Well, we only got two nice days in April, but fortunately one was on Green My Ride day! A great turnout, lots of informative and fun activities, and a "State of the Neighborhood" forum that laid out some useful initiatives to pursue. Thanks much to coordinator Jennifer Wood, City Council President Richard Conlin, Ron Harris-White from the mayor's office and a host of volunteers, speakers and exhibitors for a stimulating and illuminating festival.

As for May, well, we try to "ride green" all year round here in the Ecovilla. Let's just hope Nature reciprocates with some warmer and sunnier weather! (May is National Bike Month, featuring Bike to Work Day on Friday, May 16. Conlin, who rode his bike to the Green My Ride festival, noted there will be quite a City Hall contingent riding to work this year.)

Topping the May calendar is the annual Phinney Neighborhood Association's auction extravaganza, "Life's A Beach!" on Saturday, May 3. Don't miss it, this not only aids our great PNA but there are always a variety of goods and services up for bid.

We've also got two more Phinney Peace & Justice "Start Making Sense" forums on May 14 and 22, the first about veterans' tough road once they return home, the second about continuing strife between Israel and Palestine. These forums always are enlightening and thought-provoking, you won't be disappointed.

Remember, for further information always consult the chock-full calendar (click on menu bar above).

Don't forget our regular events as well, including our continuing Thursday "Democracy Conversations" series, which in May will discuss Barack Obama's compelling book, "The Audacity of Hope." Pick up a discounted copy at Santoro's Books and join us at the Greenwood Library starting at 6 p.m. each Thursday this month (see calendar for particulars).

Join Peace Bannering above Aurora on Tuesday mornings and the Think Tank meets on Wednesdays at Mae's. And remember to stop by Santoro's Books for all your reading needs as well as a chance to randomly run into fellow ecovillagers browsing the shelves. This month's Santoro's Subversive Salon is Wednesday the 12th.

Note we run a full schedule on the Ecovillage calendar of the neighboring Wallingford Meaningful Movies each Friday night as well.

Have you checked out the Phinney Market's dining and wining slate? Friday dinners (and wine tastings), Saturday beer & brats and Sunday brunches are standard fare. View the full schedule at the Market's Web site and subscribe to its newsletter at contactus@phinneymarket.com.

Also, the StepItUp campaign by Phinney-Greenwood Climate Change Action Now! continue to gather pledges to fight global warming. If you missed signing up, head to the pledge page for more information.

Don't forget to drop in on Ecovillager Jamie Clausen's Buy Local Web site, an effort to get neighbors to patronize local businesses as well as think about sustainability and climate impacts at the same time. Mention the site and you can qualify for discounts, including 10 percent off Phinney Ecovillage founder Cecile Andrews' book, Slow Is Beautiful. Check it out!

Also, be sure to check out our "sister site," the Phinney Neighborhood Association, here.