New resident creates community directory

Lebanon, Oregon - When David, left Portland last year longing for a country home, he found what he wanted in Lebanon, Oregon.

Yet it was a little more rural than he had anticipated.

Being new to town, David needed to find some basic services: cable, landscapers and propane.

"There were some things in the phone book," David said. "I turned to the Internet to look up local businesses and was amazed to see . . . not much!

The phone book is good for listings like nails and dry cleaning, but since there are lots of small and work-at-home businesses with no business phone, they are not listed in the Yellow Pages.

So from then on, David began a quest of learning all he could about his town.

Because he develops Web sites for a living, he created a site for Lebanon, Oregon.

"I've put together all kinds of Web sites, David said.

David, 53, hosts the new site; most listings are free.

"I do offer enhanced listings for a small fee, but the revenue is hardly enough to pay for all of my work". "The payoff has been getting to know more about Lebanon and having an excuse to call and talk with local business owners. . . . It's a directory. I listed what I would have wanted to see when I moved here."

It took David about two months to put the site together. He listed businesses, including restaurants and automotive facilities, as well as houses of worship.

Although David hasn't promoted the Web site, he has had some positive feedback.

"Some people couldn't believe I took the time to put this together," David said. "They really appreciate the effort."

David said he is willing to list community events, such as garden or art shows and plays.

"I'm going to leave it up to people to contact me and, if they feed me the information, I'll be glad to list it," David said.