After 18 months in development, our new website, www.PDXHOMES.com is live!  PDXHOMES.com replaces aportlandhome.com and contains updated and expanded information on Portland real estate and the city of Portland itself.  With over 300 pages of content, PDXHOMES.com is the largest online real estate resource in Portland.  Be sure to check out the new multi-purpose mapping function.  You can now search for a home by neighborhood or school as well as enter your specific criteria (# beds/baths/view/home type).  Of course, you may still opt to do a zoom map, zip code, street name, or MLS number search.  Want to know where the nearest dog park or coffee shop is?  How about where to go for groceries, home improvement materials, or a cup of coffee?  Just click on the icon or go to the new PDXHOMES Guides your interested in, and all locations meeting your criteria will pop up on the map and in the guides** New PDXHOMES Map Coming this January!

Chimney Maintenance ~ Home Maintenance Tip of the Month

As we continue through the colder months, many people will take part in the tradition of stoking a fire.  However, there are many safety issues to take into consideration when using a fireplace or fuel burning stove in your home.  A properly functioning chimney has enough draft to pull smoke out of your home and provide enough oxygen for hot, complete burning of wood to occur. It is important that your chimney is the right type and style for your firebox or stove. In addition, it should be installed properly in your home in compliance with building codes and manufacturer instructions.

A well-designed system has the following performance characteristics:

• fires light easily and burn bright and hot
• draft builds quickly
• lighting fires does not cause smoke to fill room
• opening the door does not cause smoke to spill out
• when fire is not in use, air flows into the stove and cold air and bad smells do not come out

Be sure to follow the safety guidelines set by the National Fire Protection Association which call for annual professional inspections of all wood and coal stoves, fireplaces, chimneys, chimney connectors, and all other solid-fueled heating equipment. Follow up cleaning should be done according to inspection results.
Chimney fires don’t have to happen. 

Here are some things the Chimney Safety Institute of America recommends doing to avoid them:

• Use seasoned woods only (dry wood is more important than hard wood versus soft wood considerations)
• Build smaller, hotter fires that burn more completely and produce less smoke.
• Never burn cardboard boxes, wrapping paper, trash, or Christmas trees.  These can spark a chimney fire.
• Install stovepipe thermometer to help monitor flue temperatures where wood stoves are in use, so you can adjust burning practices as needed. 
• Have the chimney inspected and cleaned on a regular basis

For more information, see the Chimney Safety Institute of America website www.csia.org or the National Fire Protection Association at www.nfpa.org.

10/01/05 - 4/1/06 9:30am to 5:30pm OMSI 1945 SE Water, Portland, OR. 503-797-4640 www.omsi.org	Animation Nation at OMSI OMSI’s latest exhibit is geared towards educating kids on the history and practice of animation with plenty of opportunity for interaction.  Children will have access to digital cameras, voice over gadgetry ,and musical equipment.
10/29/2005 - 3/19/2006 Portland Art Museum 1219 SW Park Ave. 503-226-2811	Hesse: A Princely German Collection The House of Hesse is one of the oldest and most revered lines in Europe, and it’s still going strong. The noble family’s art collection has never been extensively cataloged and has remained largely tucked away behind drawbridge and battlement. Get a glimpse of royal heirlooms like a gilded throne, Baroque silver and paintings that include a can’t-miss Holbein Madonna.
12/16/2005 - 1/16/2005 CoHo Theatre 2257 NW Raleigh 503-232-7072 www.starkravingtheatre.org.	Cold Comedy Concoction Nothing like a little chuckle to take your mind off the chill. Now in its second season, this comedic jam session features the talents of four writers, four actors and four directors staging four plays with cold-weather themes, all in a single evening. Get ready for shock and thaw.
Friday, 01/13/2006 Portland Waterfront Marriott 1401 SW Naito Pkwy 503-234-4077 www.columbiasymphony.org	Columbia Symphony Orchestra.  Die Fledermaus Gala & Auction During a truncated performance of Strauss’s farcical operetta, characters will auction off items to benefit the Columbia Symphony. The evening also features free Champagne and a variety of tempting hors d’oeuvres. $75.00 per person.
Wednesday, 01/18/06 7:00 PM Lincoln Performance Hall Portland, OR www.ticketmaster.com	Reflections On the Life & Legacy of Dr. King Performed by Jim Lucas.  $5.00 general admission entry fee.
Friday, 01/20/06 7:30 pm Rose Garden www.ticketmaster.com	Toby Keith Concert, country music.  Tickets from $39.00 each.
Every Monday and Friday 6:00 pm Portland NIKE town SW 6th and Salmon 503-221-6453 www.nikerunning.com	NIketown Portland Running Club Start the new year with a bang! Hit the pavement with the NIKETOWN Running Club.. We meet year round rain or shine. The group meets, stretches, and runs or walks between 3 to 7 miles. Your choice your pace. Then, socialize and enjoy post-run refreshments.

If you would like an upcoming event to be included, please email Gretchen at Gretchen.richter@gmail.com. Thank you.