue and Lambert Street in the Lents neighborhood.

The project kicked off June 15.

Portland Habitat for Humanity is a participant in the Lents Homeownership Initiative, a coalition of nonprofits, faith-based organizations, businesses and government agencies committed to revitalizing the Lents community by increasing homeownership. It provides families with affordable housing.

Habitat homes are built by volunteers, then sold to qualifying families at cost with a zerointerest, 1-percent-down mortgage.

Prospective Habitat home buyers must attend a free orientation to apply for the program.

For more information or an orientation schedule, call Jaimi Coward at 503-287-9529,

Ext. 22, or visit www.pdxhabitat.org.

Host's New Columbia sells first of 80 homes

Host Development has sold the first of 80 new homes it is building at New Columbia in

North Portland.

The first home buyer moved in this month, which is National Homeownership Month.

Prices for the homes range from $145,500 to $186,950, and home sizes range from 944 to

1,528 square feet. The homes have two, three or four bedrooms, and some have attached garages.

Host is a nonprofit organization that creates affordable homeownership opportunities. For more information, call 503-331-1752, ext. 100, or visit www.hostdevelopment.com.

Remodelers group distributes awards

The Oregon Remodelers Association announced the winners of its Outstanding

Remodeling Achievement awards.

All projects were completed by the residential remodeling contractors in the past 15 months.

Following are the award categories and recipients:

* Residential Kitchen Under $30,000 and Residential Exterior, Wade Freitag, Craftsman

Design and Renovation

* Residential Interior, Bert Hansen, Renovation Innovations

* Residential Bath Under $25,000, Greg Olson, Olson & Jones Construction Inc., in conjunction with designer Diane Plesset, DP Design

* Residential Kitchen Over $30,000, Residential Bath Over $25,000 and Residential

Addition, Scott Gregor, Master Plan Remodeling

* Whole House Remodel, Jim Feild, Progressive Builders Northwest

* Historical Renovation/Restoration, Richard DeWolf and Anne DeWolf, Arciform.

The winners were honored at the association's June 8 membership luncheon.

Hambach Crossing plans grand opening

Hambach Crossing, a town-home community on Southwest Durham Road in Tigard, opened home sales on June 12.

Built by Legend Homes, the finished community will have 38 two-story town homes in four floor plans. All Hambach Crossing town homes are attached at the garage and feature three or four bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms, and will range in size from 2,000 to

2,217 square feet. Prices range from $307,900 to $334,900.

The Hambach Crossing sales office is open daily from noon to 6 p.m. For more information, call 503-968-3040, or visit www.legendhomes.com.

Buena Vista honored for its rapid expansion

The Portland Business Alliance honored Buena Vista Custom Homes with a Top Ten

Growth Award at its May 18 annual meeting.

The award recognizes Buena Vista Custom Homes as the third-fastest growing company in the mid-size business category (businesses having 26 to 100 employees) for outstanding growth in jobs and revenues.

The award is sponsored by Oregon Business Magazine.

For more information, visit www.portlandalliance.com.

Also, Buena Vista recently broke ground on Hearthside Cottages, a 14-lot project in

Beaverton open to home buyers ages 55 and older.

Homes will range in size from 1,656 to 1,927 square feet and in price from $269,950 to

$289,950.

Hearthside floor plans include 9-foot main-floor ceilings, vaulted master bedrooms, marble countertops in the master baths, fireplaces in the master bedrooms and great rooms, and maple entryways. The kitchens will feature granite countertops, cooktop islands, stainless-steel appliances and maple or cherry cabinets. In addition, all homes will have a central vacuum system.

For more information, contact listing agent Mike Wiltshire with Prudential Northwest

Properties at 503-306-9002.

Local builders adopt Energy Trust criteria

According to the Energy Trust of Oregon, Portland-area builders lead the state in the construction of high-efficiency homes, and two have made a commitment to meet Energy

Star requirements in every home they build.

D.R. Horton and Vernon Rifer Real Estate Development Inc., both with operations in

Portland, agreed to build all of their Oregon homes to Northwest Energy Star standards as of May 2005.

For 2005, D.R. Horton plans to build approximately 200 homes to these requirements throughout the Portland metro area, with an additional 750 homes meeting the same requirements in 2006.

The names of other Oregon builders offering Energy Star qualified homes can be found at www.energytrust.org/residential/enh/choose.html.

For more information, call 866-368-7878, or visit www.energytrust.org on the Web.

Cambridge condos opens sales showroom

The Cambridge Condominiums opened its Northwest sales office and showroom June 11 in Northwest Portland.

Though construction didn't start until June 15 and the sales office just opened, 48 of the

73 units in the luxury project were already reserved, said MJ Steen of

Windermere/Cronin & Caplan Realty Group.

Cambridge Condominiums, by developer Marty Kehoe, will include a collection of five low-rise buildings with nine penthouses, 10 townhouses and 54 condos. Architect Barry

Smith designed the street-level buildings to blend in with vintage neighbor buildings by facing them with brick, while hillside units with mountain and city views will have a modern, glass-and-metal exterior.

"It breaks the mold of the typical condo building," said Steen.

It also shatters the ceiling on per-square-foot condo pricing for the Portland area, with units costing from $565 to $1,000 per square foot. The one- and two-bedroom units range from 865 to 3,000 square feet and are priced between $280,000 and $3 million.

The sales office and showroom at 909 N.W. 19th Ave., Suite A, will be open daily 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and includes a finished kitchen and bathroom.

For more information, call the sales office at 503-222-3343 or visit www.thecambridgecondos.com.

Second phase opens at Thornton Springs

Pacific Lifestyle Homes announced the opening of sales in phase two of Thornton

Springs, a project near Northeast St. Johns Road and 44th Street in Vancouver.

The community features greenspaces, jogging and walking trails, as well as a playground.

Homes range from 1,680 to 2,106 square feet, with prices from $229,500 to $305,000.

The model home for the second phase -- a 2,106-square-foot design -- is open from noon to 7 p.m. daily.

For more information, call 360-518-5894.

Arbor Station releases final lots in phase two

Sales are under way on the final 18 lots in phase two of Arbor Station at Southwest 170th

Avenue near Merlo Road in Beaverton.

In addition to the existing models at the site, Arbor Custom Homes has introduced a garage-in-back town home at 1,485-square feet, with two or three bedrooms and 2.5 baths.

Home sizes in the latest release range from 1,460 to 1,474 square feet, with prices expected to range from $190,000 to $210,000.

For more information, call Tara Jacobi at 503-591-7175, or visit www.arborhomes.com.

Site work under way at Hansen Estates II

Ostercraft Inc. has begun site work on Hansen Estates II, six single-family homes adjacent to the Hansen Estates subdivision in Northeast Portland.

The development is near Glendoveer Golf Course and is within walking district of a

MAX light-rail station. Prices in Hansen Estates II will start at $219,950.

Construction is set to begin in July on homes in Ostercraft's 24-lot subdivision Hunter

Pollock on Southwest 174th Avenue and Shaw Street in Aloha. The 1,465-square-foot rowhouses will start at $179,950. For more information, call 503-772-0022.

FHA raises mortgage limits by large margin

The Federal Housing Authority (FHA) raised its mortgage loan limits significantly on

June 1 in the Portland metro area, making it possible for more buyers to use the lowdown-payment loans.

The new loan limit is $243,200. With the program's 3-percent down payment, a purchase price of $250,700 can now be considered for FHA financing in Clackamas, Multnomah,

Washington, Yamhill and Columbia counties, as well as Clark and Skamania counties in

Washington.

One year ago, the area's FHA mortgage limit was $194,750. The new limit is the latest in a series of increases, reflecting the climb in sales prices in the metro area.

In April, the average sales price in the Portland area was $268,900 and in Vancouver it was $250,000, according to data from the Regional Multiple Listing Service.

For more information, visit www.hud.gov/oregon.

Brasada Ranch sites available for selection

Developers Jeld-Wen Inc. and Eagle Crest Resort are taking reservations to tour home sites at Brasada Ranch, a new resort community in Powell Butte, 16 miles northeast of

Bend.

Phase one has 201 home sites, and some lots border Brasada Canyons Golf Course, a private, 18-hole championship course designed by pro golfer Peter Jacobsen and Jim

Hardy, partners in Houston-based Jacobsen Hardy Golf Course Design.

The course is set to open in 2006.

The 1,800-acre community also includes tennis courts; swimming pools; numerous hiking, biking and running trails; and The Brasada Ranch Equestrian Stables.

When completed, Brasada Ranch will have 900 single-family and cabin-style homes.

Initial home sites range in size from just under a half-acre to 1.3 acres and in price from about $200,000 to $450,000.

For more information, visit www.brasada.com.

Kitchen, bath trends close seminar series

Neil Kelly Co.'s spring series of free remodeling seminars wraps up today, June 18, with a review of the latest kitchen and bath trends at the Neil Kelly Westside showroom in

Lake Oswego.

Designer Barbara Murphy will present a 9:30 session on bath projects and an 11 a.m. session on kitchen trends.

Murphy is certified in universal design, which emphasizes accessibility in planning and remodeling.

A demonstration featuring Dacor appliances will be held at 12:30 p.m. in the Neil Kelly kitchen. At 1 p.m., designer Chelly Wentworth will talk about the latest styles of floor coverings and countertops.

All sessions are scheduled to last an hour and include time for questions and discussion.

The Neil Kelly Westside showroom, at 15573 S.W. Bangy Road, Lake Oswego, will be open until 3 p.m.

Kendra Hogue and Kara Cogswell contributed to this report.

**************

PLUGGED IN SCENE AND HERD EVERYTHING IS BEAUTIFUL

By Joshua Sommer



Friday,June 10, 2005


Friday, June 10, 2005

PLUGGED IN SCENE AND HERD EVERYTHING IS BEAUTIFUL

Everything is beautiful

"I have the Internet, but I don't have power," kids the Reverend Tony Hughes, setting the tone for the evening at Miss White Trash 2005. "They cut it off."

Swooping in to defend an oft-misunderstood, underappreciated and sometimes jailed sector of the community, Hughes steps to the plate as a hero of sorts.

"I felt that these wonderful women were not being represented," said Hughes. "These girls are the most fun women to hang out with. Everybody thinks being white trash means you're poor and stupid. We all need to look at Paris Hilton to understand that you don't have to be poor or stupid to be white trash. These girls aren't hung up about anything, they know what they like and know how to get it, God bless 'em all."

Hughes, an ordained minister, is lead singer for Jesus Presley, and organizer for last weekend's pageant.

Judges for the event have stiff criteria that the winner must measure up to. Bill McNally, vice president of Burnside Distribution Corp., and one of the judges for the past five years, looks for "originality. How gaudy the outfits are. How limited the vocabulary is.

General trashiness. The ability to chain-smoke and shotgun a PBR at the same time."

As candidates stumble into Conan's Pub for the contest, a few things become clear: 1)

Daisy Duke cut-off shorts are socially acceptable tonight; B) camouflage pants and wifebeaters mesh well with tiaras; and Fourthly) Some of the people here don't know that the event is going on and that they may well be nominated as contestants.

McNally recalls finding a contestant two years ago in the audience who didn't know she was a contestant, "She didn't plan on competing. From the moment I saw the words

'White' on one thigh and 'Trash' on the other, I knew she'd win. She, of course, did."

The room is peppered with low-rise pants and high-rise thong panties; crimped, big, hairsprayed hair; and at least one horseshoe tattoo.

"These beauty pageants are not trying to hide behind if the girls have talents, gifts, or what they would do to change the world," said Hughes. "They are about how it's OK to be themselves."

Grand prize for Miss White Trash 2005 was $20 cash and a 1968 Ford F-100 truck, with a complimentary canopy. "I'd buy gas," said contestant Sarah Cook. "And I'd trick out the truck with spinners on the wheels and a BMW emblem for the hood. Oh, and a bumper sticker that says 'My Other Car Is Greyhound.' "

Tucked into one corner of the pub is Meleni Shimkevich, armed with a Flowbee (The

Precision Home Haircutting System), and she's ready to use it. "I got directions in the box," she jokes as she offers free haircuts.

The night wraps up with the selection of Miss Amberleigh Eldridge, sporting a black tank-top, a Big Daddy's BBQ cap and what looks like a hickey on her neck, as Miss

White Trash 2005.

For more information, visit www.misswhitetrash.com or www.jesuspresley.com.

-- Joshua Sommer


************

DOWNTOWN MONTHLY CALENDAR THROUGH JULY 12, SESSION OF TAI

CHI


Friday,May 27, 2005

Edition: SUNRISE, Section: DOWNTOWN MONTHLY PORTLAND INCLUDING

THE PEARL & NOB HILL DISTRICTS, Page DM4

Friday, May 27, 2005

DOWNTOWN MONTHLY CALENDAR THROUGH JULY 12, SESSION OF TAI

CHI

Through July 12, Session of Tai Chi

Instructor Robert Lau conducts a series of eight tai chi classes at the Portland Classical

Chinese Garden. Classes will combine the Yang style of tai chi and the principles of

Qigong; Tuesday mornings from 8 to 9 a.m. (warm up begins at 7:45 a.m.);

$170/nonmembers, $150/members; registration required, call 503-228-8131, ext. 2001.

Through Aug. 3,

Paolo Design Opening

Madoka Ito and Paolo Design will be on display at The Lifeline Story Project (Series I &

II), at Paolo Design Group, 1031 N.W. 11th Ave.

Madoka Ito's series of seven pen-and-ink tablets explores the evolution of art through audience participation. Ito asks viewers to select and remove key pieces of the series, which Ito will later replace with a new scene, changing the meaning of the story that is unfolding.

Also on display will be several new furniture pieces from Paolo Design Group. New designs include mobile and dynamic danza tables, which can be arranged to serve as banquet tables, buffet tables, office desks, casual dining tables, homework stations, or end tables.

Open from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, call 503-222-1757, Ext., 15.

Through Aug. 29 and

Sept. 6, Ballgames

From now until Sept. 6, the Portland Beavers baseball team is playing home games at

PGE Park.

Also, from now until Aug. 29, the Portland Timbers soccer team is playing home games at PGE Park.


Through Dec. 24,

Saturday Market

The Portland Saturday Market has opened for its 32nd year as a venue for more than 350 local craftspeople featuring items that they've made, baked or grown themselves. These include clothes, pottery and many more items from nearly every craft discipline.

There are also 26 food booths in the International Food Court and live musicians. Open every Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., under the west end of the Burnside Bridge on Southwest First Avenue. Admission is free; www.saturdaymarket.org.

June 2 to 19, Rose

Festival, Downtown Events

June 3: The Rose Festival's fireworks spectacular begins at 9:45 p.m. at Governor Tom

McCall Waterfront Park.

June 4: Lincoln High School will host the start and finish line of the Starlight Run, beginning at 6:30 p.m.; $9 for runners, free to observers. Also, the Starlight Parade will begin at 8:30 p.m. at Northwest Broadway and West Burnside Street, ending near PGE

Park and Lincoln High School.

June 8 to 12: Fleet Week, with ships from the U.S. Navy, Coast Guard, Army Corps of

Engineers and the Royal Canadian Navy sailing in and lining up along the west bank of the Willamette River from the Japanese American Historical Plaza to Pepsi Waterfront

Village's seawall in Governor Tom McCall Waterfront Park.

June 10: Regional marching bands will be on display to compete at the Festival of Bands, at 7:30 p.m., at PGE Park. Cost is $12 for reservations or $10 for general admission.

June 11: The Jazz Band Classic, an evening of performances by regional high school jazz bands, will include competitions for first-, second- and third-place trophies. The event is at 7:30 p.m., at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall. Admission is $12.

June 11 and 12: Dragon-boat races will take place at the south end of Governor Tom

McCall Waterfront Park and will feature more than 100 local, national or international teams competing every six to eight minutes. Free to the public.

June 17 to 19: Portland Rose Festival Charitable Foundation will produce the Portland

Arts Festival, an open-air celebration of the arts that is free to the public. Works from approximately 150 local and national visual artists will be on display. The event will be from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday and Saturday; and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday in Portland

Parks and Recreation's South Park Blocks.

For more information on Rose Festival events, visit www.rosefestival.org.

June 14 to July 5,

Festival of Flowers

The Festival of Flowers will take place during a two-week celebration to salute the beginning of summer. The free festival includes flowers, entertainment and interactive events. For more information, call 503-223-1613.

June 17, Father of the

Year, Zoo Style

The Oregon Zoo will name an animal dad Zoo Father of the Year and award him a special Father's Day treat at 10 a.m. For more information, visit www.oregonzoo.org.

June 17, An Evening with David McCullough

Author David McCullough, winner of two National Book Awards for history and biography, and recipient of two Pulitzer Prizes for "Truman" and "John Adams," will speak about his new historical work, "1776," to be published this month, at 7:30 p.m., at

First Congregational Church -- 1126 SW Park Ave. Sponsored by The Oregonian; general admission is $12. For more information, visit www.literary-arts.org.

June 18, Discover

Birds Day at the Zoo

Bird enthusiasts are invited to Portland General Electric's (PGE) Discover Birds summer shows, featuring bird-flyover demonstrations, activities for kids, prizes, PGE's mascot

Larry the Lightbulb and a drawing for a behind-the-scenes tour of the zoo's birds-of-prey mews; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, call 503-226-1561, or visit www.oregonzoo.org.

June 18 to Sept. 5, Summer Guide Series

Volunteer zoo guides will present animal talks from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays and

Sundays, and from 1 p.m. to close on $2 Tuesdays (the second Tuesday of each month).

Guides throughout the zoo will give brief presentations and answer questions about zoo animals. For more information, visit www.oregonzoo.org.

June 20 to Sept. 2,

Zoo Summer Camp

Four-year-olds to ninth-graders can spend five days at the zoo this summer studying endangered species, taking tours, playing games, making crafts and more; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, throughout the summer. For more information, call 503-

220-2781, or visit www.oregonzoo.org.

June 29,

Nob Hill Specials


Wednesday of each month. The event features more than 50 retail stores and restaurants

that participate by offering store discounts and dinner specials. For more information, visit www.nobhillbiz.com.

Submit calendar items to Joshua Sommer, 503-294-4112; joshuasommer@news.oregonian.com. Deadline for next publication is May 1.

*****************

NOTEBOOK: ANNUAL PARADE OF HOMES TAKING SHAPE AT RIVER VIEW

TERRACE IN CLARK COUNTY

By Joshua Sommer

Staff researcher, The Oregonian\


Saturday,May 21, 2005


Saturday, May 21, 2005

NOTEBOOK: ANNUAL PARADE OF HOMES TAKING SHAPE AT RIVER VIEW

TERRACE IN CLARK COUNTY

Construction is under way on the Building Industry Association of Clark County's (BIA)

2005 Parade of Homes, which runs Aug. 19 to Sept. 5 at River View Terrace in

Washougal, Wash.

River View Terrace is off Southeast Crown Road, near the site of the 2004 show.

Builders for the 2005 show include Quail Homes, Clark & Son Homes, Fantasy Homes by Vladimir, Philip Custom Homes, Fazzolari Custom Homes, Harbour Bay Homes,

Larry Boitano Builders, M.J. Olson Enterprise Co., Lynwood Homes and Monterey

Custom Homes.

The show is the third Parade of Homes in Washougal.

Admission is $12 for adults. For more information, call Avaly Mobbs at 360-694-0933, or visit www.clarkcountyparadeofhomes.com.

Local housing agencies begin fund-raising effort

Two local affordable-housing agencies -- HOST Development and a land-trust partnership -- have teamed up with The Wells Fargo Foundation to launch a fundraising drive to help low- to moderate-income people buy homes of their own.

The Wells Fargo Foundation will donate up to $100,000 ($50,000 to each agency) if the groups can raise matching funds from other businesses, foundations and individual donors within six months.

HOST Development (Home Ownership a Street at a Time) plans to use money raised to support its effort to build 200 affordable, energy-efficient homes and sell them to buyers who take a homeowner class, keep the house in good condition and donate 50 hours annually to the community.

The joint partnership of Portland Community Land Trust and Clackamas Community

Land Trust will use the money to acquire and remodel 60 affordable homes in Portland and Clackamas County, as well as provide home buyers with down-payment assistance.

The trusts purchase land, then lease it to home buyers, bringing house prices within reach for working families.

To find out more or to make a donation, contact one of the following agencies:

* HOST Development, 503-331-1752; www.hostdevelopment.com

* Portland Community Land Trust, 503-493-0293; www.pclt.org

* Clackamas Community Land Trust, 503-654-1007; www.clackamasclt.org.

Foundations awards $5,000 in schloarships

The Home Builders Foundation of Metropolitan Portland (HBF) has awarded $5,000 in scholarships to Portland metro-area high-school students.

HBF is the charitable foundation for the Home Builders Association of Metropolitan

Portland.

The winners were announced at the foundation's annual dinner and auction, held April

23. They are Paige Cameron, McMinnville High School, $2,000 grand prize; Whitney

Cole, Sandy High School, $1,000 first place; and Ian Rose of Aloha High School, Lauren

Svenson of Amity High School and Rodolfo Cardiel of Roosevelt High School, $500 finalists.

U.S. Savings Bonds worth $100 were awarded to Arleen Espinoza, Aloha; Stacy Long,

Roosevelt; Vanity Saechao, Roosevelt; and Amy Marie Van Dyke, McMinnville.

Sixty-nine students from more than 20 area high schools competed for the honors. The students earned points using a home-building CD-ROM game, volunteered 16 hours with a housing service organization and wrote essays on the benefits of home-building to the community and economy.

Building under way at Buena Vista project

Buena Vista Custom Homes broke ground in April on 20 homes in phase one at Jackson

Hills, a new subdivision in Happy Valley.

Other contractors building homes at the site are Craft Construction, Exceptional Homes by Andre, Michael Ball Construction and A and V Construction.

Jackson Hills has 210 sites on Southeast 145th Avenue in Happy Valley, with homes ranging from 3,684 to 4,684 square feet and prices ranging from $439,000 to $534,900.

A grand opening for the project is expected in early summer.

For more information, call Larry Strutz or Stuart Gunderson at 503-698-6600.

* Also, Roger Pollock, owner of Buena Vista Custom Homes, was named 2005 Business

Donor of the Year by Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA).

CASA is a nonprofit group that provides trained volunteer advocates for abused and neglected children in need of safe and permanent housing. The honor recognizes outstanding support from a local business for CASA programs and goals.

Event weighs benefits of building with clay

On May 25, the Portland Office of Sustainable Development and City Repair is sponsoring a dialogue on sustainable building called "Is Clay Our Future?"

The event runs from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Jean Vollum Natural Capital Center, 721 N.W.

Ninth Ave., and speakers include Kiko Denzer, Joe Kennedy, Lydia Doleman, Sukita

Crimmel and Rob Bolman.

Admission is free. There is free bike parking, and the center is near the Portland Streetcar stop at Northwest Johnson Street.

For more information, call 503-823-7202 or visit www.sustainableportland.org.

Final phase of homes released at Rex Hill

Stearns Marnella Communities has released the final phase of its Rex Hill condominium project in the Jennings Lodge area.

Rex Hill detached units have elements of vintage-style single-family homes but offer easy-care condo-style ownership. The final 11 units in the 52-home community range from 1,500 to 1,800 square feet, and prices run from $199,950 to $264,950.

The homes have traditional-style architecture and include shingles, board-and-batten and lap siding.

For more information, visit www.stearnsmarnella.com or call Liz Holland or Suzie

Tridente at 503-654-1769.

JLS Custom Homes finishes model home

A furnished model is open at the 43-home community of Cedar Terrace in Cornelius from JLS Custom Homes.

The project features home designs from 1,565 to 1,833 square feet, with prices ranging from $169,950 to $182,950.

For more information, call Mike Luyten at 503-351-2611.

* Also, JLS Custom Homes broke ground this month on Brookfield, a 41-home site in

Salem.

The Brookfield community will feature homes ranging from 1,596 to 2,265 square feet, priced from $169,000 to $200,000.

For more information, call Brandon Drake at 503-871-7151.

Model home finished at Conzelmann Farm

Construction is complete on a European-style model home at Conzelmann Farm in

Sherwood, signaling the site's grand opening.

When finished, Conzelmann Farm will have 57 homes built by JLS Custom Homes. The houses range from 2,444 to 3,123 square feet and are priced from $347,950 to $447,950.

The site is at Oregon 99W and Southwest Roy Rogers Road. The model is open Monday,

Tuesday and Friday from noon to 5 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For more information, call Faith O'Billovich at 503-317-8640.

Grand opening at EdgeWater

Three model homes are open for viewing at EdgeWater, Legend Homes' new community in Tualatin.

EdgeWater features three- and four-bedroom homes with porch entries and attached twocar garages. Homes will range from 1,855 to 2,633 square feet and prices range from

$319,900 to $389,900.

The development includes a 17-acre park.

For information, call Jenny Lee or Sandy Vosburgh at 503-684-0428, or visit www.legendhomes.com.

Arbor Terrace selling quickly

Arbor Custom Homes' Arbor Terrace in Sherwood sold out of its first batch of homes -- a total of 26 -- in about two hours in April.

When completed, Arbor Terrace will have 160 homes. The development is on Oregon

99W in Sherwood.

The project is being released in batches of 15 to 20 lots, with homes ranging from 1,460 to 1,908 square feet and priced from about $198,900 to $289,900.

A second batch of homes were released for sale on May 8; 19 are still available.

For more information, call Lesley Jeffries at 503-925-9615, or visit www.arborhomes.com.

* Also, Arbor Custom Homes announced the opening of sales in two new neighborhoods approximately two miles from each other on Southwest Bull Mountain Road in Tigard.

Arbor Summit is a 42-home project near the summit of Bull Mountain Road. Arbor

Pointe is near the intersection of Southwest Bull Mountain Road and Roy Rogers Road.

Both projects will feature homes ranging from 1,602 to 3,500 square feet, with prices running from $280,000 to $600,000.

For more information on Arbor Pointe or Arbor Summit, call Krista Cordill at 503-267-

0830.

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DINING CHEAP EATS CASA COLIMA

By Joshua Sommer



Friday,May 20, 2005



DINING CHEAP EATS CASA COLIMA feeding frenzies with pocket change

By JOSHUA SOMMER

Casa Colima

Goodbye, so-so Mexican food -- welcome, muy excelente Mexican restaurant. The exit of Mucho Grande in Hillsdale made room for the house of the old kingdom, or Casa

Colima, with a hip village feel and food that pulls no punches in assaulting your taste buds -- in a good way.

The chow: I was introduced to a chile verde burrito, chunks of pork in a green sauce, as a kid in Santa Cruz, Calif. It was at a small restaurant named El Paisano Tamales, near the town's famous Boardwalk amusement center. My dad managed to bribe the recipe from the owner; it's been a staple in my diet ever since. I've only rarely found its equal in

Portland restaurants. Casa Colima's chile verde burrito ($6.95 at lunch, $9.95 at dinner) rivals my own concoction.

Real deals: Black bean soup with Ranchero Mexican cheese ($2.50 per cup, $4.95 per bowl); sopes gordos, which is three corn taco shells with beans, choice of meat and vegetables ($9.50); and a variety of quesadillas ($6.95 to $7.95).

Hangout factor: Plenty of natural lighting and living greenery throughout make for a pleasant space in which to dine.

Liquids: Try one of its "largest margaritas in town" and thank me tomorrow -- if you can even remember drinking the thing (lime, strawberry, peach, mango, kiwi, guava and raspberry flavors; price varies).

What's half-baked? Some of the cheesy Mucho Grande decorations have not yet been removed.

Inside tips: Food and beverage happy hour from 3 to 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. to close daily and all day Sunday. Lunch menu features much of the dinner menu and includes burritos from $6.95 to $7.95.

The numbers: 6319 S.W. Capitol Highway; 503-892-9944.


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PLUGGED IN OBSERVED THREE'S COMPANY

Joshua Sommer, Special to The Or


Friday,May 20, 2005



PLUGGED IN OBSERVED THREE'S COMPANY

Three's company

As the dance floor fills with sharp-dressed men, women, boys and girls, the three-piece band strikes up a tune -- feet shuffle and soon hips are swaying and women are being tossed in the air.

The dance floor is one heaving, flowing group of dancers. You think for a moment that, between the dancing and the band, the night is complete, then the Swizzle Chicks take to their mikes and you know the real reason why you're there.

Ask the Swizzle Chicks what they all have in common and they respond, in three-part harmony, "Vegas!"

Between them, two have performed in Las Vegas and one grew up there. But to the discerning ear, there's something else the trio has in common -- they all have fabulous voices and a knack for writing catchy songs with tight harmonies.

The girls, backed by the Piping Hot Toddies, recently brought their combination of 1930s to '50s jazz, lounge and swing songs to the Paradise Ballroom off Southeast Belmont

Street. The crowd ate it up.

The Swizzle Chicks are mezzo Beth Kahlen, soprano Carrie Rambo and soubrette

Stephanie Torres. The Piping Hot Toddies are drummer Kurt Deutscher, bassist Jon

Hughes and Craig Bidondo on keyboards.

"We've played together in one form or another for eight or nine years," said Kahlen.

"And we're still at it because we really like each other," Torres chimes in.

An interesting side note: Despite the booze-laced innuendo of the titles "Swizzle Chicks" and "Piping Hot Toddies," the Paradise Ballroom is a dry venue -- it allows and sells pop, juice and water, but not alcohol.

Each of the girls contributes to the songwriting process, producing originals ranging in topic from dancing, marriage, travel, love, aliens, voodoo, kitties, alcohol and, somehow, even cheese.

The Swizzle Chicks manage to pack something for everyone into their songs. They even throw some contemporary pop into the mix. To hear this for yourself, give their CD,

Shakin', Not Stirred, a listen online at www.cdbaby.com/cd/swizzle.

"One of our strongest points is that we all write songs and have a tight harmony," said

Rambo.

The trio plays on the Columbia Queen every Sunday evening. They board the ship in

Astoria at 4:30 p.m., cruise up the Columbia river, and sing after the second dinner seating, around 9:15 p.m.

Listening to their set makes it clear that they have a wide range of talent and influences and the band sports a loyal fan base.

"We can't mention our biggest fan because of the restraining order," quips Kahlen.

For more information, visit www.swizzlechicks.com.

-- Joshua Sommer,


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PLUGGED IN OBSERVED TAKING A SWIRL WITH INDIE WINES

By Joshua Sommer



Friday,May 13, 2005



PLUGGED IN OBSERVED TAKING A SWIRL WITH INDIE WINES

Taking a swirl with indie wines

Accompanied by a guy playing soft acoustic guitar, excited chatter and the clinking of glasses and bottles, folks who attended the first annual Portland Indie Wine Festival last weekend wore broad smiles and -- as the gig was billed -- swirled, sniffed, sipped and savored their way through the two evenings.

To spit or to swallow? That is the question at these things. There were equal amounts of both as visitors and winemakers spoke in excited murmurs, dissecting each wine, jotting down notes, exchanging contact information and generally being wooed by reds and whites.

In a move of perhaps perfect coordination, 20 winemakers were featured each day and were split into groups of 10, with one group filling Urban Wineworks and the other

forming a rough circle in Chown Hardware's large warehouse. The atmosphere of the two large, airy rooms made a comfortable tasting environment, despite the large crowd of tasters.

Attendees were treated to appetizers from Andina and Nostrana (opening in July on

Southeast Morrison), a viewing of the documentary "Mondovino" and, of course, tastes of around 80 wines from 40 independent wineries (wineries that produced less than 1,000 cases a year) .

"We're delighted with the success of the show," said Lisa Donoughe, who organized it.

"There was a need for this. I was helping Jason Lett (Bishop Creek Cellars/BlackCap) to market his first wine in 2002 and I wanted to get him invited to the International Pinot

Noir Celebration, and he said that winemakers had to produce at least 500 cases or more to be invited. So, we needed to create a stage for these winemakers. There was a hole in the industry, and we're filling it with the help of an amazing group of volunteers."

The festival's screening of "Mondovino" by filmmaker Jonathan Nossiter at the Mission

Theater was Portland's first for the film, which contrasts artisan wine growers, or garagistes (think of a garage-band persona for winemakers), with international wineries.

More on the film, which opens Friday at Cinema 21, can be found at www.mondovinofilm.com.

People interested in Portland's independent wine industry can check out news and events at www.indiewinefestival.com. The site includes an eight-minute video of some of the festival's winemakers.

-- Joshua Sommer


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SOUND CHECK ENERGY FOOD FOR YOUR EARS -- A TASTY BLEND

By Joshua Sommer



Friday,May 13, 2005



SOUND CHECK ENERGY FOOD FOR YOUR EARS -- A TASTY BLEND sound check

notes from the Northwest music scene By JOSHUA SOMMER

ENERGY FOOD FOR YOUR EARS -- A tasty blend of clean guitar, wicked drums and impressive orchestration comes together in Pharrah Phosphate, a band of local boys with a big sound and a promising future.

Not to mention a deliciously ironic moniker.

"We got the name from the back of a PowerBar," says Nathan Kincaid, on keys and vocals. "We were on the way to record a demo, realized we had no name, and decided that the name would come from the bar, no matter what.

"I named off ingredients and ferrous phosphate came up, then Cory McNulty, our ex-bass player, suggested Farrah Phosphate. We switched a couple letters to avoid a lawsuit and -

- bam!"

Asked about feather-haired 1970s supermodels, the band members explain that they are not at all interested in models, old or new. "The name is only a tongue-in-cheek association with that," Josh Curll clues in.

Formed in 2003, the group brings together influences from Britpop, classic rock, Goth, electro and mod. Nathan Kincaid's twin brother, Jordan, plays bass and sings backing vocals, while Curll is on guitar and contributes to vocals, too. So naturally one of the band's strongest suits is an ability to layer harmonies, a sound that resonates to the listener's core. After the group opened for the Psychedelic Furs last winter, Furs bassist

Tim Butler said the up-and-coming group caught his attention.

"We listen to a lot of Manic Street Preachers, Doves and the Shore," Nathan says, adding

The Beatles, Pink Floyd, U2 and the Smiths to the list of influences.

Pharrah Phosphate recently replaced their drummer with Terry Drysdale, fresh from

Boston's Berklee College of Music, where he majored in jazz percussion.

Being fraternal twins adds a special musical connection to the mix. "We're pretty close,"

Jordan says. "After all, I basically had him in my face for nine months."

But they all play their individual roles as well.

"Nate's our John Lennon," Curll says. "Along with Jordan, they're the glue that keeps us together."

"Jordan's sort of the free-spirit dreamer," Nathan says. "The one who is most likely to be late to rehearsals. But he's also the intuitive feeler in the group."

"And he's the hot one," adds Curll.


***************

PLUGGED IN OBSERVED 'OUTSIDER' ART COMES IN

By Joshua Sommer

Special to The Oregonian\


Friday,May 13, 2005



PLUGGED IN OBSERVED 'OUTSIDER' ART COMES IN

'Outsider' art comes in

Like many underrated, talented artists, Matt Barter wears the familiar grin of someone shrouded in a misplaced anonymity. You'll recognize the smile on rock stars, actors and visual artists in photos snapped before they hit the big time -- before their names became household fare in the homes of appreciative, adoring fans.

Barter (an outside, raw or art brut artist, originally a misplaced definition of the selftaught and patients in psychiatric wards) has his work hanging on the walls and resting atop pedestals (made by Barter) at The Storefront (1339 N.W. 19th Ave; 503-546-8863).

The show runs 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesdays to Saturdays, until May 26.

"Outside artists haven't gone to school and have sort of gone on their own," Barter said.

"It's hard to be an outside artist and not be a folk artist. We try to make something serious, more specific to an idea."

Opening night of the exhibit fills the old building with people eager to view art from a new name. After all, there's something about discovery, to be among the first to find a new artist of one discipline or another.

The Storefront is a two-story (four if you count a basement and attic) building that was originally a mom-and-pop market at street level, with the owner's living space on the second floor. It was built in 1884, fell into decades of disrepair and has recently been rescued by the latest proprietor of the place, a woman named Pandora, who operates an eclectic clothing, antique and secondhand store with a fine collection from local artists.

The second floor's empty bedrooms with peeling paint and crumbling plaster are an excellent backdrop for Barter's work.

Barter, a transplant from Sullivan, Maine, a mere four hours from that other Portland, has a style that draws from Nordic, Native American and other primitive rough and lovely

artistic influences. His work carries a lot of traditional symbolism and can at times be abstract, without being nauseatingly obscure. One of the first things you notice is the iconoclastic nature of some of the pieces. Samples of his work include pieces titled

"Papageno," wood and copper; "Blind Leading the Blind," wood and copper; and "The

Last Days," oil on wood.

Most of the pieces are made with recycled ingredients from the ReBuilding Center.

Even the frugal art lover can find something that won't put a terrible dent in the pocketbook in the form of Barter's handmade and painted-enamel-on-metal belt buckles for around $60. Designs include a row of teeth titled "Gingivitis" and a fish titled, appropriately, "Cod Piece."

-- Joshua Sommer


JOEL DAVIS/ MATT BARTER Sets up his sculpture "Wooden Suit"

**************

DINING CHEAP EATS MARCO POLO GARDEN

By Joshua Sommer



Friday,May 6, 2005


Friday, May 6, 2005

DINING CHEAP EATS MARCO POLO GARDEN feeding frenzies with pocket change

Marco Polo Garden

As if borrowing from its namesake, Venetian explorer Marco Polo -- who traveled throughout China -- the once well-known Marco Polo Garden restaurant (at Northwest

Fifth Avenue and West Burnside Street until July 2004) has brought its signature Chinese dishes from various regions of China to a new location on Southwest Canyon Road.

The chow: Tweaking its menu since 1981, the place sports more than 100 items on its menu. Dishes include cashew nut chicken ($7.95 to $9.95), which is chicken sauteed with cashews, onions, green peppers and water chestnuts, and beef with oyster sauce ($7.95 to

$9.95), a self-explanatory mix of tender beef, snow peas bamboo shoots, mushrooms and, you guessed it, oyster sauce.

Real deals: The dishes that regulars of the old place were addicted to have made it onto the new menu and traveled the distance from downtown to Canyon Road tasting and appearing none the worse for wear. Prices run from inexpensive ($2.95 for 10 fried won tons) to moderate ($9.95 to $16.95 for chef's specials).

Hangout factor: No worries about having to elbow past some of the seedier characters loitering outside the front of Marco Polo's old joint. This place is large and airy, with lots of warm wood features, a fireplace and decent views of a water feature and courtyard.

Liquids: Both domestic and Chinese beers, as well as soda and tea, with prices varying.

What's half-baked? While they are still working the kinks out of the transition to the new spot, the menu has gone through some revising -- both in offerings and pricing.

Inside tips: Most of the signature dishes show up on the lunch menu. Prices for these large, tasty portions run $6.95 to $9.95.

The numbers: 9900 S.W. Canyon Road; 503-222-1090.


****************

GEO-CRASHING IN WEST HILLS

Joshua Sommer, Special to The Or


Friday,April 29, 2005


Friday, April 29, 2005

GEO-CRASHING IN WEST HILLS

Armed only with a flashlight and a GPS device that we are just beginning to figure out,

Seth Short and I set out to find something called the Double Cross cache, somewhere in the West Hills.

It's nearly 5:30 p.m. on Day One when we realize that A) it's totally going to be too dark to find the cache once we figure out its approximate location and B) the coordinates that we've printed off www.geocaching.com are much more difficult to follow than we'd originally thought. (For more geocaching history and alternate GPS-based games, see www.gpsgames.org.)

The light wanes as the sun goes down, and we park in some gravel off the road. Neither of us can figure out how to get the light on the GPS thingy to work, and we agree that we need its manual. Day One ends with the agreement that we will find the GPS maker's

Web site, print the manual and start earlier the next time we meet. We figure that we're close to a trailhead that we can't see in the dark.

A history of geocaching (according to GPSgames): The Global Positioning System, created by the Department of Defense, is a satellite navigation system designed for the military. In early 2000, President Clinton made the military's scrambling of the GPS go away, which meant that anyone using a GPS device could find accurate coordinates within 10 meters. A couple days later the first hidden cache (a bucket full of flotsam and jetsam) was placed in the woods just outside of the Rose City with coordinates posted to a USENET newsgroup. The bucket was discovered within a day of the posting, and a sport was born.

This brings us to Day Two of my maiden voyage with the sport.

After downloading and printing the PDF manual for Short's GPS device, I spend the better part of a day figuring out how to turn on the thing's light, place "flags" (or way points) on a tiny map on the display and various other things that I'm sure will impress.

I call Short and we agree on a day and time to meet. We also agree to bring along two extra explorers in the form of Chris Hoff and my wife, Natoscia (aka Tosh).

Not only has Short figured out, without the manual, how to turn the GPS thing's light on and all of my other surprises, but by now he knows how to have it plant markers, order pizza, and travel through time back to 1983.

It only takes the group a few minutes to realize that the place where Short and I left off was quite a bit off the mark, so we spend some time in the car trying to close the gap between where the streets end and the trail begins.

Hoff, holding the GPS device, says, "The numbers are getting closer" as we near a deadend with a clearly marked trailhead.

Sure enough, as we pound down the trail the numbers improve and we know we're getting close.

The deal with the cache is that if you take something, you leave something, so we're wellequipped. Tosh points out what is clearly the last clue to the Double Cross cache and says, "Is that what we're looking for?" A few minutes later, after some deliberating about the coordinates and our position, Tosh whispers something to me while pointing. We wait until the others catch on and we discover the cache as a group.

We are equally thrilled with the hunt, our new trinkets and the "treasure" we've left behind for others to find.

***********************

DOWNTOWN MONTHLY CALENDAR GREAT SHOPPING, GREAT DINING,

GREAT PERFORMANCES



Edition: SUNRISE, Section: DOWNTOWN MONTHLY PORTLAND INCLUDING

THE PEARL & NOB HILL DISTRICTS, Page DM04


DOWNTOWN MONTHLY CALENDAR GREAT SHOPPING, GREAT DINING,

GREAT PERFORMANCES

Through April 30, Antique Japanese textiles

Shogun's Gallery will be exhibiting a collection of antique Japanese textiles including tsutsugaki paste relief indigo fabrics from the Edo and Meiji Periods circa 1750-1890;

Monday to Saturday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday, noon to 5 p.m.; 1111 N.W. 23rd Ave.;

503-224-0328; www.shogunsgallery.com.

Through May 1,

Kite Exhibit

The Portland Classical Chinese Garden will host a kite exhibit from April 1 to May 1 and a Qing Ming (kite festival) April 2 and 3. Open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily; Northwest Third

Avenue and Everett Street; general admission, $7; www.portlandchinesegarden.org.

Through May 26,

Timothy C. Ely exhibit

Antarktos: Magnitudes of Black is an exhibition that combines manuscripts, sketchbooks and edition books (1975-2005) by Timothy C. Ely over the last 30 years.

Ely has created books since 1957 that are visually stimulating and mystically embellished. His work has elements of astronomy, alchemy, mystery, mathematics, physics, cartographic imagery and invented languages. His books are made by hand using traditional and unconventional binding techniques; for open hours, contact Multnomah

County Central Library, 801 S.W. 10th Ave.; 503-988-5123; www.multcolib.org.

Through July 12,

Session of Tai Chi

Instructor Robert Lau conducts a series of eight tai chi classes at the Portland Classical

Chinese Garden. Classes will combine the Yang style of Tai Chi and the principles of Qigong; Tuesday mornings, beginning May 17, from 8 to 9 a.m. (warm up begins at 7:45 a.m.); $170/non-members, $150/members; registration required, call 503-228-8131, ext.

2001.

Through Aug. 29 and

Sept. 6, Ballgames

From April 8 to Sept. 6, the Portland Beavers baseball team will play home games at

PGE Park.

Also, from May 1 to Aug. 29, the Portland Timbers soccer team will play home games at

PGE Park.


Through Dec. 24,

Saturday Market

The Portland Saturday Market has opened for its 32nd year as a venue for over 350 local craftspeople featuring items that they've made, baked or grown themselves. These include clothes, pottery and nearly everything from all craft disciplines.

There are also 26 food booths in the International Food Court and live musicians. Open every Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., under the west end of the Burnside Bridge on Southwest 1st Avenue. Admission is free; www.saturdaymarket.org.

May 5 to May 8,

Cinco de Mayo

The Portland Guadalajara Sister City Association's Cinco de Mayo Fiesta celebrates its

21st anniversary in 2005. This year's theme is "Family, Culture and Community."

The event will feature five stages of entertainment including music, dance and folklore; the Plaza de Artesanos will have Mexico-based and local artisans demonstrating their craft and selling their pieces; a variety of food vendors; and a carnival with games and rides; Gov. Tom McCall Waterfront Park; $6/adults; 503-232-7550; www.cincodemayo.org.

May 7, Oregon Safe

Kids Day at the Zoo

The Oregon Safe Kids Coalition will kick off National Safe Kids Week from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Oregon Zoo. The event will feature exhibits, prizes, safety tips and hands-on activities for children and parents; free with zoo admission; for information, call 503-

731-4241.

May 7 and 8, Portland

Indie Wine Festival

The Portland Indie Wine Festival features 40 Artisan wineries, Oregon's best selfdistributed wines, a movie premier and food; 4 to 6 p.m.; block party near Urban Wine

Works, 407 N.W. 16th Ave.; $40 for one day or $70 for both days; 503-961-2205.

May 8, Mother's Day

Brunch, Oregon Zoo

A Mother's Day brunch will be in the Oregon Zoo's Cascade Crest Banquet Center from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event features a setting with animal mothers with children;

$18.95/adults (12 and older) and $8.95/youths (ages 3-11); reservations are recommended, call 503-525-4299.

May 13 to 22, Pearl

CitySpaces 2005

This urban, walking home tour features the Pearl District's newest residential buildings --

The Louisa, The Pinnacle and The Lexis; 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., daily; Monday to Thursday,

$10, Friday to Sunday, $15; 503-288-5614.

May 15, St. Honore bakery family day

The 2nd annual St. Honore Family Day will let children become bakers for a day and also help kids in need. The annual celebration honors Saint Honore, France's patron saint of bakers and is a fundraiser for the local chapter of Court Appointed Special Advocates

(CASA) for Children, a group that advocates for abused and neglected children. All proceeds raised from the sales of Galette Sucre ($5 for 4 galettes) will support CASA for

Children; 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; St. Honore Boulangerie, 2335 NW Thurman St.; 503-445-

4342; www.sainthonorebakery.com.

May 22, Portland Rose

Festival Duathlon

The Portland Rose Festival will hold the Rose Festival/LifeWorks Northwest Duathlon, a

35k run/bike/run event to benefit Portland Rose Festival Charitable Foundation and

LifeWorks Northwest (formally Tualatin Valley Centers) and to kick off the 2005

Portland Rose Festival.

The first leg of the event and the start and finish line for each leg will be downtown; 5:30 to 10:30 a.m.; $50/individuals, $65/teams and a $9 USA Triathlon fee; Gov. Tom McCall

Waterfront Park; www.rosefestival.org/duathlon.html.

May 24, Conservation series on wildlife

Discussing Primates in the Shadow of Kilimanjaro, Dr. Jeanne Altmann will cover studies that show the effect of environmental changes on baboons and how to conserve their unique ecosystem for the future.

The Wildlife Conservation Lecture Series, hosted by Oregon Zoo, Audubon Society of

Portland and World Forestry Center, will be held in Oregon Zoo's Cascade Banquet

Center; $10/general admission for each lecture; for more information, call 503-226-1561, or visit www.oregonzoo.org.

May 25,

Nob Hill specials


Wednesday of each month. The event features more than 50 retail stores and restaurants that participate by making store discounts and dinner specials available to visitors. For more information, visit www.nobhillbiz.com.

May 28 and 29,

Columbia River Market

In conjunction with the groundbreaking exhibition of People of the River: Native Arts of the Oregon Territory, the Portland Art Museum will host an Indian Market.

The People of the River Indian Art Market, sponsored by the Columbia River Intertribal

Fish Commission, will consist of 32 Native American artists from throughout the

Northwest, including Lillian Pitt, Pat Courtney Gold, Marvin Oliver, Jim Jackson, David

Boxley, Phillip Charette, Lisa Telford and Bob Charlo. The pieces range from carvings,

basketry and beadwork to paintings and photographs; from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Portland

Art Museum's Sculpture Courtyard; free; 503-226-2811.

Submit calendar items to Joshua Sommer, 503-294-4112; joshuasommer@news.oregonian.com. Deadline for next publication is May 1.

***************

NOTEBOOK: DESIGNER'S SEMINAR TO SHINE LIGHT ON AWARD-WINNING

GREEN PROJECT

By Joshua Sommer

The Oregonian Kendra Hogue and


Thursday,April 21, 2005


Thursday, April 21, 2005

NOTEBOOK: DESIGNER'S SEMINAR TO SHINE LIGHT ON AWARD-WINNING

GREEN PROJECT

Nathan Good, a Salem-based architect and one of America's leading green building designers, will make a presentation on Saturday, May 7, as part of a free remodeling seminar series sponsored by Neil Kelly Co.

Good's presentation will focus on an Oregon coast residence he designed which was recognized as "Green Project of the Year: Custom" at last month's National Green

Building Conference in Atlanta.

Good will discuss the home's energy-efficiency measures, indoor air quality strategies, green materials and water-saving techniques. Known as a "net zero energy" home, the house can generate more energy than it uses.

The seminars, to be held at Neil Kelly's showroom at 15573 S.W. Bangy Road, Suite 100 in Lake Oswego, will run from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Other featured speakers include kitchen and bath designers Randi Reed and Mitch Stanley.

Good's 90-minute presentation is scheduled to start at 1 p.m. For more information, call

Julia Spence, communications manager for Neil Kelly Co., at 503-335-9235, or visit www.neilkelly.com on the Internet.

Brooks Resources acquires ranch land

Brooks Resources Corp., developers of several Central Oregon real estate projects including Black Butte Ranch, has acquired a portion of the 700-acre Gopher Gulch

Ranch. The land, north of Bend, includes 1.5 miles of Deschutes River frontage.

Brooks also has an option to purchase the balance of the historic ranch.

Portions of the property were originally purchased from the federal government in 1905 by O.B. Riley. Deschutes County acquired the land in a tax foreclosure in 1939. Ralph

Cake and his family bought the land in the early 1940s. The Charlie Miller family of

Portland and Mitchell owned it from 1964 until 1985 when it was purchased by Ed Elkins and Dee Elkins.

Kirk Schueler, president of Brooks Resources and Brooks Land and Cattle Co., said the corporation has not announced plans for the property, but the project may be developed over 15 to 20 years, fitting the pattern of other Brooks developments such as Awbrey

Butte, Mount Bachelor Village Resort and NorthWest Crossing.

For more information, visit www.brooksresources.com.

Three model homes ready at AmberGlen

Three furnished models are open for viewing in the first phase at AmberGlen, a townhome project in Hillsboro by RCM Development and Matrix Development.

The initial phase, at Northwest 206th Avenue and Brownstone Way, includes 20 condominiums ranging in size from 897 to 1,548 square feet and priced from $139,900 to

$210,900, as well as six one-, two- and three-bedroom town homes ranging in size from

1,479 to 1,628 square feet and priced from $183,900 to $204,900.

For more information, call 503-533-7089, or visit www.amberglenhomes.com.

Industry association announces awards

Seven members of the Oregon Remodelers Association (ORA) earned regional

Contractor of the Year awards at the April 13 meeting of the National Association of the

Remodeling Industry (NARI), and one regional recipient, Neil Kelly Design/Build

Remodeling, went on to earn an national award.

Neil Kelly Design/Build Remodeling won national and regional awards for a residential bath in the $30,000 to $60,000 range, as well as a regional award for a residential historical renovation/restoration.

Other ORA regional award recipients were Speck Enterprises, residential kitchen under

$30,000 and residential addition under $100,000; Square Deal Remodeling, residential kitchen, $60,001 to $100,000; Master Plan Remodeling Design/Build, residential kitchen over $100,000 and residential interior specialty; Olsen Homes & Renovation, residential bath under $30,000; Golden Rule Remodeling & Architecture, residential addition,

$100,000 to $250,000; and Cottage Craft Construction, entire house, $250,000 to

$500,000.

Also, ORA received the 2005 Governmental Affairs Award from NARI in recognition of its successful pilot program, Field Issuance Remodel, an efficient process for plan review, permits and final inspection of remodeling projects.

For more information, visit www.oregonremodelers.com.

New Tradition Homes agrees to build green

Clark County-based New Tradition Homes announced it will build approximately 400 homes in 2005 to Earth Advantage standards.

"Our goal is to team up with home builders and help them offer a greater number of options and superior quality to home buyers," said Jay Coalson, manager of Earth

Advantage, a program from Portland General Electric which advocates sustainable building methods and products.

Under the agreement, New Tradition Homes will consult with Earth Advantage greenbuilding experts during all stages of planning and building the homes. Completed homes will be inspected by Earth Advantage and checked for performance, adherence to standards and tested for energy efficiency.

For more information, visit www.earthadvantage.com or www.newtraditionhomes.com.

HOST receives grant for its Good Deeds

Wells Fargo Housing Foundation awarded a $10,000 grant to the Portland nonprofit agency Home Ownership a Street at a Time (HOST) in March.

The funds will support the Good Deeds by HOST program, which organizes homeownership classes and provides down payment and closing cost assistance to qualified home buyers throughout Oregon.

"Increasing the number of permanent homeowners helps stabilize families and improves the communities they live in," said Ted Salter, development director of HOST. "This grant from Wells Fargo will enable us to market our classes and financial assistance program throughout Oregon."

For more information on the Good Deeds by HOST program, call 503-331-1752.

Foundation chooses April 23 for benefit

The Home Builders Foundation of Metropolitan Portland's eighth annual benefit dinner and auction is set for April 23, 5:30 p.m., at The Benson Hotel, 309 S.W. Broadway Ave.

The foundation builds shelters for homeless people, provides scholarships to high-school and college students and promotes homeownership opportunities for low-income and minority families.

Cost is $85 per person, and the event is black-tie optional.

For more information, call Tamar Hare at 503-684-1880, or visit www.homebuildersportland.org.

Tri-county nonprofit swings into spring

The Remodelers Foundation, a local nonprofit organization that serves Washington,

Clackamas and Multnomah counties, will hold its second annual Swing into Spring fundraiser on Saturday, April 23, from 6 to 10 p.m.

The event will be at The Goodrich Center at the Home Builders Association of

Metropolitan Portland (HBA) offices, 15555 S.W. Bangy Road, Lake Oswego. Festivities include a dinner, silent auction and music from The Swingline Cubs.

The foundation makes homes accessible for elderly or disabled people by removing barriers, opening up spaces and adding safety features such as grab bars or additional lighting.

Cost is $55 per person or $400 for a table for eight. To make reservations, call 503-698-

8382.

Forest Heights project launches sales effort

Sales have opened at Forest Heights Crossing by Centurion Homes.

The development, off Northwest Miller Road and Millridge Road, includes 44 two- and three-story rowhomes ranging from 1,700 to 2,300 square feet and from $384,000 to

$400,000. Units have two vaulted master suites and one- or two-car garages, and some have lower-level bonus rooms and storage.

Neighborhood amenities include a picnic area, playground and walking trails.

For sales information, call Russ Diehl at 503-939-9100.

Project in Beaverton begins to take root

Buena Vista Custom Homes announced groundbreaking on a 22-lot project in Beaverton off of Northwest Walker Road and 180th Avenue in March.

The development, Angela Gardens, will feature homes from 2,206 to 3,212 square feet, with prices ranging from $314,950 to $389,950.

"The location (of this project) is ideal . . . in the heart of the Sunset Corridor, near Nike and Intel," said Roger Pollock, owner of Buena Vista Custom Homes.

Angela Gardens' home plans have 9-foot ceilings on the main floor, vaulted master bedrooms, fireplaces in the master and great rooms, gourmet kitchens and central vacuum systems.

For more information on Angela Gardens, call Mike Wiltshire, Prudential Northwest

Properties, at 503-306-9002.

Brookwood Crossing opens phase-one sales

Brookwood Crossing by D.R. Horton has opened sales in the first phase of what will be a

384-home development in Hillsboro.

Phase one includes a mix of 132 detached homes and town homes. Brookwood Crossing will feature courtyard designs from 1,546 to 1,800 square feet, cottage homes from 1,514 to 1,582 square feet and town homes from 1,760 to 1,812 square feet. Prices will range from $180,900 to $208,900.

For more information, call Dan Petilke at 503-849-0351 or visit www.drhorton.com.

Sales effort begins at Sunset Crossings

Sales are under way at Sunset Crossings, a development of 10 town homes on the corner of Southwest Boones Ferry Road and West Sunset Drive near Lake Grove Town Center.

Aspen Townhomes, a division of Centurion Homes, is the builder.

Units are approximately 1,700 square feet and are priced from $384,950 to $398,950.

Homes will have hardwood floors, slab-granite kitchen counters and stainless appliances.

For sales information, call Dwight Schwab, The Hasson Co., at 503-534-1525.

Big Meadow opens sales in new phase

Phase 12 of the Big Meadow community in Molalla opened for sales in February.

The new phase consists of 22 home sites, with home plans ranging from 2,155 to 3,066 square feet and prices from $229,900 to $274,000.

The two- to five-bedroom homes feature hardwood floors, granite countertops in gourmet kitchens, vaulted master bedrooms and 9-foot ceilings.


Final phase under way at Renaissance Pointe

Renaissance Homes opened the final phase of Renaissance Pointe on Cooper Mountain in

Beaverton, site of the 2003 Street of Dreams.

The phase will feature 162 homes from 2,500 to 4,300 square feet, with prices ranging from $450,000 to $750,000.

"We had 90,000 to 100,000 people at the Renaissance Pointe Street of Dreams," said

Randy Sebastian, president of Renaissance Homes. "Today, we still have people walk into the model home at Renaissance Pointe and say they first saw the property during the

Street of Dreams and are back to see what's happened since."

For more information, call Johnyne Donnelly or Sharlene Pearson, 503-356-1540.

Kendra Hogue and Phil Favorite contributed to this report.

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PLUGGED IN OBSERVED SKETCHY TED FINELY DRAWN

By Joshua Sommer






PLUGGED IN OBSERVED SKETCHY TED FINELY DRAWN

Sketchy Ted finely drawn

The tight, smoky attic at the Buffalo Gap fills with patrons clad in sparkly red sequin numbers in the shape of flashy ties and cocktail-dresses stretched wonderfully over shoulders, waists and hips. The entire scene is bathed in red light.

Sketchy Ted, a steamy, sultry combination of what fans are calling indie soul -- melodic pop, driving guitar and old-fashioned Louisiana zydeco -- and smart, fun and touching lyrics, is a band worth keeping an eye, and ear, on.

Lead singer Barry Todd explains that the band's sound comes from a hypothetical scenario wherein "Frank Sinatra gets drunk with the Replacements while listening to

Merle Haggard." This comparison rings true when you hear the band and recognize the various layers of influence, talent and raw potential for something big.

The gig at Buffalo Gap is a reunion of sorts. Remember Thrillbilly? Well, the night features Sketchy Ted opening for the Lonesomes. It just so happens that the drummer for

Sketchy Ted, Tom Kilman, and Lonesomes' guitarist Mark Dybvig used to do that pretty little thing called music in the form of Thrillbilly, one of the city's historically and nationally recognized groups.

Sketchy Ted has a wide range of influences, from alt-country to ska and rock, and listeners will hear it in the songs. "I listen to a little bit of everything," said Todd. "We listen to a bunch of local stuff. I have (the Lonesomes) CD and I listen to it a lot."

Sketchy Ted features Todd, Kilman, Mike Nucci, George Turner, Kristen Arnett, Tricia

Snedden and Benny Morrison. The band's bio reads: ". . . songs kinda peek over the top of rose-colored glasses, but then pinch your butt so you don't take the view too seriously."

"The band's history is long and sordid," said Todd, and the songs are "about recognizing regret and how to overcome it. Realizing that everything is going to be all right."

Sketchy Ted waxes playful and serious, emerging with a winning combination. Songs like "Swim Fishy Swim" immediately sound a bit corny, but when the band comes together and Todd's crisp, clear lyrics are heard over the music, it becomes apparent that there is depth in the band.

Part of this depth comes from individual trials that members are dealing with outside of the band.

Kilman's 2-1/2-year-old son has diabetes. "We have to give him shots every day," Kilman said. "He doesn't complain. He's a trooper." This leads to Sketchy Ted's next live show with the Lonesomes, which is April 30 at Mississippi Pizza Pub in North Portland to benefit the American Diabetes Association.

To listen to Sketchy Ted or for other band information, visit www.sketchyted.com.

-- Joshua Sommer


*****************

DINING CHEAP EATS BANGKOK NOODLE

By Joshua Sommer






DINING CHEAP EATS BANGKOK NOODLE feeding frenzies with pocket change

By JOSHUA SOMMER

Bangkok Noodle

If you're a wet noodle (or dry) connoisseur, as am I, there can't be too many noodle shacks -- and it seems a new one pops up every couple of months simply to taunt my

Atkins mettle. The latest temptation is Bangkok Noodle, with five noodle varieties to choose from: flat wide noodles, small thin rice noodles, fine rice noodles, egg noodles and low-carb, glassy bean thread noodles.

The chow: Most of the plates range from $6.50 to $13 for dinner entrees and $6.50 to

$8.50 for lunch. Meals vary from noodle specials such as the Thai Sukiyaki

($8.50/dinner), which is a clear bean thread noodle in broth with shrimp, calamari, scallops, egg, celery, spinach and red tofu curd sauce, to your standard Thai specials such as Pad Thai and Drunken Noodle.

Real deals: Lunch versions of their best dinner entrees are served from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., weekdays, with portions both big and tasty.

Hangout factor: The atmosphere is comfortable and the place is just taking off, so you're liable to find plenty of seating. The service at Bangkok Noodle is superb.

Liquids: Try my favorite Asian Pabst knock-off, Singha ($3.50). It's light and goes well with the complex, spicy flavors in Thai food.

What's half-baked? The BBQ Pork Noodle ($6.50) is your choice of egg or rice noodles in clear broth with sliced pork fillet, green onions, cilantro and bean sprouts. Sounds delicious, doesn't it? Here's the catch: They offer this dish wet or dry, meaning with or without broth, and the dry version shouldn't be offered. Without the broth, the dish is a bland, cold version of what would otherwise be a fantastic meal.

Inside tips: Both lunch and dinner prices are great, as are the meals. A personal favorite is

Evil Noodle ($6.50/lunch; $9/dinner), a combination of special Thai curry sauce, rice noodles, bell peppers, sweet basil and bamboo shoots.

The numbers: 7113 S.W. Macadam Ave.; 503-452-2656.


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PLUGGED IN SCENE AND HERD SCREENINGS AT THE RAIN

Joshua Sommer, Special to the Or





PLUGGED IN SCENE AND HERD SCREENINGS AT THE RAIN

Screenings at the Rain

Venture off busy Southeast Hawthorne Boulevard and you'll discover the Chance of Rain

Cafe, a throwback to the grass-roots 1980s coffeehouse scene and a refreshing change from the big chains.

While you're there, stick around for a movie.

The past four months, the Side Room Theatre has offered free movies from 6 to 10 p.m. on Tuesdays. Recent titles seemed designed to feed your inner geek: "Raiders of the Lost

Ark," "Terminator," "Krull," "Willow," "Real Genius."

Julia Davis, 17, who lives in the neighborhood, has become a movie night regular. "My favorite movie here so far was 'Heathers,' " she said. "It's very comfortable here.

Everyone, staff and customers, are very friendly and welcoming."

News of movie night has spread. "My boyfriend and I came here, and we've told our friends about it, and now we have more of our friends coming down," Davis said. "I've seen this one guy a lot. I don't know if he works here or knows the guys here, but I see him on my bus on the way to school, so, I dunno. I think a lot of (attendees) are from around here."

A few minutes later "this one guy," otherwise known as Jason Brown, 27, walks through the door. "You get pretty much every kind of person here, from the old hippie to the punk skaters. It depends on the time of day," he said. "I come back because of the people. The people that work here and the people that show up."

Brown added, "The movie I'd like to see here is 'Battle Royale.' " Chimed in Davis,

"Mine would be 'Pee-Wee's Big Adventure.' " (Movie night suggestions can be made by going online to rain.sitesled.com and following the e-mail link.)

The films screen on a white cloth sheet affixed to the inside of a garage door. Couches are dragged into the Side Room Theatre for moviegoers' comfort, the room brightened a little with colorful paintings by local artists.

Movie night came about when owner Nathan Day and some friends were brainstorming ideas for an adjacent space that came with the cafe. "I'm a movie guy, and I've always

wanted to show movies. So we started with old-run movies that we wanted to see, and people really liked it and made it known."

Day and friends spent six months renovating the space, which has been open now about six months. "We are trying for a neighborhood feel. We don't want to spend the day making coffee-to-go for people; we want people to stick around," he said. "We want that sense of community in a comfortable space."

-- Joshua Sommer,


****************

DINING CHEAP EATS FIRE ON THE MOUNTAIN BUFFALO WINGS

By Joshua Sommer



Friday,March 25, 2005


Friday, March 25, 2005

DINING CHEAP EATS FIRE ON THE MOUNTAIN BUFFALO WINGS cheap eats feeding frenzies with pocket change By JOSHUA SOMMER

Fire on the Mountain Buffalo Wings

Ever heard of the Cheese Stick House, Louie's Side of Fries Shack or the Green Salad

Grill? These places do not exist. The reason? Not many restaurants try to make a business out of featuring an appetizer as their house specialty, let alone as their main dish. Given

Fire on the Mountain Buffalo Wings, someone may want to rethink the above entrepreneurial ideas.

The chow: Beginning with farm-fresh chicken, Fire on the Mountain fries the birds and adds made-fresh-daily sauces. The wings run from six for $5.95 to 250 for $114.95, with nine sauces to choose from: mild, medium, hot x-hot, El Jefe, sweet barbecue, Jamaican jerk, "soon to be famous" spicy peanut, raspberry habanero and a sauce of the month.

Real deals: This place is extremely easy on your coin collection, with appetizers ranging from $2.25 to $5.95, including tasty fried mushrooms and sweet potato fries. The most stunning and delicious are the fried pickles ($3.95) and the banana fritters with Jamaican

jerk sauce ($4.95). Entrees range from spicy peanut pasta for five bucks to the wings to sandwiches ($6.95 to $7.50).

Hangout factor: For a small place there's plenty of seating and prompt, friendly service.

Liquids: Pop quiz, what goes great with hot wings? Answer: Beer, wonderful beer. Pints are $1.50 to $3.50 and pitchers are $5 to $10.50; microbrews are $2.50 if you show a

Blazers ticket. Fire on the Mountain also serves soda, sweet tea and iced tea.

What's half-baked? The close-up view of the MAX line is perfect -- but only if you like trains.

Inside tips: Vegetarians, don't dismay -- the Portland wings (eight for $5.95 or 16 for

$7.95) are a meatless alternative and great with any of the sauces.

The numbers: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mondays to Thursdays; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Fridays and

Saturdays; and 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sundays; 4225 N. Interstate Ave.; 503-280-9464; www.portlandwings.com.


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DOWNTOWN MONTHLY CALENDAR THROUGH APRIL 10



Edition: SUNRISE, Section: DOWNTOWN MONTHLY, Page DM04


DOWNTOWN MONTHLY CALENDAR THROUGH APRIL 10

BodyVox photography

View an exhibit of BodyVox First Impressions Dance photography by Blaine Truitt

Covert. The free exhibit is open to the public in the Main Concourse of Pioneer Place

Shopping Center.

Through April 12,

William Joyce exhibit

This exhibit features original art by William Joyce, creator of Rolie Polie Olie and

Dinosaur Bob. Anyone interested in illustration and computer animation will enjoy the free event; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Multnomah County Central Library, 801 S.W. 10th Ave.;

503-988-5123; www.multcolib.org.

Through April 24,

Family Albums at PAM

By documenting personalities -- from those on the fringes of society to celebrities like

Mae West and Ricky Nelson -- Diane Arbus established herself as an prominent photographer. Many featured works have never before been on public display. Portland

Art Museum, 1219 S.W. Park Avenue. Open Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Thursdays and Fridays, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; and Sundays noon to 5 p.m.

General admission, $10; 503-226-2811; www.portlandartmuseum.org.

April 15 to May 26,

Timothy C. Ely exhibit

"Antarktos: Magnitudes of Black" is an exhibition that combines manuscripts, sketchbooks and edition books by Timothy C. Ely over the last 30 years.

Ely has created embellished books since 1957 that are visually stimulating. His work has elements of astronomy, alchemy, mystery, mathematics, physics, cartographic imagery and invented languages. His books are made by hand, using traditional and unconventional binding techniques; for open hours, contact Multnomah County Central

Library, 801 S.W. 10th Ave.; 503-988-5123; www.multcolib.org.

Through May 1,

Kite Exhibit

The Portland Classical Chinese Garden will host a kite exhibit from April 1 to May 1 and a Qing Ming (kite festival) April 2 and 3. Open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily; Northwest Third

Avenue and Everett Street; general admission, $7; www.portlandchinesegarden.org.

Through Dec. 24,

Saturday Market

The Portland Saturday Market has opened for its 32nd year as a venue for more than 350 local craftspeople, featuring items that they've made, baked or grown themselves. These include clothes, pottery and nearly everything from all craft disciplines.

There are also 26 food booths in the International Food Court and live musicians. Open

Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sundays, 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., under the west end of the

Burnside Bridge on Southwest First Avenue. Admission is free; www.saturdaymarket.org.

April 7, PNCA

student art show

The Pacific Northwest College of Art (PNCA) will hold a student art show at the

Portland Children's Museum to showcase young artists in celebration of Day of the

Young Child; open all day; call for prices; 4015 S.W. Canyon Road; 503-223-6500; www.portlandcm2.org.

April 8 to Aug. 29 and

Sept. 6, Ballgames

From April 8 to Sept. 6, the Portland Beavers baseball team will play home games at

PGE Park.

Also, from May 1 to Aug. 29, the Portland Timbers soccer team will play home games at

PGE Park.


April 9, City of

Portland Chess event

The 2005 City of Portland Chess Tournament will be at Pioneer Courthouse Square beginning at 9 a.m. for grades K-5. This single day event is free. For more information, visit www.pioneercourthousesquare.org.

April 16, Walk to benefit MS Society

The 2005 National MS Society's MS Walk will start at Pioneer Courthouse Square and will run from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. The walk is a fund-raiser for the Multiple Sclerosis Society and takes place in 12 communities across Oregon and Washington.

For more information or to register, visit www.orcnmss.org.

April 16 and 17,

Packy's 43rd birthday

The Oregon Zoo is celebrating Packy the elephant's birthday with their entire family of elephants. The event will feature cake for everyone on the 16th and a cake for Packy at 2 p.m. on the same day. Open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; 4001 S.W. Canyon Road; general admission, $9.50; www.oregonzoo.org.

April 19 to 24,

Wordstock book fest

Part of Wordstock, Portland's annual Festival of the Book, authors Alice Sebold, Chris

Bohjalian, David Shannon, Dr. Andrew Weil, John Irving, Kent Haruf, Norman Mailer,

Philip Yancey, Russell Banks, Sarah Vowell, Susan Orlean and Ursula K. Le Quin will be in Portland at various venues.

The festival includes readings by best-selling authors, poets and Northwest writing legends, panels, workshops for teachers of writing, dinners with authors, a free two-day book fair with hundreds of exhibitors, two days of children's readings and activities, food, music and cooking demonstrations.

For more information and directions to venues, visit www.wordstockfestival.com.

April 21, 2004 Pulitzer winner for fiction

Edward P. Jones received both the 2004 Pulitzer Prize and the National Book Critics

Circle Award for his novel "The Known World," a rendering of life in Virginia where freed black slaves now own black slaves and the complexities that arise through sex, race and class.

Part of the Portland Arts & Lectures series, Jones will be speaking at 7:30 p.m., Arlene

Schnitzer Concert Hall, Southwest Broadway and Main Street. Admission is $18.75 to

$29.75. For more information, visit www.pcpa.com.

April 27,

Nob Hill specials

The Nob Hill Business Association presents "What's on Wednesday" (WoW) on the last


Submit calendar items to Joshua Sommer, 503-294-4112; joshuasommer@news.oregonian.com. Deadline for next publication is April 1.

*************

NOTEBOOK: SPECK ENTERPRISES RECOGNIZED BY REMODELING

INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION

By Joshua Sommer

Staff researcher


Thursday,March 17, 2005


Thursday, March 17, 2005

NOTEBOOK: SPECK ENTERPRISES RECOGNIZED BY REMODELING

INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION

The National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) recognized Speck

Enterprises of Sandy with 2005 Regional Contractor of the Year (CotY) awards in the categories of residential kitchen under $30,000 and residential addition under $100,000.

All projects submitted for the CotY awards were improvements or additions to existing structures completed between July 1, 2003, and Nov. 20, 2004. Winners earned awards based on before and after photos, project descriptions, problem-solving, functionality, aesthetics, craftsmanship, innovation, degree of difficulty and entry presentation.

Winners will receive their awards at an April 2 ceremony in Chicago.

For more information, visit www.remodeltoday.com.

Home tour announces show dates, location

The 2005 RE/MAX Street of New Beginnings is set for June 11 through July 3 at

Holland Park, Beaverton.

Featured builders at this year's home show will be Anthem Homes; C&L Properties; Four

D Construction Co.; J.T. Roth Construction; Loranger Builders; McGehee Construction;

Ryan Olsen Development; Sequoia Custom Homes; Timberland Homes; and Buena Vista

Custom Homes.

Ten show homes are planned, ranging in price from about $300,000 to $375,000 (some prices are yet to be determined).

Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 6 to 12. For more information, including directions, visit www.streetofnewbeginnings.com.

Custom Home seeks noteworthy projects

Entries for Custom Home magazine's 2005 Custom Home Design Awards are due March

21.

The awards recognize custom-home builders, remodeling contractors, architects, developers, planners, kitchen and bath specialists, and other industry professionals representing homes completed after Jan. 1, 2001.

Homes designed and built for specific clients and specific sites are eligible.

Each entry must be accompanied by a $125 entry fee.

Projects will be judged in eight categories. For more information, visit www.customhomeonline.com.

Hoyt Street to convert The Lexis to condos

Hoyt Street Properties plans to convert The Lexis -- a luxury Pearl District apartment building built a year ago -- into condominiums.

Hoyt Street applied in February to the Oregon Real Estate Agency to convert the sixstory Lexis, 1125 N.W. Ninth Ave., into a 139-unit condominium community.

The Lexis has floor plans ranging from studios and one-bedrooms to two-bedroom and live/work units. On-site amenities include a conference room, fitness center, concierge services and reserved underground parking. Condo sales are expected to open in May; no prices have been set.

For more information, call 503-227-2000, or visit www.hoytstreetproperties.com.

Students compete for industry scholarships

March 18 is the deadline for high-school students applying for scholarships in the Home

Builders Association of Metropolitan Portland's annual Home Builders Foundation competition.

For months, more than 60 students have been studying a home-building CD-ROM, volunteering with nonprofit organizations such as Habitat for Humanity and writing 500word essays to qualify for the scholarship program. The five finalists, who will receive scholarships of up to $2,000, will be announced April 23.

A similar scholarship competition for Portland-area community college students studying remodeling or new-home construction begins in March, with applications due May 20.

For more information, visit www.homebuildersportland.org.

Kemper Crest open for sales in Newberg

Sales are under way at D.R. Horton's Kemper Crest on Chehalem Drive, in Newberg.

The 84-home development will feature three- and four-bedroom houses ranging from

1,896 to 2,732 square feet and prices from $235,900 to $297,900.

For more information, call Angie Kozma at 503-209-9374, or visit www.drhorton.com.

D.R. Horton begins sales at Bridal Springs

Sales opened at the 200-home Bridal Springs, developed by D.R. Horton, on the corner of

Goldfish Farm Road Southeast and Knox Butte Road East in Albany.

For more information, call Kimberly Heintz at 541-936-0379, or visit www.drhorton.com.

***************

OBSERVED JAPANESE ANIME FAN? HEY, JOIN THE CLUB

By Joshua Sommer

Special to the Oregonian\





OBSERVED JAPANESE ANIME FAN? HEY, JOIN THE CLUB

Japanese anime fan? Hey, join the club

So you're itching for some great anime and you aren't online, the Cartoon Network is on the fritz and you either can't wait for Saturday morning, or you can't stand the tripe local networks are trying to peddle? Here's your supernova blasting ray of light: the Northern

Oregon and Vancouver Anime association (NOVA).

Founded in 1991, this group of Japanimation junkies runs hours of anime -- which has not yet been released commercially in the U.S. -- on the first and third Saturday, each month. Once a feature or series becomes commercially available, they pull the item out of their show lineup and add it to a mammoth collection for members to check out from the archivist, or "Keeper of the Neat Stuff."

The 115-ish members of NOVA range in age from 13 to 50, and the cost of joining is $15 or one English release of a commercial anime DVD.

Peter Krug and Paru Borte arrive to a viewing last month early to shoot the breeze and talk shop.

"There's only three of us here right now, but in a little while there's going to be a lot more," Krug says as he eagerly waits for the doors of Tigard City Hall (one of two

NOVA show venues) to be unlocked.

"Yeah, usually between 40 and 50 of us show up," said Borte. "And then there are always new people who are here for the first time.

"Our library is kind of different. What you have in the library is either something that can be bought at a store here or something that is pretty old. The stuff that we show here, at our meetings, is stuff that's really new and that has not been licensed or released here,"

Borte said, contrasting the library collection with the bimonthly shows

"And it's not like the stuff we're showing won't ever be released commercially here, but a lot of times what we see here is released a long time later," added Krug.

Bob Cannard, an import from Wales, joined the group in the mid-1990s and has been vigorously active ever since. He is the member who oversees NOVA's online presence.

"In principle, I like any animation, but I'm not over-fond of the trend toward 3-D animation, for one because I like the style of 2-D and for another I like the fact that someone actually sat there drawing it," said Cannard. "So, I'm very much a 2-D man.

Anime I like because the characters are so interesting . . . there are exceptions, but I try not to dismiss (shows like) "Pokemon" because I actually think it's quite a good show for children, it's just not the sort of thing I would be watching."

Lisa Eide, NOVA's president, confirmed that anime is alive and well in Portland and that the group is actively accepting new members.

For information on show times, viewing schedule and locations, visit www.novaanime.org.

-- Joshua Sommer


*****************

DINING CHEAP EATS SZECHUAN KITCHEN

By Joshua Sommer






DINING CHEAP EATS SZECHUAN KITCHEN cheap eats feeding frenzies with pocket change

By JOSHUA SOMMER

Szechuan Kitchen

In a town teeming with great Chinese food joints, which cover the five major regional cuisines -- southeastern (Canton), east coast (Fujian), northeastern (Beijing-Shantung), central (Hunan) and western (Sichuan-Hunan) -- it's a bit of a shock to discover a new one with the ability to twist familiar dishes into unique renditions that will stand up to the established places. Szechuan Kitchen is just such a place.

The chow: Typical Szechuan dishes, with some Hunan variations to keep the menu interesting. Dinner dishes range from $4.95 to $12.95. A couple of must-tries are the Ma

La Chicken ($10.50/dinner), a spicy combination of chicken slices with vegetables; and the House Spicy Ginger Chicken ($10.50/dinner), the meat sauteed with baby ginger and vegetables.

Real deals: Lunch and dinner come with a choice of two soups; the hot and sour soup is superb. Hungry diners can easily fix themselves up with large portions of any dinner entree for around $9 each and still have leftovers to bring home.

Hangout factor: The interior is large and comfortable, accommodating the lunch and dinner crowds.

Liquids: You can wash down the spicy dishes with tea, beer or soda.

What's half-baked? Located off the main drag that is Boones Ferry Road; if you're not watching for it, you could drive past the place for years.

Inside tips: Try, hard, to get here for lunch, when the huge portions of all of the best dishes range from $5.25 to $6.95.

The numbers: 15450 Boones Ferry Road, Lake Oswego; 503-699-5056


****************

PLUGGED IN OBSERVED SWEAT CLUB





Friday, February 25, 2005

PLUGGED IN OBSERVED SWEAT CLUB

Each Wednesday night, several new club-hoppers are trained on the dance floor at the

Northstar Ballroom in North Portland. Ghanaian expatriate Chata Addy, a master of

African dance styles, leads them until they are ready to go it alone.

Chata Addy -- even his name, the syllables slashed by crisp consonants and delicate vowels, sounds like something you could dance to -- has been dancing to and playing traditional and modern African music for 25 years. He learned from his father in Ghana and brought it with him to the States in 1985. He has also passed the art on to his children, all of whom dance and drum.

Addy is a guy who slides into a room with a bass line. He seems to have his own theme song and it follows him wherever he goes. It's a rhythm in his steps as he walks, in the gestures he makes with his hands and in his voice when he talks.

With his guidance, a tiny rhythmic miracle happens on North Killingsworth Court, a bouncing, thrusting, shuffling, dipping, crouching, shoulders quaking sort of thing as

Addy guides his class through a set of African dances and aerobics. The classes range in age from 9 to 45. Addy's class is much more than sweatin' to the oldies. It's like sweatin' to the ultra-oldies mixed with something yet to come. Beats so old that you'll recognize them in your chest, so new that you may think that you're just discovering music.

"Dancing is a lot like walking," Addy says. "Find a beat that you match your heart to. Pay attention, feel your heartbeat. This is something even I have to do when I learn another culture's dance and rhythm." (In addition to his own recordings, Addy spins as a DJ at

Billy Reed's on Thursday evenings.)

The focus of the class is to work out and tone the body to African rhythms by learning dance movements to music ranging from soukous, reggae, soca, highlife and traditional

Ghanaian. Both recorded music and live drumming are featured.

The night has barely begun when Addy turns around after a fast song and sees his pupils fanning themselves and gulping water.

"Uh-oh," he says. "It looks like some clothes are coming off!"

7-8 p.m. Wednesdays, Northstar Ballroom, 635 N. Killingsworth Court; $10/drop-in,

$45/five weeks. For a complete schedule of gigs and classes, visit www.chataaddy.com.

-- Joshua Sommer,


****************

DOWNTOWN MONTHLY CALENDAR: MARCH THROUGH MARCH 27



Edition: SUNRISE, Section: DOWNTOWN MONTHLY, Page DM06


DOWNTOWN MONTHLY CALENDAR: MARCH THROUGH MARCH 27

Breath of a Wok

The Portland Classical Chinese Garden will give visitors a view of authentic Chinese wok culture and cooking with Breath of a Wok, an exhibit based on a book with the same name by Grace Young and Alan Richardson; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; $10; Northwest Third

Avenue and Everett Street; 503-228-8131; www.portlandchinesegarden.org.

Through April 12

William Joyce exhibit

Original artwork by William Joyce, creator of Rolie Polie Olie and Dinosaur Bob.

Anyone interested in illustration and computer animation will enjoy the free event; Feb.

17 to April 12, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Multnomah County Central Library, 801 S.W. 10th

Ave.; 503-988-5123; www.multcolib.org.

March 1

Examining a Lambert Street home

Part of the Oregon Historical Society's free Discovering Oregon Originals Series, a series of lectures about the people who have contributed to the literary, musical and artistic history of Oregon, the Lambert Street Lifestyle presentation examines the post-World

War II literary and cultural movement, the beat generation and its connection to a house at 1414 S.E. Lambert St., where writers and Reed College colleagues met; noon; 1200

S.W. Park Ave.; 503-222-1741; www.ohs.org.

Through April 24

Family Albums at PAM

By documenting personalities -- from those on the fringes of society to celebrities like

Mae West and Ricky Nelson -- Diane Arbus established herself as an prominent

photographer. Many never before displayed works will hang through April 24 as part of a show called "Family Album" at the Portland Art Museum, 1219 S.W. Park Ave. Open

Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays,10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Thursdays and Fridays, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; and Sundays from noon to 5 p.m.; general admission, $10; 503-226-2811; www.portlandartmuseum.org.

March 5, 6, 11 and 12

Body, Mind, Spirit

"Body, Mind, Spirit" is three dances highlighting physical excellence, romance and the solace to be found in a sense of place. Showtime for March 5, 11 and 12, is 7:30 p.m., and for March 6, 2 p.m., at Keller Auditorium. The program, from Oregon Ballet Theatre, features "In the Night to Frederic Chopin" by Jerome Robbins; "Concerto Grosso to

George Frederick Handel" by Charles Czarny; and "The Impending Hour to Maurice

Ravel" by Christopher Stowell.

For pricing, directions and tickets, visit www.obt.org.

March 8

$2 Tuesday at the Oregon Zoo

Celebrate the second Tuesday of each month with reduced admission price from 9 a.m. to

4 p.m.; 4001 S.W. Canyon Rd.; 503-226-1561, Ext. 0; www.oregonzoo.org.

March 10

Tibetan Uprising Day

A free event to recognize the 46th anniversary of the first Tibetan Uprising, when China invaded Tibet in 1959, will be from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Pioneer Courthouse Square;

503-223-1613; www.pioneercourthousesquare.org.

March 17

St. Patrick's Day celebrations

On March 17 the Oregon Zoo will feature an event titled "Environmental Enrichment --

The Luck of the Irish" with green ice treats stuffed with seafood for the polar bears at 10 a.m. Free with zoo admission: adults (12 to 64) $9.50; children (3 to 11), $6.50; and infants (2 and under) free; 4001 S.W. Canyon Road; 503-226-1561, Ext. 0; www.oregonzoo.org.

From March 17 to March 19, a St. Patrick's Day brew festival featuring the season's best local micro beers will run from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., at Pioneer Courthouse Square.

Admission is $5.

For more information, call 503-252-9899 or visit www.shamrockale.com.

March 19

Oregon Zoo Bear Fair

Haggen Food and Pharmacy will present this event for spring break and to help understand why bears don't really hibernate.

Activities include a Repair-A-Bear stuffed bear vet station, games, storytelling and a

Teddy Bear Picnic; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., free with zoo admission: adults (12 to 64), $9.50; children (3 to 11), $6.50; and infants (2 and under) free; 4001 S.W. Canyon Road; 503-

226-1561, Ext. 0; www.oregonzoo.org.

March 19 to May 29

The Pre-Raphaelites

On loan from the Delaware Art Museum, "Waking Dreams: The Art of the Pre-

Raphaelites" is making its national premiere at the Portland Art Museum. The collection features works by young British rebels who stirred up Victorian society and changed

English art; 1219 S.W. Park Ave. Open Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Thursdays and Fridays, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; and Sundays, noon to 5 p.m.; general admission, $10; 503-226-2811; www.portlandartmuseum.org.

March 20 to 27

Gone Wild Spring Break

Keepers, volunteers and Oregon Zoo staff have planned a spring break week of activities for the animals and visitors. Free with zoo admission: adults (12 to 64), $9.50; children (3 to 11), $6.50; and infants (2 and under) free; 4001 S.W. Canyon Road; 503-226-1561,

Ext. 0; www.oregonzoo.org.

March 22

Wildlife conservation lecture

A lecture series at the Oregon Zoo with Dr. Nalini Nadkarni will explore tropical and temperate rainforest canopies; 7 p.m.; $10; 4001 S.W. Canyon Road; 503-226-1561, Ext.

0; www.oregonzoo.org.

March 30

Nob Hill specials



March 31

Child abuse prevention rally

A free rally to recognize Child Abuse Month, which is April, will be from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Pioneer Courthouse Square; 503-223-1613; www.pioneercourthousesquare.org.

Submit calendar items to Joshua Sommer, 503-294-4112; joshuasommer@news.oregonian.com. Deadline for next publication is March 1.

********************

NOTEBOOK HOME BUILDERS ASSOCIATION RECOGNIZES JEFF FISH WITH

ANNUAL AWARD

By Joshua Sommer

Staff researcher\


Thursday,February 17, 2005


Thursday, February 17, 2005

NOTEBOOK HOME BUILDERS ASSOCIATION RECOGNIZES JEFF FISH WITH

ANNUAL AWARD

Jeff Fish, Fish Construction Northwest, was named 2004 Builder of the Year by the

Home Builders Association of Metropolitan Portland (HBA).

The selection was based on Fish's leadership and participation in the association, his support for the building industry and his community involvement. He was formally recognized at the HBA Excellence Awards banquet on Feb. 5 at the Embassy Suites

Hotel, Washington Square.

"Jeff Fish is a deserving winner. He's a strong representative of our industry and an active leader within the HBA," said David Nielsen, HBA chief executive officer.

The HBA also recognized Lee Zajic, Northwest Renovations & Design Co., as 2004

Remodeler of the Year.

Zajic was cited for his leadership and involvement in the HBA and support for the remodeling industry.

"Lee has made a huge impact on our Remodelors Council over the last several years and has also provided great leadership, representing remodeler, small builder and subcontractor perspectives and needs on our board of directors," Nielsen said.

In addition, Karl Finkelnburg, HomeStreet Bank, was selected as 2004 Associate

Member of the Year.

* On Feb. 11, the home builders association broke ground on the 2005 Northwest Natural

Street of Dreams at The Quarry at Stafford, near Wilsonville.

The following builders are participating in this year's show of luxury homes: Blazer

Development, Haggart Construction, CastleRock Homes, Olsen Homes, Wallace Custom

Homes, Taurus Homes, KDC Construction and Hearth & Home Residential

Construction.

The 2005 Street of Dreams is scheduled to run July 30 to Aug. 28. Eight custom-built homes are planned, with estimated prices ranging from $2 million to $3.4 million.

CastleRock Homes' entry is the 2005 Miracle House. Proceeds from its sale will be donated to Doernbecher Children's Hospital.

For more information, call 503-684-1880 or visit www.homebuildersportland.org.

Bridgewood Homes garners two awards

Bridgewood Homes received recognition at the annual Best in American Living Awards

(BALA), held in January at the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) conference in Orlando, Fla.

Silver awards were presented to Bridgewood Homes, a subsidiary of Don Morissette

Homes, in the categories of Best Attached 20 Units Per Acre and Over, and Best

Attached Urban Infill. The awards recognize The Gardens on Fifteenth Avenue, a 35-unit town-home community in Portland's Sellwood neighborhood.

For more information, visit www.housingzone.com/bala.

Jackson County HBA recognized for service

The Jackson County Home Builders Association received an award for community service at January's International Builders Show in Orlando, Fla.

The association earned the Housing Endowment Home Builders Care Community

Service Project of the Year Award, which honors outstanding community service.

The association was recognized for its support of Mistletoe House, a new facility for victims of child abuse. Mahar Homes, general contractor on the Mistletoe House, worked with the association and the Children's Advocacy Center (CAC) to build the 3,200square-foot facility in Medford.

Volunteers who work for 30 different HBA member companies donated more than 1,300 hours to the project. Services and donations totaling $180,000 were raised for the project.

Oregon loan program increases some limits

Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) increased purchase price limits for its

Residential Loan Program in 30 of Oregon's 36 counties in January.

To qualify, a property's purchase price must be below the program's limit. The increases range from $14,750 to $62,887 per county.

The state-sponsored home loan program, also known as the Oregon Bond Loan Program, offers home buyers low interest rates on 30-year fixed-rate loans, as well as closing-cost assistance.

"These increases allow more properties to qualify for our agency's home loan program and closing cost assistance," said Bob Repine, OHCS director.

To qualify in most counties, home buyers must not have owned and occupied a home in the three years prior to closing the loan.

For more information, call 877-788-2663 or visit www.oregonbond.us.

Phase two sales open at Morgan Meadows

Sales have opened on phase two of D.R. Horton's Morgan Meadows, at Northeast 257th

Avenue, Gresham. The 103 homes in the new phase will range in size from 1,497 square feet to 2,732 square feet and in price from $181,900 to $329,000.

When completed, Morgan Meadows will have 367 homes.

For more information, call Jodi Martin at 503-674-2631 or visit www.drhorton.com.

Model home finished at Eagle Landing site

A model home is open at Renaissance at Eagle Landing, off Southeast Stevens Road near the former Top O' Scott golf course on Mount Scott.

The Renaissance Homes development will feature 73 homes ranging from 1,903 to 3,258 square feet, with prices ranging from $373,900 to $469,900.

For more information, call Lee Wells at 503-496-0614.

Construction continues on new JLS projects

JLS Custom Homes announced progress on several new projects in the Portland metropolitan area.

* In Beaverton, construction is complete on a model for a development of nine town homes at Sunset Gardens, Beaverton.

The town homes are 1,400-square-foot units with vaulted ceilings in the master bedrooms and gourmet kitchens. Prices range from $169,900 to $174,490.

* A sales model is open at Fieldstone at Murrayhill, a community with 21 single-family home sites.

The project features 10 floor plans ranging in size from 2,678 to 3,123 square feet. The three- and four-bedroom homes feature dens, bonus rooms, gourmet kitchens, hardwood floors and two- and three-car garages. They are priced from $369,950 to $429,950.

The model home -- off Southwest Weir Road at 155th Avenue -- is open Mondays,

Tuesdays and Fridays, noon to 5 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For more information on Fieldstone at Murrayhill or Sunset Gardens, call Dawn Hanavan at 503-803-7458.

* Construction has begun on European-style model homes at Conzelmann Farm in

Sherwood.

When completed, Conzelmann Farm will consist of 57 homes ranging from 2,444 to

3,123 square feet and priced from $339,000 to $379,000.

For more information, call Faith O'Billovich at 503-317-8640.

* Construction is under way on Craftsman-style models at Cedar Terrace, a JLS project in Cornelius. The community will feature houses ranging from 1,689 to 1,833 square feet with base prices from $169,950 to $182,950.

For more information, call Mike Luyten at 503-351-2611.

* A sales model will be completed this month at the Bonita Place Townhomes at

Southwest Bonita Road and Fanno Creek Drive.

Office hours are Friday to Monday, noon to 5 p.m., at the intersection of Southwest

Bonita Road and Fanno Creek Drive.

For more information, call Mindy Ruef at 503-998-5379.

* Work has begun on European countryside-style model homes at Rose Meadow, a new

21-lot community near Clackamas.

Home sizes will range from 2,444 to 3,490 square feet, and the houses will feature gourmet kitchens with granite tile islands and stainless-steel appliances, walk-in closets in master suites and hardwood floors. Rose Meadow homes will be priced from $329,950 to $374,950.

The site is off Southeast Sunnyside Road at 132nd Avenue and Rose Meadow Drive.

For more information, call Chris Kincaid at 503-439-6311.

*****************

PLUGGED IN OBSERVED GET ON OUT AND SQUARE DANCE






PLUGGED IN OBSERVED GET ON OUT AND SQUARE DANCE

Get on out and square dance

With Portland hosting the 54th National Square Dance Convention in June, it's a good time to check in on the state of modern square dancing.

And if you dropped in to Trinity United Methodist Church on a recent Wednesday evening, you know that it truly is modern. This is where the Rosetown Ramblers were having a mainstream dance for members and drop-ins. But the Ramblers are different from granny's Friday night square dance social. It's a 22-year-old group of gay and lesbian square dance enthusiasts -- though all are welcome.

At first glimpse, what's going on is a bit mind-boggling. A gentleman onstage (the caller) zips out in a rapid-fire, sing-song manner, various moves that dancers in groups (squares) of eight immediately follow, transforming the dance floor into a mass of fluidly moving bodies. The outcome is a gently choreographed dance that, after a few tries, is not too difficult follow.

Before the class began, the caller, Scott Zinser, explained that calling is an art form that's passed on from generation to generation. So, like martial arts, if a person wants to learn the craft, they must find a sensei who will share their secret fighting style. This is one of the ways Zinser picked it up.

Today there's a stereotype when it comes to square dancing -- that it's an outdated dance only older folks follow. But, these events commonly draw from 30 to 80 dancers of all ages.

"Scott (Zinser) has a family club that includes lots of children," said Franklin Hyry, vice president of Rosetown Ramblers, which is open to people of all ages and from all walks of life. "In fact, our club has an 11-year-old and teenagers."

The clubs are made up of graduating classes created each year after basic square dance training. Each graduating class is named by its members, who then wear a badge with their club and class names engraved on it.

The Rosetown Ramblers name each class after a rose.

Once members become part of a graduating class, they continue to attend the introductory classes as "angels," or mentors, to make sure that there are plenty of experienced dancers for newbies to partner with.

"The basic class, or the first year, is free," said Pamlin Pegg, a member of the 2004 graduating class "Ain't Misbehavin'." "Then, when you become a member, you pay for classes and come to the classes to dance, but also to act as angels, or helpers, for the new basic dancers."

Square Dance Convention: www.54nsdc.com/ext/main

Oregon Square Dance Federation: www.squaredance.gen.or.us/

Caller Scott Zinser's site: www.squarezilla.com

Rosetown Ramblers: www.rdrop.com/users/ramblers/.

-- Joshua Sommer,


******************

PLUGGED IN SCENE AND HERD FLIRTATION GAME 101

By Joshua Sommer






PLUGGED IN SCENE AND HERD FLIRTATION GAME 101

Well, here's the thing for you.

It's a cool mid-winter Thursday evening. An elaborate banquet area above Kell's Irish

Pub begins to fill with singles looking to hone their flirting skills.

Richard Mohley, who has been conducting the workshops nationwide since 1982, mingles among the attendees, a group of 21 males and 21 females. Much of the group is part of Julee Wasserman's Singles Outdoor Social Club. Others discovered the session from ads around town. Wasserman sponsored and presented the event.

The workshop teaches body language, posture, attire and where to go to meet people. The flirting techniques Mohley teaches aren't strictly for singles.

After Mohley was widowed, he traveled often for work and developed no close friends.

So, he did what many do, he went to bars to meet people. He noticed he wasn't alone, so he decided to offer a class at a community college on How to Overcome Shyness and

Make Friends.

"Many married people take my classes," Mohley said. "My classes are not just about flirting; they're primarily about how to establish all sorts of relationships." In fact, many marriages have taken place between people who met in his class.

Here are Mohley's top do's and don'ts for both sexes.

For women: Use permissive gestures (wrist flash, shoulder raise, toe points, leg twines, throat displays, etc.). Show some skin or show some shape. Don't dress like a lumberjack.

Don't be shy about using courtship gestures; women won't appear as subordinate or sexual, they appear as interesting.

For men: Dress neatly and cleanly. Start conversations even with women you're not attracted to. Show interest by asking questions. Don't use primate (belly scratches, crotch displays, etc.) gestures. Don't be a crude or creepy.

Seamus Kennedy, who took the class months ago, said Mohley was a hilarious instructor and mentioned that the tips learned from the class have helped him meet others.

After the workshop, the singles are encouraged to stick around and practice their new skills.

For more information on the workshops, visit www.meetfunpeople.org. For information on the Singles Outdoor Social Club (they will be holding a Valentine's Night Dinner and

Dance at the Greek Cusina), visit www.gorgetours.com.

-- Joshua Sommer


**************

PLUGGED IN OBSERVED LET'S MAKE A DEAL

By Joshua Sommer





Friday, January 28, 2005

PLUGGED IN OBSERVED LET'S MAKE A DEAL

Let's make a deal

There is an unmistakable tension in the air.

The owner of the house is a little nervous. He wasn't told that a reporter would be there.

Oh, yeah, and also a photographer. After a few minutes of dialogue he relaxes into a roughly charming host. He requests politely (a pit bull by his side) that no full names are mentioned without permission and that winning dollar amounts are not disclosed. He makes an honest argument, something not easily countered, that the folks in his home are there for fun, to enjoy a private game and play cards.

Partially collapsed stacks of tiny red, green and blue discs ring the table near an equal number of paired Bicycle playing cards, face down. Slim fingers, some with painted nails, pry a corner of their set of cards a fraction of an inch from the red felt and, somehow, quickly, eyes imperceptively register their value.

Also, there is a cooler full of beer and soda.

Welcome to Ladies Night No Limit Texas Hold'em, somewhere in what used to be

Felony Flats (the borders of Southeast Foster Road, Interstate 205 and Johnson Creek

Boulevard), Portland.

This is serious. The cards always come from new, unopened packs, and the players shuffle and eye the dealer carefully.

At the table, the ladies game emits a light harmony to coat the underlying competition of the game and the stakes. There's an empathy-slash-camaraderie among the women that contributes to an overall airiness to help thaw the ice in the room.

Ice enveloped the area on the Saturday that Ladies Night was originally planned. This made for a postponed game, and everyone is eager to play the set of 20-minute rounds.

The girls come from as far away as Hillsboro and Gresham.

One of the girls at the table explains, when she wins the first hand, that she's there to try to win enough to afford ear surgery for her 12-year-old black lab, Leo.

Getting in the game costs $20, and winners walk away with (approximately) a whopping

$400.

Small stakes. So, why play? Because its fun and no one goes broke if they lose.

All of the groups accept new members and can be accessed at www.meetup.com/cities/us/or/portland/.

-- Joshua Sommer


*******************

PLUGGED IN OBSERVED THINGS OF BEAUTY A JOY FOR OTHERS

By Joshua Sommer






PLUGGED IN OBSERVED THINGS OF BEAUTY A JOY FOR OTHERS

Things of beauty a joy for others

This is dangerous. This is exactly what happens when people, of any discipline or trade, meet to fuel their passions. Beware, local charities: these women love you.

Shiny Pretty Things, a jewelry sale last Sunday, evolved from a group of friends and artists who realized that they all participated in some sort of donation to their favorite charity via their craft.

These donations come in the form of percentages of dollar amounts earned at sales, or in donated pieces for auctions.

The six artists -- Jessica Vasi, Julie Hockley, Debi Johnson, Shannon Miranda, Shannon

Nichols and Michelle Woodruff -- all share a passion for shiny, pretty things, jewelry, art and giving back to the community.

"It all sort of started after Christmas," said Vasi. "We talked about doing a sale but decided that it shouldn't just benefit us. I mentioned that I'd love to donate a portion of the proceeds to our favorite charities. This way people are getting designer jewelry and giving back to the community at the same time."

Who benefits? For starters, the buyer because they get a piece of fine, handmade silver or gold jewelry that has been labored over and manipulated into something beautiful. The seller benefits, too, from the good vibes that come from giving. Ultimately, these charities are the real winners: Oregon Humane Society, American Cancer Society, Jewish

Federation of Portland, Dinner and a Movie, International Justice Mission, Court

Appointed Special Advocates for Children and the Epilepsy Foundation of Oregon.

"By doing this sale, or others like it, we're giving to a cause that is really important, and also people are buying something tangible that means something and that they can wear," said Miranda.

Some of the girls plan to reunite in February for another sale. For information and directions to the sale or any of the artist's Web sites, call Vasi at 503-351-0587.

-- Joshua Sommer


*********************

DINING CHEAP EATS SELLWOOD PUBLIC HOUSE

By Joshua Sommer






DINING CHEAP EATS SELLWOOD PUBLIC HOUSE cheap eats feeding frenzies with pocket change

Sellwood Public House

One of the bummers of having family in Brooklyn, N.Y., is that whenever they visit, there's an underlying tension related to (I know this is silly) pizza. It seems there's a certain science behind the making of a true New York-style pie and, apparently, the secret is in the hand-tossed crust and clay-oven baking process. And, according to the

New Yorkers I know, many of our pizza joints just don't cut it. Well, having been to their city enough times to get an idea of what they're looking for, I think I've stumbled across just the spot to bring them on their next visit: Sellwood Public House.

The chow: Everything I've tried here has been delicious. There are two styles to choose from, the Gourmet (thicker than the New York and contains herbs; $10.50 to $19.50) and the New York ($12 to $18). Of special note is the Gourmet-style Piccata ($12 to $19), with a garlic white sauce topped with chicken breast, mushrooms, roasted peppers and

(this makes the pizza) capers. Also, the Hula Girl (Canadian bacon and pineapple, $10.50 to $18.50) and the Margherita (mozzarella and basil, $13.50 to $16.50) are exceptional variations of a couple of classics. The menu also carries pastas ($7.25 to $9.50), dinner entrees ($7.75 to $11.50) and sandwiches ($6.25 to $7.75).

Real deals: An astonishing secret that regulars realize is that you can get any of the pizzas on the menu, at any time, by the slice ($2.25, and 25 cents for each additional topping).

This is the first place in town that I've found to offer all of their pizzas by the slice at all hours of operation.

Hangout factor: Plug in. The pub offers a Wi-Fi hotspot at no charge, many TVs tuned to sports and a large, comfy dining area and bar with hockey-based decorations. This is the closest hockey fans may get to the NHL this season with the players locked out.

Liquids: There's a full bar including drafts beers and sodas at varying prices.

What's half-baked? As Antique Row slowly morphs into a street with more and more restaurants, folks will find themselves needing to park off of the main drag and into the neighborhoods.

Inside tips: Mix and match styles and bases to suit your taste. Both styles can be made with any of their four custom bases -- sweet tomato, roasted garlic and olive oil, pesto and garlic white sauce. Besides cheese, additional toppings for a custom-made pie

(medium, $9; large, $12; and ex-large, $15) range from $1 to $2.

The numbers: 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m., Sundays-Thursdays and until 10 p.m. Fridays-

Saturdays, closed Mondays; 8132 S.E. 13th Ave.; 503-736-0182.


********************

NEW HOME MONTHLY NOTEBOOK: LEGEND OPENS LATEST PHASE AT

STONEWATER IN HILLSBORO

By Joshua Sommer

Staff researcher




Thursday, January 13, 2005

NEW HOME MONTHLY NOTEBOOK: LEGEND OPENS LATEST PHASE AT

STONEWATER IN HILLSBORO

Legend Homes' new phase of condominium and townhome models at Stonewater at

Orenco in Hillsboro is celebrating its grand opening Jan. 16, from noon to 3 p.m.

Floor plans range from 906 to 2,138 square feet, with prices from $162,900 to $289,900.

Many units have attached garages and private courtyards or decks.

The grounds feature protected heritage trees, pocket parks, recreation areas, courtyards and greenways.

For more information, call Robin Taylor or Valerie Mooney at 503-648-0233, or visit www.legendhomes.com.

Haven House opens in Southeast Portland

HomeAid Portland and Caritas Housing Initiatives are celebrating the completion of a new multi-family shelter, Haven House, which will provide temporary housing for six teen mothers and their children.

HomeAid Portland is the shelter-providing arm of the Home Builders Foundation of

Metropolitan Portland and the Home Builders Association of Metropolitan Portland

(HBA).

Caritas Housing Initiatives is the housing development unit of Catholic Charities of

Oregon, the social services branch of the Archdiocese of Portland.

Contractors, manufacturers and suppliers donated more than $180,000 in labor and supplies to build Haven House. Local builders, Legend Homes and Renaissance Homes acted as co-builder captains.

During their stay at the shelter, women will receive education or work experience and gain life skills training.

The shelter, at the corner of Southeast 69th Avenue and Powell Boulevard, will open with a ribbon cutting Jan. 19 at 11 a.m.

For more information, call Tamar Hare at 503-684-1880.

* Also, the HBA installed its 2005 officers and board of directors in December.

New officers and board members include Jim Chapman, Legend Homes, president;

David DeHarpport, Four D Construction, vice president; Lee Zajic, Northwest

Renovations and Design, vice president-treasurer; and Mike Arnett, Lifestyle Homes, vice president-secretary.

Builder directors installed were Tom Skaar, Pacific Western Homes; Jeff Fish, Fish

Construction Northwest; Claire Loranger, Loranger Builders; Tim Breedlove,

Renaissance Homes; and Jeff Haggart, Haggart Construction.

Remodeler directors Tracy Hankins, Hankins Construction and Jeff Metke, Metke

Remodeling and Woodworking, were also installed -- as were associate directors Gary

Phillips, Gary's Vacuflo, and Luke Morley, Lakeside Lumber.

FHA hikes loan limits, but not in Portland

Federal Housing Administration ( FHA) mortgage loan limits rose Jan. 3 in many Oregon counties, allowing borrowers using the program to purchase homes worth a bit more.

The changes are part of occasional adjustments made by the Department of Housing and

Urban Development to offset rising home prices.

Benton, Deschutes, Lane and Jackson counties had substantial increases.

Loan limits increased four times in 2004in Josephine County and the Portland metropolitan area but remain unchanged this time.

Mortgage limits by county are:

Benton: $222,205

Deschutes: $217,265

Jackson: $237,500

Josephine: $204,250

Lane: $172,900

Clackamas, Columbia, Multnomah, Washington and Yamhill counties in Oregon; and

Clark and Skamania counties in Washington: $213,750

For current FHA mortgage loan limits, visit https://entp.hud.gov/idapp/html/hicostlook.cfm on the Web.

Phase-three sales start at D.R. Horton project

Sales on phase three of D.R. Horton's Oaks at Springbrook, in Newberg, began in early

December.

The 24 properties will feature three- and four-bedroom homes ranging from 1,820 to

2,135 square feet and priced from $209,900 to $225,900. Model homes open in January.

Half of the houses in this phase will border Gladys Park, a one-acre area including a playground and a basketball court.

For more information, call Brett Grantham or Jack Hall at 503-538-6038.

Eligible family sought for building program

The Community Action Team is looking for a family to qualify for the last of 11 homes to be built as part of its Self-Help Building Program.

The site for the project is Ravenwood Drive in St. Helens.

Participants must commit to 30 hours per week of sweat equity; the mortgage on the home is approximately $121,000. Applications must be submitted in January.

Construction begins in February; the homes should be finished by October.

For qualification guidelines or other information, call 503-397-3511.

Don Morissette starts sales at Summit Ridge

Sales are under way at Don Morissette Homes' Summit Ridge, a 130-home development on Bull Mountain in Tigard.

Summit Ridge sites range from 5,000 to 8,300 square feet and will feature houses from

1,800 to 4,800 square feet. Prices run from $320,000 to $500,000. A model home is expected to open in spring 2005.

For more information on Summit Ridge, call 503-639-0497 or visit www.dmhomes.net.

Hansen Estates opens in Northeast Portland

Hansen Estates, a new community of 25 single-family homes near Glendoveer Golf

Course in Northeast Portland, is open for sales. A model home is close to completion.

The project, by Ostercraft Inc., has homes ranging from 1,600 to 1,850 square feet, with base prices from $190,000 to $260,000. Eleven of the homes have sold.

Standard features at Hansen Estates include attached garages with openers, tile entries, gas fireplaces, CAT-5 wiring, covered front porches and rear patios. Built on lots up to

5,600 square feet, many of the homes have sizeable backyard space.

For more information on Hansen Estates, call Katerina Iconomou of Coldwell Banker

Barbara Sue Seal Properties, 503-997-5459.

Workshop outlines seismic requirements

A lunchtime presentation on seismic design requirements for existing Portland buildings is set for Jan. 14, from noon to 1:30 p.m., at 1900 S.W. Fourth Ave., in Conference Room

2500-A.

Part of the Portland Bureau of Development Services' free Lunch-and-Learn series, the program will include an overview of the residential inspection process, requesting and scheduling inspections, what orange "job site" cards mean and 10 suggestions on how to avoid inspection problems.


****************

PASHA RESTAURANT

By Joshua Sommer, Special To The Oregonian




Friday, December 31, 2004

PASHA RESTAURANT cheap eats feeding frenzies with pocket change

Pasha Restaurant

Chinese food and karaoke aficionados, lamenting the exit of the popular Marco Polo

Garden last July, will notice that the space has been filled by Pasha Restaurant, a

Persian/Mediterranean restaurant. Here's how Pasha, with huge shoes to fill, is shaping up:

The chow: Some of the house favorites include Pasha's special ($13.95), olive oil sauteed mushroom, broccoli, zucchini, tomato, garlic and herbs topped with rice and cheese; chicken mazeh ($13.95), which is a combination of homos spices and chicken kebabs; and homos (hummus, $5.95 or $8.95 with sauteed tenderloin).

Real deals: A few cheaper items that are particularly tasty are the stuffed grape leaves with beef, vegetables and rice baked in a sweet sauce ($6.95); a wonderful cucumber dinner salad of yogurt, cucumber and mint ($2.95); baked brie kalamata olives, roasted garlic, sun-dried tomato and roasted pepper with French bread ($7.95); and a personal favorite, the ground beef kebab, a charcoal-broiled dish that is marinated and served with saffron rice ($9.95).

Hangout factor: Like its predecessor, the restaurant is well-lighted and open. Antique furniture pieces line the walls and the high, warehouse-like ceilings make the place less stuffy, even when packed.

Liquids: Pasha offers standard beverages, including several juices ($2) and an array of bottled beers ($4). They also have a full bar.

What's half-baked? The lunch buffet ($6.95) is a generic do-it-yourself affair that sometimes has more room for food than is being offered.

Inside tips: On the other side of the argument, the lunch buffet often offers some of the best dishes from the main menu (and special dishes not on the menu) at a bargain price. A recent trip through the buffet garnished a great chicken parmesan, vegetarian stuffed grape leaves, a Mediterranean coleslaw that was salty but good, and a delicious eggplant dip.

The numbers: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays and 11 a.m.-2 a.m. Fridays-

Saturdays, closed Sundays; 19 N.W. Fifth Ave.; 503-222-1667; www.pasharestaurant.net.


*****************

PRODUCT PROFILE: WHEN WINTER'S WORST BLOWS IN, HAVE EMERGENCY

KIT WELL-STOCKED

By Joshua Sommer Home Improvement Writer Paul Bianchina Contributed To This

Story


Thursday,December 16, 2004


Thursday, December 16, 2004

PRODUCT PROFILE: WHEN WINTER'S WORST BLOWS IN, HAVE EMERGENCY

KIT WELL-STOCKED

Even newly built homes can fail when wind, cold, rain and snow conspire to push the limits of their heating and electrical systems.

Here's a sampling of products safety-minded home owners can have on hand when the heat or power goes out.

The Web sites of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Oregon Red

Cross and most local fire departments post lists of items all homes should have on hand, especially in areas where power outages are common during winter months.

These sites also have tips for winter safety and survival and most give plenty of preparedness advice on everything from power outages to earthquakes and winter storms.

In addition to the basics (first-aid kit, food, water), nearly every list recommends these essentials: a battery-powered radio and flashlight, a heat source, something to cook on, several hand tools and, ideally, some sort of back-up power, such as a generator. All of these can readily be found in area stores.

* A seven-in-one flashlight/tool kit/radio from Claybrooke ($24.99, Meier & Frank) features twin flashing safety blinkers, a flashlight, an AM/FM radio and tools including a crescent wrench and hammer.

* Mr. Heater's Portable Buddy Propane Heater ($100, Camping World) puts out 4,000 to

9,000 BTUs, enough heat for a 200-square-foot space.

The heater uses either a one- or a 20-pound propane cylinder, can be used free-standing or wall-mounted and has a handle on the top. It's lightweight (8 pounds), portable and can operate for up to 110 hours. For indoor use, these heaters require ventilation such as a slightly open window.

The Portable Buddy heater features a low-oxygen safety shutoff pilot that extinguishes the heater if it uses too much oxygen in a room. Since propane heaters designed for indoor use are a relatively new technology, check with local fire departments on the safe use of these products.

"Space heaters in general need at least three feet of clearance on all sides," said Connie

King, fire prevention education officer, Hillsboro Fire Department. "Local fire officials say that if you use propane heaters it is wise to ventilate them and absolutely do not modify them. Also, if you decide to use one of these, buy an additional carbon monoxide monitor and install it."

People with a power generator may prefer to use it to operate a electric heater indoors.

The Patton 1500 Watt 1Touch Oscillating Heater/Fan (heater or fan model 5505, $34.97,

Home Depot) features two heat settings, 1000 and 1500 watts.

The unit has a motorized oscillating fan to heat wider areas, an electronic thermostat for precise temperature control and a handle for portability. The unit also features an auto safety shut-off and overheat function.

"Never leave any space heater unattended," said King. "Always turn the heaters off and unplug them (electric heaters) if you need to leave."

* Small, portable generators that pack enough power to operate a stove, computer, refrigerator or a heat source have become compact and easily manageable -- ideal for emergencies.

The Honda EU2000i (46.3 lbs.; $999, Beaverton Honda & Yamaha) utilizes Honda's new inverter technology to generate 2000 watts of lightweight, quiet and efficient power.

To calculate how much wattage you'll need in an emergency, make a list of power devices that are essential, add up the total wattage of each and purchase a generator that will supply enough power.

The EU2000i will run up to 15 hours on a single tank of gas when used with its Eco-

Throttle feature.

Ultra-quiet, this generator emits less sound than the noise rating of common speech and its new inverter technology is designed for use with sensitive electronics (computer, fax, printer, telephone and stereo) because the generator produces a wave of energy that prevents surging. The available power is commonly used for full-size microwave ovens, larger power tools and resistive load appliances (coffee maker, toaster, small air conditioning units, space heaters).

FEMA, Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue and the Red Cross recommend never operating a generator from inside a home.

* For lengthly power outages, a stove that can operate without electricity will come in handy.

The Century Deluxe two-burner camp stove ($54.95, REI) features 10,000 BTUs per burner and offers plenty of room for large cooking pots.

The propane cook stove has a lid and side panels that provide flame protection for windy days. The stove includes a two-foot hose assembly with a regulator that connects to a disposable propane cylinder. The regulator can convert to fit larger propane tanks.

Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue advises to never operate camp stoves inside the home.

Store all emergency supplies in a dry place where they will be easily accessible -- even in the dark.

Joshua Sommer is a staff researcher. He can be reached via e-mail to joshuasommer@news.oregonian.com.

Home Improvement writer Paul Bianchina contributed to this story.

RESOURCES:

* Beaverton Honda & Yamaha, 503-684-1199; www.bhy.net

* REI Portland, 503-221-1938; www.rei.com

* Meier & Frank downtown Portland, 503-223-0512; www.meierandfrank.com

* Home Depot, 503-774-6342; www.homedepot.com

* Camping World, 503-682-0752; www.campingworld.com

* Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue, www.tvfr.com/cs/ep/index.html

* Hillsboro Fire Department, 503-681-6166; www.ci.hillsboro.or.us/Fire/

* Oregon Red Cross, www.redcross-oregontrail.org/news/daily_ preparedness_tips.htm

* FEMA, www.fema.gov/hazards/winterstorms/stormsf.shtm

* U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, www.cpsc.gov

***************

NOTEBOOK: REMODELORS COUNCIL DONATES BUILDING MATERIALS TO

REBUILDING CENTER

By Joshua Sommer





NOTEBOOK: REMODELORS COUNCIL DONATES BUILDING MATERIALS TO

REBUILDING CENTER

The Remodelors Council of the Home Builders Association of Metropolitan Portland donated about $4,000 in surplus building materials to The ReBuilding Center.

The materials were left over from the Builders Surplus Sale at the Portland Fall Home &

Garden Show.

The ReBuilding Center is a project of the nonprofit group Our United Villages, which focuses on creating healthy neighborhoods by bringing neighbors together to share ideas and strengthen communities. The center collects and sells quality used or unwanted building materials that would otherwise be discarded.

For more information, call 503-331-1877, or visit www.rebuildingcenter.org.

Hansen Estates opens in Northeast Portland

Hansen Estates, a new community of 25 single-family homes near Glendoveer Golf

Course in Northeast Portland, is open for business, with a sales model nearly completed.

The project, by Ostercraft Inc., has homes ranging in size from 1,600 to 1,850 square feet, with base prices ranging from $190,000 to $260,000. Eleven of the 25 homes have been sold.

Standard features for the homes at Hansen Estates include attached garages with openers, tile entries, gas fireplaces, CAT-5 wiring, covered front porches and rear patios. Built on lots ranging up to 5,600 square feet, many of the homes have space for a sizeable back yard.

For more information on Hansen Estates, call Katerina Iconomou of Coldwell Banker

Barbara Sue Seal Properties at 503-997-5459.

Open Door receives $63,000 federal grant

Open Door Counseling Center received a $63,000 grant from the U.S. Department of

Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to provide housing counseling.

A HUD-certified housing counseling agency for 21 years, Open Door serves as

Washington County's referral center for housing resources.

Open Door, 34420 S.W. Tualatin Valley Highway in Hillsboro, provides mortgage default prevention counseling, first-time home-buyer workshops and reverse-mortgage counseling.

The center also operates a homeless drop-in shelter to provide hot meals, showers, laundry facilities, counseling and assistance in finding housing, employment, clothing and case management.

For more information, call 503-640-6689 or visit www.opendoorcounselingcenter.org.

Development company holds public meeting

A free public workshop is set for Saturday, Dec. 18, to view preliminary plans and participate in roundtable discussions about property that Brooks Resources Corp., a real estate development company, recently purchased in Prineville.

The meeting begins at 9:30 a.m. in the Crook County Library, Broughton Room, 175

N.W. Meadow Lakes Drive, Prineville. It will be hosted by Brooks Resources.

For more information, call 541-382-1662 or visit www.brooksresources.com.

Sales effort begins at Cloud Pass Ranch

Sales have begun at Cloud Pass Ranch, a 12-house development on Southeast Idleman

Road at the top of Mount Scott.

Houses on the lots, at 20,000 to 26,000 square feet, will be sized from 3,200 to 6,500 square feet and priced from $679,960 to $1.2 million. Three lots have sold.

Builders are Home Trends Northwest, Cedar Ridge Homes and Stonewood Homes. Sales agent for the project is Troy Martin, RE/MAX Equity Group, 503-495-3391.

JLS Custom Homes starts new projects

JLS Custom Homes began construction at four new sites in November and December.

Montarosa, a 56-lot community at Southwest Weir Road and 155th Avenue, will feature homes ranging from 1,323 to 1,509 square feet and prices from $172,950 to $189,950.

Bonita Place Townhomes includes 53 units at Southwest Bonita Road and Fanno Creek

Drive. The townhomes will range from 1,295 to 1,943 square feet and prices range from

$159,000 to $199,950. The designs feature two-car garages, gourmet kitchens and vaulted ceilings.

Glencory, an 83-lot site off Northwest Glencoe Road, offers four home designs ranging from 1,700 to 1,850 square feet, priced from $178,950 to $189,950.

The Heathcliff at Jackson Bottoms, at Southeast Cedar and Fifth Streets, features 57 lots with six Craftsman-style designs ranging from 1,445 to 1,900 square feet and priced from

$155,950 to $174,950.

For more information on Glencory, call Faith O'Billovich at 503-317-8640.

For more information on Heathcliff at Jackson Bottoms, call Jonni Purdy at 971-212-

4275.

For more information on Montarosa, call Brian Fortune at 503-969-1454.

For more information on Bonita Place Townhomes, call Mindy Ruef at 503-998-5379.

Washougal welcomes Parade for third time

The Building Industry Association of Clark County (BIA) announced its 2005 Parade of

Homes will be held Aug. 19 to Sept. 5, 2005, in the second phase of River View Terrace in Washougal, Wash.

River View Terrace is off of Southeast Crown Road, near the site of the 2004 show.

The 2005 show be the third Parade in Washougal. Hugh Hall, president of Lynnwood

Homes in Gresham, is the event's chairman.

For more information, call Avaly Mobbs at 360-694-0933.

Persimmon begins townhouse project

Persimmon Construction broke ground on Gresham Station Townhomes, a 60-home community, at the beginning of November.

Home sizes range from 1,304 to 1,775 square feet and are priced from $179,500 to

$239,800.

The site is next to Gresham Station Medical Center at Northwest Fanning Way and Civic

Drive. The completion of the fist phase is slated for summer 2005.


Sales commence at Burlingame East

A new project in Troutdale has opened sales on 47 homes at Southwest McGinnis

Avenue and 29th Street.

Homes at Burlingame East, developed by Palace Construction, range from 1,493 to 1,821 square feet and are priced from $185,450 to $211,000.

Real Estate Headquarters is marketing the homes.

For more information, call 503-674-7878 or visit www.burlingame.com.

Arbor breaks ground on Tigard project

West Hills Development, the parent company of Arbor Custom Homes, has begun site preparation for 41 of 53 homes at Arbor Summit, a new project off of Southwest Bull

Mountain Road, Tigard.

Home sales and a model are expected to open in February 2005. New French, English and traditional American exteriors are being introduced specifically for the project, with homes ranging from 2,400 to 3,500 square feet and prices based from $300,000 to

$450,000.

For more information, call 503-641-7342, or visit www.arborhomes.com.

Site work under way at new development

Site development has begun at Sawgrass Flats, a 15-rowhome project at Northeast Sixth and Cleveland Streets in Gresham.

The homes, built by Ostercraft, will range from 970 to 1,900 square feet and will be priced from $129,000 to $187,900. For more information, call 503-772-0022.

A place to live is gift that keeps on giving

Join -- a private nonprofit organization -- is recruiting businesses, faith organizations and individuals to participate in a program to help provide 40 housing units to homeless families and individuals.

"Home for the Holidays" is part of Join's ongoing goal to house the homeless. Last season, the program served 49 people, including 25 children, thanks to sponsors that included Rejuvenation, Pixelworks and PGE.

Founded in 1992, Join focuses on outreach services to individuals who are on the street.

The group provides access to community resources that help homeless people make the transition from the street to stable housing.

"Home for the Holidays" is part of an annual effort that helped house 235 families last year. Sponsors donate $2,500 and provide a move-in box. The cash donation covers move-in, stabilization and follow-up expenses. Contents of the move-in box include likenew items such as sheets, towels, dinnerware and cookware.

"As a 'Home' sponsor, contributors embody the spirit of the season in a gift whose impact goes way beyond just the holidays," said Rob Justus, executive director of Join

For more information or to become a sponsor, call 503-232-7052 or visit www.joinpdx.com.

**************

PLACE TO LIVE IS GIFT THAT KEEPS GIVING

By Joshua Sommer

The Oregonian<


Sunday,December 12, 2004

Edition: SUNRISE, Section: BEST LOCAL HOMES & RENTALS, Page H06

Sunday, December 12, 2004

PLACE TO LIVE IS GIFT THAT KEEPS GIVING

Join -- a private nonprofit organization -- is recruiting businesses, faith organizations and individuals to participate in a program to help provide 40 housing units to homeless families and individuals.

"Home for the Holidays" is part of Join's ongoing goal to house the homeless. Last season, the program served 49 people, including 25 children, thanks to sponsors that included Rejuvenation, Pixelworks and PGE.

Founded in 1992, Join focuses on outreach services to individuals who are on the street.

The group provides access to community resources that help homeless people make the transition from the street to stable housing.

"Home for the Holidays" is part of an annual effort that helped house 235 families last year. Sponsors donate $2,500 and provide a move-in box. The cash donation covers move-in, stabilization and follow-up expenses. Contents of the move-in box include likenew items such as sheets, towels, dinnerware, cookware and cleaning supplies.

"As a 'Home' sponsor, contributors embody the spirit of the season in a gift whose impact goes way beyond just the holidays," said Rob Justus, executive director of Join. "The gift of stable housing is life- changing. This is not a Band-Aid or a temporary fix -- it's permanent housing."

For more information or to become a sponsor, call 503-232-7052 or visit www.joinpdx.com.

-- Joshua Sommer

******************

JUAN COLORADO MEXICAN RESTAURANT






JUAN COLORADO MEXICAN RESTAURANT cheap eats feeding frenzies with pocket change

Every once in a while a restaurant sneaks up on you. It seems like everywhere I turn lately -- BOOM -- I see the words "Juan Colorado" dangling before me. I'm not sure how old the chain is, but the hungry consumer can find a conveniently located Juan's in

Beaverton, Northwest Portland (off Bethany Boulevard), Gresham, Hillsboro, Tualatin,

Wilsonville and the one I stumbled across on Southwest Barbur Boulevard.

The chow: Many of the appetizers, including the signature Juan Colorado's Flautas

($6.95), are tasty and well worth your dime. There are a bunch of unique main dishes that are sure to please, including the burrito Tijuana ($6.95 at lunch, $8.45 at dinner).

Real deals: The lunch menu ranges from $5.95 to $7.95 and includes many of the best dishes from the dinner menu.

Hangout factor: This place, or the one I visited, was bright and well-lit. Suitable for intimate conversations or professionals looking for a good power-lunch spot.

Liquids: Two must-haves are the Margarita Loco ($6.50) and regular margarita ($4.50).

They are delicious.

What's half-baked? The cheese enchilada ($3.25) and the pork tamales ($3) are bland.

Inside tips: If you go, get the flautas mentioned above, the avocado tostada ($6.45 at lunch, $9.75 at dinner) and top off your evening with either xangos (pronounced

"changos" -- $3.50) or flan ($2.50) for dessert.

The numbers: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Sundays; 10075 S.W.

Barbur Blvd., Suite 7, and numerous other locations; 503-244-4360.


*****************

DINING CHEAP EATS FEEDING FRENZIES WITH POCKET CHANGE NEW

DELHI RESTAURANT

By Joshua Sommer



Friday,November 5, 2004


Friday, November 5, 2004

DINING CHEAP EATS FEEDING FRENZIES WITH POCKET CHANGE NEW

DELHI RESTAURANT

New Delhi Restaurant

Something about the word "buffet" makes my mouth water. The phrase "all you can eat" has much the same effect. The New Delhi Restaurant has a lunch buffet ($6.95) that's easy on the coin collection and more than ample for the hardiest appetite.

The chow: All of the standard favorites are available. A few sure hits are the tandoori chicken ($7.95), lamb saag ($10.95), aaloo matar ($8.95, vegetarian), chana masala

($8.95, vegetarian) and eggplant curry ($8.95, vegetarian).

Real deals: Side orders such as papadams ($1) and naan ($1.25) go great with all of the flavorful tandoori dishes ($7.95 to $15.95), which are prepared in a clay oven.

Hangout factor: The place is nicely tucked into a small shopping area off Southwest

Barbur; the large, bright interior lends an overall comfy atmosphere.

Liquids: The Maharaja Premium Indian Pilsner ($3.50), new to me, is a smooth, easy brew that complements the cuisine.

What's half-baked? Parking can be a problem if the place (or surrounding stores) gets busy.

Inside tips: The lunch buffet runs 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays. It usually features many of the dishes mentioned above, as well as many not on the regular menu, including tasty chicken makhani.

The numbers: Lunch, 11 .a.m.-3 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays, dinner, 5-9 p.m. (closed

Sundays); 9111 S.W. Barbur Blvd.; 503-892-5811.


**************

NOTEBOOK ENERGY TRUST OF OREGON GIVES QUALIFYING BUILDERS A

GREEN STAR

By Joshua Sommer

The Oregonian<\


Thursday,October 21, 2004


Thursday, October 21, 2004

NOTEBOOK ENERGY TRUST OF OREGON GIVES QUALIFYING BUILDERS A

GREEN STAR

Oregon builders can now earn a star -- the Energy Star.

Energy Star is a national symbol designating energy efficiency standards. It was introduced by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of

Energy, with labels appearing on products ranging from computer monitors to light bulbs.

Through a new program from Energy Trust of Oregon, this label can now be found on new homes in Oregon.

The program, Efficient New Homes, sets standards for home builders to increase energy efficiency in home construction through energy-saving heating and cooling units and water heaters; Energy Star-qualified windows, lighting and appliances; and building practices such as controlled ventilation, tighter ducts and improved insulation.

After construction, the home is tested by a third-party inspector to make sure it qualifies as an Energy Star-rated home and that it fits the criteria of the Efficient New Homes program.

The Energy Trust Web site lists Efficient New Homes builders, including Leader

Builders of Bend, Loranger Builders of Hillsboro and W.B.S. Construction of Portland.

For more information, call 866-368-7878 or visit www.energytrust.org.

Street of Dreams gala raises $40,000-plus

Midsummer Night's Dream -- the annual event that marks the opening of the Northwest

Natural Street of Dreams -- collected more than $40,000 for charities, according to the

Home Builders Association of Metropolitan Portland.

The 2004 beneficiaries include Candlelighters for Children with Cancer, Community

Vision, HOST Development, Junior League of Portland, Kruse Way-Lake Oswego

Rotary Club, Northwest Housing Alternatives, Northwest Medical Teams, Portland

Housing Center, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Oregon and Southwest

Washington, the Women for Children Chapter of Friends of Doernbecher and YWCA.

Deadlines approaching for NAHB contests

The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) has announced entry deadlines for three design competitions:

* The deadline for the 2005 Pillars of the Industry Awards, which focuses on apartment and condominium design, development, marketing and management, is Nov. 8.

Complete details and an application are available at www.pillarsconference.com.

* The NAHB Seniors Housing Council's 2005 Best of Senior Housing Awards honors architectural and interior designs, marking approaches that bring quality, innovation and spirit to the seniors housing industry while looking ahead to the future.

The deadline for submissions to this competition is Nov. 5.

For more information, visit www.nahb.org/seniorshousingawards.

* The 2005 National Green Building Awards -- which recognize individuals, companies and organizations that demonstrate a commitment to green home building -- is open for submissions until Dec. 15. A $250 entry fee is required.

For more information, visit www.nahb.org/greenbuildingawards.

HBA receives award for lobbying efforts

The Home Builders Association of Metropolitan Portland (HBA) received a national

Association Excellence Award for "Best Governmental Affairs/Lobbying Program

Administered" on Aug. 26 in Destin, Fla.

Award recipients are selected by members of the National Association of Home Builders

(NAHB) Executive Officers Council, representing more than 850 local home building associations across the country.

Judges honored the HBA for its innovative efforts in 2003 to preserve the ability of

Portland builders to construct homes on narrow city lots.

HBA's Government Affairs Department includes Kelly Ross, manager; Ernie Platt, director of local government affairs; Misty Slagle, political affairs director; and Kristin

Glover, administrative support.

"This is a great honor for our staff and membership," said Tim Roth, JT Roth

Construction, 2004 HBA President. "It illustrates both our commitment to government affairs on behalf of our industry and the effectiveness of our government affairs team."

The award is the second in two years for HBA's government affairs program. The HBA received NAHB's "State & Local Government Affairs Recognition Award" for its efforts to expand the regional urban growth boundary in 2002.

Arbor begins work at Wilsonville project

Arbor Custom Homes has started infrastructure work at Villebois on the site of the former Dammasch State Hospital in Wilsonville.

West Hills Development, Arbor's parent company, will develop 159 acres of the 500-acre project. Arbor's 60-home phase one is the first building activity at the site off Southwest

Grahams Ferry Road.

Over the next six years, Arbor expects to build 850 detached and townhome residences at

Villebois. Developer Costa Pacific Communities and Legend Homes also will build homes at Villebois, which is expected to have 2,700 homes, as well as commercial development, when completed.

Homes in Arbor's phase one will range from 1,400 to 3,500 square feet and will be priced from $180,000 to $500,000. By agreement with Costa Pacific, architectural styles will be

French Revival, English Revival, American Classic and American Modern.

For more information, call 503-641-7342, Ext. 249, or visit www.arborhomes.com.

Buena Vista breaks ground at two sites

Buena Vista Custom Homes has announced groundbreakings on two of its projects.

Kessler Estates is a 26-lot subdivision in Tigard off Southwest Hall Boulevard. A model home is expected to open in late October. Homes will range from 2,116 to 3,684 square feet and will be priced from $349,950 to $429,950.

Vesper Park, an eight-lot site near Northwest Murray Boulevard and Cornell Road, will hold a grand opening this winter. Vesper Park homes will range from 2,342 to 3,212 square feet, with prices from $279,950 to $349,950.

For more information on Kessler Estates, call 503-495-3876.

For more information on Vesper Park, call 503-306-9002.

Renaissance opens sales at Eagle Landing

Early interest prompted sales to open at Renaissance at Eagle Landing, off of Southeast

Stevens Road near the former Top-O-Scott golf course on Mount Scott.

"We received more phone calls and e-mails regarding Renaissance at Eagle Landing before we'd even broken ground for our model than for any other Renaissance neighborhood in the 20-year history of our company," said Randy Sebastian, president of

Renaissance Homes, which is developing the site.

The development will feature 73 homes ranging from 1,895 to 3,258 square feet, with prices expected to range from $360,000 to $470,000. For more information, call Lee

Wells at 971-563-6358.

* Renaissance announced plans to develop a 12-home site near Wilsonville High School.

Named Cedar Pointe, the development will feature homes ranging from 3,422 to 4,320 and prices from $600,000 to $700,000.


Sales effort under way at Sherwood project

Don Morissette Homes has opened sales on 23 home sites at The Bluffs at Cedar Creek, a new development in Sherwood. The homes will range from 1,800 to 3,400 square feet and will be priced from $300,000 to $400,000.


Ostercraft starts work at two new projects

Site development has begun at Coldwater Creek, a 21-lot project at 2833 N.E. Division

St.

The homes, built by Ostercraft Inc., will range from 790 to 1,547 square feet and will be priced from $109,950 to $159,950.

Also, foundation work and framing has begun at Hansen Estates, a 25-home project by

Ostercraft, near Glendoveer Golf Course and Northeast Glisan Street.

The homes will range from 1,515 to 1,852 square feet and will run from $185,000 to

$219,000.


Newest phase opens at Bauer Highlands

Legend Homes has announced the grand opening of the latest phase of its Bauer

Highlands community off Northwest Saltzman Road.

A newly finished and furnished model home is open for tours.

The newest phase features homes from 2,579 to 2,875 square feet and prices ranging from $390,000 to $409,000.


Vancouver community holds grand opening

A grand opening for Fairfield Park, a 167-home community between Interstate 5 and

Interstate 205 in Vancouver, was held in early September.

Built by Pacific Lifestyle Homes, the houses range in size from 1,298 to 3,302 square feet and are priced from $151,200 to $321,400.


************

SHOW BRINGS OUTDOORS IN

JOSHUA SOMMER


Sunday,October 3, 2004


Sunday, October 3, 2004

SHOW BRINGS OUTDOORS IN

Gardeners, landscapers and homeowners can find materials -- and inspiration -- for house and yard projects at the Portland Fall Home & Garden Show.

New to the show this year is a pet showcase that includes the Friskies for More Stage

Show as well as cats and dogs in search of homes from Bonnie L. Hayes Small Animal

Shelter.

Also new this year is a Portland-area builders surplus sale, which has materials such as windows, doors, appliances and roofing.

Returning showcases include vignette gardens by 10 designers that feature rockwork patios and water elements; a fall plant sale with proceeds donated to Legacy Health System's Horticultural Therapy

Program; and a Borders Bookstore display.

The show is at the Portland Expo Center, 2060 North Marine Drive, and runs Oct. 7 and

8, noon to 9 p.m.; Oct. 9, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; and Oct. 10, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Admission is $7 for adults, $1 for kids six to 12 and free for children age 5 and under.

-- Joshua Sommer

***************

NEW HOME MONTHLY NOTEBOOK PARTNERSHIP BRINGS HOMES TO ST.

JOHNS NEIGHBORHOOD

By Joshua Sommer

STAFF WRITER


Thursday,September 16, 2004


Thursday, September 16, 2004

NEW HOME MONTHLY NOTEBOOK PARTNERSHIP BRINGS HOMES TO ST.

JOHNS NEIGHBORHOOD

A partnership between Peninsula Community Development Corporation (Peninsula

CDC) and Portland Community Land Trust (PCLT) is bringing six new homes to the St.

Johns neighborhood by March 2005.

The development, Orchard Homes, is between North Nashton and Seneca streets at North

Gilbert Avenue. The homes will range from 1,030 to 1,276 square feet, and prices will run from $109,900 to $118,900.

Two houses are scheduled to be finished by winter 2004; the other four should be completed by March 2005.

Based on the PCLT's community land trust model of homeownership, the partnership is providing homeownership opportunities to low- and moderate-income buyers by taking land costs out of the equation, holding the land under the home in trust.

The office for Orchard Homes is at 6823 N. Seneca St.

For more information on the PCLT, call Allison Handler at 503-493-0293 or visit www.pclt.org.

For more information on Peninsula CDC, visit www.peninsulacdc.org.

Grand opening set for McDaniel Village

The grand opening for McDaniel Village, a new single-family home development at

Northwest 119th Avenue and McDaniel Road, is planned for Sept. 18 and 19. A model home -- 2,134-square-feet and priced at $288,000 -- will be open for viewing, and lunch will be provided both days.

Grand opening hours are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.

Developed by Don Morissette Homes, the development will include 62 homes from

1,800 to 2,900 square feet and priced from $260, 000 to $400,000.


Clinton Street Lofts close to completion

Sales are under way at loft-style condominiums on Southeast Clinton Street near 20th

Avenue.

Developer Robert Ross, Shoehorn Group, anticipates that construction will be completed this month.

The condos, which range from 836 to 928 square feet, are priced from $219,900 to

$235,000. For more information, call Richard Chyle, Prudential Northwest Properties, at

503-887-1665.

Parade of Homes lends site to garden show

The final weekend of the Riverview Community Bank Parade of Homes packs a one-two punch.

From Sept. 17 to 19, the Building Industry Association of Clark County's annual

Remodeling and Garden Show is being held as part of the Parade of Homes at Granite

Highlands in Washougal, Wash. Admission is free with admission to the home show.

More than 100 exhibitors will be at the Remodeling and Garden Show, representing breakthrough remodeling products and services, home decor and landscaping.

Exhibits will be set up in the garages of the show homes and also in tents, with the garden portion of the event expanding into the back yards of four of the homes.

Like the show homes, the Remodeling and Garden Show features environmentally sound building products.

For more information about the show, visit www.clarkcountyparadeofhomes.com.

Green-building tour includes 20 homes

Anyone interested in green-building techniques and products can check out the third annual Build It Green! (BIG!) home tour on Sept. 18, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Part of the American Solar Energy Society's National Solar Tour, BIG! includes 20 homes throughout the Portland metropolitan area that incorporate environmentally sound construction and products.

Presented by G/Rated, Metro and the Solar Energy Association of Oregon, the tour is sponsored by Neil Kelly, The Energy Trust of Oregon, Environmental Building Supplies and PGE Earth Advantage.

Cost for the fair is $15 for adults; $10 for "car-free" people, students and seniors; and free for children under 14.

For more information, call 503-823-7725, or visit www.green-rated.org.

Three chosen to join Housing Hall of Fame

The Oregon Building Industry Association (OBIA) announced that Dale DeHarpport, H.

Pat Ritz and Pat Bridges will be inducted into the Oregon Housing Hall of Fame in a ceremony on Nov. 5.

Leaders of the OBIA choose inductees based their significant and lasting contributions to housing in Oregon, the building industry and to the OBIA.

DeHarpport is recognized as an active leader of the OBIA at the local, state and national level; Ritz has been an honorary life member of the Home Builders Association of

Metropolitan Portland (HBA) since 1999; and Bridges was instrumental in developing the International Residential Code.

For more information, call the OBIA at 503-378-9066.

Pros, Realtors, visitors select winning entries

Winners of the 2004 Northwest Natural Street of Dreams were announced Wednesday by the Home Builders Association of Metropolitan Portland (HBA).

There were three judging panels for entries in the annual show of luxury homes. The

People's Choice awards resulted from ballots cast by attendees as they toured the show.

Realtors voted for their favorites on Realtor Day, sponsored by The Oregonian.

Professional awards were determined by industry judges from outside the Portland area.

* People's Choice Awards

Best Kitchen: The Grand Retreat, KDC Construction

Best Landscaping, Best Interior Decorating, Best Home Furnishing and Best of Show:

Hidden Lake Lodge, Skreen Construction

* Professional's Choice Awards

Best Kitchen, Best Architectural Design, Best Master Suite and Best of Show: The Grand

Retreat, KDC Construction

Best Landscaping: Hidden Lake Lodge, Skreen Construction

Best Interior Decorating and Best Home Furnishing: The Cosmopolitan, Aspen Leaf

* Realtors' Choice Awards

Best Kitchen, Best Landscaping, Best Architectural Design, Best Home Furnishing, best

Master Suite and Best of Show: The Grand Retreat, KDC Construction

Best Curb Appeal: Hidden Lake Lodge, Skreen Construction

Best Interior Decorating: Lakewood Manor, Haggart Construction

The HBA also announced the award winners for the 2004 RE/MAX Street of New

Beginnings, held in June.

* Peoples' Choice Awards

Best Value and Best Landscaping: The Duckworth, Gregory Construction

Best Interior Decorating, Best Home Furnishings and Best Architectural Design: Fresco,

Crown Construction of Oregon

Best Kitchen and Best of Show: The Heron, Loranger Builders

* Realtors' Choice Awards

Best Value and Best Landscaping: The Duckworth, Gregory Construction

Best Interior Decorating and Best Architectural Design: Fresco, Crown Construction of

Oregon

Best Home Furnishings, Best Kitchen and Best of Show: The Heron, Loranger Builders

New Web site outlines residential regulations

Residential home builders have a new way to keep up with current Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) information: a Web site created by OSHA and the

National Association of Home Builders (NAHB).

The site includes OSHA standards, hazards present in residential construction, solutions available to the industry and information on electrical safety, fall protection, fire safety, hand and power tool safety, proper scaffolding and personal protective equipment.

There's also information about enforcement of rules and training.

To visit the site, go to www.osha.gov/SLTC/residential/index.html.

Renaissance begins two developments

Work is under way at two Portland sites being developed by Renaissance Homes.

Renaissance at Peterkort Woods, a townhome community near the U.S. 26 and Oregon

217 interchange, will feature homes from 1,233 to 2,710 square feet and prices expected to range from $224,900 to $499,900.

Sales on the 223 homes will begin in early 2005.

The second site, Renaissance at Eagle Landing, at the former Top-O-Scott golf course on

Mount Scott, will feature 73 homes ranging from 1,902 to 3,258 square feet, with prices expected to range from $349,000 to $449,000.

The first phase will include 12 homes with models open in early 2005.

For more information on these projects, call Lee Wells at 971-563-6358.

Phase two sales begin at Magnolia Estates

Phase two of D.R. Horton's Magnolia Estates in Hillsboro is open for sales, with two model homes available to view.

This is the second and final phase of the 179-home project at Southeast Minter Bridge

Road and Morgan Road. Seventy-one homes are sold.

Magnolia Estates features homes from 1,546 to 2,064 square feet; prices run from

$172,900 to $212,900.

For more information, call 503-648-4580 or visit www.drhorton.com.

*******************

DINING CHEAP EATS HIBACHI PARK

By Joshua Sommer





Friday, September 3, 2004

DINING CHEAP EATS HIBACHI PARK feeding frenzies with pocket change

Hibachi Park

With Labor Day weekend looming and the autumnal equinox around the corner, people who love the smell and taste of sizzling meat may begin experiencing the winter of their

discontent. That's where Hibachi Park, a Korean charcoal barbecue joint, comes to the rescue.

The chow: Prices run the gamut from cheap and tasty lunch items such as Vegetable

Udon ($4.95) to moderately priced dinner items including the BBQ Gal-Bi (beef short rib, $10.95).

Real deals: Several unique dishes will be hard to find elsewhere. Favorites: the Korean

Pancake appetizer ($3.50), BBQ Bool-Go-Gi with cabbage salad ($5.25/lunch,

$7.95/dinner) and a superb homemade Ice Cream Coffee ($3.50) served in a pint glass.

Hangout factor: White noise from the busy intersection at Southeast Powell Boulevard and 50th Avenue is masked by Korean music. The large seating area makes the place ideal for bigger groups, and the tall ceilings lend an open feeling.

Liquids: For a new treat, try chilled Soju ($9.95), which is a sort of cousin of the

Japanese sake, except it's lighter with a blend of barley, sweet potato and tapioca.

What's half-baked? The view of Powell Boulevard is dreary.

Inside tips: The charcoal grilled meats ($5.25 to $10.95) are very worthwhile. Also, try the deep-fried pot stickers ($3.50), which come with homemade kimchi and sonomono

(sliced cucumber with ginger). Hibachi Park's version of Kung Pao Chicken

($6.25/lunch, $7.95/dinner) is a delish spicy dish.

The numbers: 503-245-8646; 4908 S.E. Powell Blvd.; open 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Mondays to

Fridays, noon to 10 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.


*************

NEW HOME MONTHLY NOTEBOOK SHOW-HOME SALE YIELDS $200,000 FOR

DOERNBECHER CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL

By Joshua Sommer

STAFF WRITER\


Thursday,August 19, 2004


Thursday, August 19, 2004

NEW HOME MONTHLY NOTEBOOK SHOW-HOME SALE YIELDS $200,000 FOR

DOERNBECHER CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL

A donation of $200,000 is being made to Doernbecher Children's Hospital on behalf of the Home Builders Association of Metropolitan Portland (HBA), Blazer Development,

John L. Scott Real Estate and the Ford Foundation.

The funds come from the sale of the "Miracle House" -- a house featured at the 2004

Northwest Natural Street of Dreams, which is open until Sept. 6 in Clackamas County.

Miracle House is part of the HBA's Home Builders for Miracles program. Blazer

Development volunteered to build the home, and John L. Scott donated commissions, marketing and staffing fees back to the project.

The Ford Foundation donated matching funds.

"There's no question that the sale of the Miracle House was a top priority for everyone involved with the show. A lot of effort went into making the sale," said David Nielsen, chief executive officer of HBA.

Construction begins at multi-family house

Construction of a new multi-family home, Haven House, began Aug. 10 with a groundbreaking celebration.

At Southeast 69th Avenue and Powell Boulevard, Haven House will offer transitional housing and services to homeless teen-age mothers and their babies. The project is a partnership between Caritas Housing Initiatives (the housing development arm of

Catholic Charities of Oregon) and HomeAid Portland (a program from the Home

Builders Association of Metropolitan Portland).

Legend Homes and Renaissance Homes are leading the construction effort. For more information, call Tamar Hare, of the Home Builders Association, at 503-684-1880.

Housing center tallies year-end successes

During the 2003-2004 fiscal year, the Portland Housing Center (PHC) helped 120 minority families achieve homeownership.

The PHC credits its success to its public education programs, its media campaign, its participation in home-buying fairs and collaborations with lenders, real-estate professionals, home builders, insurance companies, government agencies and nonprofit organizations.

For more information, call 503-282-7744, or visit www.portlandhousingcenter.org.

Builder plays a role in summer concerts

Randy Sebastian, president of Renaissance Homes, donated $5,000 and is the major sponsor for Music in the Park 2004, a concert series in Woodburn.

The program is presented by the Friends of the Woodburn Public Library and features free concerts for all ages on Tuesdays through August. Concerts begin at 7 p.m.

For directions call, 503-982-5252, or visit www.ccrls.org/woodburn/mip/index.html.

Hayden Island condo launches sales effort

Sales have begun at The Waterside, an 84-unit condominium development on Hayden

Island.

Developed by Hayden Island Condos, the community includes a walking trail, a private marina for 84 boats and views of the Columbia River, Mount St. Helens and Mount

Hood.

Tenants are expected to begin moving in next year.

Units range from 1,750 to 4,500 square feet and are priced from $399,000 to $1.4 million.

For more information, call Walter Valenta, Harbor Properties, at 503-880-0181, or visit www.viewthewaterside.com.

Townhomes arrive at NorthWest Crossing

West Bend Properties Co. of Bend has begun construction on its first townhomes at

NorthWest Crossing.

Lewis & Clark Townhomes, near Northwest Lemhi Drive and Shields Drive, will feature

34 townhomes in its first phase ranging in size from 1,400 to 1,900 square feet and in price from $250,000 to $300,000. Building is expected to be completed by winter.

For more information, call NorthWest Crossing Realty at 541-388-1992, or visit www.northwestcrossing.com.

First phase of sales opens at North Rim

The Brooks Resources Corp. is developing 122 home sites at North Rim, a 200-acre development near the north side of Awbrey Butte in Bend. First-phase sales opened in

July.

Prices for the initial phase range from $285,000 to $410,000; lots are at least an acre.

Five phases will be released over the next three to four years, the company said, and

Brooks Resources Realty is handling sales. For more information, call 541-318-8002, or visit www.brooksresourcesrealty.com.

Buena Vista Homes begins new project

Buena Vista Custom Homes broke ground on a 32-lot development in Wilsonville.

The Village on Main Street will feature homes from 1,631 to 1,927 square feet, with prices ranging from $231,950 to $264,950. For more information, call Mike Wiltshire,

Prudential Northwest Properties, 503-306-9002.

Home show attracts about 15,000 visitors

A total of 15,002 visitors toured the 2004 RE/MAX Street of New Beginnings.

The show was held June 19 to July 11 at Nature's Ridge in Cornelius. As of Aug. 17, four of the nine homes in the tour had sold.

***************

DINING CHEAP EATS FEEDING FRENZIES WITH POCKET CHANGE CURRY

LEAF

By Joshua Sommer



Friday,August 6, 2004


Friday, August 6, 2004

DINING CHEAP EATS FEEDING FRENZIES WITH POCKET CHANGE CURRY

LEAF cheap eats feeding frenzies with pocket change

By JOSHUA SOMMER

Curry Leaf

Featuring some of the best Indo-Chinese food I've had in Portland, this place offers specialty Indian dishes from several regions for the cash-conscious diner.

The chow: A quick scan of the menu reveals these tasty temptations: Chicken Pepper Fry

($6); Nilgiris Kurma, fresh vegetables in cashew and coconut sauce ($9); and Karaikudi

Chicken, roasted in some tasty and seldom-used spices from the southern Indian state of

Tamilnadu ($9).

Real deals: Prices range from around $3 for starters to $12.50 at the most for entrees.

Curry Leaf caters to both vegetarians and meat lovers. With two appetizers, an entree to share and beverages, a couple can easily make it out of Curry Leaf for less than $30 -- doggy bag included.

Hangout factor: Once you get past the strip-mall aura, you'll find the staff and the restaurant to be bright and inviting.

Liquids: If you haven't already, try the Indian import Kingfisher Lager ($3.50), a crisp, light beer.

What's half-baked? It's a ways from Portland proper, but if you find yourself on U.S. 26 near the Northwest Bethany Boulevard exit, you really should take a slight detour and check out Curry Leaf.

Inside tips: East meets West with Spicy Wings ($6), with a sauce that's a complex mix of

Indian spices -- you'll want to use whatever garlic naan ($1.75) you have handy to mop up the plate. Also, in perhaps one of the best Indo-Chinese-influenced dishes, the Veggie

Fried Noodles ($8) really show off the restaurant's ability to fuse two regional cuisines.

The numbers: 503-645-6113; 15325 N.W. Central Drive; open daily 11:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m., closed Mondays; www.curryleafpdx.com.


***********

NEW HOME MONTHLY NOTEBOOK STUDENTS WIN GRANTS FROM HOME

BUILDERS FOUNDATION

By Joshua Sommer

STAFF WRITER\





NEW HOME MONTHLY NOTEBOOK STUDENTS WIN GRANTS FROM HOME

BUILDERS FOUNDATION

Three Portland-area community-college students won $1,800 to be applied toward their studies in residential remodeling and building.

The recipients are Julie Starr, who is studying remodeling at Mt. Hood Community

College (MHCC); Amir Lukmanji, who is studying new-home construction at Portland

Community College (PCC); and Gary Higginbotham, who is studying new-home construction at MHCC.

Presented by the Home Builders Foundation of Metropolitan Portland, the awards will be given to the recipients on Aug. 13 during ceremonies at the 2004 NW Natural Street of

Dreams.

To qualify, applicants must be enrolled in a full-time course of study at PCC, MHCC,

Clackamas Community College or the Associated General Contractors Apprenticeship

Program and maintain a grade point average of 3.0 or higher.

For more information, call Tamar Hare, 503-684-1800.

HBA members make donation to food bank

Members of the Home Builders Association of Metropolitan Portland and participants in the 2004 RE/MAX Street of New Beginnings collected 1,474 pounds of food for the

Oregon Food Bank at the show's Industry Open Night in June.

The donation is roughly enough to provide 20 families with food for seven days.

The Industry Open Night is a sneak preview of the homes for builders, trade contractors and suppliers involved in the show. The event concluded July 11.

Tigard townhomes open model to visitors

Autumn Park Townhomes, a new community in Tigard from Derek L. Brown &

Associates, has opened a model home for visitors to tour.

One block from Summerlake Park, Autumn Park Townhomes range in size from 1,568 to

1,668 square feet with base prices beginning at $169,900.

For more information, call 503-521-1035, or visit www.autumnparktownhomes.com.

Phase-six lots released for sale at Persimmon

A new phase of 27 home sites in the Persimmon Country Club community in Gresham was released for sale in mid-July.

Lots average 20,000 square feet and are priced from $79,000 to $220,000. Owners can choose from a list of preferred builders or have one approved by Persimmon

Development, developers of the site.

Off of Southeast Butler Road and 242nd Avenue, the community is bordered by the

Persimmon Country Club and golf course.

For more information, call Sue Piazza at 503-674-2556, or visit www.buypersimmonhomes.com.

Arbor Roses opens sales in phase two

Arbor Custom Homes announced the opening of phase two of its Arbor Roses community next to Hillsboro's Shute Park on the Tualatin Valley Highway.

The 113-home second phase will feature homes from 1,601 to 1,921 square feet at prices ranging from $192,900 $219,900.

Phase two borders the Jackson Bottom Wetlands Preserve.

For more information, call Natalie Peloquin at 503-648-2277.

The second phase of Arbor Custom Homes' Arbor Station has opened for sales.

The release includes 148 homes from 1,400 to 2,000 square feet. Prices range from

$152,900 to $236,450.

Arbor Station is on Southwest 170th Avenue near Merlo Road in Washington County.

For more information, call Tara Jacobi, 503-591-7175.

New Beaverton site features 13 homes

Ground has been broken for a 13-lot subdivision, near Southwest Barrows Road,

Beaverton.

Bailey Woods, a project by Buena Vista Custom Homes, will feature homes sized from

2,342 to 3,212 square feet and prices ranging from $309,950 to $364,950.

For more information, call Mike Wiltshire, Prudential Northwest Properties, 503-306-

9002.

Stonewater at Orenco opens second phase

Eighteen of the 94 home sites in the second phase at Stonewater at Orenco in Hillsboro have been released for sale.

The houses, by Legend Homes, will range from 1,155 to 1,728 square feet and will be priced from $174,900.

The sales office is at 7196 N.W. Stonewater St. For more information, call 503-648-0233 or visit www.legendhomes.com.

Hilltop condo sales pass halfway mark

Seventy of 108 units were reserved in June at the Hilltop Condominiums at Uptown.

The units, built by MK Development, range from 643 to 1,129 square feet and are priced from $169,900 to $315,000.

At 335 N.W. Uptown Terrace, just west of West Burnside Street and Northwest 23rd

Avenue, the condominiums are open for viewing from noon to 6 p.m. daily. For more information, call 503-274-4200.

Don Morissette builds three homes for tour

Don Morissette Homes will have three homes in the Central Oregon Builders Association

(COBA) Tour of Homes this year.

Two of the homes are planned for Skyliner Summit near Bend: a 3,585-square-foot home priced at $489,900 and a 3,460-square-foot home priced at $349,900. The third home is to be at Desert Skies, also near Bend; it is 3,220 square feet and is priced at $289,900.

The COBA Tour of Homes, a free show that includes homes in Bend, Redmond, LaPine,

Sisters and other locations, runs July 23 to 25. For information, visit www.coba.org.

For more information about Don Morissette Homes, call 503-387-7555.

Forty-four units sold at Pinnacle Condos

The Pinnacle Condominiums, a 176-unit building in the Pearl District, has recorded 44 sales, including all three penthouses.

The Pinnacle features units from 600 to 2,500 square feet and priced from about

$200,000 to more than $1 million. The majority of the sold units are in the $200,000 to

$300,000 price range and include studios, lofts and one-bedrooms.

For more information, call 503-227-2000, or visit www.liveinthepearl.com.

******************

CHEAP EATS ISLAND CAFE

By Joshua Sommer

The Oregonian<


Friday,July 2, 2004



CHEAP EATS ISLAND CAFE cheap eats feeding frenzies with pocket change

By JOSHUA SOMMER

Island Cafe

One of two floating restaurants in Portland (there's a Newport Bay near downtown), the

Island Cafe on Hayden Island in North Portland is a fun spot for anyone who loves openair restaurants, water and sleek boats.

The chow: The menu features lots of great burgers ($6.75-$7.25), a pulled-pork sandwich

($7), oyster baskets ($8.75) and an array of appetizers including kung-pao rolls ($3.50).

Real deals: The shrimp salad (heavy on the shrimp, please, $8.75) is enough for two. A personal favorite, the Hawaiian burger ($7.25) comes complete with ham and pineapple and is a gorgeous burger; watch your knuckles as you are likely to eat this burger with a blind fury.

Hangout factor: This place is all about a relaxed, soothing view, watching luxury yachts and sailboats rocking in their slips. Pair this with good food, beer and service, and the only thing you might have to worry about is being rocked to sleep.

Liquids: Pitchers of beer range from $10 to $13.50. But the real winner here is the Island

Cafe Punch ($6). I am not at liberty to divulge the secret ingredients of the punch, but if you drop by, you have to try it. All blended drinks are $6.

What's half-baked? The place is almost too hidden. If you didn't know precisely where it was, you could drive past it for years. Also, if you get motion sickness, you'll need to pack some Dramamine.

Inside tips: Onion-ring fans unite! Onion petals ($2.50), an appetizer, are closely related to their ring-shaped cousins, but these stay crisp and tasty through the deep-frying process.

The numbers: 250 N.E. Tomahawk Island Drive; 503-283-0362.


***************

NOTEBOOK: GRANTS, LOANS OFFERED TO RURAL PROPERTY OWNERS

By Joshua Sommer

STAFF WRITER\


Thursday,June 17, 2004


Thursday, June 17, 2004

NOTEBOOK: GRANTS, LOANS OFFERED TO RURAL PROPERTY OWNERS

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is offering $940,000 for repair loans and grants to qualified homeowners in rural Oregon.

The program aims to help very-low-income homeowners improve their living standards by providing money for repairing roofs, installing storm windows, insulating homes and electrical, heating/cooling and plumbing improvements.

Loans can be made for up to $20,000 for 20-year periods at 1-percent interest. To qualify, a household's income must be no more than 50 percent of the county's median income.

There is no cost to apply; applications are due by Sept. 30.

For more information, call 1-866-923-5626 or visit www.rurdev.usda.gov/or/504.htm.

Oaks at Springbrook heads into third phase

The third phase of D.R. Horton's Oaks at Springbrook, off Oregon 99W in Newberg, is open for sales.

Homes in the third-phase release range from 1,500 to 1,772 square feet and are priced from $179,900 to $194,900.

For more information, call Brett Grantham or Jack Hall at 503-538-6038, or visit www.drhorton.com.

Annual home show arrives a month early

The 29th annual Home Improvement & Remodeling Show will be held a month earlier than usual this year.

Presented by the Oregon Remodelers Association, the show traditionally is held at the

Oregon Convention Center in October. This year, show dates are Sept. 23 to 26.

"Holding the show in September allows contractors to start and finish more projects before the holidays begin," said Diana Montgomery, marketing manager, M&M

Productions.

Show times are Thursday, 2 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; and

Sunday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

About 350 local and national home-improvement companies and vendors are expected to participate in the show. For more information, visit www.remodelshow.com.

Phase two blooms at Sellwood complex

Sales in phase two of The Gardens on 15th Avenue, a townhome development by

Bridgewood Homes, are under way at Southeast 15th Avenue and Umatilla Street.

Ranging in size from 1,170 to 2,270 square feet, the townhomes are priced from

$200,000 to $300,000.

For more information, call 503-239-7900 or visit www.bridgewoodhomes.com.

Sales effort under way at McDaniel Village

Sales are open for McDaniel Village, a new single-family home development at

Northwest 119th Avenue and McDaniel Road.

A model is slated to open in late July.

The site, developed by Don Morissette Homes, features houses from 1,800 to 2,900 square feet and priced from $260, 000 to $400,000.


Grand opening at Gateway Arbors

An open house to celebrate the completion of Gateway Arbors Condominiums is set for

Thursday, June 17, from 3 to 7 p.m.

Developed by Gordon Jones of Milwaukie, the 48-unit project at 737 N.E. 99th Ave. is part of the Portland Development Commission's Opportunity Gateway Concept Plan and

Redevelopment Strategy.

Approximately 24 of the condos, which range from 525 to 800 square feet, are still available. The homes are priced from $81, 950 to $132, 950.


Buena Vista opens Chailand Heights sales

Chailand Heights, a 17-lot development by Buena Vista Custom Homes on Southwest

Rigert Road, Beaverton, opened sales in mid-June.

The site will feature homes ranging in size from 2,000 to 3,200 square feet and priced from $250,000 to $339,950.


Also, Buena Vista Custom Homes has added marketing manager Liz Holland.

****************

SUPPORTING THE SHOOTOUT MAKES SENSE TO SPONSORS

By Joshua Sommer

Staff writer<


Tuesday,June 1, 2004

Edition: SUNRISE, Section: NEIL LOMAX QUARTERBACK SHOOTOUT, Page 05

Tuesday, June 1, 2004

SUPPORTING THE SHOOTOUT MAKES SENSE TO SPONSORS

Anyone with a fondness for sports heroes, ice cream and golf has something to look forward to at the 2004 Neil Lomax Quarterback Shootout.

Participants and spectators are in for a full menu of these treats as the Shootout enters its

14th year.

(LIBRARY NOTE: To view complete text see the bound volume or Oregonian microfilm.)<

****************

NEW HOME MONTHLY NOTEBOOK: DON MORISSETTE HOMES MARKS 30TH

ANNIVERSARY

By Joshua Sommer

STAFF WRITER\


Thursday,May 20, 2004


Thursday, May 20, 2004

NEW HOME MONTHLY NOTEBOOK: DON MORISSETTE HOMES MARKS 30TH

ANNIVERSARY

Don Morissette Homes is celebrating 30 years in business in 2004, and the company is showing no signs of slowing down.

At work on communities in Portland, Tigard, Sherwood and Central Oregon, the company has opened sales at two new sites: Bella Terra in the Bethany area of Northwest

Portland, with 19 lots; and Quail Meadows in Sherwood, which offers homes from 1,665 to 3,650 square feet. Prices run from $290,000 to $400,000.

Also, Don Morissette Homes is taking reservations in phase three at Bannister Creek

Park, off Northwest Saltzman and Laidlaw roads. The new phase will feature homes ranging from 1,665 to 3,650 square feet and priced from $300,000 to $400,000.

Builder Don Morissette founded the company in 1974. Since then, it has built more than

3,000 homes in the Portland area and Central Oregon.

For more information on Don Morissette Homes, call 503-387-7538, or visit www.dmhomes.net on the Web.

Buena Vista opens sales at two locations

Buena Vista Custom Homes opened home sales at Firwood Crest, its new neighborhood in Hillsboro.

Firwood Crest features nine homes ranging from 2,078 to 2,116 square feet and priced from $219,950 to $229,950.

Also, Buena Vista opened a sales model at Falcon Crest in Beaverton. Falcon Crest features 19 homes from 2,412 to 3,581 square feet and priced from $340,000 to

$400,000. The model is open noon to 6 p.m., Fridays through Sundays, until all homes are sold.

For more information, call Mike Wiltshire, Prudential Northwest Properties, at 503-306-

9002.

Hoyt opens Pinnacle in the Pearl for sales

Hoyt Street Properties opened sales of 176 residential units at The Pinnacle, the company's latest site in Portland's Pearl District, at Northwest Overton Street and 10th

Avenue.

The Pinnacle features condominiums from 600 to 2,500 square feet and priced from about $200,000 to more than $1 million. The building has 14 floors, with retail space on the ground level.

For more information, call 503-227-2000, or visit www.liveinthepearl.com.

Second-phase homes for sale at Castle Oaks

Timberland Homes, one of the builders at Castle Oaks in Tigard -- site of the 2003

RE/MAX Street of New Beginnings -- has three homes available in phase two at the site.

The homes range in size from 2,225 to 2,500 square feet and are priced from $334,900 to

$339,900.

Overall, there are 14 lots available from Timberland Homes at Castle Oaks.

For more information, call Nancy Gregg, Gregg Real Estate, at 503-720-6117.

The Avenue readies one unit for viewing

A furnished model at The Avenue Lofts in the Pearl District is now open, and three more will be available for viewing later this year.

More than 60 percent of the 170 lofts have been sold. First-floor occupants will begin moving in on Aug. 19. Subsequent floors will opened to owners about a week at a time until the end of September.

The sales office is at 1001 N.W. 14th Ave. For more information, call Judi Bost, Pearl

Real Estate, at 503-223-2255, or visit www.theavenuelofts.com.

Initial phase done at Tukwila project

Dijahnelos Homes completed the first phase of Goose Hollow at Tukwila, a new development in Woodburn.

The site features homes sizes from 1,800 to 3,000 square feet and priced from $260,000 to $500,000.

Goose Hollow includes a swimming pool for residents and lots are available both on and off the neighboring golf course -- the OGA members course at Tukwila.

For more information, call 503-981-0621 or visit www.dijahnelos.com.

Construction complete at Hawthorne condos

Gray Purcell Inc. recently finished construction of Hawthorne Condominiums, a

Southeast Portland project featuring luxury townhomes above retail space.

The building features six two-story townhomes from 1,046 to 1,404 square feet. They are priced from $245,000 to $310,000.

For more information, call Ron Garcia of the Realty NetWork at 503-248-4663, or visit www.hawthornecondos.com.

D.R. Horton launches sales in Happy Valley

Sales are under way at Kensington Bluff, a new neighborhood by D.R. Horton in Happy

Valley.

A sales model is scheduled to open in June. The 107 homes at Kensington Bluff will range from 2,586 to 4,387 square feet and be priced from $329,000 to $481,900.

For more information, call Steve Rosling of D.R. Horton Realtors at 503-810-7691, or visit www.drhorton.com.

****************

RENTAL ROUNDUP: ORGANIC EXPO MAKES CASE FOR CREATING

NATURAL SPACE

By Joshua Sommer

The Oregonian<


Sunday,May 16, 2004


Sunday, May 16, 2004

RENTAL ROUNDUP: ORGANIC EXPO MAKES CASE FOR CREATING

NATURAL SPACE

Renters in search of environmentally sound decorating ideas may find what they're looking for at the second annual Natural Style Home & Garden Expo.

Featuring natural and organic products and services for homes and gardens, the expo is

May 15 and 16, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, at the

DoubleTree Lloyd Center Convention Hall.

Booths include products for bed, bath and kitchen, fair-trade imports and furnishings, recycled paints and sustainable home decor and furnishings.

The expo is sponsored by the City of Portland Office of Sustainable Development/Green

Building Division, Energy Trust of Oregon, Oregon Bamboo Flooring, Harrity Tree

Specialists, Wild Oats, Lavish Flora and Specialty Analytical.

A suggested $2 entry donation benefits the Multnomah Education Service District

Outdoor School.

For more information, visit www.redirectguide.com/naturalstyle.

Rental applications under way at The Lexis

Hoyt Street Properties' apartment community, The Lexis, started offering leases at the beginning of May to prospective tenants.

The building, at Northwest Ninth Avenue and Marshall Street, features apartments ranging from 547 to 1,360 square feet.


-- Joshua Sommer

*****************

PORCELLI GROCERY AND DELICATESSEN



Friday,May 7, 2004


Friday, May 7, 2004

PORCELLI GROCERY AND DELICATESSEN

A market since 1958, Porcelli offers a lunch and dinner menu that ranges from smoked barbecued ribs ($6.50/lunch) to fresh pizza by the slice, paninis ($5.50) and bento ($4).

None of the lunch items exceeds $6.50.

The chow: Half a chicken with coleslaw and beans ($6.50) is enough for two people, or for one with leftovers. Pizza slices ($1.99-$2.75) are a delicious way to spend your last few bucks, and the fresh pasta specials ($6.50) that change weekly are a sure bet.

Real deals: They recently imported a pasta machine from Italy and now offer fresh pasta

($2.99 a pound) to go, plus sauce to your specifications.

Hangout factor: A small-town Italian vibe. It's easy to get comfortable seating inside or outdoors, then sip on wine and enjoy samples of the next food or drink item that the owners are introducing.

Liquids: With the draw of good prices, Porcelli is elbowing in on the upscale beer and wine market controlled by the fancy supermarket down the street. They also have a coffee bean roaster and several bags of green espresso beans from which to choose.

What's half-baked? The store is slowly evolving into a charming wine and deli joint, while trying to keep the quaint personality of a neighborhood market.

During the transition it may be hard to find a seat if the place gets packed.

The numbers: 6500 S.W. Virginia Ave.; 503-246-4814.


****************

HOME AND GARDEN EXPO HELPS FUND OUTDOOR SCHOOL

JOSHUA SOMMER


Sunday,April 18, 2004


Sunday, April 18, 2004

HOME AND GARDEN EXPO HELPS FUND OUTDOOR SCHOOL

Donations from the Natural Style Home and Garden Expo are earmarked for the

Multnomah Education Service District Outdoor School Program, an environmental education program for sixth graders in Multnomah County.

Hosted by the ReDirect Guide, a directory of businesses in the Portland Metro area that offer green products and services, the expo is set for May 15 and 16 at the Lloyd Center

Double Tree Hotel, 1000 N.E. Multnomah St. Admission is a suggested $2 donation, and the event opens at 10 a.m. both days.

The event will feature informational displays, vendor booths and free workshops on green remodeling, solar and renewable energy, organic gardening, native landscaping and eco-friendly home furnishing.

Sponsors include the City of Portland/Office of Sustainable Development, Energy Trust of Oregon, Harrity Tree Specialists and Oregon Bamboo Flooring.

For more information, call Dana Zipser at 503-231-4848, or visit www.ReDirectGuide.com.

-- Joshua Sommer

**************

TELEVISED FORUM WELCOMES COMMENTS FROM VIEWERS

JOSHUA SOMMER


Sunday,April 18, 2004


Sunday, April 18, 2004

TELEVISED FORUM WELCOMES COMMENTS FROM VIEWERS

A televised forum addressing housing discrimination in the Portland metro area is set for

April 21, at 7 p.m., on Comcast cable channel 11.

Hosted by the Fair Housing Council of Oregon, the forum will cover illegal forms of discrimination reported in the area, the rights of disabled renters and home buyers and what home buyers and homeowners should know about discrimination and predatory lending practices. Viewers will be able to call in with comments.

Speakers include Michael Allen of the Judge David L. Bazelon Center for Mental Health

Law in Washington, D.C.; Betty Dominquez, Oregon Housing and Community Services; and Diane Hess, Fair Housing Council of Oregon.

The event's co-sponsors include the the City of Portland Bureau of Housing and

Community Development and The Oregonian. For more information, call 503-412-6000.

-- Joshua Sommer

**************

NEW HOME MONTHLY NOTEBOOK -- MIXED-USE LOFTS UNDER WAY IN

SOUTHEAST

By Joshua Sommer

STAFF WRITER\





NEW HOME MONTHLY NOTEBOOK -- MIXED-USE LOFTS UNDER WAY IN

SOUTHEAST

A four-story loft project is under construction at Southeast 35th Avenue and Belmont

Street.

Grey Purcell Inc., general contractor, broke ground for the project in March for developer

Randy M. Rapaport of Gabbert/Morton/Oishi/Rapaport.

The $4-million structure will feature 27 loft condos on the upper three levels, ranging from 862 to 1,210 square feet and priced from $190,000 to $290,000. The ground level will be retail space.

For more information, call Jebra Turner at 503-228-9276.

Loan program raises income, price limits

Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) has increased purchase-price and household-income limits for its Residential Loan Program as of February.

New annual income limits differ per county: The limit in Benton County increased by

$1,600 to $67,400 per household; limits in Columbia, Clackamas, Multnomah, Yamhill and Washington counties increased by $2,100 to $67,900; and limits in all other counties increased by $2,300 to $58,600.

The new income limit for Portland area residents is $67,900.

Home purchase-price limits now range from $189,682 to $281,875.

The expanded limits are a result of new purchase-price limits published by the Internal

Revenue Service (IRS). The IRS last published new limits for the program in 1994.

Also known as the Oregon Bond Loan Program, the state-sponsored home-loan program currently offers an interest rate of 4.5 percent for a 30-year fixed-rate loan.

To qualify, home prices must fall below the program's purchase price limits, and households cannot earn more than the income limits.

In most counties, home buyers may not have owned and occupied a home for three years prior to closing the program loan. This requirement is waived in Baker, Clatsop, Coos,

Crook, Harney, Jefferson, Josephine, Klamath, Lake, Malheur, Union, Wallowa and

Wheeler counties.

"More homes and households than ever before qualify for our program's record low rate, putting homeownership within reach for more low- and moderate-income households," said Bob Repine, OHCS director.

For more information, call 877-788-2663, or visit www.oregonbond.us on the Web.

Buena Vista begins new Beaverton project

A new Beaverton project, Chai- land Heights, featuring 18 homes ranging in size from 2,000 to 3,200 square feet, broke ground in March.

Homes at Chailand Heights, off Southwest 185th Avenue and Rigert Road in Washington

County, will be built by Buena Vista Custom Homes and will be priced from $250,000 to

$325,000.

For more information, call Mike Wiltshire, Prudential Northwest Properties, 503-306-

9002.

Home sales stay brisk in metropolitan area

Area new home projects are experiencing steady sales.

In less than a month, 40 homes have sold in D.R. Horton's 112-home project at Heron

Ridge on Southwest Roy Rogers Road in Sherwood.

Also, since sales began in October 2003, more than half of the 170 lofts at the Avenue

Lofts, at Northwest Irving Street and 14th Avenue, have sold.

For more information about Heron Ridge, call 503-625-0481. For information about

Avenue Lofts, call Judi Bost, 503-223-2255.

Boy Scouts earn more than badge for efforts

The Remodelors Council of the Home Builders Association of Metropolitan Portland has donated a 6-by-12-foot tandem-axle trailer to Boy Scout Troop 728.

Troop members volunteered as greeters at the 14 locations on the council's recent Tour of

Remodeled Homes.

Troop 728 will use the trailer to haul equipment to activities and events.

New program helps families buy homes

A qualifying family in Bend recently purchased a 1,388-square-foot home at cost from the Central Oregon Trust for Affordable Housing (COTAH), a group that assists families with homeownership by separating the ownership of the home from ownership of the land.

The land under the home is placed in trust and leased to the homeowner.

The home, built in the NorthWest Crossing project by volunteer contractors with donated materials, was finished in early March. It was COTAH's first land-trust house.

The program will make more homes available over the next five years and welcomes new participants. For more information, call 541-504-1389.

Change of dates for 2004 Parade of Homes

The Building Industry Association of Southwest Washington (BIASW) announced a change of dates for the 2004 Parade of Homes. Originally scheduled to run in August, the show is now set for Sept. 3 to 19, at Granite Highlands in Washougal, Wash.

Sales effort begins at new Arbor project

Arbor Station, a project on Southwest 170th Avenue near Merlo Road in Washington

County, opened its sales effort in March.

The project, by Arbor Custom Homes, features 291 houses from 1,410 to 2,000 square feet and priced from $149,900 to $161,900. A clubhouse with a swimming pool, hot tub, exercise facility and gathering room is planned.

For more information, call Patti Santrizos at 503-730-4339.

The second phase of sales at Arbor Creek, an Arbor Custom Homes project on Northwest

Evergreen Street and Thompson Road, opened in March, three months ahead of schedule, with 34 lots.

The new phase features 2,650- to 3,550-square-foot homes priced from $350,000 to

$450,000.


D.R. Horton project starts first sales phase

Morgan Meadows, D.R. Horton's largest residential project in the Portland metropolitan area, has opened its first sales phase.

When finished, the development will include 257 homes on 29 acres across from

Reynolds High School on Northeast 257th Avenue in Troutdale. Thirty home sites have already been sold.

Home designs range from 1,500 to 2,500 square feet and are priced from $166,900 to

$242,900.

Two models -- a 2,335-square-foot home priced at $231,900 and a 2,135-square-foot home priced at $218,900 -- are open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday through Tuesday, and noon to 5 p.m. on Wednesday. For more information, call 503-674-2631.

Old-home aficionados invited to workshops

The Bosco-Milligan Foundation is hosting a two-part series for buyers interested in older homes.

Part one, "So, You Want to Buy an Old House," is set for April 17, 9 to 11:30 a.m., at the

Multnomah County Building, 501 S.E. Hawthorne Blvd. Topics include resources, research, inspections, financing, insurance and the updating of vintage homes.

Speakers include Dave Skilton, Oregon State Historic Preservation Office; Timm

McBride, Realty Trust Group; Herman Venable, Double Check Inspections; Don Lovell,

Flagstar Bank; Shannon Detroit, Chubb Insurance; and Cielo Lutino, City of Portland

Bureau of Planning.

The cost for part one is $14 to $17. To register, call 503-231-7264.

Part two, "So, You Went Ahead and Bought an Old House," is set for May 13.

******************

STATE CHANGES LOAN PROGRAM'S LIMITS

Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) has increased purchase-price and household-income limits for its Residential Loan Program as of February.

New annual income limits differ per county: The limit in Benton County increased by

$1,600 to $67,400 per household; limits in Columbia, Clackamas, Multnomah, Yamhill and Washington counties increased by $2,100 to $97,900; and limits in all other counties increased by $2,300 to $58,600.

Home puurchase-price limits now range from $189,682 to $281,875.

The expanded limits are a result of new purchase-price limits published by the Internal

Revenue Service (IRS). The IRS last published new limits for the program in 1994.

Also known as the Oregon Bond Loan Program, the state-sponsored home-loan program currently offers an interest rate of 4.5 percent for a 30-year fixed-rate loan.

To qualify, home prices must fall below the program's purchase price limits, and households cannot earn more than the income limits.

In most counties, home buyers may not have owned and occupied a home for three years prior to closing the program loan. This requirement is waived in Baker, Clatsop, Coos,

Crook, Harney, Jefferson, Josephine, Klamath, Lake, Malheur, Union, Wallowa and

Wheeler counties.

"More homes and households than ever before qualify for our program's record low rate, putting homeownership within reach for more low- and moderate-income households," said Bob Repine, OHCS director.

For more information, call 877-788-2663, or visit www.oregonbond.us on the Web.

-- Joshua Sommer

******************

CHEAP EATS FEEDING FRENZIES WITH POCKET CHANGE






CHEAP EATS FEEDING FRENZIES WITH POCKET CHANGE

Bai Tong Thai Cuisine

Free is good. The free Tom Kha (coconut-curry-cilantro-lemon) soup with vegetables that precedes lunch at Bai Tong is worth the cost of the rest of your meal.

The chow: Lunch specials that include Chicken Teriyaki Rice ($6.50) and Teriyaki Pad

Thai ($7.50) are your standard Thai fare. And most of the appetizers ($3.95 to $4.95) are tasty, including Thai Spring Rolls ($3.95).

Real deals: Stick around for dessert (or save time by starting off with it) and try the fabulous Purple Rain ice cream ($3). Did I mention the free soup?

Hangout factor: The collection of bamboo, tables and suits indicates this is primarily a power lunch destination.

Liquids: Microbrews ($3), bottled beer ($2.50-$3) and scrumptious Thai ($1) and jasmine

($1.50) teas are a few of the beverages to lube your palate.

What's half-baked? This is the best Thai food on Macadam. However, this is the only

Thai food on Macadam. If you have time, there are better Thai restaurants near downtown.

Inside tips: Try the curries ($6.50-$8.50), these are the landmark dishes here.

The numbers: 503-452-4396; 6141 S.W. Macadam Ave., #106.


*****************

NOTEBOOK: HOME BUILDERS OFFER STUDENTS SNEAK PEEKS AT TWO

HOME SHOWS

By Joshua Sommer

STAFF WRITER\





NOTEBOOK: HOME BUILDERS OFFER STUDENTS SNEAK PEEKS AT TWO

HOME SHOWS

The Home Builders Association of Metropolitan Portland (HBA) will preview two of its luxury home shows for students planning careers in building during Student Tour Days.

The tours will take place at the 2004 Northwest Natural Street of Dreams on South

Redland Road in Clackamas County, and the 2004 RE/MAX Street of New Beginnings on Northeast 29th Avenue in Cornelius. They'll be conducted the second Friday of each month, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., from now until the opening of each show.

The Street of New Beginnings is set for June 19 to July 11, and the Street of Dreams is scheduled to run Aug. 7 to Sept. 6.

The HBA will provide one of the show's builders or a developer to help with each tour.

To make reservations, local schools and other student groups should call Teresa

Fitzgibbon at 503-684-1880.

Douglas Meadows garners green award

Douglas Meadows, an eight-unit townhome project near Southeast 127th Avenue and

Division Street, was recognized with the National Association of Home Builders'

(NAHB) 2004 Green Project of the Year award in the multi-family category for using durable, sustainable materials.

Project builders Seabold Construction of Beaverton received the award at the NAHB's

2004 National Green Building Conference on March 15, in Austin, Texas.

The project was developed by Human Solutions and Sustainable Communities

Northwest.

Nonprofit program seeks qualified buyers

As part of its mutual self-help housing program, Yamhill County Development Corp., a nonprofit group, is building homes in Amity for 10 low-income families.

It plans to begin another dozen homes in March.

Income-qualified participants in the program build their own homes with no money down, no mortgage payments until completion of the home and payments based on individual incomes.

The program has openings for participants. For more information, call Terry Larrabee,

503-434-5265.

Arbor Reserve open for sales in Beaverton

Sales have begun at Arbor Reserve, a mix of two- and three-story townhomes and singlefamily homes.

The 290-home project by Arbor Custom Homes is at Northwest Bronson Road and 167th

Avenue in Beaverton. It features homes ranging from 1,600 to 1,912 square feet and priced from $159,900 to $199,900.

A single-family model home is open; two more are slated to open in May. For more information, call 503-531-8411.

Goodrich appointed to residential board

Mike Goodrich, vice president and general manager of Legend Homes Corvallis

Communities, was appointed to the State Residential Structures Board.

The board -- formed Jan.1 -- assists the Oregon State Department of Consumer and

Business Services' Building Codes Division in administering structural guidelines for one- and two-family dwellings.

National association honors Legend Homes

NAHB presented two Best in American Living Awards (BALA) -- a platinum and a regional -- to Legend Homes for its Stonewater at Orenco project in Hillsboro. The awards recognized the project's new-urban approach and innovative design.

The BALA presentation was Jan. 18 at the NAHB convention in Las Vegas.

Change of dates for 2004 Parade of Homes

The Building Industry Association of Southwest Washington (BIASW) announced a change of dates for the 2004 Parade of Homes. Originally scheduled to run in July, the show is now set for Aug. 6 to 22 at Granite Highlands in Washougal, Wash.

A revised builder list includes Clark & Son Homes, Fantasy Homes by Vladimir,

Fieldstone Construction, Kimball Custom Homes, Philip Custom Homes, Quail Homes,

M.J. Olson Enterprise, Pac Rim Homes, A&M Homes, Elegant Living Concepts, Larry

Boitano Builders and Lynwood Homes.

Buena Vista begins building new projects

Buena Vista Custom Homes broke ground on its Firwood Crest project in Hillsboro. The project features nine homes ranging from 2,078 to 2,116 square feet and priced from

$219,950 to $229,950.

The company also began a new 19-lot project on the corner of Southwest Miller Hill and

Gassner roads, near Cooper Mountain in Washington County. Plans call for homes from

2,400 to 3,500 square feet, costing $340,000 to $400,000.

For more information, call Mike Wiltshire, Prudential Northwest Properties, at 503-306-

9002.

Also, Buena Vista Custom Homes added Stacey Clark as an estimator.

The Embassy starts condominium sales

The historic Embassy building at Northwest 20th Avenue and Flanders Street has been converted into 69 studio and one-bedroom condominiums that went on sale early this month.

Ranging from 407 to 879 square feet and priced from $95,785 to $265,458, the condos were developed by Robert Ball, developer of Marshall-Wells Lofts and The Avenue

Lofts.

Built in 1923, The Embassy is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and its living spaces feature hardwood floors and walk-in closets. Some units have pivoting walls that house wall beds.

For more information, call Judi Bost, Pearl Real Estate, 503-223-2255.

******************

PRODUCT PROFILE: INNOVATIVE FEATURES, NEW DESIGNS HELP

HOMEOWNERS PLAY IT SAFE

By Joshua Sommer

STAFF WRITER\





PRODUCT PROFILE: INNOVATIVE FEATURES, NEW DESIGNS HELP

HOMEOWNERS PLAY IT SAFE

Expensive technology, valuables and items that may be dangerous to children -- these things have increased the demand for safes and vaults in new homes.

Lucky for new-home buyers, modern design innovations have integrated safes rather seamlessly into homes -- gone are the giant eyesores of past generations.

Two local companies specializing in sales and installation of in-home safes -- National

Security Safes and Allied Safe & Vault -- offer a range of sizes (2 to 50 cubic feet) and prices ($100 for security boxes to $4,300).

Additionally, many of their products come with ingenious features that fit today's residential needs, including data safes designed to withstand high temperatures to protect computer storage media.

"The data safes and inserts are great for anyone who needs to protect anything related to computer storage, film negatives and VHS tapes," said Darin Niemeyer of National

Security Safes.

For safe-owners who have only a few items that need an enhanced fire rating, there are boxes called data inserts that fit into existing units.

Safe sales increase in winter because of hunting season and concerns about gun safety, according to Niemeyer.

But safes aren't just for gun owners. These days, people are locking up paperwork, life insurance information, personal checks, wedding albums, birth certificates and other valuable or irreplaceable items.

At Allied and National, sales spiked in 1999 just prior to Y2K in part due to worries that something catastrophic might happen to the technology industry, said both Rob Eaton,

Allied Safes, and Niemeyer. And sales have remained solid since then, with buyers ranging from young people purchasing their first homes to retired couples who want to secure belongings on their boats.

Think there's no room in your home for a safe? There are a surprising number of places where they can be installed.

"You name it, I've seen people get really creative with where they put safes. Ceilings, floors, walls, in the backs of fire places, behind shower walls . . . pretty much everywhere," said Eaton.

"We've installed safes from the foundation to the attic and everywhere in-between," said

Niemeyer.

Not airtight, safes are meant to be vented. Anyone installing a safe in a garage, basement or crawlspace should consider a safe-dehumidifier -- priced from $25 to $40 -- to keep out moisture.

Safes and their contents are insurable against damage from, say, fire or water, through homeowners insurance or separate policies offered by most insurance companies.

But what about theft or vandalism? Both Allied and National offer privacy guarantees to buyers.

Allied requires all its employees to go through background checks, and the company keeps no record of lock combinations.

For new home builders such as Steve Joy, Joy Construction, safes complete home offices.

Joy included safes in most of the homes in Joy Village in Woodburn; seven homes are still available. "I started including them to finish off the offices. They look nice," said

Joy.

The safes add a classic elegance to home offices, where small vaults provide security for family heirlooms, documents, data and other items.

RESOURCES

Rob Eaton, Allied Safe & Vault, 800-729-3925; www.alliedsafe.com

Darin Niemeyer, National Security Safes Northwest, 866-812-7233; 503-678-1241; www.nationalsecuritysafes.com

Steve Joy, Joy Construction, 503-981-1999; www.joyconstruction.com

*******************

NOTEBOOK: ANNUAL LUXURY HOME SHOW JUMPS OVER URBAN GROWTH

BOUNDARY

By Joshua Sommer

STAFF WRITER\


Thursday,February 19, 2004


Thursday, February 19, 2004

NOTEBOOK: ANNUAL LUXURY HOME SHOW JUMPS OVER URBAN GROWTH

BOUNDARY

The 2004 Northwest Natural Street of Dreams is moving south. This year's showcase of luxury homes will take place at Hidden Lake Estates in Redland, an unincorporated area east of Oregon City.

The site is about two miles east of Oregon 213 off South Redland Road and about five minutes from Interstate 205. It's the first Street of Dreams site outside Portland area's urban growth boundary.

The annual tour is scheduled to run Aug. 7 to Sept. 6. It is sponsored by NW Natural, the

Home Builders Association of Metropolitan Portland (HBA), Builder's Appliance Supply

Co. (BASCO) and John L. Scott Real Estate.

Proceeds from a house built by Blazer Development will benefit the Doernbecher

Children's Foundation.

For more information, call 503-684-1880 or visit www.streetofdreamsusa.com.

New Arbor project unveiled in Hillsboro

A 628-home project in Hillsboro from Arbor Custom Homes -- Arbor Roses -- recently held its grand opening.

Seven model homes are available to walk through the first phase of the six-phase project.

There are 94 lots in phase one.

Arbor Roses is next to Shute Park on Tualatin Valley Highway as it turns into Southeast

10th Avenue. The project features two- and three-bedroom designs that range from 1,400 to 2,200 square feet, with prices from $142,900 to $214,900.

Amenities include a clubhouse with a swimming pool, exercise facilities and gathering rooms, and four parks.

For more information, call Natalie Peloquin at 503-680-0366.

D.R. Horton salesman wins gold at Nationals

The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) recognized Brett Grantham from the Portland office of D.R. Horton with a gold award for Rookie Sales Person of the

Year.

Winners in the Nationals, an NAHB competition for new-home sales, marketing and communities, were announced at the NAHB annual conference in Las Vegas last month.

Gear up for spring at local garden shows

Two annual garden events -- The Portland Home & Garden Show, running through Feb.

22, and the Yard, Garden and Patio Show, Feb. 27 to 29 -- help eager gardeners get a jump on spring.

Produced by O'Loughlin Trade Shows and sponsored by GMC and the HBA, the

Portland Home & Garden Show is at the Expo Center. Tickets cost $10.

The Yard, Garden & Patio Show, produced by the Oregon Association of Nurseries and presented by ProGrass, is at the Oregon Convention Center, and tickets cost $10.

For more information, visit www.oloughlintradeshows.com and www.ygpshow.com.

D.R. Horton launches sales at Heron Ridge

With home designs from 1,800 to 4,100 square feet, a new D.R. Horton project -- Heron

Ridge -- in Sherwood opened sales in January.

On Southwest Roy Rogers Road, Heron Ridge has two model homes. Base prices for the

112-home project range from $219,900 to $383,900.


Building association installs 2004 officers

The Oregon Building Industry Association (OBIA) installed officers for 2004.

They are president Ernie Platt, Earnest Platt & Associates; vice-president Carlos

Reichenshammer, Reichenshammer Building and Design, Ashland; treasurer Drake

Butsch, First American Title Co.; secretary Jim Patrick, Dolphin Construction, Newport;

State Representative Barry Larson, Canterbury Construction Co., Clackamas; past president Greg Conser, Conser Homes, Albany; and associate vice president Kelly

Atwood, Contractors Insurance Services, Lake Oswego.

Builders go for green at NorthWest Crossing

Beginning with phase five, NorthWest Crossing -- a mixed-use community in Bend -- is requiring its builders to comply with Earth Advantage standards.

"We see the Earth Advantage program as a critical component in fulfilling our commitment to sustainable building practices," said David Ford, general manager of

NorthWest Crossing.

To meet the standards, homes must use resource-efficient building materials, including recycled materials; have improved indoor air quality with approved construction materials, floor coverings, air-filtration systems and fresh-air integration; meet greenbuilding practices, including naturescaping, use less toxic outdoor wood, use water

efficiently and properly dispose of scrap materials; and achieve energy efficiency through duct sealing, windows, heating systems, lighting, appliances, shade trees and other naturescaping.

Renaissance Homes hires design director

Renaissance Homes named Sandie Hume-Tharp as its new director of design.

"For years Sandie has consulted with us on our . . . Street of Dreams homes, and we have consistently won awards for Best of Show because of her design expertise and creativity," said Randy Sebastian, president of Renaissance Homes.

Thirty-five lots left at Deer Creek project

After its recent grand opening, the final phase of D.R. Horton's Deer Creek project in

Camas has 35 lots still available.

The final phase has a total of 54 lots.

Many of the lots have views of the Columbia River.

Final-phase home designs at Deer Creek, which is on Prune Hill at Northwest 12th

Avenue, are 2,587 to 4,387 square feet. Prices range from $300,000 to $450,000.

For more information, call Steve Lane or Katrin Crum at 360-834-1500.

**************

NEW HOME MONTHLY NOTEBOOK ADDITIONAL LOTS RELEASED AT BIG

MEADOW

By Joshua Sommer

STAFF WRITER\





NEW HOME MONTHLY NOTEBOOK ADDITIONAL LOTS RELEASED AT BIG

MEADOW

Two more sections of the Big Meadow Community in Molalla are open for sale, with 39 of 63 lots still available.

Lot sizes range from 6,300 to 9,300 square feet, are priced from $143,900 to $223,950.

Three builders -- Roth Built Homes, Hilligoss Homes and B&D Homes -- have 21 home plans from which to choose.

A model home and sales office is open daily from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, call 503-829-8567.

Remodelors Council honors area members

Members of the Remodelors Council of the Home Builders Association of Metropolitan

Portland (HBA) were recognized with 2003 Remodeling Excellence (REX) awards and

National Association of Home Builders' Council Awards for Demonstrating Remodeling

Excellence (CADRE).

REX recipients were Lee and Lori Zajic, Northwest Renovations and Design, for major remodel $250,000 to $500,000 and kitchen remodel $50,000 to $100,000; Rhonda

Knoche, Neil Kelly, for kitchen remodel under $50,000; Chris Berry, Berry Remodeling, entry/porch/deck; and Jim Field, Progressive Builders Northwest, open category.

CADRE awards went to HBA Remodelors Council chairman, Tracy Hankins, Hankins

Construction, as outstanding council chair; and Paul Corso, Northwest Natural, outstanding associate member.

Bridgewood Homes holds grand opening

On Jan. 11, Bridgewood Homes unveiled two model townhomes at a grand opening for

The Gardens on 15th Avenue at Southeast 13th Avenue and Southeast Umatilla Street.

The Gardens on 15th Avenue is a 37-home site with 17 of townhomes slotted to be finished by spring. The development has four home plans, ranging from 1,170 to 2,700 square feet, and prices start in the $230,000s. For more information, call 503-239-7900, or visit www.bridgewoodhomes.com.

Washington builder repeats winning streak

Kevin Wann, founder and president of Pacific Lifestyle Homes, received two 2003

Building Excellence Awards from the Building Industry Association of Southwest

Washington (BIASW). The awards were for new homes from $150,000 to $200,000 and new homes from $200,000 to $300,000.

Wann received awards in the same categories in 2002.

**************

YOU SHOULD LISTEN TO YOUR MOTHER -- AND QUICKLY BOOK WEDDING

RECEPTION SITE

By Joshua Sommer

STAFF WRITER



Edition: SUNRISE, Section: GUIDE FOR BRIDES 2004, Page 11


YOU SHOULD LISTEN TO YOUR MOTHER -- AND QUICKLY BOOK WEDDING

RECEPTION SITE

Experts -- wedding planners, caterers and mothers, among others -- will tell you the first thing to consider after getting engaged is the reception venue, as sites are numerous and often booked months in advance.

Following is a round-up of area reception spots. To be considered for this list in the summer edition of the Guide for Brides, submit items by March 13, 2004 to joshuasommer@news.oregonian.com, or fax to 503-294-5185.

*********************

BUILDERS' ASSOCIATION SEEKS NOMINEES FOR GREEN HONORS

By Joshua Sommer

The Oregonian<





BUILDERS' ASSOCIATION SEEKS NOMINEES FOR GREEN HONORS

The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) is accepting entries for the 2004

National Green Building Awards. Winners will be announced at the National Green

Building Conference, March 14 to 16, 2004, in Austin, Texas.

Open to individuals, companies, home-builders associations and related organizations, the awards honor outstanding environmental responsibility and resource-efficient construction. Entries are due by Jan. 9.

Awards include the Green Advocate Award, for an individual who supports green building and has a positive impact in the housing industry; Green Project of the Year, for projects reflecting green design and construction methods in single-family, multifamily and remodeling categories; Green Building Program of the Year, for programs set up by builders associations, nonprofits or other agencies (new and established programs are eligible); and Outstanding Green Product Award, for products advancing resourceefficient home construction.

For more information, call 800-368-5242, Ext. 8228, or visit www.nahb.org.

-- Joshua Sommer

******************

DINING CHEAP EATS FEEDING FRENZIES WITH POCKET CHANGE WINE

DOWN ON 28TH

JOSHUA SOMMER





DINING CHEAP EATS FEEDING FRENZIES WITH POCKET CHANGE WINE

DOWN ON 28TH

Cold water arrives in a clear wine bottle, which immediately sets the mood for your stay in the trendy wine bar and restaurant.

Glancing around, you start recognizing faces and realize that it's the place everyone trickles to when the other wine bars and restaurants on the avenue flick off the lights for the night.

Head chef Aaron Pagnozzi served as an apprentice under Tim Collet from O'Connor's in

Multnomah Village for six years, and more recently was a chef at Vita Cafe.

The chow: Pagnozzi spins a bunch of scrumptious dishes, my favorite small plate being a bowl of Thai steamers ($8). It's clams and mussels in a spicy ginger-cilantro broth, with focaccia bread to mop up the broth once you've cleaned out the shells.

Real deals: Food items range from $3 to $14 and most dishes come in your choice of two ample portions, depending on your appetite.

Hangout factor: Time doesn't seem to matter here. You'll soon realize that Wine Down, is the sort of place where you'll need to plan on staying several hours just to talk, sip wine and lounge near the fireplace.

Liquids: For beer lovers, Tuesdays and Sundays feature all tap beers for $2. Wine tasters will enjoy Winedown Wednesdays, with $1 off all wine pours and $3 off all bottles. Also,

Sundays after 8 p.m. all open-bottle pours are half off.

What's half-baked? Because of the handful of tables and the popularity of the place, it would be wise to make a reservation.

Inside tips: The best entree is a hazelnut-crusted salmon in Oregon raspberry beurre noir sauce ($14). But the Walnut Blue Salad ($7 or $10), smoked salmon penne ($9 or $12) and Mediterranean Shrimp Fettuccini ($10 or $13) are also tasty treats that won't sour your mood by emptying your wallet.

The numbers: Monday through Saturday 3:30 p.m. till late, and Sunday 3:30 to 10 p.m.;

126 N.E. 28th Ave.; 503-236-9463


*****************

NEW HOME MONTHLY NOTEBOOK PARTICIPATING BUILDERS TAPPED FOR

WASHINGTON PARADE OF HOMES

By Joshua Sommer

STAFF WRITER





NEW HOME MONTHLY NOTEBOOK PARTICIPATING BUILDERS TAPPED FOR

WASHINGTON PARADE OF HOMES

The Building Industry Association of Southwest Washington (BIASW) announced the lineup of builders for its 2004 Parade of Homes, which runs July 9 to 25 at Granite

Highlands in Washougal, Wash.

The roster of builders increased from 10 to 13. The builders include Clark & Son Homes,

Fantasy Homes by Vladimir, Fieldstone Construction, Grams Construction, Philip

Custom Homes, Quail Homes, Scope & Associates, View Point Construction, M.J. Olson

Enterprises, Pac Rim Homes, A&M Homes, Elegant Living Concepts and Lynwood

Homes.

Attendance at the 2003 show was 21,000 -- double the number of visitors in 2002.

HUD grants earmarked for counseling services

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) recently awarded four grants to fund counseling services for Oregon home buyers and owners.

Recipients are Open Door Counseling Social Service, Hillsboro, $50,000; Access Inc.,

Medford, $15,000; Portland Housing Center, Portland, $60,000; and Umpqua

Community Action Network, Roseburg, $40,000.

The counseling services help participants -- many of them first-time home buyers -- to improve credit ratings, strengthen money-management skills and avoid predatory lenders.

For more information, visit www.hud.gov.

Developer wins silver, moves closer to gold

The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) recognized the Portland office of

D.R. Horton with six silver awards for marketing and sales.

Silver award winners are finalists for gold awards in The Nationals, an NAHB competition for new home sales and marketing professionals and communities. Winners will be announced at the NAHB annual conference in Las Vegas in January 2004.

Individual recipients were Bruce Dunlap, marketing vice president, Marketing Director of the Year; Larry Vinton, sales vice president, Sales Manager of the Year; and Brett

Grantham, Rookie Sales Person of the Year.

The office also earned awards for a black-and-white advertisement, as well as for Best

Design Center and Best Attached Home Plan Priced Under $350,000.

NAHB accepting 2004 Green award entries

The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) is accepting entries for the 2004

National Green Building Awards, from March 14 to 16, in Austin, Texas.

Entries are due by January 9.

Entrants are eligible for one of the following awards: Green Advocate Award, for an individual who supports green building and has a positive impact in the housing industry;

Green Project of the Year, for projects reflecting green design and construction methods in single-family, multifamily and remodeling categories; Green Building Program of the

Year, for programs set up by builders associations, non-profits or other agencies (new and established programs are eligible); and Outstanding Green Product Award, for products advancing resource-efficient home construction.

For more information, call 800-368-5242 x8228, or visit www.nahb.org.

Lunchtime discussion covers permit process

The public is invited to attend a lunchtime presentation, "No Permits For That Project?

Learn How to Get Legal," on Jan. 9, 2004, noon to 1:30 p.m., at 1900 S.W. Fourth Ave., in Conference Room 2500-A.

Part of the City of Portland Bureau of Development Services' (BDS) Lunch-and-Learn series, the program covers construction permits for residential projects -- when and why

permits are needed; how to find out if work has been permitted, before or after a home sale; what happens to projects without permits; and the new BDS program to help projects "get legal." Experts will be available to answer questions.

For details, call 503-823-7822.

****************

SUPERVISION AND INFORMED SHOPPING MAKE TOY SAFETY CHILD'S PLAY

By Joshua Sommer

The Oregonian<



Edition: SUNRISE, Section: THE 2003 OREGONIAN GIFT GUIDE QUICK HITS FOR

THE HOLIDAYS SOUTH ZONER SOUTHWEST ZONER PORTLAND ZONER, Page

11


SUPERVISION AND INFORMED SHOPPING MAKE TOY SAFETY CHILD'S PLAY

We've all seen them -- consumer alerts warning of choking hazards, lead ingredients or other potentially harmful elements in children's toys.

So, how do consumers keep the kids on their holiday lists safe?

The Oregon Department of Human Services' SAFE KIDS program Web site

(www.dhs.state.or.us/publichealth/safekids/index.cfm) offers the following pointers to keep kids playing safe and smart.

Supervise children while they play to avoid injury. A toy intended for an older child may be dangerous in the hands of a younger child.

Teach children to put toys away after playing. Safe storage prevents falls and other injuries.

Check old and new toys regularly for unsafe wear, including sharp edges or small parts.

Make repairs immediately or throw away damaged toys.

Choose toys according to a child's age, interests and skill level. Look for well-made toys and follow age and safety information on warning labels. Children under age 3 can choke on small toys and toy parts.

"Safe storage and toy maintenance are crucial to ensure safe play. We encourage parents and caregivers to teach children to put toys away after playing," said Heather Paul, executive director of the National Safe Kids Campaign.

The Toy Industry Association (TIA) also has tips for toy safety.

Before shopping for toys, consider the child's age, interests and abilities. Be selective in your purchases.

When shopping, read labels. Look for age ranges and safety warnings.

Be especially careful when choosing toys for children under three. Select toys that are free of small pieces (or pieces that separate or can be broken off), are lightweight, have no sharp edges or points and are nontoxic.

At home, carefully read instructions for assembly and use. Keep product literature in case of future questions and complete warranty cards.

Always remove and discard all packaging from a toy before giving it to a baby or small child.

Consider the home environment in which a child will play with a toy and the younger children who may be there.

Remind caregivers, including grandparents, of play-related safety concerns.

******************

WHILE SEEING THE SIGHTS, CHECK ITEMS OFF GIFT LIST

By Joshua Sommer

The Oregonian<



Edition: SUNRISE, Section: THE 2003 OREGONIAN GIFT GUIDE QUICK HITS FOR

THE HOLIDAYS SOUTHWEST ZONER, Page 02


WHILE SEEING THE SIGHTS, CHECK ITEMS OFF GIFT LIST

As family members gather in the Portland area for the holidays, the out-of-towners may want to take in local spots of interest. Luckily, some terrific holiday gifts can be found while seeing the sights.

Here's a list of area attractions that also feature gift shops.

Oregon College of Art and Craft: The college's Hoffman Gallery features gifts made by national and local artists at a show that runs through Dec. 23 (the gallery closes at 3 p.m.

that day). On display is a plate with a pear theme by Nao Tojimbara for $68.

Hoffman Gallery, 8245 S.W. Barnes Road, 503-297-5544, Ext. 143; open Monday to

Thursday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Friday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Evergreen Aviation Museum: Home to that famous flying boat, the Spruce Goose, the museum has a gift store that caters to aviation buffs. Items include caps with an embroidered image of Howard Hughes' plane, $15 to $18.

Evergreen Aviation Museum Gift Shop, 500 N.E. Capt. Michael King Smith Way,

McMinnville, 888-977-7823; open daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Southeast Metro

Museum of the Oregon Territory: At one time, the Oregon Territory stretched from

California to Alaska, and the museum is dedicated to its memory. The Heritage Gift Shop features books about historical Clackamas County, $17 to $20; wagons, $10 to $32; local

Native American tribal stamps, $4.25; and ornaments with Oregon Trail and Lewis and

Clark themes, $2.50 to $3.95.

Heritage Gift Shop, 211 Tumwater Drive, Oregon City, 503-655-5574; open Monday to

Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; weekends, noon to 4 p.m.

End of the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center: The mission statement for the center includes educating the public about the spirit of the people at the end of the Oregon Trail.

In that vein, the museum's gift shop -- the George Abernethy General Store -- carries a variety of items, including handmade pioneer-style dolls, $17.95 and $23.95.

George Abernethy General Store, 1726 Washington St., Oregon City, 503-657-9336; open Monday to Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Sundays, noon to 4 p.m.

Portland

Oregon Maritime Center & Museum: The museum is aboard the sternwheeler Portland on the Willamette River at the foot of Southwest Pine Street. The museum store features nautical books, from children's to technical, priced between $4.95 and $30.

Oregon Maritime Center & Museum, 503-224-7724; open Friday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Title Wave Used Bookstore: Title Wave is where the Multnomah County Library sends -- and sells -- books, DVDs, videos, CDs, magazines and other materials in good condition that no longer reside in the library's collection. A fresh delivery arrives each day. Items are priced as low as 25 cents and proceeds return to the library.

Title Wave, 216 N.E. Knott St., 503-988-5021; open Monday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Friends' Library Store, Multnomah County Library: The showplace Central Library store has treats for readers and writers of all ages. A line of products (notebooks, journals and tablets) with Clairefontaine French paper ranges from $3 to $17; bookends are priced

$25.95 to $120.

Friends' Library Store, 801 S.W. 10th Ave., 503-988-5911; open Tuesday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Oregon Historical Society: The Historical Society's Museum Store carries adult and children's books on the history of the Pacific Northwest, literature by Northwest authors, and collectibles and games. The store also has several dolls based on historical characters

-- including Meriwether Lewis, William Clark, Sacagawea and Lewis' dog, Seaman -- from $15 to $28.50; a set of Lewis, Clark and Sacagawea action figures is $20. The store also carries sandblasted glass vases by Megas MacDonald of Eugene, $88.

Oregon Historical Society Museum Store, on the corner of Southwest Broadway and

Madison Street, 503-306-5230; open Tuesday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Oregon Sports Hall of Fame: Featuring artifacts of Oregon athletics, the museum also sports the Victory Lap Gift Store, with products related to Oregon teams, sports heroes and history. Basketball, football, baseball and hockey sports cards, many featuring

Oregon players, are popular and range from 5 cents to $20.

Victory Lap Gift Store, 321 S.W. Salmon, St., 503-227-7466; open Monday to Saturday,

10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Pittock Mansion: Built in 1914, the home is rich in Portland history. The gift shop features gifts with Victorian themes, including dolls in period attire, $16.95 to $35.

Pittock Mansion Gift Shop, 3229 N.W. Pittock Drive, 503-823-3628; open daily from noon to 4 p.m.

The World Forestry Center: A great place to learn about the importance of forests and trees to a sustainable future, the center also has a Forest Store. Gift items include a line of

Myrtlewood products, including plates, bowls and serving dishes, $6 to $42.

Forest Store, 4033 S.W. Canyon Road, 503-228-1367, Ext. 113; open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Oregon Zoo: The Oregon Zoo's gifts shop carries gifts with animal themes from around the world. Animal backpacks and purses range from $17.99 to $24.99. Handmade porcelain ornaments made specifically for the Zoo are $16.95.

Cascade Outfitters Gift Shop at the Oregon Zoo, 4001 S.W. Canyon Road, 503-525-

4220; open daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Portland Art Museum: The museum's gift store has a version of the disappearing ink trick

-- draw on a Buddha Board, $29.95, with water and watch the image evaporate. Also consider Great Artists Finger Puppets, $19.95, for art lovers.

Portland Art Museum Shop, 1219 S.W. Park Ave., 503-276-4204; open Tuesday,

Wednesday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, 10 a.m. to

8 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 5 p.m.

Portland Classical Chinese Garden: Visitors to the garden can stop by the gift shop for items such as calligraphy sets, $12 to $22.50, and bamboo candles, $8.75 to $16.50 or a set of three for $21.95.

Chinese Garden Store, Northwest Third Avenue and Everett Street; 503-228-8131, Ext.

1018; open daily, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Oregon Museum of Science and Industry: Young and old alike will find something to play with in OMSI's Science Store. For example, the Water Rocket Kit by Wild Goose,

$22.95, allows future scientists -- and scientists-at-heart -- to blast off again and again, experimenting with different fuels. And a hand-cranked AM/FM radio plays for hours after it's assembled, $29.95.

OMSI Science Store, 1945 S.E. Water Ave., 503-797-4626; open Tuesday to Sunday,

9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Japanese Garden: Looking for some special decorations? The gift store carries miniature

Origami Kimono Ornaments by Alyen Creations of Portland. The fabric kimonos are priced at $19.95.

Japanese Garden Gift Shop, off of Southwest Kingston Drive opposite the Rose Test

Garden in Washington Park, 503-223-5055; open Tuesday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.;

Sunday, noon to 4 p.m.

Up north

Pearson Air Museum: Self-described as the oldest airfield in the West, the museum exhibits a wide range of aircraft and has a hands-on children's center, as well as a gift shop with Pearson aviation bears, $29.99, and flight jackets with glasses and scarves,

$150.

Pearson Air Museum Gift Shop, in the Vancouver National Historic Reserve, 1115 E.

Fifth St., Vancouver, 360-694-7026; open Tuesday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Fort Vancouver National Historic Site: The Hudson's Bay Company's old headquarters is a great place to tour.

If you go, stop by the gift shop to view items such as a teacup set, $20, and plate, $14.

Fort Vancouver Visitors Center Gift Shop, 1501 E. Evergreen Blvd., Vancouver, 360-

696-7655, Ext. 10; open daily, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

***************

NOTEBOOK: HOME BUILDERS INSTATE OFFICERS, HONOR AWARD

WINNERS

By Joshua Sommer

OREGONIAN STAFF WRITER\


Thursday,November 20, 2003


Thursday, November 20, 2003

NOTEBOOK: HOME BUILDERS INSTATE OFFICERS, HONOR AWARD

WINNERS

The Home Builders Association of Metropolitan Portland (HBA) installed its new president and seven board members on Nov. 15.

Tim Roth, J.T. Roth Construction, is president. Board members include builder directors

W. Richard (Rick) Lezniak, Blazer Development; Fred Gast, Polygon Northwest; Holly

Iburg, Newland Communities Northwest; and associate directors Jim Fisher, Jim Fisher

Roofing and Construction; and Terry Voss, Voss Framing. Remodelors Council directors are Steve Heiteen, Steve Heiteen Construction; and Jeff Metke, Metke Remodeling &

Woodworking.

Additionally, Dave DeHarpport, Four D Construction, and Steve Frazier, Contract Home

Furnishings Mart, received HBA awards for 2003.

DeHarpport was awarded 2003 Builder of the Year Award for his service to the HBA and the industry, and Frazier was named 2003 Associate of the Year for frequent and generous sponsorship of HBA events.

Award recipients are selected by members of the HBA board of directors and committee chairmen and vice-chairmen.

Land trust receives grant to benefit center

The Clackamas Community Land Trust (CCLT) received a $10,000 grant from the

Collins Foundation for its Homeownership Resource Center.

Combined with funding from the Paul G. Allen Foundation, the grant will be used to renovate space to make room for the resource center. The center will serve as a classroom for CCLT information sessions and first-time home-buyer workshops.

The CCLT office is at 2316 S.E. Willard St., Milwaukie. For more information, call 503-

654-1007.

Proposals requested for site's first phase

The Housing Authority of Portland (HAP) is seeking proposals from builders who want to purchase 76 lots as part of phase one of the overhaul of Columbia Villa.

New Columbia, as the project has been named, is slated for construction from summer

2004 to summer 2005. HAP will demolish existing structures and install streets and utilities prior to builder's construction.

For more information on the request for proposals, call Pamela Kambur at 503-802-8508.

Forest Grove project holds grand opening

A grand opening celebration for Ridge Point at Forest Gale Heights, a 31-lot project off

Gales Creek Road in Forest Grove, was held in October.

Co-developed by Kellwood Development and Spectrum Home Builders, the site will feature homes by several builders. Average lot size is 11,000 square feet, and home prices will range from $300,000 to $450,000.

The developer gave 21 acres to the City of Forest Grove to preserve as wetlands and forest.

For more information, call 503-648-1169, Ext. 126, or visit www.ridgepointview.com.

Bannister Creek Park opens second phase

Reservations are open for a second phase in Bannister Creek Park, a project by Don

Morissette Homes, northwest of Cedar Mill in Washington County.

Phase two is off Northwest Saltzman and Laidlaw roads. It has 51 home sites ranging from 5,000 to 8,000 square feet. Prices start in the $290,000s.

A model is open daily. For more information, call 503-690-6559.

Home sales under way at Hoodland Estates

DeCal Custom Homes held a grand opening for its 54-home Hoodland Estates project in

Gresham on Nov. 15. Homes range from $220,000 to $319,000.

To get to the site, go south on Southeast 282nd Avenue from Powell Boulevard, then west on Southeast Chase Road.

For more information, call 503-481-7789 or visit www.decalcustomhomes.com.

Association publishes directory on the Web

The Home Builders Association of Metropolitan Portland is providing an online membership directory for consumers looking for builders, remodelers or service providers.

Launched Nov. 3, the directory lists construction professionals registered with the HBA.

It provides company names, contacts and phone numbers.

The site is at www.homebuildersportland.org. For more information, call Kevin Curry at

503-603-4508.

PHC offers four classes on managing property

The first of four training sessions for landlords and property managers, presented by the

Portland Housing Center (PHC), is Nov. 22, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., at the HBA, 15555

S.W. Bangy Road, Lake Oswego.

Topics include Oregon Landlord-Tenant law (including 2004 changes), working with

Section 8, and high- and low-tech strategies for marketing vacancies.

The session includes speakers Chris Erickson, The Oregonian; Bartholomew Martin and

Michael Havlik, Metro Multifamily Housing Association; and Diane Hess, Fair Housing

Council of Oregon.

The cost is $100 per person, $150 for couples, and includes breakfast, lunch and a workbook.

Space is limited. To register, call 503-282-7744, Ext. 304.

Arbor Vineyards grows into final phase

Arbor Vineyards, an Arbor Custom Homes' development off Southwest Murphy Lane and 209th Avenue in Beaverton, entered its final phase in November.

The phase features 225 lots and will include cottages ranging from 1,600 to 2,200 square feet and chateau designs from 1,494 to 1,680 square feet. Base prices will range from the

$160,000s to the $200,000s.


Future remodelers receive scholarships

The winners of the 2003-2004 HBA Remodelors Council's Remodeling Industry

Scholarship Fund, a scholarship for students pursuing degrees related to remodeling construction, were announced in October.

Scholarship recipients are Susan Edmonds, Mt. Hood Community College; Samuel

Jenkins, Clackamas Community College; and Ben Polas and Alex Freddi, Portland

Community College Rock Creek.

The scholarship equals a full year of tuition costs.

*****************

THERE GOES SUMMER SUN, AND HERE COMES WINTER FUN

By Joshua Sommer

STAFF WRITER



Edition: SUNRISE, Section: THE 23RD ANNUAL HONDA SKI FEVER AND

SNOWBOARD SHOW, Page 02


THERE GOES SUMMER SUN, AND HERE COMES WINTER FUN

Making the transition from summer to winter sports is always a little easier with new toys to try out. The 23rd annual Honda SkiFever and Snowboard Show, presented by The

Oregonian, gives visitors the chance to get their hands on the latest gadgets for the 2003-

04 ski and snowboarding season.

For snow enthusiasts, the show -- running from Oct. 30 to Nov. 2 -- will make them feel like kids in a candy store. It features discounted products and services; the Big Air &

Winter Fashion Show, with the Blazer Dancers; freestyle displays; and halfpipe and grind-rail demonstrations by professional snowboarders, skiers and jibbers (skiers on short skis with both ends upturned).

One of the greatest draws, however, may be the energy created by gathering hordes of skiers and snowboarders in one place.

"The show starts the momentum for the new ski season, and hopefully the snow falls fast enough to keep it going," said Dan Schindler, owner of Trade Shows West, which produces the show. "The event propels us into the new season as a place where skiing enthusiasts' optimism lands with everyone hoping for a good ski season."

Visitors to the show, which is at the Portland Expo Center, will receive two lift tickets to

Mt. Hood Ski Bowl and Timberline. Top ski and snowboard retailers, manufacturers, ski resorts and more will fill more than 400 booths.

Growing from three to four days this year, the event is open 1 to 9 p.m. Thursday, noon to 9 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. Admission is

$9 for adults, $4.50 for kids (ages 6 to 12) and free for kids under 6 years old with a paying adult.

Look for a free coupon that admits up to four kids, 12 and under, when accompanied by a paying adult in the Oct. 28 and Oct. 30 issues of The Oregonian. Coupons for $1 off regular admission to the show will run in the Oct. 26, 29 and 31 issues of The Oregonian.

Oregon Snowsports Industries Association will offer a coupon book for paid attendees.

Other attractions:

The Big Air Show, which features World Cup aerialists and skiers

A Jib Wall Demonstration, which is a new term for a large rail for street, course and snowboard halfpipe riders, and a 15-foot wall

A learn-to-ski ramp at the Mt. Hood Ski Bowl booth, which is a portable, revolving ramp available for anyone who would like to try the sport

The Timberline Snowtime Theater, near the main stage, featuring films of championship skiers and snowboarders

The Blazer Dancers, who will present a fashion show featuring winter wear from

Columbia Sportswear and Betty Rides

The Widmer Brother's Boardrider Saloon is open for the 21-and-over crowd.

For more information, visit www.portlandskifever.com.

****************

AFTER SUMMER RENOVATIONS, OREGON RESORTS READY FOR FIRST

SNOWFALL

By Joshua Sommer

STAFF WRITER



Edition: SUNRISE, Section: THE 23RD ANNUAL HONDA SKI FEVER AND

SNOWBOARD SHOW, Page 08


AFTER SUMMER RENOVATIONS, OREGON RESORTS READY FOR FIRST

SNOWFALL

With the ski season drifting closer, Oregon's ski areas are unveiling additions and attractions. Here's a roundup of the snow parks for the 2003-04 season.

Mt. Hood Meadows: In addition to lifts, snowcat access to an additional 1,700 vertical feet and several pipes and terrain parks, the resort now has a 500-foot in-ground

SuperPipe with 17-foot walls and the Radio Disney Fun Room, a play area for kids age six to 14, with Disney CDs, DVDs, games and Internet access.

The resort is offering up to six free day/night lift tickets to anyone staying midweek

(Sunday to Thursday) at Cooper Spur Mountain Resort.

Mt. Hood Meadows features a range of slopes from beginner to expert. Also, the

Children's Learning Center provides on-slope instruction with the Wonder Carpet Kids

Conveyor lift. The resort has a state-certified daycare for ages 6 weeks and up.

For more information, call 800-754-4663 or visit www.skihood.com.

Timberline Lodge and Ski Area: With more than 1,000 acres of ski terrain and fall-tosummer room rates ranging from $85 to $240 (per night, double occupancy) at the lodge,

Timberline offers a great escape from the city.

The resort offers first-time instruction packages (starting at $49) to new skiers and snowboarders and also has a snowskate park ($10 admission and snowskate rental), six lifts and snowcat access to additional slopes on select days.

For more information, call 503-622-7979 or visit www.timberlinelodge.com.

Mt. Hood Skibowl: Billing themselves as the nation's largest night-ski area, Skibowl features 34 lighted runs, including "Reynolds Run," which is Olympic certified. Skiers and snowboarders looking for adventure can find a variety of obstacles at the resort's halfpipe and terrain gardens.

The park has a Mogul Buster Ski School for children 4 to 13 years old. A snow play area at Skibowl offers snow tubes, including the new Extreme Tube Hill, as an alternative to skiing and boarding.

Other features include the resort's horse-drawn sleigh rides, a 2.5-mile dog sled ride, snow bike rentals and a new High Adrenaline Zipline -- a harness attached to a line with a 500 foot drop from Multorpor Lodge to the bottom of Skibowl.

For more information, call 800-754-2695 or visit www.skibowl.com.

Mt. Bachelor: Readers of Ski magazine ranked Mt. Bachelor near Bend number 28 out of the top 30 resorts in North America in its 16th annual reader resort survey.

New to the resort this year is a system on its Web site that allows pass holders to track their usage of the mountain, including the number of days spent on the mountain and vertical feet skied. Also, new to the Air Chamber terrain park is an 8-foot Wallride and

Rainbow rail. These features complement the existing lifts, tubing, dog-sledding, crosscountry trails and snowshoeing.

For more information, call 800-829-2442 or visit www.mtbachelor.com.

Hoodoo Ski Area: This year the Autobahn comes to Hoodoo in the form of four 800-foot runs designed specifically for tubes. The five-acre Hoodoo Autobahn Tubing Park is $15 for children 11 and younger and $20 for those 12 and up.

Hoodoo survived the summer fire season unscathed, and the snow season will open with two new quad lifts, more than 800 acres of slope, a tubing slope and a Pizza Pub.

Overnight resorts in Sisters, Camp Sherman and Black Butte are short drives away.

For more information, call 541-822-3799 or visit www.hoodoo.com.

Ski Anthony Lakes: With 1,100 acres available by lift and 2,000 acres of powder accessible by snowcat, Anthony Lakes, between La Grande and Baker City in Eastern

Oregon, opens again this year with Powder Tours -- half- and full-day snowcat tours ranging from $75 to $150 per person for advanced skiers.

The ski area also has 40 kilometers of groomed Nordic trails and food services at the

Starbottle Saloon.

For more information, call 541-856-3277 or visit www.anthonylakes.com.

Mt. Ashland: The resort, halfway between Portland and San Francisco off I-5, opens once more with a beginner lift that is free every day of the season and -- after years of outside vendors providing food services -- Mt. Ashland has opened the Mountain Cafe.

In addition, the resort is offering overnight packages -- including lift tickets and lodging -

- starting at $45 per person. Mt. Ashland also has a halfpipe and terrain park.

Season-pass holders can purchase a daily Mt. Shasta Ski Park lift ticket for $10.

For more information, call 541-482-2897 or visit www.mtashland.com.

Willamette Pass: With a new six-person high-speed chair -- Willamette Pass offers 20 kilometers of groomed Nordic track and 1,563 vertical feet of slopes for skiers and snowboarders.

Willamette Pass is halfway between Bend and Eugene, off Oregon State Highway 58.

For more information, call 541-484-5030 or visit www.willamettepass.com.

Cooper Spur Ski Area: As of last season, the resort on the north side of Mount Hood celebrated 75 years in operation and added four new lifts -- a double chair and three rope tows.

The terrain is 50 acres of ski slope and 10 kilometers of Nordic track.

On 775 acres of forestland, the resort has log cabins, lodge condo suites, hotel rooms and a restaurant and lounge, as well as hot tubs and massage therapy rooms.

All-access passes are $25 and include lift tickets, tubing, and ski or snowboard rentals.

For more information, call 541-352-7803 or visit www.cooperspur.com.

********************

NOTEBOOK: WORKSHOP OFFERS TIPS, TOOLS NEW HOMEOWNERS CAN

USE

By Joshua Sommer, Staff Writer





NOTEBOOK: WORKSHOP OFFERS TIPS, TOOLS NEW HOMEOWNERS CAN

USE

The Portland Housing Center (PHC) is presenting a class for new homeowners on Oct.

18, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at 3233 N.E. Sandy Blvd.

Sponsored by the Home Builders Association of Metropolitan Portland and Portland

General Electric, "HomeOwner's Toolkit" features tips on managing and saving money, carrying out routine maintenance and working with a contractor. Speakers include Kevin

Minkoff, certified public accountant; Ernest Hill, State Farm Insurance; and KEX-radio's

"Mr. Fix-It," Tracy Hankins.

The cost is $10 and includes a handbook. To register, call Michelle Puggarana, PHC's

HomeOwnership Trainer, at 503-282-7744, Ext. 106.

Legend unveils new look at FountainCourt

Legend Homes introduced three new home styles -- Colonial Revival, French Country and Craftsman Revival -- at FountainCourt in Beaverton.

FountainCourt, a community of condominiums and townhomes off Southwest Barrows

Road, has units ranging from 1,400 to 2,000 square feet and priced from $160,000 to

$200,000. Its second phase of 28 units recently opened.

Model homes are open daily at noon. For more information, call 503-590-0849.

Sales have begun for the 31 lots in phase two of Legend Homes' Lake Forest community in Tualatin. When completed, the project will have 102 single-family homes.

There are two model homes open for viewing and a third is scheduled to open soon.

Featuring three to five bedrooms, the homes will range from 2,216 to 2,924 square feet and will be priced from $327,900 to $374,900.

The sales office is open every day at noon. For more information, call 503-885-0223 or visit www.legendhomes.com.

Legend Homes Corvallis Communities is offering two Northwest cottage-style home plans at its Willamette Landing project, 1249 Rivergreen Ave., near Corvallis.

The cottage sizes are from 1,282 to 1,387 square feet, with base prices from $167,900 to

$173,900. Willamette Landing ultimately will feature 456 homes in Craftsman, traditional and the new Northwest cottage style.

For the sales office, call 541-738-0558.

Merlo Station enters stage three of project

A grand opening for phase three of Merlo Station townhomes was held at the project on

Southwest Gage Lane and 160th Avenue in Beaverton.

Developed by American Homes, the community features townhomes ranging from 1,045 to 1,245 square feet.

For a tour, prices and directions, call Lisa Bradburn of Windermere Baldwin Properties,

503-648-1169, Ext. 226.

Camas project enters final phase of sales

Deer Creek, a D.R. Horton project in Camas, Wash., on Prune Hill, has opened sales of its final phase.

Featuring 54 homes ranging from 2,687 to 3,429 square feet and prices from $300,000 to

$400,000, the homes will be a mix of Craftsman and European styles.

For directions, call 360-834-1500.

Sales begin Oct. 19 at The Avenue Lofts

Real estate investor Robert Ball, who specializes in transforming historic buildings into living spaces, announced that Pearl Real Estate will begin loft sales Oct. 19 for the renovated Meier & Frank warehouse building at 1001 N.W. 14th Ave.

The Avenue Lofts will feature 170 lofts, eight townhouses, 17 two-story penthouses and a 5,500-square-foot atrium cut in the center of the building from the roof to the third floor. The warehouse was built in 1923.

Prices will start at $148,000 and top out at $1 million. For more information, call 503-

223-2255.

Class focuses on needs of aging homeowners

The Remodelors Council of the Home Builders Association of Metropolitan Portland

(HBA) is offering a Certified Aging-in-Place (CAPS) program.

The educational program -- designed by the National Association of Home Builders

Remodelors Council in conjunction with AARP -- is designed to help remodelers, home builders, architects, designers, social workers and those working in the medical field meet the market demands of middle-aged and older homeowners.

The course will be held Nov. 5 to 7, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:50 p.m. each day. CAPS will teach technical, business-management and customer-service skills.

Cost for the course is $600 for HBA members and $700 for non-members. To register, call Michelle Morain at 503-684-1880.

Web site gives tours of lots at The Estates

The Estates at Parrett Mountain (New Home Monthly, Sept. 18), a neighborhood of large view lots in Sherwood, has a Web site where new-home shoppers can take virtual tours of the building sites available for sale.

For a map of the 66-lot development, visit www.the-estates.com. The Web site also has information on the history of the property and the surrounding community, as well as directions to The Estates at Parrett Mountain.

*******************




CORRECTION: PUBLISHED CORRECTION RAN THURSDAY, 11/20/2003,

FOLLOWS:

Timber-frame house blends chips, clay

A Corbett house featured on Page 15 of the Oct. 16 issue of New Home Monthly contained incorrect terminology. The walls of the timber-frame house were made of leichtlehmbau (a blend of wood chips and clay), not cob (a blend of clay, sand and straw), according to Katy Langstaff of Sustainable Systems Design, who was the sustainability consultant on the project.

Cost of Sunslates

Also, some editions contained incorrect information in the Product Profile of sustainable roofing systems. The story should have said the cost of Sunslates is $11,000 to $12,000 per 100 square feet.


PRODUCT PROFILE: ECO-FRIENDLY REVOLUTION QUIETLY UNDER WAY

OVERHEAD

Advances in earth-friendly roofing systems have gone incognito. And that's just what

Oregon's green-loving homeowners have wanted: something low-profile yet sustainable.

Here are products from three companies that have made it up to the rooftops.

Uni-Solar's Standing Seam Photovoltaic System

Even if passersby took time to examine the blue metal roof on a home in Cornelius, it's doubtful they'd realize a good chunk of it is a solar energy-producing phenom.

Cindy Leung and her husband, Jim Lewinson, had the product installed on their roof in the spring of 2001 by Mr. Sun Solar. They say they appreciate the savings on electricity costs but don't miss the clunky solar-collecting panels of the past.

"On a sunny day you can actually watch the meter running backwards," said Leung.

"That's energy that the panels are generating and the electric company is buying back."

Under Oregon's Net Metering Law, any excess power generated by a customer must be credited back to the customer's account by the public utility that supplies power to the home.

Uni-Solar's system offers two power ratings -- 64 and 128 watts -- depending on the length of the panels (9.34 or 18 feet).

Sunslates

Homeowners without metal roofs need not dispair.

Sunslates are small, interlocking, slate-shaped solar panels made from photovoltaic materials and suitable for pitched roofs. They are produced by Atlantis Energy Systems

(AES) in Sacramento, Calif.

Sunslates take the place of standard shingles or slates and can be integrated with an existing roof.

Sunslates generate about 1kw per 100-square-feet of roof covered. The cost, if a homeowner covers 300 square feet of roof with Sunslates, is $11,000 to $12,000 per 100 square feet. That may sound steep, but AES said the estimate is the cost after paying an installer -- who does more than 85 percent of the work -- and an electrician, less any rebates or tax breaks.

Oregon's Residential Energy Tax Credit, a one-time credit for energy-efficient upgrades including photovoltaic systems, is $3 per peak watt the system produces, up to $1,500.

And the Energy Trust Group of Oregon offers solar customers cash incentives, as well.

Like Christmas lights that stay on if one bulb on the string burns out, the rest of the roof will still function if a slate is damaged.

Individual broken slates can be replaced in about half an hour by a roofer.

Sunslates have met with success outside of Oregon. So, what keeps them from taking off here? One of the biggest obstacles is getting local consumers past the idea that solar electricity only works in the desert, according to Jon Miller, executive director of Oregon

Solar Energy Industries Association (OSEIA).

Skeptical consumers can use an online Clean Power Estimator from Uni-Solar to determine just how effective a solar solution might be for their roof. The estimator is at www.clean-power.com/unisolar/.

An example of how your roof might look with Sunslates installed is displayed in the

Earth Advantage National Center, 16280 S.W. Upper Boones Ferry Road.

AES suggests people who are interested in the product speak with Brent Wisniewski, who installed the Sunslates system at Earth Advantage for Dryer Electric.

Ecoroofs

Another residential innovation known by several names has been a hit outside Oregon.

Ecoroofs -- also called green, living or garden roof systems (GRS) -- are plants, trees and grasses with shallow roots growing in a light layer of soil that rests on a membrane on flat or low-pitched roofs.

Portland-based Pioneer Roofers installs a product by IB Roof Systems of Eugene --

Chemguard Single-Ply Membrane, an Energy Star-rated system.

To promote ecoroofs, which help maintain a healthy watershed by reducing the amount of stormwater runoff entering local streams and rivers, the City of

Portland/Environmental Services offers grants of up to $5,000 to anyone installing a

GRS.

"We focus only on products with the Energy-Star rating because of the harsh effects that hotter roofs have on the environment and the damage they can do to the roof," said

Marshall Sturgill, owner of Pioneer Roofers.

"Cooler roofs make for a more energy-efficient roof," Sturgill said.

According to the companies that work with them, ecoroofs are appropriate for residential and commercial buildings, in both new construction or retrofit projects.

****************

DINING CHEAP EATS MOMO BAR MAXIMO

By Joshua Sommer

The Oregonian<


Friday,October 3, 2003


Friday, October 3, 2003

DINING CHEAP EATS MOMO BAR MAXIMO

MoMo Bar Maximo

The little shop that once housed the British Tea Garden, half a block north of Multnomah

County Central Library, has a very different vibe as the hip MoMo Bar Maximo.

MoMo (named after a co-owner's dog) still sports the intimate patio that made the tea garden unique, hidden behind the building, and it looks like it has been revamped to fit more tables.

The place caters to a hefty dose of thirtysomething patrons who come to shoot pool and plug the (too loud, at times) Starlink Internet-enabled jukebox (all the songs you could ever hope for). However, the garden/patio in the back is quiet and a great hidden place to take a date.

All menu items are less than $9, and most fall into the $5 to $7 range. The green chili quesadilla or tomato basil sandwich ($6) are prime choices, but MoMo also has pastas

($7-$8), gourmet salads ($3-$8) and cheap appetizers.

MoMo has a good tap selection, full bar and a happy hour (food and drink) that stretches from 4 to 7 p.m. Happy hour well drinks are $3, draft pints are $2.50, Pabst Blue Ribbon beer is $2 and the happy hour food special changes daily.

725 S.W. 10th Ave.; 503-478-9600. Hours: 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays;

Sundays 3 p.m.-midnight.

-- Joshua Sommer

***************

NEW HOME MONTHLY NOTEBOOK: HOME BUILDERS ASSOCIATION

PLEDGES ANNUAL DONATION TO CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL

By Joshua Sommer

STAFF WRITER\


Thursday,September 18, 2003


Thursday, September 18, 2003

NEW HOME MONTHLY NOTEBOOK: HOME BUILDERS ASSOCIATION

PLEDGES ANNUAL DONATION TO CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL

The Home Builders Association of Metropolitan Portland (HBA) raised more than $7,700 for Doernbecher Children's Hospital Foundation at the 2003 Street of New Beginnings home show.

The money is part of the Home Builders for Miracles project, a partnership set up in 1999 between the HBA and Doernbecher Children's Hospital Foundation to generate $500,000 for the hospital over the course of several years.

Of the donation, $5,780 came from Forest Cottage Homes and Chicago Title as part of the proceeds from the sale of a home in the show.

Continuing in this effort, Blazer Development announced it will build the 2004 Street of

Dreams "Miracle House." Each year, proceeds from the sale of a Miracle House go to the

Home Builders for Miracles project.

For information about making a contribution to the 2004 project, call Tessa Lewis at 503-

220-8344.

Second building tour goes for the green

Twenty homes across Portland will open their doors on Sept. 20 to visitors who are green with curiosity.

Presented by G/Rated, Metro and the Solar Energy Association of Oregon, the second

Build It Green! tour explores the process, materials and challenges of making a building or remodeling project environmentally sound.

Tickets cost $20, or $10 for bicyclists and Tri-Met users. Tickets are available at

Environmental Building Supplies, 819 S.E. Taylor St.

Habitat set to finish 14 homes in 9 days

Portland Habitat for Humanity is pursuing the completion of 14 homes by Sept. 21 during its first Blitz Build.

Volunteers began construction Sept. 13 on the homes, which are for homeless families in need of housing.

For more information or to volunteer, call 503-287-9529.

LaPine OKs plans for new project

Pahlisch Homes of Bend will begin construction at a 518-acre project in LaPine in the spring of next year.

The focus of the project, called Newberry Neighborhood, is to redirect development from sensitive areas, especially those at risk of wildfire or encroachment on wildlife habitats.

The project consists of four neighborhoods. Neighborhood Two, a 98-acre portion, will be the first section of the parcel to be developed.

The first phase includes 107 lots and homes from $90,000 to $200,000.

Sales now under way at D.R. Horton project

Sales for D.R. Horton's 112-home project on Heron Ridge in Sherwood have begun, with model homes expected to open by February 2004.

The homes -- with plans from three bedrooms and 2.5 baths to five bedrooms and four baths -- range from 1,800 to 4,100 square feet and are priced from the low $200,000s to

$400,000s. They have two- or three-car garages.


Fair celebrates, shows homes built by HOST

HOST Development is holding a street fair on Sept. 20 to support its Charleston Place project in North Portland.

The Charleston Place Street Fair, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., will include free food and music, as well as the opportunity for prospective home buyers to tour homes and meet with lenders.

The project is on North Charleston Street, south of Columbia Boulevard, in the St. Johns neighborhood. The homes have two, three and four bedrooms, with prices from $126,000 to $156,000. All comply with PGE Earth Advantage standards.

For more information about HOST, visit www.hostdevelopment.com on the Web.

Big Meadow launches ninth phase of sales

Featuring three builders -- Hilligoss Homes, Roth Built and B&D Homes -- the ninth phase of Big Meadow in Molalla is ready for sales, and 10 of the 45 lots are already reserved.

Phase 8 sold out in six months.

The new phase features 21 different home plans, ranging from $140,000 to $200,000 and homes with two to five bedrooms.

For directions and information, call Big Meadow Realty at 503-829-3646.

More new homes to top Mount Scott

Kensington Heights, a 107-home project under way by D.R. Horton on the top of Mount

Scott southeast of Portland, features larger-than-usual lots and views of Oswego Lake.

The 48.5-acre project, above the former Top O' Scott golf course, has lots that range from

6,500 to 14,000 square feet and home designs from 2,700 to 4,000 square feet.

Prices for the homes run from the high $300,000s to $500,000s, with sales projected to begin in early 2004.

********************

DINING CHEAP EATS GREEN PAPAYA

By Joshua Sommer

The Oregonian<




Friday, September 5, 2003

DINING CHEAP EATS GREEN PAPAYA

Green Papaya

Diners in search of an alternative to ho-hum happy hour fare (you know, the ubiquitous hamburgers, hot wings, Caesar salad) have a titillating chunk of heaven waiting for them at Green Papaya, a new Vietnamese bistro downtown.

Open for only a month, it may not be on every bargain hunter's list, at least not yet.

Appetizers are $4 to $8 and entrees range from $9 to $18 and carry names like sugarcane shrimp ($11), curry-laced chicken ($11) and caramelized Mekong fish ($11), but the happy hour appetizer menu, in particular, is worth knowing.

From 4 to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, appetizers run just $2 and that, my friend, is huge when you scan the menu. Try these morsels: coconut shrimp with chili sauce, chicken satay with spicy peanut sauce, fresh shrimp or veggie spring rolls with peanut sauce and -- a personal favorite -- cream cheese-stuffed won tons with cranberry dipping sauce.

Other appetizers are pot stickers; honey-caramel-glazed chicken wings; crispy crab and pork or shrimp rolls; and lychee salad.

1135 S.W. Morrison St.; 503-248-2112. Hours: 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. and 4.-10 p.m. daily.

-- Joshua Sommer

***************

NEW HOME MONTHLY NOTEBOOK BALLOTS CAST, COUNTED AT 2003

STREET OF DREAMS

By Joshua Sommer

STAFF WRITER\


Thursday,August 21, 2003


Thursday, August 21, 2003

NEW HOME MONTHLY NOTEBOOK BALLOTS CAST, COUNTED AT 2003

STREET OF DREAMS

The most expensive house ever built for a Portland area Street of Dreams was sold last week as the 2003 show ended.

An offer for Nature's Door, a $2.5 million house built by Renaissance Homes, was accepted by Renaissance owner Randy Sebastian on Aug. 13, and later the same day, another offer for the $1.2 million Cooper Summit home built by Haggart Construction was accepted by builder Jeff Haggart.

The sale of the homes to two attendees on the same day was unprecedented, according to

David Tangvald, 2003 Street of Dreams chairman.

"We couldn't be more thrilled," said Tangvald. "Not only did the show's most expensive home sell, but it is also the first time in the event's 28-year history that two homes have sold on the same day. We have heard from attendees that they really are impressed with the homes in this year's show, and I think these sales punctuate the fact that these are livable, well-designed homes."

Sponsored by Northwest Natural, the 2003 Street of Dreams was held at Renaissance

Pointe on Cooper Mountain in Beaverton. The luxury home show was presented by

RE/MAX and BASCO and produced by the Home Builders Association of Metropolitan

Portland (HBA).

The HBA also announced winners for this year's Street of Dreams design competition.

The People's Choice awards resulted from ballots cast by attendees as they toured the show. Realtors voted for their favorites on Realtor Day, sponsored by The Oregonian.

Professional awards were determined by industry judges. The winners follow:

People's Choice Awards

Best Landscaping and Best of Show: Nature's Door, Renaissance Custom Homes

Best Interior Design and Home Furnishings: Greystone Manor, Williamson Homes

Best Kitchen: Cooper Summit, Haggart Construction

Professional's Choice Awards:

Best Kitchen, Best of Show, Best Master Suite, Best Architectural Design, Best Interior

Design, and Best Home Furnishing: Nature's Door, Renaissance Custom Homes

Best Landscaping: Cooper Summit, Haggart Construction

Realtors' Choice Awards:

Best Master Suite, Best of Show, Best Interior Decorating and Best Home Furnishings:

Greystone Manor, Williamson Homes

Best Curb Appeal and Best Landscaping: Nature's Door, Renaissance Custom Homes

Best Kitchen: Cooper Summit, Haggart Construction

Best Architectural Design: Ambiance, CastleRock Homes

Location unveiled for 2004 Parade of Homes

Granite Highlands, in western Washougal, has been selected as the location of the

Building Industry Association of Southwest Washington's (BIASW) annual Parade of

Homes for 2004.

The announcement follows the success of the 2003 Parade of Homes, which concluded at the end of July.

"I think everyone felt this was a tremendous success," said David Roewe, executive director of the BIASW, regarding the show.

This year the home show saw an increase of 40 percent in attendance over the 2002 show. By the end of the event, five of the 11 homes had been sold, making it "one of the most successful shows . . . from a builder's standpoint," said Jon Girod of Quail

Construction and chairman of the 2003 show.

The BIASW also annouced its show winners. The People's Choice Awards, including

Best Street Appeal, Best Architectural Design, Best Bathroom, Best Interior, Best Master

Suite, Best Kitchen, Best Floor Plan and Best Playhouse, were chosen by members of the general public who attended.

The Chinook, presented by M.J. Olson Enterprises, received both the People's Choice and the Industry Award for Best of Show, the annual event's top honors. The home featured bold, rustic Northwest architecture and design. Seven judges with backgrounds in various homebuilding trades evaluated the houses before the event's opening. The judges assessed homes that incorporated the best designs in interior, architectural, master suite, kitchen and landscaping.

M.J. Olson's home won the Industry Awards for Best Architectural Design, Best

Landscaping and Best of Show. The home also received four People's Choice awards for

Best Street Appeal, Best Architectural Design, Best Interior and Best of Show.

Among the other winners, Pacific Lifestyle Custom Homes' Morgan received People's

Choice awards for Best Bathroom, Best Kitchen and Best Floor Plan; S. Vilhauer

Company's Le Fidele won a People's Choice award for Best Master Suite, and received three Industry awards including Best Interior Design, Best Master Suite, and Best

Kitchen; Shibui, by A&M Homes, tied with The Chinook for Best Architectural Design; and Chicago Title was awarded Best Playhouse Design for its medieval castle.

2003 New Beginnings winners announced

RE/MAX Street of New Beginnings' 2003 winner results were announced by the Home

Builders Association of Metropolitan Portland (HBA) on Aug. 6.

Show attendees chose Galaxy by Christensen Construction as the winner of five People's

Choice Awards: Best of Show; Best Architectural Design; Best Interior Decorating; Best

Landscaping; and Best Kitchen.

On Realtor Day, sponsored by The Oregonian, Realtors voted on eight categories.

Realtor's Choice awards went to:

Northwest Passage: Best In Show, Best Landscaping, Best Interior Decorating, and Best

Kitchen, JLS Custom Homes

Best Curb Appeal: Buckingham Tudor, Brooke Lee Homes.

Best Master Suite: The Fireside, Four D Construction.

Best Architectural Design: Sage Crest, Don Morissette Homes.

Best Home Furnishings: Havencrest, Bruneau Construction.

The Fourth Annual RE/MAX Street of New Beginnings ran June 14 to July 6 and featured homes from 10 different builders at prices from $279,000 to $379,000.

Green expo draws pros to Portland

Architects from eight states, Guam and Hong Kong are coming to Portland to take part in the Green Building Expo -- part of the 2003 American Institute of Architects (AIA),

Northwest and Pacific Region Conference.

The green expo portion of the conference runs Aug. 22 and 23, 1:30 to 5 p.m., at the

Oregon Convention Center. Exhibitors include companies marketing green-building products and services for homeowners, builders and contractors.

Admission is free. For more information, call AIA Portland at 503-223-8757 or visit www.aiaportland.org.

Arbor announces the Crossing's new phase

Arbor Custom Homes has opened the second phase of sales at Arbor Crossing with 103 homes on Boeckman Road in Wilsonville.

Lot sizes range from 5,000 to 8,000 square feet; prices run from $259,900 to $389,900.

Twenty-three homes had been sold by early August.

The homes feature three to six-bedrooms and two to three baths, with floor plans from

2,200 to 3,400 square feet.

The development includes a central park with a play structure, basketball court and picnic tables.

HBA awards $15,000 to PHC for program

The Home Builders Association of Metropolitan Portland awarded $15,000 to the

Portland Housing Center (PHC) to help home buyers in the center's financial fitness program.

The grant will provide home buyers with one-on-one counseling on budgeting, credit repair and overcoming obstacles to homeownership.

"We expect the grant to provide an invaluable resource for the community," said Peg

Malloy, PHC executive director. "Our goal is to increase homeownership, particularly for those who have been left behind in home buying, such as minority groups, single women and people with modest incomes."

**************

NEW HOME MONTHLY NOTEBOOK CLACKAMAS COUNTY TO HOST 2004

STREET OF DREAMS

By Joshua Sommer

STAFF WRITER





NEW HOME MONTHLY NOTEBOOK CLACKAMAS COUNTY TO HOST 2004

STREET OF DREAMS

Hidden Lake Estates in Clackamas County has been chosen as the site of the 2004

Northwest Natural Street of Dreams.

The Home Builders Association of Metropolitan Portland (HBA), producers of the annual show of luxury homes, noted the site features a 10-acre lake, large cedar and deciduous trees, and a spring that flows year-round. Each lot is two acres.

The developer is the Ziegler Co., and dates are not yet set.

"We are thrilled to have Hidden Lake Estates as our location for the (show)," said

Stephanie Frisch, director of shows and promotions for the HBA.

Up to eight homes will be built for the 2004 show.

This year's Street of Dreams opened July 19 for a four-week run at Renaissance Pointe on

Cooper Mountain in Beaverton. For more information, call 503-684-1880, or visit www.streetofdreamsusa.org

Tradespeople show students the ropes

High school students from Portland, Vancouver, and Clackamas and Cowlitz counties were selected to participate in the Oregon Building Congress' Summer Construction

Academy, a program that introduces them to construction trades through classes and tours.

"The program has had a profound effect on kids to keep them in school, gain interest in math and focus on finishing school," said Richard O'Connor, executive director for

Oregon Building Congress.

More than 85 students were selected this year in the Portland metro and Southwest

Washington areas, where the program encourages minorities and women to participate.

Running from mid-July to August, the program allows students to experience the homebuilding process firsthand from professionals in several trades (electrical, sheet metal and carpentry) and from members of the HBA.

For more information, call 503-685-8336 or visit www.obcweb.com.

Course helps builders adapt to aging clients

The National Association of Home Builders' (NAHB) Remodelors Council, in conjunction with the AARP, has designed an educational program to help remodelers to meet market demands of middle-to-late-aged homeowners.

The certificate -- Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS) -- stems from a May 2000

AARP study called "Fixing to Stay" in which homeowners age 45 and older said "they would like to remain in their current residence for as long as possible," but are concerned about "finding reliable contractors or handymen, should they need to modify their home."

A three-day course, CAPS will teach technical, business management and customer service skills (See related story on this page.)

This fall, the HBA will hold the first CAPS program in Oregon, sponsored by Contract

Furnishing Mart. For more information, call 503-603-4514.

Alternative materials explored in classes

Straw. Clay. Sticks.

These are actual, not storybook, home-building materials, and representatives from

Econest Building Co. planned two workshops in Oregon to demonstrate their versatility.

Econest is based in Santa Fe, N.M., and specializes in earth, straw and timber structures.

Some of its homes have been featured in Fine Homebuilding and Natural Home magazines.

"Strawclay Construction," will be held July 30 to Aug. 2 and covers techniques for creating weatherproof walls that "breathe." Topics include clay harvesting, soil testing, making clay slip (liquid clay with a batter-like consistency), mixing straw and clay, formwork, loading and tamping.

The workshop is at 23777 S.E. Gold Rd., Eagle Creek -- the site of a home under construction -- and runs from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The class fee is $400; lunch is provided.

Registration is required. To register, call 503-705-2933. For more information, visit www.econest.com.

Hoyt Street garners three local awards

Three projects by Hoyt Street Properties were selected Top Projects of 2003 by the

Portland Daily Journal of Commerce.

Park Place Condominiums, Bridgeport Condominiums and Park XIII Apartments, all in

Portland's Pearl District, were winners. Each has a construction value of approximately

$10 million and started construction in 2002.

For more information, call 503-227-2000 or visit www.hoyt-streetproperties.com.

Dates set for remodel tour

Dates for the 2004 Tour of Remodeled Homes, produced by the Remodelors Council and presented by PGE Earth Advantage, have been set for March 13 and 14, 2004.

The annual show will present 16 to 20 homes that incorporate dynamic and significant home renovations in the Portland metro area.


River Canyon Estates holds grand opening

A 348-home project in Bend will hold a grand opening July 25.

D.R. Horton's $120-million River Canyon Estates, on the east bank of the Deschutes

River, includes home plans from 1,759 to 5,000-square-feet and price tags from $167,000 to $700,000.

Two model homes will be open, including the 2,700-square-foot Brighton and the 3,000square-foot Carmel. Both have four-bedrooms, 2.5 baths, a den and a three-car garage.

The project features a $1-million clubhouse with a gathering room, outdoor swimming pool, kitchen and a weight room. The property also sports a four-acre park and several smaller parks.

Model homes will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. For more information, call 541-

617-1019.

****************

DINING CHEAP EATS OCCASIONS RESTAURANT AND BALLROOM

By Joshua Sommer

The Oregonian


Friday,July 4, 2003



DINING CHEAP EATS OCCASIONS RESTAURANT AND BALLROOM

Occasions Restaurant and Ballroom

If you blink, you'll miss it. If you miss it, it would be a shame.

The name of the place is Occasions Restaurant and Ballroom, and the doorway is hidden between a couple of shops in the booming Sellwood District and leads to a staircase that takes you up to the restaurant.

Chef Matt Bahde did an eight-year stretch at the Brasserie Montmartre before moving to

Occasions, and co-chef Tim Dillion has worked at several resorts throughout the United

States and in Canada.

The building was a gentleman's club in the '20s and has a cozy interior with dark wood, candles, twinkling lights and old photos of the area that have been enlarged. The ballroom has 2,500 square feet of hardwood floor perfect for tango and swing dancing.

Occasions' menu melds an eclectic mix of American, French and Italian foods. Some entrees are as little as $12. Check out the bacon-wrapped beef tenderloin, chased by

Almond Joy cake or coconut cream pie for dessert. Appetizers, such as addictive coconut shrimp, are even gentler on the wallet, ranging from $5 to $10.

Right now, Occasions is a beer-and-wine-only establishment, though it plans to add a full bar and a happy hour menu later this summer.

Occasions Restaurant and Ballroom is at 8132 S.E. 13th Ave.; 503-736-0179. Hours:

Lunch -- 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.; dinner -- 5 p.m.-close.

-- Joshua Sommer

*****************

NOTEBOOK MERIT AWARD PUTS STONEWATER AT ORENCO IN THE

RUNNING FOR GOLD JOSHUA

By Joshua Sommer

STAFF WRITER





NOTEBOOK MERIT AWARD PUTS STONEWATER AT ORENCO IN THE

RUNNING FOR GOLD JOSHUA

Legend Homes is one of five finalists for a 2003 Gold Nugget Award, a national honor presented by Western builders each year.

Stonewater earned an Award of Merit for Stonewater at Orenco, a neighborhood of townhomes and condominiums in Hillsboro.

Designed by Mithun Architects of Seattle, Stonewater at Orenco was recognized in the

Best Community Site Plan 15 to 19 acres category of the competition, which is sponsored by the Pacific Coast Builder's Conference (PCBC) and Builder Magazine.

Entries in the Gold Nugget awards come from builders and designers from 14 Western states and Pacific Rim countries. The competition honors creative achievements in architectural design and land-use planning for residential, commercial and industrial projects.

Jim Chapman, president of Legend Homes, will accept the Award of Merit at the PCBC, held June 19 to 22 at the Moscone Center in San Francisco.

The units at Stonewater at Orenco are arranged around courtyards, greenways and small streets; they feature front porches and a variety of architectural styles. More than 17 percent of the site is designated for heritage trees, pocket parks and recreation areas.

For more information, call 503-648-0233 or go to www.legendhomes.com.

Play's not only thing to benefit from raffle

A charity raffle for designer playhouses will be held July 27 at the 2003 Riverview

Parade of Homes in Washougal, Wash.

Four playhouses have been designed, built and donated to the Playhouse Parade by Quail

Homes, Grams Construction, Parr Lumber and Chicago Title. All are on display at

Westfield Shoppingtown, formerly known as Vancouver Mall.

Proceeds from the playhouse raffle will be divided between the Washougal Athletic

Fields Project and the Vancouver School District Foundation.

Raffle tickets are $5 and are available from Nies Insurance at Westfield Shoppingtown.

The Riverview Parade of Homes, sponsored by the Building Industry Association of

Southwest Washington, runs July 11 to 27 at the River View neighborhood in

Washougal. For more information on the Playhouse Parade and the home show, visit www.newhomesonparade.com.

Townhome model open at Murray Ridge

D.R. Horton has opened a model townhome at its new Murray Ridge neighborhood near

Southwest Scholls Ferry Road and Southwest 151st Avenue in Beaverton.

The homes at Murray Ridge range from 2,300 to 2,770 square feet and are priced from

$249,000 to $300,000.

The 2,772-square-foot model is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily except Wednesdays

(noon to 6 p.m.).


Here comes the sun -- and a workshop, too

Mr. Sun Solar, a solar-energy equipment supplier, begins a summer workshop series on

June 21 at its store at 3838 S.W. Macadam Ave.

The workshop, the first of three in a series, runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. A classroom session will be followed by an afternoon field trip.

The focus of the workshop will be passive and active solar systems with emphasis on solar water heating and includes a briefing on pool and hot tub heating.

The instructor, John Patterson, is founder and president of Mr. Sun Solar and has installed more than 1,200 systems.

The class is $75 and includes lunch.

For more information, call 503-222-2468 or visit www.mrsunsolar.com.

Renaissance to build at Clackamas project

Renaissance Homes has signed on to be the custom home builder for Eagle Landing, the new neighborhood to be built at Top O' Scott Golf Course in Clackamas.

A $250-million renovation of the property will include a new golf center, a corporate and retail park, upscale condominiums, apartments and custom single-family homes.

"Renaissance fits in perfectly with what we are trying to accomplish here," said Neil

Nedelisky, president of Show Timber, the company developing Eagle Landing. "The quality of their work and their unique designs speak for themselves."

Renaissance, a three-time winner of the Street of Dreams Best of Show award, will build

75 custom homes at the project. The homes will range from 3,000 to 5,000 square feet and be priced from $350,000 to $650,000.

Construction on the project will begin shortly after Top O' Scott closes after play on

Sunday, June 22. The new golf course is expected to be ready for play in spring of 2004.

Kim Whitman of Renaissance Homes said the company hopes to break ground by the end of 2003.

For more information on Eagle Landing, call 503-469-4568.

Remodelors Council calls for tour entries

The Remodelors Council of the Home Builders Association of Metropolitan Portland is calling for entries for its 2004 Tour of Remodeled Homes.

Sponsored by PGE Earth Advantage, the tour dates will be March 13 and 14, 2004.

Official entry packets will be mailed beginning July 10.


*************

RE/MAX STEPS UP TO SPONSOR SHOWS<

By Joshua Sommer

The Oregonian





RE/MAX STEPS UP TO SPONSOR SHOWS<

For RE/MAX Equity Group, 2003 is a busy year.

RE/MAX Equity Group is title sponsor of three of the area's premiere summer home show events: the Street of New Beginnings, Riverview Parade of Homes and Street of

Dreams.

When asked about the company's involvement in the shows, Jim Homolka, president of

RE/MAX Equity Group, said, "We've had a long history with the Street of Dreams and, because we are leaders in the market, we feel that this is an important partnership between builders and Realtors.

"Our involvement with the Street of New Beginnings comes because the show is geared toward a broader spectrum of local home buyers due to their affordability."

The 2003 Street of New Beginnings runs June 14 to July 6; Clark County's 2003

Riverview Parade of Homes is July 11 to 27; and the 28th annual Street of Dreams is July

19 to Aug. 17.

For more information, visit www.equitygroup.com.

--Joshua Sommer

******************

SHOOTOUT SPONSORS FOCUS ON HELPING KIDS SUCCEED

By Joshua Sommer

STAFF WRITER


Monday,June 9, 2003

Edition: SUNRISE, Section: SCOTT THOMASON/NEIL LOMAX QUARTERBACK

SHOOTOUT, Page 05

Monday, June 9, 2003

SHOOTOUT SPONSORS FOCUS ON HELPING KIDS SUCCEED

Now in its 13th year in Portland, the Scott Thomason/Neil Lomax Quarterback Shootout continues to flourish with the support of famous athletes, autograph-hungry fans and sponsors looking to get in the game.

This year the sponsor roster has grown to more than 45 participants. So, what's the charm of the Shootout that keeps attracting new sponsors? In a word: fun.

Prudential Northwest Properties, under the direction of president Bert Waugh, is one of this year's new Shootout sponsors.

Waugh is a veteran of charitable organizations focused on benefiting youths, which is one of the reasons why the Shootout piqued his interest. Proceeds from the Shootout are donated to Young Life and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

"I've known Neil for a long time," Waugh said, "and I've played in his golf tournaments in the past as a guest.

"My wife and I started a non-profit, Transitional Youth, in 1991 and I've watched what

Neil has done and I thought that this was a good time to get myself and the company involved."

Waugh said he looks forward to playing in the 18-hole best-ball Pro-Am tournament pairing celebrities with sponsors on Friday, June 13.

A camaraderie exists between organizers in the charitable business community.

"I've known Bert and what he's done in the community for several years," said Neil. "He invited me to play in his charity golf tournament in a foursome with (former Trail

Blazers) Maurice Lucas, Larry Steele and Bert.

"So I invited Bert. I said, 'Bert, you want to be around some athletes? We've got to get you involved in the Quarterback Shootout."

A chance to play along with celebrities in the Pro-Am is one of the attractive bonuses to sponsoring the Shootout. Another is a chance to help young people through the Kids

Make Cents program by presenting sponsor Albertsons.

"It's a great chance to get involved with the charities that will be benefiting, and support

Albertsons," said John Memarian, customer business executive for Nabisco, a new sponsor this year.

"Plus it's a chance to play some golf," Memarian added.

While the first-year sponsors breathe new life into the event, Lomax said the long-time sponsors, like Thomason and Albertsons, are the backbone of the Shootout.

"We have the same sponsors who are so loyal and supportive of our event," Lomax said.

"We have so many true partners.

"Albertsons has been huge for us the last five or six years, with all their vendors and manufacturers. It's just tremendous the support we've been getting from them. If we didn't have Scott (Thomason) and Albertsons, we wouldn't be an event. No question about it."

Free tickets to the Shootout are available at Albertsons in the Portland area and

Southwest Washington.

With a variety of vendors operating during the Shootout, attendees will have access to a wide variety of refreshments.

Dave Short of Breyer's ice cream has been involved with the Shootout for six years and continues his support.

"People buy the ice cream every day and we need to give back," Short said, "and this is a chance to do so, along with Albertsons.

"That's the essence -- a chance for the brand to give something back. Another reason is what Neil is giving back to the community, working with charities that are giving back to the kids. They make a real difference."

***************

ESPECIALLY LOW RATES AWAIT FIRST-TIME HOME BUYERS

By Joshua Sommers, The Oregonian


Sunday,June 8, 2003

Edition: SUNRISE, Section: HOMES AND RENTALS, Page H06

Sunday, June 8, 2003

ESPECIALLY LOW RATES AWAIT FIRST-TIME HOME BUYERS

During June, Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) is offering especially low fixed-rate loans to low- and moderate-income households seeking to buy a first home.

"Our 30-year fixed loan rate of 4.5 percent is the lowest we have ever offered since the agency launched the program in 1978," said Bob Repine, director of OHCS.

OHCS's Residential Loan Program, known as the "Oregon Bond" program, helps eligible home buyers secure below-market interest rates to finance their first houses. The rates are made possible through the sale of tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds issued by the department. Although the department is calling June "Homeownership Month," the program offers funding all year long at below-market rates.

In 2002, the program helped 1,160 families purchase homes in Oregon.

To qualify for the program, the borrower must meet the program's household income limits and be a first-time home buyer (for most areas of the state).

Additionally, the property's sale price must not exceed the program's purchase-price limits. The household income limits are $56,300 statewide; $65,300 for Benton County; and $65,800 for Clackamas, Columbia, Multnomah, Washington or Yamhill counties.

For more information, call 503-986-2015 or visit www.oregonbond.us on the Web.

-- Joshua Sommer

***************

COMPANY KEEPS CAR-LESS TREND IN MOTION

By Joshua Sommer

The Oregonian


Sunday,June 1, 2003



COMPANY KEEPS CAR-LESS TREND IN MOTION

Freedom from the car is frequently cited as a benefit of downtown life. But what if you need to go where a bike or the bus can't take you?

Car-less Portland residents who need an alternative to public transportation or cycling have an option that costs less than most drivers pay for automobile insurance.

Car sharing, an idea popular in Canada and throughout Europe for nearly a decade, made its national debut when Dave Brook founded CarSharing Portland in 1998, which later merged with Seattle-based Flexcar.

With Flexcar, members pay a one-time $25 fee and then an hourly or monthly rate -- depending on the member's needs -- and the company pays the rest: insurance, gas, maintenance and parking for reserved spaces around the metropolitan area.

Members receive a smart card (like a debit card) and a code that allows them access to any vehicle in the fleet. The cars can be reserved from one minute to a year in advance. If a car's gas level drops below a quarter of a tank, the member uses a Flexcar credit card to top off the tank. When a member is using one of the vehicles, the standard plan is $8 each hour, which includes 10 free miles. Members pay nothing when they do not have a car checked out.

Flexcar, a co-sponsor of the Portland Business Alliance's Downtown Tour, also offers plans to accommodate more frequent use of its cars.

For instance, the basic Advantage Plan is $35 a month, with no annual fee and allows up to five hours and 50 miles of vehicle use -- ideal for people who only need a car to run errands after work or on weekends, or for those who don't want to bike to work during

Portland's occasional wet spells.

Most of the vehicles are near bus routes.

David Lawrence, a claims analyst for Regence Blue Cross/Blue Shield, and his wife

Stephanie use Flexcar exclusively. They are selling their regular car because the battery went dead from lack of use.

"When you consider gas, insurance and maintenance, it is cheaper to use Flexcar in

Portland's metro area. You also don't have the worry of something happening to your own personal car while parking downtown. And there's no cost for parking because of their reserved parking spaces," Lawrence said.

The fleet includes sedans, such as Honda Civics and Saturns; gas/electric hybrid Toyota

Priuses; and special-use vehicles, such as Mazda pickup trucks and seven-passenger

Dodge minivans. The company even offers a Mazda Miata convertible.

For more information, call 503-328-3539 or visit www.flexcar.com.

-- Joshua Sommer

*****************

DEVELOPMENTS OPEN DOORS TO RENTERS, BUYERS -- AND PETS

By Joshua Sommer

STAFF WRITER


Sunday,June 1, 2003



DEVELOPMENTS OPEN DOORS TO RENTERS, BUYERS -- AND PETS

The Portland Business Alliance is throwing its second annual downtown open house, and anyone interested in living in the heart of the city is invited.

From noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday, June 1, more than 30 condos and apartment complexes throughout Portland's central city will be open to the public for tours. Apartments and properties for sale are included in this tour of new and pre-owned projects. The tour is cosponsored by the Oregonian, OregonLive.com, Flexcar and Wells Fargo Home Mortgage.

Since 1995, more than 50 residential buildings -- mostly downtown -- have been completed in the central city area, according to the Portland Development Commission, with several due for completion by the end of the year.

Maps and property listings for the event will be available in The Oregonian; and from

Downtown Sidewalk Ambassadors who wear distinctive black and green jackets. The

Ambassadors will be stationed at Northwest 1st Avenue and Davis Street (the Old Town

Chinatown Max stop) and at 1330 S.W. 3rd Ave.

Properties participating this year are listed below, along with a note on properties that allow pets. For specific pet and deposit requirements, check with individual properties.

OWNERSHIP UNITS

Bridgeport Condominiums, 1130 N.W. 12th Ave.; 503-227-2000; www.hoytstreetproperties.com.Pet Policy: Dogs and cats are allowed.

Legends Condominiums, 1132 S.W. 19th Ave.; 503-223-7941. Pet Policy: Dogs and cats are allowed.

Marshall-Wells Lofts, 1001 N.W. 14th Ave.; 503-223-2255; www.marshall-wells.com.

Pet Policy: Dogs and cats are allowed.

McCormick Pier, 600 N.W. Naito Parkway; 503-228-7437: www.rivercondos.com. Pet

Policy: Dogs and cats are allowed.

The Mosaic, 1400 S.W. 11th Ave.; 503-936-0332; www.mosaiccondos.com. Pet Policy:

Pets are allowed.

Park Place, 922 N.W. 11th Ave.; 503-227-2000.

Streetcar Lofts, 1030 N.W. 12th Ave.; 503-227-2000; www.hoytstreetproperties.com. Pet

Policy: Dogs and cats are allowed.

RENTAL UNITS

735 St. Clair, 735 S.W. St. Clair St.; 503-478-9926. Pet Policy: Dogs and cats are allowed.

Bel Aire, 2139 W. Burnside St.; 503-226-3799. Pet Policy: Dogs and cats are allowed.

Collins Circle Apartments, 1704 S.W. Jefferson St.; 503-525-2324; www.collinscircle.com. Pet Policy: Dogs and cats are allowed.

Fifth Avenue Place, 314 N.W. Fifth Ave.; 503-243-3311. Pet Policy: Dogs and cats are allowed.

Gallery Park Apartments, 1436 S.W. Park Ave.; 503-222-0274. Pet Policy: Dogs and cats are allowed.

Hamilton West, 1511 S.W. 12th Ave.; 503-525-0500

Ione Plaza, 1717 Park Avenue; 503-228-9573

Kafoury Commons, 1240 S.W. Columbia St.; 503-226-0600.

Kearney Plaza, 930 N.W. 12th Ave.; 503-227-5624; www.hoytstreetproperties.com. Pet

Policy: Cats are allowed.

King Towers, 901 S.W. King Ave.; 503-223-1458

Lovejoy Station, 1040 N.W. 10th Ave.; 503-220-2500. Pet Policy: Cats are allowed.

Museum Place Lofts & Townhouses, 1030 S.W. Jefferson St.; 503-295-0303; www.museum-place.com. Pet Policy: Cats are allowed.

Oakwood At The Essex House, 1330 S.W. Third Ave.; 503-226-2443; www.oakwood.com. Pet Policy: Cats are allowed.

Ongford Apartments, 1417 S.W. 10th Ave.; 503-223-6603

Pacific Tower, 333 N.W. Fourth Ave.; 503-224-9393. Pet Policy: Small dogs and cats are allowed.

Park Plaza, 1969 S.W. Park Ave.; 503-227-7485. Pet Policy: Cats are allowed.

Pearl Court, 920 N.W. Kearney St.; 503-222-1999.

Portland Center Apartments, 200 S.W. Harrison St.; 503-224-3050; www.equityapartments.com. Pet Policy: Small dogs and cats are allowed.

Portland Towers, 950 S.W. 21st Ave.; 503-228-9651. Pet Policy: Cats are allowed.

Regency Apartments, 1410 S.W. Broadway; 503-224-2308. Pet Policy: Cats are allowed.

RiverPlace Square, 0308 S.W. Montgomery St.; 503-228-1800; www.riverplacesquare.com. Pet Policy: Cats are allowed.

Rose Plaza, 2199 N.W. Everett St.; 503-222-6080. Pet Policy: Cats are allowed.

Royal Arms Apartments, 1829 N.W. Lovejoy St.; 503-222-2430. Pet Policy: Cats are allowed.

Sovereign Hotel, 710 S.W. Madison St.; 503-248-0021

University Park Apartments, 1500 S.W. Park Ave.; 503-222-9300; www.universityparkapartments.com. Pet Policy: Small dogs and cats are allowed.

Village At Lovejoy Fountain, 245 S.W. Lincoln St.; 503-223-5314; www.villageatlovejoy.com.

Westover Tower, 930 N.W. 25th Place; 503-227-2181. Pet Policy: Cats are allowed.

Yards At Union Station, 945 N.W. Naito Parkway; 503-478-1695. Pet Policy: Cats are allowed.

***************

EVEN FOR CAR-LESS DOWNTOWNERS, SOMETIMES ONLY AN AUTO WILL

DO

By Joshua Sommer

Staff writer





EVEN FOR CAR-LESS DOWNTOWNERS, SOMETIMES ONLY AN AUTO WILL

DO

Freedom from the car is frequently cited as a benefit of downtown life. But what if you need to go where a bike or the bus can't take you?

Car-less Portland residents who need an alternative to public transportation or cycling have an option that costs less than most drivers pay for automobile insurance.

Car sharing, an idea popular in Canada and throughout Europe for nearly a decade, made its national debut when Dave Brook founded CarSharing Portland in 1998, which later merged with Seattle-based Flexcar.

With Flexcar, members pay a one-time $25 fee and then an hourly or monthly rate -- depending on the member's needs -- and the company pays the rest: insurance, gas, maintenance and parking for reserved spaces around the metropolitan area.

Members receive a smart card (like a debit card) and a code that allows them access to any vehicle in the fleet. The cars can be reserved from one minute to a year in advance. If a car's gas level drops below a quarter of a tank, the member uses a Flexcar credit card to top off the tank. When a member is using one of the vehicles, the standard plan is $8 each hour, which includes 10 free miles. Members pay nothing when they do not have a car checked out.

Flexcar also offers plans to accommodate more frequent use of its cars.

For instance, the basic Advantage Plan is $35 a month, with no annual fee and allows up to five hours and 50 miles of vehicle use -- ideal for people who only need a car to run errands after work or on weekends, or for those who don't want to bike to work during

Portland's occasional wet spells.

Most of the vehicles are near bus routes.

David Lawrence, a claims analyst for Regence Blue Cross/Blue Shield, and his wife

Stephanie use Flexcar exclusively. They are selling their regular car because the battery went dead from lack of use.

"When you consider gas, insurance and maintenance, it is cheaper to use Flexcar in

Portland's metro area. You also don't have the worry of something happening to your own personal car while parking downtown. And there's no cost for parking because of their reserved parking spaces," said David.

The fleet includes sedans, such as Honda Civics and Saturns; gas/electric hybrid Toyota

Priuses; and special-use vehicles, such as Mazda pickup trucks and seven-passenger

Dodge minivans. The company even offers a Mazda Miata convertible.

For more information, call 503-328-3539 or visit www.flexcar.com.

--Joshua Sommer

***************

NEW HOME MONTHLY NOTEBOOK AGENCY REVIEWS LOAN-ELIGIBLE

BOUNDARIES

By Joshua Sommer

STAFF WRITER





NEW HOME MONTHLY NOTEBOOK AGENCY REVIEWS LOAN-ELIGIBLE

BOUNDARIES

The Oregon Rural Development Service of the federal Department of Agriculture has announced it is reviewing the rural boundary maps it uses to award housing loans and grants in eligible areas.

This review will affect 11 Oregon cities that the USDA had previously considered rural, including McMinnville, Woodburn, Salem, Corvallis, Albany, Bend, Roseburg, Coos

Bay/North Bend, Medford/Central Point, Klamath Falls and areas surrounding Portland.

The proposed map is available at area Rural Development Service offices. For more information, call 1-866-923-5626 or go to www.rurdev.usda.gov/or/index.htm on the web.

D.R. Horton homes open in Newberg

Sales of 147 home sites are under way at the Oaks at Springbrook in Newberg.

Built by D.R. Horton, the three-bedroom, 2.5-bath homes will range from 1,896 to 2,829 square feet. Prices run $190,000 to $250,000, and model homes are expected to be open in late June.

For information, call 503-516-2948.

Mortgage company offers green incentive

M&T Mortgage will apply a credit to builders who construct Earth Advantage-certified homes.

The credit is meant to offset all or a portion of the certification fee that Earth Advantage charges builders on a per-unit basis, and it is applied from loan fees and interest due at the time of the construction loan payoff. To qualify, the home must receive certification.


Morello Townhouses go on sale in Hillsboro

Sales have opened on Morello Townhouses at Orenco Station in Hillsboro, with construction due to be completed by October.

Built by Costa Pacific Homes, the townhouses range from 1,369 to 1,597 square feet and feature exterior brick veneer, hardwood floors, recessed lighting, gas fireplaces and highspeed Internet wiring. Three multi-story floor plans are available. Prices range from the

$230,000s to the $270,000s.

New home buyers receive a free, one-year Tri-Met pass. For more information, call 503-

640-1230.

NAHB award calls for design entries

The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and Professional Builder magazine are accepting entries for the 2003 Best in American Living Awards (BALA), which honors the best in residential architecture and interior design.

Builders, developers, architects, land planners and those working through cooperative public/private efforts that expand homeownership opportunities may enter.

For information on judging criteria and all other questions, call 800-368-5242, ext. 8343 or www.housingzone.com.

Green building tour seeking participants

The second annual "Build it Green" home tour is seeking green homes for this year's showcase of innovative building and remodeling techniques that minimize damage to the environment.

The tour takes place Sept. 20, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and qualifying homes must be located in the Portland metro area and demonstrate sustainable features.

For more information, call 503-823-7109 or go to www.green-rated.org.

Renaissance names chief operating officer

Tim Breedlove has been selected as chief operating officer for Renaissance Homes. He has been chief financial officer for the company for the past 3 1/2 years.

*****************

MORE THAN 30 DOWNTOWN RESIDENCES OPEN DOORS TO PROSPECTIVE

OCCUPANTS

By Joshua Sommer

STAFF WRITER





MORE THAN 30 DOWNTOWN RESIDENCES OPEN DOORS TO PROSPECTIVE

OCCUPANTS

The Portland Business Alliance is throwing its second annual downtown open house, and anyone interested in living in the heart of the city is invited.

From noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday, June 1, more than 30 condominiums and apartment buildings throughout Portland's central city will be open to the public for tours.

Apartments and properties for sale are included in this free tour of new and pre-owned projects.

Since 1995, more than 50 residential buildings -- mostly downtown -- have been completed in the central city area, according to the Portland Development Commission.

Several are due for completion by the end of the year.

Free maps will be printed in the June 1 edition of The Oregonian and also will be available from Downtown Sidewalk Ambassadors (wearing black and green jackets) or online at www.portlandalliance.com.

Following is a list of properties participating in this year's tour.

UNITS FOR SALE

Bridgeport Condominiums, 1130 N.W. 12th Ave.; 503-227-2000; www.hoytstreetproperties.com

Legends Condominiums, 1132 S.W. 19th Ave.; 503-223-7941

Marshall-Wells Lofts, 1001 N.W. 14th Ave.; 503-223-2255; www.marshall-wells.com

McCormick Pier, 600 N.W. Naito Parkway; 503-228-7437: www.rivercondos.com

Mosaic, 1400 S.W. 11th Ave.; 503-936-0332; www.mosaiccondos.com

Streetcar Lofts, 1030 N.W. 12th Ave.; 503-227-2000; www.hoytstreetproperties.com

RENTAL UNITS

735 St. Clair, 735 S.W. St. Clair St.; 503-478-9926

Bel Aire, 2139 W. Burnside St.; 503-226-3799

Collins Circle Apartments, 1704 S.W. Jefferson St.; 503-525-2324; www.collinscircle.com

Fifth Avenue Place, 314 N.W. Fifth Ave.; 503-243-3311

Gallery Park Apartments, 1436 S.W. Park Ave.; 503-222-0274

Hamilton West, 1511 S.W. 12th Ave.; 503-525-0500

Kafoury Commons, 1240 S.W. Columbia St.; 503-226-0600

Kearney Plaza, 930 N.W. 12th Ave.; 503-227-5624; www.hoytstreetproperties.com

King Towers, 901 S.W. King Ave.; 503-223-1458

Lovejoy Station, 1040 N.W. 10th Ave.; 503-220-2500

Museum Place Lofts & Townhouses, 1030 S.W. Jefferson St.; 503-295-0303; www.museum-place.com

Oakwood At The Essex House, 1330 S.W. Third Ave.; 503-226-2443; www.oakwood.com

Ongford Apartments, 1417 S.W. 10th Ave.; 503-223-6603

Pacific Tower, 333 N.W. Fourth Ave.; 503-224-9393

Park Plaza, 1969 S.W. Park Ave.; 503-227-7485

Pearl Court, 920 N.W. Kearney St.; 503-222-1999

Portland Center Apartments, 200 S.W. Harrison St.; 503-224-3050; www.equityapartments.com

Portland Towers, 950 S.W. 21st Ave.; 503-228-9651

Regency Apartments, 1410 S.W. Broadway; 503-224-2308

RiverPlace Square, 0308 S.W. Montgomery St.; 503-228-1800; www.riverplacesquare.com

Rose Plaza, 2199 N.W. Everett St.; 503-222-6080

Royal Arms Apartments, 1829 N.W. Lovejoy St.; 503-222-2430

Sovereign Hotel, 710 S.W. Madison St.; 503-248-0021

University Park Apartments, 1500 S.W. Park Ave.; 503-222-9300; www.universityparkapartments.com

Village At Lovejoy Fountain, 245 S.W. Lincoln St.; 503-223-5314; www.villageatlovejoy.com

Westover Tower, 930 N.W. 25th Place; 503-227-2181

Yards At Union Station, 945 N.W. Naito Parkway; 503-478-1695

*****************

NEW HOME MONTHLY NOTEBOOK -- COHO CONSTRUCTION LAUDED FOR

GREEN BUILDING PROJECT

By Joshua Sommer

STAFF WRITER





NEW HOME MONTHLY NOTEBOOK -- COHO CONSTRUCTION LAUDED FOR

GREEN BUILDING PROJECT

Coho Construction Services, a Portland-based builder, won an award for Green Project of the Year at the fifth annual National Green Building Conference in Baltimore, March 31.

The project (New Home Monthly, Sept. 19, 2002), a house built at 4057 N.E. 14th Ave. in Portland, showcased the use of a number of environmentally friendly materials and building techniques, including Rastra block wall forms; a metal roof; a rainwater collection and filtration system for potable water; salvaged wood; recycled doors, marble counters and sinks; sustainably harvested white oak cabinets; radiant heating under cement floors; bamboo flooring; high-efficiency appliances; heat exchanger; and Aglaia natural wood stain.

Judges for this year's awards cited Coho Construction for outstanding, comprehensive green building philosophy.

For more information about the project, call Coho Construction at 503-233-4197.

Ten beneficiaries set for Midsummer gala

Northwest Housing Alternatives (NHA) is one of 10 charitable organizations benefiting from the 2003 Street of Dreams fund-raiser, A Midsummer Night's Dream.

The gala is set for July 17 at Renaissance Point on Cooper Mountain, the site of this year's annual showcase of luxury homes.

In celebration of the benefit's 20th anniversary, the theme is the "Roaring '20s."

Participants are invited to dress in period garb, preview the show homes and have dinner with jazz music and dancing.

The other nine charitable organizations that will receive a portion of the event proceeds are Candlelighters for Children with Cancer; Community Vision; Habitat for Humanity;

HOST Development; Kruse Way-Lake Oswego Rotary; Northwest Medical Teams;

Portland Housing Center; Raphael House; and Women for Children Friends of

Doernbecher.

Tickets are $100. For more information, call the Home Builders Association of

Metropolitan Portland at 503-684-1880, or visit www.homebuildersportland.com.

Home-repair loans available in rural areas

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's rural development program has allotted $850,000 in housing-repair loans and grants for low-income homeowners living in non-urban areas of Oregon.

The housing repair program is designed to improve living standards by funding repairs to roofs, wiring, plumbing heating systems storm windows and weatherization. Loans are available for up to $20,000 with a maximum repayment period of 20 years. The annual interest rate is 1 percent.

Under the program, applicants can receive assistance of up to $7,500 with only a promissory note. Homeowners 62 years of age or older may qualify for a grant in cases where an individual lacks the finances to repay a loan.

For more information, call 866-923-5626, or visit www.rurdev.usda.gov/or/504.htm.

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