09/22/2015
Fall’s here, and your comfortable, safe home awaits
Fall’s here, and your comfortable, safe home awaits
By Stephanie Swanson
After what seemed like an endless, hot summer, we’re all breathing a sigh of relief as temperatures are finally dropping—winter is just around the corner! But before the cold sets in for good, fall is the perfect time to take some easy steps to make your home cozier, healthier and safe for this winter and beyond.
Watch your windows. Did you know your windows can help keep your home warm in the winter? Take advantage of the winter sun’s heat by opening south-facing curtains, drapes and blinds during the day, and then closing window coverings at night to keep the heat in. If you don’t have blinds or shades, consider installing them to reduce heat loss (they’ll also help keep your house cool next summer).
Lower the dial and get cozy. Keep your home 10 to 15 degrees cooler when you are not at home, and lower the temperature slightly at night to save energy. Nothing’s cozier than bundling up with blankets on a winter night!
Breathe easy. Many homes trap allergens and pollutants, which affect indoor air quality and can seriously impact the whole family. Checking for radon and installing a carbon monoxide detector are two simple steps that will help everyone breathe more easily.
Get prepared. Back to school is a great time to take stock of emergency preparedness plans and supplies. It’s also a good time to ensure your home is prepared for what may come. Seismic “hardening” of your home helps keep your home secured during severe storms, high winds and earthquakes. It’s also a necessary first step if you’re looking to get earthquake insurance.
For more information about how to improve the comfort, health and safety of your home, visit Enhabit.org/neighborhoodand take a quick online quiz. If you so choose, you can access other resources including free services or financing for efficiency improvements and even seismic retrofits.
09/17/2015
Agenda changes for tonight's meeting
We had a last minute cancellation for the presentation tonight regarding the apartment building at 1532 N Holman. This will be rescheduled for a later meeting.
The revised agenda for tonight is as follows:
6:30 – Introductions, any additions to Agenda by those present
6:40 – Special election for interimSecretary position
7:00 - Revisit Budget Items and decide what events we want to fund next year to present budget proposal in our October meeting.
7:40 – Any grant applications we want to apply for with NPNS?
8:00 – Any comments we want to make to the Mixed Use Zoning for the comprehensive plan?
09/15/2015
Dog Lovers of Arbor Lodge Park, we need you!
Have you noticed the smelly, muddy, puddle along the south side of the off-leash area next to the paved path? If so, come help us eliminate it on Saturday, October 10th between 9-12. This is a work party titled Parke Diem. It is a city wide volunteer effort, but in Arbor Lodge Park this is our priority. We need you to help us dig it out, line it with landscape cloth, then spread gravel so it will not refill with water and mud. Healthier dogs, less mud and smell in the Park, what's not to like?
If you sign up online you'll help us plan the day, and you'll get a free Parke Diem T-shirt. Here is the link: www.parklandia.org/parkediem, then select North Portland under the community button, then Arbor Lodge Park.
Hope to see you October 10th!meet at the west baseball diamond off Dekum and close to Greeley, it is our tool shed. We'll have snacks and water.
09/11/2015
Agenda Addition for Thursday Sept 17th
We will have special guests next week. TVA Architects will be discussing their proposed apartment building at 1532 N Holman St. They are in the preliminary planning stages and would like neighbors' input early in the design process.
09/10/2015
Agenda - Sept 17th meeting
Agenda for Arbor Lodge Neighborhood Association Meeting – Thursday Sept. 17th, 2015
All who live and/or work in Arbor Lodge are welcome to join us for this meeting. We meet at 6:30pm at the Historic Kenton Firehouse on N. Brandon and Schofield.
6:30 – Introductions, any additions to Agenda by those present
6:40 – Possible Special Guest - TBD - North/Northeast Neighbors for housing affordability
6:50 – Special election for interimSecretary position
7:00 - Revisit Budget Items and decide what events we want to fund next year to present budget in Oct.
7:40 – grant applications we want to apply for/support with NPNS