City Repair is organizing its annual Village Building Convergence, an event which brings together a community in an attempt to better a neighborhood, both visually, functionally, and communally.  Past projects have included community gardens, sidewalk art installations, intersection murals, and sidewalk seating.  You can find more information about City Repair, and the Village Building Convergence here: http://cityrepair.org/vbc/.  This year, 10 sites will be selected to participate through an application process.  The current theme is, "Intersection-Reclaiming the Crossroads."  If you can think of an intersection, litterally or figuratively, in the Foster-Powell neighborhood that you feel could benefit, or would provide a good opportunity for such a project, please leave a comment.   The deadline for applications is January 29, so please do not hesitate to post your ideas.  Again, only 10 sites will be selected, so we must offer our best choice within the Foster-Powell neighborhood....

I have my hands full with too many summer projects as it is, what with the rock band, the garden, the random fix-up projects from garage sales.  If you're still looking for something to keep you busy this summer, here are two ideas:

Sustainable Homes Professional - Building Science Fundamentals Module 2

This 2-day class provides an exploration of the fundamental laws that govern the dynamic flows within a building in order to understand the interconnectedness of house systems. These fundamentals are necessary tools to use when making design, construction, and operation decisions that affect the sustainability of projects. This class enables you to: comprehend the natural laws that drive the thermal, air, and moisture flows within a house; develop strategies for analyzing how dynamic flows affect the performance of a house; and explore the importance of place and its impacts on building performance, occupant health, well-being, and resource efficiency. The second day of class includes site visits that... (more)

Obama's economic bailout is aimed to "green up" the country, both economically and environmentally.  The new administration hopes that federal green infrastructure funding will lift the country out of the financial duldrums.  But the city of Portland has been governing green for years.  And you can help.  The City is currently seeking comments on a proposed new sustainable building policy.  With a sister in interior design, I can tell you that green building is the trend that's distinguishing the most progressive construction and design companies.  See the full message below to learn more and add your own comments.

"Commissioner Dan Saltzman and the Office of Sustainable Development (OSD) recently opened the public comment period for the proposed High Performance Green Building Policy. This innovative policy seeks to cut greenhouse gas emissions, reduce energy costs and accelerate the growth of green jobs in Portland.

The proposed green building policy was developed by OSD staff with input from stakeholders in... (more)