CasaSugar

In the News: Youth Photography Builds Community in Portland

CasaSugar — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 16:00:00 -0700

When photojournalist Julie Keefe moved into her rapidly changing (and gentrifying) North Portland community, a place that was once "a village raising all the kids," she noticed that as new business grew, streets became safer, and houses were fixed up, the dialogue between community members (and children) took a sharp decline . . . that people weren't saying "Hello" anymore. She wanted to publicly address these changes, that she as a new neighbor was a part of, and spur new conversation. So, she began a yearlong youth photography project called Hello Neighbor. Kids began to approach their new neighbors, of all ages, and ask to interview and photograph them. At the same time the children were learning interviewing skills and photography techniques, they were also saying hello to their neighbors and bridging a gap that had been widening for some time. Keefe chose several of the children's images to be printed in mural size and in black and white, along with text from the interviews, and hung them throughout the community to serve as a simple reminder that "it all begins with a simple hello." Read more about the project in NPR's "A Photo Project's Message: Hello, Neighbor."

Ask Casa: Advice on Noisy Upstairs Neighbors

CasaSugar — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 09:00:20 -0800

Hello CasaSugar,
I was wondering if you would have any advice on dealing with noisy upstairs neighbors in an apartment complex. I've already spoken to them about it, but honestly, it's not their fault! The noise isn't music or anything, it's just that the ceiling is so horrifically thin that I can hear every step they take (I live below two guys) as if they were wearing lead boots! Whenever they push a chair in or something, it makes a horrible screeching sound that shakes my walls. And when I'm not in college, I live in a house with five energetic kids, so it's not like I'm just over-sensitive to the noise!

It's disrupting my rest to the point where I can't sleep until they do, which is at 2 or 3 in the morning. Is there anything I can do to make my nights peaceful again?

Thanks!
Amy

To see my advice, read more.

Hi Amy,

What a stressful situation! Not getting enough sleep must be wearing you thin. I have several suggestions. I'd start with the first one, and then work my way to the final one, considering it your last resort.

Even though you've already talked to your neighbors, start another friendly dialogue with them. Do not be confrontational (in fact, taking them a basket of cookies might be a way to start things off on the right foot). Ask them if they've noticed any noise from you, or from other neighbors. Then, explain that even though you know they're trying to be quiet at night (say this even if they are not attempting to be quiet), you still can't sleep until they do because of noise.
Then, suggest they try techniques such as only wearing socks while inside, remembering to walk quietly, and putting throw rugs down to muffle the foot traffic noise. Tell them what time you try to go to bed, and then ask them if they can be especially conscientious of noise after that time.
Invest in ear plugs or a sound machine to drown out any noise.
Consider moving your bed and/or bedroom so it's out of the direct path of overhead traffic.
If your neighbors continue their late-night noisiness, give them a ring to ask them to keep things down.
Check out these tips for soundproofing a ceiling from the site Soundproofing America. See if your landlord would be willing to soundproof your ceiling, or compensate you for your time and cost of materials.
If none of these things work, call your landlord to see about getting a rent reduction due to the problem, or see if you can move to another apartment in the building.

I hope this helps!

Wishing you tranquil sleeping,
Casa

The Card Shop: Hello! Lucky Welcome Home Greeting Card

CasaSugar — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 15:00:19 -0700

The next time you're attending a housewarming party, once you've built your housewarming bucket, you'll need a cheerful card to wish your friends or neighbors well in their new digs. The Hello! Lucky Welcome Home Greeting Card ($4.50) will fit the bill and then some. Its lively plant motifs in lime green and chocolate brown are just the thing to sow good vibes in their home, and its heavy card stock will surely impress. And, if you happen to be giving a plant as a housewarming gift, it couldn't be more appropriate!