1/30/2014 – West Side Leader
     

By Maria Lindsay

CLEVELAND — The 2014 Great Big Home + Garden Show will return to the Cleveland I-X Center Feb. 8-16 with more than 1,000 home industry experts and 650 exhibits to explore, according to organizers.

Presented by Carrier®, the event will feature home improvement ideas and appearances by home and garden celebrities.

“The Great Big Home + Garden Show is a must-see for homeowners wanting to check out the latest trends, be inspired or get advice from the area’s leading home improvement experts,” said Show Manager Rosanna Hrabnicky. “With more than 1,000 experts under one roof, attendees will find what they need to turn their home and garden dreams into a reality.”

Produced by Solon-based Marketplace Events, the event will offer visitors the opportunity to shop for home improvement contractors, lawn and garden services and equipment, home décor and other products and services to transform homes or gardens, according to organizers.

Among the new features and attractions this year are:

• Perrino Builders Interiors will return for a second year to build the Idea Home that will inspire visitors with ideas for building, remodeling and decorating their own homes. [See related story below.] A Vacation Home built by Weaver Barns also will be on hand. Landscaping surrounding the homes will be provided by Morton’s Landscaping.
• Belgard Hardscapes Inc. will feature outdoor living spaces.
• There will be several Networking Nights throughout the show.
• A Home Depot Kid’s Workshop will offer children an opportunity to build something and take home an orange workshop apron.

According to event officials, returning favorites to the show will include:

√ The Garden Showcase will feature international-themed gardens created by Northeast Ohio landscapers. These gardens will represent exotic locations from around the world and will be partnered with local restaurants that will offer samples during special tasting events Feb. 10 and 11 from 4 to 8 p.m.

√ The fully constructed Dream Basement will showcase a large audio visual theater designed by Xtend Technologies and will be surrounded by low-maintenance landscaping created by Morton’s Landscaping.

√ The combined Main Stage and Loretta Paganini Cooking Stage will offer attendees home improvement celebrity appearances with the opportunity to taste and enjoy food.

√ The show also will feature Celebrity Designer Rooms, the Petitti Gardening Stage with gardening seminars and outdoor furniture and plants for purchase, and the Playground Worlds’ KidsZone, which will feature a variety of safe, high-quality playground equipment and giveaways for parents.

Celebrity appearances, which will appear on the show’s Main Stage, will include: DIY Network and HGTV’s “Yard Crashers and Turf War” host Ahmed Hassan, Feb. 8-9; History Channel’s “American Pickers” co-star Frank Fritz, Feb. 15; Food Network’s “Next Food Network Star” and “Cupcake Wars” cooking personality Emily Ellyn, Feb. 8-9; and HGTV’s “Room by Room” creator and co-host Matt Fox, who also produced and cohosts the “Around the House with Matt and Shari” series.

Also during the event, the Cambria Bistro will offer full-service dining, located around the Garden Showcase.

More details about the show are available at www.greatbighomeandgarden.com.

Great Big Home + Garden Show hours are Feb. 8 and 15 from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Feb. 9 and 16 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Feb. 10-14 from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Tickets for adult admission cost $14 at the Box Office; $11 through the website or at Discount Drug Mart and AAA locations; $10 for seniors ages 65 and older with identification; and $9 each for groups of 20 or more. Tickets are $5 for children ages 6-12 and free for children 5 and younger.

The I-X Center is located at One I-X Center Drive.

     

Send events of community interest in South Mississippi to mynews@sunherald.com or fax to 896-2104. Please label “What’s Happening.”

FRIDAY

Guide to Growing Your Business Expo: 8 a.m., Knight Nonprofit Center, 11975 Seaway Road, Biloxi. Hosted by the Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce. Attendees will have access to various business resource partners who offer services to help start and expand businesses. Details: 604-0014.

Hancock Chamber annual membership meeting: 8 a.m., Diamondhead Country Club.

Gulfport Biloxi Regional Airport Authority meeting: 9 a.m., 14035 L Airport Road, Gulfport. Details: 863-5951.

Free Diabetes Management session: 1-3 p.m., Pascagoula Library, 3214 Pascagoula St.. Information from healthcare professionals and advice for better diabetes management. Instructor: Linda Gwaltney. Details: 769-3060.

Free Friday Night at Lynn Meadows Discovery Center: 5-8 p.m., 246 Dolan Ave., Gulfport.

Ocean Springs Elks Lodge #2501 fish dinner: 5-7:30 p.m., 2501 Beachview Drive. Cost: $10 adults, $5 ages 5-12. Details: 872-2501.

Bringing the Delta to the Gulf Coast: 6-7:30 p.m., Mary C. O’Keefe Cultural Center, 1600 Government St., Ocean Springs. Delta Blues Presentation by Robert Terrell with musical guest ‘Bud’ Welch. Open blues jam session. Presented by The University of Southern Mississippi.

American Legion Post 1992 Itlaian Cuisine night: 6-8 p.m., 3824 Old Spanish Trail, Gautier. Entertainment: Dave and Dee. Details: 497-6422.

“Period of Adjustment” auditions: 6:30 p.m. Jan. 31 and noon Feb. 1, Bay St. Louis Little Theatre, 398 Blaize Ave. Roles available for four adult males ages 20s to 60s and four adult females ages 20s to 60s. Show opens March 21. Details: 216-4906.

“The Boys Next Door”: 8 p.m. Jan. 31-Feb. 1, 2 p.m. Feb. 2, 8 p.m. Feb. 6-8, Biloxi Little Theatre, 200 Lee St., Biloxi. Cost: $15, $12 seniors, students, active duty military. Details: 432-8543.

Amour Danzar dance: 8-10 p.m., 9355 County Farm Road, Gulfport. Cost: $10. Casual dress. 324-3730.

Public ice skating: 10 p.m., Mississippi Coast Coliseum, 2350 Beach Blvd., Biloxi. Details: 594-3700.

SATURDAY

TatoNut 17 mile family bicycle ride: 9:00a.m., Marshall Park, 1000 Washington Ave, Ocean Springs. Raffle and donuts. Details: 348-1635.

Long Beach Farmers Market: 9 a.m.-noon, Feb. 1, 8, 15 and 22, 125 Jeff Davis Ave., Long Beach. Sustainably grown, seasonal local produce, artisan breads, dairy, honey, eggs and more. Live acoustic music by the farmers market band.

Ohr O’Keefe Museum of Art’s preschool clay class: 10:30-11:30 a.m. and 12:30-1:30 p.m., Ceramic Studio. 386 Beach Blvd., Biloxi. Ages 2-7, Cost: $10, Details: 374-5547.

Hope Haven second annual Oyster Throw-Down: 11 a.m.-4 p.m., 720 U.S. 90, Waveland. Teams will compete in cooking categories of grilled oysters, soups and stews. Live entertainment and silent auction. Cost: $12 adults, $6 ages 8-12 and free for ages 8 and under. Details: 466-6395.

Ohr O’Keefe Museum of Art’s Mardi Gras clay class: 2:30-4:30 p.m., Ceramics Studio, 386 Beach Blvd, Biloxi. Ages 12 and older, Cost: $20, Will design masks of clay with feathers, jewels, and ribbons, Details: 374-5547.

American Legion Post 33 grand opening: 6 p.m., 1126 Judge Sekul. Biloxi.

Arts Under the Dome: 7 p.m., First United Methodist Church, 15th Street and 24th Avenue, Gulfport. Mithril will perform traditional Celtic music, American folk and rock, classical, East European and Middle Eastern. Tickets: $15 adults, $10 students. Details: 229-6851.

Third annual Mardi Gras Gala: 7 p.m.-midnight, Bay St. Louis Community Hall, 301 Blaize St. Featuring music by Pat Murphy The Jumpin’ Jukes of Mississippi, and Dave Mayley on DJ. Art contest, cooking, auctions and more. Benefit for the Court Appointed Special Advocates of Hancock County. Cost: $40. Tickets and details: 344-0419.

Fleur De Lis Society Club dance: 8 p.m.,-midnight, The French Club, 182 Howard Ave., Biloxi. Entertainment: Nick Mattina and the Checkmates. Cost: $8 single, $15 couple. Details: 436-6472.

Belles and Buoys Square Dance: 8-10 p.m., Lyman Senior Citizen Center, 14592 County Farm Road, Gulfport. Callers: Tony DiGeorge and Oscar Sill. Details: 596-5362.

SUNDAY

Ocean Springs Elks Lodge 2501 breakfast: 9-11 a.m., 2501 Beachview Drive. Menu: Eggs, bacon, sausage, grits, biscuits and gravy. Cost: $6. Details: 872-2501.

Chinese New Year celebration: 11 a.m., Phu Hau Vietnamese Buddhist Temple, 8900 Daisy Vestry Road, Biloxi. Traditional dance and sing along with a dragon dance and fireworks. Details: 547-1049.

MONDAY

AARP Smart Driver Class: 9 a.m., Orange Grove Library. Upon completion of the for hour class, seniors may be eligible for a discount on their automobile insurance. Details: 432-7816.

Blood Drive: 1-6:30 p.m., Belk entrance, Edgewater Mall, 2600 Beach Blvd., Biloxi. To schedule an appointment, use sponsor code EWMALL, Details: redcrossblood.org,

Fleur De Lis Society Club’s Women Auxiliary meeting: 6 p.m., 182 Howard Ave., Biloxi. Details: 436-6472.

TUESDAY

At Ease Gang meeting: 7 a.m., Infinity Buffet, Treasure Bay Casino, 1980 Beach Blvd., Biloxi. Guest speaker: Sandra Andrade, senior counselor with Department of Mississippi Rehabilitation Services. Details: 214-6018.

Second annual Diamondhead Birthday celebration: 5:30-6 p.m., 5000 Diamondhead Circle. Mayor Thomas Schafer will present the 2014 State of the City at 6 p.m. city council meeting.

Science Cafe — The History and Science of Bagpipes: 6-7:30 p.m., dining hall, Gulf Coast Research Laboratory, 703 E. Beach Drive, Ocean Springs. Presenter: William Muzzy. Details 872-4213.

Thai Cooking Class: 6-8:30 p.m., Lynn Meadows Discovery Center, 246 Dolan Ave, Gulfport. Menu: Thai silver noodle salad, green curry chicken and dumplings in coconut milk. Cost: $30 members, $35 nonmembers. Details: 897-6039.

AARP Smart Driver workshop: 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Ocean Spring library, 525 Dewey Ave. Completion of class may qualify each participant for discounted auto rates. 50 years and older, Cost: $20 nonmembers, $15 members. Details: 861-3199.

AARP Smart Driver workshop: 9:30 a.m- 1:30p.m., Pascagoula library, 3214 Pascagoula St. Completion of class may qualify each participant for discounted auto rates. 50 years and older. Cost: $20 nonmember, $15 members. Details: 861-3199.

NAACP Gulfport Branch meeting: 7 p.m., Isaiah Fredericks Community Center, 3312 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Details: 868-1268.

WEDNESDAY

Gulf Coast Symphony Guild’s meeting: 10 a.m., St. John Episcopal Church, 705 Rayburn Ave., Ocean Springs. Program of vocal, piano, and violin selections by Emily and Jayne Edwards. Details: 872-2936.

Ohr O’Keefe Museum of Art’s class for seniors: 10:30-11:30 a.m., 386 Beach Blvd, Biloxi. Cost: $3. Instructor: Marge Michoud. Craft of the creations of cards, origami, envelopes, and paper. Details: 374-5547.

Ohr O’Keefe Museum of Art’s glass mosaics: 1-3 p.m., Creel House Studio, 386 Beach Blvd, Biloxi. Ages 15 and older, Cost: $145, Four week class using the Smalti technique. Learn the basics of working with mosaics, tile, design, layout, application, Details: 374-5547.

Mississippi Federation of Council for Exceptional Children conference: 5 p.m. 3k sunset walk, conference Feb. 5-7, walk begins at IP Casino Resort, 850 Bayview Avenue and ends at Mardi Gras museum, 119 Rue Magnolia, Biloxi. Details: 332-0256.

THURSDAY

Ohr O’Keefe Museum of Art’s Valentine clay carving: 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Ceramics Studio, 386 Beach Blvd, Biloxi. Cost: $10. Details: 374-5547.

Business 101 series: 5:30-7:30 p.m., 1636 Popp’s Ferry Road, Biloxi. Topic: Think Like an Entrepreneur. Sponsored by the Gulf Coast Small Business Development Center. Details: 396-8661.

Third annual Words and Music Community Culture Series: 7 p.m. Pass Christian Public Library, 111 Hiern Ave. Storytelling presentation “Robert Johnson at the Crossroads”. Presenters: Wendy Garrison and Rebecca Jernigan. Details:452-4596.

“Fences”: 7:30 p.m. Feb. 6-8, 2 p.m. Feb. 9, 7:30 p.m. Feb. 12-15, 2 p.m. Feb. 16, 240 Eisenhower Drive, Biloxi. Cost: $16 adults, $13 students, seniors, and military. Details: 388-6258.

FEB. 7

AARP Smart Driver workshop: 12:30-5 p.m., Moss Point Library, 4119 Bellview Ave. Completion of class may qualify each participant for discounted auto rates. 50 years and older. Cost: $20 nonmember, $15 members. Details: 861-3199.

Finally First Friday: 5-7 p.m., Rue Magnolia and Howard Avenue, Biloxi.

First Friday: 6-9 p.m., 1804 Nicholson Ave., Waveland. Food, drink and artist. Details: treasuresofthebay.net.

Ohr O’Keefe Museum of Art’s acrylic painting: 6-8:30 p.m., Creel House Studio, 386 Beach Blvd, Biloxi. Ages: 18 and older, Cost: $35. Wear appropriate clothing. Instructor: Susan Vaughan. Details: 374-5547

Ohr O’Keefe Museum of Art’s date night: 6-8:30 p.m., Ceramic Studio, 386 Beach Blvd., Biloxi. Ages: 18 and older. Cost: $25. Throw pots on the pottery wheel, keep two and instructors will glaze and fire them. Pots will be ready in two weeks for pick up. Details: 374-5547.

Ocean Springs Elks Lodge 2501 dinner: 6:30-8:00 p.m., 2501 Beachview Drive. Choice of steak or dinner. Details: 872-2501.

Belles and Buoys 36th annual Mardi Gras Festival: 7:30 p.m. Feb. 7-8, Woolmarket Community Center, 16320 Old Woolmarket Road, Biloxi. Callers: John and Deborah Carroll-Jones. Cuer: Pauline Angress. Early Rounds. Details: 596-5362.

Amour Danzar Friday night dance: 8-10 p.m., 9355 County Farm Road, Gulfport. Casual dress. Cost: $10 per person. Details: 324-3730.

AARP Tax Services: 9 a.m.-12 p.m., Pass Christian Library, 111 Hiern Ave. Service is free to low-moderate income taxpayers 60 years and older. Details: 452-4596.

FEB. 8

Tops of the Hops Beer Festival: Mississippi Coast Convention Center, Beach Blvd., Biloxi. Unlimited sampling of the craft beers from around the world combined with food, music and games. Cost: $35 general admission.

Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church Fifth annual Heart Walk: 8:00 a.m. registration, 9 a.m. walk, 4007 Suzanne Drive, D’Iberville. Details 392-6899.

AARP Smart Driver workshop: 9:30 a.m- 1:30p.m., St. Martin Public Library, 15004 Lemoyne Blvd., Biloxi. Completion of class may qualify each participant for discounted auto rates. 50 years and older. Cost: $20 nonmember, $15 member. Details: 861-3199.

Keep Waveland Beautiful meeting: 10 a.m., Central Fire Station, third floor Training Center, U.S. 90, Waveland. Felder Rushing will share ideas about landscaping, gardening approaches and insight on the coast with knowledge of cultivation on locally-adapted plants. Donation: $10.

Engineering is Elementary: 10 a.m.-noon, Lynn Meadows Discovery Center, 246 Dolan Ave, Gulfport. Hands on activities and home kit provided. Recommended for third through fifth grade. Cost: $10, Details: 897-6039.

Adventure Games Day: 10 a.m.- 9 p.m., Gautier Community Center. 2101 Library Lane, Gautier. Details: 249-6782.

Omega Psi Phi Fraternity annual blood drive: 11 a.m.-4 p.m., next to Belk, Edgewater Mall, 2600 Beach Blvd., Biloxi. In honor of Dr. Charles Drew. To schedule an appointment, use sponsor code OMEGAS. Details: redcrossblood.org.

Introductory Creative and Experimental Drawing Workshop: 1-4 p.m., Pass Christian Public Library, 111 Hiern Ave. Local artist will be teaching young adults an introduction to drawing, no experience required. $5 per person for supply costs, Class size is limited. Details: 452-4596.

Jerry Jenkins concert: 2-3 p.m, Lynn Meadows Discovery Center, 246 Dolan Ave., Gulfport. Drummer presents West African music. Made possible by a grant from MS Arts Commission and The MS Humanities Council. Details: 897-6039.

Second Saturday Artwalk: 4-8 p.m., Bay St. Louis. Sponsored by the Old Town Merchants Association. Art, music and food. Details: 463-2688.

Dickey’s Barbecue eating competition: 5:30 p.m., 3821 Promenade Parkway,, D’Iberville. Sign up prior to the event. Details: 831-224-5615.

Mary C. O’Keefe Winter Wine down: 7-10 p.m., Gulf Hills Hotel, 13701 Paso Road, Ocean Springs. This wine tasting competition will focus on Pinot Noir. Teams will bring their favorite Pinot Noir to be entered in the competition. Cost: $140 per team of 4.

Fleur De Lis Society ladies auxiliary Mardi Gras Ball: 7:30 p.m.-midnight, 182 Howard Ave., Biloxi. Entertainment: Undercover. Proper attire/ no jeans. Cost: $10. Details: 436-6472.

The House Katz concert: 8 p.m., 100 Men Hall, 303 Union St., Bay St. Louis. Cost: $15. Details: 342-5770.

FEB. 9

“Three Generations of Paint” reception: 2-4 p.m., The Side Porch Gallery, 953-A Howard Ave., Biloxi. Featuring Abraham Frey, Herb Willey and George Rothering. The exhibit will be open for the public until March 29. Details: 374-9504.

Jazz Society Jam Session: 2-5 p.m., Gulfport Elks Lodge 978, 12010 Klein Road, Gulfport. Adults only, casual dress dance, Cost: $6 nonmembers. Details: 392-4177.

Champagne and Chocolate: 2-5 p.m., 1501 Beach Blvd., Pascagoula. Presented by the Anola Club. Silent auction, door prizes, chocolates and champagne. Money will allow the club to provide scholarships to graduating seniors from local high schools. Details: 769-6718.

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Gulf Coast Alumnae Chapter 101st Founders Day Celebration: 3 p.m., Victory International Christian Center, 8401 Ocean Springs Road, Speaker: Maxine Conway. Theme: Uncompromising Commitment to Communities. Details: 596-4265.

feb. 11

Blood drive: 2-7 p.m., cafeteria, Pass Christian High School, 720 W. North Street. To schedule an appointment, use sponsor code PASSHIGH, Details: redcrossblood.org.

Mississippi Business Women/ Gulf Coast’s annual state meeting: 6 p.m., Gulf Coast Myofascial, 2429 W. Commerce St, Suite C, Ocean Springs. Details: 238-1529.

Chase the Valentine’s Crush cooking class: 6-8:30 p.m., Lynn Meadows Discovery Center, 246 Dolan Ave., Gulfport. Menu: Tastings of various olive oils and vinegars, roasted fresh gulf Shrimp, and raspberry and dark chocolate Artisan marshmallows. Cost: $30 members, $35 nonmembers. Details: 228-897-6039.

feb. 12

Ohr O’Keefe Museum of Art’s creative storytime: 11 a.m.-noon., 386 Beach Blvd, Biloxi. Instructor: Julia Reyes. Students will create Valentine’s Day cards. Details: 374-5547

Blood drive: 11 a.m.-4 p.m., bloodmobile, 1303 S. Market St., Pascagoula. To schedule an appointment, use sponsor code STATEFARMPASC Details: redcrossblood.org.

Fleur De Lis Society men’s meeting: 7 p.m., 182 Howard Ave., Biloxi. Welcoming new members to join French descent. Details: 436-6472.

feb. 13

Parents and Caregivers of Children with Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities meeting: 4:30-6 p.m., Mississippi Center for Autism and Related Developmental Disabilities, 4061 Suzanne Drive, D’Iberville. For parents, caregivers, interested family members and individuals. Details: 396-4434.

2014 Gulf Coast Orchid show: 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Feb. 14, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Feb. 15, noon- 4 p.m. Feb. 16, Gautier Convention Center, 2012 Library Lane. Exhibits, art competition, children’s activities, orchid class and raffle. Details: 474-2500.

Business 101 series: 5:30-7:30 p.m., 1636 Popp’s Ferry Road, Biloxi. Sponsored by the Gulf Coast Small Business Development Center. Topic: Starting a Business- First Steps. Details: 396-8661

Ocean Springs Chamber of Commerce annual banquet: 6 p.m., Gulf Hills Hotel and Conference Center Banquet Hall, 13701 Paso Road. Tickets: $35. The presentation will recognize outstanding Chamber members within the community. Awards, music and refreshments. RSVP required. Details: 875-4424.

Ohr O’Keefe Museum of Art’s oil painting class: 6:30- 9 p.m., Creel House Studio, 386 Beach Blvd., Biloxi. Ages 16 and older. Instructor: Frank Janca. Six week class about the fundamentals and advanced techniques. Cost: $235, Details: 374-5547.

Ohr O’Keefe Museum of Art’s wheel throwing: 6-8:30 p.m., Ceramic Studio, 386 Beach Blvd., Biloxi. Ages 15 and older. Six week class learn the basics of throwing on the pottery wheel. Instructor: Stacey Johnson. Cost: $175. Details: 374-5547.

Amour Danzar St. Valentines Day pot luck dinner and dance: 7 p.m,, 9355 County Farm Road, Gulfport. Dance will follow dinner. Bring a covered dish. Dress casual, Cost: $20 per person. Details: 324-3730.

Dinner with a Duo: 7:30 p.m. Feb. 14-15, Oak Crest Mansion Inn, 5267 Menge Ave., Pass Christian. Gulf Coast Symphony Guild’s fundraiser, featuring soprano Kate Sawyer and tenor Richard Sawyer. Spirits auction, raffle, dinner and concert. Tickets: $75. Details: 896-4276.

FEB. 14

AARP Tax Services: 9 a.m.-12 p.m., Pass Christian Library, 111 Hiern Ave. Service is free to low-moderate income taxpayers 60 years and older. Details: 452-4596.

84th annual Valentine Silver Tea: 3-5 p.m., E. Scenic Drive, Pass Christian. Hosted by St. Monica Guild of Trinity Episcopal Church. “Trinity’s Tried and True Cookbook for Body and Soul” will be sold while tea, wine, and coffee will be served with homemade dishes featured in cookbook, cocktail attire. Details: 452-4563 or 216-4714.

“Legally Blonde-The Musical”: 7 p.m. Feb. 14, 3 and 7 p.m Feb. 15, 3 p.m. Feb. 16, Lynn Meadows Discovery Center. 246 Dolan Ave. Gulfport. Cost: $13 general admission, $10 seniors and military, $7 students. Details: 897-6039.

A Valentine Evening to Remember: 7 p.m., Bay St. Louis Little Theatre, 398 Blaize Ave. Songs performed by Lex Mauffray, Jim Duggan and Larry Clark, accompanied by Cathy Henley and Soctt MacDonald. Music, poems, and readings, skits, including dinner. Gulf Coast Writers Association is conducting a love poem contest. To enter, email poem to writerpllevin@gmail.com Entries must be submitted by Feb. 10. Cost: $95 a couple. Details: 467-9024.

Dinner with a Duo: 6:30 p.m. social hour, 7:30 p.m. dinner and concert, Feb. 14-15, Oak Crest Mansion Inn, 5267 Menge Ave., Pass Christian. Featuring Kate Fleming Sawyer, soprano; and Richard Sawyer, tenor, accompanied by Michaelle Harrison, pianist. Cost: $75 per person. Details: 896-4276 or 832-4588.

feb. 15

Arbor Day disability run: 8 a.m.,-noon, Disability Connection, 700 Pass Road, Gulfport. Details: 870-7775 or 597-7000.

Blood drive: 9 a.m.-2 p.m., bloodmobile, Nutrition Solutions, 2198 Bienville Blvd., Ocean Springs. To schedule an appointment, use sponsor code NUTRITIONSOLUTIONS. Details: redcrossblood.org,

Ohr O’Keefe Museum of Art’s Adopt-a-Bowl fundraiser: 11 a.m.-3 p.m., 386 Beach Blvd, Biloxi. Art, food, pets, music pet adoptions, doggie kissing booth and games. Half price admission to museum during event. Details: 374-5547.

Soiree on the Bay: 7 p.m., Longfellow Civic Center, 122 1/2 Court St., Bay St. Louis. A live silent and live auction hosted by Holy Trinity Catholic School. Food, drinks and dancing. Details: soireeonthebay2014.com.

Fleur De Lis Society’s Saturday night dance: 8 p.m.-midnight, 182 Howard Ave., Biloxi. Music: by Nick Mattina and the Checkmates, Cost: $15 couples, $8 singles. Details: 436-6472.

FEB. 16

Blood drive: 8 a.m.-1 p.m., Parish Hall, St. Clare Catholic Church. 2365 Beach Blvd., Waveland. To schedule an appointment, use sponsor code STCLARE. Details: redcorssblood.org.

FEB. 17

Mississippi Business Women Connections’ meeting: 6 p.m., Ocean Springs Library.

FEB. 18

Blood drive: 8 a.m.- 12:30 p.m., bloodmobile, Chris’ Beauty College, 1265 Pass Road, Gulfport. To schedule an appointment, use sponsor code BEAUTY. Presenting donors will receive a coupon for a free haircut. Details; redcrossblood.org.

Negrotto’s 10th annual African American Art and Heritage Celebration: 5:30-7:30 p.m., 2645 Executive Place, Biloxi. Fusion exhibit includes artists, musicians, dancers, writers, poets and others. Details: 388-8822.

Mississippi Business Women’s connections meeting: 6 p.m., Ocean Springs Library, 525 Dewey Ave. Details: 238-1529.

Seafood cooking class: 6-8:30 p.m., Lynn Meadows Discovery Center, 246 Dolan Ave, Gulfport. Instructor: Kenneth Jones. Menu: Barbecue shrimp, Trout saltgrass and bananas foster. Cost: $30 members, $35 nonmembers. Details: 897-6039.

FEB. 19

Blood Drive: 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Medical Office Building Atrium, Memorial Hospital, 4500 13th Street, Gulfport. To schedule an appointment, use sponsor code MEMORIALGPORT. Details: redcrossblood.org.

Third annual Cocktail Classic: 6 p.m., Carter Green Steakhouse, Island View Casino Resort. Presented by Gulfport Chamber of Commerce and Island View Casino Resort. Money raised support Gulfport Chamber of Commerce’s Small Business grant program and scholarships for graduating seniors. Details: 604-0014.

FEB. 20

Blood Drive: 9 a.m.- 2p.m., gym, St. Vincent de Paul Elementary School, 4321 Espy Ave., Long Beach. To schedule an appointment, use sponsor code STVINCENT, Details: redcrossblood.org.

Blood Drive: 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m., bloodmobile, Triton Systems, 21405 B Ave., Long Beach. To schedule an appointment, use sponsor code TRITON, Details: redcrossblood.org.

Business 101 series: 5:30-7:30 p.m., 1636 Popps Ferry Road, Biloxi. Topic: How to Develop a Business Plan. Sponsored by the Gulf Coast Small Business Development Center. Details: 396-8661.

Blossom Family YMCA’s Second annual father-daughter dinner: 6 p.m., Gulf Hills Hotel and Conference Center, 13701 Paso Road, Ocean Springs. Ages 5 and older. Reservations include buffet dinner for two, Photobooth pictures, corsage, limo ride and spa time. Cost: $55 a couple for members, $75 nonmembers, $25 additional child, Details: 875-5050.

FEB. 21

AARP Tax Services: 9 a.m.-12 p.m., Pass Christian Library, 111 Hiern Ave. Service is free to low-moderate income taxpayers 60 years and older. Details: 452-4596.

Private Applicator training: 1 p.m., Harrison County Office building, 2315 17th St., Gulfport. Training for private pesticide applicators who wish to obtain certification. Must be 18, Cost: $10. Details: 865-4227.

Blood Drive: 8 a.m.- 1:30 p.m., gym, D’Iberville High School, 15625 Lamey Bridge Road. To schedule appointment, use sponsor code DIBERVILLEHS. Details: redcrossblood.org.

Family cooking class; 6-8:30 p.m., Lynn Meadows Discovery Center, 246 Dolan Ave, Gulport. Pete the cat presents cooking with the letter ‘P’. Menu: Parmesan bread sticks, pepperoni pizza and pineapple upside down cake. Cost: $25 one parent and child, additional person $5. Details: 897-6039.

FEB. 22

Pete the cat visit: 11 a.m., Lynn Meadows Discovery Center, 246 Dolan Ave, Gulfport. Enjoy singing, dancing and photos with Pete the cat. Cost: $2 members and $11 nonmembers. Details: 897-6039.

Blood Drive: 2-6 p.m., bloodmobile, Papa John’s Pizza, 15258 Crossroads Parkway, Gulfport. To schedule an appointment, use sponsor code PAPAJOHNS,

Mardi Gras Mayhem in the Park: 2:30 p.m. bicycle parade registration, 3:30 p.m. parade begins, 2250 Jones Park Drive, Gulfport., Family movie with refreshments and jambalaya cook-off competition. Details: 868-5881.

FEB. 24

Blood Drive: 1-6:30 p.m., Belk entrance, Edgewater Mall, 2600 Beach Blvd., Biloxi. To schedule an appointment, use sponsor code EWMALL, Details: redcrossblood.org.

FEB. 25

Greek cooking class: 6-8:30 P.m., Lynn Meadows Discovery Center, 246 Dolan Ave. Gulfport. Menu: Greek fried cheese, cucumber dip, beef and potato moussaka and coconut delight. Cost: $30 members, $35 nonmembers. Details: 897-6039.

FEB. 26

Blood Drive: 8 a.m.,-2 p.m., gym, Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, 2226 Switzer Road, Gulfport. To schedule an appointment, use sponsor code MGCCCJD, Details: redcrossblood.org.

FEB. 27

Blood Drive: 8 a.m.- 2 p.m., library, St. Martin High School, 11300 Yellow Jacket Road. To schedule an appointment, use sponsor code STMARTINHS. Details: redcrossblood.org.

Blood Drive: 9 a.m.- 2 p.m., bloodmobile, Virginia College, 920 Cedar Lake Road, Biloxi. To schedule an appointment, use sponsor code VCBILOXI, Details: redcrossblood.org.

Business 101 series: 5:30-7:30 p.m., 1636 Popp’s Ferry Road, Biloxi. Topic: Cash Flow Projections for your Business Plan. Sponsored by the Gulf Coast Small Business Development Center. Details: 396-8661.

Canvas and Mocktails; 6-8 p.m., Beau Rivage Casino and Resort, 875 Beach Blvd., Biloxi. Presented by K J Foundation and Linda Lang Ishee of Canvas and Cocktails. Money raised will go towards purchasing driving simulator to be used by Harrison County School to enhance driving education program. Tickets: $50. Details: 328-3833.

FEB. 28

AARP Tax Services: 9 a.m.-12 p.m., Pass Christian Library, 111 Hiern Ave. Service is free to low-moderate income taxpayers 60 years and older. Details: 452-4596.

Lynn Meadows Discovery Center free Friday night: 8 p.m., 246 Dolan Ave. Gulfport. Details: 897-6039.

Mick and Susie McMurry announced the donation Tuesday of $500,000 for construction of a plaza and open space on the Casper College campus.

The plaza will be built this summer on the site of the Roberts Commons building, which will be demolished in May.

The McMurrys are making the donation to name the plaza after two major fundraisers for Casper College, John Jorgensen and George Bryce. The two have served more than 20 years each as officers and members of the Casper College Foundation.

When it opens for the fall semester, the plaza will feature landscaping, paths, seating and a fire pit. The road that currently passes through campus in front of the new Casper College-University of Wyoming building will be rerouted. Future plans for the plaza may include a fountain and an amphitheater.

Simon Gudgeon studied law but, in his own words, he graduated, he qualified, he retired – it just wasn’t for him. He didn’t find his true metier as a sculptor until he was 40 years old – and then only by chance. But in the intervening 15 years, he has more than made up for lost time. Gudgeon has showed in London, New York, Chicago, San Diego, Paris and the Netherlands. His sculptures can be found in the permanent collections of various US museums, including America’s National Museum of Wildlife Art, and in the collections of the British royal family, including Prince Charles. They can also be seen in Hyde Park, one of the most prominent venues in London for public sculpture. And, having seen his work, this comes as no surprise. Gudgeon’s sculptures range from large-scale, powerful forms, both figurative and abstract, to small, intimate, charming studies of animals and birds. Should you ever find yourself in the south-west of England, visit Sculpture by the Lakes, Gudgeon’s sculpture park in Dorset, 26 acres where his works are displayed to their best advantage in beautiful, nature-friendly grounds – a stunning, even magical, place to visit.

Sculptor Simon Gudgeon

Career paths will, of course, be very different for everyone who hopes to make a radical change. This is a very individual example – and an inspiring one. So: how do you set aside what you’ve done before and change tracks?

Don’t be surprised if finding the right route isn’t a straight path

“I never knew what I wanted to do when I was at school, so I decided to study law. It seemed like a sensible route to a job so I did three years at university, a year at law college and a year doing my articles – but in fact, I graduated, I qualified, I retired. I knew I didn’t like academic law but I didn’t know what else I wanted to do. I had done art up to O-level exams and enjoyed it and I started the A-level, but gave it up as I was also doing four others. How do you become an artist? There was no obvious career path. I then did various things: I exported antique prints to the States, did a bit of commercial photography, a bit of promotional marketing – I was really looking around for something simply to make a living. I started a garden maintenance and landscaping company in south London – at its peak, I employed 12 people. Then I went into retail and, even though we hit our targets all the time, the recession got me. I walked away with no more than a suitcase of clothes.”

Talent needs to be nurtured and developed with hard work

“My mother bought me some paints and I decided I wanted to be an artist. I spent the next four years working as a house-sitter while I learned to be a painter. Anyone can master the actual physical skills of painting and drawing – although whether you can develop the talent to do something really original is another matter. I remember the first thing I painted; I’d decided to paint a tree and realised I couldn’t. I didn’t know what a tree looked like. Painting and drawing is looking at forms, observation. Like anything else, you have to put the hours in. There’s no quick way or lazy way of getting good at anything. The painting would go in phases. I’d be getting better and better, then I’d fall back, and I discovered that, when that happened, I needed to take a break do something else for a couple of days. I was up in London and I happened to go into the Tiranti shop, which sells materials for sculpting. I bought some clay and sculpting tools and put them in a cupboard. Then one day I was tidying the studio when I was on a break from painting and found them. Sculpture had always fascinated me – I thought there was  a fascinating alchemy in turning clay into a beautiful object. I decided to have a go and I was hooked. I planned to combine painting and sculpting – then I realised I hadn’t painted for a year. I can see the 3D image in my mind much more clearly. Now I sculpt in clay, I use epoxies, CAD, CGI, kinetics, casting. When I started art, it was the first thing I’d ever done where I felt totally at home: not just making, but displaying, selling, marketing – it all felt totally intuitive. I said to myself: ‘This is how I’m going to earn my living.’”

Don’t forget that you need to market yourself to make a living

“If you’re going to be successful you’ve got to spend half your time doing marketing, PR and selling. I once had an argument with a professor at the Slade [School of Fine Art] when I suggested students there should do a marketing course. He didn’t agree. But students are sent out completely unprepared. I once met an aspiring artist who said to me ‘I paint, I draw, I’m not very successful – I suppose you have one of those website things’ – well, yes! If you’re an artist, you’re essentially selling a non-practical item, its only value is emotional, so you’ve got to present it well. When we went to the CLA Game Fair, we spent 10 days building our stand, with a pond and waterfalls. People see a sculpture, they feel good and they buy it because they want to recreate that feeling. We pay attention to packaging. If you’re sending a sculpture to a client, you want them to have a wonderful experience unpacking it. So many galleries send out an invitation that simply tells you what’s on and when: it doesn’t make you want to go! There has been a big change in the role of galleries over the past 15 years. Clients used to have to buy through them, but now you can find any artist you like online and buy direct. Auction houses are also moving into direct sales. Artists can do the marketing themselves.”

Showcase your passion

“I’m most proud of what we’re doing here [in Dorset], which is not only creating the sculpture, it’s also creating the park. I now tend to sculpt for here and this whole place becomes a work of art. Some of my sculptures wouldn’t work in a gallery – the scale would mean there was no point of reference, you wouldn’t be able to see the differing perspectives. The effect the park can have on people is important. When we first opened, we didn’t know what to expect. We were nervous: we thought people might want their money back! Very early on, one man said to me ‘I’ve never really understood sculpture – but now I get it.’ Art is a visual language. If it doesn’t convey its meaning, it has failed. If you can do art in a way that people can understand, you bring them into the contemporary art world. You’ve got to give people ideas, stimulate them as to what’s possible.”

Isis by Simon Gudgeon can be seen in Hyde Park, London, and in his sculpture park in Dorset

Take the jump

“Whatever you do in life, there are going to be difficult bits. What’s important is to look at the skills you’ve got and take the jump. It’s following the creative imperative, you’re almost forced to do it, even if you’re not sure how it will sell. If you’re creating out of passion, it will go well. If you’re creating in a dull, formulaic way that you think will sell, you’re killing your market. That’s one of the reasons I don’t do commissions. What somebody else wants won’t necessarily fire you up, you’re doing it for the money rather than because you want to. I have a long gestation period for sculptures. I think and get fired up and then I have to go into the studio and create. For the Isis sculpture in Hyde Park, the only commission was the question ‘If you put a sculpture here, what would you put?’ And that was perfect.”

 

BLOOMINGTON — A master plan for the downtown streetscape should compliment the assets the area already has, planners told Bloomington residents during two forums Wednesday morning.

About a dozen people attended the morning forum and another followed in the afternoon at the Government Center in downtown Bloomington.

The master plan will recommend type and location of light fixtures and placement of plantings, benches, trash cans, bike racks and other fixtures for the downtown area generally bounded by Olive, Lee, Locust and Prairie streets. It will build upon work already performed on some of the 82 segments of street that are being examined, including improvements around the McLean County Museum of History and down North Main Street.

“I think we want to work with what you have,” said Jeff Martin, landscape architectural manager with Farnsworth Group, the firm hired to write the plan. He listed downtown’s historic architecture and overall heritage as an asset.

“We want to preserve that and a master plan gives us flexibility to do this,” he said.

Martha Burk, former co-owner of Main Gallery 404 and a member of the Downtown Bloomington Association design committee, said at the morning event she liked the work already done. She asked if the city could put electrical outlets near any trees to allow for holiday lights and turn the narrowest alleys, which can no longer handle trucks, into pedestrian walkways.

She and others in attendance noted a need for additional flowers, trees and bushes throughout the study area.

Martin said that can be an especially challenging aspect to downtown beautification because with the “nature of an urban environment, it’s just going to get walked on” unless plantings are elevated.

Joe Haney owns and is rehabilitating a building at 407-409 W. Washington St. “That is actually the entry point to downtown,” he said.

He said out-of-town visitors to U.S. Cellular Coliseum enter the city by taking Market Street to Lee Street until they hit Front Street. For that reason, Haney said the area around his property needs additional attention.

Jeff Woodard, marketing director at the McLean County Museum of History, agreed with other forum participants that the museum is a downtown “showpiece.” He supported the incorporation of tourism and the idea of preserving heritage.

He added that the museum hopes to rebrand its block into a “museum square” with additional landscaping to “give it more of a campus feel.”

Those unable to attend Wednesday’s forums are invited to weigh in on what they’d like downtown to look like by calling Assistant City Engineer Bob Yehl at 309-434-2225. Farnsworth is expected to complete the streetscape master plan report in early March.

Geothermal energy is pretty amazing: by circulating water through a series of pipes under your house, you bring the warmth of the earth up in the winter, and force heat and humidity down during the summer. As the geothermal system (also known as a ground source heat pump — which is technically more accurate, because this form of heating and cooling captures solar heat trapped in the earth’s surface rather than tapping geologically active areas deep beneath the Earth’s crust for heat) constantly counterbalances in sync with the seasons, you save a ton of money on energy costs, and you’re not using very much energy beyond that needed to handle the pumping system. For those two reasons, you might be considering a geothermal installation in your new home or during a remodel.

Alternative energy is fantastic, but smart applications of alternative energy are critical. While geothermal heating and cooling might be just what the environment ordered for your house, that’s not always the case. We’re going to step you through the decisionmaking process you should use to decide whether this is the best option. If it’s not, don’t worry: a San Francisco HVAC contractor will have plenty of other environmentally-friendly ideas for you!

The first question is how much land you have. You need enough land to have a serious geothermal trenching system, and it needs to be easy to access and work with a backhoe. If you live on a tiny lot, geothermal systems aren’t for you. If your acreage is steep, rocky, or otherwise hard to work, putting in a geothermal system might be more than it’s worth. And remember: the bigger the space you’re heating and cooling, the more trenching you will need.

Cost is another consideration. You should expect to pay for the trenches and pipes, the heat pump (around $10,000), and other sundry components. You may find yourself spending between $20,000 and $50,000, depending on the location and specifics of the system — and it’s worth talking to several contractors to get competing bids and enhance your understanding of what’s available. With those numbers available, sit down and do the math.

How much do you spend on heating and cooling annually? How long will it take for the geothermal system to pay for itself? Are there rebates and other incentives available to cut the cost? Do you need to replace a failing heating and cooling system, in which case you’d be spending money either way, or do you just want to retrofit to be more efficient? Where is the electricity to run the pump coming from?

Make sure your system will pay for itself economically. If it doesn’t, geothermal heating isn’t right for you at the moment. That doesn’t mean this won’t change: when you do need to replace your existing system, or when prices change, it could be the far superior choice.

Remember that installing a geothermal system will involve: ripping up part of the landscaping, installing a pump that runs on electricity, and possibly replacing your existing heating system with forced air, assuming you don’t have it already. These can be costly and/or undesirable endeavors that might prove to be barriers to making the jump to geothermal…so it’s a good thing there are many other options out there.

Katie Marks writes for Networx.com. This article originally appeared here.

Beneath the peeling paint and dust inside a 116-year-old fire house, Historical Society of Oak Park and River Forest Director Frank Lipo sees room for a new dynamic for an organization that has traditionally been a keeper of facts.

“History has to have more of a two-way conversation,” Lipo said during a recent interview at the Cicero Fire House, located at the corner of Lake Street and Lombard Avenue in Oak Park.

The historical society, now headquartered at Pleasant Home, is aiming to renovate the 1898 fire house and move in by the end of the year. The extent of the planned $1 million project depends on fundraising, Lipo said. The organization has so far raised about $500,000.

• Related

• 

  Photo gallery: A history of Oak Park and River Forest

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  Photo gallery: A history of Cicero

• Maps

• Lake Street North Lombard Avenue, Oak Park, IL 60302, USA

The historical society is charged with preserving research materials such as property records and newspaper archives while also displaying local artifacts. At its Pleasant Home headquarters, exhibits on the creation of Tarzan, the invention of Twinkies and the founding of McDonald’s — all accomplishments of Oak Park and River Forest residents — compete for space with administrative offices and file cabinets.

The fire house, a 7,500-square-foot space with two stories, will provide room to display the community’s history in a simpler, more focused way, Lipo said. Walls of offices inside the building, once occupied by Department of Public Works staffers, will be destroyed to open up the first and second stories, while a basement will provide storage space, he said.

Displays will focus on themes in the recent history of Oak Park and River Forest. The struggle for diversity that culminated in the fair housing marches of the 1960s will be a likely feature, along with stories about the ingenuity of local entrepreneurs and a look at the village’s path from a dry community to a standard-bearer of progressivism. The collection will emphasize some of the area’s lesser-known celebrities, Lipo said.

“(Frank Lloyd) Wright, (Ernest) Hemingway – we’ve talked about them so many times,” he said. “But there are so many other stories.”

The displays will be accompanied by some empty spaces, intended to garner suggestions from visitors, Lipo said.

“We want to make sure that people get the message: help us decide what we put in this space,” he said.

The society is still working on how exactly to gather ideas and engage the community, Lipo said, but he has some ideas. The museum could bring in projectors for a day to play family videos, or could hold contests in which people produce and submit short films on local events or activities. Another potential contest would solicit ideas for display panels, he said.

The renovation plan is the revival of an effort that was stalled in 2008 by the economic downturn, Lipo said. The society has received about $150,000 in state grants and about $350,000 in donations for the project, he said.

Oak Park architect Louis Garapolo has worked free-of-charge on designing the renovations, and other residents have pledged engineering and landscaping services.

Based on pledges and conversations with potential donors, he expects to raise another $500,000 by the end of the year. If that doesn’t happen, the project could be scaled back to meet the budget, he said. The grants need to be used by the end of the year, he said.

The Village of Oak Park, which owns the fire house, has leased the building to the historical society for 30 years for $1 per year, Oak Park Business Services Manager Loretta Daly said. The lease provides for a 20-year extension if the historical society puts an addition on the building, Daly said.

The renovation would add momentum to recent growth in the neighborhood, she said. The historical society, a 45-year-old organization, would join the Park District of Oak Park’s Gymnastics and Recreation Center and the Oak Park School of Rock as recent additions.

“It’s bringing additional life to that area, that corridor, that I think is really beneficial,” Daly said.

The fire house, a designated national landmark, has always been a public building and exempt from property taxes, she added.

wjventeicher@tribune.com | Twitter: @wesventeicher

WATERLOO | The annual Eastern Iowa Home Landscaping Show is Friday, Saturday and next Sunday at the Five Sullivan Brothers Convention Center.

Homeowners will find ideas and products for projects ranging from paint, wallpaper, redecorating, refurnishing and remodeling to building, landscape and gardening. Nearly 200 home improvement and landscape exhibitors will be present.

Hours for the 63rd annual are 3 to 9 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. next Sunday. Admission is $6 for adults and children under 12 are free. Friday matinee admission is $4 from 3 to 5 p.m.

Co-sponsors are the Waterloo Exchange Club and Iowa Show Productions.

Among exhibits will be new home contractors, remodeling experts, kitchens, home entertainment systems, lighting, plumbing, water systems, windows, doors, siding, hot tubs, fireplaces, sunrooms, lawn care equipment and more.

Area members of the American Society of Interior Designers will exhibit showcase rooms. Featured will be Jim Aronson Interior Design’s urban loft space with trendy pops of color and a mix of rustic and popular elements; Flack Interior Design Associates, a division of Simpson Furniture, creating a layered, textural multi-purpose room; and Katie Bell’s bathroom with vintage flair.

Paul Ryan, the Kitchen Magician, will discuss “Kitchen Remodeling – Planning for the Best Outcome” at 5 p.m. Friday and noon and 6 p.m. Saturday, and “Remodeling 101 – So that’s How it’s Done” at 7 p.m. Friday and 3 p.m. Saturday. Ryan hosts several television shows on the DIY Network, and is a nationally recognized home improvement expert.

Heidi Tietz De Silva, owner of Petersen Tietz Florists, will present “Fairy Gardening” at 4 p.m. Friday and 4:30 p.m. Saturday, and “New Ideas for Spring Planting” at 1 p.m. Saturday and noon next Sunday.

Geothermal specialist Mace Hensen of Comfort Products Distribution, will discuss the “Ever-Changing World of Geothermal: at 6 p.m. Friday. He brings a layman’s approach to geothermal installation and troubleshooting. Darin Dietz, licensed contractor and national expert on insulated concrete forms will present “Science Behind Building with ICF” at 1 p.m. next Sunday. He’ll share the building process and energy advantages of building with concrete.

Brad Punke of Unilock will discuss “Outdoor Patio Living at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturday, and Jeremy Laske with Versa-Lok will present “Retaining Wall Ideas” at 2 p.m. next Sunday.

Landscape and gardening designers will construct landscaped garden displays using pavers, retaining blocks, trees, shrubs and a variety of other products. Decking, lawn equipment and lawn care products will also be featured.

Discount coupons are available at local Kwik Star stores. More show information is available at www.iowashows.com .

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View full sizeSt. Johns Main Street Coalition
The ivy island outside the St. Johns Burgerville will soon become a landscaped gateway greenspace.

The St. Johns Main Street Coalition is partnering with Burgerville and DeSantis Landscaping to remove the invasive plants and replace them with native plants and gravel paths. They’re also planning to install benches.

PBOT owns but does not maintain the land at the intersection of North Ivanhoe and Philadelphia streets, and residents have reported spotting “some unsightly and unsanitary rodents” there.

Burgerville and its landscaper DeSantis approached the Main Street Coalition last year after the nonprofit redesigned the intersection at Richmond and Lombard. Working with the University of Portland, the coalition put 300 plants there last October.

Burgerville hoped the coalition could help it do something similar on the patch outside its property.

“St. Johns has what feels to residents a high number of unmaintained areas,” said Robin Wright, the coalition’s program director. “These two areas have often been a topic of conversation in the community. People wanted to see how we can turn those into a better welcome, how we can have the spaces communicate better the pride people have in St. Johns.”

The coalition began working with PBOT to finalize a maintenance agreement. The bureau has an adopt-a-landscape program. Once the agreement is finalized, Burgerville will take over the on-going maintenance.

The coalition’s design committee will hold an open house Feb. 5 at 6:30 p.m. at the coalition’s office, 8250 N. Lombard St. They’ll also present to the St. Johns Neighborhood Association on Feb. 10.
 
The groups will bring volunteers out to replant the site March 22. They’ll host two other volunteer days to clear debris and install hardscaping.

Burgerville and DeSantis both chipped in money for the project, and the Main Street Coalition won a Portland Development Commission district improvement grant for the work.

Project leaders are brainstorming ideas for the second phase of the redesign. If you have ideas, email info@stjohnsmainstreet.org.